Modular scalable cube satellite battery base module

Abstract

This utility model relates to a multi-combination, expandable CubeSat battery base module. It includes individual batteries, with several individual batteries forming a base unit; a base frame is arranged circumferentially within the base unit; connecting parts are provided laterally and longitudinally within the base frame; and limiting components are installed within the base frame, which constrain the position of the individual battery arrays arranged within the base unit. This utility model allows for flexible assembly of the base module in a plane or three-dimensional space, adapting to the complex spatial layout inside a CubeSat and meeting the on-orbit energy storage and power supply requirements of various CubeSat models. The design of the base frame and limiting components ensures sufficient stability for the individual batteries.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery technology, and in particular to a multi-combination scalable CubeSat battery basic module. Background Technology

[0002] Commercial microsatellites are characterized by their small size, light weight, low cost, and short development cycle, enabling them to be widely used in various fields such as communications, remote sensing, and scientific experiments. To meet these requirements, the batteries in their power systems also need to be miniaturized and reduced in cost to lower the overall development cost of the satellite and enhance its market competitiveness.

[0003] However, in traditional commercial microsatellites, the fixed stacked structure of battery packs requires reserved space for installation, resulting in low space utilization. Furthermore, stacking necessitates a main frame of specific dimensions, hindering rapid modular expansion or reduction and making it difficult to meet the rapid configuration needs of diverse scenarios. Additionally, bolted or welded fixing methods are prone to loosening under launch vibrations, leading to poor battery contact or even detachment, causing power supply failures. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a multi-combination scalable CubeSat battery base module that is easy to combine and expand, and has good shock resistance, to address the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] A multi-combination scalable CubeSat battery base module includes individual cells, with several individual cells forming a base unit; a base frame is arranged circumferentially in the base unit.

[0006] The basic frame is provided with connecting parts in the horizontal and vertical directions; a limiting component is provided in the basic frame, and the position of the individual battery array in the basic unit is limited by the limiting component after it is arranged.

[0007] In one embodiment, the basic frame includes an upper frame plate, a lower frame plate, a left frame plate, and a right frame plate; the upper frame plate, the lower frame plate, the left frame plate, and the right frame plate are detachably connected.

[0008] In one embodiment, connecting portions are provided on the upper frame plate, the lower frame plate, the left frame plate, and the right frame plate; the connecting portions are detachably connected by connectors.

[0009] In one embodiment, the upper frame plate, the lower frame plate, the left frame plate, and the right frame plate are designed with openwork.

[0010] In one embodiment, the limiting component includes a middle limiting plate, a front limiting plate and a rear limiting plate; the front limiting plate and the rear limiting plate are arranged along the length direction of the single cell and are respectively located at both ends of the single cell; when the single cells are arranged in an array, the middle limiting plate is arranged horizontally between each layer; the front limiting plate and the rear limiting plate are detachably connected to the middle limiting plate.

[0011] In one embodiment, limiting parts are further arranged on the front limiting plate and the rear limiting plate; both ends of the single cell are respectively located on the limiting parts of the front limiting plate and the rear limiting plate.

[0012] In one embodiment, through holes are arranged on the limiting parts; the single cell is electrically connected to the outside through the through holes.

[0013] In one embodiment, conduction nickel sheets are arranged on the front limiting plate and the rear limiting plate; the conduction nickel sheets are located on the through holes.

[0014] In one embodiment, the basic unit and the basic frame are combined to form a basic module; after the basic modules are combined through horizontal or vertical connecting parts, high-temperature resistant encapsulating wires are used for series and parallel connection in a jumper way; and / or, insulating protection materials are arranged at both ends of the single cell.

[0015] In one embodiment, after the basic modules are horizontally or vertically combined to form a whole, an electrical connector is arranged on one of the sides.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the multi-combination expandable cube satellite battery basic module provided by the utility model has the following effects:

[0017] 1. A number of single cells are used to form a standardized basic unit, and the basic module is combined in multiple ways through horizontal and / or vertical expansion, so that the total capacity of the battery can be quickly adjusted to meet the power consumption requirements of cube satellites with different mission loads and orbital lifetimes.

[0018] 2. The arrangement of the horizontal and vertical connecting parts enables the basic modules to be flexibly spliced in a plane or a three-dimensional space to form various combination forms such as a "field" shape and a "stacked" shape, adapting to the complex internal space layout of the cube satellite and meeting the on-orbit power storage and power supply of multiple types of cube satellites.

