Non-pyrotechnic two-stage mechanical spacecraft connecting and separating device

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of aerospace, and discloses a non-pyrotechnic two-stage mechanical spacecraft connecting and separating device which comprises an upper connecting assembly, a lower connecting assembly, a first-stage locking assembly, a second-stage locking assembly and a motor. The motor is fixedly connected with the lower connecting assembly, the first-stage locking assembly comprises a cylindrical cam mechanism and a connecting rod mechanism, the cylindrical cam mechanism is arranged in the cavity and connected to an output shaft of the motor, the connecting rod mechanism can be connected with the upper connecting assembly, and the second-stage locking assembly comprises a telescopic mechanism. The telescopic mechanism can be driven by a motor to rotate and fix the upper connecting assembly and the lower connecting assembly in an inserted mode. A two-stage mechanical connection and separation mode is adopted, through precise mechanical structure design, stable connection and stable separation between parts of a spacecraft are ensured, and compared with a traditional single-stage connection and separation device, the connection and separation reliability can be further improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of aerospace technology, and in particular to a non-pyrotechnic two-stage mechanical spacecraft connection and separation device. Background Art

[0002] In the field of aerospace technology, the connection and separation technology of spacecraft is a key link to ensure the success of the mission. Although traditional pyrotechnic connection devices, such as explosive bolts and separation nuts, play an important role in the launch and on-orbit separation missions of spacecraft, they have significant disadvantages, such as low safety, non-reusability, large impact loads during separation, and possible pollution to the environment. Especially in manned space flight and future deep space exploration missions, the performance requirements for connection and separation devices are more stringent, including higher reliability, lower impact loads and environmental protection requirements.

[0003] Non-pyrotechnic connection and separation devices have the advantages of high reliability, low cost, reusability and low impact force, which can make up for the shortcomings of pyrotechnic devices. Such devices usually realize connection and separation functions based on electromagnetic actuation, shape memory alloys, thermal actuation and other principles. For example, shape memory alloy (SMA) separation devices drive the separation process through the shape memory effect of the alloy, and have the characteristics of low impact and no pollution. In addition, separation devices based on motor / electromagnetic actuation, such as LSRU and RULSA release devices, also show good low impact and reusability. These non-pyrotechnic devices show great potential in the connection and separation between spacecraft compartments, between the body and components, and between mechanisms. Therefore, the development of new low-impact, non-pyrotechnic connection and separation technologies is of great significance to improving the reliability, safety and reducing costs of spacecraft. Summary of the invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is that the existing pyrotechnic connection devices have low safety, are not reusable, generate large impact loads when separated, and may cause pollution to the environment.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the technical solution of the present invention is to provide a non-pyrotechnic two-stage mechanical spacecraft connection and separation device, including an upper connection component, a lower connection component, a primary locking component, a secondary locking component and a motor, the upper connection component is located above the lower connection component and the two are plugged into each other, a cavity is formed inside the upper connection component and the lower connection component, the motor is arranged at the bottom of the cavity and is fixedly connected to the lower connection component, the primary locking component includes a cylindrical cam mechanism and a connecting rod mechanism, the cylindrical cam mechanism is arranged in the cavity and connected to the output shaft of the motor, the connecting rod mechanism is connected to the cylindrical cam mechanism and extends out of the lower connection component, the part of the connecting rod mechanism located outside the lower connection component can be connected to the upper connection component, the secondary locking component includes a telescopic mechanism, the telescopic mechanism is located above the cylindrical cam mechanism of the primary locking component and is connected to the output shaft of the motor, the telescopic mechanism includes a slider, the telescopic mechanism can be driven to rotate by the motor and the upper connection component and the lower connection component are plugged and fixed by the slider.

[0006] Optionally, the upper connection assembly includes an upper connection plate and an upper docking sleeve, the upper connection plate is fixedly connected to the upper docking sleeve, and the lower connection assembly includes a lower connector and a lower docking sleeve, the lower connector is fixedly connected to the lower docking sleeve, and the upper docking sleeve is inserted into the lower docking sleeve.

[0007] Optionally, a clamping spring is provided between the top of the lower docking sleeve and the inner bottom of the upper connecting plate.

[0008] Optionally, the cylindrical cam mechanism includes a cam turntable and a plurality of unlocking push rods, a plurality of evenly distributed accommodating cavities are provided on the outer wall of the lower connector, the cam turntable is sleeved on the output shaft of the motor, a coupler is provided inside the cam turntable, one end of the unlocking push rod is in contact with the cam turntable and connected to the coupler, and the other end extends into the accommodating cavity, a part of the connecting rod mechanism is provided in the accommodating cavity and connected to the unlocking push rod.

