Large battery array for spacecraft

Abstract

The application relates to a large battery array for a spacecraft, comprising at least one battery assembly (1) and a connecting hinge (2); the battery assembly (1) comprises a base plate (11), a thin-film battery array (12) and a fixed connecting structure (13); the thin-film battery array (12) is arranged on at least one side of the base plate (11); the fixed connecting structure (13) is arranged at the edge of the thin-film battery array (12) and is used for connecting the base plate (11) and the thin-film battery array (12); the fixed connecting structure (13) comprises connecting ropes (131) and threaded connecting pieces (132) which are arranged at intervals on the connecting ropes (131); wherein the threaded connecting pieces (132) are arranged at intervals along the edge of the thin-film battery array (12) and are used for fixing the position of the thin-film battery array (12) on the base plate (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aerospace technology, and more particularly to a large battery array for spacecraft. Background Technology

[0002] After a spacecraft is launched and enters its designated orbit, in addition to relying on its own onboard batteries for power, the vast majority of its electrical energy is obtained by charging solar arrays to maintain the normal operation of the entire system. Traditional military or state-owned satellites, due to their complexity, large size, and mass, have correspondingly increased power demands. Therefore, their solar arrays are also quite large, typically employing large and complex truss structures for deployment and support. Furthermore, the truss structures involved vary depending on the specific needs. Thus, traditional spacecraft solar arrays are primarily custom-designed, with solar arrays designed to match the structural configuration and energy requirements of each spacecraft. This results in high development costs, poor versatility, and a significant weight component for traditional aerospace solar arrays, failing to meet the cost control and versatility requirements of commercial spaceflight. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a large battery array for spacecraft.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides a large battery array for spacecraft, comprising: at least one battery assembly and a connecting hinge;

[0005] The battery assembly includes: a substrate, a thin-film battery array, and a fixed connection structure;

[0006] The thin-film battery array is disposed on at least one side of the substrate;

[0007] The fixed connection structure is disposed at the edge of the thin-film battery array and is used to connect the substrate and the thin-film battery array;

[0008] The fixed connection structure includes: a connecting rope and threaded connectors spaced apart on the connecting rope; wherein the threaded connectors are arranged spaced apart along the edge of the thin-film battery array to fix the position of the thin-film battery array on the substrate.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a first via is provided at each of the four corner positions of the thin-film battery array;

[0010] The substrate is provided with a plurality of spaced first threaded holes, wherein the first threaded holes are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the first through holes;

[0011] The threaded connector passes through the first through hole and connects to the first threaded hole.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of second vias are provided at intervals between the first vias disposed at the edge of the thin-film battery array;

[0013] A third through hole is provided between the first threaded holes of the substrate;

[0014] The second via is configured to correspond one-to-one with the third via.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, in the fixed connection structure, the connecting rope between adjacent threaded connectors is arranged to pass through the second through hole and the third through hole in an interlaced lead manner.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the fixed connection structure further includes: a fixing rope;

[0017] One end of the fixing rope is connected to the third through hole on the substrate, and the other end passes through the second through hole and is connected to the connecting rope.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, if there is one battery assembly, then the connecting hinge is provided on one side of the substrate in the length direction, and multiple connecting hinges are provided at intervals on one side of the substrate in the length direction; or, if there are multiple battery assemblies, then the connecting hinges are respectively provided on both sides of the substrate in the length direction, and multiple connecting hinges are provided at intervals on either side of the substrate in the length direction.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, a plurality of connecting hinges provided on one side of the substrate in the length direction are arranged in groups of two; wherein the connecting hinges in the same group are respectively provided on both sides of the substrate in the thickness direction.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, based on the flexibility and thinness of the standard thin-film battery array, bolts and ropes can be used for fixing, reducing the use of bolts, saving installation time, and reducing the weight of the battery array assembly.

[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, based on the flexibility and thinness of the standard thin-film battery array, it is easier to integrate it onto the surface of other structures, thereby reducing the design requirements of the battery array on other structures.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, based on the flexibility and thinness of standard thin-film battery arrays, lighter and thinner battery array substrates can be used, reducing substrate processing costs and processing difficulty, as well as reducing overall weight.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, based on the flexibility and thinness of the standard thin-film battery array, a lighter and thinner battery array substrate can be used, which greatly reduces the overall weight of the solar array, reduces the inertia of the solar array itself, reduces the impact force of the solar array deployment, and allows the use of simple ordinary hinges.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, based on the standardized characteristics of standard thin-film battery arrays, it is not necessary to conduct qualification tests for each application, which can effectively shorten the development cycle of solar arrays and improve product reliability. Based on the energy requirements of spacecraft and product lines, the series and parallel connections of different standard components are designed to achieve the development and production of diverse and comprehensive standard modules. Multiple standard thin-film battery arrays can be combined to form a battery array assembly to meet usage requirements, or multiple battery array assemblies can be combined to meet usage requirements.

