FR2876985A1 - Object e.g. satellite, connection device for e.g. launch vehicle`s structure, has connection unit and locking unit that are moved to respectively lead to electrical disjunction and mechanical unlocking between object and structure - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has an electrical connection unit and a mechanical locking unit to electrically connect and mechanically lock an object (2) to a structure (3) respectively. The connection and locking units are moved in order to respectively lead to electrical disjunction and mechanical unlocking between the object and the structure. The connection and locking units are respectively moved using a compression spring (12) and a hollow body (8).

Description

DEVICE FOR TEMPORARILY JOINING AN OBJECT ON A

STRUCTURE

DESCRIPTION TECHNICAL FIELD

  The present invention relates generally to a device for temporarily joining an object to a structure.

  A particular but nonlimiting application of this invention relates to junction devices encountered on spacecraft structures that are intended to temporarily hold objects, such as satellites, probes, and the like. Thus, it should be understood that the invention can be applied to the field of the release of microsatellites or satellites of larger dimensions from a launcher, but also to any device for temporarily retaining a rigid mechanical connection between a structure of a spacecraft and an object to be dropped later.

  As such, it is specified that the present invention may also find application in other technical fields than the space domain, such as those relating to land or sea gear likely to have this type of temporary mechanical links to be broken at some point in the life of these machines.

  2 STATE OF THE PRIOR ART In the field of launching payloads such as satellites, it is known to use temporary junction devices between this payload and the launcher carrying it.

  Indeed, during the launch phase of the payload, it is necessary that the latter is mechanically held rigidly on the launcher, so as to withstand the strong accelerations and vibrations encountered.

  However, once in orbit or on a trajectory, the payload must be separated from the remaining part of the launcher become unnecessary, this remaining portion may for example be constituted by the upper portion or top floor of the launcher.

  To achieve this separation, it is necessary to break the mechanical connection between the payload and the launcher, this break is usually called mechanical unlocking.

  Furthermore, the unlocking is usually followed by an ejection of the payload, ejection aiming to apply to the payload a controlled pulse, to be able to limit the subsequent trajectory corrections very fuel-consuming.

  In addition, it is also necessary to perform an electrical separation between the payload and the launcher, this separation is usually called electrical disconnection.

  From the prior art, many embodiments of temporary junction devices are known for ensuring the mechanical maintenance between the two elements, these devices possibly being able to integrate the function of ejection of the payload. In these devices, it is of course used means containing an energy to ensure the required unlocking, this unlocking energy being for example of the mechanical type when using a compression spring, or the pressure type during operation. use of pneumatic, hydraulic, or pyrotechnic means.

  Furthermore, the temporary connection devices intended to provide the electrical connection are also well known in the prior art, and must meet substantially the same requirements as those associated with temporary mechanical junction devices, in particular with regard to the resistance to electrical resistance. vibratory vibratory environment encountered during the launch phases.

  Nevertheless, on launchers known from the prior art, mechanical unlocking and electrical disconnection are usually treated separately, namely that for the same payload, it is generally used two different temporary junction devices, one carrying so on the mechanical support, and the other on the electrical connection.

  Naturally, the fact of providing two distinct junction devices inevitably induces significant disadvantages in terms of cost, weight and bulk, these criteria being nevertheless considered essential in the space field, as well as in many other fields. techniques.

  In addition, since these two devices are completely independent of one another, it is therefore also necessary to provide for each of them a specific actuation system intended to respond to a command received by the device concerned, which contributes to further increase the cost, mass, and size of the interface between the payload and the structure of the launcher.

  DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The object of the invention is therefore to propose a device for temporarily joining an object to a structure, this joining device being designed so as to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks relating to the embodiments of the art. prior.

  To do this, the subject of the invention is a device for temporarily joining an object to a structure, this joining device comprising mechanical locking means making it possible to lock the object mechanically with respect to the structure, as well as means containing energy, which, when released as a result of a command received by the device, is intended to cause mechanical unlocking of the object with respect to the structure. According to the invention, the junction device also comprises electrical connection means for electrically connecting the object to the structure, and this device is designed such that the energy released by the means containing an energy, following the command received by the device, is also able to cause a setting in motion of the electrical connection means to cause an electrical disconnection between the object to the structure.

  In other words, it should be understood that the temporary joining device according to the invention is made in such a way that it is capable of jointly ensuring, preferably in a predetermined order, the mechanical unlocking as well as the electrical disconnection. of the object with respect to the structure, and this using the same means containing energy, which can be of any nature known in this type of temporary joining device, namely mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, pyrotechnics, etc. The mechanical locking means and the electrical connection means are therefore located within the same equipment, the structure / object interface can then advantageously have a mass, a size and a cost greatly reduced compared to what was previously met in solutions with separate mechanical and electrical devices.

  In addition, since these are the same means containing an energy, which, when this energy is released, allow both to cause the mechanical unlocking and the electrical disconnection, it is then advantageously provided that these means are connected to a relative same and unique actuator responding to a command received by the device.

