A controllable separation connecting piece with a small axial driving force

Abstract

The present invention relates to a controllable separation connecting piece with a small axial driving force. It includes a main body housing with a separation window in the middle of the front end wall and an open rear end. A separation moving shaft is installed in the inner cavity, and a spring is provided between the two. There is a front groove in the front part of the separation moving shaft and a connecting piece is installed, and a plurality of wedge blocks are provided between the connecting piece and the separation moving shaft; A separation fixed shaft is installed at the rear of the main body housing, with a pin hole in the middle and a retaining pin assembly installed. The front end of the separation fixed shaft is inserted into the rear groove of the separation moving shaft. There are a plurality of radial holes on the front side wall of the separation fixed shaft and moving blocks are provided. A fixed block is installed at the rear of the separation moving shaft, and the moving blocks are in conical surface fit with both the retaining pin assembly and the fixed block; A driving housing is installed at the rear of the main body housing, and a driving element is installed inside. The present invention requires a small driving force, has a high overload capacity, has a simple structure and low cost, has a high system reliability, is pollution-free, has no requirements for the installation environment, and can adapt to various working conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of aerospace connectors, and particularly relates to a controllable separation connector with a small axial driving force, which is applied to satellite-rocket separation and rocket body separation. Background Art

[0002] In the aerospace field, controllable separation connectors are usually applied to separable components of release devices, such as satellite-rocket separation, rocket stage separation, etc. By operating the connectors, the separation can be controlled to enable separable components such as satellites to be controllably separated from the main body. In the prior art, explosive bolts or pneumatic separation bolts are generally used to achieve the above-mentioned controllable separation effect. Among them, explosive bolts are equipped with explosives and igniters inside. When separating, the explosives are detonated to cut the shear lock or break along the bolt weakening groove to unlock the two separated bodies. There are many types of explosive bolts, mainly including slotted type, shear pin type, steel ball type explosive bolts and non-polluting explosive bolts, etc. Pneumatic separation bolts refer to bolts that use high-pressure gas source as power for separation actions.

[0003] Among them, explosive bolts have large separation impact and certain pollution to the environment. At the same time, the installation of explosive bolts requires the workshop to have certain qualifications. Pneumatic separation bolts require the installation of a complete set of gas circuits. At the same time, the synchronism is not good when multiple pneumatic separation nuts work simultaneously, and the pneumatic separation nut system needs to increase the gas circuit to reduce the system reliability. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and design a new type of controllable separation connector to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a controllable separation connector with a small axial driving force, which has a small required driving force, high overload capacity, simple structure, low cost, high system reliability, no pollution, and no requirement for the installation environment, in order to solve the technical problems existing in the known technology. This controllable separation connector can adapt to a variety of different working conditions.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the technical problems existing in the known art is as follows: A controllable separation connecting piece with a small axial driving force includes a main body housing with a separation window in the middle of the front end wall and an open rear end. A separation moving shaft is installed in the inner cavity of the main body housing. A spring is provided between the separation moving shaft and the main body housing. A front groove is provided at the front of the separation moving shaft, and a connecting piece is installed in the front groove. A plurality of wedge blocks are provided between the connecting piece and the separation moving shaft; A separation fixed shaft is installed at the rear of the main body housing. A pin hole is provided in the middle of the separation fixed shaft, and a retaining pin assembly is installed in the pin hole. The front end of the separation fixed shaft is inserted into the rear groove of the separation moving shaft. A plurality of radial holes are provided on the front side wall of the separation fixed shaft, and moving blocks are provided in each radial hole. A fixed block is installed at the rear of the separation moving shaft. The moving blocks are in tapered surface fit with both the retaining pin assembly and the fixed block; A driving housing is installed at the rear of the main body housing. A driving element is installed inside the driving housing. The telescopic end of the driving element abuts against the retaining pin assembly.

[0006] Preferably: The retaining pin assembly includes a retaining pin. An adjusting block is installed at the rear end of the retaining pin with a countersunk head screw. The pin hole in the middle of the separation fixed shaft has a T-shaped cross-section. The adjusting block is located in the groove at the rear end of the pin hole. The telescopic end of the driving element abuts against the outer end face of the adjusting block.

