A backup unlocking device

Abstract

This invention discloses a backup unlocking device, belonging to the technical field of unlocking equipment. It includes a base, a locking component, and actuators. The locking component is movably disposed on the base. At least two actuators are installed on the base, and the actuators can switch between a locked state and an unlocked state to control the action of the locking component. When all actuators are in the locked state, the locking component locks the device to be locked; when at least one actuator is in the unlocked state, the locking component unlocks the device to be locked. This device, through the coordinated operation of its components, achieves an unlocking mechanism with redundant backup functionality, improving the adaptability of the device to various complex situations and avoiding the risk of the entire unlocking device failing due to the failure of a single actuator, thereby enhancing the security of the unlocking device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of unlocking device technology, and more particularly to a backup unlocking device. Background Technology

[0002] In the aerospace field, unlocking devices are crucial unlocking trigger components, widely used in various space missions. Their main function is to accurately execute unlocking actions at specific moments, ensuring that spacecraft components separate or deploy according to predetermined procedures, such as the deployment of satellite solar panels or the separation of a spacecraft from its launch vehicle. These actions are essential for the smooth progress of space missions.

[0003] Existing unlocking devices typically rely on electrical signals or pyrotechnics to achieve the unlocking process. Taking an electrical signal-driven unlocking device as an example, when a specific electrical command is received, the internal electromagnetic mechanism is activated, thereby driving the unlocking component to unlock; while unlocking devices using pyrotechnics complete the unlocking action by igniting the energy generated by the pyrotechnic.

[0004] However, if the existing unlocking device fails, the lack of an effective backup unlocking method often prevents the entire space product from completing the relevant actions as planned, thus causing the entire space mission to fail. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a backup unlocking device to solve the technical problems of low security and poor adaptability of existing unlocking devices.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A backup unlocking device for locking or unlocking a device to be locked, comprising:

[0008] Matrix;

[0009] The locking element is movably disposed on the base.

[0010] At least two actuators are mounted on the base, and the actuators are capable of switching between a locked state and an unlocked state to control the action of the locking element;

[0011] When all the actuators are in the locked state, the locking element locks the device to be locked;

[0012] When at least one of the actuators is in the unlocked state, the locking element unlocks the device to be locked.

[0013] Preferably, the locking member can extend out of the base to lock the device to be locked, or the locking member can retract into the base to unlock the device to be locked.

[0014] Preferably, it also includes a slider and an elastic reset mechanism;

[0015] The slider is movably disposed within the base and connected to the locking element;

[0016] The elastic reset mechanism acts on the slider, causing the slider to have an unlocking tendency;

[0017] The actuator has a retractable locking pin;

[0018] In the locked state, the locking pins of all the actuators extend, and the locking pins overcome the reset force of the elastic reset mechanism by engaging with the slider, thus maintaining the locking member in the extended state;

[0019] In the unlocked state, at least one of the actuators retracts its locking pin, releasing the engagement between the locking pin and the slider. The slider moves under the drive of the elastic reset mechanism, causing the locking member to retract into the base.

[0020] Preferably, the slider is configured to move or swing relative to the locking member;

[0021] When only one of the actuators retracts its locking pin, the slider swings under the drive of the elastic reset mechanism, thereby causing the locking member to retract into the base.

[0022] When the locking pins of all the actuators retract, the slider moves along the extension path of the locking member under the drive of the elastic reset mechanism, thereby causing the locking member to retract into the base.

[0023] Preferably, the slider is connected to the locking member via a pin, the locking member is sleeved on the pin, and is rotatable relative to the pin.

[0024] Preferably, the slider has a pushing surface, which can push the locking member to move along its own axis when the slider swings under the drive of the elastic reset mechanism, thereby retracting into the base.

[0025] Preferably, the elastic reset mechanism includes a main spring and an auxiliary spring. The main spring and the locking member are located on the same axis. One end of the main spring is connected to the middle of the slider, and the other end is connected to the base. An auxiliary spring is provided on each side of the slider, and the auxiliary spring is used to connect the slider to the base.

[0026] Preferably, an actuator is provided at the position of each auxiliary spring. When the locking pin of any actuator retracts, the auxiliary spring and the main spring at the position of the locking pin work together to drive the locking member to retract into the base.

[0027] Preferably, both the main spring and the auxiliary spring are connected to the base via preload screws, which are used to adjust the initial elastic force of the main spring and the auxiliary spring.

[0028] Preferably, the slider has weight-reducing holes.

