In-situ locking and releasing mechanism and matched connecting device thereof

Abstract

The invention provides an in-situ locking and releasing mechanism and a matched connecting device thereof, and relates to the technical field of locking and releasing of spaceflight structures, the in-situ locking and releasing mechanism comprises a temperature control module, an SMA driving spring, a force amplification assembly and a sliding locking module, and the force amplification assembly is connected between the SMA driving spring and the sliding locking module; the SMA driving spring is connected with the temperature control module, and the temperature control module controls the telescopic state of the SMA driving spring by adjusting the temperature. The sliding locking module comprises a sliding block, a pressure bearing piece and a reset spring. The sliding block is connected with the force amplification assembly and the reset spring. The SMA driving spring drives the sliding block to move away from the pressure bearing piece through the force amplification assembly and enables the reset spring to deform so as to release the working element. The sliding block is used for moving in the direction close to the pressure bearing piece under the action of elastic restoring force of the reset spring and is matched with the pressure bearing piece to clamp the working element so as to lock the working element. The device has the beneficial effect that on-orbit in-situ automatic repeated locking and releasing of a large spaceflight structure are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of locking and releasing for aerospace structures. Specifically, it relates to an in-situ locking and releasing mechanism and its mating connection device. Background Art

[0002] Due to the limited envelope size of the rocket fairing, large aerospace structures often use locking and releasing devices during launch to keep the working elements in a locked and folded state before entering orbit, and unfold after entering orbit to complete on-orbit work. The severe vibration, shock and other mechanical environments during rocket launch pose great challenges to the locking and releasing devices of these deployable structures.

[0003] In related technologies, the explosion of pyrotechnics such as explosive bolts and pull pins is used to provide a huge locking force. However, the impact generated when such mechanisms are released is too large, which will cause damage and pollution to adjacent devices and is not suitable for high-precision instruments. Moreover, using pyrotechnic explosion to generate locking force can only be used once, and it is impossible to re-lock the aerospace structure in orbit.

[0004] In order to achieve repeated locking, related technologies also apply SMA (Shape Memory Alloy) and SMPC (Shape Memory Polymer Composite) materials to the locking and releasing of aerospace structures. If only the material of the existing locking and releasing mechanism is replaced with shape memory material, since the generated locking force is small, it cannot be directly applied to large aerospace equipment, and an additional external mechanical locking device needs to be configured to increase the locking force, so as to maintain the locking and shaping of the shape memory material. This method still cannot achieve in-situ automatic repeated locking and releasing of aerospace structures in orbit. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem solved by the present invention is how to enable large aerospace structures to achieve in-situ automatic repeated locking and releasing in orbit.

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides an in-situ locking and releasing mechanism and its mating connection device.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an in-situ locking and releasing mechanism, adopting the following technical solution:

[0008] An in-situ locking and releasing mechanism for releasing or locking a working element of an aerospace structure in orbit, comprising a temperature control module, an SMA driving spring, a force amplification component, and a sliding locking module, wherein the force amplification component is connected between the SMA driving spring and the sliding locking module;

[0009] The memory state of the SMA driving spring is the compressed state, the memory temperature of the SMA driving spring is higher than room temperature, the SMA driving spring is connected to the temperature control module, and the temperature control module controls the telescopic state of the SMA driving spring by adjusting the temperature; the force amplification component is used to amplify the contraction force of the SMA driving spring;

[0010] The sliding locking module includes a slider, a pressure-bearing member and a return spring. The slider is respectively connected to the force amplification component and the return spring; the SMA driving spring drives the slider to move away from the pressure-bearing member through the force amplification component and deforms the return spring to release the working element; the slider is used to move towards the pressure-bearing member under the action of the elastic restoring force of the return spring and cooperate with the pressure-bearing member to clamp the working element to lock the working element.

[0011] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The memory state of the SMA driving spring is set to the compressed state, and the SMA driving spring is kept in the stretched state by applying an external mechanical force at room temperature. Due to the material characteristics of the shape memory alloy of the SMA driving spring, when the temperature control module heats the SMA driving spring to the memory temperature, the SMA driving spring automatically contracts and deforms. The contraction of the SMA driving spring drives the slider to disengage from the pressure-bearing member, thereby releasing the working element. The contraction force generated by the SMA driving spring is amplified to the required magnitude by the force amplification component; when the temperature control module stops heating, the SMA driving spring gradually drops to room temperature. When the contraction force of the SMA driving spring cannot overcome the pressing force between the slider and the pressure-bearing member, the slider presses against the pressure-bearing member to achieve locking. The present invention controls the deformation of the SMA driving spring by temperature and increases the locking force at the output end of the sliding locking module through the force amplification component, without the need to additionally add an external fastening device to increase the fastening force, and can realize the in-orbit in-situ automatic repeated locking and releasing of the working element of the aerospace structure.

[0012] Optionally, the temperature control module includes an electric heater, a temperature sensor, a resistance sensor, a power supply and an integrated controller for independently controlling the operating states of the above four components. The electric heater, the temperature sensor and the resistance sensor are all electrically connected to the SMA driving spring. The electric heater is used to heat the SMA driving spring, the temperature sensor is used to monitor the temperature, the resistance sensor is used to detect the resistance of the SMA driving spring, and the power supply is used to provide electrical energy.

