Vertical docking launch system and vertical docking method for tower erection and satellite array assembly

Abstract

This invention provides a launch system and method for vertical docking of a launch tower, a satellite array assembly, and a launch platform, relating to the field of rocket launch technology. The launch tower includes a tower body, a first arm, a second arm, and a hoisting mechanism. The tower body has a first groove and a second groove on opposite sides, and a channel connecting the first and second grooves at the top. The first groove is used to receive the rocket body. The first and second arms are closable on opposite sides of the first groove to hold the rocket body. The hoisting mechanism is slidably mounted on the top of the tower body. The second groove is used to receive the satellite array assembly, and the hoisting mechanism is used to lift the satellite array assembly. As the hoisting mechanism slides relative to the tower body, the satellite array assembly can pass through the channel and dock with the rocket body. The launch tower not only allows for the erection of the rocket body but also enables the vertical docking of the satellite array assembly. During the vertical docking process, no cranes or service towers are required, resulting in low cost, high safety, and low operational difficulty.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of rocket launch technology, and in particular to a vertical docking launch system and method for a combination of an erecting tower and a satellite array. Background Technology

[0002] In launch vehicle operations, the fairing and the satellite form a satellite-fairing assembly. To reduce costs and shorten the time spent occupying the launch pad, most launch vehicles currently adopt a "three-horizontal-one-vertical" launch mode: horizontal assembly, horizontal testing, horizontal transport, and vertical launch from the launch site. In this launch mode, the satellite-fairing assembly needs to be docked with the rocket body in a horizontal position. However, many satellites do not have the capability to be horizontally positioned, so this launch mode is not suitable for launching such satellites. Furthermore, the "three-horizontal-one-vertical" launch mode requires the satellite-fairing assembly to be horizontally assembled several hours before launch, and no other operations can be performed after assembly. This method is particularly unsuitable for biological payloads.

[0003] Therefore, many launch operations currently rely on cranes or service towers to vertically connect the fairing to the rocket body. However, using cranes is costly, prone to swaying during lifting, and has low safety, making alignment during docking with the rocket body difficult. Using service towers requires the design and manufacture of additional launch equipment, resulting in additional costs and cumbersome operation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a vertical docking and launch system and method for erecting a tower and a satellite array assembly, which solves the shortcomings of existing technologies that require cranes or service towers for vertical launch of satellite array assemblies, resulting in high costs and cumbersome operations.

[0005] This invention provides an erection tower, comprising: a tower body, a first clamping arm, a second clamping arm, and a hoisting mechanism. The tower body has a first groove and a second groove on opposite sides, and a channel connecting the first groove and the second groove at the top. The first groove is used to receive an arrow body. The first clamping arm and the second clamping arm are slidably disposed on opposite side walls of the first groove to hold the arrow body. The hoisting mechanism is slidably mounted on the top of the tower body. The second groove is used to receive a star cover assembly. The hoisting mechanism is used to hoist the star cover assembly. As the hoisting mechanism slides relative to the tower body, the star cover assembly can pass through the channel and dock with the arrow body.

[0006] According to the present invention, a tower erection tower is provided on the same side of the tower body, wherein a first hinge block and a second hinge block are provided, the first hinge block is used to be rotatably connected to the erection seat, and the second hinge block is used to be rotatably connected to the drive end of the erection drive member.

[0007] According to the present invention, a tower erection mechanism includes a sliding plate, a hoisting rope, a hoisting drive, a hoisting drum, a first pulley, a lifting device, and a second pulley. The sliding plate is slidably mounted on the top of the tower body. The hoisting drive is connected to the hoisting drum via a transmission connection. The hoisting drum is rotatably mounted on the sliding plate. The lifting device is used to connect to the star-shaped assembly and is located below the sliding plate. The second pulley is mounted on the lifting device. One end of the hoisting rope is wound around the hoisting drum, and the other end of the hoisting rope passes sequentially through the first pulley, the sliding plate, and the second pulley before being connected to the side of the sliding plate opposite to the hoisting drum.

[0008] According to the present invention, a tower erection device includes a frame and multiple lifting ropes, one end of each lifting rope being connected to the frame and the other end being connected to a lifting point on the star-shaped assembly.

