Sliding rail type conical surface extension expansion mechanism and spacecraft

Abstract

This invention proposes a sliding rail type conical surface extension mechanism and spacecraft, belonging to the field of aerospace equipment technology, and solves the problem of insufficient conical surface expansion and contraction capabilities in existing space folding and unfolding mechanisms. The variable diameter ring includes multiple variable diameter components, each comprising a sliding rail and a swing rod. The sliding rail has an arc-shaped slide track and a rotating shaft. One end of the swing rod has a sliding post, and the other end has a rotating hole. The sliding post slides through the arc-shaped slide track, and the rotating hole is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft of the sliding rail in the adjacent variable diameter component. Multiple extension structures are evenly distributed along the circumference of the frustum-shaped main frame. Each extension structure includes a lead screw assembly and an active push rod assembly. The lead screw assembly includes a lead screw and a nut. The lead screw is rotatably connected to the frustum-shaped main frame, and the nut is screwed to the lead screw. The active push rod assembly includes two active push rods, with the lead screw located between the two active push rods. The two ends of the active push rod are connected to the nut and the sliding rail, respectively. This mechanism possesses continuous diameter change function and conical surface expansion and contraction capabilities.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of aerospace equipment technology, and in particular relates to a sliding rail type conical surface extension mechanism and a spacecraft. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of aerospace equipment, space folding and retracting mechanisms have emerged to meet the demands of increasingly larger spacecraft. Currently, folding and retracting mechanisms, represented by extendable arms, have gradually matured and are widely used in the support, positioning, and load-bearing structures of spacecraft. However, existing space folding and retracting mechanisms have significant shortcomings. On the one hand, the number of continuously variable diameter mechanisms is relatively small, which to some extent limits the adaptability and functionality of the mechanisms under different operating conditions. On the other hand, existing mechanisms lack the ability to fold and retract with a conical surface, failing to meet the diverse folding and retracting requirements of some special missions and complex space environments.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new type of space folding and unfolding mechanism. This mechanism should have a wide range of continuous diameter-changing functions and reliable conical surface folding and unfolding capabilities to improve the adaptability and functionality of spacecraft during mission execution and meet the ever-evolving needs of the space industry. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, in order to solve the problems of the shortcomings of existing space folding and unfolding mechanisms in terms of continuous diameter change mechanism and conical surface folding and unfolding capability, this invention proposes a sliding rail type conical surface extension and expansion mechanism and a spacecraft.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A slide rail type conical surface extension mechanism includes:

[0007] The main frame is in the shape of a frustum.

[0008] The variable diameter ring is located at one end of the large diameter of the frustum-shaped main frame. The variable diameter ring includes multiple variable diameter components, which are connected in sequence to form a ring. Each variable diameter component includes a slide rail and a rocker arm. The slide rail is provided with an arc-shaped slide and a rotating shaft. One end of the rocker arm is provided with a sliding column, and the other end is provided with a rotating hole. The sliding column slides through the arc-shaped slide, and the rotating hole is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft of the slide rail in the adjacent variable diameter component.

[0009] Multiple extension structures are evenly distributed along the circumference of the frustum-shaped main frame. Each extension structure includes a lead screw assembly and an active push rod assembly. The lead screw assembly includes a motor, a lead screw, and a lead nut. The motor is connected to the lead screw via transmission, the lead screw is rotatably connected to the frustum-shaped main frame, and the lead nut is screwed to the lead screw. The active push rod assembly includes two active push rods. The lead screw is located between the two active push rods. One end of the active push rod is installed on the lead nut, and the other end is installed on the slide rail of the variable diameter ring.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned slide rail type conical surface extension mechanism, the slide rail type conical surface extension mechanism further includes a guide structure, which includes a guide rail, a slider, and a driven push rod assembly. The guide rail is fixedly mounted on the frustum-shaped main frame, the slider is slidably mounted on the guide rail, and the driven push rod assembly includes two driven push rods. The guide rail is located between the two driven push rods, one end of the driven push rod is fixedly connected to the slider, and the other end is fixedly connected to the slide rail of the variable diameter ring.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the aforementioned slide rail type conical surface extension mechanism, the extension structure further includes a reducer and a gearbox. The motor is connected to the reducer, and the reducer is connected to the lead screw through the gearbox. The motor, reducer, and lead screw are all located on the same side of the gearbox.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the aforementioned slide rail type conical surface extension mechanism, two guide structures are provided between every two adjacent extension structures.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the aforementioned slide rail type conical surface extension mechanism, the driven push rod assembly is connected to the adjacent active push rod assembly via a first linkage rod assembly, and the driven push rod assembly is connected to the adjacent driven push rod assembly via a second linkage rod assembly.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the aforementioned slide rail type conical surface extension mechanism, the first linkage assembly includes two first links, which are rotatably connected and respectively rotatably connected to adjacent driven push rod assemblies and driving push rod assemblies; the second linkage assembly includes two second links, which are rotatably connected and respectively rotatably connected to two adjacent driven push rod assemblies.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned slide rail type conical surface extension mechanism, the number of the first linkage rod assemblies is three, and the three first linkage rod assemblies are spaced apart along the extension direction of the driven push rod assembly; the number of the second linkage rod assemblies is three, and the three second linkage rod assemblies are spaced apart along the extension direction of the driven push rod assembly.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned slide rail type conical surface extension mechanism, a roller assembly is provided between the sliding column and the arc-shaped slide rail. The roller assembly includes a cage and multiple rollers, which are uniformly rotated and installed on the cage, and the cage is sleeved on the sliding column.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned slide rail type conical surface extension mechanism, the number of guide structures is 4 and the number of variable diameter components is 12.

