Linkage decoupling driving device and solar wing

Abstract

The invention relates to a linkage decoupling driving device and a solar wing. The linkage decoupling driving device comprises a shell, a driving mechanism, a linkage mechanism and a locking assembly. A limiting part is arranged on the shell; the driving mechanism is assembled on the shell; the driving mechanism comprises an output shaft used for outputting power, and the output shaft can rotate relative to the shell. The linkage mechanism is movably connected to the output shaft and is in transmission connection with the output shaft through the locking assembly. The locking assembly is connected to the output shaft under the action of the limiting part, and the output shaft drives the linkage mechanism to rotate through the locking assembly. And when the linkage mechanism rotates to a preset angle, the locking assembly is separated from the limiting part and is decoupled from the output shaft, and the linkage mechanism can freely rotate relative to the output shaft. The linkage decoupling driving device is simple in structure and high in reliability, and automatic disengagement is achieved through a pure mechanical structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of aerospace technology, specifically to a linkage decoupling drive device and a solar array. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of aerospace technology, more and more satellites are using dual-axis driven solar arrays to better track the sun and generate more electricity. In a dual-axis driven solar array, two drive motors with perpendicular axes are typically arranged, with one motor participating in the solar array's deployment process.

[0003] During the deployment of the solar array, the solar array unfolds from its initial folded state to its working state. The drive motor needs to be linked with the hinges at each joint via a linkage cable to ensure the orderly unfolding of the solar array and to control the unfolding speed to avoid excessive impact. Once the solar array is fully unfolded, the hinges at each joint will lock. At this point, if the linkage between the drive motor and the hinges does not automatically disengage, the drive motor will be locked due to the linkage and unable to continue rotating, thus affecting the solar array's sun-oriented function.

[0004] To address these issues, existing technologies employ a fuser device installed on the linkage rope. Once the solar array has deployed, the fuser device melts the linkage rope, releasing the drive motor from the hinge. However, the fuser device is prone to snagging, which affects the rotation of the linkage rope. Furthermore, the fuser device requires separate power and a start signal, increasing the system's workload. In addition, the fuser device increases system complexity and reduces product reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a linkage decoupling drive device and a solar array to address the problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a linkage decoupling drive device is provided, comprising: a housing, wherein a limiting portion is provided on the housing; A drive mechanism is mounted on the housing; the drive mechanism includes an output shaft for outputting power, the output shaft being configured to rotate relative to the housing. A linkage mechanism is movably connected to the output shaft and is configured to be drively connected to the output shaft via a locking component; the locking component is configured to be connected to the output shaft under the action of the limiting portion, and the output shaft is configured to drive the linkage mechanism to rotate via the locking component; When the linkage mechanism rotates to a predetermined angle, the locking component is configured to disengage from the limiting part and decouple from the output shaft, and the linkage mechanism is configured to be able to rotate freely relative to the output shaft.

[0007] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the locking component includes a transmission part, and the output shaft is provided with a mating part for cooperating with the transmission part; under the action of the limiting part, the transmission part is configured to maintain a transmission connection with the mating part, so that the output shaft can drive the linkage mechanism to rotate.

[0008] In one embodiment of this disclosure, one of the transmission part and the mating part is a pin, and the other is a pin hole that mates with the pin; under the action of the limiting part, the pin extends at least partially into the pin hole.

[0009] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the output shaft is configured to extend along a first axis and the pin is configured to extend along a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are orthogonal.

[0010] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the locking assembly further includes an elastic element configured to maintain a pre-compression state under the action of the limiting portion; when the linkage mechanism rotates to a predetermined angle, the transmission portion is configured to move away from the output shaft under the elastic force of the elastic element to disengage from the mating portion.

[0011] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the limiting portion is configured as a limiting arc surface, which is located on a portion of the rotation path of the locking component; during the process of the output shaft driving the linkage mechanism to rotate, the locking component is configured to abut against the limiting arc surface.

[0012] In one embodiment of this disclosure, when the linkage mechanism rotates to a predetermined angle, the projection of the limiting arc surface in the radial direction does not overlap with the locking component; the end face of the locking component for abutting against the limiting arc surface is constructed as a spherical surface.

[0013] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the linkage mechanism is a linkage wheel, and a groove for accommodating the linkage rope is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the linkage wheel; the linkage wheel is provided with a mounting part, which is constructed to protrude from the axial end face of the linkage wheel, and the locking component is movably connected to the linkage wheel through the mounting part.

