Hot knife unlocker and spacecraft

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of spacecrafts, in particular to a hot knife disconnector and a spacecraft. The hot knife disconnector comprises a shell assembly, a tension rope arranged in the shell assembly and two hot knife assemblies which are both arranged in the shell assembly. Two ends of the tension rope are used for connecting to be unlocked deployment equipment. The two hot knife assemblies are both in contact with the tension rope, and the two hot knife assemblies are both used for being powered respectively. The application aims to solve at least one technical problem in the background art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of spacecraft technology, and more specifically, to a hot knife unlocker and a spacecraft. Background Technology

[0002] In the spacecraft field, deployment equipment such as solar panels and antennas need to be reliably retracted during launch using a clamping and release device to withstand the complex mechanical environment; after entering orbit, they need to be reliably unlocked to achieve deployment. Existing clamping and release devices mainly employ methods such as pyrotechnic cutting, shape memory alloy unlocking, or hot-blade cutting of the tension rope. Pyrotechnic cutting presents problems such as high impact, fragmentation, and gas pollution; shape memory alloy unlocking, while offering advantages of low impact and no pollution, has a relatively complex structure. Hot-blade cutting of the tension rope is widely used due to its low impact, low cost, and high safety. However, existing hot-blade unlockers suffer from insufficient reliability due to the deployment equipment's inability to unlock. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a hot knife unlocker and a spacecraft that address at least one of the technical problems mentioned in the background art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution: One aspect of this application provides a hot knife unlocking device, including a housing assembly, a tension rope passing through the housing assembly, and two hot knife assemblies, each installed inside the housing assembly. The two ends of the tension rope are used to connect to an unfolding device to be unlocked. Both hot knife assemblies are in contact with the tension rope, and the two hot knife assemblies are respectively energized.

[0005] Optionally, the hot knife unlocker provided in this application further includes a separation signal component, which is mounted on the outer surface of the housing assembly. The separation signal component includes an insulating mounting bracket and two conductive contacts mounted on the insulating mounting bracket, so that the two conductive contacts are connected after the tension rope is melted, and an unlocking success signal is fed back to the outside.

[0006] The advantages of this technical solution are as follows: it allows ground or satellite systems to know the unlocking status in real time, avoiding the uncertainty caused by relying solely on power supply time or other indirect judgments; at the same time, it facilitates judging whether the unlocking is successful or not based on whether a successful unlocking signal is fed back to the outside, and takes remedial measures in time when the unlocking fails; moreover, the separate signal component is installed on the outer surface of the housing component, and the structure is relatively independent, which has little impact on the original compact layout, and is conducive to maintaining the miniaturization of the device while realizing status feedback.

[0007] Optionally, the hot knife unlocker provided in this application further includes a tensioning assembly, which is disposed within the housing assembly. The tensioning assembly includes a top block and a spring. The tension rope is located between the conductive contact and the top block. The spring, the top block, and the tension rope are in sequential pressure contact. The top block is used to move towards the two conductive contacts and contact them under the elastic force of the spring after the tension rope melts, so that the two conductive contacts are connected.

[0008] The beneficial effects of this technical solution are as follows: By utilizing the elastic force released by the spring after the tension rope melts, the top block is driven to move, causing the top block to contact the two conductive contacts to form a circuit. This creates a linkage between the unlocking action and the signal feedback, and the state switching can be completed automatically without the need for additional sensors or electrical switches, which helps to improve the reliability and timeliness of the feedback. Moreover, the sequential pressure contact of the spring, top block, and tension rope allows the tensioning component to maintain the tension of the tension rope in the compressed state, and to convert it into a signal triggering element after unlocking. It has both tensioning and triggering functions, which helps to reduce the number of parts, simplify the structure, and keep the device miniaturized.

[0009] Optionally, the tensioning assembly further includes an adjusting screw that is threaded into the housing assembly, abuts against the top block, and the spring is fitted onto the adjusting screw.

