Fluid hose self-locking joint structure for rockets

Abstract

The application discloses a fluid hose self-locking joint structure of a rocket, which comprises a hexagonal joint pipe body, a fixed self-locking core body assembly and a slidable plug. The inside of the slidable plug is separated into a transition cavity and an output cavity. When the self-locking joint is in a conducting state, high-speed fluid first enters the transition cavity through a third vent hole, and then is guided out through a second vent hole. The high-speed fluid then enters the output cavity from a first vent hole. The high-speed fluid is gradually depressurized and buffered through the three-stage vent holes, so that the high-pressure high-speed airflow is gradiently depressurized, the airflow impact is weakened, and the airflow noise is eliminated. The slidable plug is made of polytetrafluoroethylene material. After the male end joint is withdrawn, the slidable plug is axially reset. At this time, a first conical sealing surface is attached to a first conical surface, and a third conical sealing surface is attached to a third conical surface, so that double sealing blocks are formed to prevent the medium in the pipeline from leaking outward. The sealing blocking effect is more effective, and the assembly process is simplified.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to rocket fluid delivery pipeline connection technology, and in particular to a quick-locking connector for a fluid hose that can be used with either high-pressure booster gas or arc welding argon gas in launch vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Existing self-locking quick couplings are designed for civilian clean water pipelines and cannot be adapted to the connection conditions of high-pressure inert gas in rockets or argon gas in rocket arc welding hoses. For example, the invention patent with authorization number CN107795783B discloses a self-locking water quick coupling, which mainly consists of a female water nozzle end, a male water nozzle end, a T-shaped top plug, a small tension spring, a common rubber sealing ring, and a claw and groove locking structure. The water passage is opened and closed by the top plugs at both ends being aligned, and the claws are inserted into the annular groove to complete the docking and fixing.

[0003] If this existing connector is directly applied to the hose delivery of cryogenic fluids, high-pressure booster gases, and arc welding argon in rockets, it will have several drawbacks: 1. This connector adopts a single direct air passage. When the high and low pressure cavities are connected instantly, the airflow impact is large and the operating noise is loud. The instantaneous impact of high pressure can easily damage the internal valve core and seals. The air supply pressure fluctuates violently, affecting the stability of the arc welding process.

[0004] 2. The sealing of the male or female end of the connector relies solely on a single rubber sealing ring, which has poor sealing performance. If the rubber sealing ring ages or hardens and shrinks in low-temperature environments, there is a risk of continuous micro-leakage after long-term use. At the same time, the disassembly and assembly process of the rubber sealing ring is cumbersome and the assembly accuracy is difficult to guarantee, which is not conducive to the quick disassembly and maintenance of the connector.

[0005] 3. This connector relies solely on the locking mechanism between the claws and the slots. The impact of high-pressure, high-speed airflow can easily cause the claws to disengage, leading to a sudden leak of high-pressure gas or low-temperature fluid.

[0006] 4. After the male or female end of the connector is connected to the hose, there is no anti-bending or anti-torsion support structure. During use, the hose is prone to excessive bending and knotting, causing interruption of gas and liquid supply. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To overcome the shortcomings mentioned above, the present invention aims to provide a technical solution that can solve the above problems.