  It is noted that in this junction device according to the invention where a single command received by it thus makes it possible to jointly generate the mechanical unlocking and the electrical disconnection, it is also possible to integrate means making it possible to perform the function. ejecting the object, which further reduces and optimizes the structure / object interface.

  In such a case, the temporary junction device according to the invention is then preferably designed so as to guarantee a predetermined operating sequence, successively ensuring the electrical disconnection, the mechanical unlocking, and the ejection of the object.

  Finally, it is specified that this device, particularly but not exclusively adapted to provide the interface between a structure of a spacecraft such as a launcher, and an object such as a satellite or a probe, can be realized in the form a concentric arrangement said trundle or drawers.

  Preferably, it is provided that the energy released by the means containing an energy, following the command received by the device, is intended to cause a movement of at least a portion of the mechanical locking means, so as to cause a mechanical unlocking of the object with respect to the structure.

  In this specific case, the means containing an energy can then be chosen in any way from those usually encountered in the temporary joining devices, provided that they make it possible to initiate the movement of at least part of the means. mechanical locking and electrical connection means, the generated motions taking preferably in the form of slidings.

  Preferably, the junction device is designed such that the setting in motion of the electrical connection means is able to cause, by stop, the setting in motion of at least a part of the mechanical locking means. Thus, it is well understood that it is the electrical connection means in motion that ensure the movement of at least a portion of the mechanical locking means.

  As such, the device is preferably designed such that the setting in motion of at least a part of the mechanical locking means begins only after the device has been brought into an electrical disconnection configuration of the object, when the setting in motion of the electrical connection means.

  As an indicative and in no way limiting example, the means containing an energy take the form of a compression spring. Nevertheless, these means could also be in the form of pneumatic, hydraulic or pyrotechnic means, without departing from the scope of the invention.

  Preferably, in a configuration of mechanical locking and electrical connection of the object, the compression spring is located inside a first hollow body in abutment on the one hand against a stop end of the first body hollow, and secondly against an unlocking ring mechanically held within this first hollow body by a controllable mechanical system, the device further comprising actuating means for responding to the command received by the device in acting on the mechanical system so that the mechanical maintenance, provided by the latter in the mechanical lock configuration and electrical connection of the object, is broken.

  Still as an indicative example, it can then be provided that the controllable mechanical system comprises a rotary piston disposed around the first hollow body at a portion of the unlocking ring having indentations made externally, the system also comprising balls placed in these cavities in the configuration of mechanical locking and electrical connection of the object, and each passing through the first hollow body to come into contact with the rotary piston, the latter being internally provided with longitudinal grooves in which the balls are capable of penetrate when the piston is rotated. With such an arrangement, when the actuating means are triggered, they generate a rotation of the rotary piston which sees its longitudinal grooves are respectively placed opposite the balls, which are then forced to escape the fingerprints of the ring to enter inside these grooves by moving through the first hollow body. In this way, the released fingerprints, the unlocking ring can then be slid inside the first hollow body under the effect of the compression spring, and cause in motion the other mobile elements belonging to the temporary joining device.

  In this regard, it can be provided that the actuating means comprise a linear actuator, or any other type of actuator capable of directly or indirectly causing a rotation of the unlocking ring. Moreover, the nature of the actuator can also be adapted according to the design of the controllable mechanical system. Indeed, in the case where it comprises not a rotary piston but a conventional piston intended to slide in order to release the balls, the actuator can then be of the pyrotechnic type, the hot gases released by the latter to generate by pressing the required sliding.

  Preferably, the unlocking ring is secured to a hollow locking shaft around which the compression spring is arranged, and the electrical connection means comprise an electric cable fixed relative to this hollow shaft, and passing through the latter and the ring. and the abutment end and the abutment end of the first hollow body, this abutment end being also traversed by the hollow locking shaft.

  The electrical connection means further comprise an electrical connection plug secured to one end of the electric cable, and cooperating with the object in the mechanical lock configuration and electrical connection of the object.

  Still preferably, the device further comprises a connecting ring for fixed connection between the electrical cable and the electrical connection plug, this connecting ring is also mounted fixedly on the hollow locking shaft.

  It also preferably comprises a latch belonging to the mechanical locking means and being arranged around the electrical connection plug, this latch comprising, in the configuration of mechanical locking and electrical connection of the object, an inner projection abutting against a first external projection secured to the connecting ring.

  In this regard, the device is provided with a hollow unlocking abutment body integral with the lock and disposed around the hollow locking shaft.

  In addition, the connecting ring has a second outer projection intended to come into contact with the unlocking stop hollow body during a movement of this connecting ring caused by the deployment of the compression spring, in order to carry with it. in its race the unlocking thrust hollow body, as well as the lock of the mechanical locking means. These specific means thus make it possible to ensure, in an extremely simple and effective manner, the predetermined operating sequence, that is to say to realize the electrical disconnection before carrying out the mechanical unlocking.

