A frictional guide mechanism

Abstract

The application discloses a friction type guide mechanism, comprising a friction resistance device, a guide rope wheel assembly and a winding rope wheel assembly; wherein the friction resistance device and the guide rope wheel assembly are arranged on a first carpet surface; the winding rope wheel assembly is arranged on a second carpet surface; and a rope of the friction resistance device is wound on the winding rope wheel assembly through the guide rope wheel assembly. The application realizes the functions of adjustable idle stroke (no friction force) in the initial unfolding process, providing a small constant resistance to ensure the carpet surface tension in the unfolding process, and low sensitivity of the overall unfolding movement direction to the resistance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of spacecraft deployment mechanisms, and particularly relates to a friction-type guidance mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike traditional rigid solar arrays, flexible solar arrays, in addition to the locking impact at the end of deployment, also involve the loosening of the flexible carpet surface during deployment. In a zero-gravity environment, the carpet surface is highly likely to swing uncontrollably due to the vibration during deployment and the frequency of the entire spacecraft. Whether its swinging inertia causes the solar array to swing as a whole or the carpet surface to tear due to excessive floating of itself and the solar array as a whole, it is unacceptable.

[0003] Therefore, a constant reverse resistance needs to be applied during the deployment process to ensure that the carpet surface maintains a certain tension during deployment. Existing damping mechanisms are mostly passive deployment devices, which provide excessive damping force, have an excessively large size and weight to maintain carpet tension. Furthermore, typical damping mechanisms are liquid dampers with a stroke of less than 360°. To adapt them to flexible solar array deployment, an enlarged wheel system would be required, which is difficult to meet the needs of flexible solar arrays with extremely large deployment areas. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem solved by this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a friction-type guiding mechanism that realizes the functions of adjustable empty space (no friction) during the initial unfolding process, providing a small amount of constant resistance to ensure the tension of the carpet surface during unfolding, and providing low sensitivity of the overall unfolding movement direction to resistance.

[0005] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a friction-type guiding mechanism, comprising: a friction resistance device, a guide rope wheel assembly, and a winding rope wheel assembly; wherein, the friction resistance device and the guide rope wheel assembly are disposed on a first carpet surface; the winding rope wheel assembly is disposed on a second carpet surface; the rope of the friction resistance device is wound around the winding rope wheel assembly via the guide rope wheel assembly.

[0006] In the above-mentioned friction-type guiding mechanism, the first carpet surface and the second carpet surface are adjacent to each other.

[0007] In the aforementioned friction-type guiding mechanism, the damping force provided by the friction resistance device is transmitted through the rope; the guide rope wheel assembly is used to guide the rope and prevent escape; and the winding rope wheel assembly serves as the fixed end of the rope.

[0008] In the aforementioned friction-type guiding mechanism, the friction resistance device includes a roller, a lower support, a first friction plate, a second friction plate, a loading spring, a line-blocking post, a first anti-escape cover, a second anti-escape cover, an intermediate shaft seat, and an intermediate shaft; wherein, the intermediate shaft passes sequentially through the first anti-escape cover, the roller, the first friction plate, the loading spring, the second friction plate, the second anti-escape cover, and the lower support; one end of the intermediate shaft is connected to the intermediate shaft seat, and the other end of the intermediate shaft is connected to a nut; the first anti-escape cover is connected to one wall of the roller, and the second anti-escape cover is connected to the other wall of the roller; the line-blocking post is connected to the lower support.

[0009] In the above-mentioned friction-type guiding mechanism, the guide rope wheel assembly includes a first rope wheel shaft, a rope wheel, and a bracket; wherein, the rope wheel is disposed in the middle of the bracket via the first rope wheel shaft; the bottom end of the bracket is connected to the first carpet surface.

[0010] In the above-mentioned friction-type guiding mechanism, the rope-winding wheel assembly includes a rope-winding wheel seat, a rope-winding wheel, and a second rope-winding wheel shaft; wherein, the rope-winding wheel is connected to the rope-winding wheel seat through the second rope-winding wheel shaft; and the rope-winding wheel seat is connected to the second carpet surface.

[0011] In the above-mentioned friction-type guide mechanism, there are multiple wire-blocking posts.