[0010] The beneficial effects of this technical solution are as follows: When the tension of the tension rope needs to be adjusted, the initial position of the top block can be directly changed by adjusting the screw depth, thereby changing the pre-compression of the spring and the resistance force of the top block on the tension rope; at the same time, compared with the solution where the adjusting screw and the spring are located in different positions, fitting the spring into the adjusting screw helps to reduce the axial space occupied by the tensioning device, making the structure more compact; furthermore, the adjusting screw can provide radial limit for the spring, reducing the risk of spring deflection or jamming during compression or reset, and improving the smoothness of the operation; in addition, the tensioning assembly integrates the functions of force application, force adjustment, and spring guidance, which helps to reduce the number of parts, simplify the assembly process, and thus maintain the miniaturization and reliability of the unlocker.

[0011] Optionally, the housing assembly includes a housing and a cover, with a threaded hole provided on the cover, and the adjusting screw engaging with the threaded hole.

[0012] The advantages of this technical solution are as follows: By directly setting the threaded hole for the adjusting screw on the cover, the screw can be screwed in to an adjustable depth from outside the unlocker. The tension of the tension rope can be changed without disassembling the outer casing, which simplifies assembly and debugging. At the same time, the cover, as an independent detachable component, can be replaced separately when the threaded hole is worn or damaged, reducing maintenance costs.

[0013] Optionally, the outer casing assembly includes a casing and a casing cover. The inner side of the casing is provided with two hot knife chambers and a top block chamber located between the two hot knife chambers. The two hot knife assemblies are installed in the two hot knife chambers in a one-to-one correspondence, and the top block is installed in the top block chamber.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this technical solution are as follows: The hot knife unlocker provided in this application sets two independent hot knife chambers and a top block chamber located between the two on the inner side of the housing, so that the two hot knife components and the top block are installed in their respective chambers, achieving spatial separation in structure. This helps to avoid mutual interference between the hot knife components and the top block during assembly or operation. At the same time, the chamber wall can provide guiding constraints for the sliding of the top block, reducing the risk of deflection or jamming. Moreover, the top block chamber is located between the two hot knife chambers, so that the distance between the top block and the hot knife components on both sides is approximately equal during the sliding process, which helps the top block to move smoothly and symmetrically contact the conductive contacts after the tension rope melts. In addition, the split design of the housing and the cover facilitates the installation, debugging and maintenance of internal components, and improves the assembly process while maintaining the overall compactness.

[0015] Optionally, the top block is U-shaped, with two guide holes formed on the housing. Both guide holes communicate with the top block compartment. The two ends of the top block are slidably engaged with the two guide holes in a one-to-one correspondence. The positions of the two conductive contacts correspond one-to-one with the positions of the two guide holes. The tension rope is located inside the U-shaped top block.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this technical solution are as follows: the two guide holes provide bidirectional guidance for the movement of the top block, reducing the risk of deflection or jamming during the sliding process and improving the smoothness of the movement; at the same time, the two ends of the U-shaped top block correspond to two conductive contacts, which can ensure that the top block contacts both contacts simultaneously after the tension rope melts, so that the circuit is reliably connected and avoids signal feedback failure due to poor contact on one side; moreover, the positional correspondence between the guide holes and the conductive contacts helps to simplify the alignment adjustment during assembly, improve assembly consistency and the reliability of the feedback signal, while maintaining the compactness of the overall structure.

[0017] Optionally, the hot knife assembly includes a heating element and two support plates, the heating element being fixed between the two support plates, and the support plates being made of insulating and heat-resistant material.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this technical solution are as follows: By fixing the heating element between two support plates and using insulating and heat-resistant materials for the support plates, the conduction and radiation of heat to surrounding components can be reduced when the heating element is energized and heated, allowing the heat to concentrate in the contact area between the heating element and the tension rope, which helps to improve the fusing efficiency and shorten the energizing time. Moreover, the support plates clamp and protect the heating element, reducing the risk of damage to the heating element in assembly or vibration environments. At the same time, the insulating and heat-resistant materials can prevent electrical short circuits between the heating element leads and the outer casing assembly, improving the safety of the unlocker.