[0007] Preferably: The fixed block is installed and fixed on the separation moving shaft with a countersunk head screw. An aramid ring is also installed at the rear of the separation moving shaft. When the separation action occurs, the separation moving shaft moves backward until the aramid ring contacts the front part of the separation fixed shaft.

[0008] Preferably: The aramid ring is installed and fixed on the outside of each fixed block. The outer diameter of the aramid ring and the outer diameter of the rear part of the separation moving shaft are equal to the inner diameter of the main body housing.

[0009] Preferably: A plurality of connecting ear plates with connection holes are provided at the rear edge of the main body housing, and each connecting ear plate is fixedly connected to the rear edge of the separation fixed shaft with a countersunk head screw; A plurality of connecting ear plates with connection holes are provided at the front edge of the driving housing, and each connecting ear plate is fixedly connected to the rear edge of the separation fixed shaft with a countersunk head screw; The connecting ear plates of the main body housing and the driving housing are arranged alternately.

[0010] Preferably: The rear end of the driving housing is open and a driving baffle is installed and fixed with a countersunk head screw. The rear part of the driving element is installed and fixed on the driving baffle with a countersunk head screw.

[0011] Preferably: A plurality of mounting threaded holes are provided on the front end wall of the main body housing.

[0012] Preferably: The connecting piece is a separation bolt. Its end part is located in the front groove of the separation moving shaft, and the screw part passes through the separation window in the middle of the front end wall of the main body housing.

[0013] Preferably, the said connecting piece is a split nut which is located in the front groove of the split moving shaft.

[0014] The advantages and positive effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0015] The present invention provides a controllable separating connecting piece with a reasonable structural design and a small axial driving force. Compared with the existing separating connecting pieces, the separating connecting piece in the present invention adopts an electrically controlled driving element as the separating control element. When installed and used, it is connected to the system controller through a cable and receives the separating electrical signal instruction sent by the system controller. Therefore, compared with the existing pneumatic separating bolts, the controllable separating connecting piece in the present invention does not need to arrange a gas circuit control system, so the system reliability is high. At the same time, multiple separating connecting pieces can respond synchronously according to a unified separating control signal and generate separating actions synchronously.

[0016] Compared with the existing explosive bolt type separating connecting pieces, the separating connecting piece of the present invention does not generate separating impact, the action is simple, and it does not generate pollution to the environment such as smoke and fragments. Of course, there is no adverse impact on the separating process and separating equipment caused by the explosion vibration, explosion smoke and fragments of the existing explosive bolt type separating connecting pieces. Compared with the existing explosive bolt type separating connecting pieces, the controllable separating connecting piece in the present invention is simple to install, has a low construction cost, is reliable in operation, and does not require the production workshop to have specific qualifications.

[0017] The controllable separating connecting piece of the present invention has a high overload capacity in the axial direction and can produce a stable and reliable connection effect on the equipment. When performing the separating action, the driving element only needs to provide a small driving force to complete the retraction action of the telescopic end. Under the action of the spring and auxiliary components, the retaining pin assembly moves backward along the pin hole of the separating fixed shaft to complete the separating action. Therefore, the controllable separating connecting piece in the present invention is a separating connecting piece in the form of a small axial driving force. At the same time, according to different application scenarios, the connecting piece at the front of the separating moving shaft can be selected and set, so this controllable connecting piece can adapt to a variety of different working conditions. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 is an end structural schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 is an end structural schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] In the figures:

[0023] 1. Separation bolt; 2. Main body housing; 3. Wedge block; 4. Spring; 5. Separation moving shaft; 6. Fixed block; 7. Aramid ring; 8. Moving block; 9. Separation fixed shaft; 10. Stop pin; 11. Adjusting block; 12. Driving housing; 13. Driving element; 14. Driving baffle; 15. Separation nut. Detailed implementation mode

[0024] To further understand the content, features and effects of the present invention, the following embodiments are given for detailed description.