[0014] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a solar panel is also provided, comprising: Base; A solar cell is movably mounted on the base and configured to move to a first position in a direction away from the base; A motion mechanism configured to be connected in a driving manner to the solar cell; The first aspect of this disclosure provides a linkage decoupling drive device, wherein the linkage mechanism is configured to be transmissionally connected to the motion mechanism; During the process of the drive mechanism driving the linkage mechanism to rotate, the linkage mechanism is configured to drive the solar cell to move toward the first position through the motion mechanism; When the linkage mechanism rotates to a predetermined angle and decouples from the drive mechanism, the solar cell is configured to move to a second position adjacent to the first position.

[0015] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the motion mechanism includes an elastic drive component configured to drive the solar cell to continue moving from the second position toward the first position in a direction away from the base.

[0016] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the linkage mechanism is a linkage wheel, and a groove for accommodating the linkage rope is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the linkage wheel; the linkage wheel is configured to be connected to the motion mechanism via the linkage rope.

[0017] One beneficial effect of this disclosure is that the output shaft can drive the linkage mechanism to rotate before the linkage mechanism rotates to a predetermined angle. Once the linkage mechanism reaches the predetermined angle, the locking component disengages from the limiting part, thereby automatically releasing the transmission connection between the output shaft and the linkage mechanism, allowing the linkage mechanism to rotate freely relative to the output shaft. The linkage decoupling drive device provided by this disclosure has a simple structure, achieves automatic disengagement through a purely mechanical structure, and has high reliability. When applied to a solar array, the linkage decoupling drive device drives the solar array to unfold, causing the solar array to unfold from its initial folded state to its working state. When unfolded to a certain stage, the linkage mechanism rotates to a predetermined angle, thereby achieving decoupling. This means that the linkage decoupling drive device and the motion mechanism are no longer connected by transmission, allowing the solar array to continue moving into position to switch to its working state and achieve the sun-oriented function.

[0018] Furthermore, compared to the existing technology that uses a wire-welding device for decoupling, this disclosure directly provides a drive device with linkage decoupling function, which eliminates the need for an additional wire-welding device, avoids the influence of the wire-welding device on the rotation of the linkage rope, reduces the burden on the system, lowers the system complexity, and increases the reliability of the product.

[0019] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with their description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the linkage decoupling drive device disclosed herein; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the linkage decoupling drive device disclosed herein; Figure 3 This is a partial schematic diagram of the publicly disclosed collaborative mechanism; Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the solar array deployment process disclosed in this publication; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure after the solar panels have been deployed.

[0022] Figures 1 to 5 The one-to-one correspondence between the component names and the reference numerals in the figures is as follows: 10. Base; 11. Linkage and decoupling drive device; 110. Housing; 1101. Limiting part; 111. Output shaft; 1111. Mating part; 112. Linkage mechanism; 1121. Groove; 1122. Mounting part; 113. Locking component; 1131. Transmission part; 1132. Ball head; 1133. Elastic element; 1134. Flange; 114. Linkage rope; 115. Drive mechanism; 12. Solar cell; 13. Motion mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0024] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use.

[0025] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0026] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0027] In this article, terms such as "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate the relative positional relationship between related parts, rather than to define the absolute position of these related parts.

[0028] In this article, "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish one another, and not to indicate degree of importance, order, or prerequisite for each other.

[0029] In this document, terms such as “equal” and “same” are not strict mathematical and / or geometric limitations, but also include errors that are understandable to those skilled in the art and permissible in manufacturing or use.

[0030] This disclosure provides a linkage and decoupling drive device, comprising at least: a housing, a drive mechanism, a linkage mechanism, and a locking component. The drive mechanism is mounted on the housing and may be a drive motor. The drive mechanism includes an output shaft for outputting power, and the output shaft is rotatable relative to the housing. When the drive mechanism is a drive motor, the output shaft may be a motor shaft in the drive motor that transmits mechanical rotational power converted from electrical energy to an external load.

[0031] The linkage mechanism is movably connected to the output shaft. The linkage mechanism can be mounted coaxially with the drive mechanism and is driven by the output shaft via a locking component. The linkage mechanism can be a linkage wheel, and the locking component can be mounted on the linkage wheel and can move between a locked position and an unlocked position. A limit part is provided on the housing, allowing the locking component to be held in the locked position and connected to the output shaft, thereby drivingly connecting the output shaft and the linkage mechanism together. The output shaft rotates under the driving force provided by the drive mechanism, and the output shaft drives the linkage mechanism to rotate via the locking component.