[0013] Optionally, the force amplification component is a compound lever mechanism, and there is a preset activity space for the operation of the compound lever mechanism between the SMA driving spring and the sliding locking module.

[0014] Optionally, the force amplification component includes a first rod, a second rod, a third rod, a fourth rod, and a fifth rod. The middle of the first rod is hinged and fixed, one end is connected to the SMA driving spring through a wire, and the other end is connected to one end of the second rod; the other end of the second rod is respectively connected to one end of the third rod and the fourth rod, the other end of the third rod is hinged and fixed, and the other end of the fourth rod is connected to one end of the fifth rod; the other end of the fifth rod is hinged and fixed, and the middle of the fifth rod is connected to the slider through a wire.

[0015] Optionally, it further includes a housing, and the temperature control module, the SMA driving spring, the force amplification component, and the sliding locking module are all installed inside the housing;

[0016] A relief hole for the working element to pass through is opened on the housing. The pressure-bearing member is in a frustum-shaped structure, and the relief hole is opposite to the end face of the pressure-bearing member. When locking / releasing the working element, the slider abuts against / detaches from the outer peripheral wall of the pressure-bearing member;

[0017] A fixed sliding sleeve for the slider to slide is further provided inside the housing. The slider is slidably connected to the inner wall of the fixed sliding sleeve, and the slider is fixedly connected to the force amplification component through a wire. A through hole for the wire to pass through is opened on the fixed sliding sleeve.

[0018] Optionally, a pressure relief spring is provided at the edge of the relief hole; in the locking condition, the pressure relief spring is compressed and arranged between the working element and the housing; in the releasing condition, the pressure relief spring releases elastic force to assist in driving the working element out of the relief hole.

[0019] Optionally, when the working element uses a shape memory material structure for locking and releasing, a heating sheet is provided on the outer surface of the pressure-bearing member or the surface of the slider for abutting against the pressure-bearing member. The heating sheet is electrically connected to the temperature control module, and the heating sheet is used to heat the connecting part of the working element to a deformed state to cooperate with the sliding locking module for locking.

[0020] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a mating connection device, adopting the following technical solution:

[0021] A mating connection device, which cooperates with the aforementioned in-situ locking and releasing mechanism to lock or release the working element of the aerospace structure, includes an SMPC sleeve and a connector. One end of the SMPC sleeve is detachably fixed to the connector, and the side of the connector away from the SMPC sleeve is used to connect and install the working element. The SMPC sleeve is used for plugging and mating with the in-situ locking and releasing mechanism, and the slider abuts against the pressure-bearing member to clamp and lock the SMPC sleeve.

[0022] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the SMPC sleeve is based on the inherent properties of shape memory composite materials, and in addition to having a shape memory function, it also has the characteristic that stiffness changes with temperature. One of the end faces of the SMPC sleeve is detachably fixedly connected to the connector, and the side of the connector facing away from the SMPC sleeve is detachably connected to the working element. During the locking and releasing process, the SMPC sleeve is inserted between the slider and the pressure-bearing part of the aforementioned in-situ locking and releasing mechanism, and the temperature control module controls the temperature to increase so that the SMPC sleeve is heated and softened, and the SMPC sleeve is shaped by the slider extrusion, so that the SMPC sleeve is tightly fitted between the slider and the pressure-bearing part; then the temperature is lowered, and the stiffness of the SMPC sleeve is increased accordingly, and the locked shape is maintained under the mechanical force of the slider. When released, the slider releases the SMPC sleeve, and the temperature is increased again. The SMPC sleeve exerts a shape memory function, recovers to its original state at high temperature, and then exits the in-situ locking and releasing mechanism to complete the in-situ release. Providing a universal connector and SMPC sleeve can improve the adaptability between different working elements and the in-situ locking and releasing mechanism.

[0023] Optionally, the material used for the SMPC sleeve is a composite of a shape memory polymer and a fiber reinforcement phase, and the volume fraction of the fiber reinforcement phase in the SMPC sleeve material is 5% to 60%.

[0024] Optionally, the wall thickness of the SMPC sleeve does not exceed 0.5 mm, and the free end edge of the SMPC sleeve is smoothed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the initial state structure of the in-situ locking and releasing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of the in-situ locking and releasing mechanism in the waiting-to-connect state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the structure of a force amplification component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the matching connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the in-situ locking and releasing mechanism and the matching connecting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 6 It is a schematic assembly diagram of the in-situ locking release mechanism and the matching connecting device in the locked state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Description of reference numerals:

[0032] 10. Working element; 1. Temperature control module; 11. Power supply; 12. Integrated controller; 13. Installation body; 2. SMA driving spring; 3. Force amplification component; 4. Sliding locking module; 41. Slide block; 42. Bearing part; 43. Slot; 44. Return spring; 5. Metal wire; 6. Housing; 61. Relief hole; 62. Fixed sliding sleeve; 621. Roller; 64. Pressure relief spring; 7. SMPC sleeve; 8. Connector. Detailed implementation manner

[0033] To make the above objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more obvious and understandable, the following will describe in detail the specific embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although some embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein. Instead, these embodiments are provided to more thoroughly and completely understand the present invention. It should be understood that the drawings and embodiments of the present invention are only for exemplary purposes and are not used to limit the protection scope of the present invention.

