An unlocking device for a flexible rope

Abstract

An embodiment of the present application discloses an unlocking device for a flexible rope. The unlocking device includes a support base; a rotating arm installed on the support base and rotatable about a first axis. A clamping groove structure for connecting a restraint is formed at an end of the rotating arm on one side of the first axis, and a fixed end is formed at an end of the rotating arm on the other side of the first axis. The unlocking device further includes a displacement block having a first working position and a second working position. The rotating arm includes a first state and a second state; when the displacement block is located at the first working position, the displacement block presses and fixes on the fixed end of the rotating arm, the rotating arm is in the first state, and the clamping groove structure can lock the restraint. When the displacement block is located at the second working position, the displacement block disengages from the fixed end of the rotating arm, and the rotating arm rotates about the first axis and is in the second state, and the clamping groove structure releases the restraint. The present invention can be reused, has high reliability, and has the advantages of large bearing capacity of the rope pre-tightening force, not being limited to the shape of the rope, simple and safe assembly, and strong versatility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of aerospace technology, and more specifically, this application relates to an unlocking device for a flexible rope. Background Art

[0002] The flexible rope unlocking device is a common device on space vehicles and is often used for the restraint contact actions of large structures such as protective covers, antennas, and solar wings during the on-orbit operation of spacecraft. Before launch, structures such as protective covers and antennas are folded and stored on the ground, connected to the unlocking device on the main structure of the spacecraft through flexible ropes, and maintained in a folded state; after the spacecraft is launched into the predetermined orbit, an unlocking action will be performed. The computer triggers the unlocking device through an electrical signal, and the unlocking device will release the flexible rope to complete the unlocking action. Subsequently, structures such as protective covers and antennas will automatically unfold into the on-orbit state. Using flexible ropes and unlocking devices for the fixation and unlocking of unfolding structures has the advantages of flexible design, small occupied space, and large bearing force. Achieving a stable and rapid unlocking action in the operating orbit is the key to the design of such structural mechanisms, and the flexible rope unlocking device is a crucial mechanical device in such structures.

[0003] Currently, there is no general structural form for flexible rope unlocking devices, and the unlocking stability and reliability of such devices are poor, the assembly is relatively complex, and most use the method of cutting the rope with a pyrotechnic cutter to complete the unlocking action. However, the research and development process of pyrotechnic cutters is very costly, and the applicable range of the product is very small. Usually, one pyrotechnic cutter is used to complete stable unlocking for one flexible rope, and the versatility is poor. In addition, the test cost of such devices is high, the operating environment requirements for pyrotechnics are high, and they are not reusable when conducting exploratory tests on the ground. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an unlocking device for a flexible rope to solve the problems of low stability, poor reliability, small applicable range, small bearing capacity of the rope pre-tightening force, relatively complex assembly, and poor versatility of the existing unlocking devices.

[0005] To achieve one of the above objects, this application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] This application provides an unlocking device for a flexible rope, and the unlocking device includes

[0007] A support base;

[0008] A rotating arm installed on the support base and rotatable about a first axis;

[0009] A card slot structure for connecting a restraint member is formed at an end of the rotating arm on one side of the first axis, and a fixed end is formed at an end of the rotating arm on the other side of the first axis;

[0010] The unlocking device further includes a displacement block having a first working position and a second working position;

[0011] The rotating arm includes a first state and a second state;

[0012] When the displacement block is located at the first working position, the displacement block presses and fixes the fixed end of the rotating arm, the rotating arm is in the first state, and the card slot structure can lock the restraint;

[0013] When the displacement block is located at the second working position, the displacement block disengages from the fixed end of the rotating arm, the rotating arm rotates around the first axis and is in the second state, and the card slot structure releases the restraint.

[0014] Optionally, the support seat includes

[0015] Two support walls;

[0016] The rotating arm is rotatably installed between the two support walls;

[0017] A limiting structure connected between the two support walls, and a channel for passing the restraint is formed between the limiting structure and the inner sides of the two support walls.

[0018] Optionally, the unlocking device further includes a limiting block located above the card slot structure of the rotating arm. When the rotating arm rotates to the first state, the limiting block closes the opening of the card slot structure to form a closed structure; the working surface of the card slot structure cooperating with the restraint is an inclined surface inclined outward;

[0019] The force arm part of the locking structure is a U-shaped fork structure, and the force arm part is inserted on both sides of the pressing device.

[0020] Optionally, a pressing part extends outward from the side wall surface of the displacement block, and the pressing part is configured to press and cover the fixed end of the rotating arm.

[0021] Optionally, the fixed end of the rotating arm includes two force arms extending outward from the end, and the two force arms cooperate with the pressing part.

