Separation device, interstage separation system and aircraft

Abstract

The present application provides a separation device, an interstage separation system and an aircraft. The separation device includes: a first separation body, a second separation body, a locking structure and a switching structure. The locking structure has a locking position for locking the first separation body and the second separation body and an unlocking position for unlocking the first separation body and the second separation body; the switching structure is used to cooperate with the locking structure to switch the position of the locking structure; if separation is not required, the separation device is moved under the first acceleration, and the switching structure cooperates with the locking structure based on the first acceleration to make the locking structure in the locking position; if separation is required, the acceleration of the separation device is switched from the first acceleration to a second acceleration less than the first acceleration, and the switching structure cooperates with the locking structure based on the inertia of maintaining the first acceleration to make the locking structure in the unlocking position. The present application realizes automatic triggering separation, which can not only meet the mobility requirements, but also avoid the problems caused by the use of pyrotechnics.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of aerospace technology, and in particular, to a separation device, an interstage separation system and an aircraft. Background Art

[0002] Interstage separation is the process of separating the lower stage from the upper stage after the lower stage of a multi-stage vehicle (such as a rocket) is shut down. The purpose is to separate and discard the lower stage that has exhausted its propellant.

[0003] The inter-stage separation system usually uses pyrotechnics (such as explosive bolts or cutting ropes) for separation. For some inter-stage separation systems that have no maneuverability or control requirements, there are also pen-cap separation methods for separation.

[0004] The separation of pyrotechnics is reliable, but they are strictly controlled products with unreliable supply cycles, which can easily hinder the progress of the project; the pen-cap-type separation method has no mechanical connection between stages and only relies on a conical surface, so it cannot be used for inter-stage separation systems with maneuvering or control requirements. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the existing methods, the present application proposes a separation device, an interstage separation system and an aircraft, which can realize automatic triggered separation, which can not only meet the maneuvering or control requirements, but also avoid the problems caused by the use of pyrotechnics.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a separation device, comprising:

[0007] A first separation body having a first accommodating cavity;

[0008] The second separation body has a second accommodating cavity for accommodating at least a portion of the first separation body, and the inner wall of the second separation body is provided with a groove, which is communicated with the second accommodating cavity;

[0009] A locking structure is movably disposed on the side wall of the first separation body, the locking structure having a locking position where the locking structure enters the groove to lock the first separation body and the second separation body, and an unlocking position where the locking structure escapes from the groove to unlock the first separation body and the second separation body;

[0010] A switching structure is movably disposed in the first accommodating cavity, and the switching structure is used to cooperate with the locking structure to switch the position of the locking structure;

[0011] If the first separation body and the second separation body do not need to be separated, the separation device is moved under the first acceleration, and the switching structure cooperates with the locking structure based on the first acceleration to make the locking structure located in the locking position;

[0012] If the first separation body and the second separation body need to be separated, the acceleration of the separation device is switched from the first acceleration to the second acceleration, and the switching structure cooperates with the locking structure based on maintaining the inertia of the first acceleration, so that the locking structure is located in the unlocked position; wherein the second acceleration is less than the first acceleration.

[0013] Optionally, the switching structure includes a switching member, and the switching member has a locking matching portion and an unlocking matching portion which are sequentially arranged along a direction from the second separation body to the first separation body;

[0014] The locking matching portion is used to match with the locking structure so that the locking structure is located in the locking position;

[0015] The unlocking matching portion is used to match with the locking structure so that the locking structure is located in the unlocking position.

[0016] Optionally, the switching structure further comprises at least one adjusting component, which is arranged on the first separation body and located in the first accommodating cavity, and is connected to the switching member, for applying a force to the switching member to make the unlocking mating portion cooperate with the locking structure.

[0017] Optionally, a mounting piece is provided in the first accommodating cavity, and the mounting piece is connected to a side wall of the first separation body;

[0018] The adjustment component includes an elastic member and a limit member. The mounting member is provided with a first through hole. One end of the limit member passes through the first through hole and is connected to the switching member. The elastic member is arranged on the outer periphery of the limit member and abuts against the switching member and the mounting member respectively. When the locking mating part is matched with the locking structure, the elastic member is in a compressed state, and the limit member is used to limit the extreme position of the switching member.

[0019] Optionally, the limiting member includes a screw and a nut connected to each other, the screw passes through the first through hole and is detachably connected to the switching member, the nut is located on a side of the mounting member away from the switching member, and a radial dimension of the nut along the screw is greater than a radial dimension of the first through hole along the screw; and / or,

[0020] The elastic member includes a spring.

[0021] Optionally, there are multiple adjustment components, and the multiple adjustment components are arranged in sequence and spaced apart along the circumference of the first accommodating cavity and are respectively connected to the switching member.

[0022] Optionally, the locking mating portion is a protrusion provided on the outer wall surface of the switching member, and the protrusion is used to press the locking structure into the groove; the unlocking mating portion is a depression provided on the outer wall surface of the switching member, and the depression is used to provide a receiving space for the locking structure to escape from the groove; the depression smoothly transitions to the protrusion; and / or,

[0023] The locking fitting portion and the unlocking fitting portion respectively extend along the circumferential direction of the switching member.

[0024] Optionally, a plurality of grooves are sequentially spaced along the circumference of the second accommodating cavity; a plurality of locking structures are sequentially spaced along the circumference of the side wall of the first separation body; the number of the grooves is greater than or equal to the number of the locking structures; and / or,

[0025] The locking structure comprises steel balls, and the side wall of the first separation body is provided with second through holes corresponding to the steel balls one by one, and the steel balls are movably arranged in the second through holes.

