Stirling cryocooler, sealing structure and refrigeration type infrared detector
By designing a reverse-bending flexible structure and a sealing ring with a sealing groove on the flange face of the Stirling refrigerator, the problem of easy damage to the sealing surface was solved, achieving efficient high-pressure helium sealing and enhancing the environmental adaptability of the sealing structure.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- WUHAN GAOXIN TECH
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-28
AI Technical Summary
The sealing structure of existing Stirling refrigerators is easily damaged under high pressure, leading to helium leakage and poor fault tolerance of the sealing surface.
The system employs a mating connection between a first flange and a second flange, with at least one flange face having a flexible structure that bends in the opposite direction. This flexible structure abuts against the flange face on the other side, and a sealing ring is installed within the sealing groove. The sealing ring is then compressed by high-pressure gas to achieve a seal.
It effectively suppresses high-pressure helium leakage, improves the adaptability of the sealing surface to high-pressure environments, and reduces the probability of seal failure.
Smart Images

Figure CN224174538U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cooled infrared detectors, specifically a sealing structure for a Stirling refrigerator. Background Technology
[0002] An infrared detector is a device that converts incident infrared radiation signals into electrical signals. It is the core component of infrared technology and a precursor to its development. Infrared detectors have a wide range of applications in civilian and military fields, including missile guidance, space exploration, early warning satellites, and reconnaissance.
[0003] To maintain the internal pressure of the cooled infrared detector and keep the high-pressure environment, existing sealing structures usually have a sealing groove on one side for placing a sealing metal ring, which is usually annular and about 0.8 mm wide. The metal sealing ring is deformed by mechanical stress, thereby achieving a sealing effect.
[0004] However, high-pressure metal seals have high requirements for the metal sealing surface. During parts processing, cleaning, dimensional measurement and component assembly, the sealing surface is easily damaged. The sealing surface has poor fault tolerance, forming a channel for high-pressure gas flow and causing helium working fluid to leak out. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sealing structure for a Stirling refrigerator to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:
[0007] A sealing structure for a Stirling refrigerator, comprising:
[0008] The first flange connects to the first housing of the Stirling refrigeration unit;
[0009] The second flange connects to the second housing of the Stirling refrigeration unit;
[0010] The first flange and the second flange are connected to seal the cavity defined by the first housing and the second housing. At least one of the first flange and the second flange has a flexible structure with a reverse bend at the end of its flange face. The flexible structure abuts against the flange face of the other flange. A sealing groove is provided on the abutting surface of the flexible structure, and a sealing ring is provided in the sealing groove.
[0011] Preferably, both the first flange and the second flange include rigid portions, and the flexible structure extends from the end of the rigid portion of the corresponding flange.
[0012] Preferably, in the sealing structure of the Stirling refrigeration machine according to claim , the flexible structure of one of the first flange and the second flange abuts against the rigid portion of the other flange or the flexible structure of the other flange.
[0013] Preferably, in the sealing structure of the Stirling refrigerator according to claim 1, the flexible structure is inclined, and there is a gap between the flexible structure and the rigid part of the same flange, the gap being in communication with the cavity.
[0014] Preferably, the end of the flexible structure has an axial extension that inserts into the interior of the flange on the other side.
[0015] Preferably, a plurality of sets of spaced screws are provided between the first flange and the second flange, the screws passing through the connection between the rigid portion of the first flange and / or the second flange and the flexible structure.
[0016] Preferably, the sealing ring is made of a soft metal.
[0017] Preferably, the rigid portions of the first flange and the second flange are hard metal planar structures.
[0018] Preferably, a Stirling refrigerator includes a sealing structure.
[0019] Preferably, a cooled infrared detector includes a Stirling refrigerator.
