Locking device for a spatial folding and unfolding mechanism

Abstract

The application discloses a locking device for a space folding and unfolding mechanism, which comprises a driving device, a fixing base, a screw rod, a sliding block, a clamping jaw, a rotating block and a guide column, the driving device is fixed on the fixing base, the screw rod is arranged on the fixing base and connected with the driving device, the sliding block is sleeved on the screw rod, the clamping jaw is hinged at both ends of the sliding block, one end of the clamping jaw is further provided with a sliding groove, one end of the rotating block is rotatably connected to the fixing base, the other end is clamped in the sliding groove, and the guide column capable of being clamped with the clamping jaw away from one end of the sliding block is arranged on the top of the fixing base. The application has the advantages that the cooperation of the rotating block and the sliding groove greatly improves the movement range of the clamping jaw, thereby improving the tolerance capacity of the locking device, simplifying the structural design, and realizing the simple and reliable whole device; in addition, the locking device is provided with double clamping jaws, and double-point pressing is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aerospace locking device technology, specifically a locking device for a space folding mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Space deployment mechanisms (payloads), such as space robotic arms and satellite antennas, are in a retracted and locked state before launch from the ground, and unlocked and deployed after orbiting. After mission completion or during the return phase, they often need to be locked again, requiring a locking device to perform the locking and unlocking functions. Since the majority of space and weight within the spacecraft is occupied by these payloads, the spacecraft imposes strict limitations on the size and weight of the locking device. The locking device is generally located in a small space around the locked payload and is required to be lightweight, compact, have high tolerance, strong locking force, high rigidity, low power consumption, and self-locking characteristics, thus significantly increasing the design difficulty of the locking device.

[0003] Currently, there are few locking devices used in space folding mechanisms. For example, Chinese invention patent document CN114180102A discloses a locking device for a movable and deployable mechanism on a spacecraft. This locking device is a repeatable locking device, which can meet the functional requirements of repeated locking and unlocking of the space folding mechanism. However, because the guide groove includes a straight section guide groove and an arc section guide groove, the claw guide wheel can only slide along the direction set by the guide groove, which limits the rotation range of the claw. Consequently, the locking device is limited by the envelope size and has a small tolerance capacity. Moreover, the device is a single-point locking device, which cannot meet the usage requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is how to improve the tolerance of the locking device and achieve dual-point clamping.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A locking device for a spatial folding mechanism includes a drive unit, a fixed base, a lead screw, a sliding block, a chuck, a rotating block, and a guide post. The drive unit is fixed on the fixed base. The lead screw is rotatably mounted on the fixed base and connected to the output end of the drive unit. A sliding block is threadedly connected to the lead screw. Driving the lead screw to rotate causes the sliding block to move linearly along its axial direction on the lead screw. Both ends of the sliding block are hinged with chucks. The end of the chuck near the slider is also provided with a groove along its length. One end of the rotating block is rotatably connected to the fixed base, and the other end is engaged in the groove. The top of the fixed base is provided with a guide post that can engage with the end of the chuck away from the slider.

[0007] By cooperating with the sliding groove, the range of motion of the chuck is greatly improved, thereby enhancing the tolerance of the locking device. At the same time, the structural design is simplified, and the entire device is simple, reliable, and easy to implement. In addition, the locking device is equipped with double chucks, achieving dual-point clamping.

[0008] Preferably, the fixed base includes a base body and supports. The base body has a hollow structure inside. The lead screw is rotatably disposed within the hollow structure of the base body. Guide holes are provided on both sides of the base body, communicating with the hollow structure and parallel to the axial direction of the lead screw in length direction. The two ends of the sliding block are engaged in the guide holes. The driving device is fixed to the bottom of the base body. The lead screw passes through the bottom of the base body and connects to the driving device. The rotating block is rotatably disposed on the side of the base body near the guide holes. Parallel supports are provided at both ends of the top of the base body. The guide post is disposed on the top of the supports.

[0009] Preferably, the claw includes a claw pressing head and a locking end. One end of the claw pressing head can be locked onto the guide post, and the other end is connected to the locking end. The locking end is hinged to the sliding block, and the sliding groove is provided at the locking end.

