Separating nut storage mechanism and separating nut assembly

Abstract

The invention provides a separation nut storage mechanism and a separation nut assembly, and belongs to the technical field of spaceflight. The separating nut storage mechanism comprises a mounting base, a connecting piece, a guide rod and a compression spring, the connecting piece is located on the outer side of the mounting base, the connecting piece and the mounting base are arranged in a spaced mode in the axial direction, and a penetrating hole allowing a separating nut to penetrate through is formed in the middle of the mounting base. The compression spring sleeves the guide rod, and two ends of the compression spring abut against the connecting piece and the mounting seat respectively to prevent the separation nut from rebounding. The separation nut assembly comprises the separation nut storage mechanism. The separating nut storage mechanism is small in overall size, small in occupied space, capable of being integrally installed and convenient to operate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of aerospace technology, and in particular relates to a nut storage mechanism and a nut assembly. Background Technology

[0002] The separation nut is a key component for inter-stage separation in spacecraft. It consists of a main body and a locking rod. The separation nut uses the gas generated by the combustion of pyrotechnic agents within the main body to release the main body's constraint on the locking rod. After the separation nut unlocks and separates, the main body or locking rod possesses significant kinetic energy. If not captured promptly, the high-speed moving main body or locking rod can easily collide with instruments and equipment on the spacecraft, affecting its normal operation. To address this issue, a storage mechanism is installed with the separation nut during installation to capture and store the unlocked main body or locking rod. In existing technology, this storage mechanism is also called a capture device.

[0003] Chinese invention patent application CN112923806A discloses a novel nut-catching device. This device includes a collection box, a compression spring, a shaped nut, and a limiting spring. The shaped nut is housed within the collection box and threadedly connected to one end of a nut rod (i.e., a locking rod) passing through a compartment. The compression spring is sleeved on the outside of the shaped nut, with one end abutting against the end face of the nut and the other end against the compartment, providing preload. The limiting spring is located within the collection box. After the nut is unlocked by a pyrotechnic device, the nut rod moves axially along the collection box under the impact of gas, causing the shaped nut to slide within the limiting spring. One end of the nut slides out of the limiting spring, thus limiting axial movement. This catching device, by incorporating the compression spring and limiting spring, prevents the locking rod from rebounding after separation, thus ensuring proper separation.

[0004] In the existing technology, the capture device for the release nut completely covers the release nut, which occupies a large space. Moreover, during installation, the capture device can only install each component sequentially from the inside out, which is cumbersome and difficult to install quickly when the operating space is limited. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a nut storage mechanism to solve the technical problems of existing storage mechanisms having large space requirements and inconvenient installation.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a nut release assembly to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the detachable nut storage mechanism provided by the present invention is as follows: A release nut storage mechanism includes a mounting base for mounting onto an aircraft, a connector for connecting to the release nut, a guide rod and a compression spring disposed between the mounting base and the connector. The connector is located outside the mounting base and is axially spaced from the mounting base. The mounting base has a through hole in the middle for the release nut to pass through. At least two guide rods are provided and arranged around the through hole. One end of the guide rod is connected to the mounting base, and the other end passes through the connector and has a limiting structure for axially limiting the connector. The hole on the connector for the guide rod to pass through is a movable fitting hole. In use, the part of the release nut connected to the connector moves axially with the connector after unlocking. The compression spring is sleeved on the guide rod and its two ends are respectively pressed against the connector and the mounting base to prevent the release nut from springing back.

[0008] As a further improvement, the mounting base includes a mounting section, a support section, and an axial extension section. The mounting section is located at the edge and is used to connect with the aircraft. The support section is in the center, and guide rods and perforations are provided on the support section. The axial extension section connects the mounting section and the support section to leave space between the support section and the aircraft bulkhead during use.

[0009] As a further improvement, the guide rod is movably connected to the mounting base, which has a movable connection hole. One end of the guide rod connected to the mounting base passes through the movable connection hole and is provided with an anti-detachment structure to prevent the guide rod from axially separating from the mounting base.

[0010] As a further improvement, the connector has a threaded hole in the middle for threaded connection with the release nut.

