Device for separating two rocket stages

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for separating a first rocket stage from a second one, comprising a bolt assembly (A) connectable to the first rocket stage and a receiving assembly (B) connectable to the second rocket stage. The bolt assembly (A) comprises a bolt (1) with a neck (13) and an adjoining mushroom-shaped, widened free end (15). A transition region (14) between the neck (13) and the widened end (15) is clamped and secured in the receiving assembly (B) by a plurality of locking elements (10) in a connected state. In a separated state, the locking elements (10) are displaced radially outward with respect to the bolt (1), whereby the mushroom-shaped, widened end (15) is released and the bolt assembly (A) can be removed from the receiving assembly (B). A disadvantage here is that the force transmission is not optimal and therefore very large separating devices must be used.The object of developing a device for separating a first from a second rocket stage in such a way that a high force transmission takes place and at the same time rapid detachability is ensured is achieved in that each locking element (10) has two end faces (10b) between which a peripheral surface (16) with a convex barrel shape lies and the transition region (14) of the bolt (1) to each locking element (10) has a complementary contact surface (1b) to this convex barrel shape.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for separating a first from a second rocket stage according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] In multi-stage rockets, such as those used for space exploration and launching satellites into space, the first stage, which typically features multiple high-powered engines and large fuel tanks, must be separated after reaching a certain altitude—i.e., when the fuel is exhausted—so that the rocket can continue its flight with the remaining second stage, which has a lower power output. The separated stage falls back to Earth.

[0003] To achieve this, it is essential to completely and safely separate the first rocket stage from the second rocket stage at a specific time. This requires special separation devices that, on the one hand, ensure the secure connection of the two rocket stages during launch and during operation of the first rocket stage, while, on the other hand, allow the connection to be separated so quickly and completely under load that the first rocket stage can be completely separated from the second rocket stage.

[0004] For this purpose, it is common practice in the prior art to use so-called quick-change modules, such as those sold by the Tooling Tech Group under the brand name "Segen". Such quick-change systems have a bolt assembly that can be connected to the first rocket stage and a receiving assembly that can be connected to the second rocket stage, wherein the bolt assembly has a bolt with a neck and an adjoining mushroom-shaped, widened free end, and a transition region between the neck and the widened end is clamped and secured in a connected state by a plurality of locking elements in the receiving assembly, and in a separated state the locking elements are displaced radially outwards with respect to the bolt, whereby the mushroom-shaped, widened end is released and the bolt assembly can be removed from the receiving assembly, and thus also the first rocket stage from the second rocket stage.

[0005] Ball-shaped locking elements are the industry standard and are referred to as "ball locks." The ball-shaped locking elements interact with the complementary contact surfaces either point-like or linearly. Furthermore, the lengths of the linear contacts are relatively short.

[0006] The disadvantage of these known devices is that the force transmission is not optimal and therefore very large separation devices have to be used, which increase the weight of the rocket and worsen the aerodynamics, since they are arranged in the area of ​​the outside of the connection between the two rocket stages.

[0007] The task is therefore to further develop a device for separating a first from a second rocket stage in such a way that a high force transmission takes place and at the same time a quick detachability is ensured.

[0008] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the subclaims.

[0009] According to the invention, each of the locking elements has two end faces, between which lies a peripheral surface with a convex barrel shape. The transition area of ​​the bolt to each locking element has a complementary contact surface to this convex barrel shape. The term "barrel shape" can also be referred to as a "barrel shape." What is essential is that the locking elements have a bulbous, outward-facing design.

[0010] The use of barrel-shaped locking elements allows the innermost interaction between the locking elements and the bolts to be implemented as a surface. The resulting interaction surface allows for significantly higher clamping forces than would be possible with conventional spherical locking elements, since the local maximum curvatures are significantly greater with barrels than with spheres.

[0011] The use of barrel-shaped locking elements also allows for line contact between the locking elements and the piston, allowing the piston to be designed as a purely rotationally symmetrical component. This allows for a smaller overall volume and lower weight than would be possible with other locking element shapes.

[0012] Preferably, the locking elements are mounted in openings of an anchor element of the receiving assembly (B).