[0032] When the linkage mechanism rotates to a predetermined angle, the locking component disengages from the limiting part and decouples from the output shaft. Specifically, the locking component rotates together with the linkage mechanism. When it rotates to the predetermined angle, the locking component reaches the position where it is disengaged from the limiting part. At this point, the limiting part loses its limiting function, and the locking component can move from the locked position to the unlocked position, thereby disengaging from the output shaft. After the locking component is decoupled from the output shaft, the linkage mechanism can rotate freely relative to the output shaft, and the linkage mechanism no longer rotates synchronously with the output shaft. The linkage decoupling drive device provided in this disclosure has a simple structure, achieves automatic disengagement through a purely mechanical structure, and has high reliability.

[0033] The linkage-decoupling drive device disclosed herein can be applied to the deployment and locking process of the solar array. During satellite launch, the solar array is in its initial folded state, i.e., non-operating state. After entering orbit, the constraint is released by the clamping release mechanism, allowing the solar array to deploy. Once deployed, the solar array can switch to the operating state. When the linkage-decoupling drive device is applied to the solar array, it drives the solar array deployment. At a certain stage of deployment, the linkage mechanism rotates to a predetermined angle, thereby achieving decoupling. This eliminates the transmission connection between the drive mechanism and the motion mechanism. After decoupling, the further deployment of the solar array can be driven by other drive devices, thus enabling the solar array to deploy and switch to the operating state, thereby achieving the sun-oriented function.

[0034] refer toFigures 1 to 5 This disclosure provides a linkage decoupling drive device 11 and a solar array, wherein the solar array includes the linkage decoupling drive device 11. The specific structure and working principle of the solar array provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the specific structure and working principle of the linkage decoupling drive device 11 provided in this application will also be introduced.

[0035] Solar panels are key energy components for satellites, primarily used to convert solar energy into electrical energy, providing a continuous and stable power supply for the satellite's operation in orbit. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the solar array includes at least a base 10, solar cells 12, and a motion mechanism 13. The base 10 is generally a structural panel of the satellite, primarily serving to support and fix the solar array. The solar cells 12 are the core power-generating components of the solar array, movably mounted on the base 10, and capable of switching between a folded and deployed state. The motion mechanism 13 achieves a smooth transition of the solar array from its initial folded state to its deployed working state through mechanical connections and motion control. Specifically, the motion mechanism 13 is drive-connected to the solar cells 12, and can be, for example, a hinged movable connection mechanism.

[0036] During launch, the solar array's solar cells 12 are typically folded to save space. Once in space, the satellite issues an unlocking command, and the solar cells 12 transition from their initial folded state to their deployed operational state. During this deployment, the drive mechanism and the motion mechanisms 13 at each joint are connected via a linkage rope 114 to ensure the orderly deployment of the solar cells 12. Once the solar cells 12 are fully deployed, the motion mechanisms 13 at each joint are locked. At this point, the linkage between the drive mechanism and the motion mechanisms 13 must be disengaged, preventing the drive mechanism from being locked along with the motion mechanisms 13. This allows the solar cells 12 to continue moving and maintain their solar orientation function.

[0037] To achieve the above functions, the solar array of this disclosure also includes a linkage decoupling drive device 11, which includes: a housing 110, a drive mechanism 115, and a linkage mechanism 112. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the drive mechanism 115 is mounted on the housing 110, and the drive mechanism 115 can be a drive motor. The drive mechanism 115 includes an output shaft 111 for outputting power, and the output shaft 111 is rotatable relative to the housing 110. When the drive mechanism 115 is a drive motor, the output shaft 111 can be the motor shaft in the drive motor that transmits the mechanical rotational power converted from electrical energy to an external load. The output shaft 111 can be in a near-cylindrical shape, as shown in the reference diagram. Figure 1 The output shaft 111 is configured to extend along the first axis. Figure 1The A-axis shown is the first axis. The output shaft 111 can be used to drive the linkage mechanism 112 to rotate.