[0026] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an interstage separation system, comprising:

[0027] The above-mentioned separation device;

[0028] A lower stage connected to a first separation body of the separation device;

[0029] an upper stage connected to the second separation body of the separation device;

[0030] If the lower stage and the upper stage do not need to be separated, the interstage separation system is moved at a first acceleration, and the switching structure of the separation device cooperates with the locking structure based on the first acceleration, so that the locking structure is located at a locking position, and the first separation body and the second separation body are locked;

[0031] If the lower stage and the upper stage need to be separated, the acceleration of the inter-stage separation system is switched from the first acceleration to the second acceleration. The switching structure cooperates with the locking structure based on maintaining the inertia of the first acceleration, so that the locking structure is in the unlocked position, thereby unlocking the first separation body and the second separation body.

[0032] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an aircraft, comprising the above-mentioned interstage separation system.

[0033] The beneficial technical effects brought about by the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present application include:

[0034] When the first separation body and the second separation body need to be locked and connected together, part of the first separation body is placed in the second accommodating chamber, and the locking structure is made to correspond to the groove. The switching structure cooperates with the locking structure to make the locking structure enter the groove, thereby locking and connecting the first separation body and the second separation body. When the first separation body and the second separation body need to be unlocked and separated, the position of the switching structure in the first accommodating chamber is adjusted. The switching structure cooperates with the locking structure so that the locking structure can be disengaged from the groove, thereby unlocking the first separation body and the second separation body. There is no locking force between the first separation body and the second separation body, and they can move away from each other under the action of external force, thereby achieving the purpose of separation.

[0035] In the embodiment of the present application, if the first separation body and the second separation body do not need to be separated, the separation device is moved under the first acceleration. Since the switching structure is movably arranged in the first accommodating chamber, the switching structure is in an overweight (or overloaded) state under the first acceleration. At this time, the switching structure cooperates with the locking structure based on the first acceleration, so that the locking structure is in the locked position, and the first separation body and the second separation body are locked and connected together, and the first separation body and the second separation body are in a locked connection state.

[0036] If the first separation body and the second separation body need to be separated, the acceleration of the separation device is switched from the first acceleration to the second acceleration which is less than the first acceleration. During the switching process, the switching structure has the inertia of maintaining the original first acceleration. Since the separation device moves in the direction from the first separation body to the second separation body, when the acceleration is switched to the second acceleration, both the first separation body and the second separation body move under the second acceleration. At this time, under the action of the inertial force maintaining the original first acceleration, the switching structure moves relative to the direction from the first separation body to the second separation body in the first accommodating cavity, so that the position where the switching structure cooperates with the locking structure changes. The switching structure cooperates with the locking structure based on the inertia of maintaining the first acceleration, and the locking structure switches to the unlocked position, so that the first separation body and the second separation body switch to the unlocked separable state.

[0037] In the embodiment of the present application, the separation device relies on the overload during movement or the inertial force caused by the maneuvering during movement to adjust the position of the switching structure in the first accommodating chamber, thereby realizing the switching of the locking structure between the locked position and the unlocked position, thereby controlling the state of the first separation body and the second separation body (locked connection state or unlocked detachable state). When the locking structure is in the unlocked position, there is no longer a locking force between the first separation body and the second separation body, and the first separation body and the second separation body can move away from each other under the action of external force, so that the first separation body and the second separation body are unlocked, thereby achieving the separation purpose.

[0038] In the embodiment of the present application, the separation device adjusts the position of the switching structure in the first accommodating chamber by the inertial force caused by the overload or maneuvering during the movement, so as to switch the locking structure between the locking position and the unlocking position, thereby controlling the state of the first separation body and the second separation body. Without using pyrotechnics, without explosives, without external instructions, and without setting any electrical interface, the separation device can be designed by using the characteristics of acceleration change (from the first acceleration to the second acceleration less than the first acceleration) as the trigger mechanism for the passive separation of the first separation body and the second separation body in the embodiment of the present application, and automatically triggering the separation can be achieved when certain conditions are met.

[0039] The separation device of the embodiment of the present application can improve the connection stiffness between the first separation body and the second separation body without pyrotechnics, and is completely independent of any external control. It can meet the mobility or control requirements and avoid the problems caused by the use of pyrotechnics.

[0040] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be partially given in the following description, which will become apparent from the following description, or will be understood through the practice of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and easily understood from the following description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a separation device provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the locking structure is located in a locking position.

[0043] Reference numerals:

[0044] 100-separation device; 10-first separation body; 11-first accommodating chamber; 12-second through hole; 13-mounting member; 14-first through hole; 15-first wall section; 16-second wall section; 17-third wall section; 20-second separation body; 21-second accommodating chamber; 22-groove; 30-locking structure; 40-switching structure; 41-switching member; 42-locking fitting part; 43-unlocking fitting part; 44-adjusting component; 45-elastic member; 46-limiting member; 47-screw; 48-nut. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The embodiments of the present application are described below in conjunction with the drawings in the present application. It should be understood that the implementation methods described below in conjunction with the drawings are exemplary descriptions for explaining the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

[0046] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, unless expressly stated, the "said" and "the" used herein may also include plural forms. It should be further understood that the term "including" used in the specification of the present application refers to the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the implementation of other features, information, data, steps, operations, elements, components and / or combinations thereof supported by the technical field. The term "and / or" used herein refers to at least one of the items defined by the term, for example, "A and / or B" may be implemented as "A", or as "B", or as "A and B".

[0047] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the implementation methods of the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] The separation device, interstage separation system and aircraft provided in the present application are intended to provide a separation method that can meet maneuverability or control requirements while avoiding the use of pyrotechnics.

[0049] The following is a detailed description of the technical solution of the present application and how the technical solution of the present application solves the above technical problems with specific embodiments. It should be noted that the following implementations can refer to, draw on or combine with each other, and the same terms, similar features and similar implementation steps in different implementations will not be described repeatedly.