  In addition, the device is designed such that the movement of the connecting ring, caused by the deployment of the compression spring, is stopped by abutment between the unlocking stop hollow body driven by this connecting ring, and the stop end of the first hollow body.

  Preferably, in a configuration of mechanical unlocking and electrical disconnection of the object, the unlocking stop hollow body and the compression spring are arranged on either side of the abutment end of the first hollow body, and each in abutment against it.

  As an indicative example, the mechanical locking means comprise a mechanical tulip for mechanically holding the object when the device is in the mechanical and electrical connection configuration of the object, this mechanical tulip being provided with heads circumferentially spaced and in contact on the one hand externally with the object and on the other hand internally with the latch, the latter constituting an inner radial abutment for the heads in this configuration of mechanical locking and electrical connection of the object. In this type of mechanism where the relative axial positioning between the lock and the mechanical bell may be adjusted, this same lock is intended to apply a pre-tension on the heads of the tulip. In other words, it is the lock placed inside the tulip that keeps it deployed, and the selected design can be such that the extent of the deployment is directly related to the positioning of the lock relative to the tulip.

  Of course, it would also have been possible to provide a mechanical tulip with a lock placed externally relative thereto.

  As mentioned above, the junction device further comprises ejection means for ejecting the object when the device is in the mechanical unlocking configuration and electrical disconnection of the object.

  These ejection means then preferably comprise an ejector piston arranged around a second hollow body inside which is coupled the first hollow body, the ejection means being located inside an external body of the device integral with the first and second hollow body, and intended to be secured to the structure.

  Preferably, the ejection means comprise an integral ejector plate of the ejector piston and being in contact with the object when the device is in the configuration of mechanical locking and electrical connection of the object.

  In addition, in the mechanical unlocking configuration and electrical disconnection of the object, the ejector piston is adapted to be moved relative to the outer body via second means containing an energy.

  In this regard, it can be provided that the second energy-containing means take the form of a compression spring whose one end is in contact with the ejector piston, and of which another end is in contact with the external body of the device, this compression spring being located between the second hollow body and the ejector piston.

  Alternatively, these second means containing an energy take the form of pyrotechnic means which may be constituted by the pyrotechnic actuator belonging to the actuating means intended to respond to the command received by the device. Thus, it should be understood that it is the hot gases released by this pyrotechnic actuator that make it possible to put the ejector piston in motion inside the external body, which actuator has previously caused the release of the unlocking ring.

  Finally, the device is preferably designed so that the movement of the ejector piston is stopped by the stop between an inner projection of the outer body, and an outer projection integral with the ejector piston.

  Other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent in the detailed non-limiting description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

  This description will be made with reference to the appended drawings among which; FIG. 1 represents a longitudinal sectional view of a device for temporarily joining an object to a structure according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device being in a configuration of mechanical locking and electrical connection of the 'object; FIG. 2 represents a view similar to that shown in FIG. 1, offset in rotation by 90 along the longitudinal principal axis with respect to the latter, the device being in a configuration of mechanical locking and electrical disconnection of the object; - Figure 3 shows a view similar to that shown in Figure 2, the device being in a mechanical unlocking configuration and electrical disconnection of the object, the latter having not yet been ejected; - Figure 4 shows a view similar to that shown in Figure 3, the device being in an ejection configuration of the object; and FIG. 5 shows a view similar to that shown in FIG. 1, the device being in an alternative embodiment, in a configuration of mechanical locking and electrical connection of the object.

  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, there is shown a temporary joining device 1 of an object 2 on a structure 3, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

  As has been mentioned above, the object 2 may be a satellite and the structure 3 may be a structure of a spacecraft such as a launcher, this structure 3 being fixedly mounted on an external body 4 of the device 1, by example via screw / nut assemblies or rivets.

  In this device 1 of concentric design of the type trundle or drawers, the constituent elements are arranged almost entirely concentrically along a longitudinal main axis 6, which also corresponds to a single direction of sliding of the movable elements of this device 1 located at the inside the outer body 4.

  Moreover, by convention and for the sake of clarity, it is assumed throughout the description that this longitudinal main axis 6 corresponds to a direction of the height of the device 1, the end portion of the device 1 in contact with the object 2 being considered as constituting the top of this device 1, as shown in the figures.

  First of all, reference will be made to FIG. 1, in which the temporary joining device 1 is in a configuration of mechanical locking and electrical connection of the object with respect to the structure 3, this configuration corresponding to that adopted during the launcher launch phase.

  The device 1 comprises first a first hollow body 8 of substantially annular shape and centered on the axis 6, the first hollow body 8 having a low end not closed and a top end closed by a pierced plate , this upper end being called abutment end 10.

  Inside this first hollow body 8 secured to the outer body 4, is a compression spring 12 which is in a compressed state, and a high end abuts against the abutment end 10 of the first hollow body 8, and whose lower end is in abutment against an unlocking ring 14 held temporarily inside the first hollow body 8.

