Underwater vehicle release device

Abstract

This invention discloses an underwater vehicle release device, comprising: a base with a first through hole in the middle, the first through hole accommodating a cable; a hollow sleeve with openings at both ends, the bottom surface of which is connected to the top surface of the base; a heating component and a shape memory alloy column in the hollow cavity of the sleeve, and a mounting hole in the side wall, with a mounting element in the mounting hole; a release component sleeved on the outside of the sleeve, with an opening in the middle; a protective cover fixed to the top surface of the release component, with an elastic element inside; a limiting pin with a second through hole vertically in the middle; one end of the elastic element abutting against the protective cover, and the other end abutting against the limiting pin; a heating component fixed to the top surface of the base and connected to the cable; one end of the shape memory alloy column connected to the heating component, and the other end inserted into the second through hole, with an annular step in the middle locking the limiting pin; the annular step shrinks to a size smaller than the second through hole after being heated, causing the limiting pin to move down until the mounting element disengages from the mounting hole, thereby reducing noise during release and avoiding electromagnetic interference.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of underwater vehicles, and more particularly to an underwater vehicle detachment device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, underwater equipment is developing in a diverse manner, and deploying weapons or monitoring equipment near enemy waters or vessels using unmanned underwater vehicles has become an important research direction for many countries. Various release devices are often used in the covert deployment of weapons or monitoring equipment. Currently, release devices commonly employ explosive bolts or mechanical release mechanisms. Explosive bolt release devices achieve effective release by igniting the detonator inside the explosive bolt, destroying the connection point. The main problems with this method are high noise levels, easy target exposure, and inability to achieve the purpose of covert deployment of weapons or monitoring equipment. Mechanical release mechanisms generally use the contraction or extension of an electromagnet core shaft as the actuation force to drive the mechanical mechanism to separate. The electromagnet drives the core shaft through electromagnetic force generated by a coil. As the separation force of the release device increases, a larger driving force is required, and the electromagnet needs to be larger. Electromagnets are simply unsuitable as the actuation force for mechanical release mechanisms. Furthermore, electromagnet actuation is susceptible to electromagnetic interference and is prone to failure in enemy electromagnetic interference environments, thus failing to achieve the purpose of deploying weapons or monitoring equipment.

[0003] There is currently no effective solution to the problems of high noise and susceptibility to interference in existing release devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides an underwater vehicle disengagement device that uses a purely mechanical structure to drive disengagement, thereby solving the issues of high noise levels and susceptibility to interference when using electromagnets in existing disengagement devices.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide an underwater vehicle release device, comprising: a base, wherein a first through hole is provided in the middle of the base, and the first through hole accommodates a cable; a sleeve, wherein the sleeve is hollow, open at both ends, and its bottom surface is connected to the top surface of the base, wherein a heating component and a shape memory alloy pillar are provided in the hollow inner cavity of the sleeve, and at least one mounting hole is provided in the side wall, wherein a mounting element is provided in the mounting hole; a release component, wherein the release component is sleeved on the outside of the sleeve, and open in the middle; a protective cover, wherein the protective cover is fixed to the top surface of the release component, and an elastic element is provided inside; and a limiting pin, wherein the limiting pin is located in the accommodating space formed by the inner cavity of the protective cover and the hollow inner cavity of the sleeve. The limiting pin has a second through hole vertically formed in the middle. The inner sidewall of the release component and the outer sidewall of the limiting pin together limit the mounting component in the mounting hole. One end of the elastic component abuts against the protective cover, and the other end abuts against the limiting pin. The heating component is fixed to the top surface of the base and connected to the cable. One end of the shape memory alloy pillar is vertically connected to the heating component, and the other end is inserted into the second through hole. The pillar has a protruding annular step in the middle to hold the limiting pin. The size of the annular step is larger than the size of the second through hole. When heated, the annular step can shrink to a size smaller than the second through hole, so that the limiting pin moves down until the mounting component is released from the mounting hole.

[0006] Optionally, the limiting pin includes an integrally formed first cylindrical body and a second cylindrical body; the diameter of the first cylindrical body is smaller than the diameter of the second cylindrical body; the first cylindrical body is located at the top of the second cylindrical body, and a plug-in post extends vertically downward inside it; a second through hole is opened in the middle of the plug-in post, and the bottom of the plug-in post abuts against the top of the annular step of the shape memory alloy post; the outer wall of the second cylindrical body is used to limit the mounting component.