[0011] As a further improvement, there are two guide rods, which are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the through hole. The whole assembly consisting of the mounting base, connector, guide rods and compression spring is a flat structure that is relatively flat in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the guide rod arrangement and the axial direction.

[0012] As a further improvement, the limiting structure is a double-nut assembly threaded onto the guide rod.

[0013] As a further improvement, the mounting section, the load-bearing section, and the axial extension section are all plate-shaped structures.

[0014] As a further improvement, the connector is a plate-shaped structural component.

[0015] As a further improvement, the perforation is a guide perforation that provides guidance for the release nut.

[0016] The beneficial effects are as follows: The detachable nut storage mechanism provided by this invention is a pioneering invention. This mechanism arranges the mounting base and connecting parts at intervals along the axial direction, and the axial arrangement range coincides with the detachable nut, saving axial space and making the overall size of the detachable nut storage mechanism smaller and requiring less space. This detachable nut storage mechanism can be pre-assembled for overall installation, reducing the number of steps required during installation and improving ease of installation.

[0017] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the separating nut assembly provided by the present invention is as follows: A release nut assembly includes a release nut and a release nut storage mechanism connected to one end of the release nut. The release nut storage mechanism includes a mounting base for mounting onto an aircraft, a connector for connecting to the release nut, a guide rod and a compression spring disposed between the mounting base and the connector. The connector is located outside the mounting base and is axially spaced from the mounting base. The mounting base has a through hole in the middle for the release nut to pass through. At least two guide rods are provided and arranged around the through hole. One end of the guide rod is connected to the mounting base, and the other end passes through the connector and has a limiting structure for axially limiting the connector. The hole on the connector for the guide rod to pass through is a movable fitting hole. In use, the part of the release nut connected to the connector moves axially with the connector after unlocking. The compression spring is sleeved on the guide rod and its two ends are respectively pressed against the connector and the mounting base to prevent the release nut from springing back.

[0018] As a further improvement, the mounting base includes a mounting section, a support section, and an axial extension section. The mounting section is located at the edge and is used to connect with the aircraft. The support section is in the center, and guide rods and perforations are provided on the support section. The axial extension section connects the mounting section and the support section to leave space between the support section and the aircraft bulkhead during use.

[0019] As a further improvement, the guide rod is movably connected to the mounting base, which has a movable connection hole. One end of the guide rod connected to the mounting base passes through the movable connection hole and is provided with an anti-detachment structure to prevent the guide rod from axially separating from the mounting base.

[0020] As a further improvement, the connector has a threaded hole in the middle for threaded connection with the release nut.

[0021] As a further improvement, there are two guide rods, which are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the through hole. The whole assembly consisting of the mounting base, connector, guide rods and compression spring is a flat structure that is relatively flat in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the guide rod arrangement and the axial direction.

[0022] As a further improvement, the limiting structure is a double-nut assembly threaded onto the guide rod.

[0023] As a further improvement, the mounting section, the load-bearing section, and the axial extension section are all plate-shaped structures.

[0024] As a further improvement, the connector is a plate-shaped structural component.

[0025] As a further improvement, the perforation is a guide perforation that provides guidance for the release nut.

[0026] The beneficial effects are as follows: The detachable nut assembly provided by this invention is an improvement upon the prior art. This detachable nut assembly is equipped with a new detachable nut storage mechanism, which arranges the mounting base and connecting parts at axial intervals, and the axial arrangement range coincides with the detachable nut, saving axial space and making the overall size of the detachable nut storage mechanism smaller and occupying less space. This detachable nut storage mechanism can be pre-assembled for overall installation, reducing the number of steps required during installation and improving installation convenience. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 1 of the detachable nut assembly in this invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the nut storage mechanism in Embodiment 1 of the nut assembly of the present invention.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. This side bulkhead; 2. Opposite side bulkhead; 3. Body; 4. Locking rod; 41. Threaded section; 42. Clamping step; 5. Mounting seat; 51. Mounting part; 52. Bearing part; 53. Axial extension part; 54. Mounting hole; 55. Through hole; 56. Movable connection hole; 6. Connector; 61. Threaded hole; 62. Movable mating hole; 7. Long bolt; 8. Compression spring; 9. Double nut assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0030] Specific embodiment 1 of the separating nut assembly provided by the present invention: The nut storage mechanism in this nut assembly allows for overall installation with minimal space occupation by axially arranging the main components.