[0013] Preferably, in each locking element, the bulbous barrel shape of the peripheral surface is extended on each of its two end faces over an angular range of the end faces, forming finger elements projecting beyond the respective end faces.

[0014] The finger-shaped protrusions on the end faces of the barrel-shaped locking elements prevent the locking elements from falling through the anchor element when opened. These finger-shaped protrusions are complex to manufacture. They allow for the maximum interaction line lengths between the locking elements, the anchor element, and the piston, as well as the interaction surface between the locking elements and the bolt. The combination of the barrel shape of the locking elements and the finger-shaped protrusions allows for the maximum force transmission while minimizing the installation volume and weight.

[0015] Preferably, the mentioned angular range of the end faces is between 5 and 180 degrees, ideally between 60 and 120 degrees.

[0016] Preferably, the bolt has a polygonal element which, in the connected state, engages in a corresponding anti-rotation element of the receiving assembly.

[0017] The polygonal element in conjunction with the anti-rotation element of the receiving assembly allows the nut to be tightened without additional forces and stresses arising from the rotation of the bolt relative to the anchor element.

[0018] Preferably, the anti-rotation element is positively connected to the anchor element.

[0019] Preferably, the receiving assembly comprises a housing in which a pot-shaped piston is displaceably mounted, wherein the piston, in the connected state, presses the locking elements against the transition region with a region of smaller inner diameter and, in the separated state, is displaced within the housing relative to the connected state and receives the outwardly pressed locking elements in a second region of larger inner diameter, whereby the end of the bolt is released.

[0020] Preferably, the piston is displaceable in a sealing manner relative to the housing and is supported with an inner bottom side against a bottom side of the anchor element via a helical spring, wherein the transfer of the piston from the connected to the separated state takes place by applying pressure to the space between the housing and the piston, thereby compressing the helical spring.

[0021] Preferably, the pressure is exerted by a pneumatic or hydraulic pump via a connection piece located in the housing.

[0022] Preferably, the anchor element has an annular damping element for damping the impact of the free end of the piston during the transition from the connected to the separated state.

[0023] Preferably, the anchor element is screwed into the housing.

[0024] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. A perspective view of bolt assembly A separated from receiver assembly B. Fig. A representation according to Fig. in exploded view; Fig. A representation of the Fig. shown locking element in perspective view (a) and this locking element in longitudinal section (b) and in cross section (c); Fig. A cross-sectional view of the bolt assembly locked to the receiving assembly (a) and the unlocked bolt assembly (b); Fig. A representation of the locking of the locking elements with the complementary contact surfaces, partly shown in section; Fig. A representation according to Fig. with fully drawn locking elements and without housing and damping element.

[0025] Fig. shows a perspective view of a bolt assembly A separated from the receiving assembly B. Not shown is the connection between the receiving assembly B and the bolt assembly A with the rocket stages. The receiving assembly B can, for example, be connected to the first (lower) rocket stage and the bolt assembly (A) to the second (upper) rocket stage. It should be noted that several combinations of bolt assembly A and receiving assembly B are usually used around the circumference of the rocket stages, e.g. two, four or more combinations of these two assemblies. When separating the two rocket stages, it is important that all combinations of bolt assemblies A and receiving assemblies B are separated from one another at exactly the same time. This is not explained in detail in the following description, as this only refers to one unit of a bolt assembly A and a receiving assembly B.

[0026] The receiving assembly B has a housing 4, which is essentially cylindrical in shape. Located at the bottom of the housing 4 is a connector 5 for a pneumatic or hydraulic pressure supply, which is not shown in detail. It should be noted that either hydraulic or pneumatic pressure can be introduced into the housing 4 via this hydraulic pressure supply, which preferably occurs intermittently. The generation of this pressure will not be described in detail below.

[0027] At the upper end of the housing 4, there is an anchor element 11 screwed into the housing 4, the inside of which is octagonal and which accommodates an anti-rotation element 12, the inside of which is also octagonal. To the left and right outside the top of the housing 4, there are screws 6, which Fig. are only shown schematically, i.e. without thread.

