Passive driving locking mechanism of lens cover of space optical camera and assembling method thereof

Abstract

The application relates to a lens cover passive driving locking mechanism of a space optical camera and an assembling method thereof, which comprises a torsional spring support, a torsional spring shaft, a torsional spring, a solid lubricating torsional spring shaft sleeve, a shaft sleeve seat, a first torsional spring pressing plate, a second torsional spring pressing plate, a flexible fixed end and a rigid moving end matched with the flexible fixed end; the torsional spring support is fixed on a lens barrel structural member, the torsional spring shaft passes through the torsional spring support and the torsional spring rear end and is in close contact with the solid lubricating torsional spring shaft sleeve, the solid lubricating torsional spring shaft sleeve is in close contact with the shaft sleeve seat, and each shaft sleeve seat is fixed with a lens cover; after the pre-tightened torsional spring is inserted into a groove on the first torsional spring pressing plate, the first torsional spring pressing plate, the second torsional spring pressing plate and the lens cover are sequentially fixed and connected. The application adopts a passive driving scheme, realizes stable track of a rotating mechanism and solid lubricating friction, has no power consumption demand based on passive structural members, adopts a solid lubricating mode, has small rotating friction and avoids the occurrence of cold welding.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of space optical remote sensing technology, and in particular to a passive drive locking mechanism for the lens cover of a space optical camera and its assembly method. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development and maturation of aerospace technology, space optical remote sensors, especially optical cameras, are increasingly widely used in the aerospace field. In meteorology, optical cameras can monitor the activity of the solar surface, thereby predicting space weather; in the field of Earth's atmospheric environment, optical cameras can observe and analyze the Earth's atmospheric environment and plasmasphere, thereby monitoring the state of the surface atmosphere and plasmasphere, and thus predicting the Earth's growth trend; in the field of navigation and detailed surveying, optical cameras can image and observe the location and trend of land, ocean, and mountains, thereby using the observation data for navigation and ground surveying. The increasingly mature technology of space optical cameras is inextricably linked to our daily lives.

[0003] During launch and orbit insertion, space optical cameras experience significant mechanical vibrations, substantial airflow impacts, and atmospheric pollution. Airflow impacts can damage the optical filters at the camera's front end, leading to mission failure; atmospheric pollution affects internal optical components and CCD / CMOS detectors, impacting image quality and also causing mission failure. Therefore, a common solution is to incorporate protective devices at the camera's light inlet.

[0004] The protective device is designed at the front of the camera, serving as a lens cover. For operations requiring repeated opening and closing during on-orbit use, the lens cover is typically motor-driven, a design common in space cameras. However, for a lens cover that opens only once, factors such as weight, performance, and reliability must be considered while achieving basic functionality. Achieving one-time opening of the lens cover, maintaining a predetermined rotation angle, and ensuring stability after opening, with fewer structural components, lighter weight, and higher reliability, is a significant technical challenge for space optical cameras. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve a series of technical difficulties in the design of a one-time opening device for a space optical camera lens cover, and to propose a passive drive locking mechanism for a space optical camera lens cover and its assembly method.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0007] A passive drive locking mechanism for a lens cover of a space optical camera includes a torsion spring bracket, a torsion spring shaft, a torsion spring, a solid lubricated torsion spring bushing, a bushing seat, a first torsion spring pressure plate, a second torsion spring pressure plate, and a locking device. The locking device includes a flexible fixed end mounted on the torsion spring bracket and a rigid moving end mounted on the lens cover and engaging with the flexible fixed end.

[0008] The torsion spring bracket is fixedly installed on the side of the lens barrel structure. The torsion spring shaft passes through the shaft hole on the torsion spring bracket and the torsion spring located inside the torsion spring bracket. The two ends of the torsion spring shaft are in close contact with the solid lubricated torsion spring bushing, and the solid lubricated torsion spring bushing is in close contact with the corresponding bushing seat. Each bushing seat is fixedly connected to the lens cap.

