A control valve, a method of using a control valve, an engine, and a launch vehicle

Abstract

The application provides a control valve, a use method of the control valve, an engine and a carrier rocket, comprising a valve body, two sets of valve core assemblies, a synchronous transmission mechanism and a control unit; two mutually independent medium channels are arranged in the valve body, the two sets of valve core assemblies are installed in the two medium channels in parallel, the driving ends of the two sets of valve core assemblies are arranged on the same side, and the medium flow directions in the two medium channels are opposite; the synchronous transmission mechanism is connected with the two sets of valve core assemblies, the control unit is drivingly connected with the synchronous transmission mechanism, and the control unit is used for driving the synchronous transmission mechanism to drive the two sets of valve core assemblies to be opened and closed synchronously. The application adopts an integrated valve body design, the driving ends of the two sets of valve core assemblies are arranged on the same side, and the medium reverse flow design is matched, so that the volume and the weight of the engine are greatly reduced, the overall space layout of the engine is optimized, and the design requirements of miniaturization and light weight of the carrier rocket are met; in addition, the two sets of valve core assemblies are driven to be opened and closed synchronously, and the complete synchronization of the supply of two kinds of ignition medium can be ensured from the structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of launch vehicle technology, specifically to a control valve, a method of using the control valve, an engine, and a launch vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The core prerequisite for liquid rocket engine ignition is the synchronous supply of oxidizer and fuel. Currently, the conventional ignition scheme in the industry is a single-component scheme, which requires two independent igniter control valves to control the supply of oxidizer and fuel respectively, which has significant technical shortcomings. At the same time, the existing dual-component torch ignition valve scheme has not solved the core pain point.

[0003] In conventional single-component ignition schemes, the two igniter control valves operate independently without a coordinated control mechanism, resulting in extremely poor synchronicity between oxidizer and fuel supply. This can easily lead to ignition delay, unstable ignition, or even ignition failure. Furthermore, engine ignition requires the use of ultra-low temperature media (temperatures as low as -196°C), and miniaturizing valves suitable for such extreme temperatures is extremely difficult. Currently, there is no publicly available technical data available for reference, both domestically and internationally, which cannot meet the design requirements for engine miniaturization and weight reduction.

[0004] Existing valve solutions for bicomponent torch ignition all have their own shortcomings: bicomponent solenoid valves (two parallel circuits, powered simultaneously) can achieve synchronous control, but their sealing reliability is insufficient and they are difficult to adapt to cryogenic conditions; bicomponent electric pneumatic valves (one auxiliary valve controls two main valves) have complex transmission structures and high failure rates; bicomponent pneumatic control shut-off valves (one control gas controls two shut-off valves) lack double shut-off function and have insufficient safety; bicomponent ball valves (balls distributed on both sides of the shaft) have excessive structural size, occupy too much engine space, and are not conducive to overall layout optimization, especially for the narrow space of slender rockets. In the case of compact layout, traditional dual independent valves or split bicomponent valves cannot meet the requirements due to their large size, poor synchronization, and dispersed arrangement. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of this invention is to provide a control valve, a method of using the control valve, an engine, and a launch vehicle to solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a control valve, comprising a valve body, two sets of valve core assemblies, a synchronous transmission mechanism, and a control unit;

[0007] The valve body has two independent media channels, and two sets of valve core assemblies are installed in parallel in the two media channels; the drive ends of the two sets of valve core assemblies are arranged on the same side, and the media flow directions in the two media channels are opposite.

[0008] The synchronous transmission mechanism is connected to the drive end of each valve core assembly, and the control unit is connected to the synchronous transmission mechanism to drive the synchronous transmission mechanism to drive the two valve core assemblies to open and close synchronously.

[0009] In some possible implementations, the valve core assembly includes a valve core ball, a valve seat, and a limiting structure, wherein the valve core ball is disposed on the valve seat, and the limiting structure is disposed at both ends of the valve core ball;

[0010] The valve seat is used to restrict the axial movement of the valve core ball, and the limiting structure is used to restrict the radial movement of the valve core ball.

[0011] In some possible implementations, the limiting structure includes a support shaft and a rotating shaft, which coaxially support the valve core ball from both ends, and the valve core ball rotates circumferentially under the drive of the rotating shaft.

