Axial position adjustable discharge chamber magnetic pole structure of ion thruster

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of space electric propulsion, in particular to an ion thruster axial position-adjustable discharge chamber magnetic pole structure, which comprises a discharge chamber and a magnetic pole. The discharge chamber comprises a conical section and a cylindrical section. A first driving mounting seat is arranged around the top of the conical section, and a second driving mounting seat and a guide rail are arranged on the outer wall of the cylindrical section. The magnetic pole comprises a first magnetic pole, a second magnetic pole and a third magnetic pole. The first magnetic pole is connected with the first driving mounting seat through a first driving assembly, is sleeved around the top of the conical section, the second magnetic pole is connected with one end of the second driving mounting seat through a second driving assembly, is sleeved around one end of the cylindrical section, and the third magnetic pole is connected with the other end of the second driving mounting seat through a third driving assembly, and is sleeved around the other end of the cylindrical section. The driving assembly and the guide rail are arranged on the outer wall of the discharge chamber, the magnetic pole is axially moved along the outer wall surface guide rail of the discharge chamber, and the adjustment of the internal magnetic field of the ion thruster is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of aerospace electric propulsion technology, and more specifically, to a magnetic pole structure for an ion thruster with an adjustable axial position discharge chamber. Background Technology

[0002] The discharge chamber of the ion thruster generates ions, and the ion thruster mainly relies on the electrostatic acceleration of the extracted ions to work. The hollow cathode of the ion thruster generates primary electrons in the discharge chamber. Under the action of the electromagnetic field, the primary electrons ionize the neutral atoms in the discharge chamber, thereby forming plasma in the discharge chamber.

[0003] The magnetic field inside the discharge chamber is generated by multiple magnetic poles. Existing ion thruster magnetic poles are fixed structures with non-adjustable positions. For ion thrusters requiring multiple operating points, on-orbit applications cannot achieve matching of the discharge chamber magnetic field configuration and strength with the electro-pneumatic input parameters of the multi-mode ion thruster. Ground-based development and testing also cannot quickly optimize the discharge chamber magnetic field design. To meet the requirements of multi-mode ion thrusters, shorten the thruster iteration optimization development cycle, and reduce costs, it is essential to develop a discharge chamber magnetic pole structure with adjustable axial position for ion thrusters. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides an axially adjustable discharge chamber magnetic pole structure for an ion thruster, which adjusts the magnetic field configuration of the discharge chamber by adjusting the position of the magnetic poles.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides an axially adjustable discharge chamber magnetic pole structure for an ion thruster, comprising a discharge chamber and magnetic poles arranged around the outer wall of the discharge chamber. The discharge chamber includes a conical section and a cylindrical section. A first drive mounting seat is arranged around the top of the conical section, and a second drive mounting seat and a guide rail are arranged around the outer wall of the cylindrical section. The magnetic poles include a first magnetic pole, a second magnetic pole, and a third magnetic pole. The first magnetic pole is connected to the first drive mounting seat via a first drive assembly and is sleeved around the top of the conical section. The second magnetic pole is connected to one end of the second drive mounting seat via a second drive assembly and is sleeved around one end of the cylindrical section. The third magnetic pole is connected to the other end of the second drive mounting seat via a third drive assembly and is sleeved around the other end of the cylindrical section.

[0006] Furthermore, the first drive assembly, the second drive assembly, and the third drive assembly are all composed of an upper base, a telescopic rod, and a lower base. The telescopic rod is located between the upper base and the lower base and can be extended or shortened.

[0007] Furthermore, the first magnetic pole is a ring structure, and a lug is provided on the outer wall of the ring.

[0008] Furthermore, the upper base of the first drive assembly is connected to the first drive mounting base, and the lower base is connected to the lifting lug of the first magnetic pole. The first magnetic pole is moved at the top of the conical section of the discharge chamber by means of a telescopic rod.

[0009] Furthermore, the second drive mounting base is located at the middle position of the outer wall of the cylindrical section of the discharge chamber.