[0009] The first torsion spring pressure plate and the second torsion spring pressure plate have a groove on the opposite side that matches the torsion arm of the torsion spring. After the torsion arm of the pre-tightened torsion spring is inserted into the groove, the first torsion spring pressure plate and the second torsion spring pressure plate are fixedly connected, and the second torsion spring pressure plate is fixedly connected to the lens cover.

[0010] A method for assembling a passively driven locking mechanism for a lens cap of a space optical camera includes the following steps:

[0011] Fix the lens barrel structure to the tooling, and install the torsion spring bracket onto the lens barrel structure with 4 screws;

[0012] First, place the torsion spring in its final position, then pass the torsion spring shaft through both the shaft hole on the torsion spring bracket and the torsion spring.

[0013] Place the two torsion spring bushings at the exposed ends of the torsion spring shaft, and make them tightly fit and contact with the torsion spring shaft and the torsion spring bracket, respectively.

[0014] Install the first bushing seat into the lower torsion spring bushing, and install the second bushing seat into the upper torsion spring bushing, ensuring that the shaft hole fits properly.

[0015] Connect the first torsion spring pressure plate to the second torsion spring pressure plate with three screws while pressing down the torsion arm of the torsion spring. Ensure that the torsion arm of the torsion spring is fully embedded in the groove of the first torsion spring pressure plate. Connect the second torsion spring pressure plate to the lens cap with four screws. After ensuring that the contact surface between the lens cap and the lens barrel structure is fully fitted, tighten the screws.

[0016] The first and second shaft sleeves are respectively fixedly connected to the lens cap with two screws;

[0017] The flexible fixed end of the locking device is connected to the torsion spring bracket by two screws, and the rigid moving end 112 of the locking device is connected to the lens cap by two screws.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0019] (1) The passive drive locking mechanism for the lens cap of the space optical camera of the present invention adopts a passive drive scheme, which realizes the trajectory stability of the rotation mechanism and solid lubrication friction; compared with the prior art, this passive drive locking mechanism is based on passive structural components and has no power consumption requirements; the use of solid lubrication reduces rotational friction and avoids cold welding. These characteristics are beneficial to the design and on-orbit operation of space optical cameras;

[0020] (2) The passive drive locking mechanism for the lens cover of the space optical camera of the present invention adopts a locking device based on a combination of rigid and flexible components, which enables the lens cover to be positioned and locked after being opened to a predetermined angle without reversing, thus avoiding the situation where the lens cover springs back or gets caught with other structures after being opened, and ensuring the reliability of the product at the component level. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the passive drive locking mechanism for the lens cap in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A detailed schematic diagram of a part of the image;

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Another detailed schematic diagram;

[0024] Figure 4 Exploded view of the overall structure of the passive drive locking mechanism for the lens cap;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the lens cap in the closed position.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the lens cap in the open position.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 101, lens barrel structure; 102, torsion spring bracket; 103, torsion spring shaft; 104, torsion spring; 105, solid lubricated torsion spring bushing; 106, first bushing seat; 107, second bushing seat; 108, first torsion spring pressure plate; 109, second torsion spring pressure plate; 110, lens cap; 111, flexible fixed end; 112, rigid moving end. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solution of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0029] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, the present invention provides a passive drive locking mechanism for a space optical camera lens cap, comprising a torsion spring, a torsion spring shaft, a solid lubricated torsion spring bushing, and a locking device based on a rigid-flexible combination. Specifically, the passive drive locking mechanism for a space optical camera lens cap includes a torsion spring bracket 102, a torsion spring shaft 103, a torsion spring 104, a solid lubricated torsion spring bushing 105, a first bushing seat 106, a second bushing seat 107, a first torsion spring pressure plate 108, a second torsion spring pressure plate 109, a flexible fixed end 111 of the locking device, and a rigid moving end 112 of the locking device. These structural components are mounted on a lens barrel structural component 101 and a lens cap 110, wherein the lens barrel structural component 101, except for... Figure 1 Besides the cylindrical shape shown, other structural forms can also be designed, as long as they can provide fixed support for the driving locking mechanism. The lens cap 110 preferably uses an explosion-activated unlocking method to open the lens cap.