[0034] The Z-axis in the drawings represents the vertical direction, that is, the up and down position, and the positive direction of the Z-axis represents the upper side, and the negative direction of the Z-axis represents the lower side; the X-axis in the drawings represents the horizontal direction and is specified as the left and right position, and the positive direction of the X-axis represents the right side, and the negative direction of the X-axis represents the left side; the Y-axis in the drawings represents the front and back position, and the positive direction of the Y-axis represents the front side, and the negative direction of the Y-axis represents the back side. At the same time, it should be noted that the above-mentioned meanings of the Z-axis, Y-axis, and X-axis are only for facilitating the description of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation to the present invention.

[0035] The term "including" and its variants used herein are open-ended, that is, "including but not limited to"; the term "based on" is "at least partially based on"; the term "one embodiment" means "at least one embodiment"; the term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment"; the term "some embodiments" means "at least some embodiments"; the term "optionally" means "optional embodiment". The relevant definitions of other terms will be given in the following description. It should be noted that the concepts such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the present invention are only used to distinguish different devices, modules, or units, and are not used to limit the order of the functions performed by these devices, modules, or units or their interdependent relationships.

[0036] It should be noted that the modifications of "one" and "multiple" mentioned in the present invention are illustrative rather than restrictive. Those skilled in the art should understand that unless otherwise clearly stated in the context, it should be understood as "one or more".

[0037] In the related art, common locking and releasing devices usually adopt pyrotechnic devices or locking and releasing mechanisms made of shape memory materials. Among them, common pyrotechnic devices such as explosive bolts and pull pins can provide huge locking forces by using the method of explosion. However, the impact generated when such mechanisms are released is too large, which will cause damage and pollution to the adjacent devices, and the damage to high-precision instruments is the most serious. Moreover, pyrotechnic locking and releasing products can only be used once and cannot be locked again in orbit. A large amount of ground verification work needs to be carried out before use. Although the existing locking and releasing mechanisms made of shape memory materials can achieve repeated locking and releasing through memory performance, due to the defects of the materials themselves, there is a problem of small locking force, which is difficult to be directly applied to large aerospace equipment, and additional mechanical structures need to be installed to increase the locking force. Therefore, the existing locking and releasing devices cannot achieve in-orbit in-situ automatic locking and releasing of large aerospace equipment. In addition, the existing locking and releasing devices have poor versatility, and different locking and releasing devices need to be used to match different working components.

[0038] In view of the problems existing in the above related art, the present invention provides an in-situ locking and releasing mechanism and its mating connection device.

[0039] Referring to Figure 1 , an in-situ locking and releasing mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present invention is used for releasing or locking a working component 10 in orbit of an aerospace structure, and includes a temperature control module 1, an SMA driving spring 2, a force amplification component 3, and a sliding locking module 4. The force amplification component 3 is connected between the SMA driving spring 2 and the sliding locking module 4;

[0040] The memory state of the SMA driving spring 2 is a compressed state, the memory temperature of the SMA driving spring 2 is higher than room temperature, the SMA driving spring 2 is connected to the temperature control module 1, and the temperature control module 1 controls the expansion and contraction state of the SMA driving spring 2 by adjusting the temperature; the force amplification component 3 is used for amplifying the contraction force of the SMA driving spring 2;

[0041] The sliding locking module 4 includes a slider 41, a pressure-bearing member 42, and a return spring 44. The slider 41 is respectively connected to the force amplification component 3 and the return spring 44; the SMA driving spring 2 drives the slider 41 to move away from the pressure-bearing member 42 through the force amplification component 3 and deforms the return spring 44 to release the working component 10; the slider 41 is used to move towards the pressure-bearing member 42 under the elastic restoring force of the return spring 44 and cooperate with the pressure-bearing member 42 to clamp the working component 10 to lock the working component 10.

[0042] Referring to Figure 1 、 Figure 2, the in-situ locking and releasing mechanism is symmetrically arranged in a left-right mirror image with the midline of the temperature control module parallel to the Z direction. Specifically, the memory state of the SMA driving spring 2 is set to the compressed state, and at room temperature, an external mechanical force is applied to keep the SMA driving spring 2 in the stretched state. Due to the material characteristics of the shape memory alloy of the SMA driving spring 2, when the temperature control module 1 heats the SMA driving spring 2 to the memory temperature, the SMA driving spring 2 automatically undergoes a contraction deformation. The contraction of the SMA driving spring 2 drives the slider 41 to disengage from the bearing member 42, thereby releasing the working element 10. The contraction force generated by the SMA driving spring 2 is amplified to the required magnitude through the force amplification component 3; when the temperature control module 1 stops heating, the SMA driving spring 2 gradually cools to room temperature. When the contraction force of the SMA driving spring 2 cannot overcome the tightening force between the slider 41 and the bearing member 42, the slider 41 abuts against the bearing member 42 to achieve locking. The present invention controls the deformation of the SMA driving spring 2 through temperature and increases the locking force at the output end of the sliding locking module 4 through the force amplification component 3, without the need to additionally add an external fastening device to increase the fastening force, and can alternately and cyclically achieve the in-situ automatic repeated locking and releasing of the working element 10 in the aerospace structure on orbit.