[0009] According to the present invention, a tower erection tower is provided with two sets of sliding platform modules at the top of the tower body. The two sets of sliding platform modules are arranged in parallel. The sliding plate is installed on the sliding platform of the sliding platform module, and the sliding direction of the sliding platform extends from the first groove to the second groove.

[0010] According to the present invention, the second groove wall is provided with a guide rail, which is used to cooperate with a limiting member installed on the star cover assembly.

[0011] According to the present invention, in the form of an erecting tower, the first arm and the second arm are both pivotally connected to the tower body and are respectively connected to an arm drive component.

[0012] The present invention also provides a vertical docking launch system for a satellite array assembly, comprising a transport vehicle, an erection drive, a fixed launch platform, a movable launch platform, an erection base, and an erection tower as described above. The fixed launch platform is fixed at the launch site, the erection base is fixed to the fixed launch platform, the erection drive is installed below the fixed launch platform and is used to drive the erection tower to switch from a horizontal state to a vertical state, the movable launch platform is installed at the end of the rocket body, and the transport vehicle is used to transport the assembly of the erection tower, the movable launch platform, and the rocket body to the launch site so that the erection drive and the erection base dock with the tower body respectively.

[0013] According to the present invention, a vertical docking and launch system for a satellite array assembly is provided, wherein two erection drive components are provided, and the two erection drive components are arranged on opposite sides of the tower body.

[0014] The present invention also provides a method for vertical docking of a satellite array assembly, which employs the satellite array vertical docking launch system described above, the method comprising:

[0015] The rocket body is horizontally hoisted onto the erecting tower. The first and second clamping arms, under the action of the clamping arm drive, clamp the rocket body tightly. The movable launch platform is vertically hoisted and installed onto the erecting tower and connected to the rocket body.

[0016] The transport vehicle transports the assembly of the mobile launch platform, the rocket body, and the erecting tower to the launch site, and the erecting tower is connected to the erecting base and the erecting drive component respectively.

[0017] The erection drive unit drives the erection tower and the rocket body to be erected;

[0018] Lifting points and limiting components are installed on the outside of the star array assembly. The limiting components cooperate with the guide rail and suspend the lifting device at the lifting points. The star array assembly is then vertically lifted to the designated position by means of the winch mechanism.

[0019] The hoisting mechanism slides relative to the tower body, moving the star cover assembly to the arrow body side of the tower body. After the star cover assembly and the arrow body are aligned and fitted together, the fasteners between the star cover assembly and the arrow body are manually installed.

[0020] The first and second clamps open, and the erecting tower tilts under the action of the erecting drive.

[0021] The present invention provides a vertical docking launch system and method for erecting a tower and a satellite array assembly. The first and second clamping arms work together to fix the rocket body in a first groove. A movable winch mechanism is provided at the top of the tower. The winch mechanism can be used to vertically lift the rocket body. After being lifted into position, the satellite array assembly can be aligned with the rocket body by sliding the winch mechanism, thus achieving vertical docking of the satellite array assembly. Therefore, the erecting tower can not only lift the rocket body, but also achieve vertical docking of the satellite array assembly. During the vertical docking process, there is no need to use cranes or service towers, etc., which is low in cost, high in safety, and easy to operate. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the erecting tower and the arrow body provided by the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the vertical docking launch system of the satellite array assembly provided by the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The image shows an enlarged view of the vertical docking launch system of the satellite array assembly at point A.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the vertical docking launch system of the star-covered assembly provided by the present invention after the rocket body is erected.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the vertical docking launch system for the satellite array assembly provided by the present invention, showing the preparation for erecting the satellite array assembly.

[0028] Figure 6 This is an enlarged view of the vertical docking launch system of the satellite array assembly provided by the present invention at point B.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the vertical docking and launch system of the satellite array assembly provided by the present invention.

[0030] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the vertical docking launch system of the satellite array assembly along line AA.

[0031] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of the structure at point C.

[0032] Figure 10 This is a partial structural diagram of the vertical docking and launch system of the satellite array assembly provided by the present invention after the satellite array assembly is hoisted to the designated position.

[0033] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the vertical docking launch system of the satellite array assembly along the BB.

[0034] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 The diagram shows an enlarged view of the structure at point D.

[0035] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the vertical docking launch system of the satellite array assembly provided by the present invention, in which the tower is tilted and erected after the satellite array assembly and the rocket body are docked in place.