  To ensure this mechanical retention of the unlocking ring 14 relative to the first hollow body 8, the device 1 comprises a controllable mechanical system 16 mainly comprising a rotary piston 18 placed around and in contact with a low end of the first hollow body 8 , the rotary piston 18 being held relative to the body 8 by means of a circlip 20 mounted on the latter.

  On the other hand, the mechanical system 16 comprises balls 22 in contact internally with the rotary piston 18, these balls 22 each passing through the hollow body 8 and being placed in indentations 24 made externally on the unlocking ring 14. Thus, is essentially the cooperation between the indentations 24 and the balls 22, each passing through the wall of the body 8 and being distributed circumferentially, which ensures the maintenance of the unlocking ring 14 inside the same body 8, and which allows therefore to maintain the compression spring 12 in its compressed state.

  To allow the subsequent rotation of the piston 18 and release of the unlocking ring 14 as will be described hereinafter with reference to Figure 2, the controllable mechanical system 16 is coupled to actuating means which are designed to trigger during the receipt of a command by the device 1, this command emanating for example from the structure 3.

  These control means preferably take the form of a linear actuator 26 mounted at the lower end of the body 8, the linear actuator 26 being equipped with a connecting bracket 28. As an indication, the bracket link 28 is connected eccentrically to the rotary piston 18, so as to allow the linear actuator 26 to impart a rotational movement to the same piston 18.

  A hollow locking shaft 30 is fixedly and concentrically mounted on the unlocking ring 14, for example by means of a threaded lower end passing through the same ring 14 and being connected thereto by means of a notch nut. 32 and a washer 34.

  This hollow locking shaft 30 extends upwardly through the abutment end 10 of the body 8, and is therefore surrounded in its lower part by the compression spring 12.

  It is noted that the device 1 comprises electrical connection means for electrically and temporarily connecting the object 2 to the structure 3. These means comprise an electrical cable 36 arranged along the axis 6, this cable 36 being provided with its sheath 37 and a rear connector 40 for connection to the structure 3. In addition, the electrical connection means comprise an electrical connection plug 38 secured to an upper end of the cable 36, and being connected to the object 2 by via an electrical base 48, which will be explained below.

  As an indication, the electrical connection system used in the invention is preferably plug-in type with external mechanical support, as opposed to those whose maintenance is self-assured by a ball mechanism. Moreover, it is noted that the spatial electrical connection systems have the particularity of having a double plug design, as described in particular in document FR-A-2 651 928. Thus, this type of system could therefore be adopted in the present invention.

  The cable 36 is held solidly by the hollow shaft 30 which it passes through, this cable 36 extending upwardly beyond the same hollow shaft 30, and downwardly beyond the first hollow body 8, after have passed through the unlocking ring 14.

  At an upper end of the hollow body 30, the device is equipped with a connecting ring 42 which is attached integrally and concentrically to the body 30, for example by screwing. If the lower end of this connecting ring 42 is screwed externally on the hollow unlocking shaft 30, its upper end is preferably screwed externally onto the connection plug 38. As such, it is noted that the fixed connection between the cable 36 and the electrical connection plug 38 is not only achieved by means of this connecting ring 42, but also by means of a connector 44 surrounding the high end of the cable 36 and being on the one hand fixed inside this ring 42, and secondly mounted fixedly and externally on the upper end of the sheath 37.

  In this way, it should be understood that the device 1 has a first mobile assembly which is held in position relative to the first hollow body 8 in the mechanical and electrical connection configuration of the object 2, this mobile assembly thus comprising the following integral elements: the unlocking ring 14, the cable 36 provided with its connecting plug 38, its sheath 37 and its rear connector 40, the hollow locking shaft 30, the coupling 44 and the connecting ring 42.

  As can be seen in Figure 1, the electrical connection plug 38 is plugged into an electrical base 48 of the object 2, the base 48 providing the electrical connection being surrounded by a circular groove 50 arranged in a base / bottom object 2, groove in which are housed mechanical locking means of the object, as will be explained below.

  The first hollow body 8 is coupled inside a second hollow body 52 arranged concentrically, implying that this second hollow body 52 is also integral with the outer body 4. The second body 52 is thus around and in contact with the first body 8, at a portion of the latter located above the lower part cooperating with the controllable mechanical system 16, and having a bearing flange 54 for the second body 52.

  The second hollow body 52 extends upwardly to near the high end of the cable 36. In addition, the device 1 comprises mechanical locking means for fixedly and temporarily holding the object 2 relative to the structure 3, these means including a mechanical tulip 56 fixed concentrically on an upper end of the second body 52, for example by screwing.

  The mechanical tulip 56, of generally annular shape, comprises at its upper end a plurality of heads 58 spaced circumferentially from each other, these heads 58 having a geometry adapted so that their outer surface abut against a shoulder provided in the circular groove 50 surrounding the electrical base 48 of the object 2. Thus, the contact between this outer surface and the shoulder can cause a locking in translation of the object 2 upwards relative to the device 1, the locking in translation downwards being ensured by the presence of an ejector plate 60 in contact with the base / bottom of the object 2, and being disposed substantially perpendicular to the axis 6 around the mechanical tulip 56 Consequently, the object 2 is thus mechanically held securely with respect to the structure 3, by pinching between the ejector plate 60 and the heads 58 located in the interior. of the circular groove 50 centered on the axis 6.

