A hinge deployment device powered by a clockwork spring

Abstract

The application discloses a hinge unfolding device driven by a clock spring as a power source, relates to the technical field of solar wing hinge unfolding, and comprises a base module, a driving module, a reverse stopping module, a clutch module and a torque increasing module which are arranged on the base module. The driving module comprises a clock spring and a power main shaft, and the power main shaft is driven to rotate by the wound clock spring. The reverse stopping module utilizes a ratchet mechanism to ensure that the clock spring does not directly start working after the upper force ends. The clutch module utilizes a clutch mechanism to ensure that the output end does not rotate with the clock spring during the upper force process of the clock spring. The torque increasing module is a planetary reducer, which realizes speed reduction and torque increase, and ensures the stability of the output. The hinge unfolding device can continuously and rapidly output torque by cooperation of the driving module, the reverse stopping module, the clutch module and the torque increasing module, so as to solve the problem that there is a lack of a driving hinge high-speed unfolding device at present. In addition, the hinge unfolding device has a compact structure, occupies a small space and is convenient to install on a solar wing hinge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of solar panel hinge deployment technology, and more particularly to a hinge deployment device driven by a spring-loaded power source. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development and advancement of aerospace technology, spacecraft play a crucial role in space exploration and various missions. The normal operation of spacecraft relies on a stable and reliable power supply, and solar energy, as a clean and sustainable energy source, has been widely used in spacecraft. To meet the ever-increasing power demands of spacecraft, the area of ​​spacecraft solar panels is continuously increasing. Considering the stringent requirements on spacecraft size during launch, the solar array adopts a deployable solar panel design. This design allows the solar array to be folded during the launch phase to reduce volume and facilitate launch; after the spacecraft successfully enters orbit, the solar array unlocks and rapidly deploys under the drive of a specific power source, thereby maximizing the reception of sunlight and providing sufficient power to the spacecraft. Among these components, the spring-loaded mechanism, a mechanical element with energy storage characteristics, is widely used in the deployment drive system of the solar array. The spring-loaded mechanism can store energy before launch and release it after orbit insertion, driving the solar array hinges to deploy, enabling the rapid deployment of the solar panels.

[0003] Currently, while spring-driven solar arrays play a role in solar array deployment, several problems and challenges remain. First, existing devices often struggle to precisely control the torque, ensuring it exceeds the drag torque of the solar array hinge. Insufficient torque can prevent rapid and stable deployment, impacting the spacecraft's power supply; excessive torque can damage the solar array structure, reducing its lifespan. Second, the smoothness of torque output in existing spring-driven devices needs improvement. Unstable torque output can cause vibrations and jamming during solar array deployment, affecting reliability and stability. Furthermore, existing solar array deployment power sources are often complex in design, increasing spacecraft weight and cost while reducing system reliability. Therefore, inventing a device that uses a spring-driven hinge for deployment is of significant practical importance. This device needs to precisely control the spring-driven torque, ensuring it exceeds the drag torque of the solar array hinge without causing excessive damage to the solar array structure. Simultaneously, the device should guarantee a smooth torque output to ensure stable and rapid solar array deployment. By optimizing the design, the complexity and weight of the device can be reduced, the overall performance and reliability of the spacecraft can be improved, and strong technical support can be provided for the development of the aerospace industry. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a hinge unfolding device driven by a spring, which overcomes the current technical problem of lacking a high-speed hinge unfolding device.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a hinge unfolding device driven by a spring-driven mechanism, comprising a base module and a drive module, a backstop module, a clutch module, and a torque-increasing module mounted on the base module. The drive module includes a spring and a power spindle, with the wound spring driving the power spindle to rotate. The backstop module uses a ratchet mechanism to ensure that the spring does not start working immediately after the spring is loaded. The clutch module uses a clutch mechanism to prevent the output end from rotating during the loading process of the spring. The torque-increasing module is a planetary reducer, which achieves speed reduction and torque increase while ensuring output stability.