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, the invention is low in cost, highly reliable and versatile, suitable for modular design, simplifies the manufacturing process, and is suitable for mass production. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a large battery array according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a large battery array according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] In describing embodiments of the present invention, the terms "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer" express orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the relevant drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention 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, the above terms should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0033] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a large battery array for a spacecraft includes: at least one battery component 1 and a connecting hinge 2. In this embodiment, the battery component 1 is the main component for solar power generation, and the connecting hinge 2 is used to fold and retract the battery component 1. In this embodiment, the battery component 1 includes: a substrate 11, a thin-film battery array 12, and a fixed connection structure 13. The thin-film battery array 12 is a standard thin-film battery array, which is detachably mounted on the substrate 11, and is disposed on at least one side of the substrate 11 (e.g., the thin-film battery array 12 is disposed on one side of the substrate 11 or on opposite sides). In this embodiment, the fixed connection structure 13 is disposed at the edge of the thin-film battery array 12 and is used to connect the substrate 11 and the thin-film battery array 12.

[0034] In this embodiment, the fixed connection structure 13 includes a connecting rope 131 and threaded connectors 132 spaced apart on the connecting rope 131; wherein the threaded connectors 132 are arranged at intervals along the edge of the thin-film battery array 12 to fix the position of the thin-film battery array 12 on the substrate 11. In this embodiment, the connecting rope 131 is generally looped, and its shape is consistent with the edge shape of the thin-film battery array 12 to achieve sufficient fixation of the edge of the thin-film battery array 12.

[0035] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the four corner positions of the thin-film battery array 12 are provided with first through holes; the substrate 11 is provided with a plurality of first threaded holes spaced apart, wherein the first threaded holes correspond one-to-one with the first through holes. In this embodiment, the threaded connector 132 passes through the first through holes and connects with the first threaded holes.

[0036] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of second through holes are provided at intervals between the first through holes of the thin-film battery array 12, and a third through hole is provided between the first threaded holes of the substrate 11; wherein, the second through holes and the third through holes are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. In this embodiment, in the fixed connection structure 13, the connecting rope 131 between adjacent threaded connectors 132 is arranged by passing through the second through holes and the third through holes in an interlaced manner. For example, in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the connecting rope 131 between adjacent threaded connectors 132 passes through the second through hole and the third through hole adjacent to the threaded connector 132 in sequence, and then passes through the next third through hole and the second through hole to achieve a wavy arrangement of the connecting rope 131. With the above arrangement, the edges of the thin-film battery array 12 between adjacent threaded connectors 132 can be better "stitched" to the substrate 11, thereby achieving stable fixation of the thin-film battery array 12. In addition, the number of threaded connectors 132 can be effectively reduced by the insertion of the connecting rope 131, which further simplifies the fixed connection structure 13 while ensuring the stable fixation of the thin-film battery array 12.

[0037] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the fixed connection structure 13 further includes a fixing rope. In this embodiment, one end of the fixing rope is connected to a third through hole on the base plate 11, and the other end passes through a second through hole and is connected to the connecting rope 131.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting rope 131 is tensioned. In this embodiment, the connecting rope 131 passes sequentially through the threaded connectors 132 at the four corner positions to achieve a tensioned connection at both ends. Consequently, the connecting rope 131 generates an inclined moment on the threaded connectors 132 at the four corner positions, thereby generating a certain inclined stress between the threaded connectors 132 and the first threaded holes on the base plate 11. This effectively enhances the connection reliability between the threaded connectors 132 and the first threaded holes, and effectively prevents the threaded connectors from loosening.