[0012] In some possible implementations, a plurality of elastic elements are arranged circumferentially at the bottom of the valve seat, the elastic elements being used to ensure a tight fit between the valve seat and the valve core ball.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the synchronous transmission mechanism includes a drive element and a linkage transmission structure. The drive element is connected to the control unit, and the linkage transmission structure is connected to the drive element and the valve core assembly. The linkage transmission structure is used to convert the linear motion of the drive element into the rotational motion of each valve core assembly.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the drive unit slides and seals with the valve body; the linkage transmission structure includes a rack disposed on the drive unit and a gear disposed on the rotating shaft, the rack being located between at least one gear and meshing with at least one gear simultaneously;

[0015] The rack and pinion mechanism converts the linear motion of the drive component into the rotational motion of multiple shafts, which in turn drive multiple valve core balls to rotate synchronously in the circumferential direction.

[0016] The distance of the linear motion of the driving component is the product of the gear circumference and the ratio of the valve core ball rotation angle to the gear circumferential angle.

[0017] In some possible implementations, the control unit is a pneumatic control unit, which includes at least two control air chambers and corresponding air path interfaces, and drives the synchronous transmission mechanism to operate by switching the on and off of the control air.

[0018] In some possible implementations, at least two control air chambers include a first control air chamber and a second control air chamber disposed at both axial ends of the drive member, and the air passage interface includes a first control air connector and a second control air connector; the first control air chamber is connected to the first control air connector, and the second control air chamber is connected to the second control air connector.

[0019] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for using a control valve, applicable to a control valve, comprising the following steps.

[0020] Step S1: When the control valve is closed, control gas is introduced into the second control gas chamber, and no control gas is introduced into the first control gas chamber. The drive unit is pressed against the first control gas connector and remains stationary under the gas pressure of the second control gas chamber. The valve seat is pressed against the sealing surface of the valve core ball under the elastic force of the elastic element, thus closing the two medium channels.

[0021] Step S2: When the control valve needs to be opened, firstly, the control gas in the second control gas chamber is completely withdrawn through the second control gas connector, and then control gas is introduced into the first control gas chamber through the first control gas connector. The pressure difference between the first and second control gas chambers drives the drive component to drive the two rotating shafts to rotate synchronously, thereby driving the dual valve core ball to rotate synchronously to the preset angle, and fully opening the two medium channels.

[0022] Step S3: When it is necessary to maintain the open state of the control valve, control air is continuously supplied to the first control air chamber through the first control air pipe nozzle to maintain the pressure in the first control air chamber stable, so that the drive component holds the current position and the valve core ball remains open.

[0023] In step S4, when the control valve needs to be closed, first stop supplying control gas to the first control gas chamber and completely withdraw the control gas from the first control gas chamber. Then, supply control gas to the second control gas chamber through the second control gas connector. This pushes the drive component to move in the opposite direction in a linear motion, causing the two rotating shafts to rotate synchronously in the opposite direction. This causes the valve core ball to rotate synchronously in the opposite direction to the closed position. Continue to supply control gas to the second control gas chamber to maintain pressure and keep the control valve in the closed state.

[0024] Thirdly, the present invention provides an engine, the engine including a control valve as described in any one of the first aspects.

[0025] Fourthly, the present invention provides a launch vehicle comprising the engine described in the second aspect.

[0026] The embodiments of the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0027] The invention adopts an integrated valve body design, with the driving ends of two sets of valve core assemblies arranged on the same side. Combined with the reverse flow design of the medium, it significantly reduces the size and weight of the engine, optimizes the overall spatial layout of the engine, and meets the design requirements of miniaturized and lightweight launch vehicles. In addition, by driving the two sets of valve core assemblies to open and close synchronously, the structure can ensure that the supply of the two ignition media is completely synchronized, effectively avoiding problems such as ignition delay and ignition instability, and improving the reliability of engine ignition. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a control valve according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a valve core assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a synchronous transmission mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the media channel opening according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the media channel being closed according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method of using a control valve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0036] 1. Valve body; 2. Elastic element; 3. Valve seat; 4. Sealing ring; 5. Valve core ball; 6. Medium connection nozzle; 7. First energy storage sealing ring; 8. Second energy storage sealing ring; 9. Third energy storage sealing ring; 10. Sealing ring; 11. Auxiliary sealing element; 12. Support shaft; 13. Rotating shaft; 131. Gear; 14. Drive element; 141. Rack; 15. Bearing; 16. Fourth energy storage sealing ring; 17. Fifth energy storage sealing ring; 18. Sixth energy storage sealing ring; 19. First control air connection nozzle; 20. Second control air connection nozzle; 21. Seventh energy storage sealing ring; 22. Eighth energy storage sealing ring; 23. Ninth energy storage sealing ring; 24. Tenth energy storage sealing ring; 25. First control air chamber; 26. Second control air chamber;