[0018] The present invention also provides a spacecraft including the above-described sliding rail type conical extension mechanism.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the sliding rail type conical surface extension mechanism and spacecraft provided by the present invention are:

[0020] This invention provides a slide rail type conical surface extension mechanism and a spacecraft. In the retracted state, the lead screw nut is located at the end of the lead screw near the minor diameter of the frustum-shaped main frame. During the transition from the retracted to the extended state, the motor drives the lead screw to rotate. The lead screw drives the lead screw nut to rotate and move towards the end closer to the diameter-changing ring. The two ends of the active push rod are respectively installed on the lead screw nut and the diameter-changing ring. The lead screw nut drives the diameter-changing ring to move away from the frustum-shaped main frame through the active push rod. At this time, the sliding column on the swing arm in the diameter-changing ring slides in the arc-shaped slide on the slide rail, and the rotating shaft on the slide rail also rotates in the rotating hole on the swing arm of the adjacent diameter-changing ring, so that the length of each diameter-changing component increases, thereby continuously increasing the diameter of the diameter-changing ring formed by multiple diameter-changing components, achieving the effect of diameter changing and realizing the continuous diameter-changing function.

[0021] This sliding rail-type conical extension mechanism extends and expands by using a lead screw assembly arranged on the conical surface to drive an active push rod assembly. At the end of the active push rod is a variable-diameter ring composed of several sliding rails and a rocker arm, allowing for flexible changes in the ring's diameter and resulting in a larger conical shape. This sliding rail-type conical extension and expansion mechanism possesses rich continuous diameter-changing capabilities and reliable conical surface expansion and contraction capabilities, enhancing the adaptability and functionality of spacecraft during mission execution and meeting the ever-evolving needs of the space industry. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the slide rail type conical surface extension mechanism in the unfolded state according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the slide rail type conical surface extension mechanism in the retracted state according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0026] In the picture:

[0027] 1. Frustum-shaped main frame;

[0028] 21. Motor; 22. Lead screw; 23. Lead nut; 24. Active push rod assembly; 25. Gearbox;

[0029] 31. Guide rail; 32. Slider; 33. Driven push rod assembly;

[0030] 41. Slide rail; 42. Rocker arm; 411. Arc-shaped slide; 421. Rotation hole;

[0031] 5. First linkage rod assembly;

[0032] 6. Second linkage rod assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, and the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments.

[0034] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0036] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0037] See Figure 1-3This invention provides a sliding rail type conical surface extension mechanism and a spacecraft. The sliding rail type conical surface extension mechanism includes a frustum-shaped main frame 1, a variable diameter ring, and multiple extension structures. The variable diameter ring is located at one end of the larger diameter of the frustum-shaped main frame 1. The variable diameter ring includes multiple variable diameter components, which are sequentially connected to form a ring. Each variable diameter component includes a sliding rail 41 and a swing rod 42. The sliding rail 41 has an arc-shaped slide rail 411 and a rotating shaft. One end of the swing rod 42 has a sliding column, and the other end has a rotating hole 421. The sliding column slides through the arc-shaped slide rail 411, and the rotating hole 421... The slide rail 41 in the adjacent diameter-changing assembly is rotatably connected to the shaft; multiple extension structures are evenly distributed along the circumference of the frustum-shaped main frame 1. The extension structure includes a lead screw assembly and an active push rod assembly 24. The lead screw assembly includes a motor 21, a lead screw 22 and a lead nut 23. The motor 21 is connected to the lead screw 22 in a transmission manner. The lead screw 22 is rotatably connected to the frustum-shaped main frame 1. The lead nut 23 is screwed to the lead screw 22. The active push rod assembly 24 includes two active push rods. The lead screw 22 is located between the two active push rods. One end of the active push rod is installed on the lead nut 23 and the other end is installed on the slide rail 41 of the diameter-changing ring.

