A spiral cable restraint device for a space extension mechanism

Abstract

This invention discloses a spiral cable restraint device for a spatial extension mechanism. It comprises a frustum-shaped inner cylinder, a frustum-shaped outer cylinder, and a bottom plate of the inner cylinder, forming a cable accommodating cavity for coiling the cable. Several clamping mechanisms are installed at the upper opening of the cable accommodating cavity. The mounting bases of the clamping mechanisms are mounted on the frustum-shaped outer cylinder, and the pressure plates are pressed against the frustum-shaped inner cylinder under the action of elastic elements. One end of the cable coiled inside extends out of the annular opening and connects to the external extension mechanism. In the retracted state, the cable is confined within the cable accommodating cavity by the pressure plates. When the external extension mechanism unfolds, it causes the cable to extend. During extension, the cable sequentially contacts the corresponding pressure plates. The contacted portion of the cable overcomes the clamping force provided by the elastic elements and disengages. Under the action of the pressure plates, the cable can be gradually pulled out of the device, achieving orderly release of the cable in a weightless environment. This application has the advantages of reliable restraint, orderly release, and long cable storage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of spatial structure mechanism technology, and particularly relates to a spiral cable restraint device for a spatial extension mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing frequency of human space exploration activities, high-end equipment used in space science, deep space exploration, and satellite communications has developed rapidly. Spacecraft such as satellites, space shuttles, and space stations operating in orbit are mostly limited by launch capabilities, resulting in relatively limited available storage space. Currently, deployable mechanisms are commonly used for satellite reflectors, solar panels, and space extension arms, making the development of various deployable mechanisms that can adapt to the needs of space equipment particularly urgent. Space extension arms, as a typical example of deployable space equipment, can grab and recover on-orbit equipment or debris, and can also be used for the handling and maintenance of space equipment. The application of space deployable mechanisms can replace astronauts in extravehicular activities, effectively improving work efficiency while greatly reducing the dangers of space operations. The application of space deployable mechanisms can greatly save usable space for space equipment and provide strong support for the efficient and reliable operation of space equipment. The design and research of space deployable mechanisms are a key link in the future development of space technology.

[0003] During rocket launch and transportation, large deployable spacecraft can be folded up and kept in a smaller size. Once in space, they can be deployed using a series of methods. Space deployable mechanisms have diverse structures, enabling repeated folding and unfolding, and are widely used in spacecraft.

[0004] Space extension mechanisms are commonly used to deploy payload equipment in orbit, while simultaneously enabling power and signal transmission between the payload equipment and the spacecraft itself. However, there are currently no devices to constrain and retract the cables used for power and signal transmission, making it impossible to achieve the desired effect of effective compression when the mechanism retracts and orderly release when it deploys. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the above problems, this invention provides a spiral cable restraint device for a spatial extension mechanism, the technical solution of which is as follows:

[0006] A spiral cable restraint device for a space extension mechanism, comprising:

[0007] The inner cylinder is shaped like a frustum and has a bottom plate at the bottom.

[0008] A frustoconical outer cylinder is fitted onto a frustoconical inner cylinder and fixed to the bottom plate of the inner cylinder, for cooperating with the frustoconical inner cylinder and the bottom plate of the inner cylinder to form a cable receiving cavity with an annular opening at the upper end; the lower part of the frustoconical outer cylinder has a cable inlet communicating with the cable receiving space;

[0009] Several clamping mechanisms are respectively installed at the top of the frustoconical outer cylinder; each clamping mechanism includes a mounting base, a pressure plate, and an elastic element; the mounting base is fixed to the top of the frustoconical outer cylinder, the tail end of the pressure plate is rotatably connected to the mounting base, the head end of the pressure plate abuts against the top of the frustoconical inner cylinder, and the two ends of the elastic element are respectively connected to the mounting base and the pressure plate, for providing a clamping force for the pressure plate to press against the top of the frustoconical inner cylinder;

[0010] In the retracted state, the cable is coiled inside the cable receiving cavity, and one end of the cable extends out of the annular opening and connects to the external extension mechanism;

[0011] In the on-rail deployed state, the external extension mechanism unfolds and drives the cable coiled in the cable accommodating cavity to gradually extend out of the annular opening. During the extension process, the cable contacts the corresponding pressure plate in sequence. The contact portion of the cable overcomes the clamping force provided by the elastic element and comes out. After coming out, the pressure plate presses against the top of the frustoconical inner cylinder again.

[0012] The spiral cable restraint device for a spatial extension mechanism of the present invention includes a frustoconical inner cylinder comprising an inner cylinder upper frame, an inner cylinder middle frame, an inner cylinder bottom plate, and a plurality of first connecting rods.