[0043] The initial form of the return spring 44 can be the compressed state. After the SMA driving spring 2 reaches the memory temperature, it retracts to generate a driving force. The driving force is amplified by the force amplification component 3 and then acts on the slider 41 to cause the slider 41 to move away from the bearing member 42. During the process of the slider 41 moving away from the bearing member 42, the return spring 44 is further compressed. At this time, the amplified driving force is greater than the elastic force of the return spring 44 until the return spring 44 is compressed to be equal to the amplified driving force to reach the unlocking and releasing state. At this time, the return spring 44 has a large elastic energy storage, which can be used to brake the slider 41. Then, after the temperature of the SMA driving spring 2 decreases and the contraction driving force is lost, the elastic force released by the compressed return spring 44 can drive the slider 41 to approach the bearing member 42 to achieve locking.

[0044] In this embodiment, each module inside the in-situ locking and releasing mechanism is mechanically connected by a metal wire 5 for force transmission. Using a metal wire 5 with high ductility and high tensile strength for mechanical connection can meet the displacement and deformation requirements of the SMA driving spring 2, the force amplification component 3, and the sliding locking module 4; in addition, using the metal wire 5 for connection also has the advantages of light self-weight, easy disassembly, and easy maintenance. The SMA driving spring 2 is made of TiNi shape memory alloy, and the TiNi shape memory alloy exhibits shape memory characteristics in the temperature range of -50°C to 80°C. When manufacturing the SMA driving spring 2, the SMA driving spring 2 is made to remember its compressed form at a high temperature of 80°C; during use, an external load is applied at room temperature to keep the SMA driving spring 2 in a stretched state. When the temperature control module 1 reheats the SMA driving spring 2 to 80°C by means of electric heating, the SMA driving spring 2 automatically generates a contraction force to restore itself to the initial memory form.

[0045] In the initial state, the slider 41 abuts against the pressure-bearing member 42 under the elastic force of the return spring 44. Before implementing the locking, it is necessary to first start the temperature control module 1 to heat the SMA driving spring 2. The SMA driving spring 2 contracts at high temperature, driving the slider 41 to slide away from the pressure-bearing member 42, and a slot 43 is formed between the slider 41 and the pressure-bearing member 42, putting the sliding locking module 4 in a state of waiting for connection, so as to facilitate the plug-in cooperation between the working element 10 and the in-situ locking and releasing mechanism.

[0046] In the locking working condition, the temperature of the SMA driving spring 2 is lowered, and the contraction force gradually decreases as the temperature decreases. When the elastic force generated by the return spring 44 is greater than the amplified contraction force, the slider 41 slides towards the direction close to the pressure-bearing member 42 until the slider 41 abuts against the pressure-bearing member 42, thereby realizing the locking of the working element 10.

[0047] In the releasing working condition, the SMA driving spring 2 contracts at high temperature, driving the slider 41 to slide away from the pressure-bearing member 42, releasing the working element 10, and facilitating the working element 10 to withdraw from the in-situ locking and releasing mechanism, thereby realizing in-situ release.

[0048] In other embodiments, the material of the SMA driving spring 2 can also be selected from other shape memory alloys.

[0049] Refer to Figure 1, optionally, the temperature control module 1 includes an electric heater, a temperature sensor, a resistance sensor, a power supply 11, and an integrated controller 12 for independently controlling the operating states of the above four components respectively. The electric heater, the temperature sensor, and the resistance sensor are all electrically connected to the SMA driving spring 2. The electric heater is used to heat the SMA driving spring 2, the temperature sensor is used to monitor the temperature of the SMA driving spring 2, the resistance sensor is used to detect the resistance of the SMA driving spring 2, and the power supply 11 is used to provide electrical energy.

[0050] Specifically, the integrated controller 12 independently controls the operation between the electric heater, the temperature sensor, the resistance sensor, and the power supply 11 through multiple circuits, enabling the power supply 11 to flexibly meet the requirements of each electrical component under different working conditions. The electric heater is energized to start heating the SMA driving spring 2, and the temperature sensor is energized to feedback the temperature information of the SMA driving spring 2. It should be noted that the resistance of the SMA driving spring 2 is different in the extended and compressed states. Setting a strain gauge can determine the working condition of the mechanism by monitoring the change in the resistance of the SMA driving spring 2, so that the resistance change can be used as the feedback information for the operation of the in-situ locking and releasing mechanism. Thus, in this solution, by centrally controlling the temperature and monitoring the resistance, the in-situ locking and releasing task during the operation of the spacecraft can be automatically executed, greatly reducing the variables and lowering the control difficulty of the locking and releasing device and the workload of ground verification.

