Backflow pollution protection device for grid system of direct-current ion thruster

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of ion thrusters, in particular to a backflow pollution protection device for a grid system of a direct-current ion thruster. The device comprises a protective baffle, an electromagnetic driving device, a driving connecting rod, a controller, a displacement sensor and a working condition acquisition unit, the displacement sensor is used for collecting position information of the protective baffle, the working condition collecting unit is used for collecting the working condition of the direct current ion thruster, and the controller is used for receiving the position information and the working condition and determining the target position of the protective baffle according to the working condition. The controller is further used for sending an electric signal to the electromagnetic driving device according to the position signal and the target position so as to control the electromagnetic driving device to drive the protective baffle to the target position. The embodiment of the invention provides a backflow pollution protection device for a grid system of a direct-current ion thruster. The backflow pollution protection device can prevent particles from precipitating between a grid assembly and a neutralizer.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of ion thruster, in particular to a backflow pollution protection device for grid system of DC ion thruster. BACKGROUND

[0002] As an important propulsion device in the field of aerospace, the DC ion thruster can cause frequent sparking, and even extinguish, due to the deposition of backflow particles in the gap between the grid assembly and the neutralizer during the ground test process in the vacuum chamber. SUMMARY

[0003] The embodiment of the present application provides a backflow pollution protection device for grid system of DC ion thruster, which can inhibit the deposition of backflow particles in the grid system during the ground vacuum test process of the thruster, thereby effectively reducing the risk of insulation failure of the grid system of the thruster under high pressure conditions.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present application provides a backflow pollution protection device for grid system of DC ion thruster, comprising a protection baffle, an electromagnetic drive motor, a drive link, a displacement controller, a displacement sensor and a working condition acquisition unit. The protection baffle is connected to the electromagnetic drive motor through the drive link, and the electromagnetic drive motor is used to apply torque to the drive link according to the received electrical signal, so as to control the protection baffle to move from a non-shielding position to a shielding position, or from the shielding position to the non-shielding position; the shielding position is the position of the protection baffle downstream of the grid system, which can be used to shield the excess material from entering the grid system, and the non-shielding position is the position of the protection baffle being retracted, which is away from the axis of the thruster. The displacement sensor is used to acquire the position information of the protection baffle, the working condition acquisition unit is used to acquire the electrical signal of the beam current of the DC ion thruster, and the controller is used to receive the position information and the working condition, and determine the target position of the protection baffle according to the working condition; the controller is also used to send an electrical signal to the electromagnetic drive device according to the position signal and the target position, so as to control the electromagnetic drive device to drive the protection baffle to the target position.

[0005] In a possible design, the working condition includes before ignition, during ignition and after ignition of the thruster, when the working condition is before ignition of the thruster, the target position is the shielding position, when the working condition is during ignition, the target position is the non-shielding position, and when the working condition is after ignition, the target position is the shielding position.

[0006] In a possible design, the electromagnetic driving device comprises an electromagnetic coil, a spring and a permanent magnet, the coil is energized to generate a magnetic force and interacts with the permanent magnet to form a driving torque to control the driving link.

[0007] In a possible design, the protective baffle comprises a plurality of sector structures arranged in a circumferential ring, each of the sector structures is connected with the driving link, and the shielding function of the protective baffle is realized by simultaneously driving the plurality of sector structures.

[0008] In a possible design, the material of the protective baffle comprises titanium alloy.

[0009] In a possible design, the driving link is a telescopic sliding structure to adapt to different opening requirements.

[0010] In a possible design, the protective baffle is slidingly connected to the positioning guide rail.

[0011] In a possible design, the working condition acquisition unit comprises a particle beam collector, a bias power supply and an analog-to-digital converter.

[0012] In a second aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a method for preventing backflow pollution of a grid system of a direct-current ion thruster, based on any of the above protective devices, the method comprising: acquiring position information of the protective baffle by using the displacement sensor, and acquiring working conditions of the direct-current ion thruster by using the working condition acquisition unit; receiving the position information and the working conditions by using the controller, and determining a target position of the protective baffle according to the working conditions; wherein the target position comprises the non-shielding position and the shielding position; sending an electric signal to the electromagnetic driving device according to the position signal and the target position by using the controller, so as to control the electromagnetic driving device to drive the protective baffle on the driving link to the target position.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the present application has at least the following beneficial effects: Electromagnetic force dynamic control: the opening of the protective baffle is adjusted in real time by electromagnetic force, which is different from the traditional static protection mode, and active dynamic protection of backflow pollution is realized.

[0014] Staged protection strategy: according to different working condition characteristics before, during and after thruster ignition, the state of the protective baffle is accurately controlled to effectively solve the pollution problems in different stages.