[0036] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 The diagram shows an enlarged view of the structure at point E.

[0037] Figure label:

[0038] 10. Tower body; 11. First groove; 12. Second groove; 13. First hinge block; 14. Second hinge block; 15. Guide rail; 16. Support component; 21. First boom; 22. Second boom; 23. Boom drive component; 30. Winch mechanism; 31. Slide plate; 311. First slide plate; 312. Second slide plate; 32. Lifting rope; 33. Winch drive component; 34. Winch drum; 35. First pulley; 36. Lifting device; 361. Frame; 362. Lifting rope; 37. Second pulley; 38. Slide module; 100. Rocket body; 110. Star cover assembly; 111. Lifting point; 112. Limiting component; 113. Guardrail; 130. Transport vehicle; 140. Erection drive component; 150. Fixed launch platform; 160. Movable launch platform; 170. Erection base. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0040] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0041] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0042] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0043] The following is combined with Figures 1-14 The present invention describes a vertical docking and launch system for an erecting tower and satellite array assembly.

[0044] This invention provides a method for erecting a tower, such as... Figures 1 to 4 As shown, it includes a tower body 10, a first boom 21, a second boom 22, and a hoisting mechanism 30. Figure 8 As shown, the tower body 10 has a first groove 11 and a second groove 12 on opposite sides, and the top of the tower body 10 has a channel connecting the first groove 11 and the second groove 12. The first groove 11 is used to receive the arrow body 100, and the first arm 21 and the second arm 22 are closable on opposite side walls of the first groove 11 to hold the arrow body 100 tightly. Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, the hoisting mechanism 30 is slidably mounted on the top of the tower body 10, and the second groove 12 is used to receive the star cover assembly 110. The hoisting mechanism 30 is used to hoist the star cover assembly 110. As the hoisting mechanism 30 slides relative to the tower body 10, the star cover assembly 110 can pass through the channel and dock with the rocket body 100.

[0045] The tower body 10 includes a top plate, a partition plate, and two side plates. The side plates are arranged opposite each other, and the two opposite long sides of the partition plate are perpendicularly connected to the side plates. The top plate is fixedly connected to the same side ends of the side plates. The partition plate divides the space between the side plates to form a first groove 11 and a second groove 12. The gap between the partition plate and the top plate forms a channel connecting the first groove 11 and the second groove 12. Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, a support member 16 is installed in the first groove 11. The support member 16 has an arc surface that can fit against the outer wall of the arrow body 100 in order to better position and support the arrow body 100.

[0046] like Figure 14 As shown, the first arm 21 and the second arm 22 are closable and positioned on opposite sides of the first groove 11. They engage and grip the rocket body 100, facilitating the transport of the rocket body 100 and the erector tower together. Once the erector tower is erected and the satellite shield assembly 110 and the rocket body 100 are docked, the first arm 21 and the second arm 22 open, and the erector tower tilts back to launch the carrier rocket.

[0047] The hoisting mechanism 30 is used to vertically lift the star cover assembly 110 housed in the second groove 12. After being lifted to the designated position, the hoisting mechanism 30 slides along the top plate, moving the star cover assembly 110 from the side of the second groove 12 to the side of the first groove 11, so that the star cover assembly 110 is aligned with the rocket body 100, achieving vertical docking of the star cover assembly 110.

[0048] The erecting tower provided in this embodiment of the invention has a first arm 21 and a second arm 22 that work together to fix the rocket body 100 in the first groove 11. A movable winch mechanism 30 is provided on the top of the tower body 10. The winch mechanism 30 can be vertically lifted. After being lifted into position, the star cover assembly 110 can be aligned with the rocket body 100 by sliding the winch mechanism 30, thus achieving vertical docking of the star cover assembly 110. Therefore, the erecting tower can not only lift the rocket body 100, but also achieve vertical docking of the star cover assembly 110. During the vertical docking process, there is no need to use cranes or service towers, which is low in cost, high in safety, and easy to operate.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, a first hinge block 13 and a second hinge block 14 are provided on the same side of the tower body 10. The first hinge block 13 is used to be rotatably connected to the erecting seat 170, and the second hinge block 14 is used to be rotatably connected to the driving end of the erecting drive member 140.

