Satellite separation device and stacked satellite group

Abstract

The invention relates to a satellite separation device and a stacked satellite group. The satellite separation device comprises: a housing having a cavity with two open ends; the supporting seat is arranged in the cavity of the shell; the piston is slidably arranged on the supporting seat; the first elastic piece is arranged in the cavity of the shell, and the first elastic piece can push the piston to slide; the locking assembly is arranged on the supporting base, and the locking assembly can lock the piston when pressed. The satellite separation device is connected with the satellite body, the piston of the satellite separation device on the upper layer can apply pressure to the locking assembly of the satellite separation device on the adjacent lower layer so that the locking assembly can lock the piston under pressure, when the satellite is released, the locking assembly unlocks the piston, and the piston can push the satellite body to move; and step-by-step release of the stacked satellites can be realized

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of aerospace equipment, and in particular to a satellite separation device and a stacked satellite group. Background Art

[0002] Flat-panel satellites are communications satellites that utilize flat-panel antenna technology. They offer high flexibility, rapid deployment, and low cost. They are suitable for mobile communications, broadband internet, and military communications, and have broad application prospects.

[0003] When launching flat-panel satellites, multiple flat-panel satellites can be stacked on a rocket. The existing satellite-rocket separation method is mainly rotational separation, which may cause collisions between flat-panel satellites and has poor safety. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on the above problems, the present application provides a satellite separation device and a stacked satellite group to facilitate the separation of stacked satellites.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a satellite separation device, comprising:

[0006] a shell having a cavity with two ends open;

[0007] a support seat, disposed in the cavity of the shell;

[0008] A piston is slidably disposed on the support seat;

[0009] a first elastic member, disposed in the cavity of the housing, and capable of pushing the piston to slide;

[0010] A locking assembly is arranged on the support seat, and the locking assembly can lock the piston when under pressure.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present application, the piston includes:

[0012] a piston rod, slidably disposed on the support seat, wherein the first elastic member abuts against the piston rod;

[0013] A screw rod is threadedly connected to one end of the piston rod, and the locking assembly can be clamped to the screw rod.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present application, the piston further includes a locking nut, which is threadably connected to the screw.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present application, the piston rod includes:

[0016] a piston rod body, one end of which is connected to the screw;

[0017] The tightening sleeve is threadedly connected to the other end of the piston rod body.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present application, the support base includes:

[0019] a base connected to the housing, the piston being slidably disposed on the base;

[0020] The bracket is arranged on the base, and the locking assembly is arranged on the bracket.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present application, the locking assembly includes:

[0022] a first connecting rod, one end of which is rotatably connected to the support seat;

[0023] a second connecting rod, one end of which is rotatably connected to the other end of the first connecting rod;

[0024] The third connecting rod is rotatably arranged on the support seat, one end of the third connecting rod is rotatably connected to the other end of the second connecting rod, and the other end of the third connecting rod can be clamped with the piston.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the present application, the locking assembly further includes:

[0026] a push rod, slidably disposed on the support seat, the push rod being located below the first connecting rod;

[0027] The second elastic member is disposed on the support seat, and the second elastic member pushes the push rod to abut against the first connecting rod.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the present application, the locking assembly further includes:

[0029] A limiting beam is provided on the support seat, and the first connecting rod can abut against the limiting beam to limit the first connecting rod from continuing to rotate.

[0030] According to some embodiments of the present application, the shell is provided with weight-reducing holes.

[0031] In a second aspect, the present application provides a stacked satellite group, comprising at least two stacked satellites, each of the stacked satellites comprising:

[0032] Satellite body;

[0033] The satellite separation device as described above, wherein the satellite body is connected to the satellite separation device;

[0034] Among the at least two stacking satellites, the piston of the stacking satellite located at the upper layer can apply pressure to the locking assembly of the stacking satellite located at the adjacent lower layer.