[0015] Closed-loop control and sensor feedback: combined with real-time feedback of sensors, a closed-loop control system is formed, so that the opening degree of the protective baffle can be dynamically adjusted according to the actual pollution situation, solving the fundamental defect that the traditional scheme cannot dynamically adapt to pollution changes.

[0016] Integrated design: the device is integrated in the thruster itself, and does not rely on external systems, realizing compact and efficient backflow pollution protection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments or prior art description will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present application, and for those skilled in the art, other drawings can also be obtained without creative labor on the basis of these drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 is a device structure schematic diagram provided by an embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 is a structure schematic diagram of the protective baffle in an open state provided by an embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 is a structure schematic diagram of the protective baffle in a closed state provided by an embodiment of the present application; Figure 4 is a perspective structure schematic diagram of the protective baffle in an open state provided by an embodiment of the present application; Figure 5 is a structure schematic diagram of a motor and connecting rod cooperating with the thruster provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0019] In the figure, 1. Cover plate; 2. Gate; 3. Displacement sensor; 4. Neutralizer; 5. Protective cover; 6. Stepping motor; 7. Drive connecting rod; 8. Sliding disc; 9. Protective baffle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in combination with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are some embodiments of the present application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0021] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "first", "second" are only used for the purpose of description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance; unless otherwise specified or stated, the term "a plurality of" means two or more; the terms "connection", "fixation" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, "connection" can be fixed connection, or detachable connection, or integral connection, or electrical connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0022] In the description of the present specification, it should be understood that the "upper", "lower" and the like described in the embodiments of the present application are described with the angle shown in the drawings, and should not be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present application. In addition, in the context, it should also be understood that when referring to one element connected to another element "on" or "below", it can not only be directly connected to another element "on" or "below", but also indirectly connected to another element "on" or "below" through an intermediate element.

[0023] The embodiment of the present application provides a return flow pollution protection device for a grid 2 system of a direct current ion thruster, which comprises a protection baffle 9, an electromagnetic driving device, a driving connecting rod 7, a controller, a displacement sensor 3 and a working condition acquisition unit. The protection baffle 9 is connected to the electromagnetic driving device through the driving connecting rod 7, and the electromagnetic driving device is used to apply torque to the driving connecting rod 7 according to the received electrical signal, so as to control the protection baffle 9 to move from the shielding position to the non-shielding position, or from the non-shielding position to the shielding position; the shielding position is the position of the protection baffle 9 shielding the gap region between the grid 2 system and the neutralizer 4, and the non-shielding position is the position of the protection baffle 9 not shielding the gap region between the grid 2 system and the neutralizer 4; The displacement sensor 3 is used to acquire the position information of the protection baffle 9, the working condition acquisition unit is used to acquire the working condition of the direct current ion thruster, and the controller is used to receive the position information and the working condition, and determine the target position of the protection baffle 9 according to the working condition. The controller is also used to send an electrical signal to the electromagnetic driving device according to the position signal and the target position, so as to control the electromagnetic driving device to drive the protection baffle 9 to the target position.

[0024] When backflow contamination needs to be prevented, the electromagnetic drive device controls the protective baffle 9 on the drive linkage 7 according to the electrical signal sent by the controller, so that the protective baffle 9 moves to the blocking position (between the gate 2 and the neutralizer 4) to block the backflow. During ignition, when there is no obstruction between the gate 2 and the neutralizer 4, the controller sends an electrical signal to the electromagnetic drive device to move the protective baffle 9 to the unblocked position. The operating conditions that require blocking and those that do not change instantaneously, which requires the switching of the protective baffle 9 to be completed instantaneously. Therefore, a displacement sensor 3 is set to collect the position of the protective baffle 9, and an operating condition acquisition unit is set to collect operating condition information. The collected information is transmitted to the controller. The controller generates a corresponding electrical signal according to the current operating condition and the current position of the protective baffle 9. The electrical signal accurately and quickly moves the protective baffle 9 to the target position. The information acquisition, transmission and electromagnetic force drive realize closed-loop control, realize precise adjustment of the opening of the protective baffle 9, and the response speed reaches the millisecond level, which can quickly adapt to changes in the thruster's operating state.

[0025] In this embodiment, the protective baffle 9 may be provided with a lightweight hinged structure.

[0026] In some embodiments of the present invention, the operating conditions include before ignition, during ignition, and after ignition. When the operating condition is before ignition, the target position is a blocked position. When the operating condition is during ignition, the target position is an unblocked position. When the operating condition is after ignition, the target position is a blocked position.