[0050] Both the first hinge block 13 and the second hinge block 14 are located on the side plate. Specifically, the first hinge block 13 is located near the bottom of the side plate, and the second hinge block 14 is located above the first hinge block 13. Both the first hinge block 13 and the second hinge block 14 protrude from the side of the side plate near the second groove 12.

[0051] There are two of each of the first hinge block 13 and the second hinge block 14. The two first hinge blocks 13 are located on different side plates and at corresponding positions on the two side plates. The two second hinge blocks 14 are located on different side plates and at corresponding positions on the two side plates.

[0052] like Figure 6 and Figure 12 As shown, the hoisting mechanism 30 includes a sliding plate 31, a hoisting rope 32, a hoisting drive component 33, a hoisting drum 34, a first pulley 35, a lifting device 36, and a second pulley 37. The sliding plate 31 is slidably mounted on the top of the tower body 10. The hoisting drive component 33 is connected to the hoisting drum 34, and the hoisting drum 34 is rotatably mounted on the sliding plate 31. The lifting device 36 is used to connect to the star-shaped assembly 110, and the second pulley 37 is mounted on the lifting device 36. One end of the hoisting rope 32 is wound around the hoisting drum 34, and the other end of the hoisting rope 32 passes sequentially through the first pulley 35, the sliding plate 31, and the second pulley 37 before connecting to the side of the sliding plate 31 opposite to the hoisting drum 34.

[0053] The slide plate 31 is arranged parallel to the top plate. The winch drive 33, the winch drum 34, and the first pulley 35 are all installed on the side of the slide plate 31 away from the tower body 10. The slide plate 31 has two lugs, and the two ends of the winch drum 34 have protruding shafts, which are rotatably inserted into the two lugs. Under the action of the winch drive 33, the winch drum 34 can rotate. Optionally, the winch drive 33 is a motor, and the motor shaft is connected to the winch drum 34.

[0054] like Figure 12 As shown, the lifting rope 32 is a load-bearing rope such as a wire rope. One end of the lifting rope 32 is wound around the winch drum 34, and the other end passes over the first pulley 35, through the slide plate 31, and then over the second pulley 37 on the lifting device 36 located below the slide plate 31, connecting to the side of the slide plate 31 facing the tower body 10. Thus, the lifting device 36 is suspended below the slide plate 31 by means of the lifting rope 32. It is understood that the top plate has a slotted hole, and the extension direction of the slotted hole is consistent with the sliding direction of the slide plate 31. The lifting rope 32 passes through the slotted hole, and during the sliding of the slide plate 31, the lifting rope 32 moves within the slotted hole along the extension direction of the slotted hole.

[0055] See Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 10 When the winch drive 33 drives the winch drum 34 to rotate, causing the lifting rope 32 to retract, the lifting device 36 drives the star-shaped hood assembly 110 to move vertically upward. After the star-shaped hood assembly 110 moves to the designated position, the overall state is as follows: Figure 10 As shown, the winch drive 33 stops driving. The slide plate 31 slides, moving the star cover assembly 110 from the second groove 12 side to the first groove 11 side, aligning the star cover assembly 110 with the arrow body 100. At this time, the winch drive 33 rotates in the opposite direction, moving the star cover assembly 110 down to fit against the end of the arrow body 100, and the fasteners are manually installed to connect the star cover assembly 110 with the arrow body 100.

[0056] like Figure 6 As shown, the lifting device 36 includes a frame 361 and multiple lifting ropes 362. One end of each lifting rope 362 is connected to the frame 361, and the other end is used to connect to the lifting point 111 on the satellite array assembly 110. The multiple lifting ropes 362 can balance the tension of the satellite array assembly 110, providing a stable force for the upward and horizontal movement of the satellite array assembly 110 and preventing swaying during the movement.

[0057] The outer wall of the star-shaped shroud assembly 110 is provided with multiple lifting points 111 circumferentially. One end of the lifting rope 362 is connected to the lifting point 111, and the other end is connected to the lifting device 36. A second pulley 37 is installed on the side of the lifting device 36 facing the top of the tower body 10. Specifically, as shown... Figure 6As shown, there are four suspension ropes 362. The four suspension ropes 362 are arranged at intervals around the circumference of the frame 361. The top end of each suspension rope 362 is connected to the frame 361, and the bottom end is used to connect to the suspension point 111 on the star cover assembly 110.

