Solar cell array steering mechanism of commercial microsatellite

Abstract

The utility model discloses a solar cell array steering mechanism of a commercial microsatellite. The solar cell array steering mechanism comprises a basic frame, a driving mechanism, a transmission mechanism and a connecting piece, the connecting piece is rotationally connected to the basic frame, and an assembling structure capable of installing a solar cell array is arranged on the connecting piece; the driving mechanism is arranged in the basic frame, and the driving mechanism is in transmission connection with the connecting piece through a transmission mechanism so as to drive the connecting piece to rotate. The solar cell array steering device is applied to the technical field of steering machinery, can drive the solar cell array to steer in the operation process of a satellite, further prolongs the time of the maximum illuminated area of the solar cell array, enables the whole satellite to obtain more energy, and is compact in structure, small in appearance size, light in whole machine weight, high in reliability and easy to popularize. The steering performance can be improved while the steering cost of the solar cell array is effectively reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of steering machinery technology, specifically a steering mechanism for a solar cell array of a commercial microsatellite. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the solar arrays of various commercial microsatellites are fixedly mounted on the satellite frame. Once the satellite is launched into space, the solar array is opened via hinges or other structural components, and once fully opened, it remains fixed relative to the satellite body. The illuminated area of ​​the satellite's solar array constantly changes with the Earth's rotation and revolution around the sun. The illuminated area due to the Earth's revolution is negligible; the Earth's rotation is the primary factor affecting the illuminated area. At a certain point, the illuminated area of ​​the solar array reaches its "maximum," but this is fleeting. With the development of commercial satellites, continuous upgrades, additions of various functions, and the expansion of mission systems, the demand for energy is increasing. Fixed solar arrays can no longer meet these ever-growing energy requirements.

[0003] In commercial microsatellite applications, solar arrays serve as the primary energy supply component, and their efficiency directly impacts the satellite's overall performance and lifespan. Existing commercial microsatellite solar arrays are fixed, preventing them from tracking the sun with maximum illumination, thus reducing power generation efficiency and hindering the full utilization of solar energy. This fails to meet the growing demand for high-efficiency energy from commercial microsatellites. Therefore, developing a highly efficient, reliable, and high-precision steering mechanism for commercial microsatellite solar arrays is of significant practical importance. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of the existing technology, this utility model provides a solar array steering mechanism for a commercial microsatellite, which can extend the time when the solar array has the "maximum" sunlight-receiving area, allowing the entire satellite to obtain more energy to meet the satellite's energy needs.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a solar array steering mechanism for a commercial microsatellite, including a basic frame, a drive mechanism, a transmission mechanism, and connecting components;

[0006] The connector is rotatably connected to the base frame, and the connector is provided with an assembly structure capable of installing a solar cell array.

[0007] The drive mechanism is located within the basic frame, and the drive mechanism is connected to the connector via a transmission mechanism to drive the connector to rotate.

[0008] In one embodiment, the base frame has a support plate, and the base frame contains a motor mounting plate;

[0009] The drive mechanism includes a drive motor, which is located within the base frame and is fixedly connected to the motor mounting plate.

[0010] The transmission mechanism includes a central rotating shaft, a first gear and a second gear. The first gear is fixedly sleeved on the central rotating shaft, and the second gear is fixedly mounted on the output end of the drive motor, and the first gear meshes with the second gear.

[0011] The first end of the central rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the motor mounting plate, and the second end of the central rotating shaft passes through the support plate and is located outside the base frame, and the central rotating shaft is rotatably engaged with the support plate;

[0012] The connector is fixedly connected to the second end of the central rotating shaft.

[0013] In one embodiment, the transmission mechanism further includes a first bearing, a second bearing, a first bearing clamp, and a second bearing clamp;

[0014] The first bearing is fixedly mounted on the support plate by the first bearing clamp, and the inner ring of the first bearing is fixedly connected to the central rotating shaft;

[0015] The second bearing is fixedly mounted on the motor mounting plate by a second bearing clamp, and the inner ring of the second bearing is fixedly connected to the central rotating shaft.

[0016] In one embodiment, a first isolation structure is provided between the first bearing and the first gear to prevent the first gear from rubbing against the first gear.

[0017] A second isolation structure is provided between the second bearing and the first gear to prevent the first gear from rubbing against the second gear.

[0018] In one embodiment, one of the first isolation structure and the second isolation structure is a bushing fitted onto the central rotating shaft, and the other is a stepped structure provided on the central rotating shaft; or

[0019] Both the first isolation structure and the second isolation structure are bushings fitted onto the central rotating shaft.