[0037] A1, First medium channel inlet; A2, First medium channel outlet; B1, Second medium channel inlet; B2, Second medium channel outlet; C, Drive end. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of the present invention will now be described in detail. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without requiring some of these specific details. The following description of embodiments is merely intended to provide a better understanding of the invention by illustrating examples of the invention. In the accompanying drawings and the following description, at least some well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention; and, for clarity, the dimensions of some structures may be exaggerated. Furthermore, the features, structures, or characteristics described below may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0039] The control valve provided by this invention addresses the unique challenge of limited installation space due to the slender configuration of small liquid rockets, offering a comprehensive structural improvement. The elongated shape of small liquid rockets restricts the radial space for valve installation. Traditional dual independent valves and split-type dual-component control valves, due to their dispersed structure, large space occupation, and low synchronous control accuracy, are difficult to adapt to the internal layout requirements of slender rocket bodies. This invention, through an integrated dual-channel design, a centrally located single-drive component, synchronous meshing of dual gears, simultaneous arrangement of dual-channel valve core shafts on the same side, and reverse flow of the media channels, reduces the radial dimension of the control valve, making it more compact and adaptable to the limited installation space of small rockets with their elongated configuration. Simultaneously, it structurally ensures synchronous opening and closing of the two ignition media channels, preventing ignition instability caused by poor synchronization.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a control valve, including a valve body 1, two sets of valve core assemblies, a synchronous transmission mechanism, and a control unit; the valve body 1 has two independent medium channels, and the two sets of valve core assemblies are installed in parallel in the two medium channels; the drive ends C of the two sets of valve core assemblies are arranged on the same side, and the medium flows in opposite directions in the two medium channels; the synchronous transmission mechanism is connected to the two sets of valve core assemblies, and the control unit is driven by the synchronous transmission mechanism to drive the synchronous transmission mechanism to synchronously open and close the two sets of valve core assemblies.

[0041] In this embodiment, the valve body 1 has two independent parallel medium channels (first medium channel A1-A2 and second medium channel B1-B2) for respectively conveying two ignition media (oxidant and fuel); the two valve core assemblies are two identical valve core structures, corresponding to the oxidant channel and the fuel channel respectively, and conveying the ignition media through the medium connector 6. Each valve core assembly has a completely identical structure and operates synchronously. The two valve core assemblies achieve synchronous opening and closing of the two medium channels through a synchronous transmission mechanism, ensuring that the supply of the two media is completely synchronized; the two valve core assemblies are installed in parallel in the two medium channels for controlling the medium... The opening and closing of the medium channel; the synchronous transmission mechanism is connected to two sets of valve core assemblies at the same time, and the control unit is driven by the synchronous transmission mechanism to drive the synchronous transmission mechanism to drive the two sets of valve core assemblies to open and close synchronously; in this embodiment, through the dual-channel centrally symmetrical flow channel structure inside the valve body 1, combined with the drive structure with the two valve core assemblies arranged on the same side, the medium flow direction in the two medium channels is opposite (the inlet A1 and outlet A2 of the first medium channel are opposite to the inlet B1 and outlet B2 of the second medium channel), while realizing the synchronous drive of the two sets, the overall structural size of the valve is reduced, and the integrated miniaturized design is realized.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the valve core assembly includes a valve core ball 5, a valve seat 3, and a limiting structure. The valve core ball 5 is disposed on the valve seat 3, and the limiting structure is disposed at both ends of the valve core ball 5. The valve seat 3 is used to limit the axial movement of the valve core ball 5, and the limiting structure is used to limit the radial movement of the valve core ball 5.

[0043] In this embodiment, two sets of valve core assemblies are symmetrically installed in two media channels. Each set of valve core assemblies includes a valve core ball 5, a valve seat 3, and a limiting structure. The valve core ball 5 is a fixed structure, and its movement direction is circumferential rotation. The valve seat 3 is used to limit the axial movement of the valve core ball 5, and the limiting structure is used to limit the radial movement of the valve core ball 5. The valve core ball 5 rotates circumferentially around its own axis to realize the on / off control of the media channel and ensure that the movement of the valve core ball 5 is accurate and stable. Here, the axial direction is the flow direction of the medium in the channel, and the radial direction is the direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the medium.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the limiting structure includes a support shaft 12 and a rotating shaft 13. The support shaft 12 and the rotating shaft 13 coaxially support the valve core ball 5 from both ends of the valve core ball 5, and the valve core ball 5 rotates circumferentially under the drive of the rotating shaft 13.