[0025] Embodiment 1

[0026] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the controllable separation connecting piece with a small axial driving force includes a main body housing 2 with a separation window in the middle of the front end wall and an open rear end. A separation moving shaft 5 is installed in the inner cavity of the main body housing 2. A spring 4 is arranged between the separation moving shaft 5 and the main body housing 2. A front groove is provided in the front part of the separation moving shaft 5, and a connecting piece is installed in the front groove. A plurality of wedge blocks 3 are arranged between the connecting piece and the separation moving shaft 5. The radial dimension of the connecting piece should be smaller than the radial dimension of the separation window at the front part of the main body housing 2. In this way, when the separation action is carried out, when the connecting piece is released, the whole connecting piece can be disengaged from the separation window.

[0027] Considering the requirements for installing and using this controllable separation connecting piece on the equipment body, in this embodiment, a plurality of installation threaded holes are provided on the front end wall of the main body housing 2. During installation, the front end of this controllable separation connecting piece is abutted against the equipment body, and then installation screws are screwed into the installation holes on the equipment body and the aforementioned installation threaded holes to complete the installation and fixation of this separation connecting piece on the equipment.

[0028] As shown in the figure, the cross-section of the separation moving shaft 5 is in a T shape. The spring 4 is sleeved on the outside of the front part of the separation moving shaft 5. Therefore, one end of the spring 4 abuts against the rear flange of the separation moving shaft 5, and the other end abuts against the inner surface of the front end wall of the main body housing 2. Thus, when the separation moving shaft 5 moves axially inside the main body housing 2, the spring 4 makes a telescopic movement. After this separation connecting piece is assembled, the spring 4 is in a compressed state, providing the elastic force required for the separation moving shaft 5 to perform the separation action.

[0029] As shown in the figure, the front groove of the separation moving shaft 5 is a flared conical groove, and the cross-section of the wedge block 3 is in a trapezoidal shape. Each wedge block 3 is located between the outer wall of the connecting piece and the inner wall of the separation moving shaft 5. In this way, when the separation moving shaft 5 moves forward and the spring 4 is further compressed, each wedge block 3 gathers inward and thus squeezes and fixes the connecting piece inside. At this time, the connecting piece cannot be disengaged from the separation window. When the separation moving shaft 5 moves backward and the spring 4 is further extended, each wedge block 3 spreads outward and thus releases the connecting piece. At this time, the connecting piece can be disengaged from the separation window.

[0030] In this embodiment, the aforementioned connecting member is a separating bolt 1, the end portion of which is located in the front groove of the separating moving shaft 5, and the screw portion passes through the separating window in the middle of the front end wall of the main body housing 2. Specifically, the end portion of the separating bolt 1 and each wedge block 3 are in tapered surface fit. As shown in the figure, due to the structural relationship of the tapered surface fit, when the wedge blocks 3 move inward to gather, the end portion of the separating bolt 1 is limited between the wedge blocks 3 and cannot escape. Only when the wedge blocks 3 move outward a certain distance, the end portion of the separating bolt 1 is released.

[0031] A separating fixed shaft 9 is installed at the rear of the main body housing 2. A pin hole is provided in the middle of the separating fixed shaft 9 and a retaining pin assembly is installed in the pin hole. The front end of the separating fixed shaft 9 is inserted into the rear groove of the separating moving shaft 5. A plurality of radial holes are provided in the front side wall of the separating fixed shaft 9 and moving blocks 8 are provided in each radial hole. A fixed block 6 is installed at the rear of the separating moving shaft 5. The moving blocks 8 and the retaining pin assembly and the fixed block 6 are all in tapered surface fit.

[0032] The function of the retaining pin assembly is to radially push out each moving block 8. When each moving block 8 is pushed outwards, the fixed blocks 6 at the rear of the separating moving shaft 5 abut against each moving block 8, so that the separating moving shaft 5 cannot move backward. When the retaining pin assembly moves backward, due to the tapered surface fit relationship with the front ends of the moving blocks 8, under the elastic force of the spring 4, the separating moving shaft 5 squeezes each moving block 8 inward through its fixed block 6, and then each moving block 8 synchronously moves inward along the radial direction until it completely retracts into the radial hole. After that, the blocking effect on the separating moving shaft 5 and its attached components disappears.

