Separating device and spacecraft

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of separation switch tools for satellites, in particular to a separation device and a spacecraft. According to the separating device provided by the embodiment of the invention, when the triggering component is triggered by an operator to be not kept at the original position where the multiple petal structures are promoted to be folded together any more, the multiple petal structures of the split nut are separated, so that an internal threaded hole is not formed any more, the matching relation between the split nut and the ejector rod is relieved, and the safety of the operator is improved. In this way, the speed of unlocking the ejector rod is effectively increased, and the separation efficiency of the split nut and the ejector rod is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of separation switch tooling technology for satellites, and in particular to a separation device and spacecraft. Background Technology

[0002] Since the satellite operates in outer space and is far from Earth, it cannot be seen by the human eye after launch. Therefore, multiple switches are placed on the satellite. These switches are used to monitor the separation of the satellite from the launch vehicle, the deployment of the solar panels, and the deployment of the antennas. The separation switch used by the satellite is used to indicate the signal after the satellite separates from the launch vehicle. When the satellite separates from the launch vehicle, the separation switch pops out, at which point the entire satellite circuit is powered and performs subsequent tasks such as powering up and deploying the solar panels and transmitting telemetry signals to the ground.

[0003] The separation switch is an important signal for the satellite to automatically power on after separation from the launch vehicle. In related technologies, two or more separation switches are generally set.

[0004] During ground testing, it is usually necessary to perform clamping and release operations on the switch. After the switch is released, the operator needs to leave the satellite quickly. In the past, designers mostly used a single screw to clamp and release the switch. Because the screw tightening time is long and the switch is located at the bottom of the satellite, two operators need to operate it from inside the satellite support vehicle. Moreover, the time it takes for the operators to loosen the screw is long and varies greatly. It is easy for one of the switches to be released and the operator of that switch to evacuate in time, while the other switch has not yet been released. This means that the operator of the other switch is still operating it, which may lead to the problem that the operator is still operating it when the satellite is already powered on, causing a safety hazard. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, this application provides a separation device and a spacecraft, with the aim of solving the above-mentioned technical problems to a certain extent.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of this application, a separation device is provided, the separation device comprising: A push rod, the push rod having an axial direction, and at least a portion of the side of the push rod having external threads; A split nut, wherein the split nut has multiple split structures, the multiple split structures are joined together to form an internal threaded hole, and the external thread is screwed into the internal threaded hole; A base having a cavity, wherein at least a portion of the split nut is disposed within the cavity; A triggering member, at least a portion of which can be located within the cavity, the triggering member being used to abut against the split nut to close the plurality of split structures; The triggering member is movably connected to the base, and the triggering member can move away from the split nut relative to the base to separate the multiple petal structures.

[0007] Based on the above technical solutions, optionally, a through hole is provided on the inner wall of the base, and the triggering component is disposed in the through hole; The separation device further includes a sliding sleeve, which is sleeved on the outside of the base. When the sliding sleeve is in a first position, it abuts against the triggering member so that the triggering member abuts against the corresponding petal structure. When the sliding sleeve is in a second position, it releases the triggering member so that the plurality of petal structures separate.

[0008] Based on the above technical solutions, optionally, a groove is formed on the inner sidewall of the sliding sleeve, and the groove is used to accommodate the triggering component; When the sliding sleeve moves to the second position, the triggering member enters the groove to release the corresponding petal structure.

[0009] Based on the above technical solutions, optionally, the separation device further includes a base, which is sleeved on the outside of the base, and a portion of the sliding sleeve is inserted into the base so as to partially overlap the base in the axial direction.

[0010] Based on the above technical solutions, optionally, the separation device further includes a first spring, in which a cavity is defined by the sliding sleeve, the base, and the pedestal, the first spring is disposed in the cavity, the first spring abuts against the sliding sleeve and the base, and the first spring is always compressed.

[0011] Based on the above technical solutions, optionally, a shoulder is formed at the end of the base away from the base, and the end of the sliding sleeve away from the base abuts against the shoulder.

[0012] Based on the above technical solutions, optionally, the separating device further includes a second spring, which is disposed between the top of the top rod and the split nut.

[0013] Based on the above technical solutions, the separating device may optionally include a first conical block disposed between the split nut and the base, and a second conical block disposed between the split nut and the second spring. The first conical block has a first outer conical surface that matches the first inner conical surface of the split nut, and the second conical block has a second inner conical surface that matches the second inner conical surface of the split nut.