[0006] In some embodiments, the base module includes a housing, a bottom housing, and a lower end cover, wherein the lower end cover is disposed on the lower side of the bottom housing, and the housing is disposed on the upper side of the bottom housing.

[0007] In some embodiments, the drive module further includes a spring pressure plate, a spring top plate, and a pawl rotating shaft. The power spindle is mounted in a pre-reserved through hole in the lower part of the base module via a bearing. The pawl rotating shaft is mounted in a blind hole in the upper surface of the bottom shell and inside the outer shell. The power input end of the spring is connected to the power spindle, and the power output end of the spring is connected to the pawl rotating shaft. The spring pressure plate and the spring top plate are sleeved on the power spindle through a central circular hole, and the spring pressure plate and the spring top plate limit the vertical movement of the spring.

[0008] In some embodiments, the anti-reverse module includes a spring fixed shaft, a check pawl, a pawl bushing, a ratchet gear, a ratchet bushing, a pawl return spring, and a transmission connection key. The spring fixed shaft is disposed in an irregular hole on the upper surface of the bottom shell. The check pawl is mounted above the shoulder of the pawl rotating shaft. The pawl return spring is disposed between the top of the spring fixed shaft and the lower part of the check pawl.

[0009] In some embodiments, a pawl sleeve disposed between the check pawl and the pawl rotation shaft restricts the up-and-down movement of the check pawl, and the ratchet gear is mounted on the shoulder of the power spindle via a ratchet sleeve and a transmission connection key.

[0010] In some embodiments, the clutch module includes a clutch spring, a clutch linkage shaft, a torque boosting output shaft, and a clutch spring. The bottom of the clutch linkage shaft has a square hole that mates with the power main shaft for connecting and transmitting torque. The power main shaft and the clutch linkage shaft are movable in the axial direction. The clutch spring is disposed between the clutch linkage shaft and the power main shaft. The clutch linkage shaft and the torque boosting output shaft have intermeshing clutch teeth. The other end of the torque boosting output shaft is used to connect to the torque boosting module.

[0011] In some embodiments, a first slot is provided at the bottom of the power spindle, the first slot being used to limit the power input end of the spring, and the power output end of the spring is connected to one end of the pawl rotating shaft via a clamping connection.

[0012] In some embodiments, screw holes are provided at the top of the spring fixing shaft and the lower part of the check pawl, and both ends of the pawl return spring are installed at the two screw holes using screws and adjusting the height with washers.

[0013] In some embodiments, the planetary reducer of the torque boosting module is mounted on the housing, the input end of the planetary reducer is connected to the torque boosting output shaft by friction, and the output end of the planetary reducer is the actuation end.

[0014] Compared with related technologies, the hinge unfolding device driven by a spring-loaded mechanism provided by the present invention has the following advantages:

[0015] This invention provides a hinge deployment device powered by a spring. Through the cooperation of a drive module, a backstop module, a clutch module, and a torque-increasing module, it can continuously and rapidly output torque, making up for the current lack of high-speed hinge deployment devices. Moreover, the invention has a compact structure and occupies less space, making it easy to install on solar panel hinges. Through the synergistic effect of each module and a reasonable structural design, it achieves efficient, stable, and safe hinge deployment, enabling high-speed hinge deployment.

[0016] This invention provides a hinge deployment device powered by a spring. In the anti-reverse module, the spring fixing shaft provides the mounting base for the pawl return spring. The anti-reverse pawl's vertical movement is restricted by a pawl bushing, ensuring stable engagement with the ratchet gear. The ratchet gear is mounted on the shoulder of the power spindle via a ratchet bushing and a transmission connection key. As the power spindle rotates, it restricts the spindle's rotation direction, allowing for intermittent application of force during the initial loading process while maintaining the loading effect until the required output torque is achieved.