[0022] Optionally, a guiding structure is included between the displacement block and the support seat, and the guiding structure includes a fixing plate formed on the support seat;

[0023] A guiding column fixedly combined with the fixing plate;

[0024] The displacement block is sleeved on the guiding column;

[0025] An elastic member is included between the displacement block and the fixing plate.

[0026] Optionally, the guiding structure further includes a guiding rod fixedly connected to the fixing plate;

[0027] The lug formed on the displacement block;

[0028] The lug is penetrated through the guide rod;

[0029] The elastic member is located between the lug and the fixed plate and sleeved on the guide rod.

[0030] Optionally, the unlocking device further includes

[0031] The buffer gasket installed at the end of the guide rod away from the support base;

[0032] The buffer gasket is fixed to the guide rod by the first locking nut.

[0033] Optionally, the unlocking device further includes a compression screw penetrated through the displacement block, the guide post and the fixed plate; and

[0034] The split nut connected and fixed to the support base;

[0035] The bottom end of the compression screw is exposed on the side of the fixed plate facing away from the displacement block;

[0036] The split nut is configured such that when the displacement block is in the first working position, the bottom end of the compression screw is locked in the split nut.

[0037] Optionally, the unlocking device further includes a buffer member, and the buffer member is integrally fixed to the support base under the swing arm.

[0038] The beneficial effects of the present application are as follows:

[0039] Compared with the prior art,

[0040] First, the present invention can be reused. Multiple unlocking tests can be carried out on the ground before the device is installed, and the on-orbit state can be fully verified. The maximum number of uses of the device is 50 times.

[0041] Second, it can withstand a large pre-tightening force of the rope. The present invention can withstand a rope pre-tightening force not greater than 10000N, which can meet the design requirements for unlocking the constraints of most space products.

[0042] Third, it is not limited to the shape of the rope. The present invention has no special requirements for the material of the rope to be unlocked, the cross-sectional shape of the rope, etc. It can be successfully unlocked as long as the maximum cross-sectional diameter does not exceed 10mm.

[0043] Fourth, the unlocking reliability is high. The present invention uses a shape memory alloy split nut, which is a mature product that has been verified by a large number of tests. Moreover, the force transmission designs of the split nut, the guide structure and the displacement block in the present invention are reasonable, which can prevent the unlocking from jamming, and the unlocking reliability is high.

[0044] V. Simple and safe assembly. Since the present invention adopts a shape memory alloy split nut, there is no need to install any pyrotechnic devices, and there are fewer structural components, so the assembly is simple and safe.

[0045] VI. Strong versatility. The present invention can be used in the folding and unfolding processes of various large-scale structural mechanisms on spacecraft, such as protective covers, solar wings, antennas, solar sails, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] The following further elaborates on the specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the drawings.

[0047] Figure 1 Shows the overall structural schematic diagram of the unlocking device in an embodiment of the present application.

[0048] Figure 2 Shows the structural schematic diagram of the support seat of the unlocking device in an embodiment of the present application.

[0049] Figure 3 Shows the structural diagram of the swing arm of the unlocking device in an embodiment of the present application.

[0050] Figure 4 Shows the installation structural schematic diagram of the guide rod, guide post, and fixed plate of the unlocking device in an embodiment of the present application.

[0051] Figure 5 Shows the structural schematic diagram of the displacement block and compression screw of the unlocking device in an embodiment of the present application.

[0052] Figure 6 Shows the structural schematic diagram of the displacement block of the unlocking device in an embodiment of the present application.

[0053] Figure 7 Shows the structural schematic diagram of the support seat and split nut of the unlocking device in an embodiment of the present application.

[0054] Figure 8 Shows the assembly schematic diagram of the displacement block, guiding structure, and compression screw of the unlocking device in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0055] In the following description, for the purpose of illustration, in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of one or more embodiments, many specific details are set forth. However, it is obvious that these embodiments can also be implemented without these specific details.

[0056] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "upper" and "lower" is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. This is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation to the present application. Unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "installed", "connected", and "coupled" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0057] It should also be noted that in the description of the present application, relational terms such as first and second are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprising", "including" or any other variant thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements not only includes those elements, but also includes other elements not expressly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or device including the said element.

[0058] To solve the problems existing in the prior art, an embodiment of the present application provides an unlocking device for a flexible rope, as Figure 1-8 shown. The unlocking device includes: a support base 1 fixedly coupled to the aircraft; the support base 1 includes: a mounting plate 12, support walls 11, and a limiting structure 14 connected between the two support walls 11. A channel for passing the flexible rope is formed between the limiting structure 14 and the inner sides of the two support walls, and a limiting block 13 is fixedly coupled to the tops of the two support walls.