[0007] Alternatively, the mounting component may be a steel ball.

[0008] Alternatively, the elastic element may be a spring.

[0009] Alternatively, a cable sealing assembly is provided in the first through hole, through which the cable passes and connects to the heating component.

[0010] Further optionally, a sealing ring is provided between the sleeve and the base; a sealing ring is provided between the sleeve and the release component; and a sealing ring is provided between the sleeve and the limiting pin.

[0011] Further optionally, the protective cover and the release component are fixedly connected by a first screw; the base and the sleeve are fixedly connected by a second screw.

[0012] Alternatively, an airtight screw may be attached to the top of the second through hole.

[0013] Alternatively, eight mounting holes are evenly provided on the same circumference of the side wall of the sleeve, with each mounting hole corresponding to mounting a mounting component.

[0014] Optionally, the substrate has multiple fastening holes for connecting to the part to be separated.

[0015] The above technical solution has the following beneficial effects: The underwater vehicle release device of the present invention utilizes the characteristic of shape memory alloy changing shape after being heated, and at the same time, it is combined with the thrust of a suitable elastic element on the limiting pin to release the limiting function of the limiting steel ball, so that the release device can be activated. The shape memory alloy is only affected by temperature and is not affected by the magnitude of the separation force. At the same time, there is no problem of electromagnetic interference, and the generation of noise is greatly reduced, which meets the purpose of concealed deployment of weapons or monitoring equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main cross-sectional structure of the underwater vehicle release device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a top-view cross-sectional structural diagram of the underwater vehicle release device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the main cross-sectional structure of the underwater vehicle release device after release, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure reference numerals: 1-protective cover 2-elastic element 3-release component 4-mounting component 5-limiting pin 6-sleeve 7-second screw 8-cable sealing assembly 9-cable 10-heating component 11-shape memory alloy column 12-base 13-sealing ring 14-first screw 15-airtight screw. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] To overcome the problems of loud noise and easy target exposure caused by explosive bolts, as well as the inability of electromagnets to function as the drive mechanism for mechanical release under high separation forces and the susceptibility of electromagnets to electromagnetic interference failure, this invention provides a release device for underwater vehicles. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main cross-sectional structure of the underwater vehicle release device provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown, it includes: a base 12, with a first through hole in the middle of the base 12, the first through hole accommodating a cable 9; a sleeve 6, which is hollow and open at both ends, its bottom surface connected to the top surface of the base 12, a heating element 10 and a shape memory alloy pillar 11 disposed in the hollow cavity of the sleeve 6, and at least one mounting hole on the side wall, in which a mounting element 4 is disposed; a release element 3, which is sleeved on the outside of the sleeve 6 and open in the middle; a protective cover 1, which is fixed to the top surface of the release element 3 and has an elastic element 2 disposed inside; and a limiting pin 5, which is located in the accommodating space formed by the inner cavity of the protective cover 1 and the hollow inner cavity of the sleeve 6, limiting the movement of the cable 9. A second through hole is vertically opened in the middle of the pin 5. The inner side wall of the release component 3 and the outer side wall of the limiting pin 5 together limit the mounting component 4 in the mounting hole. One end of the elastic component 2 abuts against the protective cover 1, and the other end abuts against the limiting pin 5. The heating component 10 is fixed to the top surface of the base 12 and connected to the cable 9. One end of the shape memory alloy column 11 is vertically connected to the heating component 10, and the other end is inserted into the second through hole. A protruding annular step is provided in the middle to lock the limiting pin 5. The size of the annular step is larger than the size of the second through hole. After being heated, the annular step can shrink to a size smaller than the size of the second through hole so that the limiting pin 5 moves down until the mounting component 4 is released from the mounting hole.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a top-view cross-sectional structural diagram of the underwater vehicle release device provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the base 12 is the largest, serving as the connecting base at the bottom. The main body of the base 12 is a circular platform, on which four outwardly extending fixing blades are provided. These four fixing blades are evenly distributed on the circular platform of the base 12, and each fixing blade is used to connect with the component to be separated from the underwater vehicle. See also... Figure 1 A first through hole is vertically opened in the middle of the base 12, and a cable 9 is installed in the first through hole.

