Hot knife unlocking device with anti-falling function

Abstract

The application provides a hot knife unlocking device with a fall prevention function, which comprises a hot knife fixing ring screw for screwing and locking a knife head, a wrench connected to a connector, the connector being inserted into a star gap, the connector being sleeved on the hot knife fixing ring screw along a sliding groove, a limiting structure abutting against an outer ring wall of the hot knife fixing ring screw and being retracted for positioning, the hot knife fixing ring screw being accommodated in the sliding groove, and the limiting structure being popped out to elastically limit an inner ring wall of the hot knife fixing ring screw; a rotating wrench drives the connector to drive the hot knife fixing ring screw to rotate along an axis of the connector, the hot knife fixing ring screw unlocks the knife head, the connector is pulled out, the limiting structure keeps limiting the hot knife fixing ring screw, the hot knife fixing ring screw is separated from the connector, and the connector and the hot knife fixing ring screw are manually separated. The application has the effects of preventing the screw from falling when the hot knife is unlocked and safely unlocking the hot knife device in the narrow space of a solar wing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of satellite engineering technology, specifically, it relates to a hot knife unlocking device with anti-drop function. Background Technology

[0002] In satellite technology, solar panels are typically secured to the satellite by several titanium rods. After launch, these rods are cut using a pyrotechnic cutter mounted on the clamping base, releasing the solar panels and allowing them to deploy. However, this cutting method results in a large impact response and requires high structural strength. A flexible tension cable clamping method is now being used. After launch, a heated blade mounted on the clamping base cuts the tension cable, allowing the solar panels to deploy. However, during AIT (Aero-Initial Launch) to ensure safety, the blade of the heated blade device is usually retracted within the device and does not contact the tension cable. The blade is only unlocked when solar panel deployment or pre-launch setup is required.

[0003] Patent document CN112340068A discloses a solar panel deployment system based on a hot knife, belonging to the field of spacecraft solar panel deployment and locking technology. This invention solves the problems of large separation impact and large required exclusion zones for solar panels in existing micro / nano satellite solar panel clamping, release, and deployment locking methods. Each solar panel is connected to the satellite body via a micro-hinge. Each solar panel has pre-embedded clamping components. The hot knife structure is installed on the satellite body, and two clamping components are connected by a Dyneema wire. The solar panel is deployed by cutting the Dyneema wire with the hot knife structure. At least one support seat is provided between each solar panel and the satellite body, and each support seat is fixedly connected to the satellite body. This application is used for the clamping, release, deployment, and locking of micro / nano satellite solar panels.

[0004] However, the blades of the hot knife devices in existing technologies such as patent document CN112340068A are fixed with hex screws at the factory. The conventional practice is to remove them using an hex wrench with an extension rod. When the solar panel is in the retracted state, the hot knife device is generally located in the narrow gap between the solar panel and the satellite, which is inconvenient to operate. With this method, the removed screws can easily fall onto the satellite, creating metal debris and posing a significant safety hazard.

[0005] To prevent screws from falling out during hot knife unlocking and to ensure safe unlocking of the hot knife device within the confined space of the solar array, this invention presents a hot knife unlocking device with anti-drop functionality, solving the aforementioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a hot knife unlocking device with anti-drop functionality.

[0007] A hot knife unlocking device with anti-drop function according to the present invention includes: a hot knife fixing ring screw, a connector and a limiting structure; The connector is cylindrical with a sliding groove at one end and extends along the axis at the other end to connect with the wrench. A hot-blade fixing ring screw is annularly arranged and slides axially within the sliding groove, with the sliding groove radially limiting the hot-blade fixing ring screw. The end of the hot-blade fixing ring screw away from the wrench forms a screw threaded onto the knife head. The limiting structure is elastically and telescopically connected within the sliding groove. The hot knife fixing ring screw screws the knife head into a screw-lock connection. The wrench connecting head is inserted into the star body gap and the connecting head is fitted onto the outside of the hot knife fixing ring screw along the sliding groove. The limiting structure abuts against the outer ring wall of the hot knife fixing ring screw and retracts to make room. The hot knife fixing ring screw is accommodated in the sliding groove. The limiting structure pops out to elastically limit the inner ring wall of the hot knife fixing ring screw. The rotating wrench drives the connector head to rotate the hot knife fixing ring screw along the connector head axis. The hot knife fixing ring screw unlocks the knife head. The connector head is pulled out, and the limiting structure keeps the hot knife fixing ring screw in place. The hot knife fixing ring screw separates from the star body along with the connector head. The connector head and the hot knife fixing ring screw can be manually separated.

[0008] Preferably, the hot knife fixing ring screw is screwed into the blade fixing threaded hole on the hot knife.

