Locking mechanism for unfolded flexible solar wing

Abstract

The utility model discloses a locking mechanism used after a flexible solar wing is unfolded, and belongs to the technical field of locking mechanisms. Comprising a rod piece, a crank is arranged on the side wall of the rod piece, a locking assembly is arranged in the crank, a first connecting hole is formed in the top of the side wall of the rod piece, a second connecting hole is formed in the top of the side wall of the crank, a through hole is formed in the bottom of the side wall of the rod piece, and a driving assembly is arranged on the circumferential inner wall of the through hole. In the rotating process of the rod piece, the rod piece extrudes the round head to enable the sliding block to move inwards, and when the rod piece reaches the limiting position, the sliding block is driven to move outwards through resilience force of the spring, so that the round head enters the locking groove and is used for locking a locking mechanism after the flexible solar wing is unfolded, stability is improved, and the situation that the using effect is affected due to contraction of the solar wing is prevented; the driving assembly drives the rod piece to rotate, and use is convenient. The solar wing is stable enough after being unfolded, is not easy to contract, is convenient to use, and saves labor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of locking mechanism technology, and more specifically, to a locking mechanism for a flexible solar array after deployment. Background Technology

[0002] The basic principle of solar panels is to use the photoelectric effect of silicon and certain metals to convert solar energy into electrical energy, which is then stored in batteries to provide power for satellites, spacecraft, and electric vehicles. After the flexible solar panels are fully deployed and tensioned, the entire mechanism needs to be locked to prevent any further displacement or shaking, which requires the use of a locking mechanism.

[0003] The prior art patent document CN115367150B provides a scissor-type solar array system. This device drives the solar array to unfold or fold through a scissor rod assembly. A transmission mechanism drives the symmetrical multi-sided scissor rods at one end of the scissor rod assembly to extend and retract synchronously. A synchronization mechanism enables the symmetrical multi-sided scissor rods at the other end to extend and retract synchronously with the scissor rods at the first end. A tensioning device connects the crossbeam assembly on the outer side of the solar array to the wing surface, which facilitates the straightness and rigidity of the solar array during unfolding and enables the research and development testing of ground products to determine suitable system parameters.

[0004] Although the device has many beneficial effects, it still has the following problems: during use, the device lacks a locking mechanism, and the solar array is not stable enough after deployment, and it is easy to retract, affecting its use; secondly, the device requires workers to deploy it, which is time-consuming and laborious, and needs to be improved. In view of this, we propose a locking mechanism for the flexible solar array after deployment. Utility Model Content

[0005] 1. Technical problems to be solved

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a locking mechanism for flexible solar arrays after deployment, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art that existing solar arrays are not stable enough after deployment, are easy to retract and affect use, and waste manpower.

[0007] 2. Technical Solution

[0008] A locking mechanism for a flexible solar array after deployment includes a rod with a crank on its side wall. A locking assembly is located inside the crank. The locking assembly includes a fixing plate located on the side wall of the crank's inner cavity. Mounting holes are provided at both ends of the fixing plate's side wall. A spring is provided on the side wall of the fixing plate, and a slider is provided at the other end of the spring. The slider has a rounded head at the other end. A sliding groove is provided on the side wall of the crank. A locking groove is provided on the side wall of the rod. A first connecting hole is provided at the top of the side wall of the rod, and a second connecting hole is provided at the top of the side wall of the crank. A through hole is provided at the bottom of the side wall of the rod, and a driving assembly is provided on the inner circumference of the through hole.

[0009] Preferably, the drive assembly includes a rotating shaft, one end of which is equipped with a motor, a micro switch is provided on the side wall of the rod near the first connecting hole, a controller is provided on the outer wall of the rod, and the motor is electrically connected to an external power source.

[0010] Preferably, a screw hole is provided on the top of the outer wall of the rod, and a snap-fit ​​groove is provided on the top of the rod.

[0011] Preferably, the size and position of the first connecting hole match the size and position of the second connecting hole, and a third connecting hole is provided at the bottom of the crank sidewall.

[0012] Preferably, the round head is hemispherical, and the size of the round head matches the size of the locking groove.