[0019] Optionally, both support plates are U-shaped, and the two support plates are respectively a first support plate and a second support plate. A limiting protrusion is provided on the first support plate, and a limiting groove is provided on the second support plate. The limiting protrusion and the limiting groove cooperate with each other.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this technical solution are as follows: Compared with the planar bonding method without a positioning structure, the matching of the limiting protrusion and the limiting groove can reduce the relative offset between the heating element and the support plate during assembly, improving the consistency and efficiency of assembly; at the same time, the U-shaped support plate can wrap around the heating element from both sides and the bottom, and with the engagement of the limiting protrusion and the groove, it can restrict the movement or rotation of the heating element inside the support plate, reducing the risk of the heating element loosening or falling out under the vibration environment of the launch; moreover, the matching of the limiting protrusion and the limiting groove helps to keep the contact area between the heating element and the tension rope stable, and the melting position is more likely to be consistent, thereby improving the reliability of the unlocking action.

[0021] Another aspect of this application provides a spacecraft including the hot knife unlocker provided in this application.

[0022] The technical solution provided in this application can achieve at least one of the following beneficial effects: The hot knife unlocker and spacecraft provided in this application, by setting two hot knife components and making each of them contact the tension rope and be energized separately, can provide at least two independent melting opportunities in a single unlocking operation. If the tension rope is not completely melted after one hot knife component is energized, the other hot knife component can be energized to perform a second melting, thereby reducing the risk of the deployment equipment failing to unlock due to the failure of a single hot knife or insufficient melting. Compared with the existing solution that only sets a single hot knife, the hot knife unlocker provided in this application helps to improve the reliability of the unlocking operation and reduce the possibility of on-orbit unlocking failure.

[0023] The additional technical features and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the following description or from practical application. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the specific embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of the hot knife unlocker provided in this application; Figure 2 An exploded structural diagram of one embodiment of the hot knife unlocker provided in this application; Figure 3 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of the signal separation component provided in this application; Figure 4 An exploded structural diagram of one embodiment of the signal separation component provided in this application; Figure 5 An exploded structural diagram of one embodiment of the hot knife assembly provided in this application; Figure 6 An exploded structural diagram of one embodiment of the tensioning assembly provided in this application; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of the housing provided in this application; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of the housing provided in this application; Figure 9 A partial structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of the hot knife unlocker provided in this application; Figure 10 A partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the hot knife unlocker provided in this application. Figure 11 A partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the hot knife unlocker provided in this application. Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the hot knife unlocker provided in this application before activation and unlocking; Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the hot knife unlocker provided in this application before activation and unlocking; Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the hot knife unlocker provided in this application after unlocking; Figure 15This is a cross-sectional view of another implementation of the hot knife unlocker provided in this application embodiment after unlocking.

[0026] Figure label: 1. Housing assembly; 2. Tension rope; 3. Separate signal assembly; 4. Hot knife assembly; 5. Tensioning assembly; 11. Housing; 12. Shell cover; 31. Insulating mounting bracket; 32. Conductive contact; 33. Screw; 41. Heating element; 42. Second support plate; 43. First support plate; 51. Top block; 52. Spring; 53. Adjusting screw; 111. Threaded hole; 112. Through hole; 113. Square hole; 114. Countersunk threaded hole; 115. Threaded hole; 116. Hot tool chamber; 117. Top block storage; 118. Dividing reinforcement; 119. Countersunk screws. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of this application will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used 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. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0029] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" 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; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] like Figures 1 to 15 As shown, one aspect of this application provides a hot knife unlocker, including a housing assembly 1, a tension rope 2 passing through the housing assembly 1, and two hot knife assemblies 4, each installed inside the housing assembly 1. The two ends of the tension rope 2 are used to connect to an unfolding device to be unlocked. Both hot knife assemblies 4 are in contact with the tension rope 2, and the two hot knife assemblies 4 are used to be energized respectively.

[0031] Understandably, both of the hot knife assemblies 4 can be powered on simultaneously.

