A separating device, a separating body combination device

Abstract

The application provides a separating device and a separating body combination device, and relates to the mechanical field, to solve the technical problem of small separating energy, poor reliability and inconvenient installation of the separating device. The separating device comprises a sleeve and a push rod movably arranged in the sleeve; the sleeve has a first end face and a second end face arranged opposite to the first end face, and the first end face and the second end face both have a through hole for the push rod to pass through; a first stop ring is arranged on the middle of the push rod and matched with the inner wall of the sleeve; a first spring is arranged between the first end face and the first stop ring of the push rod; the sleeve further has a flange outside the first end face; the part of the push rod outside the second end face is further provided with a second stop ring; a second spring is arranged outside the sleeve, and one end of the second spring abuts against the flange and the other end abuts against the second stop ring. The separating device is used for the separation between two separating bodies in combination, can provide greater separating force, is a pure mechanical device, and has the advantages of simple structure, convenient installation, low cost, high reliability and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of machinery, and more particularly to a separation device and a separation assembly device. Background Technology

[0002] In the aerospace field, aviation, and weapon systems all face the significant challenge of inter-stage separation technology. The aerospace field is particularly involved. After a launch vehicle's engine runs out of fuel, to reduce fuel loss, inter-stage separation is required to jettison the exhausted engine. At a certain altitude where the atmosphere is thinner, the launch vehicle experiences less air resistance and no longer needs the protection of a fairing, necessitating its jettisoning to improve launch performance. After delivering a satellite to its destination, the satellite will deploy its sails and orbit the Earth independently, requiring the remaining parts of the launch vehicle to separate from the satellite. These separations often employ cold separation methods, which require separating the energy source and the separation mechanism to ensure reliable separation.

[0003] Existing energy separation technologies include thrust reversers, pneumatic thrusters, and separation springs. Thrust reversers are primarily used for booster separation and interstage separation, offering advantages such as high separation energy and controllable action time, but they are costly and cannot guide the separation process. Pneumatic thrusters are mainly used for interstage separation and fairing separation, offering advantages such as high separation energy and long guiding stroke. With no structural change, the pressure can be adjusted to meet different separation force requirements, but the pneumatic thruster mechanism is complex and requires very high airtightness. Spring separation devices are mainly used for interstage separation, fairing separation, and satellite-launcher separation, offering advantages such as simple mechanism, high reliability, and low cost, but the energy provided by spring separation devices is very limited. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a separation device and a separation body combination device to solve the technical problems of low separation energy, poor reliability and inconvenient installation of the separation device.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] This invention provides a separation device for separating two combined separation bodies. The separation device includes a sleeve and a push rod movably disposed on the sleeve.

[0007] The sleeve has a first end face and a second end face opposite to the first end face, and both the first end face and the second end face have through holes for the push rod to pass through;

[0008] The push rod is provided with a first retaining ring in the middle that mates with the inner wall of the sleeve, and a first spring is sleeved between the first end face of the push rod and the first retaining ring;

[0009] The sleeve also has a flange on the outer side of the first end face, and the portion of the push rod located outside the second end face is also provided with a second retaining ring. The sleeve is fitted with a second spring, one end of which abuts against the flange and the other end of which abuts against the second retaining ring.

[0010] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the stiffness of the second spring is greater than that of the first spring.

[0011] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the second retaining ring is disposed at the end of the push rod; or,

[0012] The second retaining ring is located in the middle part of the push rod outside the second end face.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the second retaining ring is detachably connected to the push rod;

[0014] When the second retaining ring is located at the end of the push rod, the side of the second retaining ring facing away from the second end face is used to abut against one of the separated bodies;

[0015] When the second retaining ring is disposed in the middle portion of the push rod located outside the second end face, the push rod includes a first rod segment disposed on the side of the second retaining ring near the second end face, and a second rod segment disposed on the side of the second retaining ring away from the second end face, wherein the end of the second rod segment away from the second retaining ring is used to abut against one of the separated bodies.

