Manual unlocking tool
By designing the ratchet assembly, force measuring assembly, and unlocking lever assembly to work in synergy, the safe and efficient unlocking of the space station's external clamping device was achieved. This solved the problems of insufficient torque control and part positioning in existing tools, and improved the ease of operation and safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BEIJING INST OF SPACECRAFT ENVIRONMENT ENG
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-08
AI Technical Summary
The existing manual unlocking tools for the external space station lack an effective torque control structure, which can easily lead to damage to the clamping device, make operation inconvenient, and make it difficult to position the parts after unlocking, posing a risk of them drifting away.
A tool comprising a ratchet assembly, a force measuring assembly, and an unlocking lever assembly is designed. The ratchet assembly provides continuous reciprocating turning power, the force measuring assembly limits the torque within a preset range, and the unlocking lever assembly connects to the loading nut of the clamping device and drives it to rotate, thereby achieving safe and efficient unlocking and preventing parts from scattering.
It improves the convenience, safety, and reliability of unlocking the external clamping device of the space station, avoids structural damage and parts scattering, and improves operational efficiency and safety.
Smart Images

Figure CN121990189A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of extravehicular operation tools for space stations, and more specifically, to a manual unlocking tool. Background Technology
[0002] In the field of extravehicular activity (EVA) tools for space stations, the clamping device needs to be unlocked after the space station is in orbit. If it cannot be automatically unlocked in orbit, it will occupy extravehicular resources for a long time and cause a single point of failure in the system. Astronauts need to manually unlock it after exiting the spacecraft. Therefore, it is particularly important to design an unlocking tool for extravehicular use that is designed for the characteristics of the clamping device itself. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a manual unlocking tool to address the technical problems in related technologies. The specific solution is as follows:
[0004] This application provides a manual unlocking tool for use in a clamping device outside a space station module. The tool includes: a ratchet assembly configured to provide continuous reciprocating turning power under external force; a force measuring assembly fixedly connected to the ratchet assembly, configured to limit the torque output of the ratchet assembly to provide an input torque within a preset limit; and an unlocking rod assembly located at the end of the force measuring assembly away from the ratchet assembly, configured to engage with the loading nut of the clamping device and drive the loading nut to rotate via the input torque, thereby releasing the clamping constraint through the rotational displacement of the loading nut.
[0005] In some embodiments, the ratchet assembly includes: a ratchet device, which is a one-way transmission structure, including a pawl, a ratchet, and a housing; and an extended handle, fixedly connected to the housing, configured to drive the ratchet device to reciprocate under the action of an external force, wherein, in response to the extended handle rotating counterclockwise, the pawl engages the ratchet and simultaneously drives the unlocking lever assembly to loosen the loading nut; in response to the extended handle rotating clockwise, the pawl disengages from the ratchet and spins freely, without causing the loading nut to rotate in reverse.
[0006] In some embodiments, the extended handle is a multi-segment structure, with each segment connected by a screw-on joint, configured to adjust the handle length to suit the astronaut's gripping needs.
[0007] In some embodiments, an anti-drift ring is fixedly provided at the end of the extended handle away from the force measuring component. The anti-drift ring is coaxially arranged with the extended handle and configured to prevent the manual unlocking tool from drifting in a weightless environment outside the cabin.
[0008] In some embodiments, the force measuring component includes a force measuring device that is driven in conjunction with the ratchet assembly and configured to control the input torque during the unlocking process to not exceed a preset torque, thereby preventing damage to the clamping device.
[0009] In some embodiments, the unlocking lever assembly includes: an unlocking lever body movably connected to the force measuring component; and a locking mechanism disposed at one end of the unlocking lever body adjacent to the force measuring component, configured to enable the unlocking lever body to lock or unlock with the force measuring component.
[0010] In some embodiments, an internal hexagonal screwdriver head is provided at one end of the unlocking rod body away from the locking mechanism. The internal hexagonal screwdriver head is integrally formed with the unlocking rod body and configured to be adapted to the loading nut of the clamping device.
[0011] In some embodiments, the unlocking rod body has a tapered structure at one end away from the locking mechanism. The tapered structure is coaxially arranged with the hexagonal screwdriver head and located outside the hexagonal screwdriver head, configured to assist the unlocking rod body in inserting the loading nut.