[0032] The hot knife unlocker provided in this application, by setting two hot knife components 4, each in contact with the tension rope 2 and capable of being energized independently, can provide at least two independent melting opportunities in a single unlocking operation. If one hot knife component 4 fails to completely melt the tension rope 2 after being energized, the other hot knife component 4 can be energized to perform a second melting, thereby reducing the risk of the deployment device failing to unlock due to the failure of a single hot knife or insufficient melting. Compared with the existing solution that only sets a single hot knife, the hot knife unlocker provided in this application helps to improve the reliability of the unlocking operation and reduce the possibility of on-orbit unlocking failure. At the same time, the hot knife unlocker provided in this application does not rely on a complex linkage mechanism, and has little impact on the size and number of components of the original hot knife unlocker, which is conducive to maintaining the miniaturization and structural simplicity of the device. Moreover, the control method of energizing the two hot knife components 4 separately allows the selective activation of the backup hot knife according to the actual unlocking process, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption.

[0033] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figures 12 to 15As shown, optionally, the hot knife unlocker provided in this application embodiment further includes a separation signal component 3. The separation signal component 3 is installed on the outer surface of the housing component 1, and the separation signal component 3 includes an insulating mounting bracket 31 and two conductive contacts 32 installed on the insulating mounting bracket 31, so that the two conductive contacts 32 are connected after the tension rope 2 is melted, and an unlocking success signal is fed back to the outside. This allows the ground or satellite system to know the unlocking status in real time, avoiding the uncertainty caused by relying solely on power supply time or other indirect judgments; at the same time, it is convenient to judge whether the unlocking is successful or not based on whether an unlocking success signal is fed back to the outside, and to take remedial measures in time when the unlocking fails; moreover, the separation signal component 3 is installed on the outer surface of the housing component 1, and its structure is relatively independent, with little impact on the original compact layout, which is conducive to maintaining the miniaturization of the device while realizing status feedback. Preferably, the conductive contacts 32 are made of gold-plated copper, and the insulating mounting bracket 31 is made of polyimide material. The insulating mounting bracket 31 is installed on the housing 11 through screws 33 and threaded holes 115 on the housing 11. The conductive contact 32 can also be called a conductive element. The conductive contact 32 is preferably a block-shaped element, but it can also be a sheet-shaped element or a rod-shaped element.

[0034] like Figure 6 , Figures 10 to 15As shown, optionally, the hot knife unlocker provided in this application further includes a tensioning component 5, which is disposed inside the outer shell assembly 1. The tensioning component 5 includes a top block 51 and a spring 52. The tension rope 2 is located between the conductive contact 32 and the top block 51. The spring 52, the top block 51 and the tension rope 2 are in sequential pressure contact. The top block 51 is used to move towards the two conductive contacts 32 and contact the two conductive contacts 32 under the elastic force of the spring 52 after the tension rope 2 melts, so that the two conductive contacts 32 are connected. In this way, the spring force released by the spring 52 after the tension rope 2 melts drives the top block 51 to move, so that the top block 51 contacts the two conductive contacts 32 to form a circuit. This creates a linkage between the unlocking action and the signal feedback, and the state switching can be completed automatically without the need for additional sensors or electrical switches, which helps to improve the reliability and timeliness of the feedback. Moreover, the sequential pressure contact of the spring 52, the top block 51 and the tension rope 2 allows the tensioning component 5 to maintain the tension of the tension rope 2 in the compressed state, and to become a signal triggering element after unlocking. It has both tensioning and triggering functions, which helps to reduce the number of parts, simplify the structure and keep the device miniaturized. In this embodiment, preferably, two stepped holes are machined on the housing component 1, and the positions of the two conductive contacts 32 correspond one-to-one with the positions of the two stepped holes. The top block 51 can pass through the two stepped holes and contact the two conductive contacts 32 respectively. Alternatively, the two stepped holes can be replaced by a large through hole, so that the two conductive contacts 32 are located in the large through hole, and the top block 51 can extend into the large through hole and contact the two conductive contacts 32. The top block 51 is entirely conductive, or only the portion used to connect the two conductive contacts 32 is made of conductive material. In one embodiment of this application, the spring 52 can be replaced by two magnets mounted in a manner where like poles repel each other based on the pressure of the top block 51. The top block 51 is slidably disposed within the housing assembly 1, one end of the spring 52 abuts against the housing assembly 1, and the other end of the spring 52 abuts against the top block 51.