[0028] Above the receiving assembly B is the bolt assembly A, which has a bolt 1 with a polygonal element 1a. The bolt 1 has, as Fig. As can be seen, a neck 13, wherein contact surfaces 1b are arranged on the mushroom-shaped, widened free end 15 of the bolt 1, namely eight contact surfaces 1b in the illustrated embodiment, evenly around the circumference of the mushroom-shaped widened end 15 of the bolt 1, and on the mushroom-shaped extension, so that the contact surfaces 1b point upwards, i.e. away from the receiving assembly B. Also located on the bolt 1 are a washer 2 and a nut 3.

[0029] The entire arrangement is in Fig. shown in an exploded view. Also shown here is the receiving assembly B with the housing 4 and the screws 6, as well as the connecting piece 5 for the pneumatic or hydraulic pressure supply. Also shown is the previously described anchor element 11 with the anti-rotation element 12, with an internal octagon so that the anti-rotation element 12 can be positively received in the anchor element 11. The locking elements 10 are shown partially installed and partially removed in the exploded view. They form the connection between the receiving assembly B and the bolt assembly A. These locking elements 10 come to rest on the contact surfaces 1b when installed. Therefore, the same number of locking elements 10 must be provided as there are contact surfaces 1b.

[0030] Between the housing 4 and the armature element 11 is a piston 7, the outer surface of which, starting from the housing 4, is initially cylindrical, then continuously widens, and then becomes cylindrical again with a larger outer diameter. The piston 7 is sealed against the housing 4 with an O-ring 7b. The piston 7 accommodates a coil spring 8, which acts between the inner base of the piston 7 and the armature element 11.

[0031] The design of the locking elements 10 is in Fig. Here, illustration (a) shows the locking element 10 in perspective view, illustration (b) shows the locking element 10 in longitudinal section, and illustration (c) shows the locking element 10 in cross section.

[0032] The locking element 10 is designed in such a way that it has two end faces 10b, between which lies a peripheral surface 16 with a convex barrel shape, which could also be referred to as a barrel shape or belly shape. This is best seen from Fig. All figures of the Fig. It can be seen that each locking element 10, in a preferred embodiment which is not essential to the invention, extends the convex barrel shape, which can also be referred to as a bulbous barrel shape, of the peripheral surface 16 on each of its two end faces 10b over an angular range of the two end faces 10b, forming finger elements 10a which project beyond the respective end faces 10b. These finger elements 10a serve to fasten the locking elements 10. The radius R4 shown is the radius of the barrel-shaped peripheral surfaces 16 of the locking elements 10 and the radius R5 shown is the radius which describes the body diameter of the locking elements 10, wherein the radius R5 is smaller than the radius R4. The axis of the radius R4 lies perpendicular to the axis of the radius r5 and these two axes have no point of contact.The finger elements 10a on the end faces 10b of the barrel-shaped locking elements 10 prevent the locking elements 10 from falling through the anchor element 11 in the open state. These finger elements 10a are complex to manufacture and allow for maximizing the interaction line lengths between the locking elements 10, the anchor element 11, and the piston 7, as well as the interaction surface between the locking elements 10 and the bolt 1. The combination of the barrel shape of the locking elements 10 with the protruding finger elements 10a allows for maximizing force transmission while simultaneously minimizing the overall volume and weight.

[0033] Fig. shows a cross-sectional view of the bolt assembly A locked to the receiving assembly B in sub-figure (a) and the unlocked bolt assembly A in sub-figure (b). First, the locked state in sub-figure (a) is described. Shown is the housing 4 of the receiving assembly B with the piston 7 located therein and a damping element 9, which dampens the impact of the piston 7 when the device is opened. The piston 7 is sealed against the housing 4 with an O-ring 7c. The piston 7 has an internal recess 7b above the O-ring 7c, which runs along the entire circumference and forms a type of internal groove that widens the inside of the piston 7 at this point, so that in the unlocked state the locking elements 10 can be accommodated in this area.A helical spring 8 acts between the lower inner side of the piston 7 and the anchor element 11, by the force of which the anchor element 11 is pushed away from the underside of the piston 7, thus maintaining a maximum distance between the underside of the piston 7 and the anchor element 11.

