Flexible solar wing bale-breaking-preventing pressing device and method and solar wing system

Abstract

The invention provides a flexible solar wing bale-breaking-preventing pressing device which is characterized in that a flexible solar wing is wound on a winding drum in a folded state, and at least one pressing mechanism is arranged on the periphery of the winding drum; the pressing mechanism comprises a pressing wheel, a telescopic rod and a spring, the pressing wheel is rotatably connected to the end of the telescopic rod, the spring is arranged in the telescopic rod or arranged outside the telescopic rod in a sleeving mode, and the pressing wheel stretches out and draws back in the direction of the telescopic rod under the action of the spring. The tail portion of the telescopic rod is detachably fixed to a support with a certain inclination angle, and the inclination angle enables the telescopic direction of the telescopic rod to perpendicularly point to the axis of the winding drum. And the functions of pressing and bale breaking prevention can be completed under the condition that the space is limited.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of spacecraft solar arrays, and in particular to a flexible solar array anti-scattering clamping device, method, and solar array system. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of the aerospace industry, the structure of spacecraft is becoming increasingly complex, and the requirements for miniaturization of various parts of spacecraft are becoming increasingly stringent. Patent document CN 119683015 A (application date 2025.01.23) discloses a flexible solar wing structure made of a coiled arm that can be deployed or retracted by rotating a pivot, suitable for small spacecraft. The flexible solar wing is coiled around a central cylindrical tube. Since the solar blanket and solar wing are multi-segmented structures, they have a certain degree of rigidity. When retracted, they have a significant tendency to return to a straight state, causing the solar wing to have a tendency to "unfold". On the one hand, this will generate additional resistance to the deployment of the solar wing, and on the other hand, the expanded solar wing may snag or get stuck.

[0003] How to provide a loosening prevention device suitable for preventing the winding of solar panels from "loosening" has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those in the field.

[0004] To address the problem of preventing "fragmentation" in existing technologies and to achieve the compression of flexible solar panels within a limited space, this invention is proposed.

[0005] This invention provides a flexible solar panel anti-scattering clamping device. When the flexible solar panel is in a retracted state, it is wound around a drum. At least one clamping mechanism is provided around the circumference of the drum. The clamping mechanism includes a clamping wheel, a telescopic rod, and a spring. The clamping wheel is rotatably connected to the end of the telescopic rod. The spring is disposed inside the telescopic rod or sleeved on the outside of the telescopic rod. The clamping wheel extends and retracts along the direction of the telescopic rod under the action of the spring. The tail of the telescopic rod is detachably fixed to a support with a certain inclination angle, the inclination angle being such that the extension and retraction direction of the telescopic rod is perpendicular to the axis of the drum.

[0006] Optionally, multiple clamping mechanisms are provided to clamp the drum in multiple directions and / or at multiple points.

[0007] Optionally, the telescopic rod has a multi-stage telescopic structure, the pressure wheel is connected to the end of the last-stage telescopic rod, and the first-stage telescopic rod is detachably connected to the support.

[0008] Optionally, the clamping wheel is rotatably connected to the end of the final telescopic rod via its axle.

[0009] Optionally, the multi-stage telescopic structure is a two-stage or three-stage telescopic rod structure.

[0010] Optionally, the support with a certain tilt angle includes an inclined surface and a plane forming the certain tilt angle. The inclined surface is fixedly connected to the end of the primary telescopic rod by bolts, and the plane is fixedly connected to the solar array frame by bolts.

[0011] The present invention also provides a solar array system for aerospace vehicles, the solar array system comprising a flexible solar array, a roll, and a frame, wherein the flexible solar array is wound around the roll in the retracted state, the axis of the roll is fixed to the frame, and the solar array system includes the aforementioned flexible solar array anti-scattering clamping device.