[0033] In this embodiment, the retaining pin assembly includes a retaining pin 10. An adjusting block 11 is installed at the rear end of the retaining pin 10 by a countersunk head screw. The pin hole in the middle of the separating fixed shaft 9 has a T-shaped cross-section, and the adjusting block 11 is located in the groove at the rear end of the pin hole.

[0034] As shown in the figure, the inner side wall of the fixed block 6 is a tapered surface, the outer side wall and the inner side wall of the moving block 8 are both tapered surfaces, and the front part of the retaining pin 10 is in a conical shape. When the retaining pin 10 moves forward, each moving block 8 moves outward synchronously. When the retaining pin 10 moves backward, each moving block 8 moves inward synchronously under the external extrusion.

[0035] In this embodiment, each fixed block 6 is fixedly installed on the separating moving shaft 5 by a countersunk head screw. An aramid ring 7 is also installed at the rear of the separating moving shaft 5. When the separating action occurs, the separating moving shaft 5 moves backward until the aramid ring 7 contacts the front part of the separating fixed shaft. The aramid ring 7 is a flat annular body made of aramid material, and its function is as follows: when the separating action of this controllable separating connector occurs, due to the disappearance of the blocking effect on the separating moving shaft 5, under the elastic force of the spring 4, the separating moving shaft 5 moves backward and strikes the separating fixed shaft 9. Setting the aramid ring 7 can play an energy absorption role, avoid excessive vibration during the separating action, and at the same time reduce the noise generated by the separating action.

[0036] The aramid ring 7 can be fixedly connected to the separating moving shaft 5 in forms such as bonding. Further, the aramid ring 7 is installed and fixed on the outside of each fixed block 6. The outer diameter of the aramid ring 7 and the outer diameter of the rear part of the separating moving shaft 5 are equal to the inner diameter of the main body housing 2. The above-mentioned dimensional matching relationship can improve the stability of the separating moving shaft 5 and its attached components during the separating action. To ensure that the aramid ring 7 contacts the separating fixed shaft 9 before the separating moving shaft 5 and its respective fixed blocks 6, the thickness of the aramid ring 7 is made larger than the thickness of each fixed block 6.

[0037] A driving housing 12 is installed at the rear of the main body housing 2. A driving element 13 is installed inside the driving housing 12. The telescopic end of the driving element 13 abuts against the retaining pin assembly. Specifically, the telescopic end of the driving element 13 abuts against the outer end face of the adjusting block 11. The driving housing 12 provides a protective effect on the driving element 13. When the telescopic end of the driving element 13 extends, the retaining pin assembly is limited in the pin hole of the separating fixed shaft 9. When the telescopic end of the driving element 13 retracts, the limiting effect on the retaining pin assembly disappears. Then, the retaining pin assembly moves backward under the extrusion action, and during the movement, the telescopic end of the driving element 13 remains in contact with the adjusting block 11. The driving element 13 can be selected as an electric push rod. The driving element 13 is connected to the control system by a cable and receives a separation electric signal. After receiving the separation electric signal, the piston rod of the electric push rod retracts to release the retaining pin assembly.

[0038] In this embodiment, the rear end of the driving housing 12 is open and a driving baffle 14 is installed and fixed by a countersunk head screw. The rear part of the driving element 13 is installed and fixed on the driving baffle 14 by a countersunk head screw.

[0039] Further, a plurality of operation holes for operating electric tools are provided on the driving baffle 14. Correspondingly, a plurality of axially penetrating process threaded holes axially aligned with the respective operation holes are provided on the separating fixed shaft 9, and a strip hole is provided on the outer wall of the driving housing 12. When assembling this separating connector, since the spring needs to be pre-tensioned first before assembling the retaining pin assembly, the driving housing 12 and the driving element 13, long screws are first installed into the aforementioned process threaded holes. The front end of the long screw abuts against the rear part of the separating moving shaft 5. Then, the separating fixed shaft 9 is assembled with the main body housing 2, and then the driving housing 12 and the driving element 13 are assembled. Then, the long screws are disassembled by using tools through the operation holes, and the long screws are discharged from the strip hole on the side wall of the driving housing 12.

