Self-adaptive magnetic capture mechanism

Abstract

The invention discloses a self-adaptive magnetic capturing mechanism which comprises a middle locking device, an electromagnet, a transmission device and a self-adaptive device. The transmission device provides power for the middle locking device to complete the locking task. The middle locking device comprises a lock hook, a head plate, a head cover, a pair of teeth a, a pair of teeth b, an adaptive spring and an adaptive sliding block; the pair of teeth a and the pair of teeth b are meshed with each other and are fixed between the head plate and the head cover through a bearing; a protruding rod structure is arranged on the pair of teeth a and is used for transmitting rotating power; the lock hook is movably sleeved on the adaptive sliding block, is matched with the lock hook sliding groove of the head plate and slides along the lock hook sliding groove; the head plate is provided with a protruding structure, and the opposite teeth a and the opposite teeth b are located in the protruding structure when folded. And the self-adaptive device is used for exploring the middle part of the annular passive end. When the middle of the annular passive end is automatically explored, locking is achieved through the middle locking device, the structure is simple, and reliability is high; meanwhile, the maximum capture tolerance of the invention is + / -32.5 mm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of on-orbit servicing technology, and more specifically to an adaptive magnetic capture mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] There are various ways to handle decommissioned or retired spacecraft, including on-orbit repair, replacement of damaged facilities, and deorbiting. When repair and replacement of damaged facilities are not possible, decommissioned spacecraft need to be towed into a graveyard orbit or burned up in the atmosphere to reduce space debris. The first step in deorbiting a decommissioned spacecraft is to capture and connect it to the target spacecraft; therefore, researching a magnetic capture mechanism for non-cooperative targets is of great significance.

[0003] Currently, the magnetic capture mechanisms for spacecraft include permanent magnet magnetic capture mechanisms and electromagnetic capture mechanisms. Both of them rely solely on magnetic force for connection and lack mechanical locking structures, resulting in problems such as low connection force, poor impact resistance, and poor connection accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides an adaptive magnetic trapping mechanism.

[0005] The specific technical solution of this invention is as follows:

[0006] An adaptive magnetic capture mechanism includes an intermediate locking device, an electromagnet, a transmission device, and an adaptive device;

[0007] The electromagnet is used to provide electromagnetic capture force;

[0008] The transmission device provides power for the intermediate locking device to complete the locking task;

[0009] The intermediate locking device includes a locking hook, a head plate, a head cover, a tooth a, a tooth b, an adaptive spring, and an adaptive slider.

[0010] The head plate is fixedly connected to the head cover;

[0011] The teeth a and b mesh with each other and are fixed between the head plate and the head cover by bearings; there are two adapting springs, which are respectively disposed inside the teeth a and b.

[0012] There are two adaptive sliders, which are respectively disposed inside the tooth pair a and tooth pair b, and slide inside the tooth pair a and tooth pair b.

[0013] The tooth a has a protruding rod structure for transmitting rotational power; the tooth b rotates in the opposite direction to the tooth a.

[0014] The locking hook is loosely fitted on the adapting slider and engages with the locking hook groove of the head plate, sliding along the locking hook groove;

[0015] The head plate has a protruding structure, and the teeth a and b are located within the protruding structure when they are engaged.

[0016] The adaptive device is used to explore the middle of the annular passive end and is connected to the intermediate locking device.

[0017] Preferably, the teeth a and b rotate in opposite directions through gear engagement.

[0018] The transmission device includes a rear cover and a lever; the lever is connected to the rear cover through a bearing structure, and a lever groove is provided on the upper end face; the lever groove cooperates with the protruding rod structure of the tooth a, and drives the tooth a to rotate when the lever rotates.

[0019] Preferably, the adaptive magnetic capture mechanism further includes a housing for protecting the entire capture mechanism.

[0020] Preferably, the adaptive device includes a return spring, a guide post, a one-way disc, and a ratchet.

[0021] The guide column is connected to the one-way disc via a linear bearing, and its upper end is connected to the intermediate locking device.

[0022] A return spring is fitted on the guide post to ensure that the intermediate locking device can return to the upper position when no force is applied.

[0023] The pawl is mounted on the outer casing and works with the one-way disc, allowing the one-way disc to rotate only in one direction.