[0050] The present application embodiment provides a separation device 100, the structural schematic diagram of the separation device 100 is as follows Figure 1 As shown, it includes a first separation body 10 , a second separation body 20 , a locking structure 30 and a switching structure 40 .

[0051] The first separation body 10 has a first accommodating cavity 11 ; the second separation body 20 has a second accommodating cavity 21 for accommodating part of the first separation body 10 , and a groove 22 is provided on the inner wall of the second separation body 20 , which is communicated with the second accommodating cavity 21 .

[0052] The locking structure 30 is movably disposed on the side wall of the first separation body 10. The locking structure 30 has a locking position relative to the side wall of the first separation body 10, where the locking structure 30 enters the groove 22 to lock the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20, and an unlocking position where the locking structure 30 escapes from the groove 22 to unlock the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20.

[0053] The switching structure 40 is movably disposed in the first accommodating cavity 11 , and the switching structure 40 is used to cooperate with the locking structure 30 to switch the position of the locking structure 30 .

[0054] When the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 need to be locked and connected together, a portion of the first separation body 10 is placed in the second accommodating cavity 21, and the locking structure 30 is made to correspond to the groove 22. The switching structure 40 cooperates with the locking structure 30 to make the locking structure 30 enter the groove 22, thereby locking and connecting the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 (in a locked connection state). Figure 1 When the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 that are locked and connected together need to be unlocked and separated, the position of the switching structure 40 in the first accommodating cavity 11 is adjusted, and the switching structure 40 cooperates with the locking structure 30 so that the locking structure 30 can be disengaged from the groove 22, thereby unlocking the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 (in an unlocked and separable state), and there is no longer a locking force between the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20, and they can move away from each other under the action of an external force (such as a separation force), thereby achieving the purpose of separation.

[0055] In the embodiment of the present application, if the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 do not need to be separated (that is, locked and connected together), the separation device 100 is moved under the first acceleration (the movement direction is from the first separation body 10 to the second separation body 20). Since the switching structure 40 is movably arranged in the first accommodating chamber 11, the switching structure 40 (specifically the switching member 41) is in an overweight (or overloaded) state under the first acceleration. At this time, the switching structure 40 cooperates with the locking structure 30 based on the first acceleration, so that the locking structure 30 is located in the locking position, and the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 are locked and connected together. The first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 are in a locked connection state, such as Figure 1 shown.

[0056] If the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 need to be separated, the acceleration of the separation device 100 is switched from the first acceleration to the second acceleration which is smaller than the first acceleration. During the switching process, the switching structure 40 has the inertia of maintaining the original first acceleration. Since the separation device 100 moves in the direction from the first separation body 10 to the second separation body 20, when the acceleration is switched to the second acceleration, the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 both move under the second acceleration. At this time, under the action of the inertial force maintaining the original first acceleration, the switching structure 40 moves relative to the first accommodating cavity 11 in the direction from the first separation body 10 to the second separation body 20, so that the position of the switching structure 40 and the locking structure 30 is changed. The switching structure 40 cooperates with the locking structure 30 based on the inertia of maintaining the first acceleration, and the locking structure 30 switches to the unlocked position, thereby switching the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 to an unlocked and separable state. The locking structure 30 is in the unlocked position, and there is no longer a locking force between the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20. The first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 can move away from each other under the action of an external force (such as a separation force), so that the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 are unlocked, thereby achieving the separation purpose.

[0057] In the embodiment of the present application, the separation device 100 adjusts the position of the switching structure 40 in the first accommodating chamber 11 by means of the inertial force caused by the overload in the movement (such as flying) or the maneuvering in the movement, so as to switch the locking structure 30 between the locked position and the unlocked position, thereby controlling the state (locked connection state or unlocked separable state) of the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20. Without using pyrotechnics, without explosives, without external instructions, and without setting any electrical interface, the separation device 100 can be designed by using the characteristics of acceleration change (from the first acceleration to the second acceleration less than the first acceleration) as the trigger mechanism for the passive separation of the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 in the embodiment of the present application, and when certain conditions are met (such as the adjustment of the position of the switching structure 40 due to the acceleration change is sufficient to release the locking structure 30 from the groove 22), the automatic triggering separation can be realized.

[0058] The separation device 100 of the embodiment of the present application can improve the connection stiffness between the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 without pyrotechnics, and is completely independent of any external control. It can meet the mobility or control requirements and avoid the problems caused by the use of pyrotechnics (such as unreliable supply cycles, delays in project progress, etc.).

[0059] It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present application, at least part includes part or all. Of course, in other optional embodiments of the present application, the second accommodating chamber 21 can also be used to accommodate the entire first separation body 10 according to actual needs. When the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 need to be locked and connected together, the entire first separation body 10 is placed in the second accommodating chamber 21 to facilitate the connection of the second separation body 20.

[0060] It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, the first acceleration is a positive acceleration (i.e., greater than 0), and the first acceleration can be a variable value or a fixed value. The second acceleration can be a positive acceleration, or 0, or a negative acceleration (i.e., less than 0, performing a deceleration motion), and the second acceleration can be a variable value or a fixed value, as long as the second acceleration is less than the first acceleration.

[0061] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of the present application, a plurality includes two or more than two.

[0062] Alternatively, if Figure 1As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, a plurality of grooves 22 are sequentially arranged at intervals along the circumference of the second accommodating cavity 21; a plurality of locking structures 30 are sequentially arranged at intervals along the circumference of the side wall of the first separation body 10; the number of the grooves 22 is equal to the number of the locking structures 30. In this way, when the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 are locked and connected together, the plurality of locking structures 30 are matched with the plurality of grooves 22 in a one-to-one correspondence, which can improve the locking effect of the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20, and improve the connection stability and connection rigidity.