[0029] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0030] The backup unlocking device proposed in this invention constructs an unlocking mechanism with redundant backup function through a base, a locking component movably disposed on the base, and at least two actuators installed on the base that can switch between locked and unlocked states. When all actuators are in the locked state, the locking component can firmly lock the device to be locked, ensuring the stability and security of the device during normal operation. In the event of abnormal situations such as failure of some actuators, as long as at least one actuator can switch to the unlocked state, the locking component can unlock the device, providing a reliable backup unlocking method. This improves the adaptability of the device to various complex situations, avoids the risk of the entire unlocking device failing due to the failure of a single actuator, and thus enhances the security of the unlocking device. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the backup unlocking device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the backup unlocking device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first structure of the substrate provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the slider provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the backup unlocking device provided in the embodiment of the present invention in the locked state;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the backup unlocking device provided in the embodiment of the present invention in the unlocked state.

[0037] In the picture:

[0038] 100. Devices to be locked;

[0039] 1. Base; 11. Cavity; 12. Fixing hole; 13. End cap mounting hole; 14. Connecting hole; 15. Guide hole; 2. Locking component; 3. Actuating component; 31. Locking pin; 4. Slider; 41. Pushing surface; 42. Weight reduction hole; 43. Hook hole; 44. Fixing post; 5. Elastic reset mechanism; 51. Main spring; 52. Auxiliary spring; 6. Pin; 7. Preload screw. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components or components having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0041] 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 or a detachable connection; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; or 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 according to the specific circumstances.

[0042] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise expressly 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 being 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 being 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.

[0043] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0044] See Figures 1 to 6 The backup unlocking device provided in this embodiment of the invention includes a base 1, a locking element 2, and an actuator 3. The locking element 2 is movably disposed on the base 1; at least two actuators 3 are installed on the base 1, and the actuators 3 can switch between a locked state and an unlocked state to control the action of the locking element 2; when all actuators 3 are in the locked state, the locking element 2 locks the device 100 to be locked; when at least one actuator 3 is in the unlocked state, the locking element 2 unlocks the device 100 to be locked.

[0045] The backup unlocking device proposed in this invention constructs an unlocking mechanism with redundant backup function through a base 1, a locking element 2 movably disposed on the base 1, and at least two actuators 3 installed on the base 1 that can switch between locked and unlocked states. When all actuators 3 are in the locked state, the locking element 2 can firmly lock the device 100 to be locked, ensuring the stability and security of the device during normal operation. In the event of an anomaly such as the failure of some actuators 3, as long as at least one actuator 3 can switch to the unlocked state, the locking element 2 can unlock the device 100 to be locked, providing a reliable backup unlocking method. This improves the adaptability of the device to various complex situations, avoids the risk of the entire unlocking device failing due to the failure of a single actuator 3, and thus enhances the security of the unlocking device.

[0046] The specific structure and working principle of this backup unlocking device will be described in detail below.

[0047] The base 1 forms the main support structure of the device, and its interior has a cavity 11 for the installation of other components. The locking element 2 is movably mounted on the base 1.

[0048] The base 1 has a fixing hole 12 for connecting to external equipment and an end cap mounting hole 13. The base 1 has connection holes 14 on both sides to facilitate the extension of the locking pin 31 of the actuator 3.

[0049] Specifically, the locking member 2 can move linearly along the guide hole 15 on the base 1. During operation, the locking member 2 can extend out of the base 1 and engage with the corresponding lock hole on the device to be locked 100 to lock the device to be locked; conversely, when the locking member 2 retracts into the base 1, it releases the engagement with the device to be locked 100 and unlocks the device.

[0050] To drive the movement of the locking member 2, a slider 4 is provided inside the cavity 11 of the base 1. The slider 4 is movably disposed inside the base 1 and can slide along a specific guide rail. One end of the locking member 2 is fixedly connected to the slider 4, so that the movement of the slider 4 can directly drive the extension or retraction of the locking member 2.

[0051] The elastic reset mechanism 5 acts on the slider 4, ensuring that the slider 4 always has a tendency to drive the locking element 2 in the retracting direction to unlock the locked device. Each of the actuators 3 has a retractable locking pin 31.

[0052] In the locked state, the locking pins 31 of all actuators 3 extend simultaneously. The extended locking pins 31 engage with the slider 4, jointly preventing the slider 4 from moving. At this time, the blocking force of the locking pins 31 on the slider 4 overcomes the restoring force of the elastic reset mechanism 5, thereby stably maintaining the slider 4 and its connected locking member 2 in the extended position, achieving reliable locking of the equipment.