[0024] Preferably, there are two pawls.

[0025] Preferably, the locking hook is 15mm from the center when it is closed, and can rotate around the center after closing, achieving a maximum capture tolerance of ±32.5mm, which greatly improves tolerance adaptability; while the traditional locking hook is Φ15mm in size when it is closed on the head plate, and the locking hook expands outward from the center in the traditional way, with a maximum capture tolerance of ±17.5mm.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects achieved by the present invention are as follows:

[0027] (1) The present invention uses electromagnetic capture and locks it with an intermediate locking device. The intermediate locking device has a simple structure and high connection reliability.

[0028] (2) The intermediate locking device has a greater lateral tolerance adaptability than the traditional unfolding locking mechanism, with a maximum capture tolerance of ±32.5mm, which greatly improves the tolerance adaptability.

[0029] (3) The present invention uses an adaptive device that can automatically explore the middle of the ring passive end, thereby improving the accuracy of the mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present 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 the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of one embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the intermediate locking device structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the motion principle of one embodiment of the present invention; wherein 5a is the unlocked state and 5b is the locked state;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a comparative illustration of the capture tolerance of one embodiment of the present invention; wherein a is a schematic diagram of conventional capture tolerance, and b is a schematic diagram of capture tolerance of this embodiment.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0038] 1 is the intermediate locking device; 2 is the electromagnet; 3 is the outer shell; 4 is the return spring; 5 is the guide post; 6 is the one-way disc; 7 is the rear cover; 8 is the lever; 9 is the pawl; 10 is the annular passive end; 101 is the locking hook; 102 is the head plate; 103 is the head cover; 104 is the tooth a; 105 is the tooth b; 106 is the adapting spring; 107 is the adapting slider; 108 is the protruding structure; 109 is the conventional locking hook. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0040] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of the present invention. Therefore, the drawings only show the components related to the present invention and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components in the actual implementation. In the actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0041] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1-6 The present invention will be further described in detail below:

[0042] An adaptive magnetic trapping mechanism, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, it includes an intermediate locking device 1, an electromagnet 2, a transmission device, and an adaptive device;

[0043] The electromagnet 2 is used to provide electromagnetic capture force;

[0044] The transmission device provides power for the intermediate locking device 1 to complete the locking task;

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, the intermediate locking device 1 includes a locking hook 101, a head plate 102, a head cover 103, a tooth a 104, a tooth b 105, an adaptive spring 106, and an adaptive slider 107.

[0046] The head plate 102 is fixedly connected to the head cover 103;

[0047] There are two adaptive springs 106, which are respectively disposed inside the teeth a 104 and b 105;

[0048] There are two adaptive sliders 107, which are respectively disposed inside the teeth a 104 and b 105, and slide inside the teeth a 104 and b 105.

[0049] The tooth a 104 has a protruding rod structure for transmitting rotational power; the tooth b 105 rotates in the opposite direction to the tooth a 104.

[0050] The locking hook 101 is loosely fitted on the adapting slider 107 and cooperates with the locking hook groove of the head plate 102, sliding along the locking hook groove;

[0051] The head plate 102 is provided with a protruding structure 108, and the teeth a 104 and b 105 are located within the protruding structure 108 when they are engaged.

[0052] The adaptive device is used to explore the middle of the annular passive end 10 and is connected to the intermediate locking device 1.

[0053] The teeth a 104 and b 105 rotate in opposite directions through gear engagement.

[0054] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the transmission device includes a rear cover 7 and a lever 8; the lever 8 is connected to the rear cover 7 through a bearing structure, and a lever groove is provided on the upper end face; the lever groove cooperates with the protruding rod structure of the tooth a 104, and drives the tooth a 104 to rotate when the lever 8 rotates.

[0055] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the adaptive magnetic capture mechanism also includes a housing 3 for protecting the entire capture mechanism.

[0056] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the adaptive device includes a reset spring 4, a guide post 5, a one-way disc 6, and a pawl 9;

[0057] The guide column 5 is connected to the one-way disc 6 via a linear bearing, and its upper end is connected to the intermediate locking device 1.

[0058] The guide post 5 is fitted with a return spring 4 to ensure that the intermediate locking device 1 can return to the upper position when no force is applied.