[0035] The satellite separation device of the present application is connected to the satellite body. The piston of the upper satellite separation device can apply pressure to the locking assembly of the adjacent lower satellite separation device so that the locking assembly is under pressure and can lock the piston. When releasing the satellite, the locking assembly unlocks the piston, and the piston can push the satellite body to move, thereby realizing the step-by-step release of the stacked satellites. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without exceeding the scope of protection required by this application.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a stacked satellite group according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of stacked satellites according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a satellite separation device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a satellite separation device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a housing according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a support base according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of two stacked satellite separation devices according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the separation of two satellite separation devices according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a piston according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a piston according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 11 It is a partial schematic diagram of the piston rod of an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 12 This is an exploded view of the support seat according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a locking assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 14 is an exploded view of a connecting rod assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of a push rod according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 16 It is a schematic diagram of the limiting beam of an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The following is a clear and complete description of the technical solution of this application in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making any creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0054] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a stacked satellite assembly, comprising at least two stacked satellites 300, which are stacked sequentially. Each stacked satellite 300 includes a satellite detachment device 100 and a satellite body 200. Optionally, the satellite body 200 is a flat-panel satellite. The satellite body 200 is connected to the satellite detachment device 100. For example, a satellite detachment device 100 is provided at each of the four corners of the satellite body 200.

[0055] The stacked satellite group is arranged on the carrier device 400 of the rocket. The satellite separation device 100 of this embodiment facilitates the step-by-step release of multiple stacked satellites 300 and safely realizes the separation of satellite and rocket.

[0056] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the satellite separation device 100 includes: a shell 1, a support seat 2, a piston 3, a first elastic member 4 and a locking assembly 5.

[0057] like Figure 5 As shown, the housing 1 is generally cylindrical and defines a cavity 11, which is open at both ends. A load ring 12 is disposed within the cavity 11, with the axis of the load ring 12 being collinear with the axis of the housing 1. Connecting ears 13 are provided at both the top and bottom ends of the outer wall of the housing 1. These ears are used to connect to the satellite body 200, for example, by screws.

[0058] like Figure 6 As shown, the support base 2 is disposed in the cavity 11 of the housing 1 , for example, the support base 2 is disposed on the carrying ring 12 . The support base 2 is provided with a sliding hole 211 extending along the axis of the support base 2 .

[0059] One end of the piston 3 passes through the sliding hole 211 of the support seat 2, so that the piston 3 is slidably arranged on the support seat 2. Figure 4 As shown, the piston 3 can slide up and down parallel to the axis of the housing 1. Optionally, the bottom end of the piston 3 is located outside the housing 1.

[0060] The first elastic member 4 is disposed in the cavity 11 of the housing 1 , with its top end abutting the support seat 2 and its bottom end abutting the piston 3 , so that the first elastic member 4 can push the piston 3 to slide downward. Optionally, the first elastic member 4 is a spring.

[0061] The locking assembly 5 is arranged on the top of the support seat 2. The locking assembly 5 is pressurized to lock the piston 3 to limit the piston 3 from sliding downward.

[0062] like Figure 7 As shown, when multiple stacked satellites 300 are stacked in sequence on a rocket, the piston 3a of the upper satellite separation device 100a enters the cavity 11 of the lower satellite separation device 100b and compresses the locking assembly 5b of the lower satellite separation device 100b. The locking assembly 5b is pressed and engages the piston 3b of the lower satellite separation device 100b. At the same time, the first elastic member 4b of the lower satellite separation device 100b is compressed and deformed. The topmost satellite separation device 100 in the stacked satellite group uses a pressure-applying device to apply pressure to the locking assembly 5. Optionally, the pressure-applying device is a rotatable cover (not shown in the figure) that is provided on the rocket. When the satellite and rocket are not separated, the cover applies pressure to the topmost satellite separation device 100. When the satellite and rocket are separated, the cover rotates open.

[0063] like Figure 8 As shown, when the satellite and rocket are separated, the pressure on the locking assembly 5a of the satellite separation device 100a disappears, the locking assembly 5a unlocks the piston 3a, and the support seat 2a is thrust by the first elastic member 4a. The support seat 2a transmits the thrust to the satellite body 200 connected to it through the shell 1a, and the piston 3a gradually extends from the bottom end of the shell 1a to make the upper satellite body gradually move away from the lower satellite body. After the upper piston 3a is out of contact with the lower locking assembly 5b, the upper satellite body moves out of the carrying space of the rocket, realizing the separation of the satellite and rocket.

