lock release mechanism

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of locking release mechanism, including locking release connection assembly, with the locking release connection assembly and the locking jaw assembly of cooperation locking, and the axial drive assembly for driving jaw assembly to open or close;Locking release connection assembly includes locking lever, locking lever sequentially passes through first connecting plate and second connecting plate and is locked with jaw assembly;Jaw assembly includes two locking jaws, support frame, pin shaft, any locking jaw is hinged to support frame by pin shaft, any locking jaw is provided with torsion spring, and support frame is fixed on second connecting plate;Axial drive assembly includes drive rod, drive rod moves along the axis, and drives two locking jaws to open or close;The end of locking lever is provided with the clamping groove matched with two locking jaws.The present application can improve the stability of the connection of jaw assembly and locking release connection assembly, no excess during separation release process, no pollution, small impact, simple and reliable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aerospace technology, and in particular to a locking and releasing mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] As commercial spaceflight gradually developed in China in the 21st century, small satellites began to emerge in the aerospace field, with microsatellites and nanosatellites being the most noteworthy. Microsatellites and nanosatellites, with their characteristics of light weight, small size, short development cycle, low cost, high integration, and mass production capability, have rapidly become a research focus in space systems, occupying a dominant position in space science research and teaching, new technology demonstration and verification, remote sensing observation, and space networking. They have now developed into new technology experimental platforms for governments, enterprises, and academia, and have even become advanced tools for space exploration missions, with their application scope gradually expanding.

[0003] On-orbit separation, locking, and release technology is a crucial part of the entire satellite launch procedure. The reliability and practicality of the locking and release mechanism will affect the performance of the satellite and its onboard high-precision instruments, and even determine the success or failure of the entire launch mission. Traditional pyrotechnic separation technology, due to its drawbacks such as large separation impact, is clearly no longer adequate for the unlocking and release requirements of space payloads. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the technical problems existing in the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a locking and releasing mechanism that can withstand vibration loads during launch and also meet the low-impact unlocking and releasing requirements of precision instruments and equipment on satellite.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides a locking and releasing mechanism, including a locking and releasing connecting assembly, a gripper assembly that cooperates with the locking and releasing connecting assembly for locking, and an axial driving assembly for driving the gripper assembly to open or close.

[0006] The locking and releasing connection assembly includes a locking rod, which passes through the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate in sequence and engages with the gripper assembly for locking.

[0007] The gripper assembly includes two locking grippers, a support frame, and a pin. Each of the locking grippers is hinged to the support frame via the pin. Each locking gripper is equipped with a torsion spring. The support frame is fixed to the second connecting plate.

[0008] The axial drive assembly includes a drive rod that moves axially to drive the two locking claws to open or close.

[0009] The locking rod has a groove at its end that engages with the two locking claws.

[0010] According to one technical solution of the present invention, the axial drive assembly further includes a drive base and a limiting locking block. The drive base is provided with a through hole, the drive rod is disposed in the through hole and moves axially along the through hole, and the limiting locking block is fixedly disposed at one end of the drive rod near the locking claw.

[0011] According to one technical solution of the present invention, an inclined surface is provided at one end of any of the locking claws near the drive rod, and the two inclined surfaces of the two locking claws form a "V" shape;

[0012] The drive rod drives the limiting locking block to move axially, changes the angle of the two inclined "V" shaped openings, and drives the two locking claws to rotate around the pin.

[0013] According to one technical solution of the present invention, it further includes:

[0014] The housing encloses the gripper assembly and is fixedly connected to the drive base by bolts.

[0015] According to one technical solution of the present invention, the locking and releasing connection assembly further includes a pressing and fixing plate, a separation spring, an end cap, and a self-aligning gasket;

[0016] The end cap and the self-aligning shim are connected to the locking rod by screws;

[0017] The clamping plate and the locking rod are fitted with a clearance, and the release spring is disposed between the clamping plate and the locking rod.

[0018] According to one technical solution of the present invention, a groove is provided on the horizontal portion of the locking rod near the side of the pressing and fixing plate, and the separation spring is disposed in the groove.