[0038] In this embodiment, the frustum-shaped main frame 1 has a first fixed ring and a second fixed ring. The diameter of the second fixed ring is larger than the diameter of the first fixed ring. The end closer to the second fixed ring is the end of the major diameter of the frustum-shaped main frame 1, and the end closer to the first fixed ring is the end of the minor diameter of the frustum-shaped main frame 1. The second fixed ring is located between the first fixed ring and the variable diameter ring. The two ends of the lead screw 22 are rotatably connected to the first fixed ring and the second fixed ring, respectively. It can be understood that the lead screw extends along the generatrix of the conical surface of the frustum-shaped main frame 1.

[0039] In the retracted state, the lead screw nut 23 is located at the end of the lead screw 22 near the minor diameter of the frustum-shaped main frame 1. During the transition from the retracted to the extended state, the motor 21 drives the lead screw 22 to rotate. Simultaneously, the lead screw 22 drives the lead screw nut 23 to rotate and move towards the end closer to the variable diameter ring. The two ends of the active push rod are respectively installed on the lead screw nut 23 and the variable diameter ring. The lead screw nut 23, through the active push rod, drives the variable diameter ring to move away from the frustum-shaped main frame 1. At this time, the sliding column on the rocker arm 42 in the variable diameter ring slides in the arc-shaped slide rail 411 on the slide rail 41, and the rotating shaft on the slide rail 41 also rotates within the rotating hole 421 on the rocker arm 42 of the adjacent variable diameter ring. This causes the length of each variable diameter component to increase, thereby continuously increasing the diameter of the variable diameter ring formed by multiple variable diameter components, achieving the effect of continuous diameter change and realizing the continuous diameter change function.

[0040] This sliding rail type conical extension mechanism extends and expands by driving an active push rod assembly 24 through a lead screw assembly arranged on the conical surface. A variable-diameter ring, composed of several sliding rails 41 and a swing rod 42, is arranged at the end of the active push rod, allowing for flexible changes in the diameter of the variable-diameter ring, resulting in a larger conical shape. This sliding rail type conical extension and expansion mechanism possesses rich continuous diameter-changing functions and reliable conical surface expansion and contraction capabilities, enhancing the adaptability and functionality of spacecraft during mission execution and meeting the ever-evolving needs of the aerospace industry.

[0041] In this embodiment, the slide rail type conical surface extension mechanism further includes a guide structure, which includes a guide rail 31, a slider 32, and a driven push rod assembly 33. The guide rail 31 is fixedly mounted on the frustum-shaped main frame 1, the slider 32 is slidably mounted on the guide rail 31, and the driven push rod assembly 33 includes two driven push rods. The guide rail 31 is located between the two driven push rods. One end of the driven push rod is fixedly connected to the slider 32, and the other end is fixedly connected to the slide rail 41 of the variable diameter ring.

[0042] In the retracted state, the slider 32 of this slide rail type conical extension mechanism is located at the end of the lead screw 22 closest to the minor diameter of the frustum-shaped main frame 1. During the transition from the retracted to the extended state, the slider 32 moves towards the end of the frustum-shaped main frame 1 closest to the major diameter, and the slider 32 drives the variable diameter ring to move via the driven push rod. The guide structure enhances the stability of this slide rail type conical extension mechanism.

[0043] In this embodiment, the extension structure further includes a reducer and a gearbox 25. The motor 21 is connected to the reducer, and the reducer is connected to the lead screw 22 through the gearbox 25. The motor 21, reducer, and lead screw 22 are all located on the same side of the gearbox 25. The motor 21 and reducer work together to drive the motor, which reduces the axial length. The gearbox 25 is designed to reverse direction, keeping the motor 21, reducer, and lead screw 22 on the same side.

[0044] In this embodiment, two guide structures are provided between every two adjacent extension structures.

[0045] In this embodiment, the driven push rod assembly 33 is connected to the adjacent active push rod assembly 24 via a first linkage assembly 5, and the driven push rod assembly 33 is connected to the adjacent driven push rod assembly 24 via a second linkage assembly 6. This increases the stability of the overall structure.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first linkage assembly 5 includes two first links rotatably connected to each other, and the two first links are respectively rotatably connected to adjacent driven push rod assemblies 33 and driving push rod assemblies 24; the second linkage assembly 6 includes two second links rotatably connected to each other, and the two second links are respectively rotatably connected to two adjacent driven push rod assemblies 33. Each first link and second link has a pivot at its end for rotation, and the direction of the pivot is parallel to the axial direction of the conical surface.