[0058] The frame 361 includes multiple rods, some of which are connected end to end to form a polygon, while other rods connect the center and corners of the polygon to increase its strength. A second pulley 37 is installed at the center of the polygon so that the hoisting mechanism 30 can stably pull the vertically suspended star-shaped assembly 110.

[0059] The top of the tower body 10 is provided with two sets of sliding platform modules 38, which are arranged in parallel. The slide plate 31 is installed on the slide of the sliding platform module 38, and the sliding direction of the slide extends from the first groove 11 to the second groove 12.

[0060] like Figure 12 As shown, two sets of sliding platform modules 38 are arranged in parallel and spaced apart, and the opposite sides of the slide plate 31 are respectively connected to a sliding platform module 38. The sliding direction of the slide is along the width direction of the side plate. The slide plate 31 slides along the sliding platform module 38, moving the star cover assembly 110 from the side of the second groove 12 to the side of the first groove 11 and aligning it with the rocket body 100.

[0061] Optionally, to improve the adjustability of the star shield assembly 110, such as... Figure 12 As shown, the slide plate 31 includes a first slide plate 311 and a second slide plate 312. The second slide plate 312 has a square cross-section. The two second slide plates 312 are connected to the slides of the two slide modules 38 one by one. A guide rail protrudes from the side of the second slide plate 312 away from the slide module 38. A guide groove that mates with the guide rail is provided on one side of the first slide plate 311, and a winch drive 33, a first pulley 35 and a winch drum 34 are installed on the other side.

[0062] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the groove wall of the second groove 12 is provided with a guide rail 15, which is used to cooperate with the limiting member 112 installed on the star cover assembly 110.

[0063] Limiting components 112 are installed on the outer wall of the star-shaped assembly 110, such as... Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, there are two limiting members 112, which are symmetrical about the axis of the star-shaped assembly 110. Guide rails 15 are provided on opposite sides of the second groove 12. When the star-shaped assembly 110 is housed within the second groove 12, the limiting members 112 and the guide rails 15 engage in a one-to-one correspondence. The hoisting mechanism 30 pulls the star-shaped assembly 110 vertically upward, and the limiting members 112 move along the guide rails 15. After the star-shaped assembly 110 moves to the designated position, the limiting members 112 separate from the guide rails 15, so that the star-shaped assembly 110 can move from the first groove 11 side to the second groove 12 side as the slide plate 31 slides.

[0064] The first arm 21 and the second arm 22 are both pivotally connected to the tower body 10 and are respectively connected to an arm drive component 23 for transmission.

[0065] Both the first clamping arm 21 and the second clamping arm 22 are arc-shaped, and their engagement allows them to tightly grip the arrow body 100. Specifically, the clamping arm drive component 23 is a linear motor, which is installed on the outer side of the groove wall of the first groove 11. The drive end of the clamping arm drive component 23 is connected to the outer side of the first clamping arm 21 and the second clamping arm 22. The clamping arm drive component 23 drives the first clamping arm 21 and the second clamping arm 22 to move relative to each other, closing to tightly grip the arrow body 100; the clamping arm drive component 23 moves in the opposite direction, driving the first clamping arm 21 and the second clamping arm 22 to open, so as to separate the tower and the arrow body 100.

[0066] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the present invention also provides a vertical docking launch system for a satellite array assembly 110, which includes a transport vehicle 130, an erection drive 140, a fixed launch platform 150, a movable launch platform 160, an erection base 170, and an erection tower as described above. The fixed launch platform 150 is fixed at the launch site, and the erection base 170 is fixed to the fixed launch platform 150. The erection drive 140 is installed below the fixed launch platform 150 and is used to drive the erection tower to switch from a horizontal state to a vertical state. The movable launch platform 160 is installed at the end of the rocket body 100. The transport vehicle 130 is used to transport the assembly of the erection tower, the movable launch platform 160, and the rocket body 100 to the launch site so that the erection drive 140 and the erection base 170 dock with the tower body 10, respectively.

