Switch structure

Abstract

This invention provides a satellite switch structure that has a simplified configuration and can be easily assembled. [Solution] A switch structure housed within the satellite housing 10, extending longitudinally within the housing 10, with one end in contact with a power supply inside the satellite, and moving axially to switch the power supply on and off. The longitudinally extending switch 40 has a first switch 40A having a surface in contact with the power supply and a surface protruding in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and in contact with the inner surface of the satellite housing; a second switch 40B integrally connected to the first switch 40A in the longitudinal direction and extending further outward relative to the housing than the first switch; and a spring 60 positioned between a step formed in a part of the axial direction of the second switch and the inner wall of the housing 10, biasing the second switch 40B outward from the housing, causing the switch to move and switch the power supply on and off.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch structure.

Background Art

[0002] When a rocket transports a satellite in space while accommodating the satellite, the power supply of the satellite is maintained in an off state. This is because if the power supply of the satellite is turned on during transportation, not only will it consume unnecessary power before being released from the rocket, but the electromagnetic field and heat generated by the current etc. caused by the on state of the power supply may affect the operation of the rocket during transportation. To avoid this, the power supply is maintained in an off state until the satellite is released from the rocket, and the power supply of the satellite is turned on after it is released from the rocket. Thus, as a technology for maintaining the power supply of the satellite in an off state during transportation by the rocket, for example, a radiator for satellite mounting as in Patent Document 1 is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Thus, while the rocket is transporting the satellite, it is necessary to keep the satellite's power off. However, if the satellite's power is not turned on when it is released from the rocket, it will be impossible to operate, and the satellite that was transported and released will be wasted. Therefore, the satellite must have a function that reliably turns on its power when it is released from the rocket. In recent years, there has been progress in miniaturizing satellites. Because satellites have many functions, the mechanism for switching this power state also needs to be more compact and simplified, and designed to be easy to assemble.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its objective is to provide a switch structure for an artificial satellite that has a simplified configuration and can be easily assembled. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a switch structure for an artificial satellite is provided, which is housed within the housing of an artificial satellite, extends longitudinally within the housing, and moves axially with one end in contact with a power supply inside the artificial satellite, thereby switching between an ON state and an OFF state of the power supply, wherein the longitudinally extending switch has a first switch having a surface in contact with the power supply and a surface projecting in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and in contact with the inner surface of the artificial satellite housing; a second switch integrally connected longitudinally to the first switch and extending outward from the housing than the first switch; and a spring positioned between a step formed in a part of the axial direction of the second switch and the inner wall of the housing, which biases the second switch outward from the housing, causing the switch to move and switch between an ON state and an OFF state of the power supply.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, when the switch moves axially toward the outside of the housing due to the biasing force of the spring, the power to the satellite is turned on.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, the first switch has a surface that is in contact with the inner surface of the housing and further extends in the axial direction.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a switch structure is provided for a satellite that is housed within the casing of a satellite and has an on state and an off state of a power switch, wherein one end of the switch extending longitudinally within the casing moves axially while in contact with the power switch inside the satellite, and the switch structure is characterized in that the longitudinally extending switch has a first switch member which is in contact with the power switch and has a projection in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the projection of which contacts the inner surface of the satellite casing, and a second switch member which is integrally connected to the first switch member in the longitudinal direction and extends outward from the casing than the first switch member.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, this is a surface that protrudes axially from the end face of the first switch member and is in contact with the power switch.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, the surface of the first switch member that is in contact with the inner surface of the housing further extends in the axial direction.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, the switch moves axially due to the biasing force of a spring, switching between the ON state and the OFF state of the power supply.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, a switch structure for switching the power state of an artificial satellite is provided, comprising: a slide member that switches the power state of the artificial satellite by moving axially toward the outside of the housing; and a biasing member provided between the slide member and the housing, the biasing member biasing the slide member toward the outside; the slide member includes an outer slide portion located on the outside and an inner slide portion connected to the inside of the outer slide portion, the inner slide portion having a connecting portion connected to the outer slide portion and an engaging portion that protrudes outward in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction with respect to the connecting portion, the engaging portion engaging with the surface of the housing to restrict the rotation of the inner slide portion about the axial direction.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, the engaging portion includes an extendable arm that extends axially along the connecting portion, the side surface of the extendable arm engaging with the surface of the housing.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, the housing has a accommodating groove that can accommodate the extension. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, a switch structure for an artificial satellite is provided that has a simplified configuration and can be easily assembled. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an artificial satellite equipped with a switch device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of a switch structure in the power-off state according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of a switch structure in the power-on state according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the disassembled Nintendo Switch console. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the disassembled Nintendo Switch console. [Figure 6]It is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the switch structure in the power-off state according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the switch structure in the power-on state according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view showing a state where the switch structure is being assembled. [Figure 9] It is a view showing the switch structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, the switch device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a satellite equipped with the switch device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the satellite is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The satellite 100 is released into space when the rocket reaches space. The switch structure of the present embodiment turns off the power of the satellite at the time of rocket launch and turns on the power of the satellite 100 when it is released into space. The switch structure 1 is provided at a corner (part A in FIG. 1) of the satellite 100.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the switch structure in the power-off state according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the switch structure in the power-on state according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the switch structure 1 of the present embodiment includes a power switch 20 installed in a housing 10, a switch body 40, and a spring 60, and switches the on / off of the power switch 20. As shown in FIG. 2, when stored inside the rocket, the switch body 40 is pushed inside, and in this state, the satellite is turned off. Then, when it is released from the rocket into space. As shown in FIG. 3, the switch body 40 protrudes outward by the biasing force of the spring 60, and after a predetermined time elapses, the satellite switches to on.