[0017] This invention provides a hinge deployment device driven by a spring-driven mechanism. The clutch module's engagement mechanism between the clutch linkage shaft and the main power shaft, along with the clutch spring's configuration, enables the output end to remain stationary during spring winding while efficiently transmitting torque during device operation. The meshing gear connection between the torque-increasing output shaft and the clutch linkage shaft ensures effective power transmission.

[0018] This invention provides a hinge unfolding device driven by a spring-loaded mechanism. The planetary reducer of the torque-enhancing module is mounted on the housing, making the entire device more compact and aesthetically pleasing. The friction connection between the input end of the planetary reducer and the torque-enhancing output shaft is simple and reliable, effectively transmitting torque. The output end serves as the actuator, providing sufficient torque and stable output for hinge unfolding. Attached Figure Description

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

[0020] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the base module structure of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the drive module structure of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the anti-reverse module structure of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the anti-reverse module of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the clutch module structure of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the torque-increasing module structure of the present invention.

[0027] The diagram is labeled as follows: 1. Base module; 101. Outer shell; 102. Bottom shell; 103. Lower end cover; 2. Drive module; 201. Spring pressure plate; 202. Clock spring; 203. Spring top plate; 204. Power spindle; 205. Pawl rotation shaft; 3. Anti-reverse module; 301. Spring fixing shaft; 302. Anti-reverse pawl; 303. Pawl bushing; 304. Ratchet gear; 305. Ratchet bushing; 306. Pawl return spring; 307. Transmission connection key; 4. Clutch module; 401. Clutch spring; 402. Clutch linkage shaft; 403. Torque boosting output shaft; 5. Torque boosting module. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Example 1

[0029] This embodiment provides a hinge unfolding device driven by a clock spring as a power source, such as... Figure 1-8 As shown, the present invention includes a base module 1 and a drive module 2, a backstop module 3, a clutch module 4, and a torque-increasing module 5 disposed on the base module 1. The drive module 2 includes a spring 202 and a power spindle 204, and the spring 202 drives the power spindle 204 to rotate. The backstop module 3 uses a ratchet mechanism to ensure that the spring 202 does not start working directly after the force is applied. The clutch module 4 uses a clutch mechanism to ensure that the output end does not rotate during the force application process of the spring 202. The torque-increasing module 5 is a planetary reducer, which ensures the stability of the output while reducing speed and increasing torque.

[0030] In this embodiment, the efficient and stable hinge deployment function is achieved through the coordinated action of various modules. Specifically, the drive module 2 utilizes the elastic potential energy of the spring 202 to convert it into the rotational kinetic energy of the power shaft 204, providing a power source for the entire device. The anti-reverse module 3 ensures that the spring 202 does not immediately start working after the force is applied, guaranteeing the safety and reliability of the device. The clutch module 4 prevents the output end from rotating during the force application of the spring 202, avoiding unnecessary energy loss. The torque-increasing module 5 uses a planetary reducer, achieving speed reduction and torque increase while ensuring output stability, providing sufficient torque for hinge deployment.

[0031] Example 2

[0032] Based on Example 1, such as Figure 1-8 As shown, the base module 1 in this embodiment includes an outer shell 101, a bottom shell 102 and a lower end cover 103. The lower end cover 103 is disposed on the lower side of the bottom shell 102, and the outer shell 101 is disposed on the upper side of the bottom shell 102.

[0033] In this embodiment, the outer shell 101, bottom shell 102, and lower end cover 103 of the base module 1 cooperate with each other to provide a stable installation foundation for the entire device. The lower end cover 103 is located on the lower side of the bottom shell 102, serving to protect the internal components of the device; the outer shell 101 is located on the upper side of the bottom shell 102, which not only protects the internal components but also serves an aesthetic and dustproof function. This structural design makes the device more compact and stable, and facilitates installation and maintenance.