[0016] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the end of the second rod segment facing away from the second retaining ring is a round head structure, a flat head structure, or a plate.

[0017] When the end of the second rod segment is a plate, the orthographic projection of the second rod segment onto the surface of the plate lies within the surface of the plate.

[0018] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the separating device further includes a locking nut, and the end of the push rod near the first end face has a thread that engages with the locking nut;

[0019] When the threaded end of the push rod extends out of the sleeve, the locking nut is used to lock the push rod.

[0020] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the separating device further includes a pin, and the end of the push rod near the first end face has a pin hole that engages with the pin, the pin being used to lock the push rod.

[0021] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the first end face of the sleeve is a baffle connected to the sleeve, the baffle being matched with and detachably connected to the flange.

[0022] Compared to existing technologies, the separation device provided in this invention is used to separate two combined components. The device includes a sleeve and a push rod movably disposed within the sleeve. A first spring is disposed inside the sleeve, and a second spring is disposed outside the sleeve. A first retaining ring is disposed on the portion of the push rod located inside the sleeve, and a second retaining ring is disposed on the portion outside the sleeve. The first spring is limited by a first end face and the first retaining ring, while the second spring is limited by a flange and the second retaining ring. In use, the push rod moves along the direction from the second end face to the first end face. Under the influence of the first and second retaining rings, both springs are compressed, storing potential energy. The through holes on the first and second end faces, and the first retaining ring that mates with the inner wall of the sleeve, allow the push rod to move along the length of the sleeve. The sleeve acts as a guide, enabling the linear movement of the push rod. Therefore, when the two springs are released, compared to existing spring separation devices, a greater separation force can be provided under the same weight and space conditions. Furthermore, this separation device is a purely mechanical device, offering advantages such as no impact, simple structure, convenient installation, low cost, and high reliability.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a separation assembly device, comprising two separation bodies connected by a separation bolt, and the separation device described above, wherein the sleeve is disposed in one of the separation bodies, and the end of the second retaining ring or the push rod opposite to the second retaining ring abuts against the other separation body.

[0024] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the separation assembly further includes a base portion, the base portion having a hole for the push rod to pass through, the sleeve being disposed on the base portion, and when the push rod extends out of the hole, a locking nut engaging with the threaded end of the push rod for locking the push rod.

[0025] The advantages of the separation assembly device over the prior art are the same as those of the separation device over the prior art, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain the principles of the invention. These drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the separation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a push rod structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a is a round head, b is a flat head, and c is a plate.

[0029] Reference numerals: 10, sleeve; 11, first end face; 12, second end face; 13, flange; 20, push rod; 21, first rod segment; 22, second rod segment; 31, first retaining ring; 32, second retaining ring; 41, first spring; 42, second spring; 50, locking nut; 60, base portion. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0031] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this invention can be combined with each other. The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0032] In existing inter-structure separation devices, the energy provided by the spring separation device is very limited, provided that the structure remains unchanged.

[0033] To resolve the above issues, please refer to Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention is used for separating two combined separate bodies. The separation device includes a sleeve 10 and a push rod 20 movably disposed on the sleeve 10. The sleeve 10 has a first end face 11 and a second end face 12 disposed opposite to the first end face 11. Both the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 have through holes for the push rod 20 to pass through. The middle of the push rod 20 is provided with a first retaining ring 31 that cooperates with the inner wall of the sleeve 10. A first spring 41 is sleeved between the first end face 11 and the first retaining ring 31. The sleeve 10 also has a flange 13 on the outer side of the first end face 11. The part of the push rod 20 located outside the second end face 12 is also provided with a second retaining ring 32. The sleeve 10 is sleeved with a second spring 42. One end of the second spring 42 abuts against the flange 13 and the other end abuts against the second retaining ring 32.