[0021] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the power switch 20 has a button 22 provided on its outer surface and a lever portion 30 extending downward. The button 22 is positioned at a downward distance from the base end of the lever portion 30.

[0022] The lever portion 30 is formed in a plate shape of a certain width, and its upper end is connected to the housing of the power switch 20. The lever portion 30 extends downward from the housing, and a contact portion 31 is formed at its lower end. The portion of the lever portion 30 other than the contact portion 31 is flat, and the contact portion 31 is formed in a convex arc shape toward the switch body 40 when viewed from the side. The lever portion 30 extends in contact with the button 22.

[0023] Button 22 is positioned to protrude from the surface of the power switch 20 housing. The vertical cross-section of button 22 is arc-shaped. The power switch 20 switches the satellite's power on and off when the switch body 40 moves, causing button 22 to be pressed by the lever part 30.

[0024] Figures 4 and 5 are exploded perspective views of the switch body.

[0025] The switch body 40 extends in the longitudinal direction and includes a second switch member 40B located on the outside and a first switch member 40A integrally connected in the longitudinal direction to the inside of the second switch member 40B. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the second switch member 40B extends further outward relative to the housing 10 than the first switch member 40A.

[0026] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second switch member 40B has a large-diameter cylindrical portion 41 located on the outermost side, a small-diameter cylindrical portion 43 located on the innermost side, and a medium-diameter cylindrical portion 42 located between the large-diameter portion 41 and the small-diameter portion 43. The central axes of the large-diameter portion 41, the medium-diameter portion 42, and the small-diameter portion 43 coincide. A fitting hole 41A is formed on the outer end face of the large-diameter portion 41. In this embodiment, the fitting hole 41A is hexagonal because the switch body 40 is attached using a hexagonal wrench. In addition, a spiral (spiral-shaped grooves) is formed on the outer surface of the small-diameter portion 43.

[0027] The first switch member 40A has a connecting portion 47 connected to the small diameter portion 43, a connecting plate 48 connected to the end face of the connecting portion 47, and an extension portion 49 extending from the connecting plate 48. The connecting portion 47 is cylindrical and has a cylindrical hole 47A that opens outward. A spiral is formed on the inner surface of this hole 47A. In the following description, "radial direction" refers to the direction perpendicular to the central axis of this connecting portion 47. The outer diameter of this connecting portion 47 is the same as the outer diameter of the medium diameter portion 42 of the switch body 40.