[0047] In this embodiment, there are three first linkage rod assemblies 5, which are spaced apart along the extension direction of the driven push rod assembly 33; there are also three second linkage rod assemblies 6, which are spaced apart along the extension direction of the driven push rod assembly 33.

[0048] In this embodiment, a roller assembly is provided between the sliding column and the arc-shaped slide rail 411. The roller assembly includes a retainer and multiple rollers. The multiple rollers are uniformly rotated and installed on the retainer, and the retainer is sleeved on the sliding column.

[0049] To reduce friction between the arc-shaped slide 411 and the sliding column, a cylindrical roller bearing is used. By removing the outer ring of the cylindrical roller bearing, only the cage and rollers remain. The inner ring is fitted with the sliding column by the position of the rollers restricted by the cage, and the rollers contact the arc-shaped slide 411 to achieve the friction reduction effect.

[0050] In this embodiment, there are 4 extension structures and 12 variable diameter components. There are 8 guide structures.

[0051] The present invention also provides a spacecraft including the above-described sliding rail type conical extension mechanism.

[0052] Obviously, the above-disclosed embodiments of the present invention are merely illustrative of the invention. The embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the invention to the specific implementations described. Many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of this specification. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principles and practical applications of the invention, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize the invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments herein.

Claims

1. A slide-and-cone extension mechanism, comprising: include: Frustum-shaped main frame (1); The variable diameter ring is located at one end of the large diameter of the frustum-shaped main frame (1). The variable diameter ring includes multiple variable diameter components, which are connected in sequence to form a ring. The variable diameter component includes a slide rail (41) and a rocker arm (42). The slide rail (41) is provided with an arc-shaped slide rail (411) and a rotating shaft. One end of the rocker arm (42) is provided with a sliding column, and the other end is provided with a rotating hole (421). The sliding column slides through the arc-shaped slide rail (411), and the rotating hole (421) is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft of the slide rail (41) in the adjacent variable diameter component. Multiple extension structures are evenly distributed along the circumference of the frustum-shaped main frame (1). The extension structures include a lead screw assembly and an active push rod assembly (24). The lead screw assembly includes a motor (21), a lead screw (22), and a lead screw nut (23). The motor (21) is connected to the lead screw (22) for transmission. The lead screw (22) is rotatably connected to the frustum-shaped main frame (1). The lead screw nut (23) is screwed to the lead screw (22). The active push rod assembly (24) includes two active push rods. The lead screw (22) is located between the two active push rods. One end of the active push rod is installed on the lead screw nut (23), and the other end is installed on the slide rail (41) of the variable diameter ring. The guide structure includes a guide rail (31), a slider (32), and a driven push rod assembly (33). The guide rail (31) is fixedly mounted on the frustum-shaped main frame (1), and the slider (32) is slidably mounted on the guide rail (31). The driven push rod assembly (33) includes two driven push rods. The guide rail (31) is located between the two driven push rods. One end of the driven push rod is fixedly connected to the slider (32), and the other end is fixedly connected to the slide rail (41) of the variable diameter ring. The driven push rod assembly (33) is connected to the adjacent active push rod assembly (24) via a first linkage assembly (5), and the driven push rod assembly (33) is connected to the adjacent driven push rod assembly (33) via a second linkage assembly (6). The first linkage assembly (5) includes two first links, which are rotatably connected and respectively rotatably connected to adjacent driven push rod assemblies (33) and active push rod assemblies (24); the second linkage assembly (6) includes two second links, which are rotatably connected and respectively rotatably connected to two adjacent driven push rod assemblies (33); There are three first linkage rod assemblies (5), and the three first linkage rod assemblies (5) are spaced apart along the extension direction of the driven push rod assembly (33); there are three second linkage rod assemblies (6), and the three second linkage rod assemblies (6) are spaced apart along the extension direction of the driven push rod assembly (33); A roller assembly is provided between the sliding column and the arc-shaped slide (411). The roller assembly includes a cage and multiple rollers. The multiple rollers are uniformly rotated and installed on the cage, and the cage is sleeved on the sliding column.

2. The slide rail type taper face extension expansion mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The extension structure also includes a reducer and a gearbox (25). The motor (21) is connected to the reducer, and the reducer is connected to the lead screw (22) through the gearbox (25). The motor (21), the reducer and the lead screw (22) are all located on the same side of the gearbox (25).

3. The sliding rail cone extension expansion mechanism of claim 1, wherein: Two guide structures are provided between every two adjacent extension structures.

4. The sliding rail cone extension expansion mechanism of claim 1, wherein: The number of extension structures is 4, and the number of variable diameter components is 12.

5. A spacecraft, characterized by: Includes the slide rail type conical surface extension mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-4.

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