[0030] The torsion spring bracket 102 is fixedly installed on the side of the lens barrel structure 101. The torsion spring shaft 103 passes through both the shaft hole on the torsion spring bracket 102 and the torsion spring 104 located inside the torsion spring bracket 102. Both ends of the torsion spring shaft 103 are in close contact with solid lubricated torsion spring bushings 105. The lower solid lubricated torsion spring bushing 105 is in close contact with the corresponding first bushing seat 106, and the upper solid lubricated torsion spring bushing 105 is in close contact with the corresponding second bushing seat 107. The first bushing seat 106 and the second bushing seat 107 are fixedly connected to the lens cap 110. The torsion spring bracket 102 is fixedly installed on the lens barrel structure 101 by screws. Furthermore, the torsion spring bracket 102 is in the shape of a right-angled U. The bottom of the right-angled U is fixedly connected to the mounting surface on the side of the lens barrel structure 101. The bottom of the right-angled U is provided with a hollow to further reduce the overall weight of the mechanism. The upper and lower side walls of the right-angled U are respectively provided with a shaft hole for the torsion spring shaft 103 to pass through.

[0031] The first torsion spring pressure plate 108 and the second torsion spring pressure plate 109 have a groove on their opposite sides that matches the torsion arm of the torsion spring 104. In this invention, the groove is located on the first torsion spring pressure plate 108, and its shape matches the torsion arm of the torsion spring 104, thereby limiting the movement of the torsion arm. The torsion spring 104 in this invention can be adopted as follows: Figure 2 The torsion spring shown uses a central protrusion as its torsion arm to increase stability when driving the lens cap 110 to rotate. Other torsion springs or other types of springs capable of achieving the same function or effect can also be used. After the torsion arm of the pre-tightened torsion spring 104 is inserted into the groove, the first torsion spring pressure plate 108 and the second torsion spring pressure plate 109 are fixedly connected, and the second torsion spring pressure plate 109 is fixedly connected to the lens cap 110. Optionally, the first torsion spring pressure plate 108, the second torsion spring pressure plate 109, and the lens cap 110 are sequentially fixedly connected by screws.

[0032] The locking device in this invention employs a rigid-flexible combination, wherein the flexible fixed end 111 is mounted on the lens barrel structure 101, and the rigid moving end 112 is mounted on the lens cap 110. After the lens cap is opened to a predetermined angle, the flexible fixed end 111 and the rigid moving end 112 meet, causing the flexible fixed end 111 to deform and engage, thereby locking the lens cap 110 and ensuring that the lens cap 110 will not reverse. Optionally, the end of the flexible fixed end 111 is a bent arc opening, while the end of the rigid moving end 112 is flat. When the two meet, the end of the rigid moving end 112 inserts into the bent arc opening of the flexible fixed end 111, thereby stably locking the lens cap 110.

[0033] Furthermore, to reduce the weight of the passive drive locking mechanism for the lens cap, both the flexible fixed end 111 and the rigid moving end 112 are made of titanium alloy.

[0034] The solid lubricated torsion spring bushing 105 is manufactured using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as the solid lubricant material. One side of the solid lubricated torsion spring bushing 105 is connected to the corresponding bushing seat, and the other side is in contact with the torsion spring shaft 103, forming a stable, low-friction rotating pair.

[0035] The passive drive locking mechanism for the lens cover of the present invention adopts a passive drive form. When the lens cover 110 is closed, the torsion spring 104 is in a pre-tensioned state. The potential energy of the torsion spring 104 in the pre-tensioned state is used as the driving energy to drive the lens cover 110 to open and reach a predetermined position.