[0019] Under the action of the release spring, the locking rod can drive the end cap and the self-aligning shim to move away from the clamping plate along the axis of the locking rod, and limit the end of the locking rod through the hole of the clamping plate.

[0020] According to one technical solution of the present invention, the clamping and fixing plate is fixed to the first connecting plate by means of screw fastening.

[0021] According to one technical solution of the present invention, the axial drive assembly adopts an electromagnetic drive method, a shape memory alloy drive, or a shape memory composite material drive.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0023] According to the present invention, a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate are connected by a locking release connecting assembly and a gripper assembly. The first connecting plate and the second connecting plate can be connected to a connector and a connected component, respectively, such as a CubeSat, a solar array, or other space equipment. The axial drive assembly includes a drive rod that moves axially to drive the two locking grippers to open or close. The end of the locking rod is provided with a slot that engages with the two locking grippers, which can improve the stability of the connection between the gripper assembly and the locking release connecting assembly. There are no extraneous materials or pollution during the separation and release process, the impact is small, it is simple and reliable, and it is highly manufacturable and easy to productize and commercialize. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates a locking and releasing mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the locking gripper provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] in, Figures 1 to 2 The correspondence between the reference numerals and component names in the attached drawings is as follows:

[0028] 1. Housing; 2. Locking and releasing connection assembly; 3. Axial drive assembly; 4. Claw assembly; 5. First connecting plate; 6. Second connecting plate; 201. Locking rod; 202. Pressing and fixing plate; 203. Separation spring; 204. End cap; 205. Self-aligning shim; 301. Base; 302. Drive rod; 303. Limiting locking block; 401. Locking claw; 402. Support frame; 403. Pin; 404. Torsion spring. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The description of the embodiments in this specification should be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which should form part of the complete specification. In the drawings, the shape or thickness of the embodiments may be exaggerated and may be indicated in a simplified or convenient manner. Furthermore, parts of the various structures in the drawings will be described separately; it is worth noting that elements not shown in the figures or not described in words are in a form known to those skilled in the art.

[0030] The descriptions of the embodiments herein, including any references to directions and orientations, are for ease of description only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. The following description of preferred embodiments involves combinations of features, which may exist independently or in combination; the invention is not particularly limited to the preferred embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims.

[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a locking and releasing mechanism of the present invention includes a locking and releasing connecting assembly 2, a gripper assembly 4 that cooperates with the locking and releasing connecting assembly 2 for locking, and an axial driving assembly 3 for driving the gripper assembly 4 to open or close.

[0032] The locking and releasing connection assembly 2 includes a locking rod 201, which passes through the first connecting plate 5 and the second connecting plate 6 in sequence and locks with the claw assembly 4.

[0033] The gripper assembly 4 includes two locking grippers 401, a support frame 402, and a pin 403. Each locking gripper 401 is hinged to the support frame 402 via the pin 403. Each locking gripper 401 is equipped with a torsion spring 404. The support frame 402 is fixed to the second connecting plate 6.

[0034] Axial drive assembly 3 includes drive rod 302, which moves axially to drive two locking claws 401 to open or close.

[0035] The end of the locking rod 201 is provided with a slot that engages with the two locking claws 401.

[0036] In this embodiment, the first connecting plate 5 and the second connecting plate 6 are connected by the locking and releasing connecting assembly 2 and the gripper assembly 4. The first connecting plate 5 and the second connecting plate 6 can be connected to the connecting part and the connected part, respectively, such as space equipment such as CubeSats and solar arrays. The axial drive assembly 3 includes a drive rod 302, which moves axially to drive the two locking grippers 401 to complete the opening or closing action. The end of the locking rod 201 is provided with a slot that cooperates with the two locking grippers 401, which can improve the stability of the connection between the gripper assembly 4 and the locking and releasing connecting assembly 2. There are no extra materials or pollution during the separation and release process, the impact is small, it is simple and reliable, and it is highly manufacturable and easy to realize productization and commercialization.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, when the torsion spring 404 is in its initial state, the locking claw 401 is in the open state.