[0014] Based on the above technical solutions, optionally, the separation device further includes a third spring, which is disposed between adjacent petal structures.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this application, a spacecraft includes a separation device as described above.

[0016] According to the separation device provided in the embodiments of this application, when the triggering component is triggered by the operator so that it no longer remains in the original position that causes the multiple petal structures to close together, the multiple petal structures of the petal nut will separate, thereby no longer forming an internal threaded hole. This releases the engagement relationship between the petal nut and the push rod, thereby releasing the push rod. This effectively increases the speed of releasing the lock on the push rod and improves the separation efficiency of the petal nut and the push rod.

[0017] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the separation device provided according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the base in the separation device provided according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 The present application provides a schematic diagram of the working principle of the separation device according to an embodiment. Figure 4 The present application provides a schematic diagram of the working principle of the separation device according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure label: 1-Base; 2-Sliding sleeve; 3-Base; 4-Split nut; 5-Steel ball; 6-Upper cone block; 7-Lower cone block; 8-First spring; 9-Second spring; 10-Third spring; 11-Top rod. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of this application will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0022] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., 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 application and simplifying the description, and do not 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 application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0023] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly 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 between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0025] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of this application, a separation device is provided, which will be described below in conjunction with... Figures 1 to 4 Describe in detail the structure and working principle of the separation device.

[0026] according to Figures 1 to 4 The example provided, according to the embodiments of this application, is essentially a separation switch tooling for satellites. Specifically, the separation device provided according to the embodiments of this application includes a base 1, a sliding sleeve 2, a base 3, a split nut 4, a steel ball 5, an upper cone block 6, a lower cone block 7, a first spring 8, a second spring 9, a third spring 10, and a top rod 11.

[0027] In one embodiment, the push rod has an axial direction, and at least a portion of the side of the push rod has external threads. As an example, the push rod may be approximately the shape of a screw structure, or the push rod itself may be a screw structure, and its axial section may have external threads for threaded engagement with the internal threads of the split nut.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown in the example above, the axial direction of the push rod can be... Figure 1In the vertical direction, the head of the push rod with a larger cross-sectional area can be located at the bottom, and the rod with a smaller outer diameter can be located at the top, with the external thread formed on the rod.

[0029] In this embodiment, the segmented nut can be an existing segmented nut. Specifically, the segmented nut has multiple segmented structures, which are joined together to form an internal threaded hole, and the external thread is screwed into the internal threaded hole.

[0030] According to the separation device provided in the embodiments of this application, as shown in the example above, when the split nuts are separated from each other, they present multiple petal structures that are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. After the multiple petal structures of the split nuts are closed, they form a cylindrical structure, that is, they have internal threaded holes for engaging with the push rod.

[0031] According to the separation device provided in the embodiments of this application, the base has a cavity in which at least a portion of the split nut is disposed. For example, the split nut may be entirely contained within the cavity of the base. In an embodiment, the cavity may have openings on both sides of the push rod in the axial direction, and the head of the push rod and the end of the rod portion away from the head of the push rod may both be located outside the cavity when the push rod is screwed onto the split nut.

[0032] According to the separation device provided in the embodiments of this application, at least a portion of the triggering member can be located within the cavity, and the triggering member is used to abut against the split nut to close the multiple split structures.

[0033] According to the separation device provided in the embodiments of this application, at least the above-mentioned portion of the triggering member can protrude from the inner wall of the cavity of the base, thereby abutting against the outer side of each lobe structure of the split nut, thereby causing the above-mentioned multiple lobe structures to close.

[0034] In an embodiment, the triggering member may protrude partially from the inner wall of the cavity, or it may be located entirely between each petal structure and the inner wall of the cavity.

[0035] According to the separation device provided in the embodiments of this application, the triggering member is movably connected to the base, and the triggering member can move away from the splitting nut when moving relative to the base, so as to separate the above-mentioned multiple split structures.

[0036] According to the separation device provided in the embodiments of this application, as mentioned above, when the triggering member no longer remains in the original position that causes the multiple petal structures to come together, the multiple petal structures of the split nut will separate, thereby no longer forming an internal threaded hole, thus releasing the engagement relationship between the split nut and the push rod.

[0037] Thus, according to the separation device provided in the embodiments of this application, when the triggering component is triggered by the operator so that it no longer remains in the original position that causes the multiple petal structures to close together, the multiple petal structures of the petal nut will separate, thereby no longer forming an internal threaded hole. This releases the engagement relationship between the petal nut and the push rod, thereby releasing the push rod. This effectively increases the speed of releasing the lock on the push rod and improves the separation efficiency of the petal nut and the push rod.