  As such, it is noted that the pre-tension applied to the mechanical tulip 56 can be adjusted using a preload ring 64 screwed externally on an upper end of the outer body 4, and being in contact with the plate ejector 60. In other words, to perform a good tightening of the object 2 and ensure non-detachment thereof especially during the launching phase, it is proceeded to an upward screwing of the preload ring 64 , which then allows to drive by abutment, also upwards, the ejector plate 60.

  In this mechanical locking configuration, the tulip 56 is maintained in its deployed state by means of a tulip lock 66 also belonging to the mechanical locking means, and being arranged concentrically inside the tulip 56. is clearly visible in Figure 1, the lock 66, of generally annular shape, has the function of exerting a radial outward pressure on the heads 58 of the tulip 56, so that these heads 58 maintain the required radial spacing compared to the tulip center.

  As an indicative example, the heads 58 have an outer contact surface with the shoulder that deviates from the tulip center upward, and an inner surface approaching this center by going upwardly, this inner surface being the one in contact with an upper outer surface of the lock 66, which is of course also made so as to approach the center of the tulip upwards.

  The latch 66 is generally arranged around the electrical plug 38, and has a low end secured to a hollow unlocking stopper 68, which is for example attached to it by screwing. In addition, this body 68 is disposed coaxially around the shaft 30 and a portion of the connecting ring 42, and has a low end located at a distance from the abutment end 10 of the body 8.

  Thus, it should be understood that the unlocking thrust hollow body 68 and the tulip lock 66 constitute a second moving assembly whose axial position with respect to the tulip 56 is here secured by abutment between a circular internal projection 70 provided on the latch 66, and a first circular outer projection 72 provided on the connecting ring 42, the projection 72 being of course located below the projection 70. It should be noted that these projections 70, 72 serve essentially to ensure a setting correct axial position of the lock 66 during assembly of the device 1, so that it is properly positioned to provide the required radial pressure on the heads 58. Nevertheless, once the lock 66 is in place in contact with the tulip 56, the abutment of the aforementioned projections 70, 72 is almost inoperative.

  Finally, again with reference to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the second hollow body 52 situated inside the outer body 4 forms with the latter an annular space centered on the axis 6 and in which there is an ejector piston 74 , the latter having an upper end secured to the ejector plate 60 in contact with the object 2. The ejector piston 74 also has a low end which is located in contact with a support flange 76 provided at the level of a lower end of the second hollow body 52, this collar 76, arranged in contact with and above the bearing flange 54 of the body 8, also serving to support and fix the outer body 4 on the hollow body 52 .

  The ejector piston 74 is in contact with the interior of the hollow body 4 of generally annular shape, as well as with a friction sleeve 77 disposed internally in the external body 4, at the upper part of the latter carrying the ring externally. prestress 64.

  Furthermore, it is noted that the ejection means constituted by the piston 74 and the plate 60 are intended to be set in motion subsequently by means of second means containing an energy, the latter being preferably constituted by a spring of compression 78. This spring 78, in a compressed state, is centered on the axis 6 and disposed internally relative to the piston 74, and externally relative to the second hollow body 52 and the mechanical bell 56. Also, it has a high end in contact with the upper part of the ejector piston 74 carrying the plate 60, and a low end in contact with a roller bearing 80 resting on the support flange 76 of the hollow body 52 .

  Referring now to FIG. 2, the device 1 can be seen in a configuration of mechanical locking and electrical disconnection of the object 2.

  To arrive at this configuration, the linear actuator 26 was triggered in response to a command received by the device 1. Indeed, when it is triggered, this actuator 26 generates a pivoting of the rotary piston 18 of the controllable mechanical system 16 around the axis 6, through the connecting bracket 28. This pivoting has the consequence of facing longitudinal grooves 82 formed on the inner surface of the piston 18 and circumferentially offset from each other, with the balls 22 passing through the wall of the first hollow body 8. At this time and because of the presence of the compressed spring 12, the balls 22 initially in contact with this inner surface of the rotary piston 18 are then forced to leave the fingerprints 24 of the unlocking ring 14, to move radially outward through the wall of the body 8 to penetrate inside these longitudinal grooves 82. Once inside these, the balls 22 have completely left their respective fingerprints 24, and therefore no longer retain the unlocking ring 14 which can then slide down into the hollow body 8 under the direct effect of the spring compression 12 deploying.

  Of course, it should be understood that it is the whole of the first moving assembly that undergoes the aforementioned sliding movement, and this as soon as the ring 14 is released.

  Therefore, as is clearly visible in FIG. 2, the electrical connection plug 38 belonging to the first mobile assembly has been moved sufficiently downwardly to be extracted from the electrical base 48 provided at the base / bottom of the object 2, which means that the device 1 is in the configuration of electrical disconnection of the object 2 with respect to the structure 3.