[0064] After the upper piston 3a disengages from the lower locking assembly 5b, the pressure on the lower locking assembly 5b disappears, unlocking the piston 3b and beginning the release of the lower stacked satellites. This completes the step-by-step release of multiple stacked satellites. Since multiple stacked satellites are released one by one, collisions between them are effectively avoided, improving the safety of satellite release.

[0065] like Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, in some embodiments, the piston 3 includes a piston rod 31 and a screw 32. The piston rod 31 is slidably disposed in the sliding hole 211 of the support base 2. The outer wall of the piston rod 31 is provided with a first flange 311, and the bottom end of the first elastic member 4 abuts the first flange 311. The screw 32 is threadedly connected to the top end of the piston rod 31. The top end of the screw 32 is provided with a second flange 321. The locking assembly 5 can engage the second flange 321 of the screw 32 to prevent the piston 3 from sliding downward.

[0066] The screw rod 32 is threadedly connected to the piston rod 31, so that the length of the piston 3 can be adjusted, which facilitates adjustment of the compression amount of the first elastic member 4 when the piston 3 is locked.

[0067] Optionally, a connecting nut 312 is provided at the top end of the piston rod 31 , and the external thread of the screw rod 32 is threadedly connected to the connecting nut 312 .

[0068] In some embodiments, the piston 3 also includes a locking nut 33, which is threadedly connected to the screw 32. The locking nut 33 is located above the connecting nut 312. Tightening the locking nut 33 can lock the screw 32 to prevent the screw 32 from moving relative to the piston rod 31.

[0069] As above Figure 11 As shown, in some embodiments, the piston rod 31 includes a piston rod body 313 and a tightening sleeve 314. The top end of the piston rod body 313 is connected to the screw rod 32, and the tightening sleeve 314 is disposed at the bottom end of the piston rod body 313. Optionally, the tightening sleeve 314 is threadedly connected to the piston rod body 313 to facilitate better adjustment of the length of the piston 3.

[0070] like Figure 12 As shown, the support base 2 includes: a base 21 and a bracket 22. The base 21 is arranged on the supporting ring 12 of the shell 1, the sliding hole 211 is arranged on the base 21, and the piston 3 is slidably arranged on the base 21. The base 21 is roughly T-shaped, including a base plate 212 and an extension column 213. The extension column 213 is arranged on the bottom surface of the base plate 212, and the sliding hole 211 passes through the base plate 212 and the extension column 213. The provision of the extension column 213 is conducive to increasing the length of the sliding hole 211 to better provide guidance for the piston 3. The bracket 22 is arranged on the base 21, and the bracket 22 is located above the base 21. The bracket 22 is roughly cylindrical, the interior of the bracket 22 is hollow, and the piston 3 penetrates into the bracket 22.

[0071] Bracket 22 includes struts 221, a lower flange 222, and an upper flange 223. The struts 221 are positioned between the lower and upper flanges 222 and 223, with multiple struts 221 evenly distributed around the axis of bracket 22. The lower flange 222 is connected to the base 21, for example, by bolts. A locking assembly 5 is positioned at the top of bracket 22. The gaps between adjacent struts 221 help reduce the weight of bracket 22.

[0072] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, in some embodiments, the locking assembly 5 includes: a connecting rod assembly, and the connecting rod assembly includes: a first connecting rod 51 , a second connecting rod 52 and a third connecting rod 53 .

[0073] One end of the first connecting rod 51 is rotatably connected to the support base 2. For example, a first hinge hole 512 is provided at one end of the first connecting rod 51, and the first rotating shaft connects the first hinge hole 512 and the first transfer ear 224 at the top of the upper flange 223 of the bracket 22 respectively.

