Reusable launch vehicle comprising non-explosive stage separation device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a reusable launch vehicle that can be reused like an aircraft by returning to the earth after transporting cargo from the earth to a space orbit or to space and, more specifically, to a reusable launch vehicle comprising a non-explosive stage separation device for separating a second-stage rocket using pneumatic pressure, instead of a separation device using an explosion when separating a second-stage rocket from a first-stage rocket.

Description

Reusable projectiles containing non-explosive single-stage separation devices

[0001] The present invention relates to a reusable launch vehicle that can transport cargo from the ground to space orbit or space and then return to the ground for reuse like an aircraft, and more specifically, to a reusable launch vehicle that includes a non-explosive stage separation device that separates the second stage rocket from the first stage rocket using pneumatic pressure instead of an explosion-based separation device.

[0002] A Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) is the opposite of a conventional expendable space launch vehicle, and refers to a reusable launch vehicle, like an aircraft. While the first stage of a conventional space launch vehicle is typically abandoned at sea, the first stage of a reusable launch vehicle is used to land a previously used rocket on Earth and launch it again.

[0003] In particular, considering that the price of the first stage launch vehicle, where rocket thrust is concentrated, accounts for a significant portion of the total cost, the cost-saving effect of launch vehicle reuse is significant.

[0004] Meanwhile, space launch vehicles typically consist of multiple stages that separate after propellant exhaustion. After the first stage of the rocket burns out, the first stage is separated, and the second stage is ignited before being separated. This separation of the stages increases the flight efficiency of the launch vehicle system. The stage separation process is crucial to the safety and performance of the launch vehicle and its payload, and a reliable and efficient stage separation mechanism is essential for successful mission execution. Various actuation mechanisms, such as pyrotechnics, mechanical, electrical, or pneumatic systems, can be utilized for stage separation.

[0005] Previously, pyrotechnics methods were mainly used for stage separation. Pyrotechnics methods use gunpowder to break the mechanical bond between stages and provide separation force, so they have the advantages of high reliability and fast operation time, but they have the problems of high cost, safety risks, and potential damage to components such as projectile electronics.

[0006] In particular, in the case of reusable launch vehicles that must land on the ground and be relaunched, the problem arises that the cost of repair increases as damage to the launch vehicle occurs when using the pyrotechnics method.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to develop a technology to configure the stage separation device of a reusable launch vehicle as a non-explosive type to minimize damage to the first stage launch vehicle during stage separation.

[0008] The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a reusable launch vehicle that separates a second stage rocket from a first stage rocket using a mechanical separation mechanism instead of a separation method using explosion.

[0009] More specifically, the present invention provides a reusable launch vehicle including a non-explosive stage separation device that secures the first and second stage rockets using a latch, releases the latch using pneumatic pressure, and pushes and separates the second stage rocket using a compressed spring when the latch is released.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a reusable launch vehicle comprises a first stage rocket having a propellant and a combustion chamber therein, and a second stage rocket mounted on an upper side of the first stage rocket, and a fairing that opens when the second stage rocket is separated, wherein the reusable launch vehicle comprises a stage separation device provided on the rocket mounting portion for fixing or releasing the second stage rocket and separating the second stage rocket from the first stage rocket, and the stage separation device is driven by hydraulic pressure.

[0011] In addition, the stage separation device includes a ring-shaped support body provided on the upper side of the rocket mounting portion; and a stage separation unit coupled to the support body and having an upper side coupled to the two-stage rocket.

[0012] In addition, the above-mentioned single separation portion is coupled along the vertical longitudinal direction on the inner surface of the support body, and a plurality of them are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the support body.

[0013] In addition, the single separation unit includes an upper connection unit fixed to the two-stage rocket; a fixing unit that fixes or releases the upper connection unit to the rocket mounting unit; a separation unit that pressurizes the two-stage rocket when the fixing unit is released to separate the two-stage rocket from the one-stage rocket; and a separation housing in which the upper connection unit, the fixing unit, and the separation unit are accommodated or combined.

[0014] In addition, the fixing part includes a cylinder provided on the upper side of the separation housing; a piston provided on the cylinder and moved by hydraulic pressure; and a latch pin accommodated in the cylinder, one end of which penetrates the upper side of the separation housing and the lower end of the upper connection part to fix the upper connection part to the separation housing, and the other end of which is connected to the piston to detach the upper connection part from the separation housing by movement of the piston.

[0015] In addition, the separation unit includes a pusher rod that is inserted into the separation housing and is coupled to be able to move up and down, and is configured to be fixed by being connected to the separation housing at the upper end via the latch pin, and is released when the latch pin is removed from the separation housing; and an elastic member that applies elasticity to the pusher rod when the pusher rod is released to move the pusher rod upward, wherein the upper side of the pusher rod is connected to the upper connection portion to move the upper connection portion upward via the pusher rod.