[0038] According to the separation device provided in the embodiments of this application, the base 3 may include a sleeve portion, and the base 3 may be sleeved on the outside of the base 1. Here, the end of the base 1 away from the head of the push rod may be formed with a shoulder with a larger outer diameter, which may abut against the upper end surface of the sliding sleeve 2, and the end of the base 1 near the head of the push rod, that is, the lower end of the base 1, may abut against the inner side of the bottom wall of the base 3.

[0039] In this embodiment, the lower end of the base 1 may have a threaded hole, and the bottom wall of the base 3 may have a countersunk through hole corresponding to the position of the threaded hole, for fixing the base 1 and the base 3 together with screws. As an example, four sets of threaded holes, countersunk holes, and screws may be provided. In addition, the bottom wall of the base 3 also has a through hole for the push rod 11 to pass through, so that the head of the push rod 1 is exposed to the external environment.

[0040] Furthermore, according to the separation device provided in the embodiments of this application, an annular flange can be formed on the outer side of the end of the base 3 near the head of the top rod, and a fixing hole can be pre-opened on the annular flange to fix the entire separation device to the external structure.

[0041] According to the separation device provided in the embodiments of this application, the sliding sleeve 2 can be sleeved on the outside of the base 1, and in order to provide greater friction for the operator when sliding the sliding sleeve along the axial direction, the outer surface of the sliding sleeve 2 can be "knurled" to form a pattern to facilitate the operator's grip.

[0042] Similarly, in the separation device provided according to the embodiments of this application, the head of the push rod 11, that is, its outer cylindrical surface for the operator to screw, can also be treated with the above-mentioned "knurling" to form a pattern for easy screwing. In addition, the top of the push rod 1 protrudes from the separation device, that is, the upper top surface of the base 1. By screwing the push rod 11, the protruding part of the tooling top will become longer, so as to adjust the separation device according to the actual situation.

[0043] According to the separation device provided in the embodiments of this application, a cavity is formed between the sliding sleeve 2 and the base 3, defined by the two and the base 1. A first spring 8 can be disposed in this cavity. The first spring can be, for example, a helical spring. The first spring 8 can be compressed so that the upper end of the sliding sleeve 2 always abuts against the upper shoulder (i.e., the step) of the base 1, while the lower end of the sliding sleeve 2 is inserted into the interior of the base 3 and coincides with the base 3 axially. In the embodiment, the axes of the push rod 11, the base 1, the sliding sleeve 2, and the base 3 coincide.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, the base 1 is the main component of the separation device provided according to the embodiments of this application. It includes a cylindrical structure with an internal cavity for placing components such as the split nut 4. A threaded hole is provided on the bottom end face of the base 1 for screwing with the base 3. Several cylindrical holes are evenly distributed on the outer cylindrical side of the base 1 for installing the steel ball 5 (described later). The steel ball 5 can move freely in the cylindrical holes. A step is provided on the other end face of the base 1 to allow the sliding sleeve 2 to disengage from the base 1 under the force of the first spring 8.

[0045] According to the separation device provided in the embodiments of this application, under the action of external force, such as manual operation by an operator, the sliding sleeve 2 can move along the axis of the base 1. In the embodiments, the triggering member mentioned above can be, for example, a steel ball 5. For example, a cylindrical hole penetrating the sidewall can be opened on the sidewall of the base 1, and the steel ball 5 can be placed into the cylindrical hole.

[0046] In the embodiment, since the sliding sleeve 2 is fitted on the outside of the base 1, the contact between the sliding sleeve 2 and the steel ball causes a portion of the steel ball 5 to protrude from the inner wall of the base 1, thereby contacting the corresponding petal structure, so that the corresponding petal structure moves radially inward and is held in a position where it can close with other petal structures.

[0047] In this embodiment, multiple sets of triggering components can be provided, meaning the number can be the same as the number of petal structures in the segmented nut. In other words, the number of sets of triggering components, i.e., steel balls 5, corresponds to the number of petal structures. Each set of steel balls can also have multiple steel balls, such as 2, 3, 4, or even more.

[0048] As mentioned above, in the separation device provided according to the embodiments of this application, a number of petal structures are placed inside the cavity of the base 1, and a second spring 9 is placed between the petal nut 4 and the head of the top rod 11. The second spring 9 can also always be in a compressed state, so that the petal nut 4 tends to unfold under the force of the second spring 9.