[0019] 3. A basic frame is set up in the circumference of the basic unit to provide rigid support for the individual cells, resist vibration and impact loads during the launch phase, and avoid structural damage to the individual cells caused by external squeezing or collision. At the same time, a limiting component is set up in the basic frame to lock the position of the individual cell array, ensuring that the cells maintain a fixed spacing after the array is arranged, and preventing the risk of poor contact or short circuit caused by thermal expansion and contraction or attitude adjustment during charging and discharging.

[0020] 4. Each basic module is an independent unit, allowing for rapid disassembly and replacement of batteries in case of failure, significantly reducing maintenance complexity and time costs. Furthermore, the modular design of the basic unit and frame structure enables mass production. The same basic module can be adapted to various CubeSat specifications through different combinations, avoiding the need to develop separate battery systems for each type of satellite and reducing R&D investment. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the basic module provided in one embodiment;

[0023] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the limiting component and basic unit provided in one embodiment;

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the combination of the limiting component and the basic unit provided in one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the basic framework structure provided in one embodiment;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a lateral expansion structure provided in one embodiment;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the combined connection after lateral expansion provided in one embodiment;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a vertically extended structure provided in one embodiment;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the combined connection after vertical expansion provided in one embodiment.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] Basic module 1, single battery 2, upper frame plate 3, lower frame plate 4, left frame plate 5, right frame plate 6, connecting part 7, connector 8, middle limit plate 9, front limit plate 10, rear limit plate 11, limit part 12, through hole 13, through nickel sheet 14, insulating protective material 15, wire 16, electrical connector 17, external connector 18, fixing threaded hole 19.

[0032] The purpose, features, and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0034] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0035] Furthermore, in this utility model, the use of terms such as "first," "second," etc., is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0036] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, a physical connection, or a wireless communication connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] It is understood that the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of a person 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 protection scope claimed by this utility model.

[0038] The embodiments of this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the multi-combination expandable CubeSat battery basic module provided in this embodiment includes individual battery cells 2, and a basic unit is composed of several individual battery cells 2; a basic frame is set in the circumference of the basic unit; connecting parts 7 are set in the horizontal and vertical directions of the basic frame; a limiting component is set in the basic frame, and the position of the individual battery cells 2 in the basic unit is limited by the limiting component after they are arranged in an array.

[0040] The basic unit and the basic framework are combined to form the basic module 1.

[0041] A basic unit is a standardized unit formed by arranging several individual battery cells 2 in an array. The specific number of individual battery cells 2 in the basic unit is determined by the required energy capacity. In this embodiment, the basic unit consists of eight standard individual battery cells 2, which are arranged in a manner where four individual battery cells 2 are laid flat in each layer and stacked in two layers. Alternatively, four, six, nine, or even more individual battery cells 2 can be arranged in an array.

[0042] The basic frame includes an upper frame plate 3, a lower frame plate 4, a left frame plate 5, and a right frame plate 6; the upper frame plate 3, lower frame plate 4, left frame plate 5, and right frame plate 6 are detachably connected. It is worth noting that detachable connections include, but are not limited to, snap-fit ​​connections, threaded connections, pin connections, magnetic connections, and plug-in connections, which can be selected adaptably according to the situation. For example, when using a snap-fit ​​connection, a corresponding slot and snap-fit ​​are provided in the connecting part; when using a threaded connection, a corresponding threaded hole is provided in the connecting part, and then bolts are used for fixing; other connection methods have corresponding connecting components, which will not be elaborated here. The specific detachable connection methods described below are just one feasible method and are not intended to be the only limitation. In this embodiment, a threaded connection is used as an example for illustration.

[0043] The upper frame plate 3, lower frame plate 4, left frame plate 5 and right frame plate 6 are rectangular plate structures. Under the premise of ensuring sufficient rigid support, a hollow weight reduction design is adopted. Furthermore, the hollow design is maximized to remove materials in non-critical load-bearing areas while retaining or strengthening the main load-bearing paths, ensuring that the overall rigidity of the structure does not decrease, and achieving a balance between rigidity and lightweight.

[0044] Connecting parts 7 are located on the sides and / or corners of the upper frame plate 3, lower frame plate 4, left frame plate 5, and right frame plate 6, and are detachably connected via connectors 8, thereby enabling the lateral and / or longitudinal expansion of the basic module 1. Preferably, the connecting parts 7 are integrally formed with each frame plate and have threaded holes for detachable connection with the connectors 8. It is worth noting that the size of the threaded holes on each connecting part 7 is designed according to specific circumstances, preferably to facilitate threaded fixing with the connectors 8.