[0074] The other end of the first connecting rod 51 is rotatably connected to one end of the second connecting rod 52. For example, the first connecting rod 51 is roughly rectangular, and both ends of the first connecting rod 51 are respectively provided with rounded corners. The first connecting rod 51 is provided with a accommodating cavity 511, and the accommodating cavity 511 passes through the upper surface and the lower surface of the first connecting rod 51. The other end of the first connecting rod 51 is provided with a second hinge hole 513, and the second hinge hole 513 is connected to the accommodating cavity 511. One end of the second connecting rod 52 is provided with a third hinge hole 521, and the second rotating shaft is respectively connected to the second hinge hole 513 and the third hinge hole 521. The second connecting rod 52 can enter the accommodating cavity 511, which helps to reduce the space occupied by the locking assembly 5.

[0075] Optionally, the second connecting rod 52 is generally T-shaped and includes a first cylindrical portion 523 and a swing arm 524, wherein the swing arm 524 is disposed on a side wall of the cylindrical portion 523. A third hinge hole 521 is disposed in the cylindrical portion 523, extending along the axis of the cylindrical portion 523. A fifth hinge hole 522 is disposed at the end of the swing arm 524 away from the cylindrical portion 523.

[0076] The third connecting rod 53 is rotatably mounted on the support base 2. For example, a fourth hinge hole 532 is provided in the middle of the third connecting rod 53. A second transfer lug 225 is provided on the top inner wall of the bracket 22. A third rotating shaft connects the fourth hinge hole 532 and the second transfer lug 225 on the bracket 22, respectively. The third connecting rod 53 is located below the first connecting rod 51 and within the cavity of the bracket 22. One end of the third connecting rod 53 is rotatably connected to the other end of the second connecting rod 52. For example, a sixth hinge hole 531 is provided at one end of the third connecting rod 53, and the fourth rotating shaft connects the fifth hinge hole 522 and the sixth hinge hole 531, respectively. The other end of the third connecting rod 53 is provided with a hook 533. The hook 533 can be rotated toward the axis of the piston 3 to engage the piston 3. The hook 533 can be rotated away from the axis of the piston 3 to unlock the piston 3.

[0077] Optionally, the third connecting rod 53 further includes a second cylindrical portion 534 and a connecting ear 535. The connecting ear 535 and the hook 533 are both disposed on the sidewall of the second cylindrical portion 534. A fourth hinge hole 532 is disposed in the second cylindrical portion 534 and extends along the axis of the second cylindrical portion 534. A sixth hinge hole 531 is disposed in the connecting ear 535.

[0078] In the locked state, the hook 533 engages the screw 32 to prevent the piston 3 from sliding downward. When the pressure on the locking assembly 5 is released, the first elastic member 4 applies a downward force to the piston 3, causing the piston 3 to move downward and the third connecting rod 53 to rotate. Simultaneously, the second and first connecting rods 52 and 51 follow the rotation of the third connecting rod 53, causing the hook 533 to rotate away from the axis of the piston 3. The piston 3 is unlocked, and the end of the first connecting rod 51 where the second hinge hole 513 is located rotates upward.

[0079] Pressure is applied to the first connecting rod 51 so that the end of the first connecting rod 51 where the second hinge hole 513 is located rotates downward. The first connecting rod 51 drives the second connecting rod 52 and the third connecting rod 53 to move. The hook 533 of the third connecting rod 53 rotates toward the axis direction close to the piston 3 to lock the piston 3. The second connecting rod 52 enters the accommodating cavity 511 of the first connecting rod 51.

[0080] Optionally, there are two groups of connecting rod assemblies, and the two groups of connecting rod assemblies are symmetrically arranged.

[0081] like Figure 15 As shown, in some embodiments, the locking assembly 5 further includes a push rod 54 and a second elastic member 55. The push rod 54 is slidably disposed on the bracket 22 of the support base 2, and the push rod 54 is located below the first connecting rod 51. Optionally, a stepped hole 226 is provided on the top surface of the bracket 22, and the push rod 54 is slidably disposed in the stepped hole 226.

[0082] The second elastic member 55 is disposed in the stepped hole 226 of the support seat 2. One end of the second elastic member 55 abuts against the push rod 54, and the other end of the second elastic member 55 abuts against the shoulder of the stepped hole 226. The second elastic member 55 can push the push rod 54 to abut against the first connecting rod 51 and provide an upward thrust for the first connecting rod 51. When the first connecting rod 51 is subjected to downward pressure, the third connecting rod 53 engages the piston 3, and the second elastic member 55 is compressed and deformed. When the piston 3 is unlocked, the pressure on the first connecting rod 51 disappears, and the second elastic member 55 pushes the push rod 54 upward, providing an upward thrust for the first connecting rod 51, thereby facilitating the unlocking of the piston 3.