  However, the device 1 is still in a mechanical locking configuration of the object 2, because if the stop between the projections 70 and 72 has been broken at the beginning of the sliding of the first moving assembly, the latch 66 carrying the circular protrusion 70 remains still in place with respect to the mechanical tulip 56, mainly because of the significant friction induced by the initially existing clamping force between these two elements 56, 66. Thus, there is indeed no axial offset between the tulip 56 and the lock 66 during the first part of the setting in motion of the first mobile assembly which has just been described, and which ends when a second circular outer projection 84 provided on the connecting ring 42 comes into contact with an upper end of the unlocking thrust hollow body 68, as can be seen in FIG. 2.

  Indeed, a second part of the setting in motion of the first moving assembly begins at the moment when this second projection 84, disposed below the first projection 72, abuts against the body 68, this moment also marking the beginning of the phase mechanical unlocking of the object 2.

  During this second part of the sliding of the first moving assembly, still generated by the deployment of the compression spring 12 acting directly on the unlocking ring 14, the connecting ring 42 thus causes in its stroke the second movable assembly mentioned above, which then undergoes in turn sliding downwards relative to the fixed assembly constituted by the tulip 56 and the second hollow body 52.

  Referring now to FIG. 3, the device 1 can be seen in a configuration for mechanical unlocking and electrical disconnection of the object 2.

  To arrive at this configuration, the lock 66 is effectively driven to slide downwards by the first movable assembly, and ends up completely releasing the heads 58 of the tulip 56. At this stage, the heads 58 can then fold radially towards the end. interior, automatically due to the elasticity of the blades of the tulip 56 carrying the heads 58. As such, even if the mechanical locking means are designed so that the heads 58 do not fall back on their own when the tulip 56 is released from its constraint, the mechanical unlocking of the object 2 is still caused. This is explained by the fact that although these heads 58 are always located in the circular groove 50 in contact with the shoulder of the object 2, they free of any constraint are no longer able to maintain mechanical safe of this object 2, since no element prevents them from being folded radially inwards.

  This mechanical unlocking phase is completed by the abutment between the lower end of the unlocking stop hollow body 68 and the abutment end 10 of the second body 8, as can be seen in FIG. 3. At this moment, these are both the sliding of the first moving assembly and that of the second moving assembly which are stopped relative to the second hollow body 52.

  The device 1 is designed such that the ejection of the object 2 occurs automatically as soon as the mechanical unlocking is performed.

  Indeed, when the lock 66 is removed, the force applied by the compression spring 78 on the ejector piston 74 and the plate 60 simultaneously causes upward sliding of the latter two elements 74, 60 with respect to the outer body 4, as well as an extraction of the heads 58 out of the circular groove 50. In this respect, it is specified that this extraction is authorized thanks to the retraction of the tulip 56 encountered following the mechanical forces transmitted to the latter by the object 2 in movement.

  As can be seen in FIG. 4 representing the device 1 in an end-of-ejection configuration of the object 2, it is noted that the deployment of the spring 78, directly driving the sliding up of the piston 74 and the setting in movement of the object 2 remaining in contact with the plate 60 during the entire ejection, is stopped by abutment between a circular inner projection 88 provided on the outer body 4 near its upper end, and a circular outer projection 90 provided on the ejector piston 74.

  Thus, as is clear from the foregoing, the design of the temporary joining device 1 makes it possible to guarantee a predetermined operating sequence, successively ensuring the electrical disconnection, the mechanical unlocking, then the ejection of the object 2.

  With reference to FIG. 5, a temporary joining device 100 is shown in an alternative form of embodiment, in a configuration of mechanical locking and electrical connection of the object 2.

  The device 100 is very similar to the device 1 which has just been presented above. For this reason, in the figures, the elements bearing the same reference numerals correspond to identical or similar elements.

  Thus, as can be seen in Figure 5, the main difference between the device 1 and 100 is that the latter is equipped in the lower part of a pyrotechnic actuator 126 shown in a very schematic manner, and not a linear actuator as was the case for the junction device 1. Thus, the solution chosen is no longer mechanical, but pyrotechnic.

  This pyrotechnic actuator 126 is intended, when the device 100 receives a command causing a trigger thereof, to set in motion the controllable mechanical system 16, and mainly to cause a sliding of an unlocking piston 118 replacing the rotary piston 18 presented above, with respect to the first hollow body 8 surrounded by the same unlocking piston 118.

  In the mechanical lock and electrical connection configuration of FIG. 5, it can be seen that the balls 22, passing through the wall of the first hollow body 8, are retained in the cavities 24 of the unlocking ring 14 by contact with an upper bore of the unlocking piston 118, this bore having a first diameter.

  It is noted that this ball holding position 22 is provided by compression springs 190 disposed in the second hollow body 52, around the piston 118, and pushing the latter downwards against a stop provided on the first hollow body 8.