[0045] In this embodiment, the valve core ball 5 is coaxially supported from both ends by a support shaft 12 and a rotating shaft 13. The support shaft 12 and the rotating shaft 13 together restrict the radial movement of the valve core ball 5, and the valve seat 3 restricts the axial movement of the valve core ball 5. The rotating shaft 13 rotates under the support of the bearing 15, and the valve core ball 5 rotates circumferentially under the drive of the rotating shaft 13. Specifically, the valve core ball 5 is coaxially arranged in two media channels. The support shaft 12 is coaxially mounted on one side of the shaft hole on both sides of the valve core ball 5, and the rotating shaft 13 is coaxially mounted on the other side. The support shaft 12 and the rotating shaft 13 together form a radial limit on the valve core ball 5, restricting the valve core ball 5 from offsetting and shaking in the radial direction. The valve seat 3 is a floating valve seat 3, which abuts against the sealing surfaces on both sides of the valve core ball 5. The valve seat 3 forms an axial limit on the valve core ball 5, restricting the axial movement of the valve core ball 5 along the media flow direction. The core ball can only rotate circumferentially around its own axis under the drive of the rotating shaft 13, realizing the on / off control of the media channel.

[0046] In this embodiment, the two sets of valve core assemblies are arranged in parallel inside the two media channels. Their regular structure and balanced force ensure consistent opening and closing actions of the two media channels, further improving the synchronization of dual-channel media supply and cutoff. The valve seat 3 limits the axial displacement of the valve core ball 5 along the media flow direction, while a limiting structure limits its radial offset perpendicular to the media flow direction. This bidirectional constraint effectively prevents the valve core ball 5 from shifting, deviating, or swaying under media pressure, airflow impact, and vibration conditions. The valve core ball 5 rotates circumferentially around its own axis, with a single degree of freedom and a fixed trajectory, avoiding frictional jamming and seal wear caused by excessive movement. This ensures precise valve core action and smooth response, improving the overall operational stability and reliability of the valve. Furthermore, the axial and radial separation limiting structure, combined with the tight sealing between the floating valve seat 3 and the valve core ball 5, ensures long-term sealing surface accuracy, preventing local compression, seal failure, and media leakage caused by valve core eccentricity or offset. This significantly improves sealing durability under high and low temperature and differential pressure conditions. The overall limiting layout of this embodiment is simple and compact, requiring no complex locking structure, occupying little space, and is suitable for the narrow installation space of the slender configuration of small rockets, which is conducive to the lightweight and integrated design of valves.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, a plurality of elastic elements 2 are arranged circumferentially at the bottom of the valve seat 3, and the elastic elements 2 are used to make the valve seat 3 fit tightly against the valve core ball 5.

[0048] In this embodiment, the elastic element 2 is a cylindrical spring, and the springs on both sides of the valve seat 3 are in a compressed state. Through the continuous elastic force of the cylindrical spring, the valve seat 3 and the valve core ball 5 are tightly fitted together, thereby improving the sealing reliability.

[0049] like Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, the synchronous transmission mechanism includes a drive member and a linkage transmission structure. The drive member is connected to the control unit, and the linkage transmission structure is connected to the drive member and two sets of valve core assemblies. The linkage transmission structure is used to convert the linear motion of the drive member 14 into the rotational motion of the two sets of valve core assemblies. In this embodiment, the drive member is the drive member 14, which is in sliding sealing fit with the valve body 1. The linkage transmission structure includes a rack 141 disposed on the drive member 14 and a gear 131 disposed on the rotating shaft 13. The rack 141 is located between at least one gear 131 and meshes with at least one gear simultaneously. The rack 141 and the gear 131 cooperate to convert the linear motion of the drive member 14 into the rotational motion of multiple rotating shafts 13. The rotational motion of the multiple rotating shafts 13 drives multiple valve core balls 5 to rotate synchronously in the circumferential direction. The linear motion distance of the drive member 14 is the product of the gear circumference and the ratio of the rotation angle of the valve core ball 5 to the circumferential angle of the gear. In this embodiment, the linear motion distance L of the drive member is equal to the gear circumference S × (valve core ball 5 rotation angle φ ÷ 360°). The travel distance L of the drive component refers to the total stroke of the drive component 14 in reciprocating linear motion under the control air drive; the gear circumference S is an inherent parameter of the gear 131 on the rotating shaft 13 (determined by the gear module and number of teeth, and is a fixed value); the rotation angle φ of the valve core ball 5 is the total angle of the valve core ball 5 rotating from the fully closed state to the fully open state (or vice versa). When the drive component 14 moves linearly, its stroke L is precisely converted into the rotation angle of the gear 131 through the meshing transmission between the rack 141 and the gear 131. The gear 131 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 13, thereby driving the valve core ball 5 to rotate synchronously. Since the rack 141 meshes with the gears 131 on both rotating shafts 13 at the same time, the rotation angles of the two gears 131 are completely consistent, ultimately achieving synchronous opening and closing of the two sets of valve core balls 5, ensuring the synchronicity of oxidant and fuel supply from a quantitative perspective.