[0013] The inner cylinder upper frame, the inner cylinder middle frame, and the inner cylinder bottom plate are arranged sequentially from top to bottom;

[0014] The first connecting rod is attached and fixedly connected to the upper frame of the inner cylinder, the middle frame of the inner cylinder, and the bottom plate of the inner cylinder by bolts.

[0015] The spiral cable restraint device for a spatial extension mechanism of the present invention further includes an inner cylinder skin;

[0016] The inner cylinder skin is attached and riveted to the outer ring surface of the upper frame of the inner cylinder, the outer ring surface of the middle frame of the inner cylinder, and the annular protrusion of the bottom plate of the inner cylinder.

[0017] The present invention provides a spiral cable restraint device for a spatial extension mechanism, wherein the frustoconical outer cylinder comprises two outer semi-conical frames and four second connecting rods;

[0018] The four second connecting rods are respectively fixed to both ends of the two outer semi-conical frames;

[0019] The two outer semi-conical frames are arranged opposite each other, and the adjacent second connecting rods are fixedly connected by bolts.

[0020] The spiral cable restraint device for a spatial extension mechanism of the present invention includes an outer semi-conical frame comprising an outer upper frame, an outer middle frame, an outer lower frame, and a plurality of third connecting rods.

[0021] The outer cylinder upper frame, the outer cylinder middle frame, and the outer cylinder lower frame are arranged sequentially from top to bottom;

[0022] The third connecting rod is attached to and fixed to the outside of the upper frame, middle frame and lower frame of the outer cylinder by bolts.

[0023] The present invention provides a spiral cable restraint device for a spatial extension mechanism, wherein the upper end of the third connecting rod extends out of the upper frame of the outer cylinder, and the mounting base is mounted on the upper end of the third connecting rod.

[0024] The lower end of the third connecting rod extends outward, and the extended portion is fixedly connected to the bottom plate of the inner cylinder by bolts.

[0025] The spiral cable restraint device for a spatial extension mechanism of the present invention further includes an outer cylindrical skin;

[0026] The outer cylinder skin is attached and riveted to the inner ring surface of the upper frame, the middle frame, and the lower frame of the outer cylinder.

[0027] The present invention provides a spiral cable restraint device for a spatial extension mechanism, wherein the bottom plate of the inner cylinder is provided with a countersunk hole for use as an interface for connection with an external mechanism.

[0028] The present invention provides a spiral cable restraint device for a spatial extension mechanism, wherein the clamping mechanism further includes a central shaft and a pin.

[0029] The central shaft is mounted on the mounting base;

[0030] The tail end of the pressure plate is rotatably connected to the central shaft;

[0031] The pin is fixed to the pressure plate, and the axis of the pin is parallel to the axis of the central shaft;

[0032] The elastic element is a torsion spring, the first torsion arm of the torsion spring is connected to the mounting base, and the second torsion arm of the torsion spring is connected to the pin.

[0033] The spiral cable restraint device for a spatial extension mechanism of the present invention has a pressure plate whose width gradually decreases from the tail end to the head end, and the head end of the pressure plate is rounded.

[0034] The spiral cable restraint device for a spatial extension mechanism of the present invention has a pressure plate made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0035] Because of the above technical solutions, this invention has the following advantages and positive effects compared with the prior art:

[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, a cable receiving cavity for coiling a cable is formed by a frustoconical inner cylinder, a frustoconical outer cylinder, and a bottom plate of the inner cylinder. Several clamping mechanisms are provided at the upper opening of the cable receiving cavity. The mounting bases of the clamping mechanisms are installed on the frustoconical outer cylinder, and the pressure plates are pressed against the frustoconical inner cylinder by elastic elements. One end of the cable coiled inside extends out of the annular opening and connects to an external extension mechanism. In the retracted state, the cable is confined within the cable receiving cavity by the pressure plates. When the external extension mechanism unfolds, it causes the cable to extend. During the extension process, the cable sequentially contacts the corresponding pressure plates. The contacted portion of the cable overcomes the clamping force provided by the elastic elements and disengages. Under the action of the pressure plates, the cable can be gradually pulled out of the device, achieving orderly release of the cable. The spiral cable restraint device of this application has the advantages of reliable restraint, orderly release of the cable in a weightless environment, and long cable storage capacity. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a top view of the spiral cable restraint device of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a side view of the spiral cable restraint device of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the frustum-shaped outer cylinder of the spiral cable restraint device of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the second connecting rod of the spiral cable restraint device of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the frustum-shaped inner cylinder of the spiral cable restraint device of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the clamping mechanism of the spiral cable restraint device of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 7 This is a top view of the clamping mechanism of the spiral cable restraint device of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure plate of the spiral cable restraint device of the present invention.