[0067] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the erector 170 is fixed to the fixed launch platform 150 and abuts against the first hinge block 13 on the rocket body 100. The erector drive 140 is connected to the second hinge block 14 on the rocket body 100. Figure 5As shown, two erection drive units 140 are provided. Two recessed mounting positions are provided on the side of the erection base 170. The two erection drive units 140 are rotatably mounted in the two mounting positions respectively. The driving end of each erection drive unit 140 is rotatably connected to the corresponding second hinge block 14. The erection drive unit 140 is a linear motor or a cylinder. The linear feed of the erection drive unit 140 pushes the erection tower to switch from a horizontal state to a vertical state.

[0068] The rocket body 100 is horizontally hoisted onto the erecting turret. The first and second clamping arms 21 and 22, driven by the clamping arm drive component 23, clamp the rocket body 100 tightly, securing it to the erecting turret. Then, the movable launch platform 160 is vertically hoisted onto the erecting turret. Figure 2 As shown, two transport vehicles 130 work together to transport the assembled erector tower, rocket body 100, and movable launch platform 160 to the launch site, so that the erector base 170 mates with the first hinge block 13, and the erection drive component 140 mates with the second hinge block 14. Driven by the erection drive component 140, the erector tower moves the rocket body 100 and movable launch platform 160 from a horizontal to a vertical position, as shown. Figure 4 As shown. Then as Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 9 As shown, the star-shaped shroud assembly 110 is installed on the side of the second groove 12, so that the limiting member 112 cooperates with the guide rail 15, and the bottom of the lifting rope 362 is suspended on the lifting point 111 of the star-shaped shroud assembly 110. Under the action of the winch drive 33, the lifting device 36 drives the star-shaped shroud assembly 110 upward, and the limiting member 112 cooperates with the guide rail 15 to provide guidance. Figure 10 As shown, the star cover assembly 110 moves to the designated position, and the limiting member 112 separates from the guide rail 15. Then, the slide plate 31 slides, moving the star cover assembly 110 to the side of the first groove 11. Then, the winch drive 33 reverses the drive, moving the star cover assembly 110 downward to dock with the rocket body 100, achieving vertical docking of the star cover assembly 110. Figure 13 As shown, the arm drive component 23 drives the first arm 21 and the second arm 22 to open in the reverse direction, and then the tower is erected and then falls to separate from the launch vehicle.

[0069] The present invention also provides a vertical docking method for a satellite array assembly 110, employing the satellite array assembly 110 vertical docking launch system as described above. The vertical docking method for the array assembly includes:

[0070] The launch vehicle (excluding the satellite array 110) is horizontally hoisted onto the erecting tower. The first arm 21 and the second arm 22 are held tightly by the arm drive component 23. The movable launch pad 160 is vertically hoisted and installed onto the erecting tower and connected to the launch vehicle 100.

[0071] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the transport vehicle 130 transports the combination of the mobile launch platform 160, the rocket body 100 and the erector tower to the launch site. The erector tower is connected to the erector base 170 and the erector drive component 140 respectively.

[0072] like Figure 4 As shown, the erection drive unit 140 drives the erection tower and the rocket body 100 to be erected;

[0073] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, a lifting point 111 and a limiting member 112 are installed on the outside of the star cover assembly 110. The lifting device 36 is hoisted at the lifting point 111 and the star cover assembly 110 is vertically hoisted to the designated position by means of the winch mechanism 30.

[0074] The hoisting mechanism 30 slides relative to the tower body 10, moving the star cover assembly 110 to the side of the arrow body 100 on the tower body 10. After the star cover assembly 110 and the arrow body 100 are aligned and fitted together, the fasteners between the star cover assembly 110 and the arrow body 100 are manually installed.

[0075] like Figure 13 As shown, the first arm 21 and the second arm 22 open, and the erecting tower tilts under the action of the erecting drive 140.

[0076] like Figure 11 As shown, an operating platform is provided on the side wall of the satellite shield assembly 110, and the operating platform is surrounded by a guardrail 113. Personnel stand on the operating platform and are protected by the guardrail 113. During the vertical upward movement of the satellite shield assembly 110, personnel rise along with it to install the fasteners of the satellite shield assembly 110 and the rocket body 100, complete the docking of the two, and can disassemble the lifting point 111 and the limiting member 112 after docking.