[0050] Meanwhile, based on the transmission logic corresponding to this formula, this embodiment achieves a spatially staggered distribution of the driving component 14, the rotating shaft 13, and the flow direction of the bi-component medium. The linear motion direction of the driving component 14 is perpendicular to the rotation direction of the rotating shaft 13, while the flow direction of the bi-component medium (oxidant, fuel) in the two independent channels is opposite, and is staggered with the motion directions of the driving component 14 and the rotating shaft 13. The gear 131 and rack 141 are symmetrically arranged, with the rack 141 located between the two rotating shafts 13. The meshing force between the rack 141 and the two gears 131 is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, achieving force balance and avoiding problems such as transmission jamming and accelerated wear caused by excessive force on one side, ensuring the long-term reliable operation of the transmission mechanism. The staggered spatial distribution greatly improves space utilization and avoids interference between the movement trajectories of various components. At the same time, the design of the two sets of valve core assembly drive ends C arranged on the same side and the medium flowing in opposite directions further reduces the overall size of the valve, adapting to the compact layout requirements of the engine. In addition, the balanced gear and rack transmission can achieve precise transmission of motion, ensuring that the rotation angle of the valve core ball 5 of the two sets of valve core assemblies is completely consistent, that is, the opening and closing actions of the two medium channels are completely synchronized, completely solving the technical defects of poor synchronization in the existing valve scheme, ensuring the precise supply of oxidizer and fuel ratio during engine ignition, and improving ignition stability.

[0051] This embodiment employs a linkage transmission system where rack 141 and gear 131 mesh, which synchronously transforms a single linear reciprocating motion into the rotational motion of two valve cores. This provides strong mechanical synchronization and structurally guarantees complete synchronization of the opening and closing actions of the two sets of valve cores, eliminating the problem of asynchronous supply and cutoff of the two media paths and improving the stability of the ignition medium ratio. The transmission structure is simple and reliable, with uniform force distribution during meshing, small transmission gaps, high motion transmission accuracy, good consistency in valve core rotation angles, small control errors, and rapid valve opening and closing response with smooth and uninterrupted operation.

[0052] This embodiment only requires a single stable linear driving force to complete dual-path control, eliminating the need for two independent drive mechanisms. This significantly simplifies the overall structure, reduces the number of parts, shrinks the overall valve body volume, and lowers the weight, making it suitable for the narrow installation space of small rockets with slender configurations and meeting the requirements of integrated and lightweight design.

[0053] In addition, the synchronous transmission in this embodiment relies on the meshing linkage of rack and pinion, and only requires a stable linear reciprocating motion to achieve synchronous opening and closing of the dual valve cores; the driving component 14 includes, but is not limited to, pistons, plungers, sliders, diaphragms, linear motors and other components that can achieve linear output, all of which can be equivalently replaced, with strong structural versatility, and can be flexibly selected according to different rocket configurations, control methods and limited installation space.

[0054] In some embodiments, the control unit is a pneumatic control unit, which includes at least two control air chambers and corresponding air path interfaces, and drives the synchronous transmission mechanism to operate by switching the on and off of the control air.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, at least two control air chambers include a first control air chamber 25 and a second control air chamber 26 disposed at both axial ends of the drive member 14, and the air passage interface includes a first control air connector 19 and a second control air connector 20; the first control air chamber 25 is connected to the first control air connector 19, and the second control air chamber 26 is connected to the second control air connector 20.

[0056] Specifically, in the closed state, control gas is introduced into the second control gas chamber 26, while control gas is not introduced into the first control gas chamber 25. At this time, under the gas pressure in the second control gas chamber 26, the drive unit is pressed against the first control gas connector 19 and remains stationary. At the same time, the valve seat 3 (floating valve seat) is pressed tightly against the sealing surface of the valve core ball 5 under the continuous spring force of the cylindrical spring (elastic element 2). With the all-round sealing effect of the sealing assembly, the valve is well sealed, and both medium channels are completely closed. Oxidant and fuel cannot flow through the channels, thus achieving a double shut-off function.

