A multifunctional space cargo transport aircraft

Abstract

The present invention discloses a multifunctional space cargo transport aircraft, comprising: a sealed cabin for loading ascending cargo; an unsealed cabin connected to the sealed cabin and used for loading platform equipment; a multifunctional cabin connected to the sealed cabin, wherein the unsealed cabin surrounds the multifunctional cabin. The present invention configures different multifunctional cabins on the space cargo transport aircraft, thereby realizing functions such as cargo return, on-orbit space expansion, and cargo entering and exiting the sealed cabin while transporting cargo ascending. When the multifunctional cabin is not configured, it is also possible to ascend extravehicular maintenance equipment or test loads, thereby realizing the simultaneous ascending of sealed cabin cargo and unsealed cabin cargo, thereby improving the comprehensive mission efficiency of the space cargo transport aircraft.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of manned space technology, and mainly to a multifunctional space cargo transport aircraft. Background Art

[0002] With the development of human space exploration technology, the development and maintenance of space stations has become a popular issue. Among them, how to realize space cargo transportation has become an urgent problem to be solved. People have invented space cargo transportation aircraft in the hope of realizing uplink cargo transportation to the space station, storing materials in orbit, and taking waste away from the space station. However, the existing cargo transportation aircraft mainly transports uplink cargo, and its functions are relatively single. It cannot realize all functions such as space cargo transportation, conducting in-orbit tests, and carrying some cargo back to Earth. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes a multifunctional space cargo transport aircraft, which can realize the functions of uplink cargo transportation to the space station, on-orbit storage of materials, and taking waste away from the space station.

[0004] The multifunctional space cargo transport aircraft according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a sealed cabin for loading upward cargo; an unsealed cabin connected to the sealed cabin and used for loading platform equipment; and a multifunctional cabin connected to the sealed cabin, wherein the unsealed cabin surrounds the multifunctional cabin.

[0005] By configuring different multifunctional cabins for space cargo transport aircraft, cargo return, on-orbit space expansion, and cargo entry and exit from sealed cabins can be realized while cargo is transported upward. When the multifunctional cabin is not configured, it is also possible to transport extravehicular maintenance equipment or test loads upward, and realize the simultaneous upward transport of sealed cabin cargo and non-sealed cabin cargo, thus improving the comprehensive mission efficiency of space cargo transport aircraft.

[0006] In some embodiments, the sealed cabin is disposed on the upper portion of the aircraft, and a docking mechanism is disposed at the front end of the sealed cabin for docking with a target aircraft.

[0007] In some embodiments, the front end of the non-sealed cabin is connected to the sealed cabin, and the rear end is connected to the launch vehicle.

[0008] In some embodiments, the sealed cabin includes a front cone, a rear cone and a columnar middle portion; the docking mechanism is arranged on the front end frame of the front cone, and the multifunctional cabin is connected to the rear end frame of the rear cone; the interior of the columnar middle portion is used to load upstream cargo, and the outer surface of the columnar middle portion is provided with a body-mounted solar cell array or an expandable solar cell wing.

[0009] Furthermore, the non-sealed cabin is a central load-bearing cylinder structure, including an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder and a vertical plate, wherein the inner cylinder is used to provide an installation space for the multi-functional cabin; the outer cylinder is used to connect the sealed cabin and is adapted to the columnar middle portion; and the vertical plate is used for platform equipment installation.

[0010] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the outer cylinder is provided with a body-mounted solar cell array or an unfolded solar cell wing.

[0011] In some embodiments, the multifunctional cabin is a cargo return cabin, which is used to transport the cargo to be descended back to the ground. The cargo return cabin is released at an appropriate time after separation from the target aircraft and autonomously returns to the predetermined landing area.

[0012] In some embodiments, the multifunctional cabin is an inflatable cabin used for storing waste or temporary storage of cargo in transit. The inflatable cabin is in a folded state during launch and is inflated and expanded after docking with the target aircraft to form a whole with the sealed cabin.