[0024] See Figure 1 A sleeve 6 is fixed to the top surface of the base 12. The main body of the sleeve 6 is cylindrical, hollow, and open at both ends. A flange extends outward from the bottom of the sleeve 6, and the bottom surface of the flange contacts the top surface of the base 12 for fixed connection, thereby fixing the sleeve 6 to the base 12. At least one mounting hole is provided on the side wall of the cylindrical main body of the sleeve 6, and a mounting element 4 is provided in each mounting hole.

[0025] See Figure 1 In this embodiment, the release component 3 includes an integrally formed cylindrical portion and a platform portion, with the platform portion located at the top of the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion is fitted onto the outside of the sleeve 6, and the platform portion has an opening in the middle, the opening size of which is smaller than the size of the cylindrical portion. See also... Figure 1 , Figure 2 It is known that a fixing hole is provided near the edge of the platform for connecting to another part of the underwater vehicle that needs to be separated.

[0026] In this embodiment, the protective cover 1 is cylindrical, with a folded edge extending outward from its bottom. The bottom surface of this folded edge is connected to the top surface of the release component 3. Specifically, the bottom surface of the folded edge of the protective cover 1 is fixedly connected to the top surface of the platform portion of the release component 3. The protective cover 1 has only an opening at its bottom. Since the release component 3 has an opening in the middle, the inner cavity of the protective cover 1 is interconnected with the hollow inner cavity of the sleeve 6. The inner cavity of the protective cover 1 and the hollow inner cavity of the sleeve 6 form an accommodating space.

[0027] The limiting pin 5 is located in the aforementioned accommodating space, and a second through hole is vertically opened in its middle. Its outer side wall and the inner side wall of the release component 3 together limit the mounting component 4 in the mounting hole. The release component 3 is fixed to the outside of the sleeve 6 by the mounting component 4 and will not fall off.

[0028] As an optional implementation, a corresponding mounting groove is formed on the inner sidewall of the release component 3 to accommodate the mounting piece 4, thereby fixing the release component 3 to the sleeve 6. Currently, the size of the mounting groove cannot be too large, and can only accommodate a portion of the mounting piece 4.

[0029] See Figure 1 The hollow inner cavity of the sleeve 6 is also provided with a shape memory alloy column 11 and a heating component 10. The heating component 10 is fixed to the top surface of the base 12 by screws. The heating component 10 is connected to a cable 9 passing through the base 12. After being powered on, the heating component 10 heats up and the surface temperature rises.

[0030] The shape memory alloy column 11 is made of shape memory alloy and has an annular step in its middle. Its bottom end is connected to the heating element 10, and its top end passes through a second through hole. The diameter of the annular step is larger than the size of the second through hole, thus the bottom of the sidewall of the second through hole is engaged with the top surface of the annular step, preventing the limiting pin 5 from falling. When the shape memory alloy column 11 is heated, the size of the annular step decreases until its diameter is smaller than the diameter of the second through hole. At this point, the limiting pin 5 falls under the pushing force of the elastic element 2. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the main cross-sectional structure of the underwater vehicle release device after release, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3As shown, the outer wall of the limiting pin 5 can no longer limit the mounting part 4, the mounting part 4 falls off, thereby releasing the limiting of the release component 3, realizing the release component 3 detaching from the sleeve 6, and further enabling the part to be separated fixed on the release component 3 to detach from another part to be separated fixed on the base 12.

[0031] As an optional implementation, the limiting pin 5 includes an integrally formed first cylindrical body and a second cylindrical body; the diameter of the first cylindrical body is smaller than the diameter of the second cylindrical body; the first cylindrical body is located at the top of the second cylindrical body, and a plug-in post extends vertically downward inside it; a second through hole is opened in the middle of the plug-in post, and the bottom of the plug-in post abuts against the top of the annular step of the shape memory alloy post 11; the outer side wall of the second cylindrical body is used to limit the mounting piece 4.

[0032] See Figure 1 The limiting pin 5 includes a first cylindrical body and a second cylindrical body. The first cylindrical body is located on top of the second cylindrical body and its size is smaller than that of the second cylindrical body.