[0016] In addition, the latch pin penetrates both the upper connecting portion and the pusher rod to simultaneously secure the upper connecting portion and the pusher rod to the separation housing, and when the separation housing is detached, the upper connecting portion and the pusher rod are simultaneously released from the separation housing.

[0017] In addition, the single separation portion forms an overlapping connection portion by overlapping the lower end of the upper connection portion with the upper end of the pusher rod, and the latch pin penetrates the overlapping connection portion to simultaneously secure the upper connection portion and the pusher rod to the separation housing.

[0018] In addition, the single separation unit moves the pusher rod and the upper connecting portion upward through the tensile force of the elastic member when the latch pin is separated from the separation housing, and when the upward movement of the pusher rod is completed, the upper connecting portion is separated from the pusher rod, thereby causing the second stage rocket to separate from the first stage rocket and move upward.

[0019] In addition, the fixing member further includes a shear pin that penetrates the separation housing and the latch pin to prevent the latch pin from moving and separating before the hydraulic pressure is generated, and is broken by the movement of the latch pin when the hydraulic pressure is generated.

[0020] In addition, the fixed part further includes an O-ring provided on the latch pin to seal the latch pin and the cylinder, and the O-ring is coupled to an O-ring clamp having an O-ring groove formed to accommodate the O-ring and provided between the latch pin and the cylinder.

[0021] The reusable projectile including the non-explosive single separation device of the present invention having the above configuration has the effect of simplifying the configuration of the single separation device and reducing its weight by configuring it to enable single coupling, release, and separation at once through the configuration of a latch for single coupling, a pneumatic device for disengagement, and a spring for single separation.

[0022] In particular, since the structural cost increases as the size of the projectile decreases, applying the present invention to a small projectile has the effect of minimizing the operating cost.

[0023] Additionally, in the case of reusable launch vehicles, the cost of recovery for reuse can be reduced, which has the effect of making the operation and maintenance of reusable launch vehicles easier.

[0024] Additionally, it has the effect of drastically reducing the cost per launch of reusable launch vehicles.

[0025] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a reusable launch vehicle including a fairing opening / closing structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 is a full perspective view of a non-explosive single separation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a single separation unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4 is a partial front perspective view of a reusable projectile before separation and a perspective view of a separation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 5 is a front view and a partial enlarged view of a single separation unit before separation according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 6 is a partial front perspective view of a reusable projectile after separation according to one embodiment of the present invention and a perspective view of a separation device.

[0031] Figure 7 is a front view and a partial enlarged view of a single separation unit after single separation according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] <Explanation of symbols>

[0033] 1000: Reusable launch vehicle

[0034] 100: 1st stage rocket

[0035] 101: Space 1

[0036] 150: Nozzle

[0037] 200: Rocket Mount

[0038] 300: Pairing

[0039] 500: Single separation device

[0040] 600: Support body

[0041] 700: Single separation unit

[0042] 710: Top connection

[0043] 711: First penetration hole

[0044] 720: Fixed part

[0045] 721: Latch pin

[0046] 722: Cylinder

[0047] 723: Piston

[0048] 724: O-ring clamp

[0049] 725: Shear pin

[0050] 730: Separation section

[0051] 731: Pusher Road

[0052] 731-1: Second through hole

[0053] 732: Elastic member

[0054] 733: Pusher Base

[0055] 734: Elastic member guide

[0056] 750: Separate housing

[0057] 751: Pinholder

[0058] 752: Tension rod end

[0059] 755: Tension rod

[0060] 2000: Two-stage rocket

[0061] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention as described above will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0062] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a reusable projectile (1000) including a non-explosive single-stage separation device (500) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] As illustrated, the reusable launch vehicle (1000) includes a first stage rocket (100) having a first space (101) formed therein, which houses an oxidizer tank, a fuel tank, and a combustion chamber. A second stage rocket mounting portion (200) is provided on the upper side of the first stage rocket (100), on which a second stage rocket (2000) having a payload coupled thereto is mounted, and a nozzle (150) for injecting propellant gas combusted in the combustion chamber is provided on the lower side.

[0064] In addition, a second space (201) is formed on the upper side of the first stage rocket (100) to accommodate the second stage rocket (2000) so that the second stage rocket (2000) is not exposed to the outside, and a fairing (300) that opens when the second stage rocket (2000) is separated is provided.