[0012] In the aforementioned friction-type guide mechanism, multiple line-blocking posts are evenly distributed along the circumference of the lower support.

[0013] In the above-mentioned friction-type guide mechanism, there are two rope wheels and two first rope wheel shafts; the two rope wheels are arranged along the length of the bracket.

[0014] In the above-mentioned friction-type guiding mechanism, one end of the loading spring presses against the first friction plate, and the other end of the loading spring presses against the second friction plate.

[0015] In the above-mentioned friction-type guiding mechanism, the pressure P between the first friction plate and the first anti-escape cover is obtained by the following formula:

[0016]

[0017] Where F is the pressure of the loading spring, R1 is the inner diameter of the first friction plate, and R2 is the outer diameter of the first friction plate.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0019] (1) The liquid damper used in traditional solar panels can only achieve a rotation stroke of less than 360° due to structural limitations, which makes it difficult to meet the working conditions of large-area deployment of flexible solar panels. The friction damper of the present invention is a rotational friction device that can achieve multiple rotations.

[0020] (2) The liquid damper is a fixed damping force. The friction resistance of the friction resistance device of the present invention is generated by pressing the two friction plates together by the spring. The resistance is generated by the friction coefficient between the materials. Therefore, the friction force generated can be effectively adjusted by changing the materials of the spring and the friction plates.

[0021] (3) The friction resistance device of the present invention has a simple structure and is much lighter than the liquid damper while providing resistance.

[0022] (4) The friction-type guiding mechanism of the present invention integrates the resistance source and the guiding device together. The structure is simple and reliable. The mechanism itself can be used with various ropes such as Kevlar rope and steel wire rope for space use, which can meet different environmental working conditions and tension requirements.

[0023] (5) The present invention can adjust the resistance torque of the friction damper by adjusting the pressure of the loading spring;

[0024] (6) There is no friction during the rotation of the rope wheel assembly of the present invention. By adjusting the length of the rope on the rope wheel, the solar wing can be unobstructed during the initial deployment process, which is beneficial to the initial deployment of the solar wing.

[0025] (7) The friction-type guiding mechanism of the present invention is a flexible mechanism that transmits through ropes. By changing or adding multiple guiding components, resistance can be applied in different deployment modes. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a solar panel retracting with a friction-type guide mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the deployment of a solar panel equipped with a friction-type guidance mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3(a) is a schematic diagram of a friction resistance device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3(b) is another structural schematic diagram of the friction resistance device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3(c) is another structural schematic diagram of the friction resistance device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3(d) is another structural schematic diagram of the friction resistance device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4(a) is a structural schematic diagram of the guide rope wheel assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4(b) is another structural schematic diagram of the guide rope wheel assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4(c) is another structural schematic diagram of the guide rope wheel assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5(a) is a structural schematic diagram of a rope winding wheel assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5(b) is another structural schematic diagram of the rope winding wheel assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 5(c) is another structural schematic diagram of the rope winding wheel assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5(d) is another structural schematic diagram of the rope winding wheel assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to enable a more thorough understanding of the present disclosure and to fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described herein can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a solar panel retracting with a friction-type guide mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the deployment of a solar panel equipped with a friction-type guidance mechanism, provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the friction-type guiding mechanism includes: a friction resistance device 1, a guide wheel assembly 2, and a winding wheel assembly 3; wherein, the friction resistance device 1 and the guide wheel assembly 2 are disposed on a first carpet surface 4; the winding wheel assembly 3 is disposed on a second carpet surface 5; the rope of the friction resistance device 1 is wound around the winding wheel assembly 3 via the guide wheel assembly 2. The first carpet surface 4 and the second carpet surface 5 are adjacent to each other.

[0042] Frictional resistance device 1 provides damping force transmitted through Kevlar rope or steel wire rope, guide rope assembly 2 is used to guide the rope and prevent escape, and rope winding assembly 3 can store part of the rope in advance to realize the empty part in the initial stage of deployment. At the same time, as the outer end of the rope fixing end, it completes the function of applying resistance at both ends of the solar wing deployment with frictional resistance device 1.