[0035] Optionally, the tensioning assembly 5 further includes an adjusting screw 53, which is threaded into the housing assembly 1 and abuts against the top block 51. The spring 52 is fitted onto the adjusting screw 53. Thus, when the tension of the tension rope 2 needs to be adjusted, the initial position of the top block 51 is directly changed by adjusting the screw depth of the adjusting screw 53, thereby changing the pre-compression of the spring 52 and the resistance force of the top block 51 against the tension rope 2. Simultaneously, compared to a scheme where the adjusting screw 53 and spring 52 are located in different positions, fitting the spring 52 onto the adjusting screw 53 helps reduce the axial space occupied by the tensioning device, making the structure more compact. Furthermore, the adjusting screw 53 provides radial restraint for the spring 52, reducing the risk of skewing or jamming during compression or reset, and improving operational smoothness. In addition, the tensioning assembly 5 integrates the functions of applying force, adjusting force, and guiding the spring 52, which helps reduce the number of parts, simplify the assembly process, and thus maintain the miniaturization and reliability of the unlocker. Preferably, the top block 51 is provided with a mating groove, and the adjusting screw 53 is used to extend into the mating groove and abut against the top block 51.

[0036] Optionally, the outer casing assembly 1 includes a housing 11 and a cover 12. A threaded hole is provided on the cover 12, and the adjusting screw 53 engages with the threaded hole. This allows the threaded hole for the adjusting screw 53 to be directly located on the cover 12, enabling the adjusting screw 53 to be screwed in to an adjustable depth from outside the unlocker. This allows for changing the tension of the tension rope 2 without disassembling the outer casing assembly 1, simplifying assembly and adjustment. Furthermore, the cover 12, as an independent detachable component, can be replaced separately when the threaded hole is worn or damaged, reducing maintenance costs. Preferably, the housing 11 has multiple threaded holes 111 for mounting the cover 12, and a through hole 112 connecting the hot knife unlocker to the outside.

[0037] like Figure 7As shown, optionally, the outer casing assembly 1 includes a casing 11 and a casing cover 12. The casing 11 has two hot knife chambers 116 inside and a top block chamber 117 located between the two hot knife chambers 116. Two hot knife assemblies 4 are installed in the two hot knife chambers 116 in a one-to-one correspondence, and the top block 51 is installed in the top block chamber 117. Understandably, the partition ribs 118 inside the casing 11 used to separate the chambers should not obstruct the contact between the tension rope 2 and each heating element 41, nor should they obstruct the contact between the tension rope 2 and the top block 51. The hot knife unlocker provided in this application sets two independent hot knife chambers 116 on the inner side of the housing 11 and a top block chamber 117 located between them, so that the two hot knife components 4 and the top block 51 are respectively installed in their respective chambers, achieving spatial separation in structure. This helps to avoid mutual interference between the hot knife components 4 and the top block 51 during assembly or operation. At the same time, the chamber wall can provide guiding constraints for the sliding of the top block 51, reducing the risk of deflection or jamming. Moreover, the top block chamber 117 is located between the two hot knife chambers 116, so that the distance between the top block 51 and the hot knife components 4 on both sides is approximately equal during the sliding process, which helps the top block 51 to move smoothly and symmetrically contact the conductive contact 32 after the tension rope 2 melts. In addition, the split design of the housing 11 and the cover 12 facilitates the installation, debugging and maintenance of internal components, and improves the assembly process while maintaining the overall compactness.

[0038] like Figure 5 , Figures 10 to 15 As shown, optionally, the top block 51 is U-shaped, with two guide holes formed on the housing 11. Both guide holes communicate with the top block compartment 117. The two ends of the top block 51 are slidably engaged with the two guide holes one-to-one. The positions of the two conductive contacts 32 correspond one-to-one with the positions of the two guide holes. The tension rope 2 is located inside the U-shaped top block 51. In this way, the two guide holes can provide bidirectional guidance for the movement of the top block 51, reducing the risk of deflection or jamming of the top block 51 during sliding and improving the smoothness of movement. At the same time, the two ends of the U-shaped top block 51 correspond to the two conductive contacts 32, which can ensure that the top block 51 contacts both contacts simultaneously after the tension rope 2 melts, so that the circuit is reliably connected and avoids signal feedback failure due to poor contact on one side. Moreover, the positional correspondence between the guide holes and the conductive contacts 32 helps to simplify the alignment adjustment during assembly, improve assembly consistency and the reliability of feedback signals, while maintaining the compactness of the overall structure.