[0033] The outer wall of the second cylinder and the inner wall of the release component 3 together limit the mounting component 4 in the mounting hole.

[0034] The first cylindrical body is provided with a downwardly extending plug post, and a second through hole is vertically opened in the middle of the plug post. The bottom of the plug post abuts against the top of the annular step of the shape memory alloy column 11.

[0035] When the annular step of the shape memory alloy column 11 shrinks due to heat, the insertion column moves down along the shape memory alloy column 11, and the second cylinder moves down accordingly. When the height of the top surface of the second cylinder is less than the height of the mounting hole, the mounting part 4 falls off, releasing the limiting position of the release part 3.

[0036] As an optional implementation, mounting component 4 is a steel ball.

[0037] As an optional implementation, the elastic element 2 is a spring.

[0038] The spring is in a compressed state when the limit is not in contact.

[0039] As an optional implementation, a cable sealing assembly 8 is provided in the first through hole, and the cable 9 passes through the cable sealing assembly 8 and is connected to the heating component 10.

[0040] Since this device will be used in underwater vehicles, contact with water is unavoidable. Therefore, to prevent external water flow from entering and affecting the overall performance of the device, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 1 In this embodiment, a cable sealing assembly 8 is provided in the first through hole, and the cable 9 passes through the cable sealing assembly 8 to prevent water from entering through the first through hole and affecting the performance of the cable 9.

[0041] As an optional implementation, the cable sealing assembly 8 may adopt a rubber-encapsulated structure.

[0042] As an optional implementation, see [link to implementation details]. Figure 1 A sealing ring 13 is provided between the sleeve 6 and the base 12; a sealing ring 13 is provided between the sleeve 6 and the release component 3; and a sealing ring 13 is provided between the sleeve 6 and the limiting pin 5.

[0043] See Figure 1 A sealing ring 13 is provided between the sleeve 6 and the base 12. As an optional embodiment, a first annular sealing groove is provided at the corresponding position of the base 12 and the sleeve 6, and the sealing ring 13 is installed in the first annular sealing groove to achieve a sealed connection between the sleeve 6 and the base 12.

[0044] A sealing ring 13 is also provided between the sleeve 6 and the release component 3. As an optional embodiment, a second annular sealing groove is provided on the outer side wall of the sleeve 6 and the release component 3 respectively, and the sealing ring 13 is installed in the second annular sealing groove to achieve a sealed connection between the sleeve 6 and the release component 3.

[0045] A sealing ring 13 is provided between the sleeve 6 and the limiting pin 5. As an optional embodiment, a third annular sealing groove is provided on the outer side wall of the limiting pin 5 corresponding to the sleeve 6, and the sealing ring 13 is installed in the third annular sealing groove to achieve a sealed connection between the sleeve 6 and the limiting pin 5.

[0046] As an optional implementation, see [link to implementation details]. Figure 1 The protective cover 1 and the release component 3 are fixedly connected by the first screw 14; the base 12 and the sleeve 6 are fixedly connected by the second screw 7.

[0047] As an optional implementation, the folded edge of the protective cover 1 and the release component 3 are fixedly connected by first screws 14. There are multiple first screws 14, which are evenly distributed to fix the protective cover 1 and the release component 3.

[0048] As an optional implementation, the flange of the sleeve 6 is fixedly connected to the base 12 by a second screw 7. Multiple second screws 7 are evenly distributed to fix the sleeve 6 to the base 12.

[0049] As an optional implementation method, see [link to implementation details]. Figure 1 An airtight screw 15 is connected to the top of the second through hole.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, since the second through hole passes through the limiting pin 5, if the release component 3 is detached from the sleeve 6, the second through hole will be exposed to water. In order to prevent water from entering, this embodiment connects an airtight screw 15 to the top of the second through hole to achieve the sealing of the second through hole.

[0051] As an optional implementation method, such as Figure 2 As shown, eight mounting holes are evenly provided on the same circumference of the side wall of the sleeve 6, and each mounting hole corresponds to mounting a mounting piece 4.

[0052] See Figure 2 Eight mounting holes are evenly provided on the same circumference of the inner side wall of the sleeve 6, and a mounting element 4 is provided in each mounting hole to ensure the reliability of the limit.

[0053] As an optional implementation, the substrate 12 has multiple fastening holes for connecting with the part to be separated.