[0009] Preferably, the limiting structure includes a limiting pin, a set screw, and a spring; The limiting pin is slidably connected to the connector along the annular radial direction of the hot knife fixing ring screw. The contact surface between the limiting pin and the outer annular wall of the hot knife fixing ring screw is an inclined surface that is inclined relative to the sliding direction of the hot knife fixing ring screw along the sliding groove. The set screw is screwed onto the outer edge of the connector and extends toward the end of the limit pin away from the hot knife fixing ring screw; the spring is housed between the set screw and the limit pin and drives the limit pin to approach the hot knife fixing ring screw. The outer ring wall of the hot knife fixing ring screw abuts against the limiting pin. The limiting pin compresses the spring, allowing the hot knife fixing ring screw to enter the sliding groove. The limiting pin passes through the inner ring of the hot knife fixing ring screw.

[0010] Preferably, the axial cross-section of the hot knife fixing ring screw is circular, and a step is formed on the side of the limiting pin near the outer edge of the connector. The step limits the limiting pin so that the limiting pin is close to one end of the hot knife fixing ring screw but does not exceed the center surface of the hot knife fixing ring screw ring. The end of the limiting pin near the hot knife fixing ring screw is set to be hemispherical.

[0011] Preferably, the hot knife fixing ring screw has two sets of limiting structures symmetrically arranged along its central surface.

[0012] Preferably, the connector has two mounting holes on its side, and a limit pin, a spring, and a set screw are sequentially placed in the mounting holes.

[0013] Preferably, the set screw is a hexagon socket head cap screw.

[0014] Preferably, the sliding groove is a waist-shaped groove, and the arcs on both sides of the waist-shaped groove are consistent with the outer contour shape of the hot knife fixing ring screw.

[0015] Preferably, the spring is sleeved on the end of the limiting pin, and the end of the spring abuts against the stepped end face of the limiting pin.

[0016] According to the present invention, an aircraft employs a hot knife unlocking device with anti-fall function.

[0017] Compared with existing technologies, the present invention has the following advantages: The anti-fall hot blade unlocking and release device of the present invention has a simple structure and low cost. In use, the present invention is generally used with the sailboard in the deployed state. A ring screw is installed onto the hot blade device, replacing the original hexagonal screw, to retract and lock the blade. When the hot blade needs to be released after the sailboard is retracted, the device is connected to an extension rod, inserted between the sailboard and the satellite, and embedded into the ring screw on the hot blade device. The screw is then rotated to remove it, releasing the hot blade. Because the removed ring screw is held in place by the limiting pin of the device within the slot of the connecting device, it will not fall out. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the usage state of an example of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the hot knife fixing ring screw in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connector in an example of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting pin in an example of the present invention.

[0023] The diagram shows: 1. Hot knife fixing ring screw; 2. Connector; 3. Limit pin; 4. Set screw; 5. Spring. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments. These embodiments will help those skilled in the art to further understand the present invention, but do not limit the invention in any way. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several changes and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention. These all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0025] like Figures 1-5 As shown, a hot knife unlocking device with anti-drop function includes: a hot knife fixing ring screw 1, a connector 2, and a limiting structure.

[0026] The connector 2 is cylindrical, with a sliding groove at one end and extending along the axis at the other end to connect with a wrench. Using the extended portion, the connector 2 can be inserted into narrow spaces on the star body to remove the hot-blade retaining ring screw 1. The hot-blade retaining ring screw 1 is annularly arranged and slides axially within the sliding groove of the connector 2, with the sliding groove radially limiting the hot-blade retaining ring screw 1. The end of the hot-blade retaining ring screw 1 away from the wrench forms a screw that is screwed onto the wrench head.

[0027] The limiting structure is elastically telescopically connected within the sliding groove. The limiting structure includes at least a first working state and a second working state. In the first working state, the outer ring wall of the hot knife fixing ring screw 1 abuts against the limiting structure, and the limiting structure makes way for the hot knife fixing ring screw 1. In the second working state, the limiting structure passes through the inner ring of the hot knife fixing ring screw 1, and the limiting structure elastically limits the hot knife fixing ring screw 1 along the sliding direction of the sliding groove.

[0028] The hot knife fixing ring screw 1 screws and locks the knife head. The wrench connecting head 2 is inserted into the gap of the star body. The connecting head 2 is sleeved on the outside of the hot knife fixing ring screw 1 along the sliding groove. The limiting structure abuts against the outer ring wall of the hot knife fixing ring screw 1 and retracts to make room. After the hot knife fixing ring screw 1 is housed in the sliding groove, the limiting structure pops out to elastically limit the inner ring wall of the hot knife fixing ring screw 1. The rotating wrench drives the connector 2 to rotate the hot knife fixing ring screw 1 along the axis of the connector 2. The hot knife fixing ring screw 1 screws open the knife head, pulls out the connector 2, and the limiting structure keeps the hot knife fixing ring screw 1 in place. The hot knife fixing ring screw 1 separates from the star body along with the connector 2. The connector 2 and the hot knife fixing ring screw 1 can be manually separated.