[0040] The main body housing 2, the driving housing 12, and the separating fixed shaft 9 are assembled in the following manner:

[0041] A plurality of connecting ear plates with connecting holes are provided at the rear edge of the main body housing 2, and each connecting ear plate is fixedly connected to the rear edge of the separating fixed shaft 9 by a countersunk head screw; a plurality of connecting ear plates with connecting holes are provided at the front edge of the driving housing 12, and each connecting ear plate is fixedly connected to the rear edge of the separating fixed shaft 9 by a countersunk head screw; the connecting ear plates of the main body housing 2 and the driving housing 2 are arranged staggeredly, and the main body housing 2 and the driving housing 2 together constitute the outer housing of this controllable separating connector.

[0042] Embodiment 2

[0043] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the connector used in the controllable separating connector with a small axial driving force in this embodiment is different from the separating bolt 1 in Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the connector is a separating nut 15, and the separating nut 15 is located in the front groove of the separating moving shaft 5.

[0044] As shown in the figure, the outer side wall of the separating nut 15 is a conical surface and is cooperatively connected with each wedge block 3. When each wedge block 3 moves inward, the separating nut 15 is restricted in the middle and cannot escape. When each wedge block 3 moves outward, the squeezing and restricting effect on the separating nut 5 disappears, and the separating nut 15 can escape from the front separating window.

[0045] Assembly method:

[0046] Install each fixed block 6 and aramid ring 7 at the rear of the separating moving shaft 5. Then, set a spring on the separating moving shaft 5. In the inverted state, set the wedge block 3 and the connecting piece in the front groove of the separating moving shaft 5. Then, sleeved the main body housing 2 on the aforementioned assembly. Then, install the separating fixed shaft 9 at the rear of the main body housing 2. The front part of the separating fixed shaft 9 should be inserted into the rear groove of the separating moving shaft 5. After fixing and connecting the separating fixed shaft 9 and the main body housing 2 with multiple countersunk screws, install long screws into each process threaded hole of the separating fixed shaft 9. The long screws push the separating moving shaft 5 forward until the front end of the separating moving shaft 5 contacts the front end wall of the main body housing 2. During this process, the spring 4 is further compressed. If the separating bolt 1 is used as the connecting piece, the screw part of the separating bolt 1 passes through the separating window. Then, place each moving block 8 into the square hole on the front side wall of the separating fixed shaft 9. Then, combine the retaining pin assembly and place it into the pin hole of the separating fixed shaft 9.

[0047] Then, assemble the driving element 13 and the driving baffle 14. Then, install the aforementioned assembly into the driving housing 12. Then, fixedly connect the driving housing 12 and the separating fixed shaft 9. At this time, the movable end of the driving element 13 abuts against the retaining pin assembly. Then, use a tool to pass through the operation hole to remove each long screw. The long screws are discharged from the strip-shaped hole on the side wall of the driving housing 12.

[0048] Usage method:

[0049] Fix and install this separating connecting piece to the equipment body with multiple screws. If the separating bolt 1 is used as the connecting piece, there is a corresponding external nut to cooperate with it. If the separating nut 15 is used as the connecting piece, there is a corresponding external bolt to cooperate with it.

[0050] The driving element 13 is connected to the system controller through a cable. When a separation action needs to be performed, the driving element 13 receives a separation control electrical signal from the system controller. The movable end of the driving element 13 moves backward a set distance. During this process, the spring 4 forces the separating moving shaft 5 to have a tendency to move backward. Each fixed block 6 squeezes each moving block 8 inward. Each moving block 8 squeezes the internal retaining pin 10. Therefore, the entire retaining pin assembly moves backward. When each moving block 8 is completely retracted into the square hole on the side wall of the separating fixed shaft 9, the axial limiting effect on the separating moving shaft 5 disappears. Then, under the elastic force of the spring 4, the separating moving shaft 5 moves backward until it stops when the aramid ring 7 contacts the separating fixed shaft 9. During this process, the front part of the separating fixed shaft 9 is more embedded in the rear groove of the separating moving shaft 5. The separating moving shaft 5 moves backward a certain distance, and the limiting effect on each front wedge block 3 disappears. Then, each wedge block 3 moves outward. Furthermore, the limiting effect on the connecting piece disappears. Then, the connecting piece disengages from the front groove of the separating moving shaft 5 and exits through the front separating window, completing the separation action.