[0036] The present invention uses a torsion spring shaft 103 as a rotation and guide structure, and the lens cover 110 can rotate and open around the torsion spring shaft 103 to ensure the stability of the lens cover rotation and the controllable trajectory.

[0037] The passive drive locking mechanism for the lens cap of a space optical camera of the present invention adopts a passive drive scheme, achieving stable trajectory of the rotating mechanism and solid lubrication friction. Compared with the prior art, this passive drive locking mechanism is based on passive structural components and has no power consumption requirements. The use of solid lubrication reduces rotational friction and avoids cold welding. These characteristics are beneficial to the design and on-orbit operation of space optical cameras. Simultaneously, the use of a locking device based on a rigid-flexible combination ensures that the lens cap can be locked in place after being opened to a predetermined angle, preventing reversal and avoiding situations such as the lens cap springing back or snagging with other structures, thus guaranteeing product reliability at the component level.

[0038] The assembly process of the passive drive locking mechanism for the lens cap of a space optical camera is as follows: Figures 2 to 4As shown, the specific steps include: fixing the lens barrel structure 101 to the tooling to ensure stable and reliable installation; then installing the torsion spring bracket 102 onto the lens barrel structure 101 using four screws (e.g., M4 screws); first placing the torsion spring 104 in its final position; then passing the torsion spring shaft 103 through both the shaft hole on the torsion spring bracket 102 and the torsion spring 104, ensuring that the exposed portions of the torsion spring shaft 103 on the torsion spring bracket 102 are of equal length; then placing two solid lubricated torsion spring bushings 105 on the exposed ends of the torsion spring shaft 103 respectively, ensuring close contact with the torsion spring shaft 103 and the torsion spring bracket 102; then fitting the first bushing seat 106 to the lower solid lubricated torsion spring bushing 105 and the second bushing seat 107 to the upper solid lubricated torsion spring bushing 105, ensuring proper shaft hole fitting; then... The first torsion spring pressure plate 108, while pressing down the torsion arm of the middle protruding part of the torsion spring 104, is connected to the second torsion spring pressure plate 109 by three screws (e.g., M3 screws), ensuring that the torsion arm of the middle protruding part of the torsion spring 104 is fully embedded in the groove of the first torsion spring pressure plate 108; then the second torsion spring pressure plate 109 is connected to the lens cap 110 by four screws (e.g., M3 screws), and after ensuring that the contact surface between the lens cap 110 and the lens barrel structure 101 is fully fitted, the above screws are tightened; then the first bushing seat 106 and the second bushing seat 107 are respectively connected to the lens cap 110 by two screws (e.g., M3 screws); then the flexible fixing end 111 of the locking device is connected to the torsion spring bracket 102 by two screws (e.g., M2.5 screws), and the rigid moving end 112 of the locking device is connected to the lens cap 110 by two screws (e.g., M2.5 screws).

[0039] The assembly process of the passive drive locking mechanism for the lens cap is completed through the above steps. The lens cap is in the closed state as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the on state is as follows Figure 6 As shown. When opened, the lens cap 110 is opened by an explosion-type unlocking mechanism. Driven by the torsional potential energy of the torsion spring 104, it rotates around the torsion spring axis 103 to a predetermined position. After reaching the predetermined position, the rigid moving end 112 meets the flexible fixed end 111. The flexible fixed end 111 undergoes a small-amplitude elastic deformation and enters the arc of the rigid moving end 112 to achieve locking between the two.