[0038] In one specific embodiment of this disclosure, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the linkage mechanism 112 can be a linkage wheel, with a groove 1121 on its outer circumference for accommodating the linkage rope 114. The linkage wheel is connected to the motion mechanism 13 via the linkage rope 114. Specifically, the linkage wheel can achieve efficient and stable transmission connection with the motion mechanism 13 through the linkage rope 114. The design of the linkage rope 114 embedded in the groove 1121 effectively prevents the linkage rope 114 from slipping off or deviating from the linkage wheel during rotation, thereby improving the reliability and accuracy of the transmission. The rotational motion of the linkage wheel can be converted into the linear or rotational motion required by the motion mechanism 13 through the linkage rope 114, thereby ensuring the smoothness and controllability of the solar panel extension process.

[0039] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the linkage mechanism 112 is movably connected to the output shaft 111. The linkage mechanism 112 can be installed coaxially with the drive mechanism 115 and is connected to the output shaft 111 via a locking component 113. The locking component 113 can be mounted on the linkage mechanism 112 and can move between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the locking component 113 is in the locked position, it connects the linkage mechanism 112 to the output shaft 111, allowing the output shaft 111 to drive the linkage mechanism 112 to rotate via the locking component 113. The linkage mechanism 112 can then transmit the torque of the output shaft 111 to the motion mechanism 13. Furthermore, a bearing can be installed between the linkage mechanism 112 and the output shaft 111. The inner ring of the bearing is mounted on the output shaft 111 of the drive mechanism 115, and the linkage mechanism 112 is mounted on the outer ring of the bearing. The bearing reduces frictional resistance, supports the rotation of the linkage mechanism 112, and ensures the accuracy and stability of the relative motion.

[0040] like Figure 1As shown, a limiting part 1101 is provided on the housing 110. The locking component 113 is held in the locked position by the limiting part 1101 and is connected to the output shaft 111, thereby drivingly connecting the output shaft 111 and the linkage mechanism 112 together. When the linkage mechanism 112 rotates to a predetermined angle, the locking component 113 disengages from the limiting part 1101 and decouples from the output shaft 111. The predetermined angle is the total angle rotated by the linkage mechanism 112 from the start of rotation until it disengages from the drive mechanism 115. At the start of rotation, the locking component 113 remains in the locked position, so that the locking component 113 can drive the linkage mechanism 112 to rotate together under the action of the output shaft 111. When it rotates to the predetermined angle, the locking component 113 reaches the position of disengaging from the limiting part 1101. At this time, the limiting part 1101 loses its limiting function, and the locking component 113 can move from the locked position to the unlocked position, thereby disengaging from the output shaft 111. After the locking component 113 is decoupled from the output shaft 111, the linkage mechanism 112 can rotate freely relative to the output shaft 111, and the linkage mechanism 112 no longer rotates synchronously with the output shaft 111.

[0041] In one embodiment of this disclosure, such as Figure 3 As shown, the locking assembly 113 may include a transmission part 1131, and the output shaft 111 is provided with a mating part 1111 for cooperating with the transmission part 1131. Under the action of the limiting part 1101, the transmission part 1131 and the mating part 1111 maintain a transmission connection, so that the output shaft 111 can drive the linkage mechanism 112 to rotate. The transmission part 1131 and the mating part 1111 can be mated by means known to those skilled in the art, such as pins and pin holes, guide keys and keyways.

[0042] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, one of the transmission part 1131 and the mating part 1111 is a pin, and the other is a pin hole that mates with the pin. Under the action of the limiting part 1101, the pin at least partially extends into the pin hole. In this embodiment, the transmission part 1131 is a pin, and the mating part 1111 is a pin hole opened on the output shaft 111. It is understood that the machining difficulty and machining cost of opening a hole on the output shaft 111 are low. The pin can be installed on the linkage mechanism 112. When it is in the locked position, one end of the pin abuts against the limiting part 1101, and the other end extends into the pin hole, thereby drivingly connecting the linkage mechanism 112 and the output shaft 111 together, so that the output shaft 111 can drive the linkage mechanism 112 to rotate through the pin. When it rotates to a predetermined angle, the pin disengages from the limiting part 1101, thereby moving to the unlocked position. At this time, the pin completely disengages from the pin hole, thereby allowing the linkage mechanism 112 to rotate freely relative to the output shaft 111.