[0027] Specifically, there are three main operating conditions during ground testing: the pre-ignition condition during the initialization phase, the condition during the ignition process during the ignition test, and the post-ignition condition after the test is completed. The control procedures for each condition are as follows: Initialization Phase: Before the thruster ignition test, the controller generates an electrical signal to control the electromagnetic drive device, keeping the backflow protection baffle 9 in the closed state. At this time, the protection baffle 9 prevents backflow particles in the vacuum chamber from entering the gap between the grid 2 and the neutralizer 4, avoiding insulation failure and sparking due to particle deposition during thruster activation.

[0028] Ignition test phase: When the thruster ignition test is initiated, the controller adjusts the electromagnetic drive device based on the thruster's operating status feedback from the sensors, ensuring that the backflow protection baffle 9 is in the open state. At this time, the protection baffle 9 is open, ensuring unobstructed and efficient output of the high-energy ion beam and generating stable thrust.

[0029] Test Completion Phase: After the thruster ignition test is completed, the controller once again controls the electromagnetic drive device to restore the backflow protection baffle 9 to the closed state. During the temperature reduction process, the closed protection baffle 9 prevents backflow particles from contaminating the thruster, avoiding insulation failure and sparking problems during the next opening.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present invention, the electromagnetic drive device includes an electromagnetic coil and a permanent magnet. The coil is energized to generate magnetic force and interacts with the permanent magnet to form a driving torque to control the drive link 7.

[0031] Please see Figures 1 to 5 In some embodiments of the present invention, the protective baffle 9 includes multiple fan-shaped structures arranged in a ring, and each fan-shaped structure is connected to the driving link 7. The protective baffle 9 can be shielded by simultaneously driving multiple fan-shaped structures.

[0032] In this embodiment, the edges of multiple fan-shaped structures are closely attached, and the arc-shaped parts of the fan-shaped structures are connected to the drive linkage 7. The multiple drive linkages 7 realize the rotation control of multiple fan-shaped structures, so that the multiple fan-shaped structures with closely attached edges rotate to converge or disperse, thereby realizing the shielding and opening function of the baffle.

[0033] In this embodiment, an annular cover plate 1 can be provided on the outside of the multiple fan-shaped structures, and a sliding disk 8 connected to the drive linkage 7 is provided inside. The rod passes through the fan-shaped structure, and its two ends are connected to the cover plate 1 and the sliding disk 8 respectively. A cylindrical protective cover 5 is connected to the cover plate 1 at one end and to the device mounting platform at the other end, which can cover the gap area between the gate 2 assembly and the neutralizer 4.

[0034] In some embodiments of the present invention, the protective baffle 9 is made of titanium alloy. The protective baffle 9 made of a metallic material (such as titanium alloy) has high temperature resistance and low sputtering performance.

[0035] In some embodiments of the present invention, the drive linkage 7 is a telescopic structure to adapt to different opening requirements.

[0036] In some embodiments of the present invention, a positioning guide rail is also included, on which the protective baffle 9 is slidably connected. The positioning guide rail provides guidance for the movement of the protective baffle 9, ensuring stability and accuracy during the opening and closing process, and preventing protective failure due to vibration or displacement.

[0037] In some embodiments of the present invention, the operating condition acquisition unit includes a temperature sensor and a particle concentration sensor.

[0038] In some embodiments of the present invention, the electrical signal includes the direction and magnitude of the current. Depending on the thruster's operating stage (before ignition, during ignition, and after ignition), the magnitude and direction of the coil current are adjusted by the control circuit to change the intensity and direction of the electromagnetic force, thereby precisely controlling the opening degree of the protective baffle 9. Specifically, before and after ignition, a forward current is supplied to the coil, and the resulting electromagnetic force causes the baffle to close completely, blocking the entry of backflow particles; during ignition, a reverse current is supplied to the coil, and the electromagnetic force drives the baffle to open to a preset angle (e.g., 90°), ensuring smooth output of the ion beam.

[0039] In some embodiments of the present invention, the baffle is made of sputter-resistant molybdenum material, the mechanism is made of stainless steel, and the motor 6 is a stepper motor 6, etc. The motor 6 engages with the geared sliding disk 8 via a drive linkage 7 with a gear structure, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the protective baffle 9 connected to the sliding disk 8.

[0040] The opening and closing mechanism of the protective device adopts a lightweight hinge structure, and the opening degree can be adjusted by circumferential rotation. It mainly consists of the following parts: Protective baffle 9: Made of high-temperature resistant, low-splash metal material (such as titanium alloy), it is ring-shaped or petal-shaped and can cover the gap area between the gate 2 assembly and the neutralizer 4 to ensure effective blocking of backflow particles.

[0041] Drive link 7: Connects the protective baffle 9 to the electromagnetic actuator, converting electromagnetic force into mechanical motion to achieve the opening and closing action of the baffle. The link is designed as a telescopic structure to adapt to different opening requirements.