[0039] Optionally, the hot knife assembly 4 includes a heating element 41 and two support plates, the heating element 41 being fixed between the two support plates, and the support plates being made of insulating and heat-resistant material. Preferably, the support plates are made of polyimide material, and the heating element 41 is made of ceramic. In this embodiment, a lead wire is connected to the heating element 41, and a through hole is provided on the housing assembly 1, through which the lead wire passes to a power source to supply power to the heating element 41. By fixing the heating element 41 between the two support plates and using insulating and heat-resistant materials for the support plates, the conduction and radiation of heat to surrounding components (such as the housing assembly 1, other hot knife assemblies 4, or tensioning devices) can be reduced when the heating element 41 is energized and heated. This concentrates the heat in the contact area between the heating element 41 and the tension rope 2, which helps to improve the melting efficiency and shorten the energizing time. Moreover, the support plates clamp and protect the heating element 41, which can reduce the risk of damage to the heating element 41 in assembly or vibration environments. At the same time, the insulating and heat-resistant materials can prevent electrical short circuits between the heating element 41 leads and the housing assembly 1, thus improving the safety of the unlocker.

[0040] Optionally, both support plates are U-shaped, namely a first support plate 43 and a second support plate 42. A limiting protrusion is provided on the first support plate 43, and a limiting groove is provided on the second support plate 42. The limiting protrusion and the limiting groove cooperate. Compared to a planar bonding method without a positioning structure, the cooperation of the limiting protrusion and the limiting groove can reduce the relative offset between the heating element 41 and the support plate during assembly, improving assembly consistency and efficiency. Simultaneously, the U-shaped support plate can wrap around the heating element 41 from both sides and the bottom. Combined with the engagement of the limiting protrusion and the groove, it can restrict the movement or rotation of the heating element 41 within the support plate, reducing the risk of the heating element 41 loosening or detaching under emission vibration conditions. Furthermore, the cooperation of the limiting protrusion and the limiting groove helps to maintain stability in the contact area between the heating element 41 and the tension rope 2, making it easier to maintain consistency in the melting position, thereby improving the reliability of the unlocking action. In this embodiment, the lead wire of the heating element 41 can be disposed between the two support plates and pass through the gap on one side of the limiting block.

[0041] Preferably, a square hole 113, a countersunk threaded hole, and a mounting threaded hole are provided on the housing 11. The square hole 113 is used for the tension rope 2 to pass through the housing 11. The countersunk screw 119 mates with the countersunk threaded hole 114 and extends into the hot knife chamber 116. The end of the countersunk screw 119 firmly presses and fixes the hot knife assembly 4 to the housing 11. like Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown in the embodiment of this application, before the hot knife unlocker is activated, the two ends of the tension rope 2 connected to the unfolding device have a certain tension. The tension rope 2 is in contact with the thermal conductors of the two hot knife assemblies 4, and the top block 51 of the tensioning assembly 5 is also in contact with the tension rope 2. When the depth of the adjusting screw 53 increases, the top block 51 slides inward, thereby causing the tension rope 2 to deform and increasing the tension of the tension rope 2 until the unfolding device is reliably pressed.

[0042] like Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, when the hot knife unlocker needs to be unlocked, power is supplied to one of the hot knife components 4 for a fixed time to melt the tension rope 2. The two ends of the tension rope 2 are pulled out under tension. The top block 51 of the tensioning component 5 continues to slide inward under the elastic force of the spring 52. When the top block 51 slides to the innermost side, the two ends of the top block 51 contact the two conductive contacts 32 of the separation signal component 3, forming a closed circuit. At this time, the two leads on the two conductive contacts 32 change from open to conductive, and the closed circuit signal is fed back to the satellite. At this time, the hot knife unlocker is successfully unlocked. If the satellite does not receive the closed circuit signal after powering one of the hot knife components 4 for a fixed time, it means that the hot knife component 4 has not melted the tension rope 2. At this time, power can be supplied to the other hot knife component 4 to melt the tension rope 2 again, thereby improving the unlocking reliability.