[0045] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 7 is preferably located at the four corners of each frame plate, and also serves as a fixing part when the frames are assembled. To ensure the regularity of the outer surface of the base frame, the connecting portion 7 between the left frame plate 5 and the right frame plate 6 is recessed inward, so that there are no protrusions on the outer surface of the assembled frame plates, maintaining an overall flatness. Of course, the upper frame plate 3 and the lower frame plate 4 can also be recessed inward, depending on the specific design.

[0046] The connector 8 employs bolts with relatively long diameters and / or a slotted structure. Bolts are primarily used for longitudinal expansion connections, while the slotted structure is mainly used for lateral expansion connections. The combination of bolts and slotted structures is used for connections requiring simultaneous longitudinal and lateral expansion. When the connector 8 is a slotted structure, two threaded holes are formed on each of the two flanges of the slotted structure. These threaded holes correspond to the threaded holes of the adjacent connecting portions 7 of the two base modules 1, and are then fixed with bolts. It is worth noting that the connector 8 used for lateral expansion connections can also be a plate-like structure with double threaded holes, typically two in total, connecting the upper and lower connecting portions 7 of the two base modules 1 respectively. However, the slotted structure offers better overall integrity; therefore, in this embodiment, a slotted structure is preferred for lateral expansion to ensure the stability of the overall structure after expansion.

[0047] The limiting assembly includes a middle limiting plate 9, a front limiting plate 10, and a rear limiting plate 11. The front limiting plate 10 and the rear limiting plate 11 are arranged along the length of the individual battery 2 and are located at both ends of the individual battery 2, respectively. When the individual batteries are arranged in an array, the middle limiting plate 9 is arranged laterally between each layer. The front limiting plate 10 and the rear limiting plate 11 are detachably connected to the middle limiting plate 9. Specifically, the middle limiting plate 9 has a certain thickness and threaded holes are provided on its opposite sides. Threaded through holes are also provided at corresponding positions on the front limiting plate 10 and the rear limiting plate 11. After aligning the threaded through holes of the front limiting plate 10 and the rear limiting plate 11 with the threaded holes on both sides of the middle limiting plate 9, they are fixed with bolts. On the upper and lower surfaces of the middle limiting plate 9, grooves for limiting the movement of the individual battery 2 can also be provided. The shape and size of the grooves are adapted to the outer contour of the individual battery 2 to achieve positioning and fixing of the individual battery 2. For example, if cell 2 is cylindrical, the groove is an arc-shaped recess; if cell 2 is rectangular, the groove is a rectangular recess.

[0048] Fixed threaded holes are provided circumferentially along the front limiting plate 10 and the rear limiting plate 11; fixed threaded holes are also provided circumferentially on both sides of the assembled base frame; after aligning the fixed threaded holes, bolts are used to connect and fix the limiting components within the base frame. Similarly, in order to ensure that there are no protrusions on the outer surface of each frame plate after assembly and to maintain overall flatness, fixed threaded holes are provided inwardly on both sides of the upper frame plate 3 and the lower frame plate 4.

[0049] Limiting portions 12 are also provided on the front limiting plate 10 and the rear limiting plate 11; both ends of the single battery 2 are located within the limiting portions 12 of the front limiting plate 10 and the rear limiting plate 11, respectively. The limiting portion 12 can be a buckle or a groove. In this embodiment, a groove is preferred, and the shape and size of the groove are adapted to the cross-section of the end of the single battery 2. On the front limiting plate 10 and the rear limiting plate 11, the limiting portions 12 are provided on the side closer to the single battery 2, and the number of them is the same as the number of single batteries 2.

[0050] A through hole 13 is provided on the limiting part 12; the single battery 2 is electrically connected to the outside through the through hole 13. Further, a conductive nickel sheet 14 is provided on the side of the front limiting plate 10 and the rear limiting plate 11 away from the single battery 2, and the conductive nickel sheet 14 enables conductive connection between the single battery 2 and the electrical connector 17. The conductive nickel sheet 14 covers the through hole 13, with one side contacting the end of the single battery 2 through the through hole 13, and the other side connected to the wire 16. The conductive nickel sheet 14 is fixed by welding or adhesive.

[0051] Furthermore, after the basic module 1 is assembled through the horizontal or vertical connecting parts 7, it is connected in series and parallel by means of jumpers using wires 16; and / or, insulating protective material 15 is provided at both ends of the individual battery 2, thereby reducing the risk of leakage and short circuit. The wires 16 are preferably high-temperature resistant insulated wires, and the insulating protective material 15 is preferably insulating tape.