[0043] As shown in Figures 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), and 3(d), the friction resistance device 1 includes a roller 1-1, a lower support 1-2, a first friction plate 1-31, a second friction plate 1-32, a loading spring 1-4, a line-blocking post 1-5, a first anti-escape cover 1-61, a second anti-escape cover 1-62, an intermediate shaft seat 1-7, and an intermediate shaft 1-8. The intermediate shaft 1-8 passes sequentially through the first anti-escape cover 1-61, the roller 1-1, the first friction plate 1-31, the loading spring 1-4, the second friction plate 1-32, the second anti-escape cover 1-62, and the lower support 1-2. One end of the intermediate shaft 1-8 is connected to the intermediate shaft seat 1-7, and the other end is connected to a nut. The first anti-escape cover 1-61 is connected to one wall of the roller 1-1, and the second anti-escape cover 1-62 is connected to the other wall of the roller 1-1. The line-blocking post 1-5 is connected to the lower support 1-2. There are multiple wire-blocking posts 1-5. The multiple wire-blocking posts 1-5 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the lower bracket 1-2. One end of the loading spring 1-4 presses against the first friction plate 1-31, and the other end of the loading spring 1-4 presses against the second friction plate 1-32.

[0044] Arrange the first anti-escape cover 1-61, roller 1-1, first friction plate 1-31, loading spring 1-4, second friction plate 1-32, second anti-escape cover 1-62, and lower support 1-2 in the order from left to right, with the intermediate shaft 1-8 passing through sequentially. Secure the anti-escape covers on both sides to the roller 1-1 with screws. Fix one end of the rope to the roller 1-1 and wind it into shape. Then fix the four line-stopping posts 1-5 to the lower support 1-2, and assemble them with the intermediate shaft 1-8, adding washers and nuts to form a whole. Tighten the intermediate shaft seat 1-7 from the other side of the intermediate shaft 1-8 with threads to complete the assembly of the friction resistance device.

[0045] The friction resistance device 1 uses a loading spring 1-4 to apply pressure to the upper and lower friction plates, ensuring a tight fit between the friction plates and the upper and lower escape-proof covers. The two friction plates are fixed to the intermediate shaft 1-8. A rope is wound around a roller 1-1, which is bolted to the two escape-proof covers. The escape-proof covers rotate relative to the intermediate shaft 1-8. When unfolded, the rope is pulled out, causing the roller 1-1 to rotate. At this time, the escape-proof covers fixed to it begin to rotate with the friction plates, generating friction.

[0046] As shown in Figures 4(a), 4(b), and 4(c), the guide sheave assembly 2 includes a first sheave shaft 2-1, a sheave 2-2, and a bracket 2-3. The sheave 2-2 is positioned in the middle of the bracket 2-3 via the first sheave shaft 2-1. The bottom end of the bracket 2-3 is connected to the first carpet surface 4. There are two sheaves 2-2 and two first sheave shafts 2-1. The two sheaves 2-2 are arranged along the length of the bracket 2-3.

[0047] Place the rope pulley 2-2 in the middle of the bracket 2-3, and fix the rope pulley shaft 2-1 through the bracket 2-3 and the rope pulley 2-2 with a nut to complete the assembly. The rope extending from the friction resistance device passes through the middle of the two rope pulleys 2-2.

[0048] The guide wheel assembly 2 mounts the rope wheel 2-2 on the bracket 2-3 via the rope wheel shaft 2-1. The rope wheel 2-2 and the rope wheel shaft 2-1 are in a relative rotational relationship. After the rope is pulled out from the friction resistance device 1, it passes through the gap between the two rope wheels 2-2. The rope wheel 2-2 realizes the guiding and sliding functions of the rope.

[0049] As shown in Figures 5(a), 5(b), 5(c) and 5(d), the rope winding wheel assembly 3 includes a rope wheel seat 3-1, a rope winding wheel 3-2 and a second rope wheel shaft 3-3; wherein, the rope winding wheel 3-2 is connected to the rope wheel seat 3-1 through the second rope wheel shaft 3-3; the rope wheel seat 3-1 is connected to the second carpet surface 5.