[0038] A pressure sensor can be installed at the part where the locking claw 401 contacts the bottom of the locking rod 201. The signal from the pressure sensor is transmitted to the control end of the axial drive assembly 3. When the pressure between the locking claw 401 and the locking rod 201 reaches a preset value, the drive assembly is triggered to control the locking claw 401 to close and clamp the locking rod 201, thereby achieving automatic clamping.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the axial drive assembly 3 further includes a drive base 301 and a limiting locking block 303. The drive base 301 is provided with a through hole, the drive rod 302 is disposed in the through hole and moves axially along the through hole, and the limiting locking block 303 is fixedly disposed at one end of the drive rod 302 near the locking claw 401.

[0040] In this embodiment, the drive base 301 is provided with a through hole, and the drive rod 302 moves within the through hole, which helps to limit the direction of movement of the drive rod 302, ensures that the drive rod 302 moves smoothly, thereby reducing the impact generated during the movement of the drive rod 302 and ensuring the stability and reliability of the locking and releasing mechanism.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, one end of any locking claw 401 near the drive rod 302 is provided with an inclined surface, and the two inclined surfaces of the two locking claws 401 form a "V" shape;

[0042] The drive rod 302 drives the limit locking block 303 to move axially, changing the opening angle of the two inclined "V" shapes, and driving the two locking claws 401 to rotate around the pin 403.

[0043] In this embodiment, the two inclined surfaces of the two locking claws 401 form a "V" shape. When the drive rod 302 moves axially, it drives the limiting locking block 303 to move, such as... Figure 1 As shown, when the drive rod 302 moves to the right, the angle of the two inclined "V"-shaped openings decreases, and the locking claw 401 opens; when the locking claw 401 is open, and the drive rod 302 moves to the left, the angle of the two inclined "V"-shaped openings increases, and the locking claw 401 closes.

[0044] Among them, the stroke S of the axial movement of the drive rod 302, the length H of the drive rod 302 extending into the locking claw 401 and the length L of the inclined surface of the locking claw 401 should satisfy S < L + H to ensure that the drive rod 302 can complete the reciprocating motion.

[0045] Furthermore, the limiting locking block 303 is made of a smooth, flexible material to reduce impact. The smooth surface reduces friction, allowing the drive rod 302 to move axially smoothly.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, it further includes:

[0047] The housing 1 encloses the gripper assembly 4 and is fixedly connected to the drive base 301 by bolts. The bolt connection structure is simple and stable.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the locking and releasing connection assembly 2 further includes a pressing and fixing plate 202, a separation spring 203, an end cap 204, and a self-aligning shim 205;

[0049] End cap 204 and self-aligning shim 205 are connected to locking rod 201 by screws;

[0050] The clamping plate 202 and the locking rod 201 are fitted with a clearance, and the separation spring 203 is disposed between the clamping plate 202 and the locking rod 201.

[0051] Under the action of the release spring 203, the locking rod 201 can drive the end cover 204 and the self-aligning shim 205 to move away from the clamping plate 202 along the axis of the locking rod 201, and limit the end of the locking rod 201 through the hole of the clamping plate 202 to prevent the locking rod 201 from coming out.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, a groove is provided on the side of the end cap near the clamping and fixing plate 202, and the separation spring 203 is disposed in the groove.

[0053] In this embodiment, the locking claw 401 is in the open state. When the locking rod 201 is released, the locking release connection assembly 2 is in the released state. Under the extension of the separation spring 203, the locking rod 201, end cap 204, and self-aligning washer 205 move away from the locking claw 401.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the clamping and fixing plate 202 is fixed to the first connecting plate 5 by means of screw fastening.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the axial drive assembly 3 is driven by electromagnetic drive, shape memory alloy drive, or shape memory composite material drive, which is beneficial to reduce impact.