[0057] When the engine needs to open the valve for ignition, the control gas in the second control gas chamber 26 is first completely withdrawn through the second control gas connector 20, leaving the second control gas chamber 26 pressureless. Subsequently, the control gas is introduced into the first control gas chamber 25 through the first control gas connector 19, and the gas pressure in the first control gas chamber 25 gradually increases, forming a pressure difference with the second control gas chamber 26. Under the action of this pressure difference, the drive component moves linearly along the sliding direction inside the valve body 1. The rack on the drive component meshes with the gears on the two rotating shafts 13 simultaneously. The linear movement of the rack drives the two gears to rotate synchronously, thereby driving the two rotating shafts 13 to rotate synchronously. The rotating shafts 13 are circumferentially fixed to the valve core balls 5. Therefore, when the rotating shafts 13 rotate, they will drive the two valve core balls 5 to rotate synchronously until the valve core balls 5 rotate to the preset angle, at which point the two medium channels are fully opened, and the oxidant and fuel enter the ignition system synchronously to meet the ignition requirements. After the valve is opened, control gas is continuously supplied to the first control gas chamber 25 through the first control gas connector 19 to maintain the pressure stability within the first control gas chamber 25, keeping the drive component in its current linear motion position. This, in turn, through the gear and rack transmission mechanism, keeps the valve core ball 5 in the open state, ensuring a continuous, stable, and synchronized supply of oxidizer and fuel (e.g., ...). Figure 4 (As shown), to ensure normal engine ignition and operation.

[0058] When it is necessary to close the valve and cut off the medium supply, firstly, stop supplying control gas to the first control gas chamber 25 and completely withdraw the control gas from the first control gas chamber 25; then, control gas is introduced into the second control gas chamber 26 through the second control gas connector 20, the gas pressure in the second control gas chamber 26 increases, pushing the drive component to move in the opposite linear motion, driving the rack to move in the opposite direction, and thus driving the two rotating shafts 13 to rotate synchronously in the opposite direction, and the valve core ball 5 to move synchronously in the opposite circumferential direction until the valve core ball 5 returns to the closed position; continue to supply control gas to the second control gas chamber 26 to maintain stable pressure in the chamber, so that the drive component is in close contact with the first control gas connector 19, the valve remains closed, and the synchronous cutoff of the two mediums is achieved (e.g., Figure 5 (As shown).

[0059] In this embodiment, by controlling the switching of the control air in the two control air chambers, the drive component 14 is driven to perform reciprocating linear motion, thereby realizing the synchronous opening and closing of the two sets of valve core assemblies.

[0060] In some embodiments, a sealing assembly is also included. The sealing assembly is installed at the connection point of the valve body 1, the two sets of valve core assemblies and the control unit to achieve sealing of the medium. The sealing assembly includes an extreme condition seal, a sealing ring 10, a sealing ring 4 and an auxiliary seal 11. The extreme condition seal adopts an energy storage sealing ring.

[0061] In this embodiment, the sealing assembly includes an energy-storing sealing ring (extreme condition seal) and a sealing ring 4, a sealing ring 10, and an auxiliary seal 11 (the auxiliary seal 11 is a retaining ring), forming an all-around sealing system suitable for cryogenic media conditions and preventing internal and external leakage of the media. The specific installation positions and functions are as follows: the first energy-storing sealing ring 7 and the third energy-storing sealing ring 9 are installed between the valve body 1 and the valve seat 3 to seal the internal leakage channel of the valve seat; the second energy-storing sealing ring 8, the sealing ring 10, and the retaining ring 11 are installed between the valve body 1 and the media connector 6 to seal the external leakage channel of the flowing media, and the sealing ring 10 is an O-ring rubber seal; the sealing ring 4 is disposed on the valve seat. The first energy storage sealing ring 16 is installed between the valve core ball 5 and the valve seat, and is used to seal the internal leakage channel between the valve seat and the valve core ball; the second energy storage sealing ring 16 is installed between the valve core ball 5 and the support shaft 12, and is used to seal the external leakage channel of the flowing medium; the third energy storage sealing ring 17 and the fourth energy storage sealing ring 18 are installed between the valve core ball 5 and the rotating shaft 13, and are used to seal the internal leakage channel of the flowing medium; the fourth energy storage sealing ring 21, the fifth energy storage sealing ring 22, and the sixth energy storage sealing ring 23 are installed between the drive component and the valve body 1, and are used to seal the internal leakage channel of the control air circuit; the tenth energy storage sealing ring 24 is installed between the control air connector and the valve body 1, and is used to seal the external leakage channel of the open control air.