[0028] The connecting plate 48 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate, and its center is attached radially offset to one side from the center of the connecting portion 47. That is, the connecting plate 48 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (hereinafter referred to as the radial direction) with respect to the surface in contact with the power switch 20. The extension portion 49 extends parallel to the axis of the connecting portion 47 from the radially outer edge of the connecting plate 48 toward the first switch member 40A. The radially outer surface of the extension portion 49 is formed flat.

[0029] The first switch member 40A and the second switch member 40B are integrated by the threads of the small-diameter portion 43 of the first switch member 40A screwing into the threads in the hole 47A of the second switch member 40B.

[0030] Next, the configuration of the housing 10 will be described. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the switch structure in the power-off state according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the switch structure in the power-on state according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the housing 10 has a housing hole 51 for housing the switch body 40. The housing hole 51 opens to the outer surface of the housing 10. The housing hole 51 has an outer large-diameter hole portion 52, an inner power switch housing portion 54, and a medium-diameter hole portion 53 connecting the large-diameter hole portion 52 and the power switch housing portion 54. The large-diameter hole portion 52 and the medium-diameter hole portion 53 are cylindrical and their central axes coincide.

[0031] The inner diameter of the large-diameter hole 52 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the large-diameter portion 41 of the switch body 40. Also, the length of the large-diameter hole 52 is longer than the length of the large-diameter portion 41 of the switch body 40.

[0032] The inner diameter of the medium-diameter hole 53 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the connecting portion 47 of the first switch member 40A and the medium-diameter portion 42 of the second switch member 40B of the switch body 40. The length of the medium-diameter hole 53 is longer than the length of the medium-diameter portion 42.

[0033] The end of the medium-diameter hole 53 of the housing hole 51 opens into the power switch housing 54. The power switch housing 54 is wider than the medium-diameter hole 53, allowing the first switch member 40A to move axially within it. In addition, a housing groove 55 is formed on the side of the medium-diameter hole 53 of the housing hole 51. The housing groove 55 extends parallel to the medium-diameter hole 53.

[0034] The lever portion 30 of the power switch 20 extends in the vertical direction, and the contact portion 31 of the lever portion 30 is located within the power switch housing portion 54. The center of the lever portion 30 is located between the central axis of the medium diameter portion 42 and the central axis of the housing groove portion 55. Therefore, the widthwise center of the lever portion 30 is located between the connecting portion 47 and the extension portion 49 of the first switch member 40A.

[0035] The large-diameter portion 41 and the medium-diameter portion 42 of the second switch member 40B are located within the large-diameter hole portion 52 and the medium-diameter hole portion 53 of the housing hole 51, respectively. The connecting portion 47 of the first switch member 40A is located within the medium-diameter hole portion 53 of the housing hole 51, the connecting plate 48 is located within the power switch housing portion 54, and the extension portion 49 is located within the housing groove portion 55. As a result, the switch body 40 can move within a certain range in the axial direction within the housing hole 51 relative to the housing 10. The side surface of the extension portion 49 (the surface on the far side of the paper in Figures 6 and 7) is in contact with the inner surface of the housing.

[0036] The spring 60 is positioned in the gap between the switch body 40 inside the housing hole 51 and the inner surface of the housing hole 51. In its contracted state, one end of the spring 60 abuts against the step formed between the large-diameter hole 52 and the medium-diameter hole 53 of the housing hole 51, and the other end abuts against the step formed between the large-diameter portion 41 and the medium-diameter portion 42 of the second switch member 40B. As a result, the spring 60 biases the second switch member 40B toward the outside of the housing 10.

[0037] When the satellite is housed in the rocket, the switch body 40 is pushed into the housing hole 51 by contacting the wall of the rocket's housing section, so that the outer end surface of the second switch member 40B becomes flush with the surface of the housing 10, as shown in Figures 2 and 6. As a result, the inner surface of the connecting plate 48 of the first switch member 40A presses against the lever portion 30, and the lever portion 30 presses against the button 22. In this state, the power switch 20 is in the off state.