[0012] In some embodiments, the unlocking lever assembly includes a locking tongue mechanism, which is installed in the plunger hole of the unlocking lever body and at least partially extends out of the plunger hole, configured to pop out and lock the clamping device after unlocking is completed, to prevent the unlocking lever assembly from drifting on track.
[0013] In some embodiments, the locking tongue mechanism includes: a threaded base rod fixedly disposed within the plunger hole; a wedge-shaped plunger disposed within the plunger hole and movably connected to the threaded base rod; a limiting nut sleeved on the outside of the wedge-shaped plunger; and an elastic element sleeved on the wedge-shaped plunger with its two ends abutting against the threaded base rod and the limiting nut, respectively, configured to drive the wedge-shaped plunger to abut against the side wall of the clamping device, wherein, in response to the displacement of the loading nut of the clamping device, the wedge-shaped plunger engages with the limiting hole of the side wall of the clamping device to achieve on-rail anti-drift of the component after unlocking.
[0014] Compared with related technologies, the above-described solutions of this application have at least the following beneficial effects:
[0015] The manual unlocking tool provided in this application includes a ratchet assembly, a force measuring assembly, and an unlocking lever assembly. The ratchet assembly works in conjunction with the force measuring assembly to achieve continuous reciprocating turning through the unidirectional transmission structure of the ratchet assembly. The torque limiting function of the force measuring assembly can control the input torque within a preset torque, avoiding damage to structural components due to excessive force. The unlocking lever assembly is connected to the force measuring assembly, realizing the on-orbit positioning of the components and parts after unlocking, avoiding the risk of parts drifting away. Compared with related technologies, this improves the convenience, safety, and reliability of unlocking operations of the space station's external clamping device.
[0016] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description
[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort. In the drawings:
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a manual unlocking tool according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a clamping device according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0020] Figure 3 This is a connection structure diagram of a ratchet assembly and a force measuring assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a manual unlocking tool assembled on a clamping device according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an unlocking lever assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0023] Figure 6 This is a bottom view of an unlocking lever assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0024] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of an unlocking lever assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0025] Figure label:
[0026] Ratchet assembly 100, ratchet device 110, pawl 111, ratchet 112, housing 113, extended handle 120, anti-drift ring 121;
[0027] Force measuring component 200, unlocking rod component 300, plunger hole 301, unlocking rod body 310, hexagonal screwdriver head 311, conical structure 312, cylindrical boss 313, handle 320, locking mechanism 330, locking tongue mechanism 340, wedge plunger 341, limit nut 342, threaded base rod 343, elastic element 344;
[0028] Manual unlocking tool 1000, clamping device 2000, loading nut 2100, boom 2200. Detailed Implementation
[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0030] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. “Multiple” generally includes at least two, and other quantifiers are similar.
[0031] It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., may be used in the embodiments of this application, these descriptions should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the described objects. For example, "first" may also be referred to as "second," and similarly, "second" may also be referred to as "first," without departing from the scope of the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0032] It should be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship. The singular forms "a," "the," and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0033] It is further understood that the terms “center,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “front,” “rear,” “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” and “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 embodiment 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 the present invention.
[0034] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.
[0035] Depending on the context, the words “if” or “suppose” as used here can be interpreted as “when” or “in response to determination” or “in response to detection.” Similarly, depending on the context, the phrases “if determination” or “if detection (of the stated condition or event)” can be interpreted as “when determination” or “in response to determination” or “when detection (of the stated condition or event)” or “in response to detection (of the stated condition or event).”
[0036] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that an article or device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such an article or device. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the article or device that includes said element.
[0037] The external deployment and docking mechanism of a space station is typically secured during launch using a clamping device. After the space station enters orbit, astronauts need to manually unlock this clamping device externally. Current technologies for manual unlocking tools have several drawbacks, such as: a lack of effective torque control structures, making it easy for astronauts to damage the clamping device due to excessive force; the need for repeated adjustments to the tool angle for continuous tightening, resulting in poor adaptability; and the risk of drifting in weightless environments, with unlocked components difficult to position and potentially scattering in orbit. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a manual unlocking tool that is adaptable to the external environment of a space station, easy to operate, and safe and reliable.