[0049] In the embodiment, as described above, the several segments of the structure shrink to form a complete nut, which is screwed to the top rod 11. Based on this, the upper and lower end faces of the segmented nut 4 are respectively fitted with the upper cone block 6 (the lower side is the outer cone surface that matches the inner cone surface of the upper end of the segmented nut) and the lower cone block 7 (the upper side is the outer cone surface that matches the inner cone surface of the lower end of the segmented nut).

[0050] According to the separation device provided in the embodiments of this application, when a second spring 2 is provided between the top rod 11 and the lower cone block 7, under the action of the second spring 2, the lower cone block 7, the split nut 4, and the upper cone block 6 are always in a sequentially close state, while the top rod 11 tends to move away from the lower cone block 7. The outer cylindrical surface of the split nut 4 abuts against the steel ball 5, which is placed in the cylindrical hole of the base 1. When the split nut 4 is retracted, the steel ball 5 in the base 1 abuts against the outer surface of the split nut 4 at one end and against the inner cylindrical surface of the sliding sleeve 2 at the other end. The split nut 4 retracts under the action of the steel ball 5 and the sliding sleeve 2, and the steel ball 5 can move along the axis of the cylindrical hole.

[0051] According to the separation device provided in the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 4 As shown, in the free state, the tooling has several segmented nuts 4 in a retracted state. The push rod 11 is screwed to the segmented nuts 4. When it needs to be operated, the sliding sleeve 2 is manually pulled. When the inner arc groove of the sliding sleeve 2 is aligned with the steel ball 5, the steel ball 5 is squeezed into the arc groove under the force of the segmented nuts 4. At this time, the segmented structure of the segmented nuts 4 unfolds. Under the force of the second spring 2, the push rod 11 is quickly pushed to move. The push rod 11 and the contact of the external disconnect switch can be quickly disengaged.

[0052] Furthermore, according to the separation device provided in the embodiments of this application, a third spring 10 can also be provided between adjacent petal structures, for example, two, three, four or even more springs can be provided to ensure that the above-mentioned petal structures can be separated from each other.

[0053] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this application, a spacecraft is provided, which includes the separation device described above and also has the aforementioned beneficial effects, which will not be repeated here. As an example, the spacecraft may be, for example, a satellite, or a combination of a satellite and a rocket.

[0054] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and do not limit the scope of protection of this application. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the innovative concept of this application and the contents of the specification and drawings of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A separation device, characterized in that, The separation device includes: A push rod, the push rod having an axial direction, and at least a portion of the side of the push rod having external threads; A split nut, wherein the split nut has multiple split structures, the multiple split structures are joined together to form an internal threaded hole, and the external thread is screwed into the internal threaded hole; A base having a cavity, wherein at least a portion of the split nut is disposed within the cavity; A triggering member, at least a portion of which can be located within the cavity, the triggering member being used to abut against the split nut to close the plurality of split structures; The triggering member is movably connected to the base, and the triggering member can move away from the split nut relative to the base to separate the multiple petal structures.

2. The separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base has a through hole on its inner wall, and the triggering component is disposed in the through hole; The separation device further includes a sliding sleeve, which is sleeved on the outside of the base. When the sliding sleeve is in a first position, it abuts against the triggering member so that the triggering member abuts against the corresponding petal structure. When the sliding sleeve is in a second position, it releases the triggering member so that the plurality of petal structures separate.

3. The separation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, A groove is formed on the inner sidewall of the sliding sleeve, and the groove is used to accommodate the triggering member; When the sliding sleeve moves to the second position, the triggering member enters the groove to release the corresponding petal structure.

4. The separation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The separation device also includes a base, which is sleeved on the outside of the base, and a portion of the sliding sleeve is inserted into the base to partially overlap the base in the axial direction.

5. The separation device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The separation device further includes a first spring, and a cavity is defined by the sliding sleeve, the base, and the pedestal. The first spring is disposed in the cavity and abuts against the sliding sleeve and the base. The first spring is always compressed.

6. The separation device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The base has a shoulder at one end away from the base, and the sliding sleeve abuts against the shoulder at one end away from the base.

7. The separation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The separating device further includes a second spring disposed between the top of the top rod and the split nut.

8. The separation device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The separating device further includes a first cone block disposed between the split nut and the base, and a second cone block disposed between the split nut and the second spring. The first cone block has a first outer cone surface that matches the first inner cone surface of the split nut, and the second cone block has a second inner cone surface that matches the second inner cone surface of the split nut.

9. The separation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The separation device also includes a third spring disposed between adjacent petal structures.

10. A spacecraft, characterized in that, The spacecraft includes a separation device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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