[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0021] The first flange and the second flange are connected to seal the cavity defined by the first housing and the second housing. At least one of the first flange and the second flange has a flexible structure with a reverse bend at the end of its flange face. The flexible structure abuts against the flange face of the other flange. A sealing groove is provided on the abutting surface of the flexible structure, and a sealing ring is provided in the sealing groove. When the sealing structure is filled with high-pressure helium, in addition to the pressure applied to the sealing surface by the bolts, the high-pressure gas inside simultaneously squeezes the sealing structure, thereby applying pressure to the sealing surface and filling the groove at the sealing surface of the second flange. This achieves the function of sealing the high-pressure gas and suppressing the leakage of high-pressure helium to the outside of the cooling detector. Attached Figure Description
[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing structure of the cooled infrared detector of this utility model;
[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the middle.
[0024] In the diagram: First flange 1, sealing ring 2, screw 3, second flange 4, sealing groove 5. Detailed Implementation
[0025] To more clearly illustrate the overall concept of this utility model, a detailed description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0026] It should be noted that many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.
[0027] Furthermore, it should be understood in the description of this utility model that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" 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 utility model 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 utility model.
[0028] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral unit; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. However, specifying a direct connection indicates that the two main bodies at the connection point are not connected by an intermediate structure, but are simply connected to form a whole through a connecting structure. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0029] In this utility model, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the first feature "on" or "below" the second feature may be in direct contact with the first and second features, or indirect contact through an intermediate medium. In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.
[0030] Example 1:
[0031] Please see Figures 1 to 2 This utility model provides a technical solution: a sealing structure for a Stirling refrigerator, comprising:
[0032] The first flange 1 is connected to the first housing of the Stirling refrigerator. The first flange 1 and the first housing can be integrally formed or separately connected. The first housing includes, but is not limited to, the rotor cover of the Stirling refrigerator.
[0033] The second flange 4 is connected to the second housing of the Stirling refrigerator. The second flange 1 and the second housing can be integrally formed or separately connected. The second housing includes, but is not limited to, the large base of the Stirling refrigerator.
[0034] A screw 3 is screwed between the first flange 1 and the second flange 4, and the first flange 1 and the second flange 4 are connected by the screw 3.
[0035] The cavity defined by the first housing and the second housing is sealed by the screw connection of the first flange 1 and the second flange 4;
[0036] At least one of the first flange 1 and the second flange 4 has a flexible structure with a reverse bend at the end of its flange face, and the flexible structure abuts against the flange face of the other flange.
[0037] A sealing groove 5 is provided on the contact surface of the flexible structure, and a sealing ring 2 is provided inside the sealing groove 5; a reliable seal between the first flange 1 and the second flange 4 is achieved through the sealing ring 2 inside the sealing groove 5.
[0038] When the cavity defined by the first and second housings is filled with high-pressure working gas, such as helium, in addition to the screw 3 applying pressure to the sealing surfaces of the first flange 1 and the second flange 4, the flexible structure applies pressure to the sealing surfaces of the first flange 1 and the second flange 4 simultaneously through the internal high-pressure gas, squeezing the sealing ring 2 to obtain a complete sealing strip, thereby effectively suppressing the leakage of the working gas.
[0039] Example 2:
[0040] like Figures 1-2 As shown, the sealing structure of the Stirling refrigerator disclosed in Embodiment 2 of this utility model is basically the same as that in Embodiment 1, except that:
[0041] Both the first flange 1 and the second flange 4 include rigid portions, and the flexible structure extends from the end of the rigid portion of the corresponding flange.
[0042] The flexible structure of one of the first flange 1 and the second flange 4 abuts against the rigid part of the other flange or the flexible structure of the other flange.
[0043] The flexible structure is inclined, and there is a gap between the flexible structure and the rigid part of the same flange, and the gap is in communication with the cavity;
[0044] The gap between the flexible structure and the rigid part allows communication with the cavity, enabling the high-pressure working gas inside the cavity to enter the gap between the flexible structure and the rigid part, thereby squeezing the flexible structure to achieve a seal between the two flanges.
[0045] The flexible structure has an axially extended portion at its end, which is inserted into the interior of the flange on the other side to further enhance the sealing effect.
[0046] Multiple sets of spaced screws 3 are provided between the first flange 1 and the second flange 4, and the screws 3 pass through the connection between the rigid part of the first flange 1 and / or the second flange 4 and the flexible structure.