[0038] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a manual unlocking tool, characterized in that it is a clamping device applied to the exterior of a space station module, comprising: a ratchet assembly configured to provide continuous reciprocating turning power under external force; a force measuring assembly fixedly connected to the ratchet assembly, configured to limit the torque output of the turning power by the ratchet assembly to provide an input torque within a preset limit; and an unlocking rod assembly disposed at the end of the force measuring assembly away from the ratchet assembly, configured to engage with the loading nut of the clamping device and drive the loading nut to rotate through the input torque, thereby releasing the clamping constraint through the rotational displacement of the loading nut.
[0039] The manual unlocking tool provided in this application includes a ratchet assembly, a force measuring assembly, and an unlocking lever assembly. The ratchet assembly works in conjunction with the force measuring assembly to achieve continuous reciprocating turning through the unidirectional transmission structure of the ratchet assembly. The torque limiting function of the force measuring assembly can control the input torque within a preset torque, avoiding damage to structural components due to excessive force. The unlocking lever assembly is connected to the force measuring assembly, realizing the on-orbit positioning of the components and parts after unlocking, avoiding the risk of parts drifting away. Compared with related technologies, this improves the convenience, safety, and reliability of unlocking operations of the space station's external clamping device.
[0040] The optional embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0041] This application provides a manual unlocking tool 1000 for an external clamping device 2000 of a space station. The tool is applied to the clamping device 2000 outside the space station and includes a ratchet assembly 100, a force measuring assembly 200, and an unlocking lever assembly 300. The ratchet assembly 100, the force measuring assembly 200, and the unlocking lever assembly 300 work together to achieve safe and efficient unlocking of the clamping device 2000 and prevent drifting in orbit.
[0042] In some embodiments, the force measuring component 200 is fixedly connected to the ratchet assembly 100 to prevent loosening or displacement during power transmission. It is configured to limit the torque output of the ratchet assembly 100 to provide an input torque within a preset limit. The unlocking lever assembly 300 is located at the end of the force measuring component 200 away from the ratchet assembly 100 and is detachably locked to the force measuring component 200. This detachable locking mechanism 330 facilitates tool assembly, disassembly, and maintenance. The unlocking lever assembly 300 is configured to engage with the loading nut 2100 of the clamping device 2000 and rotate the loading nut 2100 by input torque. The rotational displacement of the loading nut 2100 releases the clamping constraint, completing the unlocking operation.
[0043] In some embodiments, the clamping device 2000 to be unlocked includes a loading nut 2100 and an arm 2200. The loading nut 2100 is installed and fixed inside the arm 2200. The manual unlocking tool 1000 must first pass through the through hole at the top of the arm 2200 and then be inserted into the arm 2200 to complete the docking and unlocking with the loading nut 2100. The arm 2200 structure not only provides a mounting carrier for the loading nut 2100, but also provides support for the insertion and guidance of the unlocking rod assembly 300 and the locking tongue mechanism 340.
[0044] In some embodiments, the ratchet assembly 100 is a power input component configured to provide continuous reciprocating turning power under external force, providing stable power for unlocking operations. The ratchet assembly 100 includes a ratchet device 110 and an extended handle 120.
[0045] The ratchet device 110 is a one-way transmission structure, including a pawl 111, a ratchet 112, and a housing 113. The housing 113 is a hollow cavity structure. The pawl 111 and the ratchet 112 are rotatably mounted inside the housing 113. The pawl 111 meshes with the ratchet 112. The ratchet device 110 is configured to provide clockwise one-way transmission, realize the one-way transmission of power, and ensure that the turning power can only drive the loading nut 2100 to rotate in the unlocking direction.
[0046] In some embodiments, the extended handle 120 is fixedly connected to the housing 113 of the ratchet device 110 to ensure synchronous rotation between the extended handle 120 and the housing 113, avoiding power loss due to relative slippage. This configuration allows the ratchet device 110 to reciprocate under external force. When the astronaut holds the extended handle 120 and applies external force, when the extended handle 120 rotates counterclockwise, the pawl 111 engages with the ratchet 112 and simultaneously drives the unlocking rod assembly 300 to loosen the loading nut 2100. When the extended handle 120 rotates clockwise, the pawl 111 disengages from the ratchet 112 and spins freely, preventing the loading nut 2100 from reversing. Continuous unlocking can be achieved without repeatedly adjusting the tool angle, significantly reducing the difficulty of extravehicular operations and improving operational efficiency.