  On the other hand, the device 100 is designed such that when the pyrotechnic actuator 126 is triggered, the generated hot gases are introduced into an annular chamber 192 essentially formed by the body 8, and closed on the top by a surface lower 118a of the unlocking piston 118. Also, it is understood that these hot gases in contact with the lower surface 118a generate a pressure on the piston 118, which is then caused to slide upwards, crushing the compression springs 190 .

  During the sliding of the piston 118, a lower bore having a second diameter greater than the aforementioned first diameter comes opposite the balls 22, which can then be released from the indentations 24. Indeed, at this moment and because of the presence of the compressed spring 12, the balls 22 initially in contact with the upper bore of the piston 118 are then pushed to leave the fingerprints 24 of the unlocking ring 14, to move radially outwardly through the wall of the body 8 until to come into contact with the lower bore of larger diameter.

  In addition, an advantage of the invention lies in the fact that the hot gases generated are also intended, in a second step, to put the ejector piston 74 in motion inside the outer body 4, which allows the removal of the compression spring 78 which was provided in the device 1.

  Here again, it is noted that the device 100 is designed so that the generated hot gases are introduced into an annular chamber 194 closed on the top by a lower surface 74a of the ejector piston 74. Thus, in the same way as for the release piston 118, the hot gases in contact with the lower surface 74a generate a pressure on the piston 78, which is then caused to slide upwards when the device 100 has reached its mechanical unlocking state and electrical disconnection of the object 2.

  It is pointed out that in this preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the spring 12 could be replaced by a pyrotechnic piston whose chamber would communicate with the annular chamber 194 so as to push the unlocking ring 14 downwards, without leaving of the scope of the invention.

  By way of indicative example and as can be seen in FIG. 5, the pyrotechnic actuator 126 or igniter may be integral with a secondary external body 195 fixed below the outer body 4, this secondary external body 195 constituting the wall external of an annular chamber 196 formed jointly with the first and second hollow body 8 and 52 located internally, this chamber 196 constituting a gas ignition chamber. As an illustration, it may be noted that the annular chambers 192, 194 and 196 are preferably intended to be penetrated simultaneously by the hot gases, thanks to a communication between the chambers 192 and 196, and to another communication between the chambers 194 and 196.

  Of course, various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art to the temporary joining devices 1 and 100 which have just been described, by way of non-limiting examples only.

Claims (26)