[0050] The assembly is completed by passing the sheave shaft 3-3 through the winding sheave 3-2 and tightening it onto the sheave seat 3-1. After adjusting the rope length, the rope is fixed to the winding sheave 3-2. As needed for the required unwinding length, a portion of the rope is released from the friction resistance device and wound onto the winding sheave 3-2. The unwinding length is determined by adjusting the length of the rope wound onto the winding sheave 3-2.

[0051] The rope winding wheel assembly 3 mounts the rope winding wheel 3-2 onto the rope wheel seat 3-1 via the second rope wheel shaft 3-3. The rope winding wheel 3-2 and the rope wheel shaft 3-3 are in a relative rotational relationship. The rope is fixed on the rope winding wheel 3-2, which serves as a fixed fulcrum at the far end during the solar wing deployment process, and applies resistance to the friction resistance device 1. During installation, a portion of the rope can be pre-wound onto the rope winding wheel 3-2 to achieve the initial idle distance function of the solar wing deployment, thereby avoiding the impact of initial resistance on deployment.

[0052] The first friction plate 1-31 and the second friction plate 1-32 are collectively referred to as friction plates, and the first anti-escape cover 1-61 and the second anti-escape cover 1-62 are collectively referred to as anti-escape covers. The first friction plate 1-31 and the second friction plate 1-32 are annular structures of the same size. The friction torque M can be precisely controlled by controlling the stiffness k and compression l of the loading spring 1-4. The pressure between the first friction plate 1-31 and the first anti-escape cover 1-61, and the pressure between the second friction plate 1-32 and the second anti-escape cover 1-62 are both:

[0053]

[0054] Where F is the pressure of the loading spring 1-4, F = k × l, R1 is the inner diameter of the friction plate ring, and R2 is the outer diameter of the friction plate ring.

[0055] Consider a small annular element located at a distance r from the center of the circle, with a radial width of dr. The normal force acting on this small annular element is:

[0056]

[0057] The frictional force of the infinitesimal annular belt is:

[0058]

[0059] μ is the coefficient of friction between the first friction plate 1-31 and the first anti-escape cover 1-61, and the coefficient of friction between the second friction plate 1-32 and the second anti-escape cover 1-62 is the same.

[0060] The frictional torque of the infinitesimal annular belt is:

[0061]

[0062] Integrating dM, we obtain the frictional torque M:

[0063]

[0064] Effect: By designing the guiding mechanism components according to different sizes of flexible solar panels, different drag torques can be obtained, achieving good and constant drag to ensure the tension of the carpet surface, so that the carpet surface can remain taut during the unfolding process.

[0065] The resistance torque adjustment parameters are:

[0066] (1) Select different materials to process the first friction plate 1-31 and the first anti-escape cover 1-61 to achieve different friction coefficients μ;

[0067] (2) Design the inner diameter R1 and outer diameter R2 of the first friction plate 1-31;

[0068] (3) Design the stiffness k and compression l of the loading springs 1-4.

[0069] This embodiment is a device for providing carpet tension during the deployment of a flexible solar array. It can also be applied to devices that require a small amount of friction to assist motion.

[0070] The friction damper in this embodiment uses rotational friction to achieve multiple rotations. The resistance of the friction damper in this embodiment is generated by pressing two friction plates together with a spring, and the resistance is achieved through the coefficient of friction between the materials. Therefore, the generated friction force can be effectively adjusted by changing the materials of the spring and friction plates. The friction damper in this embodiment has a simple structure and is much lighter than a liquid damper while providing resistance. The friction-type guiding mechanism in this embodiment integrates the resistance source and the guiding device, resulting in a simple and reliable structure. The mechanism itself is applicable to various ropes used in space, such as Kevlar ropes and steel wire ropes, and can meet different environmental conditions and tension requirements. In this embodiment, the resistance torque of the friction damper can be adjusted by adjusting the pressure of the loading spring. The rope-winding wheel assembly in this embodiment has no friction during rotation. By adjusting the length of the rope on the rope-winding wheel, the initial deployment of the solar wing is free of resistance, which is beneficial for the initial deployment stage of the solar wing. The friction-type guiding mechanism in this embodiment is a flexible mechanism that transmits resistance through ropes. Different deployment methods can be applied by changing or adding multiple guiding components.