[0013] In some embodiments, the multifunctional cabin is an airlock cabin, which is used for cargo to enter and exit the sealed cabin or to conduct an on-orbit exposure test outside the cabin. The airlock cabin is equipped with a hatch opening and closing device, which is used to control the opening and closing of the front hatch and the rear hatch of the airlock cabin. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0015] Figure 1 An overall schematic diagram of a multifunctional space cargo transport aircraft provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a sealed cabin of a multifunctional space cargo transport aircraft provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a non-sealed cabin of a multifunctional space cargo transport aircraft provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a cargo return capsule configured for a multifunctional space cargo transport aircraft provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an inflatable cabin configured for a multifunctional space cargo transport aircraft provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 6A schematic diagram of an airlock cabin configured for the multifunctional space cargo transport aircraft provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Reference numerals:

[0022] Multifunctional cargo transport aircraft 100; sealed cabin 10; front cone 11; rear cone 12; columnar middle part 13; non-sealed cabin 20; inner tube 21; outer tube 22; vertical plate 23; multifunctional cabin 30; cargo return cabin 31; inflatable cabin 32; airlock cabin 33; front cabin door 331; rear cabin door 332. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The description of the embodiments of this specification should be combined with the corresponding drawings, which should be considered as part of the complete specification. In the drawings, the shape or thickness of the embodiments may be enlarged and indicated for simplification or convenience. Furthermore, the parts of each structure in the drawings will be described separately. It is worth noting that the elements not shown in the drawings or not described in words are in a form known to ordinary technicians in the relevant technical field.

[0024] The description of the embodiments herein and any reference to directions and orientations are only for the convenience of description and are not to be construed as any limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention. The following description of the preferred embodiments may involve combinations of features, which may exist independently or in combination, and the present invention is not particularly limited to the preferred embodiments. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims.

[0025] Reference below Figure 1-Figure 6 , describing a multifunctional space cargo transport vehicle 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] The multifunctional space cargo transport aircraft 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, it includes: a sealed cabin 10, a non-sealed cabin 20 and a multi-functional cabin 30.

[0027] The sealed cabin 10 is formed with an inner cavity for loading ascending cargo, wherein the front end of the sealed cabin 10 is docked with the target aircraft, and the ascending cargo is transported from the sealed cabin 10 into the target aircraft, thereby realizing the transportation function of the cargo transport aircraft 100 .

[0028] The non-sealed cabin 20 is connected to the sealed cabin 10 and connected to the rear end of the sealed cabin 10. The non-sealed cabin 2010 is used to load the platform equipment, and the platform equipment is used to ensure the normal operation of the cargo transport aircraft 100 and provide driving force and control for the cargo transport aircraft 100. The non-sealed cabin 2010 is connected to the sealed cabin 10 and can also provide protection for the sealed cabin 10, so that the sealing performance of the sealed cabin 10 is improved.

[0029] The multifunctional cabin 30 is connected to the sealed cabin 10, and the non-sealed cabin 2010 surrounds the multifunctional cabin 30. The multifunctional cabin 30 is inside the non-sealed cabin 2010 and does not occupy the space of the sealed cabin 10, thereby ensuring that the space of the sealed cabin 10 is larger.

[0030] It is understandable that when the cargo transport aircraft 100 docks with the target aircraft, only the cargo uplink function is performed, and functions such as conducting on-orbit tests and returning cargo to Earth cannot be realized.

[0031] The present application provides a method of realizing different expansion functions while transporting cargo upward by configuring different multifunctional cabins 30. The multifunctional cabin 30 is inside the non-sealed cabin 20 and does not occupy the space of the sealed cabin 10. When the multifunctional cabin 30 is not configured, it is also possible to perform maintenance of equipment or test loads outside the cabin, and realize the simultaneous upward transport of cargo in the sealed cabin 10 and cargo in the non-sealed cabin 20. The surface of the multifunctional space cargo transport aircraft 100 can be configured with a body-mounted solar array or an unfolded solar wing, which can provide power for the cargo transport aircraft 100.