[0083] like Figure 16 As shown, in some embodiments, the locking assembly 5 further includes a limiting beam 56 disposed on the top surface of the bracket 22. Optionally, the limiting beam 56 is located between the two sets of connecting rod assemblies. When the first connecting rod 51 rotates downward, it can abut the limiting beam 56, thereby limiting further downward rotation of the first connecting rod 51 and improving the safety of the satellite separation device 100. The first connecting rods 51 of both sets of connecting rod assemblies can abut the limiting beam 56.

[0084] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the housing 1 is provided with weight-reducing holes 14. The number and shape of the weight-reducing holes 14 are set according to requirements to reduce the weight of the housing 1.

[0085] In the stacked satellite assembly of this embodiment, the piston 3 of the upper stacked satellite can apply pressure to the locking assembly 5 of the adjacent lower stacked satellite, causing the locking assembly 5 to lock the corresponding piston 3. After the upper stacked satellite is separated from the lower stacked satellite, the pressure on the locking assembly 5 of the lower stacked satellite disappears, the locking assembly 5 unlocks the corresponding piston 3, and the thrust of the first elastic member 4 pushes the lower stacked satellite upward, achieving the release of the stacked satellite.

[0086] The embodiments of the present application are described in detail above. Specific examples are used herein to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present application. The description of the above embodiments is only intended to help understand the technical solutions and core concepts of the present application. Therefore, changes or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the concepts of the present application, the specific implementation methods, and the scope of application of the present application, all fall within the scope of protection of the present application. In summary, the contents of this specification should not be construed as limiting the present application.

Claims

1. A satellite separation device, characterized in that: include: a shell having a cavity with two ends open; a support seat, disposed in the cavity of the shell; A piston is slidably disposed on the support seat; a first elastic member, disposed in the cavity of the housing, and capable of pushing the piston to slide; A locking assembly is arranged on the support seat, and the locking assembly can lock the piston when under pressure.

2. The satellite separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The piston comprises: a piston rod, slidably disposed on the support seat, wherein the first elastic member abuts against the piston rod; A screw rod is threadedly connected to one end of the piston rod, and the locking assembly can be clamped to the screw rod.

3. The satellite separation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The piston further includes a locking nut, which is threadably connected to the screw.

4. The satellite separation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The piston rod comprises: a piston rod body, one end of which is connected to the screw; The tightening sleeve is threadedly connected to the other end of the piston rod body.

5. The satellite separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support base comprises: a base connected to the housing, the piston being slidably disposed on the base; The bracket is arranged on the base, and the locking assembly is arranged on the bracket.

6. The satellite separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking assembly comprises: a first connecting rod, one end of which is rotatably connected to the support seat; a second connecting rod, one end of which is rotatably connected to the other end of the first connecting rod; The third connecting rod is rotatably arranged on the support seat, one end of the third connecting rod is rotatably connected to the other end of the second connecting rod, and the other end of the third connecting rod can be clamped with the piston.

7. The satellite separation device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The locking assembly further comprises: a push rod, slidably disposed on the support seat, the push rod being located below the first connecting rod; The second elastic member is disposed on the support seat, and the second elastic member pushes the push rod to abut against the first connecting rod.

8. The satellite separation device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The locking assembly further comprises: A limiting beam is provided on the support seat, and the first connecting rod can abut against the limiting beam to limit the first connecting rod from continuing to rotate.

9. The satellite separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shell is provided with a weight-reducing hole.

10. A stacked satellite array, characterized in that: The invention comprises at least two stacked satellites, each of the stacked satellites comprising: Satellite body; The satellite separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the satellite body is connected to the satellite separation device; Among the at least two stacking satellites, the piston of the stacking satellite located at the upper layer can apply pressure to the locking assembly of the stacking satellite located at the adjacent lower layer.

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