[0031] See appendix Figure 1 and attached Figure 2 The release nut assembly includes a release nut and a release nut storage mechanism. The release nut includes a body 3 and a locking rod 4. Before unlocking, the body 3 and the locking rod 4 are an integral structure. After unlocking, the body 3 and the locking rod 4 separate. The end of the locking rod 4 away from the body 3 is provided with a threaded section 41 for connecting with the structure being fastened. The end of the body 3 away from the locking rod 4 is provided with an external thread.

[0032] The nut storage mechanism includes a mounting base 5, a connector 6, a guide rod, and a compression spring 8.

[0033] The mounting base 5 has a U-shaped structure, with mounting portions 51 at both ends for fixed installation on the aircraft bulkhead, and a support portion 52 in the middle. An axial extension portion 53 is provided between the support portion 52 and the two mounting portions 51. The mounting portions 51, axial extension portions 53, and support portions 52 are all plate-like structures, with the mounting portions 51 and support portions 52 parallel and perpendicular to the axial extension portions 53. The mounting portions 51 have mounting holes 54. In use, the mounting portion 51 is pressed tightly against the aircraft bulkhead, and the mounting holes 54 are aligned with holes on the aircraft bulkhead. Bolts are then passed through the mounting holes 54 and the holes on the aircraft bulkhead and tightened to fix the mounting base 5 to the aircraft bulkhead. When the mounting base 5 is fixed to the aircraft bulkhead, a certain space is left between the support portion 52 and the aircraft bulkhead. A through hole 55 is provided at the center of the support portion 52 for the body 3 of the release nut to pass through.

[0034] The connector 6 is located on the outside of the mounting base 5 and is axially spaced from the mounting base 5. In use, the connector 6 is located on the side of the mounting base 5 facing away from the aircraft bulkhead. The connector 6 is a plate-shaped structure, and in use, it is parallel to the bearing portion 52 of the mounting base 5. In use, the connector 6 is fixedly connected to the body 3 of the release nut. Specifically, in this embodiment, the connector 6 has a threaded hole 61 at its center that mates with the external thread on the body 3 of the release nut. The body 3 of the release nut and the connector 6 are connected by screwing on the thread.

[0035] There are two guide rods, located on either side of the through hole 55, and their arrangement direction is the same as that of the two mounting parts 51 on the mounting base 5. The guide rods connect the mounting base 5 and the connector 6. Compression springs 8 correspond one-to-one with the guide rods and are fitted onto them. The two ends of the compression springs 8 are in close contact with the connector 6 and the bearing part 52 of the mounting base 5, respectively.

[0036] The guide rod has one end that connects to the connector 6, which passes through the connector 6 and has a limiting structure that axially limits the connector 6. The hole on the connector 6 through which the guide rod passes is a movable fitting hole 62, allowing the connector 6 to move axially relative to the guide rod. Specifically, the guide rod is threaded, and the limiting structure is a double nut assembly 9 threaded onto the guide rod.

[0037] In this embodiment, the guide rod and the mounting base 5 are movably connected. The bearing portion 52 of the mounting base 5 is provided with a movable connection hole 56. One end of the guide rod connected to the mounting base 5 passes through the movable connection hole 56 and is provided with an anti-detachment structure to prevent the guide rod from axially separating from the mounting base 5. Specifically, the guide rod is a long bolt 7 with a relatively long rod section, and the anti-detachment structure is the head of the long bolt 7.