[0009] Optionally, the connecting rod mechanism includes a hook claw connecting piece, a connecting rod and a hook claw, the hook claw connecting piece is arranged in the accommodating cavity and above the unlocking push rod, a connecting column is provided in the middle of the hook claw connecting piece, a sliding groove is provided on the outer wall of the accommodating cavity of the lower connector, the connecting column extends out of the sliding groove and is hinged to the lower end of the hook claw, a clamping groove matching the hook claw is provided on the upper connecting plate, the upper end of the hook claw can be clamped with the upper connecting plate, a connecting rod is hinged between the hook claw and the outer wall of the lower connector, and a pressure spring is provided between the top of the hook claw connecting piece and the accommodating cavity.

[0010] Optionally, the inner wall of the lower connector is provided with a plurality of circular grooves, each of the unlocking push rods is provided with a pair of limiting cones, the limiting cones are arranged in the circular grooves, and a limiting spring is provided between the limiting cones and the bottom of the circular grooves.

[0011] Optionally, the secondary locking assembly also includes a supporting base, which is located on the outside of the cam turntable and the motor and fixedly connected to the inner bottom of the lower connector. The telescopic mechanism also includes a telescopic turntable, a rotating pin and a cross guide rail. The cross guide rail is connected above the supporting base, and a plurality of evenly distributed radial guide grooves are provided in the cross guide rail. The slider is provided in the radial guide groove. The telescopic turntable is provided above the cross guide rail and connected to the output shaft of the motor. A radial arc groove is provided on the telescopic turntable, and a rotating pin is provided in the radial arc groove. The lower end of the rotating pin is connected to the slider.

[0012] Optionally, the side walls of the upper docking sleeve and the lower docking sleeve are both provided with a plurality of evenly distributed rectangular grooves for inserting the slider.

[0013] Optionally, the output shaft of the motor is in staggered contact with the cam turntable of the primary locking assembly and the telescopic turntable of the secondary locking assembly, respectively, so that the rotational movement of the motor switches between the two turntables.

[0014] In summary, the present invention has at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0015] 1. The present invention adopts a two-stage mechanical connection and separation method, and through precise mechanical structure design, ensures the stable connection and smooth separation between the various components of the spacecraft. Compared with the traditional single-stage connection and separation device, it can further improve the connection and separation reliability.

[0016] 2. The present invention realizes secondary separation by driving a cylindrical cam mechanism and a telescopic mechanism through a motor. Compared with the traditional pyrotechnic separation device, it can reduce the impact force during separation, thereby reducing the potential risk of damage to the spacecraft structure and avoiding the environmental pollution problem that may be caused by the use of pyrotechnics. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a non-pyrotechnic two-stage mechanical spacecraft connection and separation device of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of a cylindrical cam mechanism and a limiting mechanism of a primary locking assembly of a non-pyrotechnic secondary mechanical spacecraft connection and separation device of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of a first-stage locking assembly of a non-pyrotechnic second-stage mechanical spacecraft connection and separation device of the present invention after being unlocked;

[0020] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of a telescopic mechanism of a secondary locking assembly of a non-pyrotechnic secondary mechanical spacecraft connection and separation device of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5It is a cross-sectional view of a second-stage locking assembly of a non-pyrotechnic second-stage mechanical spacecraft connection and separation device of the present invention after being unlocked;

[0022] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the connection between the motor shaft and the cam turntable and the telescopic turntable when the first stage of the non-pyrotechnic two-stage mechanical spacecraft connection and separation device of the present invention is unlocked;

[0023] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the connection between the motor shaft and the cam turntable and the telescopic turntable during the second-stage unlocking of a non-pyrotechnic second-stage mechanical spacecraft connection and separation device of the present invention;

[0024] In the figure: 1. upper connecting plate; 2. upper docking sleeve; 3. telescopic turntable; 4. rotating pin; 5. slider; 6. cross guide; 7. coupler; 8. supporting base; 9. cam turntable; 10. lower connector; 11. motor; 12. lower docking sleeve; 13. limiting cone; 14. limiting spring; 15. unlocking push rod; 16. hook claw connector; 17. connecting rod; 18. pressure spring; 19. hook claw; 20. clamping spring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following combination Figure 1-7 The present invention is described in further detail.

[0026] Existing spacecraft connection and separation devices mostly use pyrotechnic separation mechanisms, such as explosive bolts and separation nuts. Although they play an important role in the launch and on-orbit separation missions of spacecraft, they have significant disadvantages, such as low safety, non-reusability, large impact loads during separation, and possible environmental pollution.