[0056] In a locking and releasing mechanism of the present invention, when the locking claw 401 is in the closed state and grips the locking rod 201, the locking and releasing connecting assembly 2 is in the locked state, and at this time the second connecting plate 6 and the first connecting plate 5 are in a close and closed state. When the locking claw 401 is in the open state and the locking rod 201 is released, the locking and releasing connecting assembly 2 is in the released state. Under the extension action of the separation spring 203, the locking rod 201, the end cap 204, and the self-aligning washer 205 move away from the locking claw 401, and the second connecting plate 6 and the first connecting plate 5 are in a released and open state.

[0057] This invention discloses a locking and releasing mechanism, comprising a locking and releasing connecting assembly, a gripper assembly that engages with and locks into the locking and releasing connecting assembly, and an axial drive assembly for driving the gripper assembly to open or close. The locking and releasing connecting assembly includes a locking rod that passes sequentially through a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate and engages with the gripper assembly for locking. The gripper assembly includes two locking grippers, a support frame, and a pin. Each locking gripper is hinged to the support frame via the pin, and each locking gripper is equipped with a torsion spring. The support frame is fixed to the second connecting plate. The axial drive assembly includes a drive rod that moves axially to drive the two locking grippers to open or close. The end of the locking rod is provided with a groove that engages with the two locking grippers, which improves the stability of the connection between the gripper assembly and the locking and releasing connecting assembly. During the separation and release process, there are no extraneous materials, no pollution, minimal impact, and the mechanism is simple, reliable, and highly manufacturable, making it easy to commercialize and productize.

[0058] The sequence numbers of the various steps involved in the method of the present invention do not imply the order of execution of the method. The execution order of each step should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0059] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A locking and releasing mechanism, characterized in that, It includes a locking and releasing connection assembly (2), a gripper assembly (4) that cooperates with the locking and releasing connection assembly (2) for locking, and an axial drive assembly (3) for driving the gripper assembly (4) to open or close. The locking and releasing connection assembly (2) includes a locking rod (201), which passes through the first connecting plate (5) and the second connecting plate (6) in sequence and locks with the gripper assembly (4); The gripper assembly (4) includes two locking grippers (401), a support frame (402), and a pin (403). Each of the locking grippers (401) is hinged to the support frame (402) via the pin (403). Each of the locking grippers (401) is equipped with a torsion spring (404). The support frame (402) is fixed to the second connecting plate (6). The axial drive assembly (3) includes a drive rod (302) that moves axially to drive the two locking claws (401) to open or close. The vertical portion of the locking rod (201) is provided with a slot that engages with the two locking claws (401); The axial drive assembly (3) further includes a drive base (301) and a limiting locking block (303). The drive base (301) is provided with a through hole. The drive rod (302) is disposed in the through hole and moves axially along the through hole. The limiting locking block (303) is fixedly disposed at one end of the drive rod (302) near the locking claw (401). The locking and releasing connection assembly (2) also includes a pressing and fixing plate (202), a separation spring (203), an end cap (204), and a self-aligning shim (205); The end cap (204) and the self-aligning shim (205) are connected to the locking rod (201) by screws; The clamping plate (202) and the locking rod (201) are fitted with a clearance, and the separation spring (203) is disposed between the clamping plate (202) and the end cap (204); Under the action of the release spring (203), the locking rod (201) can drive the end cap (204) and the self-aligning shim (205) to move away from the pressing plate (202) along the axis of the locking rod (201), and limit the end of the locking rod (201) through the hole of the pressing plate (202).

2. The locking and releasing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of each of the locking claws (401) near the drive rod (302) is provided with a bevel, and the two bevels of the two locking claws (401) form a "V" shape; The drive rod (302) drives the limiting locking block (303) to move axially, changing the angle of the two inclined "V" shaped openings, and driving the two locking claws (401) to rotate around the pin (403).

3. The locking and releasing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The housing (1) encloses the gripper assembly (4) and is fixedly connected to the drive base (301) by bolts.

4. The locking and releasing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end cap (204) has a groove on the side near the clamping plate (202), and the separation spring (203) is disposed in the groove.

5. The locking and releasing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping and fixing plate (202) is fixed to the first connecting plate (5) by screw fastening.

6. The locking and releasing mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The axial drive assembly (3) is driven by electromagnetic drive, shape memory alloy drive, or shape memory composite material drive.

Images