[0020] In one embodiment, the drive mechanism further includes a backup motor, and the transmission mechanism further includes a third gear;

[0021] The backup motor is located within the base frame and is fixedly connected to the motor mounting plate. The third gear is fixedly located on the output end of the backup motor, and the first gear meshes with the third gear.

[0022] In one embodiment, the basic frame further includes a bottom plate, a rear side plate, a left side plate, a right side plate, and a top plate;

[0023] The support plate and the rear side plate are respectively located on the front and rear sides of the base plate, and the left side plate and the right side plate are respectively located on the left and right sides of the base plate.

[0024] The two ends of the support plate are connected to the left side plate and the right side plate respectively, and the two ends of the rear side plate are connected to the left side plate and the right side plate respectively;

[0025] The top plate is located above the bottom plate, and the top plate is connected to the support plate, the rear side plate, the left side plate, and the right side plate.

[0026] In one embodiment, the motor mounting plate is disposed on the base plate, and both ends of the motor mounting plate are respectively connected to the left side plate and the right side plate;

[0027] The drive motor and the backup motor are mounted side by side on the base plate.

[0028] In one embodiment, a heat-conducting pad is provided between the drive motor, the backup motor and the base plate.

[0029] In one embodiment, the central rotating shaft is partially hollow.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial technical effects:

[0031] 1. The solar array steering device in this utility model can drive the solar array to rotate during satellite operation, thereby extending the time when the solar array has the "maximum" sunlight-receiving area, so that the whole satellite can obtain more energy to meet the satellite's energy needs.

[0032] 2. The solar array steering device of this utility model has a compact structure, small size, lightweight design, and high reliability, which can effectively reduce the steering cost of solar arrays while improving steering performance. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the solar cell array steering device in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the solar cell array steering device in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Reference numerals: 1-Connector, 2-Support plate, 3-First bearing, 4-First bearing clamp, 5-First gear, 6-Second gear, 7-Third gear, 8-Second bearing clamp, 9-Motor mounting plate, 10-Right side plate, 11-Second bearing, 12-Central shaft, 13-Shaft sleeve, 14-Drive motor, 15-Top plate, 16-First control board, 17-Rear side plate, 18-Second control board, 19-Backup motor, 20-Left side plate, 21-Heat conductive pad, 22-Base plate.

[0037] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0039] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0040] Furthermore, in this utility model, the use of terms such as "first," "second," etc., is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0041] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, a physical connection, or a wireless communication connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0042] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0043] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 The diagram shows a solar array steering mechanism for a commercial microsatellite disclosed in this embodiment. It mainly includes a base frame, a drive mechanism, a transmission mechanism, and a connector 1. The connector 1 is rotatably connected to the base frame and has an assembly structure for mounting the solar array, specifically bolt holes for mounting the solar array. The drive mechanism is located within the base frame and is connected to the connector 1 via the transmission mechanism to drive the connector 1 to rotate. This solar array steering device can drive the solar array to rotate during satellite operation, thereby extending the time the solar array receives maximum sunlight, allowing the entire satellite to obtain more energy to meet its energy needs.

[0044] The basic frame includes a base plate 22, a support plate 2, a rear side plate 17, a left side plate 20, a right side plate 10, and a top plate 15. The support plate 2 and the rear side plate 17 are located on the front and rear sides of the base plate 22, respectively. The left side plate 20 and the right side plate 10 are located on the left and right sides of the base plate 22, respectively. Both ends of the support plate 2 are connected to the left side plate 20 and the right side plate 10, respectively. The two ends of the rear side plate 17 are connected to the left side plate 20 and the right side plate 10, respectively. The top plate 15 is located above the base plate 22 and is connected to the support plate 2, the rear side plate 17, the left side plate 20, and the right side plate 10. In other words, the basic frame is a cubic structure. The support plate 2 is a thickened plate, which not only supports the transmission mechanism and connecting parts 1 but also bolts it to the external satellite body.

[0045] In practical implementation, the basic frame is made of high-strength, lightweight composite metal or composite non-metal materials, such as aluminum alloy or carbon fiber reinforced composite materials. In this embodiment, the basic frame preferably uses carbon fiber reinforced composite materials, which not only have an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, reducing the overall weight of the satellite and lowering launch costs, but also have good resistance to the space environment, maintaining stable mechanical properties under harsh conditions such as alternating high and low temperatures and space radiation, thus improving the reliability of the steering mechanism.