[0027] Therefore, the present invention discloses a non-pyrotechnic two-stage mechanical spacecraft connection and separation device, referring to Figure 1 , including an upper connecting component, a lower connecting component, a primary locking component, a secondary locking component and a motor 11, the upper connecting component is located above the lower connecting component and the two are plugged into each other, a cavity is formed inside the upper connecting component and the lower connecting component, the motor 11 is arranged at the bottom of the cavity and is fixedly connected to the lower connecting component, the primary locking component includes a cylindrical cam mechanism and a connecting rod mechanism, the cylindrical cam mechanism is arranged in the cavity and connected to the output shaft of the motor 11, the connecting rod mechanism is connected to the cylindrical cam mechanism and extends out of the lower connecting component, the part of the connecting rod mechanism located outside the lower connecting component can be connected to the upper connecting component, the secondary locking component includes a telescopic mechanism, the telescopic mechanism is located above the cylindrical cam mechanism of the primary locking component, and is connected to the output shaft of the motor 11, the telescopic mechanism includes a slider 5, the telescopic mechanism can be driven to rotate by the motor 11 and the upper connecting component and the lower connecting component are plugged and fixed by the slider 5.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the upper connecting component includes an upper connecting plate 1 and an upper docking sleeve 2, the upper connecting plate 1 is fixedly connected to the upper docking sleeve 2, the lower connecting component includes a lower connector 10 and a lower docking sleeve 12, the lower connector 10 is fixedly connected to the lower docking sleeve 12, the upper docking sleeve 2 is inserted into the lower docking sleeve 12, and a clamping spring 20 is provided between the top of the lower docking sleeve 12 and the bottom of the upper connecting plate 1, wherein the upper connecting component is a component connected between the device and target body one, and the lower connecting component is a component connected between the device and target body two.

[0029] In a further embodiment, referring to Figure 2 The cylindrical cam mechanism includes a cam rotating disk 9 and a plurality of unlocking push rods 15. The outer wall of the lower connector 10 is provided with a plurality of evenly distributed accommodating cavities. The cam rotating disk 9 is sleeved on the output shaft of the motor 11. A coupler 7 is provided in the cam rotating disk 9. The coupler 7 is sleeved on the output shaft of the motor 11. One end of the unlocking push rod 15 contacts the cam rotating disk 9 and is connected to the coupler 7. The other end extends into the accommodating cavity. A part of the connecting rod mechanism is arranged in the accommodating cavity and connected to the unlocking push rod 15. The connecting rod mechanism includes a hook connecting member 16, a connecting rod 17 and a hook 19. The hook connecting member 16 is arranged in the accommodating cavity and is located above the unlocking push rod 15. A connecting column is provided in the middle of the hook connecting member 16. The lower connector A slide groove is provided on the outer wall of the accommodating cavity of 10, and the connecting column extends out of the slide groove and is hinged with the lower end of the hook claw 19. A card slot matching with the hook claw 19 is provided on the upper connecting plate 1, and the upper end of the hook claw 19 can be clamped with the upper connecting plate 1. A connecting rod 17 is hinged between the hook claw 19 and the outer wall of the lower connector 10, and a pressure spring 18 is provided between the top of the hook claw connecting member 16 and the accommodating cavity. A plurality of circular grooves are provided on the inner wall of the lower connector 10, and a pair of limiting cones 13 are provided on each unlocking push rod 15. The limiting cone 13 is arranged in the circular groove, and a limiting spring 14 is provided between the limiting cone 13 and the bottom of the circular groove. Under the action of the pressure spring 18 and the limiting cone 13, the unlocking push rod 15 always keeps in contact with the cam rotating disk 9;

[0030] Specifically, there are four unlocking push rods 15, and the first-level locking process is as follows: the motor 11 is locked, the four unlocking push rods 15 are located at the lowest position on the cam turntable 9, and the hook claw connecting member 16, under the action of the pressure spring 18, clamps the boss at the upper end of the hook claw 19 in the clamping groove of the upper connecting plate 1 through the connecting rod 17, thereby realizing the locking of the upper connecting plate 1 and the lower connector 10;

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, the first-level unlocking process is: the motor 11 drives the cam turntable 9 to move the four unlocking push rods 15 upward, and the hook connecting piece 16 moves upward under the push of the unlocking push rod 15, and the boss at the upper end of the hook 19 leaves the card slot and is in an open state under the cooperation of the connecting rod 17, thereby realizing the unlocking of the upper connecting plate 1 and the lower connector 10. At the same time, Figure 2As shown, under the action of the limiting cone 13 and the limiting spring 14 , the unlocking push rod 15 will be stuck by the limiting cone 13 after being lifted, so that it is no longer affected by the cam rotating disk 9 .

