JP2006290065A - Separating device of space structure - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a coupling/separating device such as a space structure, and a coupling/separating mechanism of a space structure capable of realizing a strong coupling force, and simply and surely separating the space structure and the like by a small force without shocks. <P>SOLUTION: A first cylinder 11 and a second cylinder 12 are installed to upper and lower artificial satellites 3 and 4, and both of the cylinders 11 and 12 are coupled with each other by a band 13 having a spring force. Trapezoidal tooth parts 14 and 15 at free ends of the band 13 are meshed with each other, so as to bring a cam element 34 into press contact wit an outer face. When the cam element 34 is rotated by 90 degrees with an actuator 36, the band 13 is enlarged by its own spring force, so that the trapezoidal tooth part 14 is separated from the trapezoidal tooth part 15. A fit element 40 fitted with flanges 11c and 12c of both of the cylinders 11 and 12 are detached, so that the artificial satellites 3 and 4 are separated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a coupling / separation device for a space structure and the like and a coupling / separation mechanism for a space structure that automatically separate space structures such as artificial satellites in space.

  Artificial satellites are launched into outer space by rockets, and in the outer space, separation of artificial satellites from rockets or separation of artificial satellites is performed.

  Conventionally, a method using pyrotechnics has been common as such a space structure separation apparatus. This method realizes separation by connecting space structures together with pyrotechnics such as a blast bolt called a Marman clamp band and blasting them at a predetermined timing.

  Since a strong coupling force is required for coupling between space structures, the Marman clamp band as described above has been used. However, the method using pyrotechnics has the advantage of high reliability, but since a large impact is generated at the time of blasting, there is a risk of adverse effects on satellites and nearby structures. It is not suitable for separation of satellites and the like, and its use is not desirable for satellites that have missions that include separation.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a coupling / separation device and a coupling / separation mechanism for a space structure that can realize a strong coupling force and that can easily and reliably separate a space structure and the like with a small force without impact. With the goal.

  The coupling / separating device according to claim 1 is configured such that a trapezoidal tooth profile portion that meshes with each other is formed at one end portion of two bands, and tension is transmitted to both bands in the meshed state of each trapezoidal tooth profile portion. And a cam body that presses one trapezoidal tooth profile part perpendicularly to the other trapezoidal tooth profile part and an actuator that operates the cam body, and the cam body is operated by the actuator to release the pressing state. The trapezoidal tooth profile is moved vertically away from each other.

  A coupling / separation mechanism for a space structure according to claim 2 is a coupling / separation mechanism for a space structure using the coupling / separation device according to claim 1, wherein the first coupling mechanism is a first structure mounted on the first space structure. A second cylinder mounted on the second space structure, a fixing portion for fixing the other end of the band in a state where the first cylinder and the second cylinder are joined, and the band Are curved along the outer peripheral surfaces of the first cylinder and the second cylinder, and the trapezoidal tooth profile portions of the one end portions of the adjacent bands are meshed with each other on the outer surface of one of the trapezoidal tooth profile portions. The first space structure and the second space structure are coupled by pressing the cam body and meshing both trapezoidal tooth profile portions with each other, and the cam body is actuated by the actuator to move the pressing body. Release the state and expand the band I was to separate the first space structure and the second space structure by the.

  In the present invention, when the actuator is driven to actuate the cam body and the pressing state against the band is released, the band expands, and as a result, the trapezoidal teeth on the other end are separated from each other. In this case, since an actuator such as a motor only needs to have a force to actuate a cam, the first space structure and the second space structure can be easily separated without a large impact by a small-capacity actuator.・ Can be realized reliably.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a side view of a rocket carrying an artificial satellite, Fig. 2 is a side view of two upper and lower artificial satellites joined by a coupling / separation device, and Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the upper and lower two artificial satellites and the coupling / separation device. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the coupling / separation device, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an auxiliary separation unit for separating the satellite, and FIG. 6A is a plan view of the fastening state of the coupling / separation device, 6 (b) is a plan view of the coupling / separation device when the fastening is released, FIG. 7 (a) is a sectional view of the engaging portion, FIG. 7 (b) is a sectional view of the engaging portion, and FIG. 8 (a). , (B), (c) are sectional views showing the disengaged state of the fitting part, and FIGS. 9 (a), (b) are separation explanatory views of the trapezoidal tooth profile part.

  In FIG. 1, the rocket body 1 is provided with two left and right fairings 2 at the head thereof, and two upper and lower first artificial satellites 3 and second artificial satellites 4 as space structures. Is stored. The artificial satellites 3 and 4 are detachably coupled by the coupling / separation device 10. In addition, two auxiliary rockets 5 on the left and right sides are provided at the bottom of the rocket body 1.

  Next, the coupling / separation device 10 will be described. FIG. 2 shows a coupling state of the artificial satellites 3 and 4. Ring-shaped mounting plates 10a and 10b are mounted on the lower and upper surfaces of the artificial satellites 3 and 4, respectively. A first cylinder 11 is attached to the lower surface of the attachment plate 10a, and a second cylinder 12 is attached to the upper surface of the attachment plate 10b. The upper and lower cylinders 11 and 12 are joined to each other by a band 13 for fastening. A plurality of auxiliary separation units 50 are provided between the artificial satellites 3 and 4.