[0063] Of course, in some other optional embodiments of the present application, the number of grooves 22 can be made greater than the number of locking structures 30 according to actual needs, that is, one locking structure 30 corresponds to multiple grooves 22. When the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 need to be locked and connected together, one locking structure 30 is selectively matched with one of the multiple grooves 22, which can improve the locking effect of the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 and improve the connection stability, connection stiffness, flexibility and adaptability.

[0064] Alternatively, if Figure 1 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the locking structure 30 includes a steel ball, and the side wall of the first separation body 10 is provided with a second through hole 12 corresponding to the steel ball, and the steel ball can be movably arranged in the second through hole 12. The steel ball can flexibly rotate in the second through hole 12. Under the action of the switching structure 40, part of the structure of the steel ball enters the groove 22 to lock the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20, or the steel ball with a part of the structure located in the groove 22 is released from the groove 22, so that the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 are unlocked and can be separated. This setting method has a simple structure and is easy to operate.

[0065] Alternatively, if Figure 1 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the switching structure 40 includes a switching member 41, which is movably arranged in the first accommodating cavity 11 along the arrangement direction of the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20. The switching member 41 has a locking matching portion 42 and an unlocking matching portion 43 which are sequentially arranged along the direction from the second separation body 20 to the first separation body 10; the locking matching portion 42 is used to cooperate with the locking structure 30 (for example, the locking matching portion 42 pushes the locking structure 30 into the groove 22), so that the locking structure 30 is located in the locked position; the unlocking matching portion 43 is used to cooperate with the locking structure 30 (for example, the unlocking matching portion 43 provides an accommodating space for the locking structure 30 to escape from the groove 22), so that the locking structure 30 is located in the unlocked position.

[0066] In the embodiment of the present application, the locking matching portion 42 and the unlocking matching portion 43 are sequentially arranged on the switching member 41 along the direction from the second separation body 20 to the first separation body 10; if the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 do not need to be separated, the separation device 100 moves at a first acceleration along the direction from the first separation body 10 to the second separation body 20. At this time, the first separation body 10, the second separation body 20 and the switching member 41 all move at the first acceleration. Under the action of the first acceleration and gravity, the locking matching portion 42 of the switching member 41 cooperates with the locking structure 30, and the locking structure 30 is located in the locking position, and the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 are in a locked connection state; if the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 do not need to be separated, the separation device 100 moves at a first acceleration along the direction from the first separation body 10 to the second separation body 20. At this time, the first separation body 10, the second separation body 20 and the switching member 41 all move at the first acceleration. Under the action of the first acceleration and gravity, the locking matching portion 42 of the switching member 41 cooperates with the locking structure 30, and the locking structure 30 is located in the locking position. The first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 are in a locked connection state; When the body 20 needs to be separated, the acceleration of the separation device 100 is switched from the first acceleration to the second acceleration. At this time, the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 both move at the second acceleration. Since the switching member 41 is movable in the first accommodating chamber 11, the switching member 41 has the inertia of maintaining the original first acceleration. Under the action of the inertial force, the switching member 41 moves relative to the direction from the first separation body 10 to the second separation body 20 in the first accommodating chamber 11. The position of the switching member 41 cooperating with the locking structure 30 changes, so that the unlocking mating part 43 cooperates with the locking structure 30. The locking structure 30 is located in the unlocking position, and the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 are in an unlocked and separable state.

[0067] Optionally, in the embodiment of the present application, the switching member 41 includes a mass block or a counterweight block, and has a certain weight. When the separation device 100 moves at the first acceleration, the switching member 41 is in an overweight (or overloaded) state under the action of its own gravity and the first acceleration, so that the switching member 41 cooperates with the locking structure 30 based on its own weight and the first acceleration, so that the locking structure 30 is located in the locked position, and the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 are in a locked connection state.

[0068] Alternatively, if Figure 1 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the locking matching portion 42 is a protrusion provided on the outer wall surface of the switching member 41, and the protrusion is used to press the locking structure 30 into the groove 22. When the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 need to be locked, the protrusion is abutted against the locking structure 30 (specifically, such as a steel ball), and the protrusion presses the locking structure 30 into the groove 22 to achieve the locking purpose.

[0069] Alternatively, if Figure 1As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the unlocking mating portion 43 is a depression provided on the outer wall surface of the switching member 41, and the depression is used to provide a holding space for the locking structure 30 that is released from the groove 22. When it is necessary to unlock and separate the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20, the depression is made to correspond to the locking structure 30 (specifically, a steel ball), and a holding space is provided for the locking structure 30, so that the locking structure 30 is released and released from the groove 22, thereby achieving the purpose of unlocking and facilitating separation. Specifically, in the embodiment of the present application, the method of releasing the locking structure 30 from the groove 22 is not limited, and it is sufficient that the locking structure 30 can be released. For example, an additional pop-up structure can be provided in the groove 22, and when the locking structure 30 can be released, the locking structure 30 is popped out.

[0070] It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present application, the correspondence between the recess and the locking structure 30 includes complete alignment or partial alignment between the recess and the locking structure 30 , as long as it is ensured that the locking structure 30 can be released from the groove 22 .

[0071] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present application, the steel ball can be movably arranged in the second through hole 12. When it is necessary to unlock and separate the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20, the recess is aligned with the second through hole 12. The recess is located on the side of the second through hole 12 away from the groove 22, providing a holding space for the steel ball. The steel ball can escape from the groove 22 and enter the holding space provided by the recess, thereby achieving the unlocking purpose.

[0072] Optionally, in the embodiment of the present application, the depression transitions smoothly to the protrusion. In this way, the switching member 41 can smoothly and smoothly switch between the parts (i.e., the depression and the protrusion) that cooperate with the locking structure 30, ensuring that the switching member 41 switches the position of the locking structure 30 smoothly and effectively.