[0032] In summary, by configuring different multifunctional cabins 30 on the space cargo transport aircraft 100, while transporting cargo upward, functions such as cargo return, on-orbit space expansion, and cargo entering and exiting the sealed cabin 10 can be realized. When the multifunctional cabin 30 is not configured, it is also possible to perform equipment maintenance or test loads outside the cabin, and realize the simultaneous upward movement of cargo in the sealed cabin 10 and cargo in the non-sealed cabin 20, thereby improving the comprehensive mission efficiency of the space cargo transport aircraft 100.

[0033] In some embodiments, the sealed cabin 10 is arranged on the upper part of the aircraft, and a docking mechanism is provided at the front end of the sealed cabin 10 for docking with the target aircraft to form a docking channel. The cargo in the cargo transport aircraft 100 can go up into the target aircraft through the docking channel, and the items inside the target aircraft can also enter the cargo transport aircraft 100 through the docking channel, so that the target aircraft and the cargo transport aircraft 100 can exchange cargo.

[0034] In some embodiments, the front end of the non-sealed cabin 20 is connected to the sealed cabin 10, and the rear end is connected to the launch vehicle. The non-sealed cabin 20 is mainly loaded with platform equipment such as power supply, propulsion, control, and information to control and drive the cargo transport aircraft 100. At the same time, the non-sealed cabin 20 can provide installation space for the multi-functional cabin 30. The non-sealed cabin 20 can be installed with a body-mounted solar cell array or a deployable solar cell wing to provide power for the cargo transport aircraft 100.

[0035] In some embodiments, Figure 2As shown, the sealed cabin 10 includes: a front cone 11 and a rear cone 12 for carrying, a docking mechanism is arranged at the front end frame of the front cone 11, and a multifunctional cabin 30 is connected to the rear end frame of the rear cone 12. Both the front cone 11 and the rear cone 12 are open in design and can penetrate the entire sealed cabin 10.

[0036] The sealed cabin 10 also includes a columnar middle portion 13, the interior of the columnar middle portion 13 is used to load upward cargo, and the outer surface of the columnar middle portion 13 is provided with a body-mounted solar cell array or an unfolded solar cell wing for providing electricity for the aircraft.

[0037] Furthermore, the non-sealed cabin 20 is a central load-bearing cylinder structure, such as Figure 3 As shown, it includes an inner tube 21, an outer tube 22 and a vertical plate 23. The front end of the outer tube 22 is used to connect the sealed cabin 10 and is adapted to the columnar middle part 13. The outer surface of the outer tube 22 of the non-sealed cabin 20 is connected to the outer surface of the cylindrical section of the sealed cabin 10, so that the connection between the non-sealed cabin 20 and the sealed cabin 10 is more stable.

[0038] On the other hand, the rear end of the outer tube 22 is connected to the launch vehicle. The interior of the inner tube 21 provides installation space for the multifunctional cabin 30. The outer side of the outer tube 22 of the non-sealed cabin 20 can be installed with a body-mounted solar cell array or a deployable solar cell wing, so that the aircraft can collect and utilize solar energy and convert the solar energy into electrical energy to supply the cargo transport aircraft 100, so that the equipment in the cargo transport aircraft 100 can operate normally.

[0039] The vertical plate 23 is disposed between the inner cylinder 21 and the outer cylinder 22, connecting the inner cylinder 21 and the outer cylinder 22, supporting the inner cylinder 21 and the outer cylinder 22, and preventing the inner cylinder 21 and the outer cylinder 22 from deformation and dislocation. Figure 2 The case of four vertical plates 23 is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In actual use, the number of vertical plates 23 can be increased or decreased according to actual conditions.

[0040] Furthermore, the multifunctional cabin 30 is cylindrical and connected to the rear end of the sealed cabin 10. The connection occupies the internal space of the non-sealed cabin 20 but does not occupy the space of the sealed cabin 10, thereby enabling the sealed cabin 10 to have a wider space.