[0040] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0041] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A passively driven locking mechanism for the lens cap of a space optical camera, characterized in that, It includes a torsion spring bracket (102), a torsion spring shaft (103), a torsion spring (104), a solid lubricated torsion spring bushing (105), a bushing seat, a first torsion spring pressure plate (108), a second torsion spring pressure plate (109), and a locking device. The locking device includes a flexible fixed end (111) mounted on the torsion spring bracket (102) and a rigid moving end (112) mounted on the lens cap (110) and engaged with the flexible fixed end (111). The torsion spring bracket (102) is fixedly installed on the side of the lens barrel structure (101). The torsion spring shaft (103) passes through the shaft hole on the torsion spring bracket (102) and the torsion spring (104) located in the torsion spring bracket (102). The two ends of the torsion spring shaft (103) are in close contact with the solid lubricated torsion spring bushing (105). The solid lubricated torsion spring bushing (105) is in close contact with the corresponding bushing seat. Each bushing seat is fixedly connected to the lens cap (110). The first torsion spring pressure plate (108) and the second torsion spring pressure plate (109) have a groove on the side opposite to the torsion arm of the torsion spring (104). After the torsion arm of the pre-tightened torsion spring (104) is inserted into the groove, the first torsion spring pressure plate (108) and the second torsion spring pressure plate (109) are fixedly connected, and the second torsion spring pressure plate (109) is fixedly connected to the lens cap (110).

2. The passive drive locking mechanism for the lens cap of a space optical camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, The torsion spring bracket (102) is in the shape of a right-angled U. The bottom of the right-angled U is fixedly connected to the mounting surface on the side of the lens barrel structure (101). The bottom of the right-angled U is hollowed out, and the two side walls of the right-angled U are provided with the shaft holes.

3. The passive drive locking mechanism for the lens cap of a space optical camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the flexible fixed end (111) is a bent arc opening, and the end of the rigid moving end (112) is a planar shape.

4. The passive drive locking mechanism for the lens cap of a space optical camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, The torsion spring bracket (102) is fixedly mounted on the lens barrel structure (101) by screws.

5. The passive drive locking mechanism for the lens cap of a space optical camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first torsion spring pressure plate (108), the second torsion spring pressure plate (109), and the lens cap (110) are sequentially fixed together by screws.

6. The passive drive locking mechanism for the lens cap of a space optical camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, The solid lubricated torsion spring bushing (105) is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

7. The passive drive locking mechanism for the lens cap of a space optical camera according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible fixed end (111) and the rigid moving end (112) are made of titanium alloy.

8. An assembly method for a passively driven locking mechanism for a lens cap as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Fix the lens barrel structure (101) to the tooling, and install the torsion spring bracket (102) on the lens barrel structure (101) with 4 screws; First, place the torsion spring (104) in its final position, and then pass the torsion spring shaft (103) through the shaft hole on the torsion spring bracket (102) and the torsion spring (104) at the same time. Two solid lubricated torsion spring bushings (105) are placed at the exposed ends of the torsion spring shaft (103) respectively, and are in close contact with the torsion spring shaft (103) and the torsion spring bracket (102). The first bushing seat (106) is fitted and installed with the lower solid lubricated torsion spring bushing (105), and the second bushing seat (107) is fitted and installed with the upper solid lubricated torsion spring bushing (105) to ensure that the shaft hole fits and is installed in place. The first torsion spring pressure plate (108) is connected to the second torsion spring pressure plate (109) with three screws while pressing down the torsion arm of the torsion spring (104). Ensure that the torsion arm of the torsion spring (104) is fully embedded in the groove of the first torsion spring pressure plate (108). The second torsion spring pressure plate (109) is connected to the lens cap (110) with four screws. After ensuring that the contact surface between the lens cap (110) and the lens barrel structure (101) is fully fitted, the screws are tightened. The first shaft sleeve (106) and the second shaft sleeve (107) are respectively fixedly connected to the lens cap (110) by two screws; The flexible fixed end (111) of the locking device is connected to the torsion spring bracket (102) by two screws, and the rigid moving end (112) of the locking device is connected to the lens cap (110) by two screws.

9. The assembly method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The exposed portions of the torsion spring shaft (103) on the torsion spring bracket (102) are of equal length.

10. The assembly method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The lens cover (110) is unlocked by detonation.

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