[0043] In another specific implementation, such as Figures 1 to 3As shown, the mating part 1111 can be a pin that partially protrudes from the output shaft 111, and the transmission part 1131 can be a sleeve structure with a pin hole. The sleeve structure can be movably mounted on the linkage mechanism 112. When in the locked position, the sleeve structure is sleeved on the pin under the action of the limiting part 1101, thereby drivingly connecting the linkage mechanism 112 and the output shaft 111 together. When rotated to a predetermined angle, as the limiting action disappears, the sleeve structure moves to the unlocked position. At this time, the pin completely disengages from the pin hole of the sleeve structure, thereby allowing the linkage mechanism 112 to rotate freely relative to the output shaft 111.

[0044] In one specific embodiment of this disclosure, such as Figure 1 As shown, the output shaft 111 extends along a first axis, and the pin extends along a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are orthogonal. Specifically, Figure 1 The A-axis of the output shaft 111 is the first axis, and the B-axis of the pin is the second axis. The first and second axes are orthogonal in space. Therefore, the direction of pin movement is orthogonal to the rotation axis of the output shaft 111, and the direction of pin movement is perpendicular to the rotation direction of the output shaft 111, without interference. The engagement between the pin and the pin hole does not increase the rotational resistance between the linkage wheel and the output shaft 111, and the pin is not hindered by the rotational direction of the output shaft 111 during its movement from the locked position to the unlocked position. Therefore, the separation resistance of the pin in this disclosure is small, and the decoupling process is simple and reliable.

[0045] In one embodiment of this disclosure, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, a mounting portion 1122 is provided on the linkage wheel. The mounting portion 1122 is constructed to protrude from the axial end face of the linkage wheel, and the locking assembly 113 is movably connected to the linkage wheel through the mounting portion 1122. Specifically, the mounting portion 1122 can be a boss structure provided on the axial end face of the linkage wheel. The transmission portion 1131 of the locking assembly 113 can pass through a through hole provided on the boss structure. In an embodiment where the transmission portion 1131 is a pin, the pin can penetrate through the through hole. The locking assembly 113 is directly movably connected to the linkage wheel through the mounting portion 1122, thereby simplifying the overall structural layout, reducing the use of additional connecting parts, and improving the compactness and assembly efficiency of the system. In addition, the protrusion of the mounting portion 1122 on the axial end face of the linkage wheel will not interfere with the normal rotation of the linkage wheel, nor will it interfere with the linkage rope 114 wound around the groove 1121 on the outer periphery of the linkage wheel, thereby ensuring the reliability of the system.

[0046] In one specific embodiment of this disclosure, such as Figures 1 to 3As shown, the locking assembly 113 also includes an elastic element 1133, which is configured to maintain a pre-compressed state under the action of the limiting portion 1101. When the linkage mechanism 112 rotates to a predetermined angle, the transmission portion 1131 is configured to move away from the output shaft 111 under the elastic force of the elastic element 1133, thereby disengaging from the mating portion 1111. Specifically, when the locking assembly 113 includes a pin, the elastic element 1133 can be a spring sleeved on the pin, see reference... Figure 2 Viewing direction, the end of the pin furthest from the output shaft 111 (i.e. Figure 2 The upper end of the spring can be provided with a stepped surface structure, and the upper end of the spring can abut against the stepped surface; the lower end of the spring can abut against the upper end surface of the mounting part 1122.

[0047] Before the locking component 113 is decoupled from the output shaft 111, the locking component 113 remains in the locked position, and the elastic element 1133 is able to maintain a compressed state and accumulate elastic potential energy. When the linkage mechanism 112 rotates to a predetermined angle, the locking component 113 is no longer limited by the limiting part 1101, and the elastic element 1133 releases the accumulated elastic potential energy, thereby driving the transmission part 1131 to move away from the output shaft 111 to the mating part 1111 that is disengaged from the output shaft 111 (i.e., moves to the unlocked position). This disclosure achieves the function of automatic unlocking upon reaching the position without the need for an additional power source by setting the elastic element 1133, thus reducing the complexity and energy consumption of the system.

[0048] In one specific embodiment of this disclosure, when the locking component 113 includes a pin, the pin may be provided with the following configuration: Figure 2 The flange 1134 shown has a diameter larger than the diameter of the through hole on the mounting portion 1122. When the locking assembly 113 moves to the unlocked position, decoupling the linkage mechanism 112 from the output shaft 111, the flange 1134 can move to a position abutting the lower end face of the mounting portion 1122, thereby acting as a stop. The farthest movement position of the pin is limited by the flange 1134. When it moves to the unlocked position, the pin disengaged from the output shaft 111 will not become space debris, thus meeting the environmental protection requirements of international space sustainability development and reducing the orbital cleanup costs of subsequent mission deployments. The pin will not disengage from the linkage decoupling drive device 11, thereby avoiding potential space debris risks (space debris not only threatens current missions such as colliding with other parts of satellites, but may also endanger other spacecraft), ensuring the reliability and safety of spacecraft during long-term operation.