[0041] In some embodiments, Figure 4As shown, the multifunctional cabin 30 is a cargo return cabin 31, which is used to transport the cargo to be descended back to the ground. The cargo return cabin 31 is composed of a heat protection structure, a cargo loading structure and an electronic system. The heat protection structure can protect the cargo return cabin 31 during the process of the cargo return cabin 31 falling back to the ground, and prevent the heat generated by the friction with the air from damaging the cargo return cabin 31. The descending cargo can be placed on the cargo loading structure, and the electronic system is used to monitor and control the cargo return cabin 31. The cargo return cabin 31 ascends with the multifunctional space cargo transport aircraft 100. During the docking at the target aircraft, the astronauts can install the cargo to be descended into the cargo return cabin 31, and use the cargo return cabin 31 to transport the cargo to be descended back to the ground.

[0042] The cargo return capsule 31 may not be equipped with an attitude and orbit control system. The cargo return capsule 31 is provided with attitude and orbit adjustment control during the return process by the multifunctional space cargo transport aircraft 100, and then separated after the braking is completed. An attitude and orbit control system may also be configured. After the cargo return capsule 31 separates from the multifunctional space cargo transport aircraft 100, the attitude and orbit control system autonomously provides the cargo return capsule 31 with attitude and orbit adjustment control during the return process.

[0043] In some embodiments, Figure 5 As shown, the multifunctional cabin 30 is an inflatable cabin 32, which is used to store waste or temporarily store cargo in transit. The inflatable cabin 32 is composed of an airbag, an inflating device, etc. During launch, the inflatable cabin 32 is in a folded state. As the multifunctional space cargo transport aircraft 100 ascends and docks with the target aircraft, the inflating device inflates the airbag, and the airbag supports the inflatable cabin 32 to unfold and form a whole with the sealed cabin 10. The space of the sealed cabin 10 formed after the inflatable cabin 32 is unfolded can be used as a dedicated waste placement area, and can also be used for temporary storage of cargo in transit. After the inflatable cabin 32 is unfolded, the space of the sealed cabin 10 of the multifunctional space cargo transport aircraft 100 is effectively expanded, and at the same time, the aircraft's ability to descend waste is improved.

[0044] In some embodiments, Figure 6 As shown, the multifunctional cabin 30 is an airlock cabin 33, which is used for cargo to enter and exit the sealed cabin 10 or to conduct extravehicular exposure tests in orbit. The airlock cabin 33 ascends with the space cargo transport aircraft 100, and the airlock cabin 33 is composed of a front door 331 and a rear door 332, wherein the front door 331 and the rear door 332 can be opened and closed automatically or manually. The front door 331 separates the airlock cabin 33 from the sealed cabin 10, and the rear door 332 separates the airlock cabin 33 from the outside world. During the docking of the target aircraft, cargo can be transported in and out of the sealed cabin 10 with the cooperation of astronauts or robotic arms. Extravehicular exposure tests can be conducted in orbit through the airlock cabin 33, and the test samples can be recovered after the experiment. At the same time, the airlock cabin 33 can also be deployed to launch micro-satellites, cubic satellites, etc.

[0045] Furthermore, the airlock 33 is provided with a door opening and closing device for controlling the opening and closing of the front door 331 and the rear door 332 of the airlock 33. By providing the door opening and closing device, the front and rear doors 332 can be opened and closed at any time, which is convenient for astronauts or mechanical arms to transport cargo in and out of the sealed cabin 10, conduct extravehicular experiments, or deploy and launch microsatellites, cubic satellites, etc. The door opening and closing device can be a pressure relief device, which can not only realize the opening and closing of the front door 331 and the rear door 332, but also improve the airtightness of the airlock 33.

[0046] It can be understood that when the spacecraft is launched, the upward cargo is loaded in the sealed cabin 10, the multifunctional cabin 30 is connected to the rear end frame of the rear cone 12 of the sealed cabin 10, and is fixed in the central load-bearing cylinder of the non-sealed cabin 20, and is launched into orbit with the space cargo transport spacecraft 100. After entering orbit, the cargo transport spacecraft 100 completes rendezvous and docking with the target spacecraft autonomously or under ground control. After the docking is completed, the astronauts enter the sealed cabin 10 through the docking mechanism at the front end of the space cargo transport spacecraft 100 to pick up and place cargo and transfer waste. According to the different configurations of the multifunctional cabin 30, the astronauts perform different operations.