[0010] Furthermore, both the second and third magnetic poles are annular structures, with slider grooves provided on the inner wall of the annulus. Both the second and third magnetic poles are connected to the guide rail through the slider grooves.

[0011] Furthermore, the upper base of the second drive assembly is connected to one end of the second drive mounting base, and the lower base is connected to the ring of the second magnetic pole. The second magnetic pole slides on the guide rail through the telescopic rod.

[0012] Furthermore, the upper base of the third drive assembly is connected to the ring of the third magnetic pole, and the lower base is connected to the other end of the second drive mounting base. The third magnetic pole slides on the guide rail via a telescopic rod.

[0013] Furthermore, during operation, the first magnetic pole moves at the top of the conical section of the discharge chamber, the second magnetic pole moves along the guide rail between one end of the cylindrical section of the discharge chamber and the second drive mounting base, and the third magnetic pole moves along the guide rail between the other end of the cylindrical section of the discharge chamber and the second drive mounting base.

[0014] Furthermore, the magnetic poles are made of samarium cobalt permanent magnets.

[0015] The present invention provides an axially adjustable discharge chamber magnetic pole structure for an ion thruster, which has the following characteristics:

[0016] Beneficial effects:

[0017] This application has a simple structure. By setting a drive component and a guide rail on the outer wall of the discharge chamber, the magnetic poles can move axially along the guide rail on the outer wall of the discharge chamber, thereby adjusting the magnetic field inside the ion thruster. During in-orbit application, the magnetic pole structure of this application can be used to adjust the position of the magnetic poles, thereby matching the magnetic field configuration and magnetic field strength of the discharge chamber with the electrical and pneumatic input parameters of the multi-mode ion thruster. Furthermore, in ground development and testing, it can also efficiently optimize the design of the magnetic field of the discharge chamber, shorten the development cycle, and reduce the research and development cost. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the application and to make other features, objects, and advantages of the application more apparent. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain the application and do not constitute an undue limitation of the application. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the magnetic pole structure of the axially adjustable discharge chamber of the ion thruster provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cylindrical segment of the discharge chamber provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first magnetic pole according to an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the second magnetic pole provided according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a first driving component (second driving component, third driving component) provided according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] In the figure: 1-Discharge chamber, 11-Conical section, 12-Cylindrical section, 21-First drive mounting base, 22-Second drive mounting base, 23-Guide rail, 3-First magnetic pole, 31-Lifting lug, 4-Second magnetic pole, 41-Slider groove, 5-Third magnetic pole, 6-First drive assembly, 61-Upper base, 62-Telescopic rod, 63-Lower base, 7-Second drive assembly, 8-Third drive assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0026] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this application described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0027] In this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "middle," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0028] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] In addition, the term "multiple" should mean two or more.

[0030] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0031] like Figure 1-2 As shown, this application provides an axially adjustable discharge chamber magnetic pole structure for an ion thruster, including a discharge chamber 1 and magnetic poles arranged around the outer wall of the discharge chamber 1. The discharge chamber 1 includes a conical section 11 and a cylindrical section 12. A first drive mounting seat 21 is arranged around the top of the conical section 11, and a second drive mounting seat 22 and a guide rail 23 are arranged around the outer wall of the cylindrical section 12. The magnetic poles include a first magnetic pole 3, a second magnetic pole 4, and a third magnetic pole 5. The first magnetic pole 3 is connected to the first drive mounting seat 21 through a first drive assembly 6 and is sleeved around the top of the conical section 11. The second magnetic pole 4 is connected to one end of the second drive mounting seat 22 through a second drive assembly 7 and is sleeved around one end of the cylindrical section 12. The third magnetic pole 5 is connected to the other end of the second drive mounting seat 22 through a third drive assembly 8 and is sleeved around the other end of the cylindrical section 12.