[0046] The drive mechanism includes a drive motor 14, and a motor mounting plate 9 is provided within the base frame. The drive motor 14 is located within the base frame and fixedly connected to the motor mounting plate 9. Specifically, the motor mounting plate 9 is supported on the base plate 22, and both ends of the motor mounting plate 9 are fixedly connected to the left side plate 20 and the right side plate 10 respectively by bolts or other fasteners. After the drive motor 14 is supported on the base plate 22, it is fixedly connected to the motor mounting plate 9 by bolts. The transmission mechanism includes a central rotating shaft 12, a first gear 5, and a second gear 6. The first gear 5 is fixedly sleeved on the central rotating shaft 12, and the second gear 6 is fixedly mounted on the output end of the drive motor 14, and the first gear 5 and the second gear 6 mesh. The first end of the central rotating shaft 12 is rotatably connected to the motor mounting plate 9, and the second end of the central rotating shaft 12 passes through the support plate 2 and is located outside the base frame, and the central rotating shaft 12 is rotatably engaged with the support plate 2. The connecting piece 1 is fixedly connected to the second end of the central rotating shaft 12. The central rotating shaft 12 is partially hollow to reduce weight.

[0047] In practical implementation, the drive motor 14 preferably adopts a high-precision micro motor, such as a high-precision, low-consumption integrated communication stepper servo motor. Micro motors are characterized by their small size and low energy consumption, which can effectively reduce energy consumption while meeting the power requirements of the steering mechanism. The gear and bearing assembly has a compact structure and high transmission efficiency, which can convert the high-speed, low-torque output of the micro motor into a low-speed, high-torque output suitable for driving the solar cell array, ensuring stable driving performance.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the drive mechanism further includes a backup motor 19, and the transmission mechanism further includes a third gear 7. The backup motor 19 is housed within the base frame and fixedly connected to the motor mounting plate 9. The third gear 7 is fixedly mounted on the output end of the backup motor 19, and the first gear 5 meshes with the third gear 7. The drive motor 14 and the backup motor 19 are supported side by side on the base plate 22, making the structure of the steering device more compact.

[0049] More specifically, the drive mechanism also includes a first control board 16 and a second control board 18, which are fixedly connected to the top plate 15 by bolts. The first control board 16 is electrically connected to the drive motor 14 and is used to control the direction, speed, and rotation angle of the drive motor 14. The second control board 18 is electrically connected to the backup motor 19 and is used to control the direction, speed, and rotation angle of the backup motor 19. The top plate 15 has interface holes for the first control board 16 and the second control board 18, and the rear plate 17 also has cable holes, allowing the cables between the first control board 16, the second control board 18, the drive motor 14, and the backup motor 19 to be routed outside the base frame, thereby compressing the internal space of the base frame and making the steering device structure more compact.

[0050] In practical applications, the drive motor 14 rotates, driving the second gear 6 to rotate. The second gear 6 transmits power to the first gear 5 through a gear pair. The first gear 5 drives the central shaft 12 and the third gear 7 to rotate. At this time, the backup motor 19 and the third gear 7 are in a free-following state. The central shaft 12 transmits rotation to the connector 1, which is connected to the solar array, thereby driving the solar array to rotate. The range of rotation is determined by the first control board 16 and can be controlled by the first control board 16 to realize the speed and angle of forward and reverse rotation of the solar array. The backup motor 19 is used as a backup. When the drive motor 14 or the first control board 16 is damaged, the backup motor 19 is controlled by the second control board 18 to drive the third gear 7 to rotate, which in turn drives the central shaft 12 to rotate. At this time, the drive motor 14 and the second gear 6 are in a free-following state.

[0051] In the specific implementation process, the transmission mechanism also includes a first bearing 3, a second bearing 11, a first bearing clamp 4, and a second bearing clamp 8. The first bearing 3 is fixed to the support plate 2 by the first bearing clamp 4 and screws, and the inner ring of the first bearing 3 is fixedly connected to the central rotating shaft 12 by a pin and an interference fit; the second bearing 11 is fixed to the motor mounting plate 9 by the second bearing clamp 8 and screws, and the inner ring of the second bearing 11 is fixedly connected to the central rotating shaft 12 by a pin and an interference fit.