[0065] In addition, a stage separation device (500) is provided between the stage rocket mounting portion (200) and the stage rocket (2000) to secure the stage rocket (2000) to the stage rocket mounting portion (200), release the fixation when the stage is separated, and separate the stage rocket (2000) from the stage rocket (100).

[0066] At this time, the single separation device (500) of the present invention has a simple, non-explosive configuration and is characterized by being driven by pneumatic pressure. Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of the single separation device (500) having the above configuration will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0067]

[0068] FIG. 2 illustrates an overall perspective view of a non-explosive stage separation device (500) according to one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the stage separation device (500) may be configured with a ring-shaped support body (600) provided on the upper side of the rocket mounting portion (200), and a stage separation unit (700) coupled to the support body (600) and coupled to the two-stage rocket (2000) via an upper connection unit (710, see FIG. 3) located on the upper side. The stage separation unit (700) may be coupled along the vertical longitudinal direction on the inner circumferential surface of the support body (600). In addition, a plurality of stage separation units (700) may be arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the support body (600).

[0069]

[0070] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a stage separation unit (700) according to one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the stage separation unit (700) may be composed of an upper connection unit (710) fixed to a two-stage rocket (2000), a fixing unit (720) for fixing or releasing the two-stage rocket (2000) to or from the rocket mounting unit (200), a separation unit (730) for pressurizing the two-stage rocket (2000) upward when the two-stage rocket (2000) is released to separate the two-stage rocket (2000) from the first-stage rocket (100), and a separation housing (750) in which the above-described upper connection unit (710), fixing unit (720), and separation unit (730) are accommodated or combined.

[0071] The upper connecting portion (710) is configured such that the upper side is fixedly connected to the lower side of the two-stage rocket (2000), and the lower side is connected to the separation housing (750) via the latch pin (721) of the fixing portion (720) to maintain a fixed state, and can be configured such that the fixation is released when the latch pin (721) is detached from the separation housing (750).

[0072] The fixed part (720) includes a cylinder (722) and a piston (723) provided on the upper side of the separation housing (750), and the latch pin (721) is received in the cylinder (722), and one end penetrates the pin holder (751) formed on the upper side of the separation housing (750) and the lower end of the upper connection part (710) to fix the upper connection part (710) to the separation housing (750), and the other end is connected to the piston (723) so that the pin holder (751) and the upper connection part (710) are separated by the movement of the piston (723) to release the fixation of the upper connection part (710). An O-ring clamp (724) may be provided between the cylinder (722) and the pin holder (751).

[0073] The O-ring clamp (724) is configured to mount and fix an O-ring for sealing around the latch pin (721), and may be, for example, a flange having an O-ring groove machined therein. The latch pin-piston assembly (721) (723) is inserted into the inside of the cylinder (722), the O-ring is fitted onto the latch pin (721) to be pressed against the cylinder (722), and then the O-ring can be completely fixed to the cylinder (722) using the O-ring clamp (724). Meanwhile, there is a method of machining a groove for fitting the O-ring into the inside of the cylinder (722), but since the diameter is small, a special tool is required and machining is not easy. Therefore, if the O-ring clamp (724) is used, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0074] The separation unit (730) includes a pusher rod (731) that is inserted into the separation housing (750) and coupled so as to be able to move up and down, and is configured to maintain a fixed state by being connected to the separation housing (750) at the upper end through a latch pin (721), and is configured to be released from the fixation when the latch pin (721) is removed from the separation housing (750). At this time, the upper end of the pusher rod (731) is configured to be in contact with the upper connection part (710), and is configured to maintain a coupled state through the latch pin (721), and to be released from the coupling when the latch pin (721) is removed. In addition, the separation unit (730) includes an elastic member (732) that applies elasticity to the pusher rod (731) when the pusher rod (731) is released from fixation, thereby moving the pusher rod (731) upward. The elastic member (732) is inserted into the separation housing (750), the lower end is coupled to the tension rod end (752) at the lower end of the separation housing (750), and the upper end is coupled to the pusher rod (731) through the pusher base (733).

[0075] The pusher rod (731) may be, for example, a standard aluminum pipe. Therefore, since a round bar is not being processed, a joint is required to connect the pusher rod (731) to the elastic member (732), and a pusher base (733) may be included for this purpose. In addition, the pusher base (733) is configured to be coupled with an elastic member guide (734) so ​​that the elastic member (732) does not deviate left or right during compression or tension and is only restrained in the vertical direction.

[0076]

[0077] In addition, the separation unit (730) further includes an elastic member guide (734) inserted into the separation housing (750) to guide compression and tension of the elastic member (732). The upper end of the elastic member guide (734) is connected to the lower end of the pusher base (733) by penetrating the tension rod end (752) and the elastic member (732), and the lower end is formed to extend downwardly to the lower side of the separation unit (700).