[0034] Example 3

[0035] Based on Example 1, such as Figure 1-8 As shown, the drive module 2 in this embodiment further includes a spring pressure plate 201, a spring top plate 203, and a pawl rotating shaft 205. The power spindle 204 is installed in a pre-reserved through hole in the lower part of the base module 1 via a bearing. The pawl rotating shaft 205 is installed in a blind hole in the upper surface of the bottom shell 102 and inside the outer shell 101. The power input end of the spring 202 is connected to the power spindle 204, and the power output end of the spring 202 is connected to the pawl rotating shaft 205. The spring pressure plate 201 and the spring top plate 203 are sleeved on the power spindle 204 through a central circular hole, and the spring pressure plate 201 and the spring top plate 203 limit the up and down movement of the spring 202.

[0036] In this embodiment, the spring pressure plate 201 and spring top plate 203 in the drive module 2 are fitted onto the power spindle 204 through the central circular hole, limiting the upper and lower positions of the spring 202 to ensure that the spring 202 does not shift during operation, thus guaranteeing the stability of the power output. The pawl rotation shaft 205 makes the power output of the spring 202 smoother and also provides support for the operation of the reversing module 3. Through this structural design, the drive module 2 can efficiently convert the elastic potential energy of the spring 202 into the rotational kinetic energy of the power spindle 204, providing power assurance for the normal operation of the device.

[0037] Example 4

[0038] Based on Example 1, such as Figure 1-8 As shown, the anti-reverse module 3 of this embodiment includes a spring fixing shaft 301, a check pawl 302, a pawl sleeve 303, a ratchet gear 304, a ratchet wheel sleeve 305, a pawl return spring 306, and a transmission connection key 307. The spring fixing shaft 301 is disposed in an irregular hole on the upper surface of the bottom shell 102. The check pawl 302 is mounted above the shoulder of the pawl rotating shaft 205. The pawl sleeve 303 disposed between the check pawl 302 and the pawl rotating shaft 205 restricts the up and down movement of the check pawl 302. The ratchet gear 304 is mounted on the shoulder of the power main shaft 204 through the ratchet wheel sleeve 305 and the transmission connection key 307. The pawl return spring 306 is disposed between the top of the spring fixing shaft 301 and the lower part of the check pawl 302.

[0039] In this embodiment, the spring fixing shaft 301 in the anti-reverse module 3 provides a mounting base for the pawl return spring 306. The anti-reverse pawl 302 is installed above the shoulder of the pawl rotation shaft 205, and its vertical movement is restricted by the pawl bushing 303, ensuring that the anti-reverse pawl 302 can stably engage with the ratchet gear 304 during operation. The ratchet gear 304 is installed at the shoulder of the power spindle 204 through the ratchet bushing 305 and the transmission connection key 307, and rotates with the power spindle 204. When the power spindle 204 reverses, the anti-reverse pawl 302, under the action of the pawl return spring 306, locks the ratchet gear 304, preventing it from reversing, thereby realizing the anti-reverse function. This structural design ensures that the spring spring 202 will not start working directly after the force is applied, improving the safety and reliability of the device.

[0040] Example 5

[0041] Based on Example 1, such as Figure 1-8As shown, the clutch module 4 in this embodiment includes a clutch spring 401, a clutch linkage shaft 402, a torque-increasing output shaft 403, and a clutch spring 401. The bottom of the clutch linkage shaft 402 is provided with a square hole that cooperates with the power main shaft 204 for connecting and transmitting torque with the power main shaft 204. The power main shaft 204 and the clutch linkage shaft 402 are movable in the axial direction. The clutch spring 401 is disposed between the clutch linkage shaft 402 and the power main shaft 204. The clutch linkage shaft 402 and the torque-increasing output shaft 403 are provided with intermeshing clutch teeth. The other end of the torque-increasing output shaft 403 is used to connect to the torque-increasing module 5.