Claims

1. A controllable separation connecting piece with a small axial driving force, characterized in that: A main body housing (2) with a separation window provided in the middle of the front wall and an open rear end. A separation moving shaft (5) is installed in the inner cavity of the main body housing (2). A spring (4) is provided between the separation moving shaft (5) and the main body housing (2). A front groove is provided in the front part of the separation moving shaft (5), and a connecting member is installed in the front groove. A plurality of wedge blocks (3) are provided between the connecting member and the separation moving shaft (5); A separation fixed shaft (9) is installed at the rear of the main body housing (2). A pin hole is provided in the middle of the separation fixed shaft (9), and a retaining pin assembly is installed in the pin hole. The front end of the separation fixed shaft (9) is inserted into the rear groove of the separation moving shaft (5). A plurality of radial holes are provided in the front side wall of the separation fixed shaft (9), and moving blocks (8) are provided in each radial hole. A fixed block (6) is installed at the rear of the separation moving shaft (5). The moving blocks (8) are in tapered surface fit with both the retaining pin assembly and the fixed block (6); A driving housing (12) is installed at the rear of the main body housing (2). A driving element (13) is installed inside the driving housing (12), and the telescopic end of the driving element (13) abuts against the retaining pin assembly.

2. The controllable separation connecting piece with a small axial driving force according to claim 1, characterized in that: The retaining pin assembly includes a retaining pin (10). An adjusting block (11) is installed at the rear end of the retaining pin (10) with a countersunk screw. The pin hole in the middle of the separation fixed shaft (9) has a T-shaped cross-section. The adjusting block (11) is located in the groove at the rear end of the pin hole. The telescopic end of the driving element (13) abuts against the outer end face of the adjusting block (11).

3. The controllable separation connecting piece with small axial driving force according to claim 2, characterized in that: The fixed block (6) is installed and fixed on the separation moving shaft (5) with a countersunk screw. An aramid ring (7) is also installed at the rear of the separation moving shaft (5). When the separation action occurs, the separation moving shaft (5) moves backward until the aramid ring (7) contacts the front part of the separation fixed shaft (9).

4. The controllable separation connecting piece with small axial driving force according to claim 3, wherein: The aramid ring (7) is installed and fixed on the outside of each fixed block (6). The outer diameter dimension of the aramid ring (7) and the outer diameter dimension of the rear part of the separation moving shaft (5) are equal to the inner diameter dimension of the main body housing (2).

5. The controllable separation connecting piece with a small axial driving force according to claim 4, characterized in that: A plurality of connecting ear plates with connection holes are provided at the rear edge of the main body housing (2), and each connecting ear plate is fixedly connected to the rear edge of the separation fixed shaft (9) with a countersunk screw; A plurality of connecting ear plates with connection holes are provided at the front edge of the driving housing (12), and each connecting ear plate is fixedly connected to the rear edge of the separation fixed shaft (9) with a countersunk screw; The connecting ear plates of the main body housing (2) and the driving housing (12) are arranged staggeredly.

6. The controllable separation connecting piece with a small axial driving force according to claim 5, characterized in that: The rear end of the driving housing (12) is open, and a driving baffle (14) is installed and fixed with a countersunk screw. The rear part of the driving element (13) is installed and fixed on the driving baffle (14) with a countersunk screw.

7. The controllable separation connecting piece with small axial driving force according to claim 6, characterized in that: A plurality of mounting threaded holes are provided on the front wall of the main body housing (2).

8. The controllable separation connecting piece with small axial driving force according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The connecting member is a separation bolt (1). Its end part is located in the front groove of the separation moving shaft (5), and the screw part passes through the separation window in the middle of the front wall of the main body housing (2).

9. The controllable separation connecting piece with small axial driving force according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The connecting member is a separation nut (15). The separation nut (15) is located in the front groove of the separation moving shaft (5).

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