[0078] The separation housing (750) is provided with a pin holder (751) on the upper side, to which an upper connection part (710) and a pusher rod (731) are fixed or released, a fixing part (720) is coupled, and a tension rod end (752) on the lower side, to which the lower side of an elastic member (732) is fixed and through which an elastic member guide (734) passes. The pin holder (751) and the tension rod end (752) can be connected via a plurality of tension rods (755).

[0079] In order to separate the latch pin (721), air pressure is injected into the cylinder (722), and in the separation standby state, the latch pin (721) can be maintained in a fixed state by the frictional force due to the elastic member (732) and the shear pin. In this state, when the rocket is launched, vibrations due to the engine, aerodynamic noise, etc. may gradually push the latch pin (721), and thus, a situation in which the latch pin (721) is separated unintentionally may occur. Therefore, the shear pin (725), which is broken by shear when a certain force is exceeded, is installed so as to simultaneously penetrate the pin holder (751) and the latch pin (721), thereby having the effect of suppressing the movement of the latch pin (721) caused by vibration.

[0080]

[0081] Hereinafter, the operating mechanism of a reusable projectile (1000) including a non-explosive single separation device (500) of the present invention having the above configuration will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0082] FIG. 4 shows a partial front perspective view and a perspective view of a stage separation device (500) of a reusable projectile (1000) before stage separation according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 shows a front view and a partial enlarged view of a stage separation unit (700) before stage separation according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 4, a state is shown where a two-stage rocket (2000) is fixed to a rocket mounting portion (200) with the fairing (300) of a reusable launch vehicle (1000) open.

[0084] In the above state, the upper connection part (710) coupled to the two-stage rocket (2000) and the separation part (730) for stage separation are fixed to the separation housing (750) through the fixing part (720), thereby connecting the two-stage rocket (2000) to the rocket mounting part (200).

[0085] More specifically, referring to FIG. 5, a latch pin (721) is inserted into a first through hole (711) formed at the lower end of the upper connecting portion (710) and formed to penetrate along the radial direction, and a second through hole (731-1) formed at the upper end of the pusher rod (731) and formed to penetrate along the radial direction, thereby maintaining a fixed state on the pin holder (751). At this time, the lower end of the upper connecting portion (710) is inserted into the upper end of the pusher rod (731) and maintained in a state of being fastened by the latch pin (721).

[0086] In addition, the elastic member (732) is inserted into the separation housing (750) in a compressed state, the upper end is fixed to the lower end of the pusher rod (731), and the lower end is fixed to the tension rod end (752) provided at the lower end of the separation housing (750).

[0087] Meanwhile, a shear pin (725) that is broken by a force exceeding a certain level may be installed to simultaneously penetrate the pin holder (751) and the latch pin (721), thereby preventing the latch pin (721) from being detached due to vibration of the rocket and being separated in the standby state.

[0088]

[0089] FIG. 6 shows a partial front perspective view and a perspective view of a stage separation device (500) after stage separation according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 shows a front view and a partial enlarged view of a stage separation unit (700) after stage separation according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 6, the second stage rocket (2000) is shown separated from the rocket mounting portion (200) with the fairing (300) of the reusable launch vehicle (1000) open.

[0091] In the above state, the latch pin (721) is detached from the upper connection part (710) coupled to the two-stage rocket (2000) and the pusher rod (731) for stage separation, and the fixation of the upper connection part (710), the pusher rod (731), and the pin holder (751) is released, thereby releasing the connection between the two-stage rocket (2000) and the rocket mounting part (200). At the same time, the compressive force of the elastic member (732) acts on the pusher rod (731), causing the pusher rod (731) to move upward and push out the upper connection part (710).

[0092] Accordingly, as the lower part of the second stage rocket (2000) is pressurized upward, the second stage rocket (2000) moves upward, and when the upward movement of the pusher rod (731) is completed, the upper connecting part (710) and the pusher rod (731) are separated, and the second stage rocket (2000) is separated from the first stage rocket (100) and moves upward.

[0093]

[0094] More specifically, referring to FIG. 5, when the latch pin (721) is formed at the lower end of the upper connecting portion (710) and is separated from the first through hole (711) formed radially and penetrating along the radial direction, and the second through hole (731-1) formed at the upper end of the pusher rod (731) and penetrating along the radial direction, the upper connecting portion (710), the pusher rod (731), and the pin holder (751) are released from their bonding, and the pusher rod (731) and the upper connecting portion (710) move upward due to the tensile force of the compressed elastic member (732). At this time, the pusher rod (731) and the upper connecting portion (710) are also released from the connection, but due to the upward pressure of the pusher rod (731), the pusher rod (731) and the upper connecting portion (710) move upward in conjunction with each other, and when the upward movement of the pusher rod (731) is completed, the upper connecting portion (710) continues to move upward due to inertia, thereby detaching from the pusher rod (731) and moving the second-stage rocket (2000) upward while simultaneously separating it from the first-stage rocket (100).

