Frame-passing connector and connecting system thereof

Abstract

The utility model relates to a frame-passing joint and a connecting system thereof. The over-frame joint comprises a flange plate (10), an inner pipe receiving part (20) and an outer pipe receiving part (30), the outer pipe receiving part is concentrically arranged on the outer side of the inner pipe receiving part, an annular space is formed between the inner pipe receiving part and the outer pipe receiving part, and at least one rib part (31) connecting the inner pipe receiving part and the outer pipe receiving part is arranged in the annular space. A first substance with a first phase state and a second substance with a second phase state respectively penetrate through the outer pipe containing part and the inner pipe containing part to flow, the flange plate surrounds the outer pipe containing part and is integrally formed on the outer side of the outer pipe containing part, and at least one connecting hole (11) for connecting the over-frame connector to an installation target is formed in the flange plate. The over-frame connector not only can realize over-frame connection between double-layer pipelines, but also can be suitable for over-frame connection between single-layer pipelines and double-layer pipelines, so that great convenience is provided for a fuel system of an aircraft.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a through-frame joint and its connection system, and more specifically, to a through-frame joint and its connection system applicable to a double-layer fuel pipeline. This through-frame joint can be used for a double-layer pipeline to pass through a structural wall panel, and can also be used for connecting a single-layer pipeline to pass through a structural wall panel. Background Art

[0002] In the modern aviation industry, the fuel system, hydraulic system, and other fluid or gas transmission systems of an aircraft are crucial. These systems are usually composed of complex pipelines to ensure the normal operation and safety of the aircraft. To adapt to the compact structure of the aircraft, these pipelines usually need to pass through the frame structure of the fuselage, which requires the use of through-frame joints and other similar structures to achieve.

[0003] Traditional through-frame joints usually adopt a single-layer pipeline structure. This design structure can meet the requirements in most cases. However, as the design complexity of the aircraft increases and the requirement for the utilization rate of the limited space on the aircraft becomes higher, in some cases, the single-layer pipeline through-frame joint can no longer meet the requirements for the transmission of all phase substances, or it is difficult to implement the single-layer pipeline through-frame joint in the case of limited space.

[0004] The traditional through-frame method of through-frame joints is that after the pipeline passes through the structural wall panel, it is supported by a bracket and fixed on the structural wall panel of the aircraft. However, the bracket needs to be designed additionally to meet different installation environments of the fuselage. The additional bracket further increases the weight of the aircraft, directly affecting the fuel efficiency and operating cost of the aircraft. With the increase of the fuel system pipelines, the maintenance and repair work becomes more complex and time-consuming, especially at the through-frame joint. Due to space limitations, it may be difficult to carry out effective inspections and repairs, especially in the case of adding brackets, and the maintenance cost further increases, directly affecting the reliability of the aircraft.

[0005] There was also a design in the past to fix the through-frame joint on the structural wall panel of the aircraft by means of a flange arranged outside the pipeline. For example, a through-frame structure was disclosed in the patent document named "Pipeline Device" with the US Patent No. US10,293,952B2. In the through-frame structure described in the above patent document, by means of a flexible joint and a flange arranged outside the flexible joint, the through-frame method of a single-layer pipeline can be realized, avoiding the use of redundant brackets and simplifying the structure.

[0006] However, in the fuel pipeline system of civil aviation aircraft, the currently commonly used double-layer pipeline, the flexible joint in the above patent document is designed specifically for the single-layer pipeline system, and it is not compatible with the current double-layer pipeline system in design, which means that the flexible joint cannot adapt to the double-layer pipeline system of civil aviation aircraft.

[0007] Generally, the distance between the pipeline at the through-frame structure and the structural wall panel is relatively close, and it is easy to generate electric arcs when the aircraft is struck by lightning. Usually, additional electrical bonding wires, clamps and their related fasteners and other parts need to be added, which will additionally increase the weight of the aircraft.