[0032] Specifically, the axial position adjustable discharge chamber magnetic pole structure of the ion thruster provided in this application embodiment has magnetic poles wrapped around the outer wall of the discharge chamber 1, and the position of the magnetic poles can be adjusted at any time. The position of the moving magnetic poles can be adjusted according to actual experimental needs, thereby realizing the adjustment of the magnetic field configuration and magnetic field strength of the discharge chamber 1, so that it can match the electric and gas input parameters of the multi-mode ion thruster. Depending on the actual length of the discharge chamber 1 and experimental requirements, different numbers of magnetic poles can be selected. The magnetic poles are mainly used to provide a magnetic field to confine the ions within the discharge chamber 1. Different magnetic fields result in different ion states within the discharge chamber 1 and different parameters and performance of the subsequent ion thruster. In this embodiment, three magnetic poles are preferably provided. The first magnetic pole 3 is located at the top of the conical section 11 of the discharge chamber 1. The second magnetic pole 4 and the third magnetic pole 5 are wrapped around the cylindrical section 12 of the discharge chamber 1. The first magnetic pole 3 is connected to the top of the conical section 11 of the discharge chamber 1 via a first drive mounting base 21. The first drive assembly 6 allows the first magnetic pole 3 to move back and forth at the top of the conical section 11 of the discharge chamber 1, thereby adjusting the magnetic field of the conical section 11. A guide rail 23 is axially mounted on the outer wall of the cylindrical section 12 of the discharge chamber 1. The second magnetic pole 4 is connected to the top of the conical section 12 via a second drive assembly 6. The movable mounting base 22 and guide rail 23 are set on the outer wall of the front half of the cylindrical section 12 of the discharge chamber 1. The second drive assembly 7 can move back and forth between the front end of the cylindrical section 12 of the discharge chamber 1 and the second drive mounting base 22 to adjust the magnetic field of the front half of the cylindrical section 12 of the discharge chamber 1. The third magnetic pole 5 is set on the outer wall of the rear half of the cylindrical section 12 of the discharge chamber 1 through the second drive mounting base 22 and guide rail 23. The third drive assembly 8 can move back and forth between the rear end of the cylindrical section 12 of the discharge chamber 1 and the second drive mounting base 22 to adjust the magnetic field of the rear half of the cylindrical section 12 of the discharge chamber 1. According to the actual experimental requirements, the overall magnetic field configuration of the cylindrical section 12 of the discharge chamber 1 can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the second magnetic pole 4 and the third magnetic pole 5 to match the electric and gas input parameters of the multi-mode ion thruster.

[0033] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first drive assembly 6, the second drive assembly 7, and the third drive assembly 8 each consist of an upper base 61, a telescopic rod 62, and a lower base 63. The telescopic rod 62 is positioned between the upper base 61 and the lower base 63 and can extend or retract. The drive assemblies are mainly used to drive the magnetic poles to move back and forth. The upper base 61 and the lower base 63 mainly serve as fixed supports, connecting to the magnetic pole body and the drive mounting base respectively. The telescopic rod 62 can extend or retract, and by controlling the extension or retraction of the telescopic rod 62, the position of the magnetic pole connected to it can be adjusted.

[0034] Furthermore, such as Figure 3As shown, the first magnetic pole 3 has a ring structure, and a lug 31 is provided on the outer wall of the ring. The first magnetic pole 3 is a ring structure as a whole, and its inner diameter is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the conical section of the discharge chamber 1. The lug 31 is provided on the outer wall of the ring. The lug 31 mainly serves to fix and connect the first drive assembly 6 through the lug 31, so as to facilitate the first drive assembly 6 to control the movement of the first magnetic pole 3.

[0035] Furthermore, the upper base 61 of the first drive assembly 6 is connected to the first drive mounting base 21, and the lower base 63 is connected to the lug 31 of the first magnetic pole 3. The first magnetic pole 3 can be moved at the top of the conical section 11 of the discharge chamber 1 via the telescopic rod 62. The first drive assembly 6 is located between the first magnetic pole 3 and the top of the conical section 11 of the discharge chamber 1. The upper and lower bases are connected to the first drive mounting base 21 and the lug 31 of the first magnetic pole 3, respectively. The telescopic rod 62 in the middle allows the first magnetic pole 3 to move back and forth, thereby adjusting the magnetic field at the top of the conical section 11 of the discharge chamber 1.