[0034] In actual use, the sleeve 10 has two oppositely arranged end faces, a first end face 11 and a second end face 12, which are two end faces distributed along the length of the sleeve 10. Both the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 are provided with through holes, and the two ends of the push rod 20 can extend out of the corresponding through holes and move a certain distance. A first spring 41 is sleeved on the part of the push rod 20 located on the sleeve 10, that is, the first spring 41 is set between the first end face 11 and the first retaining ring 31. One end of the first spring 41 abuts against the first end face 11, and the other end abuts against the first retaining ring 31. At the same time, a second spring 42 is also sleeved on the outside of the sleeve 10. The sleeve 10 also has a flange 13 on the outside of the first end face 11, and the second spring 42 is set between the flange 13 and the second retaining ring 32 on the push rod 20. Specifically, one end of the second spring 42 abuts against the flange 13, and the other end abuts against the second retaining ring 32. When the push rod 20 moves from the second end face 12 to the first end face 11 under the action of external force, the first spring 41 and the second spring 42 are compressed at the same time, thereby storing potential energy. When the connection between the two separated bodies is unlocked, the first spring 41 and the second spring 42 in the compressed state release energy at the same time. Since the first retaining ring 31 cooperates with the inner wall of the sleeve 10, it is similar to a piston structure. At the same time, the push rod 20 passes through the through hole of the second end face 12, so the sleeve 10 guides the push rod 20. The push rod 20 moves linearly under the guidance, so the separation device pushes the two separated bodies to achieve the separation action.

[0035] For example, the stiffness of the second spring 42 is greater than that of the first spring 41. Since the second spring 42 is fitted onto the outer wall of the sleeve 10, and both its mean diameter and stiffness are greater than those of the first spring 41, the two springs cooperate and work together to provide greater separation energy. This allows for a greater separation force compared to a typical spring separation device under the same weight and space conditions. Here, the mean diameter of the spring refers to the average of the inner and outer diameters of the helical spring.

[0036] In some embodiments, the second retaining ring 32 is located at the end of the push rod 20. That is, the second retaining ring 32 can serve as a limiting member for the second spring 42, or it can serve as the end of the push rod 10 that pushes the separating member to act directly on the separating member.

[0037] In another alternative implementation, please refer to Figure 1 As shown, the second retaining ring 32 is located in the middle portion of the push rod 20 outside the second end face 12. That is, on the side of the second retaining ring 32 away from the second end face 12, the push rod 20 extends further, and the end of the extended portion of the push rod 20 is used to push the separator. At this time, the push rod 20 is longer, making it more suitable for installation on separators with various structures, such as separators with complex structures.

[0038] The second retaining ring 32 can be fixedly connected to the push rod 20, for example, by welding, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the second retaining ring 32 can be detachably connected to the push rod 20, for example, by threaded connection, snap-fit, etc., but is not limited thereto. This embodiment of the invention will be described using the example of the second retaining ring 32 being threadedly connected to the push rod 20.

[0039] For example, when the second retaining ring 32 is threadedly connected to the end of the push rod 20, the side of the second retaining ring 32 facing away from the second end face 12 is used to abut against a separate body, thereby achieving the pushing action.

[0040] When the second retaining ring 32 is located in the middle part of the push rod 20 outside the second end face 12, the push rod 20 is divided into two parts: a first rod segment 21 and a second rod segment 22, wherein the first rod segment 21 is the part to the left of the second retaining ring 32. Figure 1 (Left side of the center view), while the second rod segment 22 is the part on the right side of the second retaining ring 32, wherein the end of the second rod segment 22 facing away from the second retaining ring 32 is used to abut against a separate body.

[0041] The second rod segment 22 can be integrally formed with the second retaining ring 32, and the second retaining ring 32 is provided with a screw hole, which is screwed together with the end of the first rod segment 21. The threaded connection between the second retaining ring 32 and the push rod 20 makes it easy to assemble or repair and replace the second spring 42.

[0042] Understandably, a groove may be provided on the side of the second retaining ring 32 near the second end face 12 so that the end of the second spring 42 does not fall off the edge of the second retaining ring 32 when compressed.

[0043] For compatibility with different separators, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 As shown, the end of the push rod 20 can be configured with various structures. For example, the end of the second rod segment 22 away from the second retaining ring 32 can be a round head structure, a flat head structure, or a plate, but is not limited to these.