[0052] After the basic module 1 is assembled horizontally or vertically to form a whole, an electrical connector 17 is provided on one of its sides. The electrical connector 17 is preferably located on the upper surface of the assembled whole. The series-connected wires 16 are integrated into the electrical connector 17 as a battery pack interface.

[0053] In use, when longitudinal expansion is required, two or more basic modules 1 are stacked, and the threaded holes of each frame plate are aligned longitudinally. Connectors 8 use bolts with longer diameters, and a detachable connection is achieved through the engagement of the bolts with the threaded holes. When lateral expansion is required, the right frame plate 6 on the left side of one basic module 1 is removed, and the left frame plate 5 on the right side of another basic module 1 is removed. Connectors 8 use a slotted structure, and the threaded holes on the flanges of the slotted structure are aligned with the threaded holes on the connectors 8 of the left and right basic modules 1, respectively. A detachable connection is then achieved through the engagement of the bolts with the threaded holes. When both longitudinal and lateral expansion are required simultaneously, the lateral and longitudinal expansion methods are combined. Connectors 8 utilize both bolts with longer diameters and a slotted structure, and a detachable connection is achieved through the engagement of the bolts with longer diameters, the slotted structure, and the threaded holes.

[0054] After assembly, each basic module 1 is connected in series and parallel via wires 16 based on the conductive nickel sheet 14, and is attached to the battery cells at both ends using insulating protective material 15. In this embodiment, insulating tape is used for wrapping. Finally, the wires are integrated into the electrical connector 17 as the battery pack interface.

[0055] In addition, external connectors 18 are provided at the eight corners of the assembled module to fix the assembled module to the corresponding parts of the satellite.

[0056] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0057] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multi-assembly scalable CubeSat battery base module comprising a single cell, characterized in that, A basic unit is composed of several individual battery cells; a basic frame is set in the circumference of the basic unit; The basic frame is provided with connecting parts in the horizontal and vertical directions; a limiting component is provided in the basic frame, and the position of the individual battery array in the basic unit is limited by the limiting component after it is arranged.

2. The multi-combination scalable CubeStar battery base module of claim 1, wherein, The basic frame includes an upper frame plate, a lower frame plate, a left frame plate, and a right frame plate; The upper frame plate, the lower frame plate, the left frame plate, and the right frame plate are detachably connected.

3. The multi-combination scalable cube-star battery base module of claim 2, wherein, Connecting parts are provided on the upper frame plate, the lower frame plate, the left frame plate, and the right frame plate; the connecting parts are detachably connected by connectors.

4. The multi-combination scalable cube-star battery base module of claim 3, wherein, The upper frame plate, the lower frame plate, the left frame plate, and the right frame plate are all designed with a hollowed-out shape.

5. The multi-combination scalable cube-star battery base module of claim 1, wherein, The limiting assembly includes a middle limiting plate, a front limiting plate, and a rear limiting plate; The front limiting plate and the rear limiting plate are arranged along the length of the individual battery and are located at both ends of the individual battery, respectively; when the individual batteries are arranged in an array, the middle limiting plate is arranged laterally between each layer. The front limiting plate and the rear limiting plate are detachably connected to the middle limiting plate.

6. The multi-combination scalable cube star battery base module of claim 5, wherein, Limiting portions are also provided on the front limiting plate and the rear limiting plate; the two ends of the single battery are respectively located on the limiting portions of the front limiting plate and the rear limiting plate.

7. The multi-combination scalable cube-star battery base module of claim 6, wherein, A through hole is provided on the limiting part; the single battery cell is electrically connected to the outside through the through hole.

8. The multi-combination scalable cubic star battery basic module according to claim 7, characterized in that, Conductive nickel sheets are provided on the front limiting plate and the rear limiting plate; The conductive nickel sheet is located on the through hole.

9. The multi-assembly scalable cubed-stellar battery base module of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The basic unit and the basic frame are combined to form a basic module; The basic modules are combined through horizontal or vertical connecting parts and connected in series and parallel using high-temperature resistant insulated wires in the form of jumpers; and / or, insulating protective materials are provided at both ends of the individual battery cells.

10. The multi-combination scalable cube star battery base module of claim 9, wherein, After the basic modules are combined horizontally or vertically to form a whole, an electrical connector is set on one of the sides.

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