[0073] Alternatively, if Figure 1 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the locking matching portion 42 and the unlocking matching portion 43 extend along the circumference of the switching member 41 respectively to cooperate with multiple locking structures 30. In this way, multiple locking structures 30 can be located in the locking position or the unlocking position at the same time, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0074] Alternatively, if Figure 1 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the locking matching portion 42 is a protrusion extending along the circumference of the switching member 41 , and the unlocking matching portion 43 is a recess extending along the circumference of the switching member 41 .

[0075] Of course, in some other optional embodiments of the present application, according to actual needs, multiple locking fitting parts 42 and multiple unlocking fitting parts 43 can be arranged in sequence along the circumference of the switching member 41, and the multiple locking fitting parts 42 and the multiple unlocking fitting parts 43 are respectively arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the multiple locking structures 30 to respectively locate the locking structure 30 in the locked position or the unlocked position.

[0076] Alternatively, if Figure 1 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the switching structure 40 further includes at least one adjusting component 44, which is disposed on the first separation body 10 and located in the first accommodating chamber 11. The adjusting component 44 is connected to the switching member 41, so that the switching member 41 is movable in the first accommodating chamber 11, and the adjusting component 44 is used to apply a force to the switching member 41 to make the unlocking matching portion 43 match with the locking structure 30. Under the force applied by the adjusting component 44 to the switching member 41, the switching member 41 has a tendency to move in a direction from the locking matching portion 42 matching with the locking structure 30 to the unlocking matching portion 43 matching with the locking structure 30, so as to facilitate the release and disengagement of the locking structure 30 from the groove 22, which helps to achieve the unlocking and separation of the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20.

[0077] Alternatively, if Figure 1 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, a mounting member 13 is provided in the first accommodating cavity 11 , and the mounting member 13 is connected to the side wall of the first separation body 10 ; the adjustment component 44 is installed on the mounting member 13 , and the mounting member 13 supports the adjustment component 44 .

[0078] Alternatively, if Figure 1 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the adjustment component 44 includes an elastic member 45 and a limit member 46, the mounting member 13 is provided with a first through hole 14, one end of the limit member 46 passes through the first through hole 14 and is connected to the switching member 41, and the elastic member 45 is arranged on the outer periphery of the limit member 46 and abuts against the switching member 41 and the mounting member 13 respectively.

[0079] When the locking fitting part 42 cooperates with the locking structure 30, the elastic member 45 is in a compressed state. At this time, the elastic member 45 compresses and stores energy, and applies an elastic force to the switching member 41 along the direction of the first separation body 10 pointing to the second separation body 20, so that the switching member 41 has a tendency to switch from the locking fitting part 42 cooperating with the locking structure 30 to the unlocking fitting part 43 cooperating with the locking structure 30. However, at this time, the switching member 41 is affected by the overload under the action of its own gravity and the first acceleration, and overcomes the elastic force of the elastic member 45. The locking fitting part 42 of the switching member 41 cooperates with the locking structure 30, pressing the locking structure 30 into the groove 22, thereby locking the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20.

[0080] When the acceleration switches from the first acceleration to the smaller second acceleration, the switching member 41 switches to the position where the unlocking mating portion 43 cooperates with the locking structure 30 while maintaining the inertial force of the original first acceleration and the elastic force of the elastic member 45, so that the locking structure 30 can be released from the groove 22, thereby unlocking the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20.

[0081] Driven by the switching member 41, the limit member 46 is movably arranged in the first through hole 14 along the axis of the first through hole 14, and the first through hole 14 has a guiding effect on the movement of the limit member 46. The limit member 46 is used to limit the extreme position of the switching member 41. The extreme position of the switching member 41 includes a first position in which the locking matching part 42 cooperates with the locking structure 30 and a second position in which the unlocking matching part 43 cooperates with the locking structure 30, or a first nearby position located near the first position and within a reasonable range and a second nearby position located near the second position and within a reasonable range. As long as the switching member 41 can be switched between the first position and the second position to avoid excessive displacement of the switching member 41 and difficulty in restoring to the first position and the second position, it will be sufficient.

[0082] Of course, in some other optional embodiments of the present application, the adjustment assembly 44 may also include only the elastic member 45 according to actual needs, and the elastic member 45 is respectively connected to the switching member 41 and the mounting member 13, and the elastic member 45 is in a compressed state when the locking matching portion 42 matches the locking structure 30. At this time, the elastic member 45 not only applies an elastic force to the switching member 41 along the first separation body 10 pointing to the second separation body 20, so that the switching member 41 has a tendency to switch from the locking matching portion 42 matching the locking structure 30 to the unlocking matching portion 43 matching the locking structure 30, but also limits the extreme position of the switching member 41.

[0083] Alternatively, if Figure 1 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the limiting member 46 includes a screw 47 and a nut 48 connected to each other. The screw 47 passes through the first through hole 14 and is detachably connected to the switching member 41. The nut 48 is located on the side of the mounting member 13 away from the switching member 41. The radial dimension of the nut 48 along the screw 47 is greater than the radial dimension of the first through hole 14 along the screw 47. In this way, the nut 48 cannot pass through the first through hole 14. When the switching member 41 moves from the first separation body 10 to the second separation body 20, driving the screw 47 and the nut 48 to move together, the nut 48 can abut against the wall surface of the mounting member 13 away from the switching member 41, thereby limiting the limit position of the switching member 41 moving from the first separation body 10 to the second separation body 20, and preventing the screw 47 from coming out of the first through hole 14.

[0084] Optionally, in the embodiment of the present application, the switching member 41 is provided with a threaded hole, and one end of the screw rod 47 passes through the first through hole 14 and is threadedly connected to the threaded hole, thereby being detachably connected to the switching member 41 .

[0085] Optionally, in the embodiment of the present application, the screw rod 47 and the nut 48 are an integrated structure. The stopper 46 includes but is not limited to a bolt.