[0036] Furthermore, the second drive mounting base 22 is located at the middle position of the outer wall of the cylindrical section 12 of the discharge chamber 1. The second drive base is arranged around the outer wall of the cylindrical section 12 of the discharge chamber 1, located at the middle position of the outer wall of the cylindrical section 12 of the discharge chamber 1, and mainly serves as a fixed support. On the one hand, it is fixedly connected to the second drive assembly 7 in front, and on the other hand, it is fixedly connected to the third drive assembly 8 in the rear.

[0037] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, both the second magnetic pole 4 and the third magnetic pole 5 are annular structures, with a slider groove 41 provided on the inner wall of the annulus. Both the second magnetic pole 4 and the third magnetic pole 5 are connected to the guide rail 23 through the slider groove 41. The second magnetic pole 4 and the third magnetic pole 5 are both annular structures with an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the discharge chamber 1. They are arranged around the outer wall of the cylindrical section 12 of the discharge chamber 1, and the inner wall of the magnetic pole annulus is provided with a slider groove 41, which cooperates with the axial guide rail 23. The entire magnetic pole can move along the axial direction of the guide rail 23 through the slider groove 41.

[0038] Furthermore, the upper base 61 of the second drive assembly 7 is connected to one end of the second drive mounting base 22, and the lower base 63 is connected to the ring of the second magnetic pole 4. The second magnetic pole 4 slides on the guide rail 23 via the telescopic rod 62. The second drive assembly 7 is positioned between the second magnetic pole 4 and the second drive mounting base 22. The upper and lower bases are connected to the second drive mounting base 22 and the second magnetic pole 4 respectively. The telescopic rod 62 in the middle allows the second magnetic pole 4 to move back and forth, thereby adjusting the magnetic field of the first half of the cylindrical section 12 of the discharge chamber 1.

[0039] Furthermore, the upper base 61 of the third drive assembly 8 is connected to the ring of the third magnetic pole 5, and the lower base 63 is connected to the other end of the second drive mounting base 22. The third magnetic pole 5 slides on the guide rail 23 via the telescopic rod 62. The third drive assembly 8 is positioned between the third magnetic pole 5 and the second drive mounting base 22. The upper and lower bases are connected to the second drive mounting base 22 and the third magnetic pole 5 respectively. The telescopic rod 62 in the middle allows the third magnetic pole 5 to move back and forth, thereby adjusting the magnetic field of the latter half of the cylindrical section 12 of the discharge chamber 1.

[0040] Furthermore, during operation, the first magnetic pole 3 moves at the top of the conical section 11 of the discharge chamber 1, the second magnetic pole 4 moves along the guide rail 23 between one end of the cylindrical section 12 of the discharge chamber 1 and the second drive mounting base 22, and the third magnetic pole 5 moves along the guide rail 23 between the other end of the cylindrical section 12 of the discharge chamber 1 and the second drive mounting base 22. The first magnetic pole 3 moves back and forth at the top of the conical section 11 of the discharge chamber 1 via the telescopic rod 62 of the first drive assembly 6, the second magnetic pole 4 moves back and forth on the guide rail 23 on the outer wall of the first half of the cylindrical section 12 of the discharge chamber 1 via the telescopic rod 62 of the second drive assembly 7 and the slider groove 41 on the inner wall, and the third magnetic pole 5 moves back and forth on the guide rail 23 on the outer wall of the second half of the cylindrical section 12 of the discharge chamber 1 via the telescopic rod 62 of the third drive assembly 8 and the slider groove 41 on the inner wall. By adjusting the positions of the first magnetic pole 3, the second magnetic pole 4, and the third magnetic pole 5 and controlling the distance between the magnetic poles, the configuration and strength of the magnetic field inside the discharge chamber 1 can be effectively adjusted.

[0041] Furthermore, the magnetic pole material is samarium cobalt permanent magnet. The selection of samarium cobalt permanent magnet material for the magnetic poles has a high energy product, an extremely low temperature coefficient, a maximum operating temperature of 350℃, and strong stability.