[0038] In contrast, when the satellite is released from the rocket, as shown in Figures 3 and 7, the biasing force of the spring 60 causes the switch body 40 to move outward, and the outer end of the second switch member 40B protrudes from the housing 10. During the movement of the switch body 40, the connecting plate 48 of the first switch member 40A remains in contact with the lever portion 30. Since the width of the connecting plate 48 is larger than the inner diameter of the medium-diameter hole 53 of the housing hole 51, the switch body 40 does not detach from the housing 10.

[0039] As the switch body 40 moves outward, the lever portion 30 deforms outward, releasing the pressure on the button 22 of the lever portion 30. This causes the power switch 20 to switch the power state of the satellite. In this embodiment, the power is switched to the ON state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the pressure on the button 22 by the lever portion 30 was released. In this embodiment, the power is switched to the ON state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the pressure on the button 22 of the lever portion 30 was released, but this is not limited to this, and the power may be switched to the ON state immediately, or the power may be switched from the OFF state to the ON state.

[0040] Next, the assembly method of the switch structure 1 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the assembly of the switch structure. When assembling the switch structure 1, first, the first switch member 40A is positioned so that the extension portion 49 is located in the housing groove portion 55 and the connecting portion 47 is located in the housing hole 51, and the side surface of the connecting plate 48 is in contact with the inner surface of the housing 10. Next, the second switch member 40B is inserted inside the spring 60. Then, the second switch member 40B is inserted into the housing hole 51 from the outside of the housing 10.

[0041] After inserting the second switch member 40B into the housing hole 51, the second switch member 40B is rotated using a jig (hex wrench) to tighten it. That is, as shown in Figure 8, the hex wrench is inserted into the fitting hole 41A of the large diameter portion 41 of the second switch member 40B, and the second switch member 40B is rotated. At this time, the surface of the extension portion 49 on the connecting portion 47 side is in contact with the housing 10, so the rotation of the first switch member 40A is restrained. Therefore, by rotating only the second switch member 40B without holding the first switch member 40A with another jig, the tip of the second switch member 40B can be screwed into the hole 47A of the first switch member 40A. This integrally connects the first switch member 40A and the second switch member 40B in the longitudinal direction. Then, the power switch 20 is attached. This completes the assembly of the switch structure 1.

[0042] According to this embodiment, the following effects are achieved. According to this embodiment, the switch body 40 is composed only of a first switch member 40A and a second switch member 40B, resulting in a simple switch structure 1. Furthermore, since the first switch member 40A has a surface that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction from the surface in contact with the power switch 20 and contacts the inner surface of the housing 10, the first switch member 40A and the second switch member 40B can be integrated by rotating only the second switch member 40B with a jig, without fixing the first switch member 40A. In addition, if the switch body 40 is rotatable, the spring 60 may rotate during or after assembly, potentially causing spring seizure. However, according to this embodiment, the rotation of the switch body 40 is restrained, thus suppressing the occurrence of spring seizure. Therefore, when the artificial satellite 100 is released from the rocket, the power is reliably switched to the ON state. Also, since the connecting plate 48 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction from the surface in contact with the power switch 20, the contact area with the switch can be increased.

[0043] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the switch body 40 moves axially outward toward the outside of the housing due to the biasing force of the spring 60, the satellite's power is turned on. As a result, the power is off when the satellite is housed in the rocket, and when it is released from the rocket, the switch body 40 moves outward, and the power switch turns on.

[0044] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the surface of the first switch member 40A that is in contact with the inner surface of the housing 10 extends further in the axial direction. As a result, the contact surface between the housing 10 and the first switch member 40A is lengthened, and the second switch member 40B is stabilized when the first switch member 40A and the second switch member 40B are screwed together. In addition, since the extension portion 49 is housed in the housing groove portion 55, the extension portion 49 functions as a guide when the switch body 40 moves in the axial direction. As a result, even when the switch body 40 presses a position offset from the center of the lever portion 30 of the power switch 20, as in this embodiment, the lever portion 30 can be pushed in the axial direction.