[0095]

[0096] The technical concept of the present invention should not be construed solely based on the aforementioned embodiments. The scope of application is diverse, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed in the claims. Therefore, such improvements and modifications, as long as they are obvious to those skilled in the art, fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A reusable launch vehicle comprising a first stage rocket having a propellant and combustion chamber inside, and a second stage rocket mounted on the upper side of the first stage rocket, and a fairing that opens when the second stage rocket is separated. The above reusable projectile is, Equipped in the above rocket mounting part, and including a stage separation device for fixing or releasing the second stage rocket and separating the second stage rocket from the first stage rocket, The above-mentioned single separation device is a reusable launch vehicle driven by hydraulic pressure.

2. In paragraph 1, The above single separation device is, A circular support body provided on the upper side of the rocket mounting portion; and A single-stage separation unit coupled to the above-mentioned support body and having an upper side coupled to the above-mentioned two-stage rocket; A reusable launch vehicle, including:

3. In paragraph 2, The above single separation unit is, A reusable projectile, which is coupled along the vertical longitudinal direction on the inner surface of the above-mentioned support body, and a plurality of projectiles are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the support body.

4. In paragraph 2, The above single separation unit is, An upper connecting member fixed to the above two-stage rocket; A fixing member that fixes or releases the upper connecting member to the rocket mounting member; A separation unit that pressurizes the second stage rocket when the above fixed part is released to separate the second stage rocket from the first stage rocket; and A separation housing in which the upper connecting portion, fixed portion and separation portion are accommodated or combined; A reusable launch vehicle, including:

5. In paragraph 4, The above fixed part, A cylinder provided on the upper side of the above separation housing; A piston provided on the cylinder and moved by hydraulic pressure; and A latch pin accommodated in the cylinder, one end of which penetrates the upper side of the separation housing and the lower end of the upper connection portion to secure the upper connection portion to the separation housing, and the other end of which is connected to the piston to detach the upper connection portion from the separation housing by movement of the piston; A reusable launch vehicle, including:

6. In paragraph 5, The above separation part, A pusher rod that is inserted into the above separation housing and is coupled to be able to move up and down, and is configured to be fixed by being connected to the separation housing at the top through the latch pin, and is released from fixation when the latch pin is removed from the separation housing; and Including an elastic member for applying elasticity to the pusher rod to move the pusher rod upward when the pusher rod is released from fixation, A reusable projectile in which the upper side of the pusher rod is connected to the upper connecting portion and moves the upper connecting portion upward through the pusher rod.

7. In paragraph 6, The above latch pin, By penetrating both the upper connecting portion and the pusher rod, the upper connecting portion and the pusher rod are simultaneously fixed to the separation housing, A reusable projectile that simultaneously releases the upper connecting portion and the pusher rod from the separation housing when the separation housing is detached.

8. In paragraph 7, The above single separation unit is, The lower part of the upper connecting part overlaps and connects with the upper part of the pusher rod to form an overlapping connecting part, A reusable projectile, wherein the latch pin penetrates the overlapping joint and simultaneously secures the upper connecting portion and the pusher rod to the separation housing.

9. In paragraph 8, The above single separation unit is, When the above latch pin is detached from the separation housing, the tensile force of the elastic member moves the pusher rod and the upper connecting part upward, A reusable launch vehicle in which the second stage rocket is separated from the first stage rocket and moves upward as the upper connecting portion is detached from the pusher rod upon completion of the upward movement of the pusher rod.

10. In paragraph 5, The above fixed part, A shear pin that penetrates and fixes the separation housing and the latch pin to prevent the latch pin from moving and separating before the hydraulic pressure is generated, and is broken by the movement of the latch pin when the hydraulic pressure is generated; A reusable launch vehicle, including:

11. In paragraph 5, The above fixed part, A reusable projectile further comprising an O-ring provided on the latch pin to seal the latch pin and the cylinder.

12. In paragraph 11, The above fixed part, Further comprising an O-ring clamp having an O-ring groove formed to accommodate the O-ring; A reusable projectile, wherein the O-ring clamp is coupled to the cylinder so that the O-ring is provided between the latch pin and the cylinder.

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