[0010] Preferably, the claw pressure head has an L-shaped structure, the lateral part of the claw pressure head can be engaged with the guide post, and the longitudinal part of the claw pressure head is connected to the locking end.

[0011] Preferably, the transverse portion of the claw pressure head is provided with a snap-fit ​​hole that can snap into the guide post.

[0012] Preferably, the end of the claw is fixed to the sliding block by a connecting flange and screws, forming a rotating hinge.

[0013] Preferably, one end of the lead screw is a bearing and the other end is a bushing, which are rotatably connected to the fixed base assembly.

[0014] Preferably, the device also includes a speed reducer, and the output end of the drive device is connected to a lead screw via the speed reducer.

[0015] Preferably, the reducer is a worm gear reducer.

[0016] Preferably, the driving device is a drive motor.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0018] By cooperating with the sliding groove, the range of motion of the chuck is greatly improved, thereby enhancing the tolerance of the locking device. At the same time, the structural design is simplified, and the entire device is simple, reliable, and easy to implement. In addition, the locking device is equipped with double chucks, achieving dual-point clamping. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a half-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in the locked state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in the relaxed state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is another structural schematic diagram of the relaxed state in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To facilitate understanding of the technical solution of the present invention by those skilled in the art, the technical solution of the present invention will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0025] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0026] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise expressly and specifically limited.

[0027] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 This embodiment discloses a locking device for a spatial unfolding mechanism, including a driving device 1, a fixed base 2, a reducer 3, a lead screw 4, a sliding block 5, a chuck 6, a rotating block 7, and a guide post 8.

[0028] In this embodiment, the driving device 1 is a drive motor.

[0029] The fixed base 2 includes a base body 21 and a support 22. The base body 21 has a hollow structure inside. The lead screw 4 is rotatably disposed inside the hollow structure of the base body 21. Specifically, one end of the lead screw 4 is a bearing and the other end is a bushing, which are rotatably connected to the base body 21. The base body 21 has guide holes 211 on both sides that communicate with the hollow structure and whose length direction is parallel to the axial direction of the lead screw 4. The driving device 1 is fixed to the bottom of the base body 21. The lead screw 4 passes through the bottom of the base body 21 and is connected to the driving device 1 through a reducer 3. In this embodiment, the reducer 3 is a worm gear reducer. The top two ends of the base body 21 are provided with parallel supports 22, and the guide post 8 is disposed on the top of the support 22.

[0030] The lead screw 4 is fitted with a sliding block 5 that is threadedly connected to it. The two ends of the sliding block 5 are locked in the guide hole 211, so that the rotation of the lead screw 4 can drive the sliding block 5 to move linearly along the axial direction of the lead screw 4.

[0031] Both ends of the sliding block 5, which is engaged in the guide hole 211, are hinged with claws 6. Each claw 6 includes a claw pressure head 61 and a rotating end 62. One end of the claw pressure head 61 can be engaged with the guide post 8, and the other end is connected to the rotating end 62. The rotating end 62 is hinged to the sliding block 5. In this embodiment, the claw end 62 is fixed to the sliding block 5 by a connecting flange and screws, forming a rotating hinge pair. The rotating end 62 is provided with a groove 621 that is arranged along the length of the claw 6.

[0032] One end of the rotating block 7 is rotatably disposed on the side of the seat 21 near the guide hole 211, and the other end is engaged in the slide groove 621.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the claw pressure head 61 has an L-shaped structure, the lateral part of the claw pressure head 61 can be engaged with the guide post 8, and the longitudinal part of the claw pressure head 61 is connected to the locking end 62.

[0034] Furthermore, the transverse portion of the claw pressure head 61 is provided with a snap-fit ​​hole 611 that can snap into the guide post 8.