[0012] This invention provides a method for clamping a flexible solar panel to prevent it from scattering. This method is based on the aforementioned flexible solar panel clamping device. When the flexible solar panel is in the retracted state, the telescopic rod, under the elastic force of the spring, pushes the clamping wheel to clamp the drum. During the unfolding process of the flexible solar panel, the diameter of the drum gradually decreases, the telescopic rod gradually extends, and the pressure provided by the spring gradually decreases, but the clamping wheel always maintains the state of clamping the drum to prevent the flexible solar panel from scattering.

[0013] The flexible solar array anti-scattering clamping device provided by this invention has a very compact overall structure and a simple and reliable design, enabling it to perform the function of clamping and preventing scattering even in limited space. Through the innovative application of the clamping wheel and the telescopic rod, the telescopic rod not only has the function of adjusting the length of the clamping arm but also has a directional function, effectively preventing misalignment between the clamping wheel and the drum, thus achieving a very good clamping effect. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 This is an overall diagram of the flexible solar wing anti-scattering and clamping device provided by the present invention when the flexible solar wing is retracted.

[0016] Figure 2 This is an overall diagram of the flexible solar wing anti-scattering and clamping device provided by the present invention when the flexible solar wing is deployed.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the flexible solar wing anti-scattering clamping device provided by the present invention when the flexible solar wing is deployed.

[0018] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the flexible solar wing anti-scattering clamping device provided by the present invention when the flexible solar wing is retracted.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the flexible solar wing anti-scattering clamping device provided by the present invention when the flexible solar wing is retracted;

[0020] Figure 6 This is a detailed structural diagram of the first-stage telescopic rod in the flexible solar wing anti-scattering and clamping device provided by the present invention;

[0021] Figure 7 This is a detailed structural diagram of the second-stage telescopic rod in the flexible solar wing anti-scattering and clamping device provided by the present invention;

[0022] Figure 8 This is a detailed structural diagram of the third-stage telescopic rod in the flexible solar wing anti-scattering and clamping device provided by the present invention;

[0023] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of the flange nut installed on the third-stage telescopic rod.

[0024] Figure label:

[0025] 1: Solar panel; 2: Drum; 3: Clamping mechanism;

[0026] 31: Pressure roller; 32: Telescopic rod; 33: Spring; 34: Support;

[0027] 321: Third-stage telescopic rod; 322: Second-stage telescopic rod; 323: Flange nut; 324: First-stage telescopic rod;

[0028] 341: Inclined plane; 342: Plane. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0030] This invention proposes a flexible solar panel anti-scattering clamping device, such as... Figure 1As shown, the flexible solar array 1 is wound around the drum 2 in the retracted state. At least one clamping mechanism 3 is provided around the drum 2. The clamping mechanism 3 includes a clamping wheel 31, a telescopic rod 32, and a spring 33. The clamping wheel 31 is rotatably connected to the head of the telescopic rod 32. The spring 33 is disposed inside the telescopic rod 32 or sleeved on the outside of the telescopic rod 32. The clamping wheel extends and retracts along the direction of the telescopic rod under the action of the spring. The tail of the telescopic rod is detachably fixed to a support 34 with a certain inclination angle. The inclination angle makes the extension and retraction direction of the telescopic rod 32 perpendicular to the axis of the drum.

[0031] During the deployment of the flexible solar array 1, the diameter of the roll gradually decreases, the pressure provided by the spring gradually decreases, and the telescopic rod 32 extends under the action of the spring 33, pushing the pressure wheel 31 to maintain the pressure on the flexible solar array wound on the roll. Figure 2 As shown, after the flexible solar array is fully deployed, the drum diameter reaches its minimum. Under the action of spring 33, the telescopic rod extends to its maximum length. At this point, the spring force is at its minimum, but it is still sufficient to press the clamping wheel onto the drum. The selection of spring force and clamping wheel size considers the required pressure and intensity of the clamping wheel on the drum. This serves to clamp the solar array while preventing damage. Furthermore, the pressure exerted on the drum by the clamping mechanism can be adjusted by changing the number of clamping wheels.