  3 and 4, the first cylinder 11 and the second cylinder 12 are vertically symmetric and have the same dimensions, and flanges 11 b, 11 c, 12 b, and upper portions of the short cylindrical bodies 11 a, 12 a, 12c is formed in a collar shape. The flanges 11b, 11c, 12b, and 12c have a plurality of holes 11d and 12d that are attached to the mounting plates 10a and 10b with screws or screws (not shown).

  3 and 4, the band 13 is formed in a band shape by a material having a strong spring force such as a stainless steel plate. There are a plurality of bands 13 (in this example, four as shown in FIG. 3, but only two are shown in FIG. 4), each of which has a trapezoidal tooth profile 14 as an engaging portion that meshes with the inner surface and the outer surface of one end. A plurality of 15 are formed. 9A, when the trapezoidal tooth profile portions 14 and 15 are engaged, the tension T is transmitted to both the left and right bands 13 in a direction to be separated from each other.

  3 and 4, a refracting portion 16 is formed at the other end of the band 13. A hole 17 is opened in the refracting portion 16. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the four bands 13 are wound around the cylinders 11 and 12 while being curved along the outer peripheral surfaces of the cylinders 11 and 12. The adjacent refracting portions 16 of the bands 13 oppose each other with a gap W, and are coupled to each other by inserting a bolt 18 through the hole 17 and screwing a nut 19 into the end of the bolt 18. . The band 13 has holes 21 and 22 for attaching a stopper 37 and a fitting body 40 (both will be described later).

  Next, the engaging bodies 30a and 30b will be described. Engaging bodies 30a and 30b are for maintaining and releasing the meshing state of the trapezoidal tooth profile parts 14 and 15, and as shown in FIG. 4, the inside of the trapezoidal tooth profile part 14 and the trapezoidal tooth profile part 15 They are located outside and are arranged opposite to each other. In this example, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, two sets are provided at positions 180 ° apart in plan view. One engagement body 30 a is attached to the upper flange 12 c of the second cylinder 12. In FIG. 4, holes 31 and 32 facing each other are formed in the engaging bodies 30a and 30b. By inserting the bolts 33 into the holes 31 and 32, both 30a and 30b are integrally coupled. In this coupled state, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6A and 6B, a cam body 34 having an oval cross section is accommodated inside the outer engagement body 30b.

  4 and 7, a rotating shaft 35 is inserted at an eccentric position of the cam body 34. The rotating shaft 35 is driven to rotate by a motor 36 as an actuator. 6 (a) and 6 (b) show the assembled state of the coupling / separating device. The pin 37a of the stopper 37 is inserted into the hole 21 of the band 13, and the tip of the pin 37a is fixed to the outer surface of the cylinder 11 or 12 by welding means or the like.

  4 and 6 (a), 6 (b) and 7, the engaging bodies 30a and 30b are abutted against each other so as to hold the trapezoidal tooth profile portions 14 and 15 at one end of the band 13, and the hole portions 31 and 32 are engaged. Bolts 33 are inserted and connected to each other.

  6 (a) and 9 (a) show a vertical cam body 34 with respect to the trapezoidal tooth profile portions 14 and 15 engaged with each other in this coupled state, and perpendicular to the outer surface of one of the trapezoidal tooth profile portions 15. FIG. This shows a state in which the trapezoidal tooth profile portions 14 and 15 are strongly meshed with each other (pressing force F). FIGS. 6B and 9B show a state in which the motor 36 is driven and the cam body 34 is rotated by 90 ° to be turned sideways. In this state, the adjacent band 13 has the fixed position (fulcrum) at the position where the bolt 18 and the nut 19 are joined, and the trapezoidal tooth profile 14 and 15 side, which is the free end, is outward due to the strong spring force of the band 13 itself. The trapezoidal tooth profile 14 and the trapezoidal tooth profile 15 are released from the meshing state. The expansion limit of the band 13 is defined by the band 13 coming into contact with the stopper 37.

  Next, the fitting body 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 7B. The fitting body 40 is attached to the inner surface of the central portion of the band 13 with a bolt 41. As shown in FIG. 7B, a tapered inner concave surface 43 is formed on the inner surface of the fitting body 40. The outer surfaces of the flanges 11c and 11c of the cylinders 11 and 12 are tapered surfaces to which the inner concave surface 43 is joined. As shown in FIG. 7B, the cylinders 11 and 12 maintain the coupled state in a state where the inner concave surface 43 of the fitting portion 40 is fitted to the flanges 11c and 12c which are the fitted portions.

  Next, the separation unit 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5. The separation unit 50 includes a rod body 51 and a coil spring 52 that is a spring material into which the rod body 51 is inserted. A hole portion 54 is formed in the flange portion 53 at the lower end of the rod body 51, and by inserting a stopper (not shown) such as a screw or a screw into the hole portion 54, the separation unit 50 is placed on the lower artificial portion. The coil spring 52 is erected on the upper surface of the satellite 4, and in this state, the coil spring 52 has a spring force in a direction in which one artificial satellite 3 is separated from the other artificial satellite 4. Of course, the separation unit 50 may be provided in the upper artificial satellite 3.