[0077] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A type of erecting tower, characterized in that, include: The tower body comprises a first clamping arm, a second clamping arm, and a hoisting mechanism. The tower body has a first groove and a second groove on opposite sides, and a channel connecting the first groove and the second groove at its top. The first groove is used to receive the rocket body. The first clamping arm and the second clamping arm are foldably and openably disposed on opposite side walls of the first groove to hold the rocket body. The hoisting mechanism is slidably mounted on the top of the tower body. The second groove is used to receive a star cover assembly. The hoisting mechanism is used to hoist the star cover assembly. As the hoisting mechanism slides relative to the tower body, the star cover assembly can pass through the channel and dock with the rocket body.

2. The erecting tower according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tower body is provided with a first hinge block and a second hinge block on the same side. The first hinge block is used to be rotatably connected to the erecting seat, and the second hinge block is used to be rotatably connected to the driving end of the erecting drive component.

3. The erecting tower according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hoisting mechanism includes a sliding plate, a hoisting rope, a hoisting drive, a hoisting drum, a first pulley, a lifting device, and a second pulley. The sliding plate is slidably mounted on the top of the tower body. The hoisting drive is connected to the hoisting drum, and the hoisting drum is rotatably mounted on the sliding plate. The lifting device is used to connect to the star-shaped assembly and is located below the sliding plate. The second pulley is mounted on the lifting device. One end of the hoisting rope is wound around the hoisting drum, and the other end of the hoisting rope passes sequentially through the first pulley, the sliding plate, and the second pulley before connecting to the side of the sliding plate opposite to the hoisting drum.

4. The erecting tower according to claim 3, characterized in that, The lifting device includes a frame and multiple lifting ropes. One end of each lifting rope is connected to the frame, and the other end is used to connect to a lifting point on the star-shaped assembly.

5. The erecting tower according to claim 3, characterized in that, The top of the tower is provided with two sets of sliding platform modules, which are arranged in parallel. The sliding plate is installed on the sliding platform of the sliding platform module, and the sliding direction of the sliding platform extends from the first groove to the second groove.

6. The erecting tower according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second groove has a guide rail on its groove wall, which is used to cooperate with the limiting member installed on the star cover assembly.

7. The erecting tower according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first and second clamping arms are pivotally connected to the tower body and are respectively connected to a clamping arm drive component.

8. A vertical docking launch system for a satellite array assembly, characterized in that, The system includes a transport vehicle, an erection drive unit, a fixed launch platform, a movable launch platform, an erection base, and an erection tower as described in any one of claims 1 to 7. The fixed launch platform is fixed to the launch site, the erection base is fixed to the fixed launch platform, the erection drive unit is installed below the fixed launch platform and is used to drive the erection tower to switch from a horizontal state to a vertical state, the movable launch platform is installed at the end of the rocket body, and the transport vehicle is used to transport the assembly of the erection tower, the movable launch platform, and the rocket body to the launch site so that the erection drive unit and the erection base are respectively docked with the tower body.

9. The vertical docking and launch system of the satellite array assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, Two erection drive components are provided, and the two erection drive components are arranged on opposite sides of the tower body.

10. A method for vertical docking of a star-shaped array assembly, characterized in that, The method, employing the vertical docking launch system of the satellite array as described in claim 8 or 9, comprises: The rocket body is horizontally hoisted onto the erecting tower. The first and second clamping arms, under the action of the clamping arm drive, clamp the rocket body tightly. The movable launch platform is vertically hoisted and installed onto the erecting tower and connected to the rocket body. The transport vehicle transports the assembly of the mobile launch platform, the rocket body, and the erecting tower to the launch site, and the erecting tower is connected to the erecting base and the erecting drive component respectively. The erection drive unit drives the erection tower and the rocket body to be erected; Lifting points and limiting components are installed on the outside of the star-shaped enclosure assembly. The limiting components cooperate with the guide rail provided on the groove wall of the second groove and the lifting device of the hoisting mechanism is hoisted at the lifting point. The star-shaped enclosure assembly is vertically lifted to the designated position by means of the hoisting mechanism. The hoisting mechanism slides relative to the tower body, moving the star cover assembly to the arrow body side of the tower body. After the star cover assembly and the arrow body are aligned and fitted together, the fasteners between the star cover assembly and the arrow body are installed. The first and second clamps open, and the erecting tower tilts under the action of the erecting drive.

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