[0034] On the bolt assembly A side, the bolt 1 is shown with the mushroom-shaped extension at its lower end 15 and the contact surfaces 1b located thereon. Also shown is the polygonal element 1a on the bolt 1, which engages in the internal octagon of the anti-rotation element 11. In addition, the washer 2 and the nut 3 on the bolt 1 side are again located in contact with the flange 19, which remains loosely connected to the bolt 1 and the nut 3 after the separation mechanism has been opened, and the underlying flange 20, which is firmly connected to the housing 4 by the screws 6. Between the receiving assembly B and the bolt assembly A are the Fig. described locking elements 10, namely in such a way that they rest on the one hand on the contact surfaces 1b of the mushroom-shaped extension at the end 15 of the bolt 1 and on the other hand on the upper inside of the piston 7. In this way, in the state according to Fig. 4(a) a stable connection between bolt assembly A and receiving assembly B is ensured via the locking elements 10. The first angle 17 shown between the support surface of the anchor element 11 and the sliding surface on which the locking elements 10 can move to release the mechanism is also shown, as is the second angle 18 between the sliding surface of the anchor element 11 and the barrel-shaped interaction surfaces 1d of the bolt 1. The first angle 17 is selected such that there is an optimal relationship between size, weight and the clamping force to be absorbed, and the second angle 18 is selected to be as small as possible in order to keep the radial force on the piston 7 as low as possible. However, this second angle 18 is so large that there is no self-locking of the locking element 10 when the mechanism is opened.The polygonal element 1a on the bolt 1 in conjunction with the anti-rotation element 12 allows the nut 3 to be tightened without additional forces or stresses arising from the rotation of the bolt 1 relative to the anchor element 11.

[0035] The protruding finger elements 10a allow the interaction line lengths between the locking elements 10, the anchor element 11, and the piston 7, as well as the interaction surface between the locking elements 10 and the bolt 1, to be maximized. The combination of the barrel shape of the locking elements 10 and the finger elements 10a allows the force transmission to be maximized while simultaneously minimizing the structural volume and weight.

[0036] The detached representation of the receiving assembly B and piston assembly A is shown in part figure (b) of Fig. shown. The spring 8 has been omitted here, as it would have to be shown compressed in this case. It can be seen that the piston crown (shown below) is now spaced from the bottom of the housing 4. This distance was created by applying either pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to the connecting piece 5, so that the pressure inside the housing 4 between the inside of the housing and the outside of the piston 7 became so high that the spring 8 was compressed. This is possible thanks to the O-rings 7c, without compressed air or hydraulic fluid being able to escape between the housing 4 and the piston 7.

[0037] In the diagram b ( Fig. ) it is evident that the locking elements 10 are no longer pressed against the narrowest uppermost point of the piston 7, but due to the movement of the piston 7 upwards in the direction of the bolt element A, can move outwards into the recess 7b on the inside of the piston 7. The inner diameter of the circle formed on the locking elements 10 thus increases beyond the outer diameter of the mushroom-shaped extension at the end 15 of the piston 1, so that this mushroom-shaped extension can slide upwards through the locking elements 10 out of the entire receiving assembly, wherein in part figure (b) of Fig. The flange 19 is no longer shown, as it is pulled upwards together with the piston 1, the washer 2, and the nut 3. This removal is assisted by the acceleration effect of the incipient thrust of the second rocket stage engine, on which the bolt assembly (A) is located.