  This space structure coupling / separating mechanism is constructed as described above, and the operation will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 6A, 7A, and 7B show a state where the upper and lower cylinders 11 and 12 (that is, the upper and lower artificial satellites 3 and 4) are coupled. In this state, the oval cam body 34 is in a vertical posture with respect to the band 13 as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 9 (a), and is pressed against the outer surface of the trapezoidal tooth profile portion 15 in the vertical direction. The tooth profile portions 14 and 15 are firmly engaged with each other. Further, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), the fitting body 40 provided inside the band 13 firmly fits the flange portions 11c and 12c of the upper and lower cylinders 11 and 12, and the upper and lower cylinders 11 and 12 (that is, The upper and lower artificial satellites 3, 4) are connected so as not to be separated.

  Now, when the motor 36 is driven by a command from the control unit (not shown), the cam body 34 rotates 90 ° and assumes a horizontal posture with respect to the band 13 shown in FIGS. 6 (b) and 9 (b). Then, the band 13 has a fixed portion by the bolt 18 and the nut 19 as a fulcrum, and the free end portion on which the trapezoidal tooth profile portions 14 and 15 are formed expands outward by the spring force of the fastening band 13 itself (arrow N1). ). Then, as shown in FIGS. 6B and 9B, the trapezoidal tooth profile portion 14 and the trapezoidal tooth profile portion 15 vertically move in directions away from each other (arrow N4). Further, the fitting body 40 attached to the inner side of the band 13 is separated from the flanges 11c and 12c of the cylinders 11 and 12 as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8B (arrow N2). Then, the upper and lower cylinders 11 and 12 (that is, the upper and lower artificial satellites 3 and 4) are separated (arrow N3 in FIG. 8C). In this case, the cylinder 11 is kicked up by the coil spring 52 of the separation unit 50 and actively separated from the cylinder 12. As described above, separation of the first artificial satellite 3 and the second artificial satellite 4 is realized.

  In the present invention, when the actuator is driven to operate the cam body and the pressing contact state with respect to the band is released, the band expands, and as a result, the trapezoidal tooth profile portions at one end are separated from each other. The space structure and the second space structure are separated. In this case, since the actuator such as a motor only needs to have a force to operate the cam, the first space structure and the second space structure can be separated easily and reliably without impact by a small capacity small actuator. Can be realized.

Side view of a rocket equipped with an artificial satellite Side view of two upper and lower artificial satellites combined by a coupling / separation device Disassembled perspective view of two artificial satellites and coupling / separation device Exploded perspective view of coupling / separation device Perspective view of auxiliary separation unit for separating artificial satellites (A) Top view of the fastening state of the coupling / separating device (b) Top view when the fastening of the coupling / separating device is released (A) Sectional view of engaging part (b) Sectional view of engaging part (A) Cross-sectional view showing the detached state of the fitting part (b) Cross-sectional view showing the detached state of the fitting part (c) Cross-sectional view showing the detached state of the fitting part (A) Illustration of separation of trapezoidal tooth profile (b) Illustration of separation of trapezoidal tooth profile

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Rocket 3, 4 Artificial satellite 10 Separation device 11 1st cylinder 11c Flange (part to be fitted)
12 Second cylinder 12c Flange (fitting part)
13 Bands 14, 15 Trapezoidal tooth profile 18 Bolt (fixed part)
19 Nut (fixed part)
30a, 30b Engagement body 34 Cam body 36 Motor (actuator)
40 fitting body 50 separation unit

Claims (2)

  A trapezoidal tooth profile that meshes with each other is formed at one end of the two bands so that tension is transmitted to both bands when the trapezoidal tooth profile is engaged with each other, and one trapezoidal tooth profile is connected to the other trapezoid. A cam body that presses the tooth profile portion in the vertical direction and an actuator that operates the cam body are provided. The cam body is operated by the actuator to release the pressing state, and the trapezoidal tooth profile portion moves vertically away from each other. A coupling / separation device characterized in that A coupling / separation mechanism for a space structure using the coupling / separation device according to claim 1, wherein the first cylinder mounted on the first space structure and the first cylinder mounted on the second space structure. 2 cylinders, a fixing portion for fixing the other end of the band in a state where the first cylinder and the second cylinder are joined, and the band along the outer peripheral surfaces of the first cylinder and the second cylinder. In the state where the trapezoidal tooth profile portions of the one end portions of the bands adjacent to each other are meshed with each other, the cam body is pressed against the outer surface of one of the trapezoidal tooth profile portions, and both trapezoidal tooth profile portions are mutually connected. The first space structure and the second space structure are coupled by meshing, the cam body is operated by the actuator to release the pressing state, and the band is opened to expand the first space structure. Space structure and second space structure Binding and separating mechanism of space structure and separating.

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