[0053] When unlocking is required, at least one actuator 3 must receive an unlock command and switch to the unlocked state. For example... Figure 6 As shown, suppose the locking pin 31 of one actuator 3 retracts, while the other remains extended due to a malfunction. At this time, the retracted locking pin 31 releases its engagement with the slider 4, and the slider 4 loses a support point at the corresponding position. Although one locking pin 31 remains extended, it can no longer maintain the balance of the slider 4 independently. Therefore, driven by the elastic reset mechanism 5, the slider 4 moves rapidly, causing the locking element 2 to retract into the base 1, thus successfully unlocking the slider.

[0054] Furthermore, the slider 4 is configured to move or swing relative to the locking member 2. This design allows the slider 4 to adapt to different unlocking trigger conditions and achieve reliable motion transmission.

[0055] Specifically, the slider 4 is connected to the locking member 2 via a pin 6. The pin 6 is fixedly mounted on the body of the slider 4, and the corresponding position of the locking member 2 has a through hole, allowing the locking member 2 to be sleeved on the pin 6. Through this sleeve connection, the locking member 2 can rotate at a certain angle relative to the pin 6, while also allowing a small movement gap in the slider 4 relative to the direction in which the locking member 2 extends, providing a structural basis for the compound motion of the slider 4.

[0056] The side of slider 4 facing the actuator 3 can engage with the protruding locking pin 31. At the other end of slider 4 that engages with locking member 2, slider 4 has a pushing surface 41.

[0057] The working mode of this device can be divided into two cases depending on the state of the actuator 3:

[0058] When only the locking pin 31 of one actuator 3 is retracted, while the locking pin 31 of the other actuator 3 remains extended, such as Figure 6 As shown, slider 4 loses its constraint on one side. Under the uneven force of elastic reset mechanism 5, slider 4 will swing slightly around pin 6 as a fulcrum. During this swing, the pushing surface 41 of slider 4 will tilt and abut against the side of locking member 2. Due to the constraint of guide hole 15 on base 1, locking member 2 cannot swing with it, but the axial component force generated by pushing surface 41 will directly push locking member 2, forcing it to move along its own axis and finally retract into base 1, successfully completing the unlocking in the single actuator 3 backup mode.

[0059] When all the locking pins 31 of the actuators 3 have retracted normally, the constraints on both sides of the slider 4 are completely released. At this time, driven by the elastic reset mechanism 5, the slider 4 will no longer swing, but will move directly along a direction that is basically parallel to the locking element 2, that is, the extension path of the locking element 2. Through the connection of the pin 6, the slider 4 drives the locking element 2 to retract smoothly into the base 1, achieving complete unlocking.

[0060] As a preferred embodiment, the actuator 3 is a shape memory alloy (SMA) pin puller. The core working principle of the SMA pin puller is based on the characteristic that shape memory alloy materials undergo reversible phase transitions around their phase transition temperatures, resulting in shape recovery and a large driving force. Each SMA pin puller contains a shape memory alloy drive wire. When the SMA pin puller is heated by electricity, the temperature of its internal shape memory alloy drive wire rises above the phase transition point, causing it to contract and deform. This drives the locking pin 31 to overcome internal holding forces (such as spring force) and produce linear motion, i.e., retracting from the extended locked position and entering the unlocked state. When the power is turned off and the pin is cooled, the shape memory alloy drive wire extends, and the locking pin 31 usually returns to the extended position under the action of its internal return spring.

[0061] It is understood that in other embodiments of the present invention, the actuator 3 is not limited to a shape memory alloy pin puller. Depending on the specific application scenario and design requirements, drive elements with linear output capabilities, such as electromagnets or linear motors, can also be selected. Their specific internal structures and drive principles will not be elaborated here. As long as the actuator 3 can respond to the control signal and reliably extend and retract its locking pin 31, thereby forming an effective engagement and disengagement with the slider 4, the locking and unlocking functions required by the present invention can be achieved.

[0062] In this embodiment, the elastic reset mechanism 5 adopts a composite spring design to optimize the driving effect on the slider 4 and ensure the reliability and smoothness of the unlocking action. Specifically, the elastic reset mechanism 5 includes a main spring 51 and two auxiliary springs 52.