[0059] As Figure 1As shown in the figure, the mounting plate 12 is of a rectangular structure. A number of ear plates are provided on the side walls of the two long sides of the mounting plate 12, and screw holes for installing screws are provided on the ear plates. The unlocking device is fixed on the rigid frame or cabin plate of the aircraft that can withstand the pre-tightening force of the rope through the ear plates. Two support walls 11 for supporting the rotating arm 2 are fixedly combined on the mounting plate 12. The two support walls 11 are L-shaped plate structures. The two L-shaped support walls 11 are vertically fixed on the mounting plate 12 and the plate surfaces of the two support walls 11 are arranged in parallel. In order to facilitate the installation of the limit block 13 on the two support walls 11, the structure of the limit block 13 in the middle of the two support walls 11 protrudes towards the space between the two support walls 11.

[0060] The rotating arm 2 rotatably installed between the two support walls 11 includes a fixed end 22 formed at one end. The rotating arm 2 is of a spoon-shaped structure. Specifically, a mating hole is provided at the bottom end of the part of the rotating arm 2 protruding towards the mounting plate 12. A bolt passing through the two support walls 11 is installed in the mating hole. The bolt rotatably installs the rotating arm 2 on the two support walls 11. When the rotating arm 2 rotates counterclockwise around the bolt, the end opposite to the fixed end 22 of the rotating arm 2 can abut against the limit block 13. At this time, the rotating arm 2 is in the first state. A groove structure 23 for hooking a flexible rope is provided at the position where the rotating arm 2 abuts against the limit block 13. When the rotating arm 2 is in the first state, the limit block 13 and the groove structure 23 form a closed structure, so as to effectively prevent the flexible rope from slipping off from the closed structure when the protective cover, solar wing, antenna or solar sail of the aircraft is in a retracted state, and thus lose restraint. The working surface of the groove structure 23 far from the fixed end 22 is inclined outward in the direction away from the fixed end 22. The fixed end 22 includes two force arms extending outward from the end. The two force arms are arranged in parallel. The two force arms are inserted on both sides of the displacement block 3 and are in pressure fit with the pressing parts 33 extending outward from the side wall surface of the displacement block 3. By providing the two force arm structures, the force on the fixed end 22 is more balanced, and the compressive capacity of the rotating arm 2 is improved. When the displacement block 3 pushes the fixed end 22 to rotate counterclockwise, according to the lever principle, the end of the rotating arm 2 provided with the groove structure 23 rotates around the rotary bolt and abuts against the limit block 13. The cooperation form of using the rotating arm 2 and the limit block 13 to form a closed structure has no special requirements for the material of the rope to be unlocked, the cross-sectional shape of the rope, etc. As long as the maximum cross-sectional diameter does not exceed 10 mm, it can be successfully unlocked, and the range of ropes that can be adapted is wider.

[0061] As Figure 7As shown, in order to avoid deformation of the swing arm 2 caused by hard impact between the swing arm 2 and the support base 1, a buffer member 15 located below the swing arm 2 is also fixedly coupled to the mounting plate 12 between the two support walls 11. When the swing arm 2 is located on the buffer member 15, the swing arm 2 is in the second state at this time. A limiting structure 14 is also connected between the two support walls 11. A channel for passing a flexible rope is formed between the limiting structure 14 and the inner surface of the two support walls 11, so that the flexible rope can be more conveniently hung into the card slot structure 23 of the swing arm 2.

[0062] As Figure 1 and 6 shown, the displacement block 3 is arranged at one end of the mounting plate 12 away from the support wall 11. The displacement block 3 further includes a first working position, a second working position, and a first through hole 32 provided on the displacement block 3. The displacement block 3 is configured to press and fix the fixed end 22, so that one end of the swing arm 2 provided with the card slot structure 23 rotates to a position abutting against the limiting block 13. A guiding structure is included between the displacement block 3 and the support base 1. As Figure 4-8 shown, the guiding structure includes: a fixing plate 4, a guiding column 41, a guiding rod 42, an ear 31, and a spring 8.

[0063] In one embodiment, the guiding structure includes a guiding column 41. The displacement block 3 is slidably mounted on the guiding column 41 through the first through hole 32. The guiding column 41 is fixedly coupled to the center position of the fixing plate 4. A second through hole 43 penetrating the guiding column 41 and the fixing plate 4 is provided at the axial center position of the guiding column 41.