[0052] In this embodiment, a first isolation structure is provided between the first bearing 3 and the first gear 5 to prevent friction between the first gear 5 and the first gear 6; a second isolation structure is provided between the second bearing 11 and the first gear 5 to prevent friction between the first gear 5 and the second gear 6. Specifically, one of the first isolation structure and the second isolation structure is a bushing 13 sleeved on the central rotating shaft 12, and the other is a stepped structure provided on the central rotating shaft 12. Alternatively, both the first isolation structure and the second isolation structure can be set as bushings sleeved on the central rotating shaft 12.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, a heat-conducting pad 21 is provided between the drive motor 14, the backup motor 19 and the base plate 22. Heat is transferred to the base plate 22 through the heat-conducting pad 21 and then discharged, thus avoiding overheating inside the basic frame.

[0054] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the scope of protection of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A solar array steering mechanism for a commercial micro-satellite, characterized by, The base frame, the driving mechanism, the transmission mechanism and the connecting piece are included; The connecting piece is rotationally connected to the base frame, and the connecting piece is provided with an assembly structure capable of mounting a solar cell array; The driving mechanism is arranged in the base frame, and the driving mechanism is in transmission connection with the connecting piece through the transmission mechanism to drive the connecting piece to rotate.

2. The solar array steering mechanism for a commercial micro-satellite of claim 1, wherein, The base frame is provided with a support plate, and the base frame is provided with a motor mounting plate; The driving mechanism includes a driving motor, which is arranged in the base frame and fixedly connected to the motor mounting plate; The transmission mechanism includes a central rotating shaft, a first gear and a second gear, the first gear is fixedly sleeved on the central rotating shaft, the second gear is fixedly arranged on the output end of the driving motor, and the first gear is in meshing connection with the second gear; The first end of the central rotating shaft is in rotational connection with the motor mounting plate, the second end of the central rotating shaft is located outside the base frame after penetrating through the support plate, and the central rotating shaft is in rotational cooperation with the support plate; The connecting piece is fixedly connected to the second end of the central rotating shaft.

3. The solar array steering mechanism for a commercial micro-satellite of claim 2, wherein, The transmission mechanism further includes a first bearing, a second bearing, a first bearing clamp and a second bearing clamp; The first bearing is fixedly arranged on the support plate through the first bearing clamp, and the inner ring of the first bearing is fixedly connected to the central rotating shaft; The second bearing is fixedly arranged on the motor mounting plate through the second bearing clamp, and the inner ring of the second bearing is fixedly connected to the central rotating shaft.

4. The solar array steering mechanism for a commercial micro-satellite of claim 3, wherein A first isolation structure is arranged between the first bearing and the first gear to prevent the first gear from rubbing against the first gear; A second isolation structure is arranged between the second bearing and the first gear to prevent the first gear from rubbing against the second gear.

5. The solar array steering mechanism of a commercial micro-satellite according to claim 4, characterized in that, One of the first isolation structure and the second isolation structure is a shaft sleeve sleeved on the central rotating shaft, and the other is a step structure arranged on the central rotating shaft; or Both the first isolation structure and the second isolation structure are shaft sleeves sleeved on the central rotating shaft.

6. The solar array steering mechanism of a commercial micro-satellite according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that The driving mechanism further includes a backup motor, and the transmission mechanism further includes a third gear; The backup motor is arranged in the base frame and fixedly connected to the motor mounting plate, the third gear is fixedly arranged on the output end of the backup motor, and the first gear is in meshing connection with the third gear.

7. The solar array steering mechanism of a commercial micro-satellite according to claim 6, characterized in that The base frame further includes a bottom plate, a rear side plate, a left side plate, a right side plate and a top plate; The support plate and the rear side plate are respectively arranged on the front and rear sides of the bottom plate, and the left side plate and the right side plate are respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the bottom plate; The two ends of the support plate are respectively connected to the left side plate and the right side plate, and the two ends of the rear side plate are respectively connected to the left side plate and the right side plate; The top plate is located above the bottom plate, and the top plate is connected to the support plate, the rear side plate, the left side plate and the right side plate.

8. The solar array steering mechanism of a commercial micro-satellite according to claim 7, characterized in that The motor mounting plate is arranged on the bottom plate, and the two ends of the motor mounting plate are respectively connected to the left side plate and the right side plate; The driving motor and the backup motor are arranged side by side on the bottom plate.

9. The solar array steering mechanism of a commercial micro-satellite according to claim 8, characterized in that, The driving motor, the backup motor and the bottom plate are provided with heat-conducting pads.

10. The solar array steering mechanism of a commercial nanosatellite according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that Part of the hollow shaft of the central rotating shaft.

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