[0042] Specifically, the axial position adjustable discharge chamber magnetic pole structure of the ion thruster provided in this application embodiment selects the number of magnetic poles, the number of driving components, and the number of driving mounting seats according to the actual length of the discharge chamber 1 and experimental requirements. Among them, the first driving mounting seat 21 is evenly distributed around the conical section 11 of the discharge chamber 1, and the number of the first driving components 6 and the number of the first magnetic pole 3 lifting lugs 31 are the same as the number of the first driving mounting seats 21; the second driving mounting seat 22 is evenly distributed around the middle position of the outer wall of the cylindrical section 12 of the discharge chamber 1, and the number of the second driving components 7 and the number of the third driving components 8 are the same as the number of the second driving mounting seats 22; the guide rail 23 is arranged axially around the outer wall of the cylindrical section 12 of the discharge chamber 1, and the number of the slider grooves 41 inside the magnetic pole is the same as the number of the guide rail 23. The axial position adjustable discharge chamber magnetic pole structure of the ion thruster provided in this application embodiment can effectively adjust the configuration and intensity of the magnetic field in the discharge chamber 1, thereby changing the distribution of plasma in the discharge chamber 1 of the ion thruster, so that it can match the electric and gas input parameters of the multi-mode ion thruster, and achieve stable discharge of the ion thruster at multiple operating points.

[0043] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A magnetic pole structure for an ion thruster with adjustable axial position of the discharge chamber, characterized in that, Includes a discharge chamber and magnetic poles arranged around the outer wall of the discharge chamber, wherein: The discharge chamber includes a conical section and a cylindrical section. A first drive mounting seat is provided around the top of the conical section, and a second drive mounting seat and a guide rail are provided around the outer wall of the cylindrical section. The magnetic poles include a first magnetic pole, a second magnetic pole, and a third magnetic pole. The first magnetic pole is connected to the first drive mounting base through a first drive assembly and is sleeved around the top of the conical section. The second magnetic pole is connected to one end of the second drive mounting base through a second drive assembly and is sleeved around one end of the cylindrical section. The third magnetic pole is connected to the other end of the second drive mounting base through a third drive assembly and is sleeved around the other end of the cylindrical section. The first drive assembly, the second drive assembly, and the third drive assembly are all composed of an upper base, a telescopic rod, and a lower base. The telescopic rod is disposed between the upper base and the lower base and can be extended or shortened. The first magnetic pole is a ring structure, and a lifting lug is provided on the outer wall of the ring. The upper base of the first drive assembly is connected to the first drive mounting base, and the lower base is connected to the lifting lug of the first magnetic pole. The first magnetic pole is moved at the top of the conical section of the discharge chamber by means of a telescopic rod. Both the second magnetic pole and the third magnetic pole are annular structures, and a slider groove is provided on the inner wall of the annulus. Both the second magnetic pole and the third magnetic pole are connected to the guide rail through the slider groove. During operation, the first magnetic pole moves at the top of the conical section of the discharge chamber, the second magnetic pole moves along the guide rail between one end of the cylindrical section of the discharge chamber and the second drive mounting base, and the third magnetic pole moves along the guide rail between the other end of the cylindrical section of the discharge chamber and the second drive mounting base.

2. The axially adjustable discharge chamber magnetic pole structure of the ion thruster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second drive mounting base is located at the middle position of the outer wall of the cylindrical section of the discharge chamber.

3. The axially adjustable discharge chamber magnetic pole structure of the ion thruster according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper base of the second drive assembly is connected to one end of the second drive mounting base, and the lower base is connected to the ring of the second magnetic pole. The second magnetic pole slides on the guide rail via a telescopic rod.

4. The axially adjustable discharge chamber magnetic pole structure of the ion thruster according to claim 3, characterized in that, The upper base of the third drive assembly is connected to the ring of the third magnetic pole, and the lower base is connected to the other end of the second drive mounting base. The third magnetic pole slides on the guide rail through the telescopic rod.

5. The axially adjustable discharge chamber magnetic pole structure of the ion thruster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material of the magnetic poles is samarium cobalt permanent magnet.

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