[0039] In another embodiment, when the connecting rope 131 passes through each threaded connector 132, it is knotted with the current threaded connector 132 while the connecting rope 131 is taut. This process is repeated to connect the connecting rope 131 to the threaded connectors 132 at the four corner positions. This ensures that the connecting rope 131 between any two adjacent threaded connectors 132 is taut, which further effectively guarantees the stable application of tilting torque to the threaded connector 132. This is more beneficial for enhancing the reliability of the connection between the threaded connector 132 and the first threaded hole and preventing the threaded connector from loosening.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting rope 131 is made of high-strength dyneema string and has a diameter of 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm. The connecting rope 131 configured as described above has high strength, effectively ensuring reliable connection.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the substrate 11 has a hollow plate-like structure. In this embodiment, the thin-film battery array 12 is disposed on one side of the substrate 11. Furthermore, a first threaded hole can be provided on the side of the substrate 11 that supports the thin-film battery array 12 to achieve connection with the threaded connector 132. In this embodiment, the thread length of the threaded connector 132 is greater than the thread length of the first threaded hole, thereby effectively ensuring the stable connection of the threaded connector 132. Simultaneously, an elastic washer 132a can be provided between the threaded connector 132 and the thin-film battery array 12, wherein the elastic washer 132a is made of a flexible material (e.g., rubber). The provided elastic washer 132a can provide a preload force to the threaded connector 132, which is beneficial for ensuring the stable connection of the threaded connector 132.

[0042] Furthermore, the elastic washer 132a can also press the thin-film battery array 12, which can effectively position the thin-film battery array 12 and effectively prevent the thin-film battery array 12 from directly contacting the threaded connector 132, thus effectively preventing damage to the thin-film battery array 12 by the rigid structural component.

[0043] Furthermore, the elastic washer 132a can increase the height of the connection position between the threaded connector 132 and the connecting rope 131, thereby increasing the tilting torque of the connecting rope 131 on the threaded connector 132, and making it easier for the tension of the connecting rope 131 to be amplified between the connection position between the threaded connector 132 and the first threaded hole.

[0044] Furthermore, the elastic washer 132a can effectively prevent the rigid material from resisting the tension of the connecting rope 131, thus playing a beneficial auxiliary role in ensuring that the tension of the connecting rope 131 is transmitted to the threaded connector 132.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the outer diameter of the elastic washer 132a is smaller than the diameter of the position abutting against the threaded connector 132, thereby allowing the portion of the threaded connector 132 that contacts the elastic washer 132a to be in a suspended state, which is more beneficial to reducing the resistance of the elastic washer 132a to the tilting torque of the threaded connector 132.

[0046] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the end of the elastic washer 132a that abuts against the threaded connector 132 is spherical, and the end that contacts the thin-film battery array 12 is planar. This configuration allows the elastic washer 132a to provide stable support to the threaded connector 132 in the vertical direction, and the contact area between the elastic washer 132a and the threaded connector 132 is smaller, which further helps to reduce the resistance of the elastic washer 132a to the tilting moment of the threaded connector 132.

[0047] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the end of the elastic washer 132a that abuts against the threaded connector 132 is spherical, and the end that contacts the thin-film battery array 12 is also spherical. This configuration allows the elastic washer 132a to provide stable support to the threaded connector 132 in the vertical direction, and the contact area between the elastic washer 132a, the threaded connector 132, and the thin-film battery array 12 is smaller, which further helps to reduce the resistance of the elastic washer 132a to the tilting moment of the threaded connector 132.

[0048] like Figure 5 As shown, according to one embodiment of the present invention, if the thin-film battery array 12 is respectively disposed on opposite sides of the substrate 11, the first threaded hole directly penetrates the substrate 11. However, since the substrate 11 is hollow, the first threaded hole forms two independent parts on both sides of the substrate 11. Therefore, the thread length of the threaded connector 132 needs to be increased so that it can pass through the first threaded hole of the substrate 11. On the first side, the connection method between the threaded connector 132 and the substrate 11 is the same as described above. On the other side, the edge of the thin-film battery array 12 on the second side is fixed by the way the connecting rope 131 is inserted and inserted into the lead wire. However, the connecting rope 131 cannot reach the corner position. Therefore, a nut needs to be further provided to connect with the end of the protruding threaded connector 132 to fix the corner position of the thin-film battery array 12 on the second side.

[0049] Furthermore, the aforementioned elastic washer 132a can also be provided between the nut and the thin-film battery array 12 on the second side. The method of setting it is the same as the aforementioned method, and will not be described again here.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, according to one embodiment of the present invention, since the substrate 11 adopts a hollow structure, a substrate support 11a can be further provided inside the substrate 11 at the position where the connecting rope 131 passes through the substrate 11. The substrate support 11a can be a hollow columnar structure, allowing the connecting rope 131 to pass through its hollow portion. The upper and lower ends of the substrate support 11a abut against the substrate 11, respectively, which particularly strengthens the support strength of the substrate 11 at local locations, and is beneficial for eliminating stress deformation of the substrate 11 and maintaining the tension of the connecting rope 131.