[0008] Moreover, the fuel supply pipeline in the fuselage of the aircraft usually needs to be arranged in the fuel tank, the pressurized area and the non-pressurized area of the aircraft fuselage. The through-frame joint is usually set between the pressurized area and / or the non-pressurized area. There is usually a small gap between the through-frame structure and the opening on the structural wall panel, and the sealing performance on both sides of the partition wall panel cannot be guaranteed. The previous through-frame structure cannot meet the sealing requirements.

[0009] In the Chinese patent application with the publication number CN102462365A and the name of "A Split-Type Through-Frame Double-Layer Joint", a through-frame form is disclosed. The outer layer of its double-layer joint plays a role in sealing and protection, but it cannot be used for fuel or gas passage, nor can it meet the through-frame requirements of the current double-layer fuel pipeline.

[0010] Therefore, there is an urgent need in the current market for a through-frame joint that can provide efficient, safe and simple structure for the pipeline system of the aircraft. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention is completed in view of the above problems, and the purpose is to provide an efficient, safe and simple structure through-frame joint for the pipeline system of the aircraft. This through-frame joint can not only realize the through-frame connection between double-layer pipelines, but also be applicable to the through-frame connection between single-layer pipelines and double-layer pipelines, thus providing great convenience for the fuel system of the aircraft.

[0012] In one embodiment, the through-frame joint can be configured to include a flange, an outer tube receiving portion, and an inner tube receiving portion. The outer tube receiving portion is concentrically arranged outside the inner tube receiving portion, and an annular space is formed between the inner tube receiving portion and the outer tube receiving portion. At least one rib connecting the inner tube portion and the outer tube receiving portion is provided in the annular space. Substances in different phases flow through the outer tube receiving portion and the inner tube receiving portion respectively. The above substances in different phases can be, for example, a first substance in a first phase and a second substance in a second phase, and can be analogs such as fuel or gas. The flange is integrally formed around the outer tube receiving portion on the outside of the outer tube receiving portion, and at least one connection hole for connecting the through-frame joint according to the present invention to the installation target is provided on the flange. The installation target can be a structural wall panel that needs to pass through the frame on an aircraft.

[0013] Through this embodiment, the through-frame connection requirements of the double-layer pipeline can be realized. At the same time, the connection structure is significantly simplified, and the use of traditional brackets and clamps is reduced. This not only reduces the cost but also improves the installation efficiency, making the installation of the pipeline system more rapid and convenient. Since the potential failure points are reduced, the reliability of the system is enhanced, and the maintenance frequency and maintenance cost are also correspondingly reduced.

[0014] In another embodiment, the above through-frame joint can also be configured such that the length of the inner tube receiving portion is greater than the length of the outer tube receiving portion. In this construction method, when connecting the inner tube receiving portion to the inner tube in the double-layer pipeline, it is convenient for installation and disassembly, and the longer inner tube receiving portion can facilitate the operator's grasping and operation.

[0015] In another embodiment, the above through-frame joint can also be configured such that the ribs are spaced apart in the annular space, and the ribs can be spaced evenly or unevenly, and through holes are formed between the ribs. In this embodiment, the ribs provide a supporting effect between the inner tube receiving portion and the outer tube receiving portion, and the through holes formed between the ribs can further allow substances in different phases to pass through in the annular space, further providing a through-frame passage for the outer tube in the double-layer pipeline.

[0016] In another embodiment, the above through-frame joint can also be configured such that the through holes formed between the ribs are adjacent to the outer wall of the inner tube receiving portion. Since fuel has an accumulation effect when passing through the through holes, the fuel will accumulate below the through holes, hindering the subsequent passage of fuel. The through holes in this embodiment are adjacent to the outer wall of the inner tube receiving portion, effectively avoiding this problem, and thus the fuel can pass through the through holes stably.

[0017] In another embodiment, the above-mentioned through-frame joint can also be configured to have a flow-limiting hole provided in the inner tube receiving portion. The inner tube receiving portion is connected to the inner tube of the double-layer pipeline. By adding a flow-limiting hole in the inner tube receiving portion, the size of the flow-limiting hole can be precisely set according to the specific flow rate and the desired pressure. The flow-limiting hole, as an efficient fluid control system structure, can achieve the functions of controlling the flow rate, preventing overpressure, and stabilizing the pressure, avoiding damage to equipment caused by excessive pressure due to excessive flow rate. Especially in the fuel pipeline of an aircraft, the safety of the aircraft is further improved and the service life of the fuel pipeline of the aircraft is extended by controlling the flow rate and stabilizing the fuel pressure.