[0047] In some embodiments, the extended handle 120 has a multi-segment structure, specifically a 2-3 segmented splicing structure. The segments are fixedly connected by screwing, meaning adjacent segments are respectively provided with external and internal threads, and are fixed by thread engagement. The multi-segment extended handle 120 allows for flexible adjustment of the handle length according to the astronaut's operating posture and the gripping range while wearing a spacesuit, adapting to gripping needs under different working conditions. After adjustment, the self-locking nature of the threaded connection ensures stable handle length, eliminating the need for an additional locking structure.
[0048] In some embodiments, the extended handle 120 of the ratchet assembly 100 has an anti-slip structure on its outer surface. The anti-slip structure is adapted to the gripping needs of astronauts wearing spacesuits, which helps to increase the friction between the hand and the handle and prevent the tool from slipping out of the hand when operating in a weightless environment.
[0049] In some embodiments, an anti-drift ring 121 is fixedly provided at the end of the extended handle 120 away from the force measuring component 200. The anti-drift ring 121 is a ring structure made of lightweight high-strength alloy material and is arranged coaxially with the extended handle 120. It is fixedly connected to the extended handle 120 by welding. The coaxial arrangement can ensure the stability of the tool's center of gravity and avoid the tool from becoming unbalanced due to the setting of the anti-drift ring 121. At the same time, it can cooperate with the astronaut's hand restraint to prevent the tool from accidentally leaving the gripping range.
[0050] In some embodiments, the force measuring component 200 includes a force measuring device, which may specifically be a torque sensor or an elastic limiting structure. The force measuring device is driven in conjunction with the ratchet assembly 100. The transmission connection method may be gear meshing or transmission shaft connection, which is used to ensure the accurate transmission of torque signal and enable the force measuring device to sense the magnitude of the torque output by the ratchet assembly 100 in real time.
[0051] In some embodiments, the force measuring component 200 is configured to control the input torque during the unlocking process to not exceed a preset torque, thereby preventing damage to the clamping device 2000.
[0052] When the torque input by the astronaut through the ratchet assembly 100 reaches the preset torque, the force measuring device will limit the torque from increasing further through mechanical limiting or signal prompts. The mechanical limiting method can be achieved through the deformation limit of the elastic element 344. When the torque exceeds the preset value, the elastic element 344 undergoes irreversible deformation, cutting off the torque transmission. The signal prompt method can collect the torque signal through the sensor and feed it back to the astronaut's wearable device, reminding the astronaut to stop applying force, thereby achieving safe unlocking.
[0053] In some embodiments, the preset torque is 38 Nm.
[0054] In some embodiments, the unlocking rod assembly 300 includes an unlocking rod body 310 and a locking mechanism 330. The unlocking rod body 310 is a cylindrical rod-shaped structure and is movably connected to the force measuring component 200 through the locking mechanism 330. The locking mechanism 330 is disposed at one end of the unlocking rod body 310 near the force measuring component 200, and may specifically adopt a snap-on structure.
[0055] The locking mechanism 330 includes a claw and a slot. The claw is located at the end of the unlocking rod body 310, and the slot is located at the corresponding position of the force measuring component 200. The configuration enables the unlocking rod body 310 to lock or unlock with the force measuring component 200, facilitating the disassembly, storage, assembly, and use of the tool.
[0056] When it is necessary to assemble the force measuring component 200 and the unlocking rod component 300 through the locking mechanism 330, align the unlocking rod body 310 with the force measuring component 200 and push the unlocking rod body 310 to make the claw engage with the slot, thereby achieving locking; when it is necessary to assemble and disassemble the force measuring component 200 and the unlocking rod component 300 through the locking mechanism 330, press the claw to make the claw disengage from the slot, thereby achieving separation of the unlocking rod body 310 from the force measuring component 200.