[0042] Positioning guide rail: provides guidance for the movement of the protective baffle 9, ensuring stability and accuracy during the opening and closing process, and avoiding protection failure due to vibration or displacement.

[0043] Spring: Default is tensioned, keeping it in the closed state.

[0044] Control Flow: This system uses electromagnetic actuators to dynamically control the opening and closing of the protective panel. The specific process is as follows: Electromagnetic drive unit: It consists of an electromagnetic coil and a permanent magnet. When the thruster is working, current is passed through the coil, which generates electromagnetic force that interacts with the permanent magnet to form a driving torque, which drives the drive link 7 to move.

[0045] Opening adjustment logic: During the working phase of the thruster, the magnitude and direction of the coil current are adjusted by the control circuit to change the intensity and direction of the electromagnetic force, thereby precisely controlling the opening of the protective baffle 9.

[0046] During thruster operation, current flows through the coil, and electromagnetic force drives the baffle to open to a preset angle (e.g., 90°) to ensure smooth ion beam output. At other times, no power is applied, and the opening and closing mechanism is closed by default, preventing backflow particles from entering.

[0047] Feedback control: Combining position sensors to monitor the baffle opening in real time, forming a closed-loop control, ensuring the accuracy and response speed of the opening and closing actions (reaching the millisecond level), in order to meet the needs of the thruster to quickly switch working states.

[0048] This invention provides a method for preventing backflow contamination in a DC ion thruster gate 2 system. Based on any of the above-mentioned protection devices, the method includes: The position information of the protective baffle 9 is collected using displacement sensor 3, and the working condition of the DC ion thruster is collected using the working condition acquisition unit. The controller receives location information and operating conditions, and determines the target position of the protective baffle 9 based on the operating conditions; the target position includes an unobstructed position and an obstructed position. The controller sends an electrical signal to the electromagnetic drive device based on the position signal and the target position, so as to control the electromagnetic drive device to drive the protective baffle 9 on the drive linkage 7 to the target position.

[0049] 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 backflow contamination protection device for a DC ion thruster grid system, characterized in that, It includes a protective baffle, an electromagnetic drive device, a drive linkage, a controller, a displacement sensor, and a working condition acquisition unit; The protective baffle is connected to the electromagnetic drive device via the drive linkage. The electromagnetic drive device applies torque to the drive linkage according to the received electrical signal to control the protective baffle to move from a blocked position to a non-blocked position, or from a non-blocked position to a blocked position. The blocked position is the position where the protective baffle blocks the gap area between the gate system and the neutralizer, and the non-blocked position is the position where the protective baffle does not block the gap area between the gate system and the neutralizer. The displacement sensor is used to collect the position information of the protective baffle, the working condition acquisition unit is used to collect the working condition of the DC ion thruster, the controller is used to receive the position information and the working condition, and determine the target position of the protective baffle according to the working condition, and the controller is also used to send an electrical signal to the electromagnetic drive device according to the position signal and the target position, so as to control the electromagnetic drive device to drive the protective baffle to the target position.

2. The protective device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating conditions include before ignition, during ignition, and after ignition. When the operating condition is before ignition, the target position is the obstructed position. When the operating condition is during ignition, the target position is the unobstructed position. When the operating condition is after ignition, the target position is the obstructed position.

3. The protective device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electromagnetic drive device includes an electromagnetic coil and a permanent magnet. When the coil is energized, it generates magnetic force and interacts with the permanent magnet to form a driving torque to control the drive linkage.

4. The protective device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective baffle includes multiple fan-shaped structures arranged in a ring. Each fan-shaped structure is connected to the driving link. The protective baffle can achieve its blocking function by simultaneously driving multiple fan-shaped structures.

5. The protective device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective baffle is made of titanium alloy.

6. The protective device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive linkage is a telescopic structure to adapt to different opening requirements.

7. The protective device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a positioning guide rail, on which the protective baffle is slidably connected.

8. The protective device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating condition acquisition unit includes a temperature sensor and a particle concentration sensor.

9. The protective device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical signal includes the direction and magnitude of the current.

10. A method for preventing backflow contamination in a DC ion thruster grid system, characterized in that, Based on the protective device according to any one of claims 1-8, the method includes: The displacement sensor is used to collect the position information of the protective baffle, and the operating condition of the DC ion thruster is collected using the operating condition acquisition unit. The controller receives the location information and the operating conditions, and determines the target position of the protective baffle based on the operating conditions; wherein the target position includes the unobstructed position and the obstructed position; The controller sends an electrical signal to the electromagnetic drive device based on the position signal and the target position, so as to control the electromagnetic drive device to drive the protective baffle on the drive linkage to the target position.

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