[0038] In use, assemble the release nut storage mechanism, then assemble the release nut body 3 with the storage mechanism. Next, fix the storage mechanism to the corresponding position on the aircraft bulkhead. During this process, insert the release nut locking rod 4 into the opening on the aircraft's side bulkhead 1 for the locking rod 4 to pass through. Then press the connector 6 and the release nut body 3 so that the end of the release nut locking rod 4 approaches the threaded blind hole on the opposite side bulkhead 2. Finally, tighten the release nut so that the threaded section 41 at the end of the locking rod 4 is screwed into the threaded blind hole on the opposite side bulkhead 2. During this process, the external thread on the release nut body 3 and the threaded hole 61 on the connector 6 also rotate relative to each other. To prevent the body 3 from separating from the connector 6 during the connection of the locking rod 4 and the opposite side bulkhead 2, the axial length of the external thread on the body 3 must be greater than the axial length of the threaded section 41 on the locking rod 4. During assembly, the release nut body 3 must be fully tightened onto the connector 6, with the external thread on the body 3 and the threaded section 41 on the locking rod 4 having the same thread direction.

[0039] The outer diameter of the threaded section 41 on the locking rod 4 is smaller than the outer diameter of the rest of the locking rod 4, so that the locking rod 4 can form a clamping step 42 between the threaded section 41 and other parts. During installation, the threaded section 41 of the locking rod 4 is screwed into the threaded blind hole of the opposite bulkhead 2, and the clamping step 42 is pressed against the surface of the opposite bulkhead 2, so that the locking rod 4 is locked and fixed to the opposite bulkhead 2.

[0040] After the release nut is unlocked, the main body 3 separates from the locking rod 4. Under the impact force, the main body 3 quickly moves away from the locking rod 4. During the axial movement of the main body 3 and the connecting piece 6, it is constrained by the double nut assembly 9 on the guide rod and cannot continue to move freely, so as to prevent the main body 3 from damaging the instruments and equipment on the aircraft after it flies out. The compression spring 8 has a certain amount of compression at the beginning. After the release nut is unlocked, the compression spring 8 will push the connecting piece 6 and the mounting base 5 apart to prevent the main body 3 of the release nut from rebounding.

[0041] A certain clearance is left between the movable mating hole 62 on the connector 6 and the guide rod, and between the movable connecting hole 56 on the mounting base 5 and the guide rod, to ensure that the guide rod, mounting base 5, and connector 6 can move relatively easily relative to each other. Furthermore, the connector 6 and mounting base 5 have a certain offset allowance in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction to tolerate a certain installation error.

[0042] Both the mounting base 5 and the connector 6 are longer in the direction of the guide rod arrangement and narrower in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the guide rod arrangement and perpendicular to the axis, so that the entire storage mechanism forms a flat structure that is flatter in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the guide rod arrangement and the axis, thereby minimizing the space occupied by the entire storage mechanism.

[0043] Compared to existing technologies, the mounting base 5 and the connector 6 are no longer nested structures. The connector 6 is completely outside the mounting base 5, which can reduce the volume of the entire storage mechanism. Moreover, the storage mechanism can be assembled in advance and installed as a whole when in use, which improves the convenience of installation.

[0044] Specific embodiment 2 of the separating nut assembly provided by the present invention: This embodiment is based on Embodiment 1, but differs in that the diameter of the through hole on the mounting base matches the outer diameter of the release nut body, so that the through hole forms a guide hole that can guide the release nut body. In this way, after the release nut is unlocked, the movement of its body is radially constrained, ensuring that the body can move axially, thereby ensuring that the two guide rods are subjected to uniform force.

[0045] Specific embodiment 3 of the separation nut assembly provided by the present invention: This embodiment is based on embodiment 1. The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the guide rod is a smooth rod, and the limiting structure and the anti-detachment structure are both stops that are welded and fixed at both ends. Since the storage mechanism can be assembled in advance, the smooth rod and the stops can be welded in advance at non-installation locations without affecting on-site installation.

[0046] Specific embodiment 4 of the separator nut assembly provided by the present invention: This embodiment is based on embodiment 1. The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that three guide rods are provided in this embodiment. The three guide rods are evenly distributed around the perforations on the mounting base. The three guide rods have stronger stability and higher load-bearing capacity.

[0047] Specific embodiment 5 of the separating nut assembly provided by the present invention: This embodiment is based on embodiment 1. The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the connector has a light hole in the middle. The storage mechanism also includes a stop nut on the side of the connector away from the mounting base. When in use, the stop nut is threadedly connected to the threaded section of the body of the release nut, and the stop nut is used to stop and limit the connector along the axial direction. When assembling the release nut and the storage mechanism, the stop nut is installed on the release nut.