[0054] See Figure 2 Each fixed blade of the base 12 is provided with at least one fastening hole for connecting to the part to be separated from the underwater detector by screws.

[0055] The underwater vehicle release device in this embodiment is used as follows: When the limit is not released, the limit pin, under the thrust of the elastic element, is locked onto the annular step of the shape memory alloy column, at which point the mounting component is fully positioned. When release is required, after the cable is energized, the heating element heats the shape memory alloy column, causing the diameter of the annular step to shrink and the step to disappear. Under the thrust of the elastic element, the limit pin moves downward and inserts into the shape memory alloy column. The mounting component is then forced into the hollow inner cavity of the sleeve, thereby releasing the locking mechanism from the sleeve and the release flange, thus realizing the function of the underwater vehicle release device.

[0056] The above technical solution has the following beneficial effects: The underwater vehicle release device of the present invention utilizes the characteristic of shape memory alloy changing shape after being heated, and at the same time, it is combined with the thrust of a suitable elastic element on the limiting pin to release the limiting function of the limiting steel ball, so that the release device can be activated. The shape memory alloy is only affected by temperature and is not affected by the magnitude of the separation force. At the same time, there is no problem of electromagnetic interference, and the generation of noise is greatly reduced, which meets the purpose of concealed deployment of weapons or monitoring equipment.

[0057] The above-described specific embodiments of the invention further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the invention. It should be understood that the above content is only for specific embodiments of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the invention should be included within the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. A detachment device for an underwater vehicle, characterized in that, include: The substrate has a first through hole in the middle, and the first through hole accommodates a cable; A sleeve, which is hollow and open at both ends, with its bottom surface connected to the top surface of the base, is provided with a heating element and a shape memory alloy column in the hollow cavity of the sleeve, and at least one mounting hole is provided on the side wall, with a mounting element provided in the mounting hole; A release component, which is sleeved on the outside of the sleeve and has an opening in the middle; The protective cover is fixed to the top surface of the release component and has an elastic element inside; A limiting pin is located in the accommodating space formed by the inner cavity of the protective cover and the hollow inner cavity of the sleeve. A second through hole is vertically opened in the middle of the limiting pin. The inner side wall of the release component and the outer side wall of the limiting pin together limit the mounting component in the mounting hole. One end of the elastic element abuts against the protective cover, and the other end abuts against the limiting pin; The heating element is fixed to the top surface of the base and connected to the cable; One end of the shape memory alloy column is perpendicularly connected to the heating component, and the other end is inserted into the second through hole. A protruding annular step is provided in the middle to lock the limiting pin. The size of the annular step is larger than the size of the second through hole. After being heated, the annular step can shrink to a size smaller than the second through hole so that the limiting pin moves down until the mounting component is dislodged from the mounting hole.

2. The underwater vehicle release device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting pin includes an integrally formed first cylindrical body and a second cylindrical body; The diameter of the first cylindrical body is smaller than the diameter of the second cylindrical body; The first cylindrical body is located at the top of the second cylindrical body, and a plug-in post extends vertically downward inside it; The plug has a second through hole in the middle, and the bottom of the plug abuts against the top of the annular step of the shape memory alloy column; The outer wall of the second cylindrical body is used to limit the position of the mounting component.

3. The underwater vehicle release device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting component is a steel ball.

4. The underwater vehicle release device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic element is a spring.

5. The underwater vehicle release device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A cable sealing assembly is provided in the first through hole, and the cable passes through the cable sealing assembly and is connected to the heating component.

6. The underwater vehicle release device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sealing ring is provided between the sleeve and the base; A sealing ring is provided between the sleeve and the release component; A sealing ring is provided between the sleeve and the limiting pin.

7. The underwater vehicle release device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protective cover and the release component are fixedly connected by a first screw; The base and the sleeve are fixedly connected by a second screw.

8. The underwater vehicle release device according to claim 1, characterized in that: An airtight screw is connected to the top of the second through hole.

9. The underwater vehicle release device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Eight mounting holes are evenly provided on the same circumference of the side wall of the sleeve, and each mounting hole corresponds to mounting a mounting component.

10. The underwater vehicle release device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The substrate has multiple fastening holes for connecting to the part to be separated.

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