[0032] In a further embodiment, referring to Figure 4 The secondary locking assembly also includes a support base 8, which is located outside the cam turntable 9 and the motor 11 and is fixedly connected to the bottom of the lower connector 10. The telescopic mechanism also includes a telescopic turntable 3, a rotating pin 4 and a cross guide 6. The cross guide 6 is connected above the support base 8. A plurality of evenly distributed radial guide grooves are provided in the cross guide 6. The slider 5 is provided in the radial guide groove. The telescopic turntable 3 is provided above the cross guide 6 and is connected to the output shaft of the motor 11. A radial arc groove is provided on the telescopic turntable 3. A rotating pin 4 is provided in the radial arc groove. The lower end of the rotating pin 4 is connected to the slider 5. The side walls of the upper docking sleeve 2 and the lower docking sleeve 12 are provided with a plurality of evenly distributed rectangular grooves for inserting the slider 5.

[0033] Specifically, the secondary locking process is as follows: the motor 11 is locked, the slider 5 in the cross guide 6 is in an extended state in the telescopic turntable 3, and passes through the rectangular grooves of the upper docking sleeve 2 and the lower docking sleeve 12, thereby realizing the locking of the upper docking sleeve 2 and the lower docking sleeve 12, and in addition, the clamping spring 20 is in a compressed state, further realizing pre-tightening of the upper connecting plate 1 and the lower docking sleeve 12;

[0034] like Figure 5 As shown, the secondary unlocking process is: the motor 11 drives the telescopic turntable 3 to drive the rotating pin 4 to retract the slider 5, thereby realizing the unlocking of the upper docking sleeve 2 and the lower docking sleeve 12.

[0035] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The output shaft of the motor 11 is in staggered contact with the cam turntable 9 of the primary locking assembly and the telescopic turntable 3 of the secondary locking assembly, respectively. The specific structure is as follows: the cam turntable 9 and the telescopic turntable 3 are provided with arc grooves in opposite positions, and the side of the output shaft of the motor 11 is provided with a key that cooperates with the arc groove, so that the rotation movement of the motor 11 is switched between the two turntables, thereby realizing two movement modes: the cam turntable 9 rotates and the telescopic turntable 3 is stationary, and the cam turntable 9 is stationary and the telescopic turntable 3 rotates;

[0036] Specifically, before the target body 1 and the target body 2 need not be separated, the motor 11 is in a locked state, at which time, the primary locking assembly and the secondary locking assembly are both in a completely locked state. When the target body 1 and the target body 2 need to be separated, the motor 11 is started, and when the key of its output shaft contacts the cam turntable 9, the primary unlocking assembly starts to work, driving the cam turntable 9 to rotate so that the four unlocking push rods 15 move upward until they reach the top of the cam, so that the boss at the upper end of the hook 19 leaves the card slot and is in an open state, realizing the separation of the upper connecting plate 1 and the lower connector 10. Constrained by the limiting cone 13, the unlocking push rod 15 is at the top of the cam during the subsequent movement and is no longer affected by the cam turntable 9;

[0037] The motor 11 continues to rotate, and when the key of its output shaft contacts the telescopic turntable 3, the secondary unlocking assembly starts to work, driving the telescopic turntable 3 to rotate and drive the rotating pin 4 to cause the slider 5 to retract toward the center, thereby realizing the separation of the upper docking sleeve 2 and the lower docking sleeve 12, and finally realizing the separation of target body 1 and target body 2 under the thrust of the pressure spring 20.

[0038] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions of the present invention may be modified or replaced by equivalents without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, which should all be included in the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A non-pyrotechnic two-stage mechanical spacecraft connection and separation device, characterized in that: The invention comprises an upper connecting component, a lower connecting component, a primary locking component, a secondary locking component and a motor (11), wherein the upper connecting component is located above the lower connecting component and the two are plugged into each other, a cavity is formed inside the upper connecting component and the lower connecting component, the motor (11) is arranged at the bottom of the cavity and is fixedly connected to the lower connecting component, the primary locking component comprises a cylindrical cam mechanism and a connecting rod mechanism, the cylindrical cam mechanism is arranged in the cavity and is connected to the output shaft of the motor (11), the connecting rod mechanism is connected to the cylindrical cam mechanism and extends out of the lower connecting component, and the part of the connecting rod mechanism located outside the lower connecting component can be connected to the upper connecting component, the secondary locking component comprises a telescopic mechanism, the telescopic mechanism is located above the cylindrical cam mechanism of the primary locking component and is connected to the output shaft of the motor (11), the telescopic mechanism comprises a slider (5), the telescopic mechanism can be driven to rotate by the motor (11) and the upper connecting component and the lower connecting component are plugged and fixed through the slider (5).