[0062] In this embodiment, the energy storage sealing ring is applied to the internal and external leakage channels. Together with the O-ring rubber seal and the retaining ring, it is suitable for various media and temperature environments, increasing the sealing reliability of the valve.

[0063] like Figure 6 As shown, this embodiment of the invention also provides a method for using a control valve, which is applied to the control valve described above. The control method includes the following steps:

[0064] Step S1: When the control valve is closed, control gas is introduced into the second control gas chamber 26, and no control gas is introduced into the first control gas chamber 25. The drive member 14 is pressed against the first control gas connector 19 and remains stationary under the gas pressure of the second control gas chamber 26. The valve seat 3 is pressed against the sealing surface of the valve core ball 5 under the elastic force of the elastic member 2, thus closing the two medium channels.

[0065] In step S2, when the control valve needs to be opened, the control gas in the second control gas chamber 26 is completely withdrawn through the second control gas connector 20. Then, control gas is introduced into the first control gas chamber 25 through the first control gas connector 19. The pressure difference between the first control gas chamber 25 and the second control gas chamber 26 drives the drive component 14 to drive the two rotating shafts 13 to rotate synchronously, thereby driving the dual valve core ball 5 to rotate synchronously to the preset angle, and fully opening the two medium channels.

[0066] Step S3: When it is necessary to maintain the open state of the control valve, control air is continuously supplied to the first control air chamber 25 through the first control air pipe 19 to maintain the pressure in the first control air chamber 25, so that the drive member 14 holds the current position and the valve core ball 5 remains open.

[0067] In step S4, when it is necessary to close the control valve, first stop supplying control gas to the first control gas chamber 25 and completely withdraw the control gas from the first control gas chamber 25. Then, supply control gas to the second control gas chamber 26 through the second control gas connector 20. This pushes the drive component 14 to move in a reverse linear motion, causing the two rotating shafts 13 to rotate synchronously in the opposite direction. This causes the valve core ball 5 to rotate synchronously in the opposite direction to the closed position. Continue to supply control gas to the second control gas chamber 26 to maintain pressure, thus keeping the control valve in the closed state. Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0068] This invention uses a control unit and a synchronous transmission mechanism to drive two sets of valve core assemblies to open and close synchronously, ensuring that the supply of the two ignition media is completely synchronized from a structural perspective, effectively avoiding problems such as ignition delay and unstable ignition, and improving the reliability of engine ignition.

[0069] This invention adopts an integrated valve body design, with two sets of valve core components arranged on the same side of the drive end C. Combined with the reverse flow design of the medium, it significantly reduces the overall size and weight of the device, optimizes the overall space layout of the engine, and meets the requirements of miniaturization and lightweight design.

[0070] This invention, through the cooperation of two sets of valve core assemblies and floating valve seats, can achieve synchronous or independent cutoff of two media, improve the safety of the device and avoid safety hazards caused by media leakage.

[0071] This invention uses an energy storage sealing structure as the core sealing component, and combines it with auxiliary sealing components to form an all-round sealing system, which can stably adapt to ultra-low temperature media conditions and solve the sealing reliability problem in ultra-low temperature environments.

[0072] This invention adopts a gear and rack linkage transmission structure, which is balanced in force, precise in motion transmission, and has a low failure rate, thus meeting the requirements for long-term stable operation of liquid rocket engines.

[0073] This invention achieves precise control of the reciprocating linear motion of the drive component by switching the control air on and off in two control air chambers, thereby driving the two sets of valve core assemblies to open and close synchronously. The control logic is simple and the response is rapid. It can maintain the valve opening and closing state stably for a long time and improve the reliability of the device.

[0074] In addition, embodiments of the present invention also provide an engine that includes the control valve described above.

[0075] This invention also provides a launch vehicle that includes one of the engines described above.

[0076] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing 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, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," or "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0077] Unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" in this invention embodiment should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integrated connections; similarly, they can refer to mechanical connections, electrical connections, or direct connections, or indirect connections through an intermediate medium, or internal connections 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.

[0078] Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner as long as there is no structural conflict. The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A control valve, characterized in that, The control valve is the control valve of the launch vehicle engine, including valve body (1), two sets of valve core assemblies, synchronous transmission mechanism and control unit; The valve body (1) is provided with two independent medium channels for conveying two ignition media respectively; the two sets of valve core assemblies are installed in parallel in the two medium channels; the drive ends (C) of the two sets of valve core assemblies are arranged on the same side, and the ignition media in the two medium channels flow in opposite directions. The synchronous transmission mechanism is connected to the drive end (C) of each valve core assembly, and the control unit is driven by the synchronous transmission mechanism to drive the synchronous transmission mechanism to drive the two valve core assemblies to open and close synchronously. The synchronous transmission mechanism includes a driving component and a linkage transmission structure. The driving component is connected to the control unit, and the linkage transmission structure is connected to the driving component and the valve core assembly. The linkage transmission structure is used to convert the linear motion of the driving component into the rotational motion of each valve core assembly.