[0018] In another embodiment, the above-mentioned through-frame joint can also be configured such that the through-frame joint is integrally formed of a metal material, and the flange and the mounting target contact surface are polished. The through-frame joint integrally formed of a metal material has significant advantages. The high strength of the metal material ensures stability and durability in a pressurized environment. In addition, the polished flange contact surface can further enhance conductivity. The conductivity of the metal can help the through-frame joint transfer charges to the structural wall panel on the aircraft via the through-frame joint structure and then via the flange, enhancing the electrical bonding effect and reducing the risk of arc generation without using an additional electrical bonding device, meeting the safety requirements of civil aircraft in a high-altitude and high-voltage environment.

[0019] The present utility model also provides a connection system including the through-frame joint according to the present utility model, comprising: a double-layer pipeline composed of a concentrically arranged inner tube and an outer tube, the double-layer pipeline being connected to one or both sides of the through-frame joint; an inner tube sleeve, the inner tube sleeve being installed at both ends of the inner tube receiving portion and at the connection end to be placed in the inner tube receiving portion, and an inner tube sealing groove being formed on the inner tube sleeve; an outer tube sealing groove, the outer tube sealing groove being formed at both ends of the outer tube receiving portion and at the connection end of the outer tube to be placed in the outer tube receiving portion; a bushing, the bushing being installed outside the connection of a pair of inner tube sleeves, and a sealing fit being formed between the bushing and the inner tube sleeve; and a housing, the housing being installed outside the connection of a pair of outer tube sealing grooves, and a sealing fit being formed between the housing and the outer tube and the outer tube receiving portion.

[0020] In this embodiment of the connection system, high tightness and durability of the double-layer pipeline of the aircraft fuselage and the through-frame joint are achieved through the sealing fits between the bushing and the sealing groove and between the housing and the outer tube receiving portion, which can effectively prevent leakage of substances in different phases such as fuel, enhancing the safety and reliability of the system. And this embodiment of the connection system avoids using additional brackets, simplifies the installation and disassembly processes, makes the maintenance work more convenient and fast, relevant maintenance technicians can easily inspect and replace relevant parts, reducing the maintenance time and cost.

[0021] In another embodiment of the connection system, at least one annular sealing groove may be provided on the flange for placing a sealing ring. An additional seal between the through-frame joint and the structural wall panel is provided, enabling the through-frame system to be applied not only in non-pressurized environments but also in pressurized environments.

[0022] In another embodiment of the connection system, a seal is provided on the exposed portion of the fastener, and a corner seal is provided between the flange and the installation target.

[0023] The present utility model also provides another embodiment of the connection system, which is configured as a through-frame connection configuration for a group of double-layer pipelines, and / or a through-frame connection configuration for double-layer pipelines and single-layer pipelines. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 Is an isometric view of the through-frame joint according to the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 Is a side view and a cross-sectional view of the through-frame joint according to the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 Is a cross-sectional view of the sealing method according to the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 Is a transmission path diagram of the electrical bonding current or static electricity according to the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 5 Is a cross-sectional view of the through-frame joint system for double-layer and double-layer pipelines according to the present utility model; and

[0029] Figure 6 Is a cross-sectional view of the through-frame joint system for single-layer and double-layer pipelines according to the present utility model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0030] The following will describe the through-frame joint of the embodiment of the present utility model in conjunction with the drawings, including the structure of the through-frame joint and the structure of the connection system.