[0029] The working principle of this application is as follows: the hot knife fixing ring screw 1 is used to lock the hot knife head after it retracts into the sleeve; the connector 2 is used for installing all accessories on the device and provides a connection interface for extending the wrench; in use, the connector 2 is inserted into the gap of the satellite; the limiting pin 3 is used to limit the hot knife fixing ring screw 1 in the sliding groove of the connector 2 to prevent the hot knife fixing ring screw 1 from falling off during disassembly; the set screw 4 is used to install the spring 5 into the round hole of the limiting pin 3 of the connector 2. When the set screw 4 is screwed in, it compresses the spring 5, providing the limiting pin 3 with a tightening force along the axial direction. At this time, rotating the connector 2 can prevent the hot knife fixing ring screw 1 from falling off during disassembly, thus solving the problem of unlocking and releasing the hot knife in a narrow space during the assembly of small satellites.

[0030] Specifically, the hot knife fixing ring screw 1 is used to connect with the blade fixing threaded hole on the hot knife. After the blade is retracted into the hot knife device, the blade is locked. After the blade is locked, the hot knife fixing ring screw 1 is temporarily left on the hot knife on the star. The blade is then unlocked by the hot knife unlocking device with anti-drop function.

[0031] Specifically, the limiting structure includes a limiting pin 3, a set screw 4, and a spring 5. The limiting pin 3 is slidably connected to the connector 2 along the annular radial direction of the hot-blade fixing ring screw 1. The contact surface between the limiting pin 3 and the outer annular wall of the hot-blade fixing ring screw 1 is an inclined surface relative to the sliding direction of the hot-blade fixing ring screw 1 along the sliding groove. The set screw 4 is screwed to the outer edge of the connector 2 and extends towards the end of the limiting pin 3 away from the hot-blade fixing ring screw 1. The spring 5 is housed between the set screw 4 and the limiting pin 3, driving the limiting pin 3 closer to the hot-blade fixing ring screw 1. The set screw 4 is used to install the spring 5 to the connector 2 and compress the spring 5 to provide a tightening force on the limiting pin 3 along the axial direction, preventing the limiting pin 3 from loosening and the hot-blade fixing ring screw 1 from falling off. The outer ring wall of the hot knife fixing ring screw 1 abuts against the limiting pin 3, causing the limiting pin 3 to compress the spring 5, allowing the hot knife fixing ring screw 1 to enter the sliding groove. After the limiting pin 3 loses contact with the hot knife fixing ring screw 1, it pops out again and passes through the inner ring of the hot knife fixing ring screw 1, elastically limiting the inner wall of the hot knife fixing ring screw 1 with a certain preload, preventing the hot knife fixing ring screw 1 from falling off during installation.

[0032] In one embodiment, the annular section of the hot-blade fixing ring screw 1 is circular along its axial direction. A step is formed on the side of the limiting pin 3 near the outer edge of the connector 2. This step limits the limiting pin 3, ensuring that the limiting pin 3 is close to one end of the hot-blade fixing ring screw 1 but does not exceed the center plane of the annular section. The end of the limiting pin 3 near the hot-blade fixing ring screw 1 is hemispherical. The inner ring wall of the hot-blade fixing ring screw 1 abuts against the limiting pin 3, causing the limiting pin 3 to compress the spring 5, allowing the hot-blade fixing ring screw 1 to leave the sliding groove, thus making the connector 2 reusable.

[0033] Preferably, two sets of limiting structures are symmetrically arranged on the connector 2 along the annular center plane of the hot knife fixing ring screw 1.

[0034] In one embodiment, the side of the connector 2 is provided with two mounting holes for limit pins 3. During use, the limit pins 3, springs 5, and set screws 4 are inserted into the mounting holes in sequence to facilitate assembly. The set screws 4 are hexagonal flat-end screws, which can adjust the tightness of the hot knife retaining ring screws 1 as they are pulled out of the sliding groove of the connector 2.

[0035] Spring 5 is a commonly used compression spring on the market. Its outer diameter is smaller than the mounting hole of connector 2. Spring 5 is sleeved on the end of limit pin 3, and the end of spring 5 abuts against the stepped end face of limit pin 3.

[0036] In one embodiment, the sliding groove is a waist-shaped groove, and the arcs on both sides of the waist-shaped groove fit more closely with the outer contour of the hot knife fixing ring screw 1, reducing the generation of gaps and making the operation more precise.