[0008] A self-locking connector structure for a rocket's fluid hose includes: a hexagonal connector body, a fixed self-locking core assembly, and a slidable top plug; The top outer side of the hexagonal connector tube is fitted with a self-locking outer retaining ring that can slide elastically in the axial direction. A blocking component is provided at the upper end of the hexagonal connector tube. A radial hole with a tapered shape is opened on the upper end wall of the hexagonal connector tube. A steel ball is embedded in the radial hole, and the closing diameter of the radial hole is smaller than the diameter of the steel ball. The interior of the slidable top plug is divided into a transition cavity and an output cavity. The bottom of the slidable top plug is closed. The slidable top plug is made of polytetrafluoroethylene. The peripheral wall of the output cavity is provided with a first vent hole. The peripheral wall of the transition cavity is provided with a second vent hole and a third vent hole from top to bottom. The outer wall of the slidable top plug is provided with a first conical sealing surface at the rear end of the first vent hole; the outer wall of the slidable top plug is provided with a second conical sealing surface between the first vent hole and the second through hole; the outer wall of the slidable top plug is provided with a third conical sealing surface between the third vent hole and the second through hole. The fixed self-locking core assembly passes through the inner wall of the hexagonal connector tube. The inner wall of the fixed self-locking core assembly is provided with a first frustum of cones that are adapted to the first conical sealing surface, a second frustum of cones that are adapted to the second conical sealing surface, and a third frustum of cones that are adapted to the third conical sealing surface. When the self-locking connector structure is separated from its male end, the first conical sealing surface abuts against and fits against the first frustum-shaped surface, the third conical sealing surface abuts against and fits against the third frustum-shaped surface, and the second conical sealing surface separates from the second frustum-shaped surface; when the self-locking connector structure is connected to its male end, the second conical sealing surface abuts against and fits against the second frustum-shaped surface, the first conical sealing surface separates from the first frustum-shaped surface, and the third conical sealing surface separates from the third frustum-shaped surface. Preferably, the side wall of the hexagonal connector tube is provided with a locking post, and the bottom of the outer wall of the self-locking outer retaining ring is provided with an unlocking groove that matches the locking post; When the locking pin is inserted into the unlocking groove, the self-locking outer retaining ring can slide downward, so that the steel ball is correspondingly housed in the embedded groove of the self-locking outer retaining ring; When the locking pin moves away from the unlocking slot, the locking pin is locked to the bottom of the self-locking outer retaining ring; Preferably, a bearing ring is connected to the bottom of the fixed self-locking core assembly, the inner ring rotor of the bearing ring is connected to a hose connector, and the outer ring stator of the bearing ring is connected to a sealing outer ring. The sealing outer ring and the upper end of the hose connector are dynamically sealed together by a plug seal. The bottom center of the fixed self-locking core assembly has a through hole, which allows the interior of the fixed self-locking core assembly to communicate with the interior of the hose connector. Preferably, the bottom of the fixed self-locking core assembly is provided with a buffer spring located outside the bearing ring, which limits the maximum bending angle of the external hose.

[0009] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are: 1. The sliding top plug of the present invention is internally divided into a transition cavity and an output cavity. When the self-locking connector is in the conducting state, the high-speed fluid first enters the transition cavity through the third vent hole, and then exits through the second vent hole. The high-speed fluid then enters the output cavity through the first vent hole. The high-speed fluid is gradually depressurized and buffered through the three-stage vent holes, which reduces the pressure of the high-pressure and high-speed airflow, weakens the airflow impact, and also eliminates airflow noise.

[0010] 2. The sliding top plug of this invention is made of polytetrafluoroethylene. After the male end connector is removed, the sliding top plug is axially reset. At this time, the first conical sealing surface is in contact with the first truncated cone surface, and the third conical sealing surface is in contact with the third truncated cone surface, forming a double sealing barrier to prevent the medium in the pipeline from leaking outward. Its sealing barrier effect is more effective, and it does not need to rely on rubber sealing rings. It completely eliminates the micro-leakage problem caused by the aging of rubber parts and low temperature shrinkage, and simplifies the assembly process.

[0011] 3. The side wall of the hexagonal connector tube body of the present invention is provided with a locking post. When the locking post is far away from the unlocking groove, the locking post limits and locks the bottom of the self-locking outer retaining ring, restricting the axial movement and accidental sliding of the self-locking outer retaining ring, so that the steel ball always remains in a tight locking state, ensuring that the locking structure is stable and reliable after the connector is connected.

[0012] 4. The bottom of the fixed self-locking core assembly of the present invention is provided with a bearing ring and a buffer spring; the bearing ring allows the hose connector to rotate freely relative to the fixed self-locking core assembly, releasing the torsional stress of the hose in real time and avoiding the hose torsion accumulation, twisting and knotting; the buffer spring can mechanically limit the bending range of the hose, restrict the hose from excessive bending, disperse the bending fatigue load, effectively avoid the hose from being easily over-bent and causing the lumen to become blocked, and continuously ensure the smooth, continuous and stable fluid transportation pipeline.

[0013] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0014] 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.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the present invention is connected to a public terminal.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the male end of the present invention is pulled out.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the present invention when connected to a public terminal.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the present invention when the male end is pulled out. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "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 this 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 limitations on this invention.

[0021] Furthermore, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components; they can refer to a wireless connection or a wired connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0022] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0023] Please see Figures 1-4 In this embodiment of the invention, a self-locking connector structure for a rocket fluid hose includes: a hexagonal connector body 1, a fixed self-locking core assembly 2, and a slidable top plug 3; The fixed self-locking core assembly 2 is inserted into the inner wall of the hexagonal connector tube 1 and is axially fixed by interference fit or threaded locking. The lower end of the slidable top plug 3 is slidably assembled inside the self-locking core assembly. The slidable top plug 3 and the fixed self-locking core assembly 2 are the main and auxiliary valve cores that can slide axially relative to each other.