[0086] Of course, in other optional embodiments of the present application, the screw 47 and the nut 48 can also be a separate structure according to actual needs. Optionally, the nut 48 includes but is not limited to a nut. The nut is threadedly connected to the screw 47, which not only plays a limiting role, but also can adjust the range of movement of the switching member 41 by adjusting the position of the connection between the nut and the screw 47, thereby improving flexibility and adaptability, and having strong versatility.

[0087] Alternatively, if Figure 1 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the elastic member 45 includes a spring. When the elastic member 45 cooperates with the limiting member 46 , the spring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the screw rod 47 .

[0088] Alternatively, if Figure 1 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, there are multiple adjustment components 44, which are arranged in sequence along the circumference of the first accommodating cavity 11 and are respectively connected to the switching member 41. The multiple adjustment components 44 work together to make the switching member 41 movable in the first accommodating cavity 11, and to make the switching member 41 have a tendency to move in the direction from the locking matching portion 42 matching with the locking structure 30 to the unlocking matching portion 43 matching with the locking structure 30, so that the switching member 41 is relatively balanced in force, thereby improving the effectiveness of the adjustment.

[0089] Alternatively, if Figure 1 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, a plurality of adjustment components 44 are evenly spaced in sequence along the circumference of the switching member 41 , so that various parts of the switching member 41 are subjected to balanced forces, a consistent switching effect is obtained, and work efficiency is improved.

[0090] Alternatively, if Figure 1 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the side wall of the first separation body 10 includes a first wall segment 15, a second wall segment 16 and a third wall segment 17 connected in sequence. The mounting member 13 is connected to the first wall segment 15 and is located in the inner cavity of the first wall segment 15. The inner cavities of the first wall segment 15, the second wall segment 16 and the third wall segment 17 are connected in sequence to form a first accommodating cavity 11. The third wall segment 17 is provided with a second through hole 12, which is connected to the inner cavity of the third wall segment 17 and the outside of the third wall segment 17 (such as the groove 22 located outside the third wall segment 17) respectively. The recess and the third wall segment 17 enclose an accommodating space for accommodating the locking structure 30 that escapes from the groove 22.

[0091] The separation device 100 provided in the embodiment of the present application adopts a non-pyrotechnic separation method for separation, which can not only meet the mobility or control requirements, but also avoid the problems caused by the use of pyrotechnics. It can be applied to technical fields such as aerospace, and can be further applied to the rocket body separation process.

[0092] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present application provides an interstage separation system, which includes: the above-mentioned separation device 100, a lower stage and an upper stage, the lower stage is connected to the first separation body 10 of the separation device 100; the upper stage is connected to the second separation body 20 of the separation device 100.

[0093] If the lower stage and the upper stage do not need to be separated, the inter-stage separation system is moved under the first acceleration, and the switching structure 40 of the separation device 100 cooperates with the locking structure 30 based on the first acceleration, so that the locking structure 30 is located in the locking position, and the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 are locked, so that the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 are in a locked connection state, and the lower stage and the upper stage are locked and connected together.

[0094] If the lower stage and the upper stage need to be separated, the acceleration of the inter-stage separation system is switched from the first acceleration to the second acceleration, and the switching structure 40 changes its position in the first accommodating chamber 11 based on the inertia of maintaining the first acceleration, and cooperates with the locking structure 30 to make the locking structure 30 in the unlocked position, unlocking the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20, so that the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20 are in an unlocked and separable state, thereby realizing the separation of the lower stage and the upper stage.

[0095] It should be noted that since the interstage separation system in the embodiment of the present application includes the separation device in the embodiment of the present application, the interstage separation system in the embodiment of the present application also has the above-mentioned beneficial effects of the separation device in the embodiment of the present application, which will not be repeated here.

[0096] The interstage separation system provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to technical fields such as aerospace, and can be further applied to the rocket body separation process.

[0097] The following uses the interstage separation system provided in the embodiment of the present application as an example to apply to a rocket to illustrate the separation principle and working process:

[0098] When the rocket stages separate, usually the first stage (the lower stage) engine propellant has been exhausted, while the second stage (the upper stage) engine has not yet started working.

[0099] At this time, the rocket has reached a certain speed, usually supersonic. When the first-stage engine is shut down, the acceleration will usually change rapidly from a positive acceleration of 10g (as the first acceleration) to 1g or even a negative acceleration (as the second acceleration) in a short period of time, such as 0.5 seconds.

[0100] The present application utilizes the characteristic of such acceleration change as a trigger mechanism for the passive separation of the separation device 100 .

[0101] When the acceleration is maintained at a relatively high level (such as 10g) (i.e., when accelerating at the first acceleration), the switching member 41 is affected by the overload, overcomes the spring force of the elastic member 45 and moves downward (i.e., along the direction of the second separation body 20 pointing to the first separation body 10), presses the locking structure 30 into the groove 22, realizes the locking of the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20, and connects the upper stage and the lower stage together.

[0102] When the acceleration changes from a higher level (such as 10g) to 1g or negative (i.e., when switching from the first acceleration to the second acceleration), the switching member 41 has the inertia to maintain the original higher level acceleration (i.e., the first acceleration). Under the combined action of the inertial force and the spring force of the elastic member 45, the switching member 41 moves upward (i.e., along the direction of the first separation body 10 pointing to the second separation body 20), and the locking structure 30 is released and disengaged from the groove 22, thereby unlocking the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20. There is no longer a locking force between the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20, and the first separation body 10 moves away from the second separation body 20 under the action of the separation force, thereby completing the separation.

[0103] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present application provides a separation method for an interstage separation system, which includes an acceleration stage and a separation stage performed sequentially.