[0031] (Structure of the through-frame joint)

[0032] The following will describe the structure of the through-frame joint of the embodiment of the present utility model in conjunction with the drawings. As Figure 1 shown, the through-frame joint includes a flange 10, an inner pipe receiving portion 20, and an outer pipe receiving portion 30. The outer pipe receiving portion 30 is concentrically arranged outside the inner pipe, and the flange 10 is integrally formed around the outer pipe receiving portion 30 on the outside of the outer pipe receiving portion 30. In the present utility model, the shape of the flange 10 is circular, but the shape of the flange 10 is not limited thereto and may also be configured as a regular polygon to be applicable to different scenarios.

[0033] As Figure 2 shown, in the side view and cross-sectional view of the through-frame joint according to the present utility model, the length of the inner tube receiving portion 20 is greater than that of the outer tube receiving portion 30. An annular space is formed between the inner tube receiving portion 20 and the outer tube receiving portion 30, and at least one rib 31 connecting the inner tube receiving portion 20 and the outer tube receiving portion 30 is provided in the annular space. Substances in different phases flow through the outer tube receiving portion 30 and the inner tube receiving portion 20 respectively. The above substances in different phases can be, for example, a first substance in a first phase and a second substance in a second phase, and can be liquids or gases and the like. As Figure 2 shown, the flange 10 is integrally formed around the outer tube receiving portion 30 on the outside of the outer tube receiving portion 30. Eight connecting holes 11 are provided on the flange 10 for fixing the through-frame joint to the target to be installed, that is, the structural wall panel of the aircraft. Of course, the number of the connecting holes 11 is not limited to this, and at least one connecting hole is provided.

[0034] As Figure 2 shown, the ribs 31 are arranged at intervals in the annular space, and the ribs 31 can be arranged at intervals in the annular space evenly or unevenly, and through holes 32 are formed between the ribs 31. In the present utility model, the through-frame joint has eight through holes 32, but the number of the through holes 32 is not limited to this, and at least one through hole 32 can be provided. The through hole 32 can be used for liquids or gases on the aircraft to pass through, such as fuel on the aircraft. Among them, the through hole 32 formed between the ribs 31 is adjacent to the outer wall of the inner tube receiving portion 20, so as to avoid the accumulation effect of fuel, so that the fuel accumulates below the through hole 32 when passing through the through hole 32.

[0035] As Figure 2 shown, a flow-limiting hole 21 is provided in the inner tube receiving portion 20, and the size of the flow-limiting hole 21 can be accurately set according to the specific flow rate and the desired pressure to achieve the functions of controlling the flow rate and stabilizing the pressure.

[0036] The through-frame joint in the present utility model is integrally formed of a metal material, and the contact surface of the flange 10 with the installation target is polished, which can enhance the electrical conductivity of the through-frame joint while eliminating the installation bracket. As Figure 4 shown, the connection system of the present utility model provides an electrical bonding path, so that the charge and static current in the aircraft pipeline are transmitted to the structural wall panel of the aircraft, that is, from the aircraft pipeline to the flange 10, and then to the structural wall panel. In addition, another electrical bonding path is also shown in the figure, that is, from the pipeline to the flange 10, then transmitted to the fastener 15, and finally transmitted to the structural wall panel.

[0037] (Structure of the connection system)

[0038] According to the specific application scenarios of the current through-frame joints, there are mainly three types: the connecting pipelines between double layers and double layers, the connecting pipelines between double layers and single layers, and the connecting pipelines between single layers and single layers. These specific application scenarios of the through-frame joints respectively correspond to three connection systems, and these three connection systems include: the through-frame connection system for double-layer and double-layer pipelines; the through-frame connection system for double-layer and single-layer pipelines; and the through-frame connection system for single-layer and single-layer pipelines.

[0039] The utility model patent also applies to these three application scenarios. However, in view of the fact that the pipelines on civil aviation aircraft are mainly double-layer oil pipelines at present, the single-layer oil pipeline is not described in detail in the specification of the utility model patent.