[0057] In some embodiments, an internal hexagonal screwdriver head 311 is provided at one end of the unlocking rod body 310 away from the locking mechanism 330. The internal hexagonal screwdriver head 311 is integrally formed with the unlocking rod body 310. The integrally formed structure can avoid breakage during torque transmission. The size of the internal hexagonal screwdriver head 311 matches the external hexagonal loading nut 2100 of the clamping device 2000. It is configured to precisely fit the external hexagonal loading nut 2100 of the clamping device 2000, so as to achieve stable torque transmission and ensure that the loading nut 2100 can rotate synchronously with the unlocking rod body 310.
[0058] When the unlocking rod assembly 300 is connected to the loading nut 2100, the internal hexagonal screwdriver head 311 is sleeved on the outside of the external hexagonal loading nut 2100, and the two form surface contact. When the unlocking rod body 310 rotates under the action of torque, the loading nut 2100 is driven to rotate synchronously through the engagement of the internal and external hexagonal screwdriver heads, thereby achieving unlocking.
[0059] In some embodiments, the end of the unlocking rod body 310 away from the locking mechanism 330 is provided with a conical structure 312. The conical structure 312 is a hollow conical structure, coaxially arranged with the hexagonal screwdriver head 311 and located outside the hexagonal screwdriver head 311, ensuring the alignment accuracy between the hexagonal screwdriver head 311 and the loading nut 2100 during the docking process. The conical structure 312 is integrally formed with the unlocking rod body 310, ensuring structural strength. The conical structure 312 is configured to guide the unlocking rod body 310 to align with the loading nut 2100 during the assembly process, assisting in completing the docking and solving the problems of existing tools relying on visual alignment and the difficulty of alignment operations.
[0060] Specifically, during the docking process between the unlocking rod body 310 and the loading nut 2100, the astronaut does not need to align precisely. He only needs to push the tool with the larger diameter end of the conical structure 312 toward the loading nut 2100. The inclined surface of the conical structure 312 will contact the edge of the port of the loading nut 2100 or the clamping device 2000. Under the action of external thrust, the inclined surface generates a guiding force, automatically correcting the position of the unlocking rod body 310 and guiding the internal hexagonal screwdriver head 311 to be precisely fitted onto the outside of the loading nut 2100, thus completing the docking.
[0061] In some embodiments, the unlocking lever assembly 300 includes a handle 320, which is fixedly disposed on the side of the unlocking lever body 310 near the locking mechanism 330. The handle 320 has a columnar protrusion structure, allowing the astronaut to manually rotate the unlocking lever. When the ratchet 112 cannot drive the nut to complete the last few rotations, the astronaut can directly move the handle 320 to manually drive the unlocking lever body 310 and the hexagonal screwdriver head 311 to rotate and complete the remaining unlocking action.
[0062] In some embodiments, the unlocking rod body 310 has a cylindrical boss 313, which is fixedly connected to the unlocking rod body 310 and coaxial with the conical structure 312. The cylindrical boss 313 and the conical structure 312 together form a dual guide positioning structure. During the positioning process of the unlocking rod assembly 300 and the loading nut 2100, the cylindrical boss 313 can cooperate with the lug hole of the arm 2200 of the clamping device 2000 to further correct the positional deviation. Together with the conical structure 312, it achieves precise guide positioning of the unlocking rod assembly 300 and the arm 2200, and finally achieves blind insertion unlocking of the loading nut 2100 by the unlocking rod assembly 300 in the arm 2200, thereby improving docking efficiency and accuracy.
[0063] In some embodiments, the unlocking rod assembly 300 further includes a locking tongue mechanism 340, which is installed in the plunger hole 301 of the unlocking rod body 310. The plunger hole 301 is a circular through hole opened in the side wall of the unlocking rod body 310. The overall size of the locking tongue mechanism 340 is adapted to the plunger hole 301, and it can achieve telescopic movement within the plunger hole 301.
[0064] The locking tongue mechanism 340 is configured to retract into the plunger hole 301 before unlocking is completed, so as to avoid interference during docking and unlocking. After unlocking is completed, it pops out and locks the arm 2200 of the clamping device 2000 to prevent the unlocking rod assembly 300 and related parts from drifting on the track, thus solving the problem that parts are easy to scatter after unlocking with existing tools.