[0044] For example, when the end of the second rod segment 22 is a plate, the orthographic projection of the second rod segment 22 onto the surface of the plate lies within the surface of the plate. That is, the size of the plate is larger than the cross-sectional size of the second rod segment 22, which expands the pressure surface in contact with it, thereby dispersing the pressure and making it less likely to damage the structure of the separated body. Therefore, the separation device of this embodiment is not only easy to assemble and disassemble, but also highly expandable, and can be adaptively adjusted according to the structure being pushed.

[0045] In some embodiments, the separation device further includes a locking nut 50. The end of the push rod 20 near the first end face 11 has threads that mate with the locking nut 50. When the threaded end of the push rod 20 extends out of the sleeve 10, i.e., when the two springs, the first spring 41 and the second spring 42, are in a compressed state, the locking nut 50 is tightened to lock the push rod 20. The locking nut 50 can be adjusted according to actual needs to control the compression and stroke of the two springs, thereby conveniently providing the corresponding separation energy.

[0046] For example, when a larger compression and stroke are required, tightening the locking nut 50 by several turns increases the distance between the first retaining ring 31 and the second end face 12. When the springs release, the stroke of both springs increases, and the released energy increases accordingly. After the two separated bodies are properly connected, the locking nut 50 can be removed. The end of the second rod segment 22 and the sleeve 10 abut against the corresponding separated bodies, and the springs are in a compressed state.

[0047] When the spring is in a compressed state, the push rod 20 is locked by a locking nut 50. Compared with the pin locking method, the locking nut is easier to remove than the pin when the initial compression force is very large.

[0048] In another optional embodiment, the separating device further includes a pin, and the end of the push rod 20 near the first end face 11 has a pin hole that engages with the pin, the pin being used to lock the push rod 20. It is understood that multiple pin holes can be provided according to the stroke requirements, and the pins are positioned in the corresponding pin holes according to the stroke to adjust the compression of the two springs.

[0049] For example, the first end face 11 of the sleeve 10 is a baffle connected to the sleeve 10. The baffle is matched with the flange 13 and is detachably connected. For example, both the baffle and the flange 13 have corresponding screw holes. The baffle is connected to the sleeve 10 by bolts, meaning that the first end face of the sleeve 10 is an opening, which is covered by the baffle. It can be understood that a through hole also needs to be provided on the baffle for the push rod 20 to pass through. This detachable connection method allows for easy installation of the first spring 41, and the push rod 20 can also be easily installed into the sleeve 10.

[0050] According to another aspect of the present invention, a separation assembly is provided, comprising two separation bodies connected by a separation bolt, and the aforementioned separation device, wherein a sleeve 10 is disposed in one separation body, and the end of a second retaining ring 32 or a push rod 20 facing away from the second retaining ring 32 abuts against the other separation body. The separation bolt is not limited to an explosive bolt, but may also be other types of separation bolts.

[0051] In actual use, the first spring 41 is compressed by the first retaining ring 31 of the push rod 20, and the second spring 42 is compressed by the second retaining ring 32 of the push rod 20. The second retaining ring 32 is threadedly connected to the first rod segment 21. The push rod 20 can move linearly under the limitation of the sleeve 10. After the two springs are compressed, they are locked by the locking nut 50. The sleeve of the compressed separation device is installed on one separation body. After the two separation bodies are docked, the locking nut 50 is removed, and the end of the second rod segment 22 is tightly fitted with the other separation body, and the two springs are in a compressed state.

[0052] When the separation command is issued, the connection between the two separating bodies is unlocked, for example, by the explosive bolts breaking. The first spring 41 and the second spring 42, which are in a compressed state, release energy simultaneously. The push rod 20 moves linearly under the guidance of the sleeve 10, pushing the separating bodies. The two separating bodies move away from each other, thus achieving separation. When the first retaining ring 31 on the push rod 20 contacts the second end face 12, the spring stroke ends, the push rod 20 stops moving, and the separation action ends.