[0051] Refer to Figure 1 , in this embodiment, the temperature control module 1 may further include an installation body 13 with a hollow cylindrical structure. The central axis of the installation body 13 is parallel to the Z-axis. The installation body 13 is divided into three parts from top to bottom along the Z-axis. The upper part is used to accommodate and install functional components such as an electric heater, a temperature sensor, and a resistance sensor; the middle part is used to accommodate and install the integrated controller 12; the lower part is used to accommodate and install the power supply 11. Setting the integrated controller 12 in the middle position of the installation body 13 can facilitate the connection wires between the integrated controller 12 and each functional component and the power supply 11.

[0052] Optionally, the temperature control module 1 further includes a control terminal. The control terminal is electrically connected to the integrated controller 12, and the control terminal is configured with an intelligent control system for automatically regulating the integrated controller 12.

[0053] Specifically, the control terminal is electrically connected to the integrated controller 12 and is configured with an intelligent control system. Ground control personnel send instructions to the integrated controller 12 by operating the control terminal. The intelligent control system can analyze various data fed back by the integrated controller 12 and automatically make fine adjustments to the shape and temperature of the SMA driving spring 2, and real-time monitor and correct the processes of the locking and releasing operations.

[0054] In this embodiment, the control terminal is a computer. Optionally, a voltage sensor and a current sensor can be added to the temperature control module 1 to obtain more accurate control data.

[0055] Refer to Figure 1 , optionally, further comprising a housing 6, wherein the temperature control module 1, the SMA driving spring 2, the force amplification component 3 and the sliding locking module 4 are all installed in the housing 6; a relief hole 61 for the working element 10 to pass through is formed in the housing 6, the pressure-bearing member 42 is in a frustum-like structure, the relief hole 61 is opposite to the end face of the pressure-bearing member 42, when locking / releasing the working element 10, the slider 41 abuts against / detaches from the outer peripheral wall of the pressure-bearing member 42; a fixed sliding sleeve 62 for the slider 41 to slide is further arranged inside the housing 6, the slider 41 is slidably connected to the inner wall of the fixed sliding sleeve 62, and the slider 41 and the force amplification component 3 are fixedly connected by a metal wire 5, and a through hole for the metal wire 5 to pass through is formed in the fixed sliding sleeve 62.

[0056] Specifically, the housing 6 plays a role in protecting and stably installing other functional modules. The force amplification component 3 is connected to the inner wall of the housing 6 through a fixed hinge support. The fixed sliding sleeve 62 plays a role in guiding the movement and accommodating the slider 41.

[0057] In this embodiment, the housing 6 can be selected as a cube or a cylindrical structure whose orthographic projection on the X-Y plane is circular. The relief hole 61 is opened at the center of the bottom of the housing 6, and the diameter of the relief hole 61 is slightly larger than the bottom side length of the pressure-bearing member 42. The pressure-bearing member 42 preferably has a frustum structure with a narrower upper part and a wider lower part, and the upper end face of the pressure-bearing member 42 is fixedly connected to the installation body 13 of the temperature control module 1. The outer contour of the pressure-bearing member 42 with a narrower upper part and a wider lower part is beneficial to locking the working element 10 and helps to reduce the possibility of the working element 10 accidentally withdrawing from the sliding locking module 4. The surface of the slider 41 for abutting against the pressure-bearing member 42 completely fits the outer peripheral wall of the pressure-bearing member 42. The accommodating space inside the fixed sliding sleeve 62 is preferably in a quadrangular prism shape or a cylindrical shape. In order to improve the guiding ability and reduce the sliding resistance at the same time, a sliding groove is preferably formed on the inner wall of the fixed sliding sleeve 62, and rollers 621 are arranged between the slider 41 and the sliding groove. The sliding groove is parallel to the sliding direction of the slider 41. In the figure, the slider 41 slides left and right along the X axis, and two pairs of rollers 621 are symmetrically arranged on the upper and lower sides of the slider 41, which can improve the sliding stability of the slider 41. The through hole is opened at the center of the bottom wall of the fixed sliding sleeve 62 so that the connecting wire of the metal wire 5 is parallel to the sliding direction of the slider 41. The fixed sliding sleeve 62 and the housing 6 are integrally formed by 3D printing or the like. In the figure, one end of the fixed sliding sleeve 62 close to the pressure-bearing member 42 is set to be open, and the end of the fixed sliding sleeve 62 far from the pressure-bearing member 42 is the bottom wall.

[0058] Optionally, a pressure relief spring 64 is provided at the edge of the relief hole 61; in the locking condition, the pressure relief spring 64 is compressed and arranged between the working element 10 and the housing 6; in the release condition, the pressure relief spring 64 releases its elastic force to assist in driving the working element 10 out of the relief hole 61.