[0038] The exact geometry of the individual radii of the components used is shown in Fig. which depicts the locking of the locking elements 10 with the complementary contact surfaces 1b. Also shown here is the bolt 1 with the polygonal element 1a arranged thereon, on the one hand, as well as the complementary contact surfaces 1b on the mushroom-shaped, flared end 15 of the bolt 1, which interact with the locking elements 10, with the end faces 10b and the finger elements 10a also being shown here. Also shown are the armature element 11, the damping element 9, the housing 4, the piston 7 with the O-ring 7c, and the coil spring 8. The position shown corresponds to the locked state between the receiving assembly B and the bolt assembly A. The radius R1 shown is the radius of the inner cylindrical surface of the piston 7, which forms a line contact with the locking element 10.The second radius R2 is the radius of the inner cylindrical surface of the anchor element 11, which forms line contact with the locking element 10. The third radius R3 is the radius of the barrel-shaped interaction surfaces 1b of the bolt 1, which form a large surface contact with the locking elements 10. The fourth radius R4 is the radius of the barrel-shaped outer surfaces of the locking elements 10. The fifth radius R5 is the body diameter of the locking elements 10, whereby the fifth radius R5 should be smaller than the fourth radius R4, as already described. With regard to the remaining radii R1, R2, R3, and R4, they should be the same or approximately the same.The use of barrel-shaped locking elements 10 with the condition that the radius R5 is smaller than the radius R4 allows for the creation of a linear contact between the locking elements 10 and the piston 7, allowing the piston 7 to be designed as a purely rotationally symmetrical component. This allows for a lower overall weight than would be possible with other shapes of the locking elements 10.

[0039] Finally, Fig. a representation according to Fig. with fully drawn locking elements 10 and without housing 4. Also shown here are the coil spring 8, the seal 7c, the recess 7b within the housing 7, the anchor element 11 and the anti-rotation element 12 as well as the piston 1 with more polygonal element 1a. For a more detailed description of the locking elements 10, please refer to the description of the Fig. referred to.

Claims

[1] A device for separating a first rocket stage from a second rocket stage, comprising a bolt assembly (A) connectable to the first rocket stage and a receiving assembly (B) connectable to the second rocket stage, wherein the bolt assembly (A) comprises a bolt (1) with a neck (13) and an adjoining mushroom-shaped widened free end (15), and a transition region (14) between the neck (13) and the widened end (15) is clamped and secured in a connected state by a plurality of locking elements (10) in the receiving assembly (B), and the locking elements (10) are displaced radially outwards with respect to the bolt (1) in a separated state, whereby the mushroom-shaped widened end (15) is released and the bolt assembly (A) can be removed from the receiving assembly (B), characterized bythat each locking element (10) has two end faces (10b) between which there is a peripheral surface (16) with a convex barrel shape and the transition region (14) of the bolt (1) to each locking element (10) has a complementary contact surface (1b) to this convex barrel shape. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the locking elements (10) are mounted in openings of an anchor element (11) of the receiving assembly (B). [3] Device according to claim 2, characterized by that in each locking element (10) on each of its two end faces (10b) the bulbous barrel shape of the peripheral surface (16) extends over an angular range of the end faces (10b) to form finger elements (10a) projecting beyond the respective end faces (10b). [4] Device according to claim 3, characterized by that the angle range is between 5 and 180 degrees, preferably between 60 and 120 degrees. [5] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the bolt (1) has a polygonal element (1a) which, in the connected state, engages in a corresponding anti-rotation element (12) of the receiving assembly (A). [6] Device according to claim 5, characterized by that the anti-rotation element (12) is positively connected to the anchor element (11). [7] Device according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized byin that the receiving assembly (B) has a housing (4) in which a pot-shaped piston (7) is displaceably mounted, wherein the piston (7) in the connected state presses the locking elements (10) against the transition region (14) with a region of smaller inner diameter and in the separated state is displaced within the housing (4) compared to the connected state and receives the outwardly pressed locking elements (10) in a second region of larger inner diameter, whereby the end (15) of the bolt (1) is released. [8] Device according to claim 7, characterized bythat the piston (7) is sealingly displaceable relative to the housing (4) and is supported with an inner bottom side via a helical spring (8) against an underside of the anchor element (11), wherein the transfer of the piston (7) from the connected to the separated state takes place by applying pressure to the space between the housing (4) and piston (7) and in the process the helical spring (8) is compressed. [9] Device according to claim 8, characterized by that the pressure is exerted by a pneumatic or hydraulic pump via a connecting piece (5) located in the housing (4). [10] Device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by that the anchor element (11) has an annular damping element (9) for damping the impact of the free end of the piston (7) during the transition from the connected to the separated state. [11] Device according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized bythat the anchor element (11) is screwed into the housing (4).

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