[0045] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1: Frustum-shaped outer cylinder; 1-1: Lower frame of outer cylinder; 1-2: Second connecting rod; 1-3: Third connecting rod; 1-4: Upper frame of outer cylinder; 1-5: Middle frame of outer cylinder; 2: Frustum-shaped inner cylinder; 2-1: Bottom plate of inner cylinder; 2-2: First connecting rod; 2-3: Upper frame of inner cylinder; 2-4: Middle frame of inner cylinder; 3: Pressing mechanism; 3-1: Pressure plate; 3-2: Central shaft; 3-3: Elastic element; 3-4: Mounting seat; 3-5: Pin; 4: Outer cylinder skin; 5: Inner cylinder skin. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, provides a spiral cable restraint device for a spatial extension mechanism according to the present invention. The advantages and features of the invention will become clearer from the following description and claims.

[0047] See Figures 1 to 8 In one embodiment, a spiral cable restraint device for a spatial extension mechanism includes a frustum-shaped inner cylinder 2, a frustum-shaped outer cylinder 1, and a plurality of clamping mechanisms 3.

[0048] The frustum-shaped inner cylinder 2 has an inner cylinder bottom plate 2-1 at its bottom, and the inner cylinder bottom plate 2-1 extends outward from the bottom of the frustum-shaped inner cylinder 2. The frustum-shaped outer cylinder 1 is fitted onto the frustum-shaped inner cylinder 2 and fixed to the inner cylinder bottom plate 2-1, and is used to cooperate with the frustum-shaped inner cylinder 2 and the inner cylinder bottom plate 2-1 to form a cable receiving cavity with an annular opening at the upper end. The lower part of the frustum-shaped outer cylinder 1 has a cable inlet that communicates with the cable receiving space.

[0049] The clamping mechanism 3 is installed at the top of the frustoconical outer cylinder 1. The clamping mechanism 3 includes a mounting base 3-4, a pressure plate 3-1, and an elastic element 3-3. The mounting base 3-4 is fixed to the top of the frustoconical outer cylinder 1. The tail end of the pressure plate 3-1 is rotatably connected to the mounting base 3-4, and the head end of the pressure plate 3-1 abuts against the top of the frustoconical inner cylinder 2. The two ends of the elastic element 3-3 are connected to the mounting base 3-4 and the pressure plate 3-1 respectively, providing a clamping force to press the pressure plate 3-1 against the top of the frustoconical inner cylinder 2.

[0050] In the retracted state, the cable is coiled within the cable accommodating cavity, achieving a long cable length. It is also restrained within the cavity by pressure plate 3-1 at the annular opening, preventing it from moving out without external force. One end of the cable extends from the annular opening and connects to the external extension mechanism or its supported load device, while the other end extends from the cable inlet and connects to the aircraft body.

[0051] In the on-rail unfolded state, the external extension mechanism unfolds and drives the cable coiled in the cable accommodating cavity to gradually extend out of the annular opening. During the extension process, the cable contacts the corresponding pressure plate 3-1 in sequence. The contacted part of the cable overcomes the clamping force provided by the elastic element 3-3 and comes out. After coming out, the pressure plate 3-1 presses against the top of the frustoconical inner cylinder 2 again.

[0052] The spiral cable restraint device of this embodiment can house the power signal transmission cable between the load device and the aircraft body. Cable restraint is achieved in the transmitting section (i.e., the retracted state). When the mechanism deploys on track, the cable can be gradually pulled out of the device under the action of the deployment driving force, realizing the orderly release of the cable. It has the advantages of reliable restraint, orderly release, and long cable storage.

[0053] The specific structure of the spiral cable restraint device for the spatial extension mechanism in this embodiment is further described below:

[0054] In this embodiment, the frustum-shaped inner cylinder 2 may specifically include an upper inner cylinder frame 2-3, a middle inner cylinder frame 2-4, an inner cylinder bottom plate 2-1, and several first connecting rods 2-2. The upper inner cylinder frame 2-3, the middle inner cylinder frame 2-4, and the lower inner cylinder frame can all be circular structures.

[0055] The inner cylinder upper frame 2-3, inner cylinder middle frame 2-4, and inner cylinder bottom plate 2-1 are arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The first connecting rod 2-2 is attached to and fixed to the inner side of the inner cylinder upper frame 2-3, inner cylinder middle frame 2-4, and inner cylinder bottom plate 2-1 by bolts. There can be six first connecting rods 2-2, which can be arranged at 60° intervals.