[0059] Referring to Figure 3 , optionally, the force amplification assembly 3 is a compound lever mechanism, and there is a preset activity space for the operation of the compound lever mechanism between the SMA driving spring 2 and the sliding locking module 4. In other embodiments, the force amplification assembly 3 is not limited to the lever mechanism, and a pulley group mechanism, an inclined plane mechanism, a ribbed mechanism, a four-bar linkage mechanism, or a compound mechanism formed by combining them can also be used.

[0060] Optionally, the force amplification assembly 3 includes a first rod body 3-01, a second rod body 3-02, a third rod body 3-03, a fourth rod body 3-04, and a fifth rod body 3-05. The middle of the first rod body 3-01 is hinged and fixed, and one end is connected to the SMA driving spring 2 through a wire 5, and the other end is connected to one end of the second rod body 3-02; the other end of the second rod body 3-02 is respectively connected to one end of the third rod body 3-03 and the fourth rod body 3-04. The other end of the third rod body 3-03 is hinged and fixed, and the other end of the fourth rod body 3-04 is connected to one end of the fifth rod body 3-05; the other end of the fifth rod body 3-05 is hinged and fixed, and the middle of the fifth rod body 3-05 is connected to the slider 41 through a wire 5.

[0061] Specifically, the compound lever mechanism is combined by multiple rods. By changing the number, length, combination method, and position of the levers, the geometric relationship between the input rod and the output rod can be changed, so that the force amplification multiple can be flexibly adjusted according to requirements. Sufficient lever activity space needs to be reserved during the production and installation of the in-situ locking and releasing mechanism to ensure the normal operation of the force amplification assembly 3.

[0062] In this embodiment, the force amplification assembly 3 adopts a five-rod three-time combined force amplification assembly 3, and is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the housing 6 through three fixed hinge supports, and the rods are hinged to each other. The three fixed hinge supports respectively correspond to Figure 3 the O point, M point, and N point in . In actual arrangement, the number of levers and the position of the supports can be adjusted according to needs to further adjust the force amplification multiple to match more applicable scenarios. The first rod body 3-01 is the input rod, and the fifth rod body 3-05 is the output rod. The top end of the first rod body 3-01 is connected to the end of the SMA driving spring 2 through a wire 5. The length of the part of the first rod body 3-01 above the O point support is a, and the length of the part below the support is b; the second rod body 3-02 is a connecting rod and does not play a role in amplification; the length of the third rod body 3-03 is c; the length of the fourth rod body 3-04 is c; Figure 3The dashed line in the figure represents the auxiliary line, and the auxiliary line is parallel to the Z-axis. The third rod body 3-03 and the fourth rod body 3-04 each form an α angle with the auxiliary line; taking the connection point of the fifth rod body 3-05 and the wire 5 as the node, the length on the left side is e and the length on the right side is d. The input force of the force amplification component 3 is F1, and the output force is F2. Then the calculation formula for the force amplification multiple is as follows:

[0063]

[0064] In this embodiment, it is set that a = 3b, e = d, α = 10°, then F2 = 3×2.84×2F1 = 17.04F1.

[0065] Referring to Figure 2 , optionally, when the working element 10 is locked and released by adopting a shape memory material structure, a heating sheet is provided on the outer surface of the pressure-bearing member 42 or on the surface of the slider 41 for abutting against the working element 10. The heating sheet is electrically connected to the temperature control module 1, and the heating sheet is used to heat the connecting part of the working element 10 to a deformed state to cooperate with the sliding locking module 4 for locking.

[0066] Specifically, when the part of the working element 10 that is inserted and cooperated with the in-situ locking and releasing mechanism adopts a shape memory material, the non-compressed state of the working element 10 is set as the memory state. A heating sheet is provided on the surface of the pressure-bearing member 42 or the slider 41 that abuts against the working element 10. In the locking condition, the heating sheet can quickly heat the connecting part of the working element 10 for locking and releasing to a deformed state, so as to facilitate the slider 41 to squeeze this part to achieve locking and shaping; in the releasing condition, the heating sheet on the pressure-bearing member 42 heats the shape memory material part of the working element 10, the slider 41 is separated from the working element 10, and the shape memory part of the working element 10 undergoes shape memory deformation when heated, and returns to the state of being inserted and cooperated with the slot 43 but not in contact with the pressure-bearing member 42 (i.e., the memory shape), so as to facilitate the working element 10 to be unlocked from the in-situ locking and releasing mechanism and then withdrawn from the slot 43.

[0067] In this embodiment, electric heating sheets are provided on the outer peripheral wall of the pressure-bearing member 42 and on the surface of the slider 41 for abutting against the working element 10. In other embodiments, a magnetic field heating device can also be selected to be arranged inside the pressure-bearing member 42 to generate an alternating magnetic field when energized, and an electromagnetic induction component is added to the locking connection part of the working element 10 accordingly to achieve heating.

[0068] Referring to Figure 4, a mating connection device provided by an embodiment of the present invention cooperates with the in-situ locking and releasing mechanism described above to lock or release a working element 10 of a space structure, and includes an SMPC sleeve 7 and a connector 8. One end of the SMPC sleeve 7 is detachably fixed to the connector 8, and the side of the connector 8 away from the SMPC sleeve 7 is used to connect the working element 10. The SMPC sleeve 7 is used to sleeve outside a pressure-bearing member 42 of the in-situ locking and releasing mechanism, and the slider 41 abuts against the SMPC sleeve 7 to jointly clamp and lock the SMPC sleeve 7 with the pressure-bearing member 42.