[0104] In the acceleration phase, the interstage separation system moves at a first acceleration, and the switching structure 40 of the separation device 100 cooperates with the locking structure 30 based on the first acceleration, so that the locking structure 30 is located at a locking position to lock the lower stage and the upper stage.

[0105] When entering the separation stage from the acceleration stage, the acceleration of the inter-stage separation system is switched from the first acceleration to the second acceleration. The switching structure 40 of the separation device 100 cooperates with the locking structure 30 based on the inertia of maintaining the first acceleration, so that the locking structure 30 is located in the unlocking position, thereby unlocking the lower stage and the upper stage.

[0106] The separation method of the interstage separation system provided in the embodiment of the present application can be used to separate the interstage separation system in the embodiment of the present application. The separation method of the interstage separation system in the embodiment of the present application also has the above-mentioned beneficial effects of the interstage separation system in the embodiment of the present application, which will not be repeated here.

[0107] The following uses the separation method of the interstage separation system provided in the embodiment of the present application to separate the rocket interstage separation system as an example to illustrate the separation method:

[0108] First, the lower stage, the separation device 100 and the upper stage are assembled together.

[0109] Next, the engine of the lower stage (not shown) is started, and the rocket stage separation system enters the acceleration phase, so that the lower stage, the separation device 100 and the upper stage move together at a first acceleration (for example, 10g). The first acceleration can vary with factors such as the engine propellant consumption and time.

[0110] At this time, under the action of its own gravity and the first acceleration, the switching member 41 is affected by the overload, overcomes the spring force of the elastic member 45 and moves downward, pressing the locking structure 30 into the groove 22. The locking structure 30 is in the locking position, realizing the locking of the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20, and the upper stage and the lower stage are locked together.

[0111] Next, the lower stage engine will run out of propellant and shut down, and the upper stage engine will not yet start working, and the rocket stage separation system will enter the separation phase.

[0112] When the rocket stage separation system enters the separation phase, under the action of aerodynamic drag, the acceleration of the rocket stage separation system (i.e., the lower stage, the separation device 100, and the upper stage, etc.) is rapidly reduced to a second acceleration (e.g., 1g or even negative) in a short period of time. The second acceleration may change with changes in environmental factors (e.g., air pressure, temperature, etc.) and time.

[0113] At this time, the switching member 41 entering the separation stage has the inertia of maintaining the original first acceleration. Under the combined action of the inertial force and the spring force of the elastic member 45, the switching member 41 moves upward, no longer presses the locking structure 30, and provides an accommodating space for the locking structure 30 to escape from the groove 22, so that the locking structure 30 can be released from the groove 22 to be located in the unlocking position, thereby realizing the unlocking of the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20. There is no longer a locking force between the first separation body 10 and the second separation body 20. Under the action of the separation force, the first separation body 10 moves away from the second separation body 20, completing the separation of the lower stage and the upper stage.

[0114] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present application provides an aircraft, which includes the above-mentioned interstage separation system.

[0115] It should be noted that, since the aircraft in the embodiment of the present application includes the inter-stage separation system in the embodiment of the present application, the aircraft in the embodiment of the present application also has the above-mentioned beneficial effects of the inter-stage separation system in the embodiment of the present application, which will not be repeated here.

[0116] Optionally, the aircraft of the embodiments of the present application includes but is not limited to aircraft, spacecraft, rockets, etc.

[0117] By applying the embodiments of the present application, at least the following beneficial effects can be achieved:

[0118] When the first separation body and the second separation body need to be locked and connected together, part of the first separation body is placed in the second accommodating chamber, and the locking structure is made to correspond to the groove. The switching structure cooperates with the locking structure to make the locking structure enter the groove, thereby locking and connecting the first separation body and the second separation body. When the first separation body and the second separation body need to be unlocked and separated, the position of the switching structure in the first accommodating chamber is adjusted. The switching structure cooperates with the locking structure so that the locking structure can be disengaged from the groove, thereby unlocking the first separation body and the second separation body. There is no locking force between the first separation body and the second separation body, and they can move away from each other under the action of external force, thereby achieving the purpose of separation.

[0119] In an embodiment of the present application, if the first separation body and the second separation body do not need to be separated, the separation device is moved under the first acceleration, and the separation device is in the acceleration stage. Since the switching structure is movably arranged in the first accommodating chamber, the switching structure is in an overweight (or overloaded) state under the first acceleration. At this time, the switching structure cooperates with the locking structure based on the first acceleration, so that the locking structure is in the locking position, and the first separation body and the second separation body are locked and connected together, and the first separation body and the second separation body are in a locked connection state.

[0120] If the first separation body and the second separation body need to be separated, the acceleration of the separation device is switched from the first acceleration to the second acceleration which is less than the first acceleration, and the separation device is in the separation stage. During the switching process, the switching structure has the inertia of maintaining the original first acceleration. Since the separation device moves in the direction from the first separation body to the second separation body, when the acceleration is switched to the second acceleration, both the first separation body and the second separation body move under the second acceleration. At this time, under the action of the inertial force maintaining the original first acceleration, the switching structure moves relative to the direction from the first separation body to the second separation body in the first accommodating cavity, so that the position of the switching structure and the locking structure is changed. The switching structure cooperates with the locking structure based on the inertia of maintaining the first acceleration, and the locking structure switches to the unlocking position, so that the first separation body and the second separation body are switched to the unlocked separable state. The locking structure is in the unlocking position, and there is no locking force between the first separation body and the second separation body, and they can move away from each other under the action of external force, so that the first separation body and the second separation body are unlocked, and the separation purpose is achieved.

[0121] In the embodiment of the present application, the separation device adjusts the position of the switching structure in the first accommodating chamber by the inertial force caused by the overload or maneuvering during the movement, and switches the locking structure between the locked position and the unlocked position, thereby controlling the state of the first separation body and the second separation body (locked connection state or unlocked separable state). Without using pyrotechnics, explosives, external instructions, or any electrical interface, the separation device can be designed to utilize the characteristics of acceleration change (from the first acceleration to the second acceleration less than the first acceleration) as the trigger mechanism for the passive separation of the first separation body and the second separation body in the embodiment of the present application, and automatically trigger the separation when certain conditions are met.