[0063] The main spring 51 is the core component that provides the unlocking driving force. The main spring 51 and the locking member 2 are located on the same axis. One end of the main spring 51 is connected to the middle of the slider 4, and the other end is connected to the mounting seat on the base 1 corresponding to this axis. This coaxial arrangement allows the main spring 51 to apply a concentrated, uniform axial reset force to the slider 4 in the unlocking direction.

[0064] Furthermore, an auxiliary spring 52 is provided on each side of the slider 4 (with the axis of the main spring 51 as a symmetrical reference). One end of each auxiliary spring 52 is connected to a lateral connection point of the slider 4, and the other end is also connected to a corresponding position on the base 1. The axis of the auxiliary spring 52 is parallel to the axis of the main spring 51. Importantly, an actuator 3 is provided exactly at the position of each auxiliary spring 52, that is, the two actuators 3 and the two auxiliary springs 52 are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the slider 4.

[0065] The working process of the elastic reset mechanism 5 is as follows:

[0066] In the locked state, the locking pins 31 of all actuators 3 extend and work together to overcome the combined force of the main spring 51 and the two auxiliary springs 52, keeping the slider 4 stably in the locked position.

[0067] When entering the unlocked state, the response of the elastic reset mechanism 5 varies depending on the triggering condition of the actuator 3:

[0068] When only the locking pin 31 of the actuator 3 retracts, the constraint on the slider 4 on that side immediately disappears. At this time, the contraction force of the auxiliary spring 52 corresponding to this position will act on the corresponding side of the slider 4, forming a resultant force with the axial force of the always-acting main spring 51. This resultant force drives the slider 4 to swing around the pin 6 that connects it to the locking member 2. During the swinging process, the pushing surface 41 of the slider 4 pushes against the locking member 2, causing it to retract into the base 1. During this process, the main spring 51 and the auxiliary spring 52 on the trigger side work together to provide the necessary and sufficient driving force.

[0069] When all the locking pins 31 of the actuators 3 retract, the constraints on both sides of the slider 4 are completely released. The axial restoring force of the main spring 51 becomes dominant, directly pulling the middle of the slider 4, causing it to move smoothly along the axial direction of the locking member 2. At the same time, the two auxiliary springs 52 also retract in coordination, jointly driving the locking member 2 to quickly and straight retract back to the base 1, completing the unlocking.

[0070] To achieve precise control of the unlocking and retaining forces and adapt to different application conditions, the main spring 51 and the auxiliary spring 52 are connected to the base 1 by preload screws 7. The preload screws 7 are screwed into threaded holes on the base 1. The slider 4 has hook holes 43 for attaching the main spring 51 and fixing posts 44 for attaching the auxiliary spring 52. By tightening the preload screws 7, the initial tension lengths of the main spring 51 and the auxiliary spring 52 on the base 1 can be changed, thereby adjusting the initial elastic force of the main spring 51 and the auxiliary spring 52. This allows for convenient fine-tuning of the locking and retaining forces and the unlocking driving force of the device according to actual load requirements, enhancing the adaptability and adjustability of the device.

[0071] In addition, to reduce the overall weight of the device as much as possible while ensuring structural strength, weight reduction holes 42 are provided on the slider 4. The weight reduction holes 42 are usually located in non-critical stress areas such as the middle of the slider 4. By removing redundant materials, lightweight design is effectively achieved, while avoiding adverse effects on its motion function and structural integrity.

[0072] The operation process of this backup unlocking device will be described in detail below.

[0073] When the device is in the locked state, neither of the two actuators 3 receives an unlocking command, and the shape memory alloy drive wire inside is in a low-temperature phase, causing the locking pins 31 of all actuators 3 to remain extended under the action of the internal mechanism. The extended locking pins 31 collectively abut against the top of the slider 4, forming a stable mechanical block. At this time, the slider 4 is subjected to a blocking force from the locking pins 31, which overcomes the resultant force exerted by the elastic reset mechanism 5, composed of the main spring 51 and two auxiliary springs 52, which attempts to pull the slider 4 in the unlocking direction. The locking member 2, which is connected to the slider 4 via the pin 6, is thus firmly maintained in its extended position from the base 1, thereby reliably locking the device 100 to be locked.

[0074] When the device receives the unlock command, its operation process, depending on the response of the actuator 3, falls into the following two categories:

[0075] Scenario 1: All executables respond normally to the unlock command.