[0069] Referring to Figure 1 and Figures 4 - 6 , specifically, based on the inherent properties of the shape memory composite material, the SMPC sleeve 7 not only has the shape memory function but also has the characteristic that its stiffness changes with temperature. One end face of the SMPC sleeve 7 is detachably and fixedly connected to the connector 8, and the side of the connector 8 facing away from the SMPC sleeve 7 is detachably connected to the working element 10. During the locking and releasing process, the SMPC sleeve 7 is inserted between the slider 41 and the pressure-bearing member 42 of the aforementioned in-situ locking and releasing mechanism. The temperature control module 1 controls the temperature to rise, making the SMPC sleeve 7 heat-soften to the rubber state. Through the extrusion of the slider 41, the SMPC sleeve 7 is shaped so that the SMPC sleeve 7 closely fits between the slider 41 and the pressure-bearing member 42. Then the temperature is lowered, and the stiffness of the SMPC sleeve 7 increases accordingly, and it maintains the locked shape under the mechanical force of the slider 41. When releasing, the slider 41 loosens the SMPC sleeve 7, the temperature is raised again, the SMPC sleeve 7 exerts its shape memory function, returns to the original state at high temperature, and then exits the in-situ locking and releasing mechanism to complete the in-situ release. The setting of the universal connector 8 and the SMPC sleeve 7 can improve the adaptability between different working elements 10 and the in-situ locking and releasing mechanism.

[0070] In this embodiment, the material of the SMPC sleeve 7 is a polyurethane shape memory polymer composite material, and the elastic modulus range is 10 MPa to 100 MPa in the rubber state (high temperature 65 °C); while in the glass state (low temperature 25 °C), the elastic modulus range is as high as 1 GPa to 3 GPa, and the elastic modulus is significantly increased. Therefore, the SMPC sleeve 7 under the external force extrusion of the slider 41 to maintain the temporary shape can withstand a large load.

[0071] In other embodiments, the material of the SMPC sleeve 7 can also be other shape memory composite materials such as styrene-based shape memory polymers, epoxy resin-based shape memory polymers, cyanate ester-based shape memory polymers, and polyether ether ketone shape memory polymers.

[0072] Optionally, the SMPC sleeve 7 is made of a composite of a shape memory polymer and a fiber reinforcement phase, and the volume fraction of the fiber reinforcement phase in the SMPC sleeve 7 material is 5% to 60%.

[0073] Specifically, the volume fraction of the fiber reinforcement phase in the material directly affects the stiffness of the SMPC sleeve 7. The volume fraction of the fiber reinforcement phase can be adjusted according to the requirement of the locking force. When a smaller locking force is required, a shape memory composite material with a smaller volume fraction of shape memory polymer fibers can be selected; when a larger locking force is required, a shape memory composite material with a larger volume fraction of fibers can be selected.

[0074] Optionally, the wall thickness of the SMPC sleeve 7 does not exceed 0.5 mm, and the free end edge of the SMPC sleeve 7 is smoothed.

[0075] Specifically, the force amplification component 3 of the lever mechanism reduces the displacement of the slider 41 while amplifying the force. The wall thickness not exceeding 0.5 mm helps the SMPC sleeve 7 to be smoothly inserted into or withdrawn from the slot 43 of the sliding locking module 4.

[0076] In this embodiment, the preparation method of the SMPC sleeve 7 is molding, vacuum tank or hand lay-up, 4D printing, etc. In other embodiments, a negative Poisson's ratio material that can be softened by heat can also be selected to make the connection sleeve, thereby replacing the SMPC sleeve 7.

[0077] The implementation principle of the in-situ locking and releasing mechanism and the mating connection device in the present invention to jointly realize the in-situ automatic locking and releasing of the aerospace structure working element 10 is as follows: the SMA driving spring 2 of the in-situ locking and releasing mechanism generates a contraction force through the shape memory function of the material at high temperature. After the contraction force is amplified by the force amplification component 3, it is used to drive the locking or releasing of the mating connection device carrying the working element 10 of the sliding locking module 4. The SMPC sleeve 7 of the mating connection device also has a shape memory function. After being softened and shaped at high temperature and then restored to the low-temperature glass state, the stiffness of the SMPC sleeve 7 itself is greatly improved. The sliding locking module 4 and the SMPC sleeve 7 with increased strength jointly provide the locking force, thereby improving the overall load-bearing capacity of the locking and releasing mechanism.