[0040] The utility model provides an implementation manner of a connection system applicable to the through-frame connection of double-layer and double-layer pipelines, as Figure 5 shown. This connection system mainly includes: a double-layer pipeline composed of an inner pipe 2 and an outer pipe 1 arranged concentrically, and this double-layer pipeline is connected to one side or both sides of the through-frame joint; an inner pipe sleeve 22, which is installed at both ends of the inner pipe receiving part 20 in a spinning manner, and is installed at the connecting end to be placed in the inner pipe receiving part 20, and an inner pipe sealing groove 42 is formed on the inner pipe sleeve 22; an outer pipe sealing groove 52, which is formed at both ends of the outer pipe receiving part 30 and at the connecting end of the outer pipe to be placed in the outer pipe receiving part 30; a bushing 41, which is installed outside the connection of a pair of inner pipe sleeves 22, and a sealing fit is formed between the bushing 41 and the inner pipe sleeve 22; and a housing 51, which is installed outside the connection of a pair of outer pipe sealing grooves 52, and a sealing fit is formed between the housing 51, the outer pipe 1 and the outer pipe receiving part 30.

[0041] As Figure 3 described, multiple seals are also provided in the connection system of the utility model, including a seal pack 13 provided at the exposed part of the fastener 15 and a corner seal 14 provided at the periphery of the flange 10. These multiple seals provide further sealing for the connection system to meet the sealing requirements in the pressurized area of the aircraft.

[0042] In another implementation manner of the connection system, at least one sealing groove 12 is provided on the flange 10 for placing a sealing ring to provide additional sealing between the connection system and the structural wall panel, so that the connection system can be applied not only in a non-pressurized environment but also in a pressurized environment. In the utility model, the number of the sealing grooves 12 on the flange 10 is one, but the number of the sealing grooves is not limited to this, and more than one sealing groove can also be provided to be applicable to different application scenarios and meet different types of sealing requirements.

[0043] In addition, the present utility model also provides an implementation manner of a connection system suitable for over-frame connection of double-layer and single-layer pipelines, as Figure 6 shown. The connection system mainly includes: a double-layer pipeline composed of an inner pipe and an outer pipe arranged concentrically on one side, and a single-layer pipeline composed of only an inner pipe on the other side; the double-layer pipeline and the single-layer pipeline are respectively connected to both sides of an over-frame joint. Among them, the connection side of the over-frame joint with the single-layer pipeline only has an inner pipe receiving portion 20, and the connection side with the double-layer pipeline has the above-mentioned concentrically arranged inner pipe receiving portion 20 and outer pipe receiving portion 30, and the outer pipe receiving portion 30 is arranged outside the inner pipe receiving portion 20; an inner pipe sleeve 22, the inner pipe sleeve 22 is installed at both ends of the inner pipe receiving portion 20 in a spinning manner, and is installed at the connection end to be placed in the inner pipe receiving portion 20, and an inner pipe sealing groove 42 is formed on the inner pipe sleeve 22; an outer pipe sealing groove 52, the outer pipe sealing groove 52 is formed at both ends of the outer pipe receiving portion 30 and at the connection end of the outer pipe to be placed in the outer pipe receiving portion 30; a bushing 41, the bushing 41 is installed outside the connection of a pair of inner pipe sleeves 22, and a sealing fit is formed between the bushing 41 and the inner pipe sleeve 22; and a housing 51, the housing 51 is installed outside the connection of a pair of outer pipe sealing grooves 52, and a sealing fit is formed between the housing 51 and the outer pipe and the outer pipe receiving portion 30.

[0044] As Figure 3 described, multiple seals are also provided in the connection system of the present utility model, including a seal package 13 provided at the exposed part of the fastener 15 and a corner seal 14 provided at the periphery of the flange 10. These multiple seals provide further sealing for the over-frame connection system to meet the sealing requirements of different types of environments.

[0045] Similarly, at least one sealing groove 12 for placing a sealing ring is provided on the flange 10 to provide additional sealing between the connection system and the structural wall panel, so that the connection system can be applied not only in a non-pressurized environment but also in a pressurized environment. In the present utility model, the number of the sealing grooves 12 on the flange 10 can be one, but the number of the sealing grooves is not limited to this, and multiple sealing grooves can also be provided to be applicable to different application scenarios and meet different types of sealing requirements.