[0076] All actuators 3 operate synchronously, and the shape memory alloy drive wires inside each SMA pin puller are rapidly heated above the phase transformation temperature, undergoing an austenitic phase transformation and contracting sharply, thereby generating a driving force that drives all locking pins 31 to retract synchronously against the force of their internal return springs. The constraints on both sides of the slider 4 are released instantaneously. Subsequently, the elastic return mechanism 5 becomes dominant: the main spring 51 on the axis provides axial restoring force, directly pulling the middle of the slider 4; at the same time, the auxiliary springs 52 on both sides, now unconstrained, also contract in coordination. Driven by the combined force, the slider 4 no longer needs to swing, but moves smoothly backward along the direction parallel to the locking element 2, i.e., the extension path of the locking element 2. Through the connection of the pin 6, the slider 4 directly drives the locking element 2 to retract into the base 1, achieving smooth, rapid, and complete unlocking.

[0077] Scenario 2: Only one executable 3 responds normally to the unlock command.

[0078] Assuming that one actuator 3 fails to respond to the command due to a malfunction (hereinafter referred to as the malfunctioning side of slider 4), the locking pin 31 on the malfunctioning side remains extended; while the other actuator 3 receives the signal normally (hereinafter referred to as the normal side of slider 4), the SMA drive wire inside the actuator 3 on the normal side contracts, driving the locking pin 31 to retract successfully. At this time, the constraint on the normal side of slider 4 disappears, while the malfunctioning side is still blocked by the locking pin 31 of the malfunctioning actuator 3. The mechanical balance is broken, and the auxiliary spring 52 acting on the normal side of slider 4 contracts rapidly due to the release of its constraint; at the same time, the axial tension of the main spring 51 continues to act. These two forces together constitute a torque that drives slider 4 to swing slightly around the pivot point of pin 6. During this swing, the pushing surface 41 on slider 4 contacts the side wall of locking member 2. Since locking member 2 cannot swing due to the constraint of guide hole 15 of base 1, the pushing surface 41 converts the swing of slider 4 into an axial thrust on locking member 2, forcibly pushing locking member 2 to retract into base 1 along its axis.

[0079] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A backup unlocking device for locking or unlocking a device to be locked, characterized in that, include: Matrix; A locking element is movably disposed on the base. The locking element can extend out of the base to lock the device to be locked, or the locking element can retract into the base to unlock the device to be locked. At least two actuators are mounted on the base, and the actuators are capable of switching between a locked state and an unlocked state to control the action of the locking element; when all the actuators are in the locked state together, the locking element locks the device to be locked; When at least one of the actuators is in the unlocked state, the locking element unlocks the device to be locked; It also includes a slider and a spring-loaded reset mechanism; The slider is movably disposed in the base and connected to the locking member by a pin. The locking member is sleeved on the pin and can rotate relative to the pin. The slider is configured to move or swing relative to the locking element; The elastic reset mechanism acts on the slider, causing the slider to tend to unlock; the actuator has a retractable locking pin; When only one of the actuators retracts its locking pin, the slider swings under the drive of the elastic reset mechanism, thereby causing the locking member to retract into the base; when all the actuators retract their locking pins, the slider moves along the extension path of the locking member under the drive of the elastic reset mechanism, thereby causing the locking member to retract into the base. In the locked state, the locking pins of all the actuators extend, and the locking pins overcome the reset force of the elastic reset mechanism by engaging with the slider, thus maintaining the locking member in the extended state; In the unlocked state, at least one of the actuators retracts its locking pin, releasing the engagement between the locking pin and the slider. The slider moves under the drive of the elastic reset mechanism, causing the locking member to retract into the base. The elastic reset mechanism includes a main spring and an auxiliary spring. The main spring and the locking member are located on the same axis. One end of the main spring is connected to the middle of the slider, and the other end is connected to the base. An auxiliary spring is provided on each side of the slider, and the auxiliary spring is used to connect the slider to the base.

2. The backup unlocking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slider has a pushing surface. When the slider swings under the drive of the elastic reset mechanism, the pushing surface can push the locking member to move along its own axis, thereby retracting into the base.

3. The backup unlocking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An actuator is provided at the position of each auxiliary spring. When the locking pin of any actuator retracts, the auxiliary spring and the main spring at the position of the locking pin work together to drive the locking member to retract into the base.

4. The backup unlocking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the main spring and the auxiliary spring are connected to the base via preload screws, which are used to adjust the initial elastic force of the main spring and the auxiliary spring.

5. The backup unlocking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slider has weight-reducing holes.

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