[0048] Specific embodiment 6 of the separator nut assembly provided by the present invention: This embodiment is based on embodiment 1. The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that in this embodiment, the guide rod and the mounting base are integrally fixedly connected, and the connection method can be welding.

[0049] Specific embodiment 7 of the separating nut assembly provided by the present invention: This embodiment is based on embodiment 1. The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the mounting base in this embodiment does not have an axial extension portion, and its whole structure is a flat plate structure. The guide rod is also integrally fixedly connected to the mounting base.

[0050] Specific embodiment 8 of the separating nut assembly provided by the present invention: This embodiment is based on embodiment 1. The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that both the side bulkhead and the opposite bulkhead are provided with openings for the locking rod to pass through. After the locking rod passes through the two bulkheads, a locking nut is installed to secure the two bulkheads.

[0051] Specific embodiment 9 of the separating nut assembly provided by the present invention: This embodiment is based on embodiment 1. The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the body of the separating nut is located on the side of the opposite bulkhead away from the current bulkhead. The locking rod is threaded along the axial direction. After the locking rod passes through the opposite bulkhead and the current bulkhead in sequence, the locking nut is first installed but not tightened. Then the end of the locking rod is threaded to the threaded hole on the connector. Finally, the locking nut is tightened to secure the two bulkheads. Since the mounting base has a Z-shaped structure, the space in the middle can be used for the wrench to tighten the nut.

[0052] Specific embodiments of the detachable nut storage mechanism provided by the present invention: The separating nut storage mechanism is the separating nut storage mechanism in the above-described embodiment of the force-sharing nut assembly, and will not be described in detail again.

[0053] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still make modifications to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments without creative effort, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A mechanism for storing and separating nuts, characterized in that, It includes a mounting base for mounting onto an aircraft, a connector for connecting to a release nut, a guide rod and a compression spring located between the mounting base and the connector. The connector is located outside the mounting base and is axially spaced from the mounting base. The mounting base has a through hole in the middle for the release nut to pass through. There are at least two guide rods arranged around the through hole. One end of the guide rod is connected to the mounting base, and the other end passes through the connector and has a limiting structure for axially limiting the connector. The hole on the connector for the guide rod to pass through is a movable fitting hole. In use, the part of the release nut connected to the connector moves axially with the connector after unlocking. The compression spring is sleeved on the guide rod and its two ends are respectively pressed against the connector and the mounting base to prevent the release nut from springing back.

2. The nut storage mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting base includes a mounting section, a support section, and an axial extension section. The mounting section is located at the edge and is used to connect with the aircraft. The support section is in the center, and guide rods and perforations are provided on the support section. The axial extension section connects the mounting section and the support section to leave space between the support section and the aircraft bulkhead during use.

3. The detachable nut storage mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guide rod is movably connected to the mounting base. The mounting base is provided with a movable connection hole. One end of the guide rod connected to the mounting base passes through the movable connection hole and is provided with an anti-detachment structure to prevent the guide rod from axially separating from the mounting base.

4. The detachable nut storage mechanism according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The connector has a threaded hole in the middle for threaded connection with the release nut.

5. The detachable nut storage mechanism according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, There are two guide rods, which are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the through hole. The whole assembly consisting of the mounting base, connector, guide rods and compression spring is a flat structure that is relatively flat in the direction perpendicular to the direction of guide rod arrangement and the axial direction.

6. The detachable nut storage mechanism according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The limiting structure is a double-nut assembly threaded onto the guide rod.

7. The detachable nut storage mechanism according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The mounting section, load-bearing section, and axial extension section are all plate-shaped structures.

8. The detachable nut storage mechanism according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The connector is a plate-shaped structural component.

9. The detachable nut storage mechanism according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, A perforation is a guide perforation that provides guidance for the release nut.

10. A release nut assembly, comprising a release nut, characterized in that, It also includes a release nut storage mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-9, which is connected to one end of the release nut.

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