[0049] In one embodiment of this disclosure, such as Figures 1 to 3As shown, the limiting part 1101 can be a limiting arc surface, a flat stop, or a wedge-shaped limiting part. Preferably, in this embodiment, the limiting part 1101 is a limiting arc surface. Specifically, the limiting arc surface is located on part of the rotation path of the locking component 113. During the rotation of the output shaft 111 driving the linkage mechanism 112, the locking component 113 abuts against the limiting arc surface. In this way, during the rotation of the output shaft 111, one end of the transmission part 1131 abuts against the limiting arc surface, so that the other end can maintain a state of engagement with the output shaft 111 (i.e., the locking component 113 is kept in the locked position), thereby realizing the synchronous rotation of the linkage wheel and the output shaft 111 before decoupling. When the output shaft 111 drives the linkage wheel to rotate, the continuous curved surface of the limiting arc surface can guide the movement trajectory of the locking component 113, so that the force is evenly distributed, reducing local stress concentration and reducing friction loss.

[0050] In one specific embodiment of this disclosure, the end face of the locking assembly 113 for abutting against the limiting arc surface is configured as a spherical surface. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the end of the transmission part 1131 that abuts against the limiting arc surface may be provided with a hemispherical ball head 1132. This spherical contact design reduces the frictional resistance of the contact surface, making the sliding of the locking component 113 on the limiting arc surface smoother and avoiding the problems of jamming or local stress concentration that may occur with traditional planar contact. At the same time, the spherical structure can be flexibly adjusted, so even if the locking component 113 is slightly misaligned during movement, it will not jam, ensuring that the locking component 113 and the limiting arc surface always maintain stable contact, thereby improving positioning accuracy.

[0051] In one specific embodiment of this disclosure, the linkage wheel rotates by a predetermined angle to drive the linkage rope 114, thereby precisely controlling the deployment range and locking position of the solar array. By changing the center angle of the limiting part 1101 and the position of the limiting part 1101 relative to the linkage mechanism 112, the linkage decoupling drive device 11 can be decoupled at different predetermined angles, thus flexibly adapting to different working conditions of the solar array and ensuring that the deployment and locking process of the solar array is efficient and reliable.

[0052] Before the linkage mechanism 112 rotates to a predetermined angle, the projection of the limiting arc surface in the radial direction overlaps entirely or partially with the locking component 113. In the embodiment where the transmission part 1131 of the locking component 113 is a pin, when in the locked position, one end of the pin remains in contact with the limiting arc surface, thereby keeping the other end in the pin hole, allowing the output shaft 111 to drive the linkage mechanism 112 to rotate synchronously. When the linkage mechanism 112 rotates to the predetermined angle, the projection of the limiting arc surface in the radial direction does not overlap with the locking component 113, thereby causing one end of the pin to disengage from the limiting arc surface, and the other end of the pin to disengage from the pin hole. The locking component 113 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, thereby disengaging from the output shaft 111, and the linkage mechanism 112 no longer rotates synchronously with the output shaft 111. This ensures smooth and reliable decoupling of the linkage mechanism 112 from the output shaft 111 when it rotates to the predetermined angle, avoiding structural interference and jamming of the linkage mechanism 112 at the moment of decoupling.

[0053] In one specific embodiment of this disclosure, the central angle of the limiting arc surface is configured to be greater than or equal to a predetermined angle. For example... Figure 1 As shown, specifically, the limiting arc surface has a first end and a second end. In the initial state, the locking component 113 abuts against the first end of the limiting arc surface. During the process of the output shaft 111 driving the linkage mechanism 112 to rotate synchronously through the locking component 113, the locking component 113 moves from the first end to the second end of the limiting arc surface. At the moment when the locking component 113 is about to disengage from the limiting arc surface, the locking component 113 is located at the second end of the corresponding limiting arc surface.