[0059] The pawl 9 is mounted on the outer casing 3 and cooperates with the one-way disc 6, so that the one-way disc 6 can only rotate in one direction.

[0060] There are two pawls 9.

[0061] like Figure 6 As shown in b, the locking hook 101 is 15mm from the center when closed, and can rotate around the center after closing, achieving a maximum capture tolerance of ±32.5mm, which greatly improves tolerance adaptability; as Figure 6 As shown in Figure a, the conventional locking hook 109 has a size of Φ15mm when it is closed on the head plate. In the conventional manner, the conventional locking hook 109 expands outward from the center, and the maximum capture tolerance is ±17.5mm.

[0062] The locking and unlocking principle of this invention is as follows: Figure 5 As shown:

[0063] Two locking hooks 101 close within the protruding structure 108. When the electromagnet 2 is energized, it strikes the annular passive end 10 and captures and attracts it. Then, the external drive moves the lever 8 to press. Figure 5 As shown in 'a', the direction is forward; the single-handed steering wheel 6 turns forward. Figure 5 As shown in b, when the protruding structure 108 is inserted into the middle of the annular passive end 10, the external drive drives the lever 8 to reverse. Due to the action of the pawl 9, the one-way disc 6 does not rotate. The lever 8 drives the tooth a 104 to reverse. The tooth a 104, tooth b 105 and head plate 102 unfold together, locking the annular passive end 10.

[0064] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make possible changes and modifications to the technical solutions of the present invention based on the above disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solutions of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adaptive magnetic trapping mechanism, characterized in that, It includes an intermediate locking device (1), an electromagnet (2), a transmission device, and an adaptive device; The electromagnet (2) is used to provide electromagnetic capture force; The transmission device provides power for the intermediate locking device (1) to complete the locking task; The intermediate locking device (1) includes a locking hook (101), a head plate (102), a head cover (103), a tooth a (104), a tooth b (105), an adapting spring (106), and an adapting slider (107); The head plate (102) is fixedly connected to the head cover (103); The teeth a (104) and b (105) mesh with each other and are fixed between the head plate (102) and the head cover (103); There are two adaptive springs (106), which are respectively disposed inside the tooth a (104) and tooth b (105); There are two adaptive sliders (107), which are respectively disposed inside the tooth a (104) and tooth b (105) and slide inside the tooth a (104) and tooth b (105); The tooth a (104) has a protruding rod structure for transmitting rotational power; the tooth b (105) rotates in the opposite direction to the tooth a (104); The locking hook (101) is loosely fitted on the adapting slider (107) and cooperates with the locking hook groove of the head plate (102) and slides along the locking hook groove; The head plate (102) has a protruding structure (108), and the teeth a (104) and b (105) are located within the protruding structure (108) when they are engaged. The adaptive device is used to explore the middle of the annular passive end (10) and is connected to the intermediate locking device (1).

2. The adaptive magnetic trapping mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The teeth a (104) and b (105) rotate in opposite directions through gear engagement.

3. The adaptive magnetic trapping mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission device includes a rear cover (7) and a lever (8); the lever (8) is connected to the rear cover (7), and a lever groove is provided on the upper end surface; the lever groove cooperates with the protruding rod structure of the tooth a (104), and drives the tooth a (104) to rotate when the lever (8) rotates.

4. The adaptive magnetic trapping mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The adaptive magnetic capture mechanism also includes a housing (3) for protecting the entire capture mechanism.

5. The adaptive magnetic trapping mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The adaptive device includes a return spring (4), a guide post (5), a one-way disc (6), and a pawl (9); The guide post (5) is connected to the one-way disc (6) via a linear bearing, and its upper end is connected to the intermediate locking device (1); The reset spring (4) is sleeved on the guide post (5) to ensure that the intermediate locking device (1) can return to the upper position when no force is applied; The pawl (9) is mounted on the outer shell (3) and works in conjunction with the one-way disc (6) so that the one-way disc (6) can only rotate in one direction.

6. The adaptive magnetic trapping mechanism as described in claim 5, characterized in that, There are two pawls (9).

7. The adaptive magnetic trapping mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The locking hook (101) is 15mm from the center when it is closed, and can rotate around the center after it is closed, with a maximum capture tolerance of ±32.5mm.

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