[0051] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery assembly 1 is provided, and a connecting hinge 2 is provided on one side of the substrate 11 along its length direction. Multiple connecting hinges 2 are provided at intervals on one side of the substrate 11 along its length direction. By providing a connecting hinge 2 on one side of the battery assembly 1 along its length direction, it is convenient to rotate and connect with the spacecraft, so as to facilitate the deployment and retraction of the battery assembly 1.

[0052] In another embodiment, multiple battery assemblies 1 are provided, and connecting hinges 2 are respectively provided on both sides of the substrate 11 along its length. Multiple connecting hinges 2 are provided at intervals on either side of the substrate 11 along its length. When multiple battery assemblies 1 are provided, the folding of multiple battery assemblies 1 can be facilitated by providing connecting hinges on both sides of the battery assemblies. The connecting hinge 2 located on the side of the first battery assembly 1 is used for rotational connection with the spacecraft.

[0053] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of connecting hinges 2 provided on one side of the substrate 11 along its length are arranged in groups of two; wherein, the connecting hinges 2 in the same group are respectively provided on both sides of the substrate 11 along its thickness. In this embodiment, the rotation axes of the connecting hinges 2 in the same group are on the same axis to ensure smooth rotation. In this embodiment, multiple groups of connecting hinges 2 can be provided along the length of the substrate 11, for example, two groups, three groups, etc.

[0054] By arranging the connecting hinges 2 in pairs, and with the connecting hinges 2 in the same group being set on both sides of the substrate 11 in the thickness direction, the stability and reliability of the rotational connection position are effectively guaranteed.

[0055] It should be noted that multiple connecting hinges 2 can also be set in groups of three or four, etc., which can be adjusted adaptively according to the length of the substrate 11.

[0056] The above description is merely an example of a specific solution of the present invention. For any devices and structures not described in detail herein, it should be understood that they are implemented using common devices and methods already available in the art.

[0057] The above description is merely one embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A large battery array for spacecraft, characterized in that, include: At least one battery assembly (1) and a connecting hinge (2); The battery assembly (1) includes: a substrate (11), a thin-film battery array (12), and a fixed connection structure (13). The thin-film battery array (12) is disposed on at least one side of the substrate (11); The fixed connection structure (13) is disposed at the edge of the thin-film battery array (12) and is used to connect the substrate (11) and the thin-film battery array (12). The fixed connection structure (13) includes: a connecting rope (131) and threaded connectors (132) spaced apart on the connecting rope (131); wherein the threaded connectors (132) are arranged spaced apart along the edge of the thin film battery array (12) to fix the position of the thin film battery array (12) on the substrate (11); The thin-film battery array (12) has first through holes at its four corner positions; The substrate (11) is provided with first threaded holes that correspond one-to-one with the first via holes; The thin-film battery array (12) is provided with multiple second vias spaced apart between the first vias; The substrate (11) is provided with a third via corresponding to the second via; The connecting rope (131) is tensioned, wherein the connecting rope (131) passes through each threaded connector (132) in sequence to achieve a tensioned connection at the beginning and end, or, when the connecting rope (131) passes through each threaded connector (132), the connecting rope (131) is knotted with the threaded connector (132) while in a tensioned state, so that the connecting rope (131) between each pair of adjacent threaded connectors (132) is tensioned; An elastic washer (132a) is provided between the threaded connector (132) and the thin-film battery array (12). The outer diameter of the elastic washer (132a) is smaller than the diameter of the position where it abuts against the threaded connector (132). The elastic washer (132a) is made of a flexible material. The connecting rope (131) between adjacent threaded connectors (132) is provided by passing through the second through hole and the third through hole in the manner of inserting lead wires; The substrate (11) is a hollow structure, and a substrate support (11a) is provided inside the substrate (11) at the position where the connecting rope (131) passes through the substrate (11).

2. The large battery array according to claim 1, characterized in that, The threaded connector (132) passes through the first through hole and connects to the first threaded hole.

3. The large battery array according to claim 2, characterized in that, If there is one battery assembly (1), then the connecting hinge (2) is provided on one side of the substrate (11) along its length, and multiple connecting hinges (2) are provided at intervals on one side of the substrate (11) along its length; or, if there are multiple battery assemblies (1), then the connecting hinges (2) are provided on both sides of the substrate (11) along its length, and multiple connecting hinges (2) are provided at intervals on either side of the substrate (11) along its length.

4. The large battery array according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connecting hinges (2) provided on one side of the substrate (11) along the length direction are arranged in groups of two; wherein the connecting hinges (2) in the same group are respectively provided on both sides of the substrate (11) along the thickness direction.

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