[0054] In an embodiment where the central angle of the limiting arc surface is greater than a predetermined angle, the locking component 113 initially abuts against other positions between the first and second ends of the limiting arc surface. When the locking component 113 moves along the limiting arc surface to the second end, the linkage mechanism 112 just rotates through the predetermined angle, and the locking component 113 can disengage from the limiting arc surface in time, so that the linkage mechanism 112 and the output shaft 111 are decoupled in time.

[0055] In the embodiment where the central angle of the limiting arc surface is equal to a predetermined angle, the locking component 113 abuts against the first end of the limiting arc surface in the initial state. When the locking component 113 moves along the limiting arc surface to the second end, the linkage mechanism 112 just turns through the predetermined angle, and the locking component 113 can disengage from the limiting arc surface in time and no longer contact it, so that the linkage mechanism 112 and the output shaft 111 are decoupled in time.

[0056] It should be noted that during the actual deployment of the solar cell 12, the deployment driving force is not entirely provided by the linkage decoupling drive device 11. If the driving force for the entire deployment process were provided by the linkage decoupling drive device 11, the moment the linkage mechanism 112 decouples from the drive mechanism 115 would be the moment the solar cell 12 is fully deployed. The predetermined angle by which the output shaft 111 drives the linkage mechanism 112 to rotate in this situation would be recorded as the fully deployed angle. Due to assembly errors, the complexity of the space environment, and other factors, there may be situations where the solar cell 12 has already deployed, but the linkage mechanism 112 still needs to rotate 1-2° to decouple. Failure to decouple in time will cause the solar array to jam, preventing subsequent operations from being performed normally. Therefore, in practical applications, the predetermined angle is usually 5-10° smaller than the aforementioned fully deployed angle. This disclosure allows for decoupling in advance by reserving a margin for error, ensuring that the solar array will not jam. When the linkage mechanism 112 rotates to the predetermined angle to achieve decoupling, the solar cell 12 has not yet deployed fully and still needs to move a certain distance to reach its final position.

[0057] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the solar cell 12 can move away from the base 10 to a first position, which is the position when the solar cell 12 is fully deployed. The linkage mechanism 112 is connected to the motion mechanism 13. During the rotation of the linkage mechanism 112 by the drive mechanism 115, the linkage mechanism 112 drives the solar cell 12 to move towards the first position via the motion mechanism 13. When the linkage mechanism 112 rotates to a predetermined angle and decouples from the drive mechanism 115, the solar cell 12 moves to a second position adjacent to the first position. As mentioned earlier, the linkage decoupling drive device 11 decouples the solar cell 12 before it reaches the first position, thereby avoiding decoupling delays caused by assembly errors. This disclosure refers to the position of the solar cell 12 at the time of decoupling as the second position.

[0058] In one specific embodiment of this disclosure, the motion mechanism 13 includes an elastic drive assembly for driving the solar cell 12 to continue moving away from the base 10 from the second position to the first position. The elastic drive assembly provides the driving force to propel the solar cell 12 from the second position away from the base 10 to the first position. The elastic drive assembly has advantages such as simple structure, high reliability, and no need for additional energy supply, enabling it to operate stably for extended periods in the extreme environment of space, while reducing system complexity and lowering the risk of failure.

[0059] Specifically, during the unfolding process, the solar cell 12 faces... Figure 4The direction indicated by the dashed arrow is upward. The movement is divided into two stages: the first stage is moving from the initial state to the second position, and the second stage is moving from the second position to... Figure 5 The first position is shown. In the first stage, the drive mechanism 115 is driven by the linkage mechanism 112, and the drive mechanism 115 provides the driving force for the solar cell 12 to unfold. When the linkage mechanism 112 is decoupled from the output shaft 111, the first stage of movement of the solar cell 12 ends, and the drive mechanism 115 no longer provides the driving force for the solar cell 12 to move away from the base 10. The elastic drive assembly can continue to provide the driving force for the solar cell 12, thereby causing the solar cell 12 to continue to move away from the base 10 from the second position back to the first position, at which point the solar cell 12 is fully unfolded.

[0060] The solar array provided in this disclosure achieves linkage and decoupling with the motion mechanism 13 through a linkage and decoupling drive device 11. When it is deployed to a certain stage, the linkage mechanism 112 rotates to a predetermined angle, thereby achieving decoupling. This means that the linkage and decoupling drive device 11 and the motion mechanism 13 are no longer connected by transmission, and the solar array can continue to move into position to switch to the working state and thus achieve the sun orientation function.