[0071] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make possible changes and modifications to the technical solutions of the present invention by utilizing the methods and techniques disclosed above without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solutions of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. A friction-type guiding mechanism, characterized in that... include: Frictional resistance device (1), guide rope wheel assembly (2), and winding rope wheel assembly (3); among which, The friction resistance device (1) and the guide rope wheel assembly (2) are disposed on the first carpet surface (4); The rope winding wheel assembly (3) is disposed on the second carpet surface (5); The rope of the friction resistance device (1) is wound around the rope winding assembly (3) via the guide rope assembly (2); The friction resistance device (1) includes a roller (1-1), a lower support (1-2), a first friction plate (1-31), a second friction plate (1-32), a loading spring (1-4), a line-blocking post (1-5), a first anti-escape cover (1-61), a second anti-escape cover (1-62), an intermediate shaft seat (1-7), and an intermediate shaft (1-8); wherein, The intermediate shaft (1-8) passes through the first anti-escape cover (1-61), the roller (1-1), the first friction plate (1-31), the loading spring (1-4), the second friction plate (1-32), the second anti-escape cover (1-62), and the lower support (1-2) in sequence. One end of the intermediate shaft (1-8) is connected to the intermediate shaft seat (1-7), and the other end of the intermediate shaft (1-8) is connected to the nut; The first escape-proof cover (1-61) is connected to one wall of the roller (1-1), and the second escape-proof cover (1-62) is connected to the other wall of the roller (1-1); The wire-blocking post (1-5) is connected to the lower support (1-2); The guide rope assembly (2) includes a first rope wheel shaft (2-1), a rope wheel (2-2), and a bracket (2-3); wherein, The pulley (2-2) is disposed in the middle of the bracket (2-3) via the first pulley shaft (2-1); The bottom end of the bracket (2-3) is connected to the first carpet surface (4); The rope winding wheel assembly (3) includes a rope wheel seat (3-1), a rope winding wheel (3-2), and a second rope wheel shaft (3-3); wherein, The winding wheel (3-2) is connected to the wheel seat (3-1) via the second wheel shaft (3-3); The sheave seat (3-1) is connected to the second blanket surface (5); Pressure between the first friction plate (1-31) and the first anti-escape cover (1-61) It can be obtained through the following formula: in, F The pressure of the loading spring (1-4) ，R 1 represents the inner diameter of the first friction plate. R 2 represents the outer diameter of the first friction plate; Consider a small annular element located at a distance r from the center of the circle, with a radial width of dr. The normal force acting on this small annular element is: ； The frictional force of the infinitesimal annular belt is: ； The coefficient of friction is between the first friction plate (1-31) and the first anti-escape cover 1-61, and the coefficient of friction is the same between the second friction plate (1-32) and the second anti-escape cover; The frictional torque of the infinitesimal annular belt is: ； right Integrating, we obtain the frictional torque. M : ； The first blanket surface (4) and the second blanket surface (5) are adjacent; The damping force provided by the friction resistance device (1) is transmitted through the rope; the guide rope assembly (2) is used to guide the rope and prevent escape; the winding rope assembly (3) serves as the fixed end of the rope; The number of the wire-blocking posts (1-5) is multiple; Multiple wire-blocking posts (1-5) are evenly distributed along the circumference of the lower support (1-2); The number of the rope pulleys (2-2) is two, and the number of the first rope pulley shafts (2-1) is two; Two pulleys (2-2) are arranged along the length of the support (2-3); One end of the loading spring (1-4) presses against the first friction plate (1-31), and the other end of the loading spring (1-4) presses against the second friction plate (1-32); The friction resistance device uses a loading spring to apply pressure to the upper and lower friction plates, making the friction plates fit tightly against the upper and lower escape-proof covers. The two friction plates are fixed to the central shaft. The rope is wound around the drum, and the drum is fixed to the two escape-proof covers by bolts. The escape-proof covers are in a relative rotational relationship with the central shaft. When unfolded, the rope is pulled out and drives the drum to rotate. At this time, the escape-proof covers fixed to it begin to rotate with the friction plates and generate friction. Part of the rope is wound onto the rope reel (3-2) to achieve the air travel function in the initial stage of solar wing deployment.

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