2. A control valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve core assembly includes a valve core ball (5), a valve seat (3), and a limiting structure. The valve core ball (5) is disposed on the valve seat (3), and the limiting structure is disposed at both ends of the valve core ball (5). The valve seat (3) is used to restrict the axial movement of the valve core ball (5), and the limiting structure is used to restrict the radial movement of the valve core ball (5).

3. A control valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The limiting structure includes a support shaft (12) and a rotating shaft (13). The support shaft (12) and the rotating shaft (13) coaxially support the valve core ball (5) from both ends of the valve core ball (5). The valve core ball (5) rotates circumferentially under the drive of the rotating shaft (13). A plurality of elastic elements (2) are arranged circumferentially at the bottom of the valve seat (3). The elastic elements (2) are used to make the valve seat (3) and the valve core ball (5) fit tightly together.

4. A control valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drive component (14) is in sliding sealing cooperation with the valve body (1); the linkage transmission structure includes a rack (141) disposed on the drive component (14) and a gear (131) disposed on the rotating shaft (13). The rack (141) is located between the gears (131) of the two rotating shafts (13) and meshes with the gears (131) of the two rotating shafts (13) simultaneously. The rack (141) and the gear (131) cooperate to convert the linear motion of the drive (14) into the rotational motion of the multiple rotating shafts (13), and the rotational motion of the multiple rotating shafts (13) drives the multiple valve core balls (5) to rotate synchronously in the circumferential direction. The distance of the linear motion of the drive member (14) is the product of the gear circumference and the ratio of the rotation angle of the valve core ball (5) to the circumferential angle of the gear.

5. A control valve according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control unit is a pneumatic control unit, which includes at least two control air chambers and corresponding air path interfaces. It drives the synchronous transmission mechanism to operate by switching the on and off of the control air.

6. A control valve according to claim 5, characterized in that, The at least two control air chambers include a first control air chamber (25) and a second control air chamber (26), and the air passage interface includes a first control air connector (19) and a second control air connector (20). The first control air chamber (25) is formed between the rear end face of the drive member (14) and the valve body (1) and the first control air connector (19), and is connected to the first control air connector (19); The second control air chamber (26) is formed between the front end face of the drive member (14) and the valve body (1) and the second control air connector (20), and is connected to the second control air connector (20).

7. A method of using a control valve, characterized in that, The method, when applied to a control valve according to claim 6, includes the following steps: Step S1: When the control valve is closed, control gas is introduced into the second control gas chamber (26), and no control gas is introduced into the first control gas chamber (25). The drive member (14) is pressed against the first control gas connector (19) and remains stationary under the gas pressure of the second control gas chamber (26). The valve seat (3) is pressed against the sealing surface of the valve core ball (5) under the elastic force of the elastic member (2), thus closing the two medium channels. In step S2, when the control valve needs to be opened, the control gas in the second control gas chamber (26) is completely withdrawn through the second control gas connector (20), and then the control gas is introduced into the first control gas chamber (25) through the first control gas connector (19). The pressure difference between the first control gas chamber (25) and the second control gas chamber (26) drives the drive component (14) to drive the two rotating shafts (13) to rotate synchronously, thereby driving the two valve core balls (5) to rotate synchronously to a preset angle, and fully opening the two medium channels. Step S3: When it is necessary to maintain the open state of the control valve, control gas is continuously supplied to the first control gas chamber (25) through the first control gas connector (19) to maintain the pressure in the first control gas chamber (25) stable, so that the drive (14) remains in the current position and the valve core ball (5) remains in the open state. In step S4, when it is necessary to close the control valve, first stop supplying control gas to the first control air chamber (25) and completely withdraw the control gas from the first control air chamber (25). Then, supply control gas to the second control air chamber (26) through the second control gas connector (20), push the drive member (14) to move in the opposite direction in a straight line, drive the two rotating shafts (13) to rotate synchronously in the opposite direction, so that the valve core ball (5) rotates synchronously in the opposite direction to the closed position. Continuously supply control gas to the second control air chamber (26) to maintain pressure, so that the control valve remains closed.

8. An engine, characterized in that, The engine includes a control valve as described in any one of claims 1-6.

9. A launch vehicle, characterized in that, The launch vehicle includes the engine described in claim 8.

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