[0045] Furthermore, since the extension portion 49 is housed in the housing groove portion 55, the rotation angle of the switch body 40 and the first switch member 40A can be restricted to a narrower range.

[0046] Figure 9 shows a switch structure according to the second embodiment. Components identical to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawing and their descriptions are omitted. As shown in Figure 9, in the second embodiment, the length of the middle diameter portion 42 of the switch member is longer than in the first embodiment, and consequently, the length of the spring 60 is also longer. In addition, the lever portion 30 of the power switch 20 is omitted, and the switch body 40 is configured to directly contact the button 22. Furthermore, the shape of the portion that contacts the power switch 20 is T-shaped. The same effects as in the first embodiment are achieved with this second embodiment as well. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1: Switch structure 10: Cabinet 20: Power switch 21: First terminal 22: Second terminal 30: Lever part 31: Contact part 40: Switch console 40A: First switch component 40B: Second switch component 41: Large diameter section 41A: Mating hole 42: Medium diameter part 43: Small diameter part 47:Connection part 47A: Hole 48: Connection plate 49: Extension part 51: Containment port 52: Large diameter hole 53: Medium diameter hole 54: Power switch housing 55: Containment groove 60: Spring

Claims

1. A switch structure housed within the satellite's casing, extending longitudinally within the casing, with one end in contact with the satellite's power supply, and moving axially to switch between the power supply's ON and OFF states. A switch extending in the longitudinal direction has a first switch having a surface in contact with the power supply and a surface that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and is in contact with the inner surface of the satellite housing, A second switch is integrally connected to the first switch in the longitudinal direction and extends outward from the housing more than the first switch, A switch structure for an artificial satellite, characterized by having a spring positioned between a step formed in a part of the axial direction of the second switch and the inner wall of the housing, which moves the switch to switch between an ON state and an OFF state when the second switch is biased outward from the housing.

2. The satellite switch structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the satellite's power is turned on when the switch moves axially toward the outside of the housing due to the biasing force of the spring.

3. The switch structure for an artificial satellite according to claim 1, characterized in that the surface of the first switch that is in contact with the inner surface of the housing further extends in the axial direction.

4. A switch structure housed within the casing of an artificial satellite, wherein one end of the switch, which extends longitudinally within the casing, moves axially while in contact with the power switch inside the artificial satellite, thereby enabling the switching of the power switch between the on and off states. The aforementioned switch extending in the longitudinal direction is A first switch member that contacts the power switch and has a projection perpendicular to the axial direction, the projection of which contacts the inner surface of the satellite housing, A switch structure for an artificial satellite, characterized by having a second switch member which is integrally connected to the first switch member in the longitudinal direction and extends outward from the housing than the first switch member.

5. The satellite switch structure according to claim 4, characterized in that the end face of the first switch member protrudes in the axial direction and is in contact with the power switch.

6. The switch structure for an artificial satellite according to claim 4, characterized in that the surface of the first switch member that is in contact with the inner surface of the housing further extends in the axial direction.

7. The switch structure for an artificial satellite according to claim 4, characterized in that the switch moves axially due to the biasing force of a spring, and switches between an on state and an off state of the power supply.

8. A switch structure for switching the power state of an artificial satellite, A sliding member that switches the power state of the artificial satellite by moving axially toward the outside of the housing, A biasing member provided between the slide member and the housing, the biasing member having a biasing member that biases the slide member outward, The aforementioned slide member is The outer sliding part located on the outside, Including an inner sliding portion connected to the inside of the outer sliding portion, The inner sliding portion includes a connecting portion connected to the outer sliding portion, The connecting portion has an engaging portion that protrudes outward in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and the engaging portion engages with the surface of the housing to restrict the rotation of the inner sliding portion about the axial direction. Switch structure.

9. The engaging portion includes an extending arm that extends in the axial direction along the connecting portion, The side surface of the extension arm engages with the surface of the housing. The switch structure according to claim 8.

10. The housing has a housing groove formed therein that can accommodate the extension portion. The switch structure according to claim 9.

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