[0013] Preferably, the second connecting hole and the slide groove are located on the same vertical axis, and a set screw is threaded onto the inner circumference of the mounting hole.

[0014] 3. Beneficial effects

[0015] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this utility model are:

[0016] This invention utilizes a mechanism where, during the rotation of a rod, the rod presses against the round head, causing the slider to move inward. When it reaches its limit position, the spring's rebound force drives the slider to move outward, allowing the round head to enter the locking groove. This mechanism is used to lock the flexible solar array after it has been deployed, improving stability and preventing the solar array from retracting and affecting its performance.

[0017] Secondly, by turning on the motor to drive the rotating shaft, the rod can be rotated, saving labor. When the micro switch detects that the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole are in contact, it sends a signal to the controller and stops the motor to prevent further rotation from damaging the locking mechanism used after the flexible solar wing is deployed. The structural design of this utility model makes the solar wing sufficiently stable after deployment, not easy to retract, convenient to use, and saves labor. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a partial structural breakdown diagram of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the crank portion of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the locking component of this utility model;

[0023] The following are the labels in the diagram: 1. Rod; 2. Crank; 3. Locking assembly; 4. First connecting hole; 5. Second connecting hole; 6. Through hole; 7. Drive assembly; 8. Screw hole; 9. Snap-fit ​​groove; 10. Third connecting hole; 301. Fixing plate; 302. Mounting hole; 303. Spring; 304. Slider; 305. Round head; 306. Slide groove; 307. Locking groove; 701. Shaft; 702. Motor; 703. Micro switch; 704. Controller. Detailed Implementation

[0024] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0025] In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "sleeved / connected," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] Please see Figure 1-5 This utility model provides a technical solution:

[0028] A locking mechanism for a flexible solar array after deployment includes a rod 1, a crank 2 rotatably connected to the side wall of the rod 1, a locking assembly 3 fixed inside the crank 2, the locking assembly 3 including a fixing plate 301 located on the side wall of the inner cavity of the crank 2, mounting holes 302 being provided at both ends of the side wall of the fixing plate 301, a spring 303 being fixed to the side wall of the fixing plate 301, a slider 304 being fixed to the other end of the spring 303, a round head 305 being fixed to the other end of the slider 304, a sliding groove 306 being provided on the side wall of the crank 2, a locking groove 307 being provided on the side wall of the rod 1, a first connecting hole 4 being provided at the top of the side wall of the rod 1, a second connecting hole 5 being provided at the top of the side wall of the crank 2, a through hole 6 being provided at the bottom of the side wall of the rod 1, and a driving assembly 7 being fixed to the inner circumference of the through hole 6. During the rotation of the rod 1, the rod 1 presses the round head 305, causing the slider 304 to move inward. When it reaches the limit position, the spring 303 pushes the slider 304 outward, so that the round head 305 enters the locking groove 307. This is used as a locking mechanism to lock the flexible solar panel after it is deployed, thereby improving stability and preventing the solar panel from shrinking and affecting the performance.

[0029] Specifically, the drive assembly 7 includes a rotating shaft 701, with a motor 702 fixed at one end. A micro switch 703 is fixed on the side wall of the rod 1 near the first connecting hole 4, and a controller 704 is fixed on the outer wall of the rod 1. The motor 702 is electrically connected to an external power source. By turning on the motor 702, the rotating shaft 701 is driven to rotate, thereby rotating the rod 1, saving labor. When the micro switch 703 detects that the first connecting hole 4 and the second connecting hole 5 are in contact, it sends a signal to the controller 704 and stops the motor 702, preventing further rotation from damaging the locking mechanism used after the flexible solar array is deployed.

[0030] Furthermore, a screw hole 8 is provided at the top of the outer wall of the rod 1, and a snap-fit ​​groove 9 is provided at the top of the rod 1. The rod 1 is easily fixed to the component snapped into the groove 9 by passing a bolt through the screw hole 8.

[0031] It is worth noting that the size and position of the first connecting hole 4 match the size and position of the second connecting hole 5, and a third connecting hole 10 is provided at the bottom of the side wall of the crank 2. The matching first connecting hole 4 and second connecting hole 5 facilitate the passage of the pin, thereby enabling the rod 1 to be hinged to the crank 2, and the third connecting hole 10 facilitates the connection of the crank 2 to the scissor lift.