[0032] The technical solution provided by this invention has a very compact overall structure and a simple and reliable design. It can complete the function of pressing and preventing the package from falling apart in a limited space. The telescopic mechanism has a directional function, which can ensure that the pressing force is always perpendicular to the axis. It can prevent misalignment between the pressing wheel and the drum, whether the sun is unfolding or retracting.

[0033] Multiple clamping mechanisms are provided to clamp the drum from multiple directions and / or at multiple points. Multiple directions and multiple points can further improve the clamping effect.

[0034] As one specific implementation method, such as Figure 1 , 2 As shown, four clamping mechanisms are arranged on the outer periphery of the drum. Two of the clamping mechanisms are located on the same side of the frame, and the other two are located on the opposite side of the frame. The total clamping force is balanced to zero, so that the clamping force will not cause the drum shaft to be stressed, thus avoiding the shaft from deviating due to the action of the clamping device.

[0035] To achieve a compact structure for the solar array, and especially to enable the clamping mechanism to perform clamping functions within a limited space, the telescopic rod has a multi-stage telescopic structure. The clamping wheel is connected to the end of the final telescopic rod, and the first telescopic rod is detachably connected to the support.

[0036] As a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the multi-stage telescopic structure is a three-stage telescopic rod structure. The pressure wheel is rotatably connected to the end of the third-stage telescopic rod 321 via a pressure wheel shaft; then, the tail of the third-stage telescopic rod 321 is passed through the second-stage telescopic rod 322, and a flange nut 323 is installed; then, the second-stage telescopic rod 322 is passed through the first-stage telescopic rod 324 and detachably connected to the support 34, completing the assembly of the anti-scattering packing clamping device; finally, the support 34 is installed onto the frame.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, spring 33 passes through the exterior of the third-stage telescopic rod 321, the second-stage telescopic rod 322, and the first-stage telescopic rod 324. One end is connected to the end of the third-stage telescopic rod 321, and the other end is connected to the end of the first-stage telescopic rod. After the flexible solar panel is fully deployed, spring 33 extends to its maximum length, and correspondingly, each telescopic rod extends to its maximum length. Figure 4 As shown, in the retracted state of the flexible solar panel, the spring is compressed and stores force, the third-stage telescopic rod 321 retracts into the second-stage telescopic rod 322, and the second-stage telescopic rod 322 retracts into the first-stage telescopic rod 324. At this time, the length of the entire clamping device is approximately the sum of the diameter of the clamping wheel and the length of the first-stage telescopic rod 324. Therefore, the clamping device proposed in this invention is compact and occupies very little space.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the clamping device in the retracted state of the flexible solar array. The end of the third-stage telescopic rod 321 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft of the drum 2. Both the third-stage telescopic rod 321 and the first-stage telescopic rod 324 have external flanges. When the spring passes through the outside of the telescopic rod, the external flanges are used to connect the spring and serve as the force-bearing position for the spring force, thus the telescopic rod has a directional function for the spring force. Figure 6-8 The detailed structural diagrams of the first-stage telescopic rod 324, the second-stage telescopic rod 322, and the third-stage telescopic rod 321 are shown respectively, in conjunction with the appendix. Figure 5 It clearly shows the assembly relationship between the three-stage telescopic rods, as well as the connection structure between the three-stage telescopic rods and the pressure wheel and support.

[0039] like Figure 3 , 4 As shown, the support 34 with a certain tilt angle includes an inclined surface 341 and a plane 342 forming the certain tilt angle. The inclined surface 341 is fixedly connected to the end of the first-stage telescopic rod (first-level telescopic rod) by bolts, and the plane 342 is fixedly connected to the solar panel frame by bolts. As one of the innovations of this invention, by customizing the tilt angle of the support, it can be ensured that the extension and retraction direction of the telescopic rod is always perpendicular to the axis of the drum, that is, to ensure that the clamping force is always perpendicular to the axis of the drum.