[0024] The sliding top plug 3 is made entirely of modified polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Its internal space is divided into an independent transition cavity 30 and an output cavity 300. The bottom of the sliding top plug 3 is sealed. The peripheral wall of the output cavity 300 has a first vent hole 34. The peripheral wall of the transition cavity 30 has a second vent hole 35 and a third vent hole 36 arranged sequentially from top to bottom along the axial direction. The outer wall of the sliding top plug 3 is machined with a first conical sealing surface 31, a second conical sealing surface 32, and a third conical sealing surface 33. The inner wall of the fixed self-locking core assembly 2 is correspondingly machined with a first frustum surface 21, a second frustum surface 22, and a third frustum surface 23. Each conical sealing surface matches and fits with the corresponding frustum surface to achieve segmented sealing and graded ventilation. The medium can only flow between the chambers through the vent holes.

[0025] A tapered radial hole is formed on the top wall of the hexagonal connector tube body 1. A steel ball 10 is assembled inside the radial hole. The diameter of the radial hole is smaller than the diameter of the steel ball 10 to prevent the steel ball 10 from falling outward. The steel ball 10 only has a small radial expansion and contraction displacement. A self-locking outer retaining ring 4 is fitted on the outer side of the top of the hexagonal connector tube body 1. The self-locking outer retaining ring 4 can slide axially elastically along the outer wall of the hexagonal connector tube body 1. A blocking member 8 is installed at the upper end of the hexagonal connector tube body 1 to limit the self-locking outer retaining ring 4 axially at the upper end, preventing the self-locking outer retaining ring 4 from falling out of the top of the tube body.

[0026] The hexagonal connector pipe body 1 has a locking pin 11 on its side wall, and an unlocking groove 41 is opened at the bottom of the outer wall of the self-locking outer retaining ring 4. When the locking pin 11 slides into the unlocking groove 41, the self-locking outer retaining ring 4 can slide downward axially. The embedding groove on the self-locking outer retaining ring 4 aligns with the steel ball 10, and the steel ball 10 retracts outward and is stored in the embedding groove. At this time, the connector is in the unlocked state, and the male end can be freely inserted and removed. When the male end is inserted into place, the self-locking outer retaining ring 4 is axially reset, so that the locking pin 11 is disengaged from the unlocking groove 41. The locking pin 11 abuts against the bottom of the limiting self-locking outer retaining ring 4, restricting the axial movement and accidental sliding of the self-locking outer retaining ring 4. The conical surface of the inner wall of the self-locking outer retaining ring 4 squeezes the steel ball 10, and the steel ball 10 extends inward along the radial hole, locking the groove on the outer wall of the male end connector, completing the mechanical self-locking. The locking pin 11 and the steel ball 10 form a double locking structure, which can withstand continuous vibration and pressure alternating impact of the pipeline and is not prone to disengagement.

[0027] The working process and corresponding technical effects of this embodiment are as follows: When docking assembly is required, operate the self-locking outer retaining ring 4 to guide the locking pin 11 into the unlocking groove 41. The self-locking outer retaining ring 4 slides downward, and the steel ball 10 is stored in the embedded groove, unlocking the joint. Insert the external male end into the hexagonal connector tube body 1. The end of the male end pushes the sliding top plug 3 downward to cause axial displacement, and the second conical sealing surface 32 and the second conical frustum surface 22 fit together. The steel ball 10 extends inward to clamp the groove on the outer wall of the male end. Then, move the self-locking outer retaining ring 4 to disengage the locking pin 11 from the unlocking groove 41. The locking pin 11 limits the bottom of the self-locking outer retaining ring 4, achieving secondary locking.

[0028] The high-pressure medium enters the transition cavity 30 through the third vent 36, then exits the transition cavity 30 through the second vent 35, and finally enters the output cavity 300 through the first vent 34. The high-pressure medium is gradually depressurized and buffered through the three-stage vents, which reduces the instantaneous impact of the high-pressure and high-speed airflow, reduces the aerodynamic noise caused by the high-speed airflow, stabilizes the gas supply pressure, and meets the pressure stability requirements of high-pressure boosting gas supply and arc welding argon gas transportation.