[0053] In an optional embodiment, the separator assembly further includes a base portion 60, which has a hole for the push rod 20 to pass through. A sleeve 10 is disposed on the base portion 60. When the push rod 20 extends out of the hole, a locking nut 50 engages with the threaded end of the push rod 20 to lock the push rod 20. The base portion 60 can be detachably mounted to the corresponding separator by bolts, and the baffle can also be fixed to the base portion 60 by bolts for easy assembly and disassembly.

[0054] The one or more technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present invention utilize the synergistic effect of two springs to achieve greater separation energy with limited weight increase. For the same space requirement, the restoring force provided by the two springs of the present invention clearly provides higher separation energy. Compared to conventional spring separation devices, the separation device of the embodiments of the present invention has a simpler structure, is easier to install, has lower cost, and higher reliability. It also features an adjustable separation energy structure, making it more versatile.

[0055] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment / mode," "some embodiments / modes," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment / mode or example is included in at least one embodiment / mode or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment / mode or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments / modes or examples. Furthermore, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments / modes or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments / modes or examples.

[0056] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0057] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments are merely for illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art can make other changes or modifications based on the above disclosure, and these changes or modifications still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A separation device, characterized in that, For separating two combined components, the separating device includes a sleeve and a push rod movably disposed in the sleeve; The sleeve has a first end face and a second end face opposite to the first end face, and both the first end face and the second end face have through holes for the push rod to pass through; The push rod is provided with a first retaining ring in the middle that mates with the inner wall of the sleeve, and a first spring is sleeved between the first end face of the push rod and the first retaining ring; The sleeve also has a flange on the outer side of the first end face, and the portion of the push rod located outside the second end face is also provided with a second retaining ring. A second spring is provided on the sleeve, with one end of the second spring abutting against the flange and the other end abutting against the second retaining ring. The push rod passes through the through hole of the second end face and is detachably connected to the second retaining ring. The push rod drives the first retaining ring and the second retaining ring to move, so that the first spring and the second spring are compressed and released at the same time.

2. The separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stiffness of the second spring is greater than that of the first spring.

3. The separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second retaining ring is located at the end of the push rod; or, The second retaining ring is located in the middle part of the push rod outside the second end face.

4. The separation device according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the second retaining ring is located at the end of the push rod, the side of the second retaining ring facing away from the second end face is used to abut against one of the separated bodies; When the second retaining ring is disposed in the middle portion of the push rod located outside the second end face, the push rod includes a first rod segment disposed on the side of the second retaining ring near the second end face, and a second rod segment disposed on the side of the second retaining ring away from the second end face, wherein the end of the second rod segment away from the second retaining ring is used to abut against one of the separated bodies.

5. The separation device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The end of the second rod segment facing away from the second retaining ring is one of a round head structure, a flat head structure, or a plate; When the end of the second rod segment is a plate, the orthographic projection of the second rod segment onto the surface of the plate lies within the surface of the plate.

6. The separation apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The separation device further includes a locking nut, and the end of the push rod near the first end face has a thread that mates with the locking nut; When the threaded end of the push rod extends out of the sleeve, the locking nut is used to lock the push rod.

7. The separation apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The separation device further includes a pin, and the end of the push rod near the first end face has a pin hole that engages with the pin, the pin being used to lock the push rod.

8. The separation apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first end face of the sleeve is a baffle connected to the sleeve, and the baffle is matched with the flange and is detachably connected.

9. A separator assembly device, characterized in that, It includes two separate bodies connected by a release bolt, and a separation device as described in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the sleeve is disposed in one of the separate bodies, and the end of the second retaining ring or the push rod opposite to the second retaining ring abuts against the other separate body.

10. The separator assembly device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The separation assembly also includes a base portion, which has a hole for the push rod to pass through. The sleeve is provided on the base portion. When the push rod extends out of the hole, the locking nut engages with the threaded end of the push rod to lock the push rod.

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