[0037] In one embodiment, the connector 2 extends axially to form a connection interface, which is hexagonal and can be embedded and connected with a conventional hexagonal socket wrench.

[0038] The present invention also provides an aircraft that employs a hot knife unlocking device with anti-fall function.

[0039] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0040] Specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications within the scope of the claims, which do not affect the essence of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other.

Claims

1. A hot knife unlocking device with anti-drop function, characterized in that, include: Hot knife fixing ring screw (1), connector (2) and limiting structure; The connector (2) is cylindrical, with a sliding groove at one end and the other end extending along the axis to connect with the wrench; the hot knife fixing ring screw (1) is annular, and the hot knife fixing ring screw (1) is slidably connected to the sliding groove along the axial direction of the connector (2), and the sliding groove limits the hot knife fixing ring screw (1) radially along the connector (2); the end of the hot knife fixing ring screw (1) away from the wrench forms a screw screw connected to the knife head; the limiting structure is elastically telescopically connected to the sliding groove; The hot knife fixing ring screw (1) screws the knife head into a lock. The wrench connecting head (2) is inserted into the star body gap. The connecting head (2) is sleeved on the outside of the hot knife fixing ring screw (1) along the sliding groove. The limiting structure abuts against the outer ring wall of the hot knife fixing ring screw (1) and retracts to make room. After the hot knife fixing ring screw (1) is placed in the sliding groove, the limiting structure pops out to elastically limit the inner ring wall of the hot knife fixing ring screw (1). The rotating wrench drives the connector (2) to rotate the hot knife fixing ring screw (1) along the axis of the connector (2). The hot knife fixing ring screw (1) unlocks the knife head by screwing it out. The connector (2) is pulled out and the limiting structure keeps the hot knife fixing ring screw (1) in place. The hot knife fixing ring screw (1) separates from the star body along with the connector (2). The connector (2) and the hot knife fixing ring screw (1) are manually separated. The limiting structure includes a limiting pin (3), a set screw (4), and a spring (5); The limiting pin (3) is slidably connected to the connector (2) along the annular radial direction of the hot knife fixing ring screw (1). The contact surface between the limiting pin (3) and the outer annular wall of the hot knife fixing ring screw (1) is an inclined surface that is inclined relative to the sliding direction of the hot knife fixing ring screw (1) along the sliding groove. The set screw (4) is screwed to the outer edge of the connector (2) and extends toward the end of the limit pin (3) away from the hot knife fixing ring screw (1); the spring (5) is housed between the set screw (4) and the limit pin (3) and drives the limit pin (3) to approach the hot knife fixing ring screw (1). The outer ring wall of the hot knife fixing ring screw (1) abuts against the limiting pin (3), the limiting pin (3) compresses the spring (5), allowing the hot knife fixing ring screw (1) to enter the sliding groove, and the limiting pin (3) passes through the inner ring of the hot knife fixing ring screw (1).

2. The hot knife unlocking device with anti-drop function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hot knife fixing ring screw (1) is screwed into the blade fixing threaded hole on the hot knife.

3. The hot knife unlocking device with anti-drop function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The axial cross-section of the ring of the hot knife fixing ring screw (1) is circular. The limiting pin (3) has a step on one side near the outer edge of the connector (2). The step limits the limiting pin (3) so that the end of the limiting pin (3) near the hot knife fixing ring screw (1) does not exceed the center surface of the ring of the hot knife fixing ring screw (1). The end of the limiting pin (3) near the hot knife fixing ring screw (1) is set as a hemisphere.

4. The hot knife unlocking device with anti-drop function according to claim 3, characterized in that, The hot knife fixing ring screw (1) has two sets of limiting structures symmetrically arranged along the central plane.

5. The hot knife unlocking device with anti-drop function according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connector (2) has two mounting holes on its side, and a limit pin (3), a spring (5) and a set screw (4) are placed in the mounting holes in sequence.

6. The hot knife unlocking device with anti-drop function according to claim 5, characterized in that, The set screw (4) is an internal hexagonal flat-end screw.

7. The hot knife unlocking device with anti-drop function according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sliding groove is a waist-shaped groove, and the arcs on both sides of the waist-shaped groove are consistent with the outer contour shape of the hot knife fixing ring screw (1).

8. The hot knife unlocking device with anti-drop function according to claim 7, characterized in that, The spring (5) is sleeved on the end of the limiting pin (3), and the end of the spring (5) abuts against the stepped end face of the limiting pin (3).

9. An aircraft, characterized in that, The hot knife unlocking device with anti-drop function according to any one of claims 1-8.

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