[0065] Specifically, when the unlocking rod assembly 300 is inserted and docked with the clamping device 2000, the locking tongue mechanism 340 retracts into the plunger hole 301 under the squeezing action of the inner wall of the arm 2200; after unlocking is completed, the manual unlocking tool 1000 moves to a preset position relative to the arm 2200 of the clamping device 2000, the plunger hole 301 aligns with the limiting hole on the arm 2200, the locking tongue mechanism 340 loses the squeezing force and pops out, and the plunger hole 301 is locked in the limiting hole, thereby realizing the positioning of the unlocking rod assembly 300 and related parts.
[0066] In some embodiments, the locking tongue mechanism 340 includes a threaded base rod 343, a wedge-shaped plunger 341, a limiting nut 342, and an elastic element 344.
[0067] The threaded base rod 343 is a cylindrical rod structure with threads on its outer surface. It is fixedly installed in the plunger hole 301 by threaded connection. The threaded connection method facilitates the installation and debugging of the locking tongue mechanism 340.
[0068] A wedge-shaped plunger 341 is disposed within a plunger bore 301 and is movably connected to a threaded base rod 343. The wedge-shaped plunger 341 has a square hole at its end, and the threaded base rod 343 has a square boss at its end, which is embedded in the square hole. The plunger bore 301 and the threaded base rod 343 are movably connected to ensure the axial extension and retraction of the wedge-shaped plunger 341 along the threaded base rod 343, while simultaneously restricting the relative rotation between the plunger bore 301 and the threaded base rod 343.
[0069] The limiting nut 342 is sleeved on the outside of the wedge plunger 341 and is clearance-fitted with the wedge plunger 341. The elastic element 344 is sleeved on the outside of the wedge plunger 341, and its two ends abut against the threaded base rod 343 and the limiting nut 342 respectively. The elastic element 344 can be a compression spring, configured to provide elastic driving force in the pop-out direction to the wedge plunger 341, so as to drive the wedge plunger 341 to abut against the arm 2200 of the clamping device 2000.
[0070] In some embodiments, during the insertion and docking phase, the manual unlocking tool 1000 presses the inner wall of the arm 2200 of the clamping device 2000 against the wedge-shaped plunger 341, which compresses the elastic element 344 and retracts into the plunger hole 301. After unlocking is completed, the wedge-shaped plunger 341 aligns with the limiting hole on the arm 2200, and the elastic element 344 releases its elastic potential energy, pushing the wedge-shaped plunger 341 outward from the plunger hole 301. The wedge-shaped surface of the wedge-shaped plunger 341 engages with the limiting hole, thus locking it in place. When disassembly is required, the astronaut applies a reverse thrust, and the wedge-shaped plunger 341 compresses the elastic element 344 and retracts, releasing the engagement.
[0071] In some embodiments, when operating the manual unlocking tool 1000, first switch the ratchet device 110 to the loosening position, hold the extended handle 120, align the cylindrical boss 313 of the unlocking rod body 310 with the lug hole of the arm 2200, and insert it into the arm 2200. During insertion, the position is automatically corrected by the inclined guide of the conical structure 312, so that the hexagonal screwdriver head 311 engages with the loading nut 2100. Then, hold the extended handle 120, and in response to the extended handle 120 rotating counterclockwise by about 45°, the pawl 111 engages with the ratchet 112 and simultaneously drives the unlocking rod assembly 300 to loosen the loading nut 2100; in response to the extended handle 120 resetting clockwise, the pawl 111 disengages from the ratchet 112 and spins freely, without causing the loading nut 2100 to reverse. Repeat this operation 4 to 5 times to allow the loading nut 2100 to complete multiple turns, gradually releasing the clamping constraint. Finally, unlock the locking mechanism 330. At this point, the loading nut 2100 of the clamping device 2000 has completed most of its turning stroke, and the clamping force is significantly released. Remove the ratchet assembly 100 and the force measuring assembly 200, and turn the handle 320 to complete the remaining turning until the unlocking rod assembly 300 is lifted by the loading nut 2100. The wedge-shaped surface of the wedge plunger 341 engages with the limiting hole, marking the completion of the unlocking task. After the unlocking task is completed, the locking tongue mechanism 340 pops out and locks against the inner wall of the arm 2200 after the clamping device 2000 is unlocked. This not only prevents the unlocking rod assembly 300 from drifting on the track, but also limits its movement through the limiting effect of the unlocking rod assembly 300.