[0064] Furthermore, the fixing plate 4 is formed on the support base 1. Guiding rods 42 arranged symmetrically around the axis of the guiding column 41 and parallel to the guiding column 41 are also fixedly coupled to the fixing plate 4. The guiding rods 42 penetrate through the ears 31 formed on both sides of the displacement block 3 along the axial direction of the guiding column 41. The guiding rods 42 cooperate with the third through holes 34 formed on the ears 31. The displacement block 3 is slidably connected to both the guiding column 41 and the ears 31 are slidably connected to the guiding rods 42. An elastic member is also provided between the ears 31 and the fixing plate 4. The elastic member is a spring 8 sleeved on the two guiding rods 42 respectively. When the displacement block 3 is located at the first working position, the spring 8 is in a compressed and tightened state, providing an initial acting force for the displacement block 3 to move from the first working position to the second working position. By providing the guiding column 41 and the guiding rod 42 structures, the displacement block 3 can move along a fixed track, avoiding the occurrence of jamming phenomena and being able to bear a greater load.

[0065] As Figure 1As shown, a split nut 7 fixedly combined on the support base 1 is arranged below the fixing plate 4. The split nut 7 is a prior art. In a general structure, a driving structure is arranged on the split nut 7. Specifically, the split nut 7 is fixedly installed on the mounting plate 12. In one embodiment, the split nut 7 has two petals and is made of shape memory alloy. Driven by the driving structure, the two petals of the split nut 7 close to form a whole nut, clamping the threaded end of the pressing screw 5. During this process, the power supply time for the split nut 7 is no more than 0.4 s, and the supply current is 5 A. After unlocking is completed, the split nut 7 is taken out and reset for the next use. Using the split nut 7 to lock the pressing screw 5 can prevent jamming during unlocking and has higher reliability.

[0066] In one embodiment, the fixing plate 4 is fixedly connected to the two bearing walls 9 of the support base 1 by bolts. Specifically, the fixing plate 4 and the two bearing walls 9 form an N-shaped frame structure. The plate surfaces of the two bearing walls 9 are arranged in parallel, and the two bearing walls 9 are vertically fixed on the mounting plate 12 of the support base 1. The split nut 7 is located between the two bearing walls 9 and is fixedly connected to the mounting plate 12.

[0067] As Figure 1 shown, a buffer gasket 61 installed at one end of the guide rod 42 away from the support base 1 is further arranged at the top of the guide rod 42. The buffer gasket 61 is fixed to the guide rod 42 by a first locking nut 6. The buffer gasket 61 can prevent the displacement block 3 from slipping off the guide rod 42 and the guide post 41 and can absorb the impact energy of the ear 31 when the displacement block 3 slides along the guide rod 42.

[0068] In one embodiment, the displacement block 3 has a cuboid structure. The two pressing parts 33 of the displacement block 3 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the first through hole 32 of the displacement block 3. The pressing part 33 is an angular convex structure. The bottom end of the pressing part 33 is fitted on the fixed end 22. The two ears 31 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the first through hole 32 of the displacement block 3. By setting the ear 31 structure, the sliding stability of the displacement block 3 can be increased. At the same time, in order to avoid jamming of the displacement block 3 during sliding, the surface of the first through hole 32 on the displacement block 3 that cooperates with the guide post 41 is also sprayed with molybdenum disulfide to reduce the friction coefficient between the two surfaces.

[0069] When the displacement block 3 slides downward (towards the direction close to the fixed plate 4) to the first working position, the clamping portion 33 of the displacement block 3 pushes the fixed end 22 to rotate downward, so that the end of the rotating arm 2 provided with the slot structure 23 abuts against the limit block 13. In order to prevent the displacement block 3 from resetting, the displacement block 3 is also equipped with a clamping screw 5 that passes through the first through hole 32 and the second through hole 43 and penetrates the displacement block 3, the guide column 41 and the fixed plate 4. A clamping disc 52 is installed on the top of the clamping screw 5, and the clamping disc 52 is fixed to the clamping screw 5 by the second locking nut 51. When the displacement block 3 is at the bottom, the bottom end of the clamping screw 5 is exposed to the side of the fixed plate 4 away from the displacement block 3. At the same time, the end of the clamping screw 5 away from the second locking nut 51 can be locked in the petal nut 7, thereby fixing the position of the displacement block 3 by the clamping screw 5. Specifically, the compression screw 5 is replaced with a new one before each test to prevent its thread from being slightly damaged during the previous unlocking process, thereby affecting the performance of the split nut 7. The pre-tightening torque of the second locking nut 51 is adjusted before each replacement. The size of the pre-tightening torque should be determined in combination with the rated pre-tightening force of the split nut 7 and the maximum pre-tightening force on the rope to be unlocked. At the same time, the assembly of the split nut 7 and the compression screw 5 is simpler and safer.