[0047] If a cargo return capsule 31 is configured, the astronauts will install the cargo to be sent down into the cargo return capsule 31. After the multifunctional space cargo transport aircraft 100 separates from the target aircraft, the cargo return capsule 31 will be released at an appropriate time. The cargo return capsule 31 will return to the predetermined landing area autonomously. If an inflatable capsule 32 is configured, the inflatable capsule 32 will be inflated and expanded after the docking is completed, forming a whole with the sealed capsule 10. The space of the sealed capsule 10 formed after the inflatable capsule 32 is expanded can be used as a special waste placement area, and can also be used for temporary storage of cargo transfer. If an airlock capsule 33 is configured, astronauts can conduct extravehicular exposure tests in orbit and recover test samples, and deploy and launch microsatellites, cubic satellites, etc.

[0048] When the cargo transport aircraft 100 separates from the target aircraft, the multifunctional cabin 30 separates from the target aircraft along with the space cargo transport aircraft 100. After separation, the multifunctional space cargo transport aircraft 100 actively leaves the orbit autonomously or under ground control, and falls in a predetermined area in a controlled manner.

[0049] It is worth noting that the multifunctional cabin 30 is not limited to the above-mentioned forms. In actual use, the multifunctional cabin 30 can be modified according to the actual situation. The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multifunctional space cargo transport aircraft, characterized in that: include: A sealed cabin (10) for loading upward cargo; A non-sealed cabin (20), connected to the sealed cabin (10) and used for loading platform equipment; A multifunctional cabin (30) connected to the sealed cabin (10), wherein the non-sealed cabin (20) surrounds the multifunctional cabin (30); The sealed cabin (10) is arranged on the upper part of the aircraft, and a docking mechanism is arranged at the front end of the sealed cabin (10) for docking with a target aircraft; The front end of the non-sealed cabin (20) is connected to the sealed cabin (10), and the rear end is connected to the carrier rocket; The sealed cabin (10) comprises a front cone (11), a rear cone (12) and a columnar middle portion (13); the docking mechanism is arranged at the front end frame of the front cone (11), and the multifunctional cabin (30) is connected to the rear end frame of the rear cone (12); the interior of the columnar middle portion (13) is used to load upward cargo, and the outer surface of the columnar middle portion (13) is provided with a body-mounted solar cell array or a deployable solar cell wing; The non-sealed cabin (20) is a central load-bearing cylinder structure, comprising an inner cylinder (21), an outer cylinder (22) and a vertical plate (23); the inner cylinder (21) is used to provide an installation space for the multifunctional cabin (30); the outer cylinder (22) is used to connect the sealed cabin (10) and is adapted to the columnar middle portion (13); the vertical plate (23) is used to install platform equipment; The outer surface of the outer cylinder (22) is provided with a body-mounted solar cell array or an unfolded solar cell wing.

2. The multifunctional space cargo transport aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multifunctional cabin (30) is a cargo return cabin (31) used to transport cargo to be transported down to the ground. The cargo return cabin (31) is released at an appropriate time after being separated from the target aircraft, and autonomously returns to a predetermined landing area.

3. The multifunctional space cargo transport aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multifunctional cabin (30) is an inflatable cabin (32) used for storing waste or temporarily storing goods in transit. The inflatable cabin (32) is in a folded state during launch and is inflated and unfolded after docking with the target aircraft to form a whole with the sealed cabin (10).

4. The multifunctional space cargo transport aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multifunctional cabin (30) is an airlock cabin (33) used for cargo to enter and exit the sealed cabin (10) or to conduct an out-of-cabin exposure test on orbit; The airlock cabin (33) is provided with a door opening and closing device, which is used to control the opening and closing of a front door (331) and a rear door (332) of the airlock cabin (33).

Images