[0056] In this embodiment, the frustum-shaped outer cylinder 1 includes two outer semi-conical frames and four second connecting rods 1-2.

[0057] Four second connecting rods 1-2 are fixed to both ends of the two outer semi-conical frames, respectively, by means of welding or bolting. The two outer semi-conical frames are arranged opposite each other, and adjacent second connecting rods 1-2 are fixedly connected by bolts, thereby realizing the splicing of the two outer semi-conical frames.

[0058] Specifically, the outer semi-conical frame includes an upper outer cylinder frame 1-4, a middle outer cylinder frame 1-5, a lower outer cylinder frame 1-1, and several second connecting rods 1-2. The upper outer cylinder frame 1-4, the middle outer cylinder frame 1-5, and the lower outer cylinder frame 1-1 can all be 180° semi-circular structures, arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The aforementioned cable inlet can be located on the lower outer cylinder frame 1-1.

[0059] The third connecting rod 1-3 is attached to and fixed to the outer side of the upper frame 1-4, the middle frame 1-5, and the lower frame 1-1 of the outer cylinder by bolts. There can be three third connecting rods 1-3, and a total of six connecting rods in the two outer semi-conical frames, which can be arranged at 60° intervals.

[0060] Furthermore, to facilitate the installation of the pressure plate 3-1 mechanism, the upper end of the third connecting rod 1-3 extends out of the outer cylinder upper frame 1-4, and the extended portion can be provided with several mounting holes. The mounting base 3-4 is installed on the upper end of the third connecting rod 1-3 by bolts and corresponding mounting holes. To facilitate the connection between the frustoconical outer cylinder 1 and the inner cylinder bottom plate 2-1, the lower end of the third connecting rod 1-3 can extend outward, and the extended portion is fixedly connected to the inner cylinder bottom plate 2-1 by bolts.

[0061] In this embodiment, both the frustum-shaped inner cylinder 2 and the frustum-shaped outer cylinder 1 are configured as a frame structure formed by the combination of an upper frame, a middle frame, and a lower frame, which is more conducive to reducing weight.

[0062] In this embodiment, the spiral cable restraint device may further include an inner cylinder skin 5 and an outer cylinder skin 4. The inner cylinder skin 5 is attached to and riveted to the outer ring surface of the frustoconical inner cylinder 2 (the outer ring surface of the upper frame 2-3 of the inner cylinder, the outer ring surface of the middle frame 2-4 of the inner cylinder, and the annular protrusion formed on the bottom plate 2-1 of the inner cylinder corresponding to the middle frame 2-4 of the inner cylinder). The outer cylinder skin 4 is attached to and riveted to the inner ring surface of the frustoconical outer cylinder 1 (the inner ring surface of the upper frame 1-4 of the outer cylinder, the inner ring surface of the middle frame 1-5 of the outer cylinder, and the inner ring surface of the lower frame 1-1 of the outer cylinder). That is, the inner cylinder skin 5 and the outer cylinder skin 4 are respectively attached to the inner and outer sides of the cable receiving cavity, so that the cable received in the cable receiving cavity can be pulled out smoothly, and the wear on the cable can also be reduced.

[0063] In this embodiment, the inner cylinder bottom plate 2-1 has a 6mm thick bottom plane for placing cables. The inner cylinder bottom plate 2-1 has a countersunk hole for connecting to an external mechanism. The outer circumference of the inner cylinder bottom plate 2-1 has a threaded hole corresponding to the third connecting rod 1-3 for connecting to the lower extension of the third connecting rod 1-3.

[0064] In this embodiment, the clamping mechanism 3 may further include a central shaft 3-2 and a pin 3-5. The central shaft 3-2 is mounted on the mounting base 3-4. The tail end of the pressure plate 3-1 passes through and is rotatably connected to the central shaft 3-2 (i.e., the pressure plate 3-1 is rotatably connected to the mounting base 3-4 via the central shaft), and is connected to the mounting base 3-4 via a nut and washer. The pin 3-5 is fixed to the pressure plate 3-1 near the head end (specifically, a hole can be made in the pressure plate 3-1, and the pin 3-5 is inserted into the hole), and the axis of the pin 3-5 is parallel to the axis of the central shaft 3-2. The elastic element 3-3 may specifically be a torsion spring, with the first torsion arm of the torsion spring connected to the mounting base 3-4 and the second torsion arm of the torsion spring connected to the pin 3-5, for applying a bending moment to the pressure plate 3-1.

[0065] Furthermore, the pressure plate 3-1 can be made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to reduce frictional loss on the cable. The width of the pressure plate 3-1 gradually decreases from the tail end to the head end, and the head end of the pressure plate 3-1 is rounded to avoid wear on the cable and facilitate cable pull-out.