[0032] It is worth noting that the round head 305 is hemispherical, and its dimensions match those of the locking groove 307. The hemispherical round head 305 facilitates pressing and sliding into the locking groove 307, making it convenient to use.

[0033] In addition, the second connecting hole 5 and the slide groove 306 are located on the same vertical axis, and a set screw is threaded onto the inner wall of the mounting hole 302. The second connecting hole 5 and the slide groove 306, which are located on the same vertical axis, facilitate the locking mechanism for the flexible solar panel to lock when the rod 1 rotates to a 90° angle with the horizontal. The set screw facilitates the fixation of the fixing plate 301.

[0034] In addition, the circuits, electronic components and modules involved in this utility model are all existing technologies, which can be fully implemented by those skilled in the art, and need not be elaborated upon. The content protected by this utility model does not involve any improvement to the internal structure and method.

[0035] The models of the devices or equipment mentioned in this article are as follows:

[0036] The model number of motor 702 can be: Y90S-2.

[0037] Working principle: When the device needs to lock the flexible solar array after deployment, the motor 702 is turned on to drive the rotating shaft 701 to rotate, thereby rotating the rod 1, saving labor. During the rotation of the rod 1, the rod 1 presses the round head 305, causing the slider 304 to move inward. When it reaches the limit position, the spring force of the spring 303 drives the slider 304 to move outward, thereby causing the round head 305 to enter the locking groove 307, which completes the locking mechanism for the flexible solar array after deployment, improves stability, and prevents the solar array from shrinking and affecting the use effect. When the micro switch 703 detects that the first connecting hole 4 and the second connecting hole 5 are in contact, it sends a signal to the controller 704 and stops the motor 702 to prevent continued rotation from damaging the locking mechanism for the flexible solar array after deployment. The bolt passes through the screw hole 8 to facilitate the fixing of the rod 1 and the component locked in the locking groove 9. The third connecting hole 10 facilitates the connection of the crank 2 to the scissor bar.

[0038] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely preferred examples and are not intended to limit the utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism for a flexible solar array after deployment, comprising a lever (1), characterized in that: The rod (1) has a crank (2) on its side wall. The crank (2) has a locking assembly (3) inside. The locking assembly (3) includes a fixing plate (301) located on the side wall of the inner cavity of the crank (2). The fixing plate (301) has mounting holes (302) at both ends of its side wall. The fixing plate (301) has a spring (303) on its side wall. The spring (303) has a slider (304) at the other end. The slider (304) has a round head (305) at the other end. The crank (2) has a sliding groove (306) on its side wall. The rod (1) has a locking groove (307) on its side wall. The rod (1) has a first connecting hole (4) at the top of its side wall. The crank (2) has a second connecting hole (5) at the top of its side wall. The rod (1) has a through hole (6) at the bottom of its side wall. The through hole (6) has a driving assembly (7) on its inner circumference.

2. The locking mechanism for a flexible solar array after deployment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive assembly (7) includes a rotating shaft (701), one end of which is provided with a motor (702). A micro switch (703) is provided on the side wall of the rod (1) near the first connecting hole (4). A controller (704) is provided on the outer wall of the rod (1). The motor (702) is electrically connected to an external power source.

3. The locking mechanism for a flexible solar array after deployment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The top of the outer wall of the rod (1) is provided with a screw hole (8) and the top of the rod (1) is provided with a snap-fit ​​groove (9).

4. The locking mechanism for a flexible solar array after deployment according to claim 3, characterized in that: The size and position of the first connecting hole (4) match the size and position of the second connecting hole (5), and a third connecting hole (10) is provided at the bottom of the side wall of the crank (2).

5. The locking mechanism for a flexible solar array after deployment according to claim 4, characterized in that: The round head (305) is hemispherical, and the size of the round head (305) matches the size of the locking groove (307).

6. The locking mechanism for a flexible solar array after deployment according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second connecting hole (5) is located on the same vertical axis as the slide groove (306), and the inner circumference of the mounting hole (302) is threaded with a set screw.

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