[0042] In this embodiment, the clutch linkage shaft 402 in the clutch module 4 engages with the power main shaft 204 through a square hole at its bottom to transmit torque. A clutch spring 401 is positioned between the clutch linkage shaft 402 and the power main shaft 204. When the mainspring is wound, the clutch spring 401 is compressed, disengaging the clutch linkage shaft 402 from the power main shaft 204, preventing the output end from rotating. When the device starts working, the clutch spring 401 releases its elastic force, engaging the clutch linkage shaft 402 with the power main shaft 204 and transmitting power to the torque-enhancing output shaft 403. The torque-enhancing output shaft 403 and the clutch linkage shaft 402 mesh with each other via clutch teeth, transmitting power to the torque-enhancing module 5. This structural design ensures that the output end does not rotate during the winding process, while efficiently transmitting torque during device operation, improving the device's performance and reliability.

[0043] Example 6

[0044] Based on Example 3, such as Figure 1-8 As shown, the bottom of the power spindle 204 in this embodiment is provided with a first slot. The first slot is used to limit the power input end of the spring 202. The power output end of the spring 202 is connected to one end of the pawl rotating shaft 205 through a clamping connection.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first slot at the bottom of the power spindle 204 limits the power input end of the spring 202, ensuring that the spring 202 will not detach from the power spindle 204 during operation. The power output end of the spring 202 is connected to one end of the pawl rotating shaft 205 via a clamping connection. This connection method is simple and reliable, effectively transmits power, and is also easy to install and disassemble. Through this structural design, the drive module 2 can more stably convert the elastic potential energy of the spring 202 into the rotational kinetic energy of the power spindle 204, providing a strong guarantee for the normal operation of the device.

[0046] Example 7

[0047] Based on Example 4, such as Figure 1-8As shown, in this embodiment, screw holes are provided at the top of the spring fixing shaft 301 and the lower part of the check pawl 302. Both ends of the pawl return spring 306 are installed at the two screw holes using screws and adjusting the height with washers.

[0048] In this embodiment, this installation method makes the ratchet return spring 306 more securely installed, providing a stable return force to the return pawl 302. Simultaneously, by adjusting the number of shims, the installation angle of the ratchet return spring 306 is appropriately set. This structural design improves the performance and reliability of the anti-reverse module 3, ensuring the safe operation of the device.

[0049] Example 8

[0050] Based on Example 1, such as Figure 1-8 As shown, in this embodiment, the planetary reducer of the torque-increasing module 5 is mounted on the housing 101. The input end of the planetary reducer is connected to the torque-increasing output shaft 403 by friction, and the output end of the planetary reducer is the execution end.

[0051] In this embodiment, the planetary reducer of the torque-increasing module 5 is mounted on the housing 101, making the entire device more compact and aesthetically pleasing. The input end of the planetary reducer is connected to the torque-increasing output shaft 403 via friction; this connection method is simple and reliable, and can effectively transmit torque. The output end of the planetary reducer is the actuator of the entire device, providing sufficient torque and stable output for hinge deployment. By employing a planetary reducer, the torque-increasing module 5 can achieve speed reduction and torque increase while ensuring output stability, thus improving the performance and reliability of the device.

[0052] Working principle:

[0053] 1. Winding Stage: The spring 202 is wound up through a specific structure at the bottom of the power spindle 204, gradually tightening it to store elastic potential energy. During this process, the clutch spring 401 of the clutch module 4 is compressed, causing the clutch linkage shaft 402 to separate from the power spindle 204. This ensures that the output end of the device does not rotate when the spring is wound, avoiding unnecessary energy loss and unexpected actions.

[0054] II. Preparation and Installation Stage: After the mainspring is wound, the ratchet mechanism in the anti-reverse module 3 comes into play. The anti-reverse pawl 302 cooperates with the ratchet gear 304. Due to the action of the pawl, the ratchet is prevented from reversing, ensuring that the mainspring spring 202 does not start working immediately after the winding is completed. Install the entire device at the hinge that needs to be unfolded. At this time, even if the hinge is in the locked state, the entire mechanism will not start operating and will be in a ready state waiting to work.