[0066] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Even if various changes are made to the present invention, if these changes fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention and their equivalents, they shall still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A helical cable restraint device for a spatial stretching mechanism, characterized by, The utility model relates to a cable winding device, including: A frustoconical inner cylinder is provided with an inner cylinder bottom plate at the bottom; A frustoconical outer cylinder is sleeved on the frustoconical inner cylinder and is fixed on the inner cylinder bottom plate, used for cooperating with the frustoconical inner cylinder and the inner cylinder bottom plate to form a cable containing cavity with an annular opening at the upper end; A plurality of pressing mechanisms are respectively installed at the top end of the frustoconical outer cylinder; the pressing mechanism includes a mounting seat, a pressing plate and an elastic member; the mounting seat is fixed at the top end of the frustoconical outer cylinder, the tail end of the pressing plate is rotatably connected to the mounting seat, the head end of the pressing plate abuts against the top end of the frustoconical inner cylinder, and the two ends of the elastic member are respectively connected to the mounting seat and the pressing plate, used for providing the abutting force of the pressing plate abutting against the top end of the frustoconical inner cylinder; In the retracted state, the cable is wound in the cable containing cavity, and one end of the cable extends out of the annular opening and is connected to an external stretching mechanism; In the on-track deployed state, the external stretching mechanism is deployed and drives the cable wound in the cable containing cavity to gradually extend out of the annular opening, and the cable sequentially contacts the corresponding pressing plate in the extension process, the contacted part of the cable overcomes the abutting force provided by the elastic member and is released, and after the release, the pressing plate abuts against the top end of the frustoconical inner cylinder again.

2. A spiral cable restraint device for a spatial stretch mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The frustoconical inner cylinder includes an inner cylinder upper frame, an inner cylinder middle frame, an inner cylinder bottom plate and a plurality of first connecting rods; The inner cylinder upper frame, the inner cylinder middle frame and the inner cylinder bottom plate are sequentially arranged from top to bottom; The first connecting rods are respectively fixedly connected to the outer sides of the inner cylinder upper frame, the inner cylinder middle frame and the inner cylinder bottom plate by bolts.

3. A helical cable restraint for a spatial stretch mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein, It also includes an inner cylinder skin; The inner cylinder skin is riveted to the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder upper frame, the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder middle frame and the annular protrusion of the inner cylinder bottom plate.

4. The helical cable restraint apparatus for a spatial stretch mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The frustoconical outer cylinder includes two outer side half-cone frames and four second connecting rods; The four second connecting rods are respectively fixed to the two ends of the two outer side half-cone frames; The two outer side half-cone frames are oppositely arranged, and the adjacent second connecting rods are fixedly connected by bolts.

5. A helical cable restraint for a spatial stretch mechanism as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The outer side half-cone frame includes an outer cylinder upper frame, an outer cylinder middle frame, an outer cylinder lower frame and a plurality of third connecting rods; The outer cylinder upper frame, the outer cylinder middle frame and the outer cylinder lower frame are sequentially arranged from top to bottom; The third connecting rods are respectively fixedly connected to the outer sides of the outer cylinder upper frame, the outer cylinder middle frame and the outer cylinder lower frame by bolts.

6. A helical cable restraint for a spatial stretch mechanism as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The upper end of the third connecting rod extends out of the outer cylinder upper frame, and the mounting seat is installed at the upper end of the third connecting rod; The lower end of the third connecting rod extends outward, and the extended part is fixedly connected to the inner cylinder bottom plate by a bolt.

7. The helical cable restraint apparatus for a spatial stretch mechanism of claim 5, wherein, It also includes an outer cylinder skin; The outer cylinder skin is riveted to the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder upper frame, the outer cylinder middle frame and the outer cylinder lower frame.

8. The helical cable restraint for a spatial stretch mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The inner cylinder bottom plate is provided with a counterbore used as an interface connected with an external mechanism.

9. The helical cable restraint for a spatial stretch mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The pressing mechanism further includes a center shaft and a pin shaft; The center shaft is arranged on the mounting seat; The tail end of the pressing plate is rotatably connected to the center shaft; The pin shaft is fixed on the pressing plate, and an axis of the pin shaft is parallel to an axis of the central shaft; The elastic member is a torsion spring, a first torsion arm of the torsion spring is connected to the mounting seat, and a second torsion arm of the torsion spring is connected to the pin shaft.

10. The helical cable restraint for a spatial stretch mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The width of the pressing plate gradually decreases from the tail end to the head end, and the head end of the pressing plate is chamfered.

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