[0061] Compared to the existing technology that uses a wire-welding device for decoupling, this disclosure directly provides a drive device with linkage decoupling function, which does not require an additional wire-welding device, avoids the influence of the wire-welding device on the rotation of the linkage rope 114, reduces the burden on the system, reduces the complexity of the system, and increases the reliability of the product.

[0062] The various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, and are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical application, or technical improvements to the embodiments in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A linkage decoupling drive device, characterized in that, include: A housing (110) is provided with a limiting part (1101). A drive mechanism (115) is mounted on the housing (110); the drive mechanism (115) includes an output shaft (111) for outputting power, the output shaft (111) being configured to rotate relative to the housing (110); A linkage mechanism (112) is movably connected to the output shaft (111) and is configured to be drively connected to the output shaft (111) via a locking component (113); the locking component (113) is configured to be connected to the output shaft (111) under the action of the limiting part (1101), and the output shaft (111) is configured to drive the linkage mechanism (112) to rotate via the locking component (113); When the linkage mechanism (112) rotates to a predetermined angle, the locking component (113) is configured to disengage from the limiting part (1101) and decouple from the output shaft (111), and the linkage mechanism (112) is configured to be able to rotate freely relative to the output shaft (111).

2. The linkage decoupling drive device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking assembly (113) includes a transmission part (1131), and the output shaft (111) is provided with a mating part (1111) for cooperating with the transmission part (1131); under the action of the limiting part (1101), the transmission part (1131) is configured to maintain a transmission connection with the mating part (1111) so that the output shaft (111) can drive the linkage mechanism (112) to rotate.

3. The linkage decoupling drive device according to claim 2, characterized in that, One of the transmission part (1131) and the mating part (1111) is a pin, and the other is a pin hole that mates with the pin; under the action of the limiting part (1101), the pin extends at least partially into the pin hole.

4. The linkage decoupling drive device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The output shaft (111) is configured to extend along a first axis, and the pin is configured to extend along a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are orthogonal.

5. The linkage decoupling drive device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The locking assembly (113) further includes an elastic element (1133), which is configured to maintain a pre-compression state under the action of the limiting part (1101); when the linkage mechanism (112) rotates to a predetermined angle, the transmission part (1131) is configured to move away from the output shaft (111) under the elastic force of the elastic element (1133) to disengage from the mating part (1111).

6. The linkage decoupling drive device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting part (1101) is constructed as a limiting arc surface, which is located on part of the rotation path of the locking component (113); during the process of the output shaft (111) driving the linkage mechanism (112) to rotate, the locking component (113) is configured to abut against the limiting arc surface.

7. The linkage decoupling drive device according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the linkage mechanism (112) rotates to a predetermined angle, the projection of the limiting arc surface in the radial direction does not overlap with the locking component (113); the end face of the locking component (113) for abutting against the limiting arc surface is constructed as a spherical surface.

8. The linkage decoupling drive device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linkage mechanism (112) is a linkage wheel, and a groove (1121) for accommodating the linkage rope (114) is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the linkage wheel; an installation part (1122) is provided on the linkage wheel, and the installation part (1122) is constructed to protrude from the axial end face of the linkage wheel; the locking component (113) is movably connected to the linkage wheel through the installation part (1122).

9. A solar panel, characterized in that, include: Base (10); A solar cell (12) is movably mounted on the base (10) and configured to move to a first position in a direction away from the base (10); A motion mechanism (13) is configured to be drive-connected to the solar cell (12); The linkage decoupling drive device (11) according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the linkage mechanism (112) is configured to be transmissionally connected to the motion mechanism (13); During the process of the drive mechanism (115) driving the linkage mechanism (112) to rotate, the linkage mechanism (112) is configured to drive the solar cell (12) to move toward the first position through the motion mechanism (13); When the linkage mechanism (112) rotates to a predetermined angle and decouples from the drive mechanism (115), the solar cell (12) is configured to move to a second position adjacent to the first position.

10. The solar array according to claim 9, characterized in that, The motion mechanism (13) includes an elastic drive assembly configured to drive the solar cell (12) to continue moving from the second position toward the first position away from the base (10).

11. The solar array according to claim 9, characterized in that, The linkage mechanism (112) is a linkage wheel, and a groove (1121) for accommodating the linkage rope (114) is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the linkage wheel; the linkage wheel is configured to be connected to the motion mechanism (13) through the linkage rope (114).

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