[0055] III. Hinge Deployment Stage: When the hinge lock is released, the spring 202 begins to release its elastic potential energy, driving the main power shaft 204 to rotate. The rotation of the main power shaft 204 drives the ratchet 304 to rotate along with the main power shaft 204 through the transmission connection key 307 and other structures. The clutch spring 401 in the clutch module 4 releases its elastic force, engaging the clutch linkage shaft 402 with the main power shaft 204. The power of the main power shaft 204 is transmitted to the torque-enhancing output shaft 403 via the clutch linkage shaft 402. The torque-enhancing output shaft 403 and the clutch linkage shaft 402 mesh with each other through clutch engagement teeth, transmitting power to the torque-enhancing module 5. The planetary reducer of the torque-enhancing module 5 reduces speed on one hand and increases torque on the other, with its output end acting as the actuator to output stable and sufficient torque, driving the hinge to deploy quickly and stably.

Claims

1. A hinge unfolding device powered by a spring-driven mechanism, characterized in that: It includes a base module and a drive module, a backstop module, a clutch module, and a torque booster module mounted on the base module; The drive module includes a spring and a power spindle, and the spring drives the power spindle to rotate. The anti-reverse module uses a ratchet mechanism to ensure that the mainspring spring does not start working immediately after the force is applied; The clutch module utilizes a clutch mechanism to ensure that the output end does not rotate during the force applied to the spring. The torque-increasing module is a planetary reducer, which achieves speed reduction and torque increase while ensuring output stability. The drive module also includes a spring pressure plate, a spring top plate, and a pawl rotating shaft. The power spindle is installed in a pre-reserved through hole in the lower part of the base module via a bearing. The pawl rotating shaft is installed in a blind hole in the upper surface of the bottom shell and inside the outer shell. The power input end of the spring is connected to the power spindle, and the power output end of the spring is connected to the pawl rotating shaft. The spring pressure plate and the spring top plate are sleeved on the power spindle through a central circular hole, and the spring pressure plate and the spring top plate limit the up and down movement of the spring. The anti-reverse module includes a spring fixed shaft, a check pawl, a pawl bushing, a ratchet gear, a ratchet bushing, a pawl return spring, and a transmission connection key. The spring fixed shaft is set in an irregular hole on the upper surface of the bottom shell. The check pawl is installed above the shoulder of the pawl rotating shaft. The pawl return spring is set between the top of the spring fixed shaft and the lower part of the check pawl. The clutch module includes a clutch spring, a clutch linkage shaft, a torque boosting output shaft, and a clutch spring. The bottom of the clutch linkage shaft has a square hole that mates with the power main shaft for connecting and transmitting torque. The power main shaft and the clutch linkage shaft are movable in the axial direction. The clutch spring is disposed between the clutch linkage shaft and the power main shaft. The clutch linkage shaft and the torque boosting output shaft have intermeshing clutch teeth. The other end of the torque boosting output shaft is used to connect to the torque boosting module.

2. The hinge unfolding device driven by a spring-loaded mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The base module includes an outer shell, a bottom shell, and a lower end cover. The lower end cover is disposed on the lower side of the bottom shell, and the outer shell is disposed on the upper side of the bottom shell.

3. The hinge unfolding device driven by a spring-loaded mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pawl sleeve between the check pawl and the pawl rotation shaft restricts the up and down movement of the check pawl, and the ratchet gear is mounted on the shoulder of the power spindle via the ratchet sleeve and the transmission connection key.

4. The hinge unfolding device driven by a spring-loaded mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the power spindle is provided with a first slot, which is used to limit the power input end of the spring. The power output end of the spring is connected to one end of the pawl rotating shaft through a clamping connection.

5. The hinge unfolding device driven by a spring-loaded mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the spring fixing shaft and the lower part of the check pawl are both provided with screw holes. Both ends of the pawl return spring are installed at the two screw holes using screws and adjusting the height with shims.

6. The hinge unfolding device driven by a spring-loaded mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The planetary reducer of the torque boosting module is mounted on the housing. The input end of the planetary reducer is connected to the torque boosting output shaft by friction, and the output end of the planetary reducer is the actuation end.

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