  1. Device for temporarily joining (1, 100) an object (2) to a structure (3), said joining device comprising mechanical locking means (56, 66) for mechanically locking said object (2) by to said structure (3), as well as means (12) enclosing an energy, which, when released as a result of a command received by said device, is intended to cause mechanical unlocking of said object (2) with respect to said structure (3), characterized in that said junction device also comprises electrical connection means (36, 38) for electrically connecting said object (2) to said structure (3), and in that said device is designed such that the energy released by said means (12) containing energy, following said command received by the device, is also capable of causing a movement of the electrical connection means (36, 38) in order to causing an electrical disconnection between said object (2) and said structure (3).   2. Temporary junction device (1, 100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the energy released by said means (8) containing an energy, following said command received by the device, is intended to cause an implementation. moving at least a portion of the mechanical locking means (56, 66) to mechanically unlock said object (2) from said structure (3).   3. Temporary junction device (1, 100) according to claim 2, characterized in that it is designed such that said setting in motion of the electrical connection means (36, 38) is able to cause, by stop, said moving at least a portion of the mechanical locking means (56, 66).   4. Temporary junction device (1, 100) according to claim 3, characterized in that it is designed such that said setting in motion of at least a part of the mechanical locking means {56, 66) starts only after the device has been brought into an electrical disconnection configuration of the object (2), during the setting in motion of said electrical connection means (36, 38).   5. Temporary junction device (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said means containing an energy take the form of a compression spring (12).   6. Temporary junction device (1, 100) according to claim 5, characterized in that in a configuration of mechanical locking and electrical connection of the object (2), said compression spring (12) is located at the interior of a first hollow body (8) abutting on the one hand against a stop end (10) of this first hollow body, and on the other hand against an unlocking ring (14) held mechanically inside said first hollow body (8) by a controllable mechanical system (16), said device further comprising actuating means (26, 126) for responding to said command received by the device by acting on said mechanical system (16) so as to that the mechanical maintenance provided by the latter in the configuration of mechanical locking and electrical connection of the object is broken.   7. temporary joining device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said controllable mechanical system (16) comprises a rotary piston (18) disposed around said first hollow body (8) at a portion of said ring unlocking device (14) having indentations (24) made externally, the system (16) also comprising balls (22) placed in said indentations (24) in the mechanical locking and electrical connection configuration of the object (2) , and each passing through said first hollow body (8) to come into contact with said rotary piston (18), the latter being internally provided with longitudinal grooves (82) in which the balls (22) are capable of penetrating when the piston (18) is rotated.   8. Temporary junction device (1, 100) according to claim 6 or claim 7, characterized in that the actuating means comprise a linear actuator (26) or a pyrotechnic actuator (126).   9. Temporary junction device (1, 100) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that said unlocking ring (14) is integral with a hollow locking shaft (30) around which is arranged said compression spring (12), and in that said electrical connection means (36, 38) comprise an electrical cable (36) fixed with respect to said hollow shaft (30), and passing through the latter as well as said unlocking ring (14). ) and said abutment end (10) of the first hollow body (8), this abutment end (10) also being traversed by said hollow locking shaft (30).   10. Temporary junction device (1, 100) according to claim 9, characterized in that said electrical connection means (36, 38) further comprise an electrical plug (38) of connection secured to one end of the electric cable ( 36), and cooperating with said object (2) in said configuration of mechanical locking and electrical connection of the object (2).   11. temporary junction device (1, 100) according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises a connecting ring (42) for the fixed connection between said electric cable (36) and said electrical connection plug (38), this connecting ring (42) also being fixedly mounted on said hollow locking shaft (30).   12. Temporary junction device (1, 100) according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises a latch (66) belonging to said mechanical locking means (56, 66) and being arranged around said electrical connection plug ( 38), said latch (66) comprising, in said configuration of mechanical locking and electrical connection of the object, an inner projection (70) abutting against a first outer projection (72) integral with said connecting ring (42). .   13. Temporary junction device (1, 100) according to claim 12, characterized in that it further comprises a hollow unlocking stop body (68) integral with said latch (66) and arranged around said hollow locking shaft ( 30).   The temporary joining device (1, 100) according to claim 13, characterized in that said connecting ring (42) has a second outer projection (84) intended to come into contact with said unlocking thrust hollow body (68) during a movement of this connecting ring (42) caused by the deployment of the compression spring (12), in order to drive with it in its stroke said unlocking stop hollow body (68), as well as the lock (66) said mechanical locking means (56, 66).   15. Temporary joining device (1, 100) according to claim 14, characterized in that said device is designed such that the movement of the connecting ring (42), caused by the deployment of the compression spring (12) , or stopped by abutment between the unlocking stop hollow body (68) driven by this connecting ring (42), and said abutment end (10) of said first hollow body (8).   16. Temporary junction device (1, 100) according to claim 15, characterized in that in a configuration of mechanical unlocking and electrical disconnection of the object (2), the unlocking stop hollow body (68) and said compression spring (12) are arranged on either side of said abutment end (10) of the first hollow body (8), and each abuts against it.   17. Temporary junction device (1, 100) according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that said mechanical locking means (56, 66) comprise a mechanical tulip (56) for mechanically holding said object ( 2) when the device is in said configuration of mechanical locking and electrical connection of the object (2), said mechanical tulip (56) being provided with heads (58) circumferentially spaced and in contact on the one hand externally with said object (2) and on the other hand internally with said latch (66), the latter constituting an inner radial abutment for the heads (58) in this configuration of mechanical locking and electrical connection of the object (2).   18. Temporary junction device (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises ejection means (60, 74) for ejecting said object (2) when this device is in said configuration of mechanical unlocking and electrical disconnection of the object (2).   19. Temporary jointing device (1, 100) according to claim 18 in combination with claim 6, characterized in that said ejection means comprise an ejector piston (74) arranged around a second hollow body (52) at interior of which said first hollow body (8) is coupled, said ejection means (60, 74) being located inside an outer body (4) of the device integral with said first and second hollow bodies (8, 52 ), and intended to be secured to said structure (3).   20. Temporary junction device (1, 100) according to claim 19, characterized in that said ejection means (60, 74) comprise an ejector plate (60) integral with said ejector piston (74) and being in contact with said object (2) when the device is in said mechanical and electrical connection configuration of the object (2).   21. Temporary junction device (1, 100) according to claim 19 or claim 20, characterized in that in said configuration of mechanical unlocking and electrical disconnection of the object (2), said ejector piston (74) is suitable to be moved relative to the outer body (4) via second means (78) enclosing an energy.   22. Temporary junction device (1) according to claim 21, characterized in that said second means containing an energy take the form of a compression spring (78), one end of which is in contact with said ejector piston (74), and another end of which is in contact with said outer body (4) of the device, said compression spring (78) being located between said second hollow body (52) and said ejector piston (74).   23. Temporary junction device (100) according to claim 21, characterized in that said second means containing an energy take the form of pyrotechnic means.   24. Temporary junction device (100) according to claim 23 combined with claim 8, characterized in that said pyrotechnic means are constituted by the pyrotechnic actuator {126) belonging to said actuating means intended to respond to said command received by the device.   25. Temporary junction device (1, 100) according to any one of claims 19 to 24, characterized in that said device is designed such that the movement of the ejector piston (74) is stopped by the stop between a projection interior (88) of said outer body (4), and an outer projection (90) integral with said ejector piston (74).   26. Temporary junction device (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is intended to ensure the temporary joining of an object on a structure of a spacecraft.