[0046] Similarly, the over-frame joint and its connection system of the present utility model are also applicable to the over-frame connection scenario of single-layer pipelines (not shown), but considering the actual situation of the fuel pipelines of current civil aviation aircraft, which are mainly double-layer pipelines at present, the connection system of single-layer pipelines will not be described in detail here.

[0047] The through-frame joint and its system in the above embodiments simplify the through-frame structure for realizing a two-way pipeline in the prior art. Through this through-frame form, the load of the pipeline can be directly transmitted to the aircraft structure by means of the through-frame joint and its flange, avoiding transmitting the load to the structure through clamps and brackets, reducing the use of brackets, further reducing the weight of the aircraft, and thus reducing the assembly time of related components. In addition, the outer pipe can also be used for gas transmission in the pipeline. The through-frame joint according to the present invention realizes multiple electrical lap transfer paths for current and static electricity on the aircraft, meeting the safety requirements of the aircraft in a high-voltage environment, thereby improving the installation efficiency, reliability, and safety without increasing additional weight.

[0048] The present invention has been described exemplarily above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited by the above embodiments. It should be understood that within its scope, the present invention can freely combine the various parts in the embodiments, or appropriately deform or omit the various parts in the embodiments, and these variations will fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A frame joint, characterized in that: The invention comprises a flange (10), an inner tube receiving portion (20) and an outer tube receiving portion (30), wherein the outer tube receiving portion (30) is concentrically arranged on the outer side of the inner tube receiving portion (20), an annular space is formed between the inner tube receiving portion (20) and the outer tube receiving portion (30), at least one rib (31) connecting the inner tube receiving portion (20) and the outer tube receiving portion (30) is arranged in the annular space, a first substance having a first phase and a second substance having a second phase flow through the outer tube receiving portion (30) and the inner tube receiving portion (20) respectively, the flange (10) is integrally formed around the outer tube receiving portion (30) on the outer side of the outer tube receiving portion (30), and at least one connection hole (11) for connecting the frame joint to an installation target is arranged on the flange (10).

2. The frame connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The length of the inner tube receiving portion (20) is greater than the length of the outer tube receiving portion (30).

3. The frame connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ribs (31) are evenly spaced and arranged in the annular space, and at least one through hole (32) is formed between the ribs (31).

4. The frame connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The through hole (32) is adjacent to the outer wall of the inner tube receiving portion (20).

5. The frame connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: A flow limiting hole (21) is arranged inside the inner tube receiving portion (20).

6. The frame connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame joint is made of metal material in one piece.

7. A connection system for the frame connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: include: A double-layer pipeline consisting of an inner pipe (2) and an outer pipe (1) arranged concentrically, the double-layer pipeline being connected to one side or both sides of the frame joint; An inner tube sleeve (22), the inner tube sleeve (22) being mounted on both ends of the inner tube receiving portion and the end of the inner tube to be placed in the inner tube receiving portion to be connected, and an inner tube sealing groove (42) being formed on the inner tube sleeve (22); An outer tube sealing groove (52), the outer tube sealing groove (52) being formed at both ends of the outer tube receiving portion (30) and at the end portion of the outer tube (1) to be placed in the outer tube receiving portion (30) to be connected; a bushing (41), the bushing (41) being installed on the outer side of the connection between the pair of inner tube sleeves (22), the bushing (41) and the inner tube sleeves (22) forming a sealing fit, and The outer shell (51) is installed on the outer side of the connection between a pair of outer tube sealing grooves (52), and a sealing fit is formed between the outer shell (51), the outer tube (1) and the outer tube receiving portion (30).

8. The connection system according to claim 7, characterized in that The flange (10) is provided with at least one annular sealing groove (12).

9. The connection system according to claim 7, characterized in that: In the connection system, a seal (13) is provided on the exposed portion of the fastener (15), and a corner seal (14) is provided between the flange (10) and the installation target.

10. The connection system according to claim 7, characterized in that The connection system is configured as a through-frame connection configuration of a group of double-layer pipelines and / or a through-frame connection configuration of a double-layer pipeline and a single-layer pipeline.

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