[0047] The sealing ring 2 is made of soft metal, which can be squeezed and deformed to fill the groove between the first flange 1 and the second flange 4, ensuring a sealing effect.
[0048] The rigid portions of the first flange 1 and the second flange 4 are hard metal planar structures.
[0049] The first flange 1 and the second flange 4 are fixedly connected by screws 3. At this time, the cavity defined by the first housing and the second housing is sealed by screws 3.
[0050] At least one of the first flange 1 and the second flange 4 has a flexible structure with a reverse bend at the end of its flange face, and the flexible structure abuts against the flange face on the other side.
[0051] A sealing groove 5 is provided on the contact surface of the flexible structure, and a sealing ring 2 is provided in the sealing groove. When the cavity defined by the first shell and the second shell is filled with high-pressure helium, in addition to the bolt 3 applying pressure to the sealing surfaces of the first flange 1 and the second flange 4, the high-pressure gas inside simultaneously squeezes the flexible structure, thereby applying pressure to the soft metal sealing ring 2 at the sealing surfaces of the first flange 1 and the second flange 4, filling the grooves at the sealing surfaces, thereby achieving the function of sealing the high-pressure gas and preventing high-pressure helium from leaking to the outside of the cooling detector.
[0052] Where the structural dimensions allow, the flexible structure can be designed with angles, radii of curvature, etc., according to the size of the space. At the same time, where conditions permit, both the first flange 1 and the second flange 4 can be designed with this structure, using the pressure inside the sealing cavity to apply pressure to the sealing surface.
[0053] Among many metal sealing structures, this design can apply pressure to the sealing surfaces of the first flange 1 and the second flange 4 by means of the internal pressure of the sealing cavity, resisting the effects of vibration and temperature stress, improving environmental adaptability, and reducing the probability of seal failure.
[0054] Those skilled in the art should understand that the discussion of any of the above embodiments is merely exemplary and is not intended to imply that the scope of the present invention includes the claims being limited to these examples; within the framework of the present invention, the technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, the steps can be implemented in any order, and there are many other variations of the different aspects of the present invention as described above, which are not provided in the details for the sake of brevity.
[0055] This utility model is intended to cover all such substitutions, modifications, and variations that fall within the broad scope of the appended claims. Therefore, any omissions, modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A sealing structure for a Stirling refrigerator, characterized in that, include: The first flange (1) is connected to the first housing of the Stirling refrigeration unit; The second flange (4) is connected to the second housing of the Stirling refrigeration unit; The first flange (1) and the second flange (4) are connected to seal the cavity defined by the first housing and the second housing. At least one of the first flange (1) and the second flange (4) has a flexible structure with reverse bending at the end of the flange face. The flexible structure abuts against the flange face of the other flange. A sealing groove (5) is provided on the abutting surface of the flexible structure. A sealing ring (2) is provided in the sealing groove (5).
2. The sealing structure of the Stirling refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first flange (1) and the second flange (4) include rigid portions, and the flexible structure extends from the end of the rigid portion of the corresponding flange.
3. The sealing structure of the Stirling refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flexible structure of one of the first flange (1) and the second flange (4) abuts against the rigid part of the other flange or the flexible structure of the other flange.
4. The sealing structure of the Stirling refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flexible structure is inclined, and there is a gap between the flexible structure and the rigid part of the same flange, and the gap is in communication with the cavity.
5. The sealing structure of the Stirling refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flexible structure has an axially extended portion at its end, which is inserted into the interior of the flange on the other side.
6. The sealing structure of the Stirling refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, Multiple sets of spaced screws (3) are provided between the first flange (1) and the second flange (4), and the screws (3) pass through the connection between the rigid part of the first flange (1) and / or the second flange (4) and the flexible structure.
7. The sealing structure of the Stirling refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing ring (2) is made of soft metal.
8. The sealing structure of the Stirling refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rigid portions of the first flange (1) and the second flange (4) are hard metal planar structures.
9. A Stirling refrigerator, characterized in that, Includes the sealing structure as described in any one of claims 1-8.
10. A cooled infrared detector, characterized in that, Including the Stirling refrigerator as described in claim 9.