[0035] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows: (Refer to...) Figure 3 In the locked state of the locking device of the present invention, the driving device 1 is driven, and the reducer 3 drives the lead screw 4 to rotate, causing the sliding block 5 to move upward on the lead screw 4. Since one end of the rotating block 7 is engaged in the slide groove 621, the sliding block 5 drives the two locking ends 62 on both sides to move upward, thereby driving the claw pressure head 61 to move upward, so that the locking hole 611 on the claw pressure head 61 disengages from the guide post 8, and the locking device of the present invention changes from the locked state to the relaxed state. Figure 4As shown, when one end of the rotating block 7 is in contact with the bottom of the slide groove 621, the drive device 1 continues to operate, the sliding block 5 continues to move upward, while the locking end 62 cannot move upward, causing the locking end 62 to rotate around the rotating block 7, thereby driving the claw pressure head 61 to rotate, as shown. Figure 1 As shown; the drive device 1 continues to operate, and the sliding block 5 continues to move upward to the highest point. At this time, the locking end 62 drives the claw pressure head 61 to rotate to a horizontal state, as shown. Figure 5 As shown, at this time, the chuck 6 is... Figure 3 Exercise to Figure 5 In this state, a 90° rotation is achieved, and the range of motion of the chuck 6 is the largest tolerance range in this implementation.

[0036] Conversely, driving the drive device 1 to reverse will result in the locking movement of the locking device, thereby achieving repeated locking. It should be noted that after the drive device 1 stops operating, due to the self-locking characteristics of the lead screw and the worm gear reducer, the pawl 6 will not be unlocked by external load.

[0037] In this embodiment, the combination of rotating block 7 and sliding groove 621 greatly improves the range of motion of the chuck, thereby improving the tolerance of the locking device. At the same time, it simplifies the structural design, making the entire device simple, reliable, and easy to implement. In addition, the locking device is equipped with double chucks, realizing dual-point clamping.

[0038] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention, and no reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0039] The above embodiments are merely examples of implementation methods of the invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For those skilled in the art, several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A locking device for a spatial folding mechanism, characterized in that: The device includes a drive unit, a fixed base, a lead screw, a sliding block, a chuck, a rotating block, and a guide post. The drive unit is fixed on the fixed base. The lead screw is rotatably mounted on the fixed base and connected to the output end of the drive unit. A sliding block is threaded onto the lead screw. Driving the lead screw to rotate causes the sliding block to move linearly along its axial direction on the lead screw. Both ends of the sliding block are hinged with chucks. The end of the chuck near the sliding block is also provided with a groove along its length. One end of the rotating block is rotatably connected to the fixed base, and the other end is engaged in the groove. The top of the fixed base is provided with a guide post that can engage with the end of the chuck away from the sliding block. The fixed base includes a base body and supports. The base body has a hollow structure inside. The lead screw is rotatably installed in the hollow structure of the base body. Guide holes are provided on both sides of the base body, which are connected to the hollow structure and whose length direction is parallel to the axial direction of the lead screw. The two ends of the sliding block are locked in the guide holes. The driving device is fixed at the bottom of the base body. The lead screw passes through the bottom of the base body and connects to the driving device. The rotating block is rotatably installed on the side of the base body near the guide holes. Parallel supports are provided at both ends of the top of the base body, and the guide column is installed on the top of the supports.

2. The locking device for a spatial folding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The chuck includes a chuck head and a chuck end. One end of the chuck head can be engaged with the guide post, and the other end is connected to the chuck end. The chuck end is hinged to the sliding block, and the sliding groove is provided at the chuck end.

3. The locking device for a spatial folding mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The jaw pressure head has an L-shaped structure. The lateral part of the jaw pressure head can be engaged with the guide post, and the longitudinal part of the jaw pressure head is connected to the end of the jaw.

4. The locking device for a spatial unfolding mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The transverse portion of the claw pressure head is provided with a snap-fit ​​hole that can engage with the guide post.

5. A locking device for a spatial unfolding mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The end of the chuck is fixed to the sliding block by a connecting flange and screws, forming a rotating hinge.

6. The locking device for a spatial unfolding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the lead screw is equipped with a bearing, and the other end is equipped with a bushing, which are rotatably connected to the fixed base assembly.

7. A locking device for a spatial folding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a speed reducer, through which the output end of the drive device is connected to a lead screw.

8. A locking device for a spatial folding mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that: The reducer is a worm gear reducer.

9. A locking device for a spatial unfolding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving device is a drive motor.

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