[0072] The specific structure, working principle, and beneficial effects of the manual unlocking tool 1000 provided in this application embodiment can be found in any of the above embodiments of the manual unlocking tool 1000, and will not be repeated here.
[0073] Finally, it should be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the systems or apparatus disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the descriptions are relatively simple, and relevant parts can be referred to the method section.
[0074] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.
Claims
1. A manual unlocking tool, characterized in that, Clamping devices used on the exterior of space station modules include: The ratchet assembly is configured to provide continuous reciprocating turning power under external force; A force measuring component is fixedly connected to the ratchet assembly and configured to limit the torque of the turning force output by the ratchet assembly in order to provide an input torque within a preset limit; The unlocking lever assembly is located at the end of the force measuring assembly away from the ratchet assembly. It is configured to connect with the loading nut of the clamping device and drive the loading nut to rotate by inputting torque, thereby releasing the clamping constraint through the rotational displacement of the loading nut.
2. The manual unlocking tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ratchet assembly includes: The ratchet mechanism is a one-way transmission structure, comprising a pawl, a ratchet, and a housing; An extended handle is fixedly connected to the outer casing and configured to drive the ratchet device to reciprocate under external force. Specifically, in response to the extended handle rotating counterclockwise, the pawl engages with the ratchet and simultaneously drives the unlocking lever assembly to loosen the loading nut; in response to the extended handle rotating clockwise, the pawl disengages from the ratchet and spins freely, without causing the loading nut to rotate in the opposite direction.
3. The manual unlocking tool according to claim 2, characterized in that, The extended handle has a multi-segment structure, with each segment connected by a screw-on joint, and is configured to adjust the handle length to suit the astronaut's gripping needs.
4. The manual unlocking tool according to claim 2, characterized in that, An anti-drift ring is fixedly provided at the end of the extended handle away from the force measuring component. The anti-drift ring is coaxially arranged with the extended handle and is configured to prevent the manual unlocking tool from drifting in the weightless environment outside the cabin.
5. The manual unlocking tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The force measuring component includes: A force measuring device is provided, which is in transmission cooperation with the ratchet assembly, and is configured to control the input torque during the unlocking process to not exceed a preset torque, so as to avoid damage to the clamping device.
6. The manual unlocking tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The unlocking lever assembly includes: The unlocking rod body is movably connected to the force measuring component; A locking mechanism is provided at one end of the unlocking rod body near the force measuring component, and is configured to enable the unlocking rod body to lock or unlock with the force measuring component.
7. The manual unlocking tool according to claim 6, characterized in that, The unlocking rod body is provided with an internal hexagonal screwdriver head at one end away from the locking mechanism. The internal hexagonal screwdriver head is integrally formed with the unlocking rod body and is configured to be adapted to the loading nut of the clamping device.
8. The manual unlocking tool according to claim 7, characterized in that, The unlocking rod body has a tapered structure at one end away from the locking mechanism. The tapered structure is coaxially arranged with the hexagonal screwdriver head and located outside the hexagonal screwdriver head, and is configured to assist the unlocking rod body in inserting the loading nut.
9. The manual unlocking tool according to claim 6, characterized in that, The unlocking lever assembly includes: A locking tongue mechanism is installed in the plunger hole of the unlocking rod body and extends at least partially out of the plunger hole. It is configured to pop out and lock the clamping device after unlocking is completed to prevent the unlocking rod assembly from drifting on the track.
10. The manual unlocking tool according to claim 9, characterized in that, The locking mechanism includes: The threaded base rod is fixedly installed inside the plunger hole. A wedge-shaped plunger is disposed in the plunger hole and movably connected to the threaded base rod, and a limiting nut is sleeved on the outside of the wedge-shaped plunger; An elastic element, sleeved on the wedge-shaped plunger and with its two ends abutting against the threaded base rod and the limiting nut respectively, is configured to drive the wedge-shaped plunger to abut against the side wall of the clamping device. In response to the displacement of the loading nut of the clamping device, the wedge-shaped plunger engages with the limiting hole on the side wall of the clamping device to prevent the component from drifting in orbit after unlocking.