[0043] Another aspect of this application provides a spacecraft including the hot knife unlocker provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0044] The spacecraft provided in this application utilizes the hot knife unlocking device described herein. By setting two hot knife components 4, each in contact with the tension rope 2 and capable of being energized independently, it can provide at least two independent melting opportunities in a single unlocking operation. If one hot knife component 4 fails to completely melt the tension rope 2 after being energized, the other hot knife component 4 can be energized to perform a second melting, thereby reducing the risk of the deployment equipment failing to unlock due to single hot knife failure or insufficient melting. Compared to existing solutions that only use a single hot knife, the hot knife unlocking device provided in this application helps improve the reliability of the unlocking operation and reduces the possibility of on-orbit unlocking failure. At the same time, the hot knife unlocking device provided in this application does not rely on complex linkage mechanisms, has little impact on the size and number of components of the original hot knife unlocking device, and is conducive to maintaining the miniaturization and structural simplicity of the device. Moreover, the control method of energizing the two hot knife components 4 separately allows the selective activation of the backup hot knife according to the actual unlocking progress, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption.

[0045] Finally, it should be noted that 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 or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A hot knife unlocking device, characterized in that, The device includes a housing assembly, a tension rope passing through the housing assembly, and two hot knife assemblies, each installed inside the housing assembly. The two ends of the tension rope are used to connect to the unfolding device to be unlocked. Both hot knife assemblies are in contact with the tension rope and are respectively powered. The hot knife unlocker also includes a separation signal component, which is mounted on the outer surface of the housing assembly. The separation signal component includes an insulating mounting bracket and two conductive contacts mounted on the insulating mounting bracket, so that the two conductive contacts are connected after the tension rope is melted and a successful unlocking signal is fed back to the outside. The hot knife unlocker also includes a tensioning assembly disposed within the housing assembly. The tensioning assembly includes a top block and a spring. The tension rope is located between the conductive contacts and the top block. The spring, the top block, and the tension rope are in sequential pressure contact. The top block is used to move towards the two conductive contacts and contact them under the elastic force of the spring after the tension rope melts, so as to make the two conductive contacts conductive.

2. The hot knife unlocking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tensioning assembly also includes an adjusting screw, which is threaded into the housing assembly and abuts against the top block. The spring is fitted onto the adjusting screw.

3. The hot knife unlocking device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing assembly includes a housing and a cover, with a threaded hole provided on the cover, and the adjusting screw engaging with the threaded hole.

4. The hot knife unlocking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer casing assembly includes a casing and a casing cover. The inner side of the casing is provided with two hot knife chambers and a top block chamber located between the two hot knife chambers. The two hot knife assemblies are installed in the two hot knife chambers in a one-to-one correspondence, and the top block is installed in the top block chamber.

5. The hot knife unlocking device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The top block is U-shaped and has two guide holes formed on the housing. Both guide holes are connected to the top block compartment. The two ends of the top block are slidably engaged with the two guide holes in a one-to-one correspondence. The positions of the two conductive contacts correspond one-to-one with the positions of the two guide holes. The tension rope is located inside the U-shaped top block.

6. The hot knife unlocking device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The hot knife assembly includes a heating element and two support plates. The heating element is fixed between the two support plates, and the support plates are made of insulating and heat-resistant material.

7. The hot knife unlocking device according to claim 6, characterized in that, Both support pieces are U-shaped, and the two support pieces are a first support piece and a second support piece. A limiting protrusion is provided on the first support piece, and a limiting groove is provided on the second support piece. The limiting protrusion and the limiting groove cooperate with each other.

8. A spacecraft, characterized in that, Includes the hot knife unlocker as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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