2. The non-pyrotechnic two-stage mechanical spacecraft connection and separation device according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The upper connection assembly comprises an upper connection plate (1) and an upper docking sleeve (2), the upper connection plate (1) being fixedly connected to the upper docking sleeve (2), and the lower connection assembly comprises a lower connector (10) and a lower docking sleeve (12), the lower connector (10) being fixedly connected to the lower docking sleeve (12), and the upper docking sleeve (2) being inserted into the lower docking sleeve (12).

3. The non-pyrotechnic two-stage mechanical spacecraft connection and separation device according to claim 2 is characterized in that: A clamping spring (20) is provided between the top of the lower docking sleeve (12) and the inner bottom of the upper connecting plate (1).

4. The non-pyrotechnic two-stage mechanical spacecraft connection and separation device according to claim 2 is characterized in that: The cylindrical cam mechanism comprises a cam rotating disk (9) and a plurality of unlocking push rods (15); a plurality of evenly distributed accommodating cavities are provided on the outer wall of the lower connector (10); the cam rotating disk (9) is sleeved on the output shaft of the motor (11); a coupler (7) is provided inside the cam rotating disk (9); one end of the unlocking push rod (15) contacts the cam rotating disk (9) and is connected to the coupler (7); the other end extends into the accommodating cavity; a part of the connecting rod mechanism is provided in the accommodating cavity and is connected to the unlocking push rod (15).

5. The non-pyrotechnic two-stage mechanical spacecraft connection and separation device according to claim 4 is characterized in that: The connecting rod mechanism comprises a hook claw connecting member (16), a connecting rod (17) and a hook claw (19). The hook claw connecting member (16) is arranged in the accommodating cavity and is located above the unlocking push rod (15). A connecting column is provided in the middle of the hook claw connecting member (16). A sliding groove is provided on the outer wall of the accommodating cavity of the lower connector (10). The connecting column extends out of the sliding groove and is hinged to the lower end of the hook claw (19). A clamping groove matching the hook claw (19) is provided on the upper connecting plate (1). The upper end of the hook claw (19) can be clamped with the upper connecting plate (1). A connecting rod (17) is hinged between the hook claw (19) and the outer wall of the lower connector (10). A pressure spring (18) is provided between the top of the hook claw connecting member (16) and the accommodating cavity.

6. The non-pyrotechnic two-stage mechanical spacecraft connection and separation device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The inner wall of the lower connector (10) is provided with a plurality of circular grooves, and each of the unlocking push rods (15) is provided with a pair of limiting cones (13), the limiting cones (13) are arranged in the circular grooves, and a limiting spring (14) is provided between the limiting cones (13) and the bottom of the circular grooves.

7. The non-pyrotechnic two-stage mechanical spacecraft connection and separation device according to claim 4 is characterized in that: The secondary locking assembly also includes a support base (8), the support base (8) is located outside the cam turntable (9) and the motor (11) and is fixedly connected to the inner bottom of the lower connector (10), the telescopic mechanism also includes a telescopic turntable (3), a rotating pin (4) and a cross guide rail (6), the cross guide rail (6) is connected above the support base (8), a plurality of evenly distributed radial guide grooves are provided in the cross guide rail (6), the slider (5) is arranged in the radial guide groove, the telescopic turntable (3) is arranged above the cross guide rail (6) and is connected to the output shaft of the motor (11), the telescopic turntable (3) is provided with a radial arc groove, a rotating pin (4) is provided in the radial arc groove, and the lower end of the rotating pin (4) is connected to the slider (5).

8. The non-pyrotechnic two-stage mechanical spacecraft connection and separation device according to claim 7 is characterized in that: The side walls of the upper docking sleeve (2) and the lower docking sleeve (12) are both provided with a plurality of evenly distributed rectangular grooves for inserting the slider (5).

9. The non-pyrotechnic two-stage mechanical spacecraft connection and separation device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The output shaft of the motor (11) is in staggered contact with the cam turntable (9) of the primary locking assembly and the telescopic turntable (3) of the secondary locking assembly, respectively, so that the rotational movement of the motor (11) is switched between the two turntables.

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