[0070] like Figure 1 As shown, when the split nut 7 is no longer engaged with the compression screw 5, the displacement block 3 moves upward (away from the fixed plate 4) to the second station along the guide rod 42 under the action of the two springs 8, and is limited at the bottom end of the buffer gasket 61, so that the displacement block 3 is reset. The structural form of the above-mentioned unlocking device can withstand a greater rope preload. The present invention can withstand a rope preload of no more than 10000N, which can meet the design requirements of most space product constraint unlocking, and does not require the installation of any pyrotechnics. It can be tested for multiple unlocking on the ground, which can fully verify the on-track status. Specifically, the maximum number of uses of this flexible rope unlocking device is 50 times.

[0071] When hooking the flexible rope, the flexible rope is hooked in the slot structure 23 of the rotating arm 2 through the channel formed between the limiting structure 14 and the inner sides of the two supporting walls 11 when the two springs 8 are in the bounced state. Gently pull it to test whether it is hooked, then push the displacement block 3 and the tightening screw 5 downward to compress the two springs 8, and then tighten the second locking nut 51 with a certain pre-tightening force to complete the fixation of the flexible rope.

[0072] Working principle:

[0073] After the split nut 7 is energized, the constraint on the clamping screw 5 can be quickly released, and then the two springs 8 drive the displacement block 3 to release the constraint on the rotating arm 2. Then, after the rotating arm 2 rotates a certain angle (greater than 17°) under the pull of the flexible rope, the constrained rope is unlocked.

[0074] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, rather than limitations on the implementation manners of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other different forms of changes or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is impossible to list all the implementation manners here. Any obvious changes or modifications derived from the technical solutions of the present invention still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An unlocking device for a flexible rope, characterized in that, The unlocking device includes a support base; a rotating arm installed on the support base and rotatable about a first axis; a clamping groove structure for connecting a restraint is formed at an end of the rotating arm on one side of the first axis, and a fixed end is formed at an end of the rotating arm on the other side of the first axis; the unlocking device further includes a displacement block having a first working position and a second working position; the rotating arm includes a first state and a second state; when the displacement block is in the first working position, the displacement block presses and fixes on the fixed end of the rotating arm, the rotating arm is in the first state, and the clamping groove structure can lock the restraint; when the displacement block is in the second working position, the displacement block disengages from the fixed end of the rotating arm, and the rotating arm rotates about the first axis and is in the second state, and the clamping groove structure releases the restraint; the unlocking device further includes a limiting block located above the clamping groove structure of the rotating arm. When the rotating arm rotates to the first state, the limiting block closes the opening of the clamping groove structure to form a closed structure; the working surface of the clamping groove structure cooperating with the restraint is an inclined surface inclined outward; a guiding structure is included between the displacement block and the support base, and the guiding structure includes a fixing plate formed on the support base; a guiding column fixedly combined on the fixing plate; the displacement block is penetrated on the guiding column; an elastic member is included between the displacement block and the fixing plate; the guiding structure further includes a guiding rod fixedly connected to the fixing plate; an ear formed on the displacement block; the ear is penetrated on the guiding rod; the elastic member is located between the ear and the fixing plate and sleeved on the guiding rod; the unlocking device further includes a pressing screw penetrated through the displacement block, the guiding column and the fixing plate; and a split nut fixedly connected to the support base; the bottom end of the pressing screw is exposed on the side of the fixing plate facing away from the displacement block; the split nut is configured such that when the displacement block is in the first working position, the bottom end of the pressing screw is locked in the split nut.

2. The unlocking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the support base includes two support walls; the rotating arm is rotatably installed between the two support walls; a limiting structure connected between the two support walls, and a channel for passing the restraint is formed between the limiting structure and the inner side surfaces of the two support walls.

3. The unlocking device according to claim 1, wherein, a pressing portion extends outward from the side wall surface of the displacement block, and the pressing portion is configured to press and cover the fixed end of the rotating arm.

4. The unlocking device according to claim 3, characterized in that, the fixed end of the rotating arm includes two force arms extending outward from the end, and the two force arms cooperate with the pressing portion.

5. The unlocking device according to claim 1, characterized in that the unlocking device further includes a buffer gasket installed at the end of the guiding rod away from the support base; the buffer gasket is fixed to the guiding rod by a first locking nut.

6. The unlocking device according to claim 1, wherein the unlocking device further includes a buffer member, and the buffer member is fixedly combined on the support base below the rotating arm.

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