[0122] The separation device of the embodiment of the present application can improve the connection stiffness between the first separation body and the second separation body without pyrotechnics, and is completely independent of any external control. It can meet the mobility or control requirements and avoid the problems caused by the use of pyrotechnics.

[0123] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various operations, methods, steps, measures, and schemes in the processes discussed in this application may be alternated, changed, combined, or deleted. Furthermore, other steps, measures, and schemes in the various operations, methods, and processes discussed in this application may also be alternated, changed, rearranged, decomposed, combined, or deleted. Furthermore, steps, measures, and schemes in the related art that are similar to those disclosed in this application may also be alternated, changed, rearranged, decomposed, combined, or deleted.

[0124] In the description of the present application, the directions or positional relationships indicated by words such as "center", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside" and "outside" are based on the exemplary directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are for the convenience of describing or simplifying the description of the embodiments of the present application, and do not indicate or imply that the referred device or component must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be understood as limitations on the present application.

[0125] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0126] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0127] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be combined in an appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0128] The above is only a partial implementation method of the present application. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, without departing from the technical concept of the scheme of the present application, other similar implementation methods based on the technical ideas of the present application are also within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A separation device, characterized in that: include: A first separation body having a first accommodating cavity; A second separation body, having a second accommodating cavity for accommodating at least a portion of the first separation body, wherein an inner wall of the second separation body is provided with a groove, and the groove is communicated with the second accommodating cavity; a locking structure, movably disposed on a side wall of the first separation body, the locking structure having a locking position for entering the groove to lock the first separation body and the second separation body, and an unlocking position for exiting from the groove to unlock the first separation body and the second separation body; a switching structure, movably disposed in the first accommodating cavity, the switching structure being used to cooperate with the locking structure to switch the position of the locking structure; If the first separation body and the second separation body do not need to be separated, the separation device is moved under a first acceleration, and the switching structure cooperates with the locking structure based on the first acceleration to locate the locking structure in the locking position; If the first separation body and the second separation body need to be separated, the acceleration of the separation device is switched from the first acceleration to the second acceleration, and the switching structure cooperates with the locking structure based on maintaining the inertia of the first acceleration, so that the locking structure is located in the unlocked position; wherein the second acceleration is less than the first acceleration.

2. The separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The switching structure comprises a switching member, wherein the switching member has a locking matching portion and an unlocking matching portion which are sequentially arranged along a direction from the second separation body to the first separation body; The locking matching portion is used to match with the locking structure so that the locking structure is located in the locking position; The unlocking matching portion is used to match with the locking structure so that the locking structure is located in the unlocking position.

3. The separation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The switching structure further comprises at least one adjusting component, which is arranged on the first separation body and located in the first accommodating cavity. The adjusting component is connected to the switching member and is used to apply a force to the switching member to make the unlocking mating portion cooperate with the locking structure.

4. The separation device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A mounting piece is provided in the first accommodating cavity, and the mounting piece is connected to the side wall of the first separation body; The adjustment component includes an elastic member and a limiting member, the mounting member is provided with a first through hole, one end of the limiting member passes through the first through hole and is connected to the switching member, the elastic member is arranged on the periphery of the limiting member and abuts against the switching member and the mounting member respectively; when the locking mating part is mated with the locking structure, the elastic member is in a compressed state, and the limiting member is used to limit the extreme position of the switching member.

5. The separation device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The limiting member includes a screw and a nut connected to each other, the screw passes through the first through hole and is detachably connected to the switching member, the nut is located on a side of the mounting member away from the switching member, and a radial dimension of the nut along the screw is greater than a radial dimension of the first through hole along the screw; and / or, The elastic member includes a spring.

6. The separation device according to claim 3, characterized in that: There are multiple adjustment components, which are arranged in sequence and spaced apart along the circumference of the first accommodating cavity and are respectively connected to the switching member.

7. The separation device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that The locking matching portion is a protrusion provided on the outer wall surface of the switching member, and the protrusion is used to press the locking structure into the groove; the unlocking matching portion is a depression provided on the outer wall surface of the switching member, and the depression is used to provide a receiving space for the locking structure to escape from the groove; The depression smoothly transitions to the protrusion; and / or, The locking fitting portion and the unlocking fitting portion extend along the circumferential direction of the switching member respectively.

8. The separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that A plurality of the grooves are sequentially spaced apart along the circumference of the second accommodating cavity; a plurality of the locking structures are sequentially spaced apart along the circumference of the side wall of the first separation body; the number of the grooves is greater than or equal to the number of the locking structures; and / or, The locking structure includes steel balls, and the side wall of the first separation body is provided with second through holes corresponding to the steel balls one by one, and the steel balls are movably arranged in the second through holes.

9. An interstage separation system, characterized in that: include: The separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8; A lower stage connected to the first separation body of the separation device; an upper stage connected to the second separation body of the separation device; If the lower stage and the upper stage do not need to be separated, the interstage separation system is moved under a first acceleration, and the switching structure of the separation device cooperates with the locking structure based on the first acceleration, so that the locking structure is located at the locking position, and the first separation body and the second separation body are locked; If the lower stage and the upper stage need to be separated, the acceleration of the inter-stage separation system is switched from the first acceleration to the second acceleration, and the switching structure cooperates with the locking structure based on maintaining the inertia of the first acceleration, so that the locking structure is located in the unlocking position, thereby unlocking the first separation body and the second separation body.

10. An aircraft, characterized in that: Comprising the interstage separation system as described in claim 9.

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