[0029] When the connector needs to be disassembled, the self-locking outer retaining ring 4 is driven, causing the locking pin 11 to be inserted into the unlocking groove 41 again. The self-locking outer retaining ring 4 slides downward, and the steel ball 10 is collected and released from the locking constraint on the male end, so the male end can be pulled out. After the male end is removed, the sliding top plug 3 is axially reset. At this time, the first conical sealing surface 31 is in contact with the first conical frustum surface 21, and the third conical sealing surface 33 is in contact with the third conical frustum surface 23, forming a double sealing barrier to prevent the medium in the pipeline from leaking outward, and its sealing barrier effect is more effective.

[0030] During normal operation of the self-locking connector, when the front hose twists, the bearing ring 5 allows the hose connector 6 to rotate freely relative to the fixed self-locking core assembly 2, releasing the torsional stress accumulated in the hose in real time and preventing the hose from twisting, accumulating, and knotting; the buffer spring 7 constrains the bending range of the hose to prevent the hose bending angle from being too large, causing the cavity to be blocked and the flow to be interrupted.

[0031] This self-locking connector can be adapted to the high-pressure pressurized inert gas of launch vehicles and the argon fluid medium transportation operation of arc welding. One set of connectors is compatible with multiple working conditions and has strong versatility.

[0032] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within the present invention.

Claims

1. A self-locking connector structure for a rocket's fluid hose, characterized in that, include: Hexagonal connector tube body, fixed self-locking core assembly, and sliding top plug; The top outer side of the hexagonal connector tube is fitted with a self-locking outer retaining ring that can slide elastically in the axial direction. A blocking component is provided at the upper end of the hexagonal connector tube. A radial hole with a tapered shape is opened on the upper end wall of the hexagonal connector tube. A steel ball is embedded in the radial hole, and the closing diameter of the radial hole is smaller than the diameter of the steel ball. The interior of the slidable top plug is divided into a transition cavity and an output cavity. The bottom of the slidable top plug is closed. The slidable top plug is made of polytetrafluoroethylene. The peripheral wall of the output cavity is provided with a first vent hole. The peripheral wall of the transition cavity is provided with a second vent hole and a third vent hole from top to bottom. The outer wall of the slidable top plug is provided with a first conical sealing surface at the rear end of the first vent hole; the outer wall of the slidable top plug is provided with a second conical sealing surface between the first vent hole and the second through hole; the outer wall of the slidable top plug is provided with a third conical sealing surface between the third vent hole and the second through hole. The fixed self-locking core assembly passes through the inner wall of the hexagonal connector tube. The inner wall of the fixed self-locking core assembly is provided with a first frustum of cones that are adapted to the first conical sealing surface, a second frustum of cones that are adapted to the second conical sealing surface, and a third frustum of cones that are adapted to the third conical sealing surface. When the self-locking connector structure separates its male end, the first conical sealing surface abuts against and fits against the first truncated cone surface, the third conical sealing surface abuts against and fits against the third truncated cone surface, and the second conical sealing surface separates from the second truncated cone surface; When the self-locking connector structure is connected to its male end, the second conical sealing surface abuts and fits against the second truncated cone surface, the first conical sealing surface separates from the first truncated cone surface, and the third conical sealing surface separates from the third truncated cone surface.

2. The self-locking connector structure for the fluid hose of a rocket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side wall of the hexagonal connector tube is provided with a locking post, and the bottom of the outer wall of the self-locking outer retaining ring is provided with an unlocking groove that matches the locking post. When the locking pin is inserted into the unlocking groove, the self-locking outer retaining ring can slide downward, so that the steel ball is correspondingly housed in the embedded groove of the self-locking outer retaining ring; When the locking pin moves away from the unlocking slot, it is locked to the bottom of the self-locking outer retaining ring.

3. The self-locking connector structure for the fluid hose of a rocket according to claim 1, characterized in that, A bearing ring is connected to the bottom of the fixed self-locking core assembly. The inner ring rotor of the bearing ring is connected to a hose connector. The outer ring stator of the bearing ring is connected to a sealing outer ring. The sealing outer ring and the upper end of the hose connector are dynamically sealed by a plug seal. The bottom center of the fixed self-locking core assembly has a through hole that allows the interior of the fixed self-locking core assembly to communicate with the interior of the hose connector.

4. The self-locking connector structure for the fluid hose of a rocket according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom of the fixed self-locking core assembly is provided with a buffer spring located outside the bearing ring. This buffer spring limits the maximum bending angle of the external hose.

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