[0040] The present invention also provides a solar array system for aerospace vehicles, the solar array system comprising a flexible solar array, a roll, and a frame, wherein the flexible solar array is wound around the roll in the retracted state, the axis of the roll is fixed to the frame, and the solar array system includes the aforementioned flexible solar array anti-scattering clamping device.

[0041] This invention provides a method for preventing flexible solar panels from scattering and securing. This method is based on the aforementioned flexible solar panel anti-scattering and securing device. When the flexible solar panel is in the retracted state, the telescopic rod, under the elastic force of the spring, pushes the clamping wheel to clamp the drum. During the unfolding process of the flexible solar panel, the diameter of the drum gradually decreases, the telescopic rod gradually extends, and the pressure provided by the spring gradually decreases, but the clamping wheel always maintains the state of clamping the drum. Thus, through a simple structure, the method effectively prevents the flexible solar panel from scattering.

[0042] The flexible solar panel anti-scattering clamping device provided by this invention has a very compact overall structure and a simple and reliable design, enabling it to perform the function of clamping and preventing scattering even in limited space. Through the innovative application of the clamping wheel and the telescopic rod, the telescopic rod not only has the function of adjusting the length of the clamping arm but also has a directional function, effectively preventing misalignment between the clamping wheel and the drum, which would affect the clamping effect.

[0043] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flexible solar panel anti-scattering and clamping device, wherein the flexible solar panel is wound around a drum in the retracted state, characterized in that: At least one clamping mechanism is provided around the circumference of the drum; the clamping mechanism includes a clamping wheel, a telescopic rod and a spring, the clamping wheel is rotatably connected to the end of the telescopic rod, the spring is disposed inside the telescopic rod or sleeved on the outside of the telescopic rod, the clamping wheel extends and retracts along the direction of the telescopic rod under the action of the spring, and the tail of the telescopic rod is detachably fixed on a support with a certain inclination angle, the inclination angle being such that the extension and retraction direction of the telescopic rod is perpendicular to the axis of the drum.

2. The flexible solar panel anti-scattering clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple clamping mechanisms are provided to clamp the roll in multiple directions.

3. The flexible solar panel anti-scattering clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The telescopic rod has a multi-stage telescopic structure, the pressure wheel is connected to the end of the last-stage telescopic rod, and the first-stage telescopic rod is detachably connected to the support.

4. The flexible solar panel anti-scattering clamping device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The clamping wheel is rotatably connected to the end of the final telescopic rod via its axle.

5. The flexible solar panel anti-scattering clamping device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The multi-stage telescopic structure is a two-stage or three-stage telescopic rod structure.

6. The flexible solar panel anti-scattering clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support with a certain tilt angle includes an inclined surface and a plane forming the certain tilt angle. The inclined surface is fixedly connected to the end of the primary telescopic rod by bolts, and the plane is fixedly connected to the solar panel frame by bolts.

7. A solar array system for a spacecraft, comprising a flexible solar array, a drum, and a frame, wherein the flexible solar array, in a retracted state, is wound around the drum, and the shaft of the drum is fixed to the frame, characterized in that, The solar array system includes the flexible solar array anti-scattering clamping device as described in any one of claims 1-6.

8. A method for securing a flexible solar panel to prevent it from scattering, characterized in that, The method is based on the flexible solar wing anti-scattering clamping device according to any one of claims 1-6. When the flexible solar wing is in the retracted state, the telescopic rod pushes the clamping wheel to clamp the drum under the elastic force of the spring. During the unfolding process of the flexible solar wing, the diameter of the drum gradually decreases, the telescopic rod gradually extends, and the pressure provided by the spring gradually decreases, but the clamping wheel always maintains the state of clamping the drum to prevent the flexible solar wing from scattering.

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