[0078] Although the present invention is disclosed as above, the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and these changes and modifications will all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An in-situ locking and releasing mechanism, characterized in that, For on-orbit releasing or locking a working element (10) of a space structure, it includes a temperature control module (1), an SMA driving spring (2), a force amplification component (3), and a sliding locking module (4). The force amplification component (3) is connected between the SMA driving spring (2) and the sliding locking module (4). The memory state of the SMA driving spring (2) is a compressed state. The memory temperature of the SMA driving spring (2) is higher than room temperature. The SMA driving spring (2) is connected to the temperature control module (1). The temperature control module (1) controls the expansion and contraction state of the SMA driving spring (2) by adjusting the temperature. The force amplification component (3) is used to amplify the contraction force of the SMA driving spring (2). The sliding locking module (4) includes a slider (41), a pressure-bearing member (42), and a return spring (44). The slider (41) is respectively connected to the force amplification component (3) and the return spring (44). The SMA driving spring (2) drives the slider (41) to move away from the pressure-bearing member (42) through the force amplification component (3) and deforms the return spring (44) to release the working element (10). The slider (41) is used to move towards the pressure-bearing member (42) under the elastic restoring force of the return spring (44) and cooperate with the pressure-bearing member (42) to clamp the working element (10) to lock the working element (10).

2. The in-situ locking and releasing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that The temperature control module (1) includes an electric heater, a temperature sensor, a resistance sensor, a power supply (11), and an integrated controller (12) for independently controlling the operating states of the above four components respectively. The electric heater, the temperature sensor, and the resistance sensor are all electrically connected to the SMA driving spring (2). The electric heater is used to heat the SMA driving spring (2). The temperature sensor is used to monitor the temperature. The resistance sensor is used to detect the resistance of the SMA driving spring (2). The power supply (11) is used to provide electrical energy.

3. The in-situ locking and releasing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The force amplification component (3) is a compound lever mechanism. There is a preset activity space for the operation of the compound lever mechanism between the SMA driving spring (2) and the sliding locking module (4).

4. The in-situ locking and releasing mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The force amplification component (3) includes a first rod body (3-01), a second rod body (3-02), a third rod body (3-03), a fourth rod body (3-04), and a fifth rod body (3-05). The middle of the first rod body (3-01) is hinged and fixed, and one end is connected to the SMA driving spring (2) through a wire (5), and the other end is connected to one end of the second rod body (3-02); the other end of the second rod body (3-02) is respectively connected to one end of the third rod body (3-03) and the fourth rod body (3-04), the other end of the third rod body (3-03) is hinged and fixed, and the other end of the fourth rod body (3-04) is connected to one end of the fifth rod body (3-05); the other end of the fifth rod body (3-05) is hinged and fixed, and the middle of the fifth rod body (3-05) is connected to the slider (41) through a wire (5).

5. The in-situ locking and releasing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein It further includes a housing (6), and the temperature control module (1), the SMA driving spring (2), the force amplification component (3) and the sliding locking module (4) are all installed in the housing (6); A relief hole (61) for the working element (10) to pass through is formed in the housing (6). The pressure-bearing member (42) has a frustum-shaped structure, and the relief hole (61) faces the end face of the pressure-bearing member (42). When locking / releasing the working element (10), the slider (41) abuts against / detaches from the outer peripheral wall of the pressure-bearing member (42); A fixed sliding sleeve (62) for the slider (41) to slide is further provided inside the housing (6). The slider (41) is slidably connected to the inner wall of the fixed sliding sleeve (62), and the slider (41) is fixedly connected to the force amplification component (3) through a wire (5). A through hole for the wire (5) to pass through is formed in the fixed sliding sleeve (62).

6. The in-situ locking and releasing mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, A pressure relief spring (64) is provided at the edge of the relief hole (61); in the locking condition, the pressure relief spring (64) is compressed and arranged between the working element (10) and the housing (6); in the releasing condition, the pressure relief spring (64) releases elastic force to assist in driving the working element (10) to withdraw from the relief hole (61).

7. The in-situ locking and releasing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the working element (10) is locked and released by using a shape memory material structure, a heating sheet is provided on the outer surface of the pressure-bearing member (42) or on the surface of the slider (41) for abutting against the pressure-bearing member (42). The heating sheet is electrically connected to the temperature control module (1), and the heating sheet is used to heat the connecting part of the working element (10) to a deformed state to cooperate with the sliding locking module (4) for locking.

8. A mating connection device, characterized in that, Cooperating with the in-situ locking and releasing mechanism according to any one of claims 1-7 to lock or release the working element (10) of the aerospace structure, which includes an SMPC sleeve (7) and a connector (8). One end of the SMPC sleeve (7) is detachably fixed to the connector (8). The side of the connector (8) away from the SMPC sleeve (7) is used to connect and install the working element (10). The SMPC sleeve (7) is used for plugging and cooperating with the in-situ locking and releasing mechanism. The slider (41) abuts against the pressure-bearing member (42) to clamp and lock the SMPC sleeve (7).

9. The mating connection device according to claim 8, wherein, The SMPC sleeve (7) is made of a composite of a shape memory polymer and a fiber reinforcement phase. The volume fraction of the fiber reinforcement phase in the material of the SMPC sleeve (7) is 5% to 60%.

10. The mating connection device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The wall thickness of the SMPC sleeve (7) does not exceed 0.5 mm, and the free end edge of the SMPC sleeve (7) is smoothed.

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