A speed control mechanism for satellite solar wing deployment

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of speed control mechanism for satellite solar wing deployment, including shell, the transmission assembly being arranged in the shell and the speed control component being arranged in the shell. The transmission assembly is connected with the deployment mechanism on satellite. The speed control component includes the speed control component of the transmission assembly, and the first balance wheel is arranged in the speed control component. Among them, the first balance wheel is configured to be able to intermittently hinder the rotation of the speed control component in the deployment mechanism through the transmission assembly to make the speed control component rotate, so as to limit the power output of the deployment mechanism by the speed control component through the transmission assembly. Speed control mechanism limits the power output of the deployment mechanism by pure mechanical structure, and then limits the deployment speed of solar wing. The structure of speed control mechanism is reliable, and will not be affected by temperature, suitable for the working condition of satellite long-term on-orbit operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of solar panel technology, specifically to a speed control mechanism for the deployment of satellite solar panels. Background Technology

[0002] In satellite solar array deployment mechanisms, especially those driven by springs, without speed control using motors or similar devices, the overall speed of the mechanism will drastically decrease when it locks at the designated position. This process generates significant impact on the deployment mechanism. Without proper control, this could lead to damage to related structures or sensitive components.

[0003] In existing technologies, viscous fluid dampers are generally used as speed control structures. Their working principle involves using the damping force generated by the flow of fluid within micro-holes to limit the deployment speed of the mechanism, preventing excessive impact and structural damage during deployment. However, viscous fluids place high demands on the sealing of the dampers. During long-term on-orbit operation of satellites, the sealing rings and other structures on the dampers are prone to aging, leading to a certain risk of viscous fluid leakage. Furthermore, leaked viscous fluid can easily contaminate optical components in satellites and other spacecraft. Additionally, the viscous fluid within the damper is highly sensitive to temperature, exhibiting significant differences in damping force at high and low temperatures. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on the aforementioned problems in the existing technology, this utility model provides a speed control mechanism for satellite solar array deployment. It adopts a purely mechanical structure to control the speed of the solar array deployment mechanism, requires no sealing, and has high structural reliability.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is as follows: A speed control mechanism for the deployment of a satellite solar array is provided, including a housing, a transmission assembly disposed within the housing, and a speed control assembly disposed within the housing. The transmission assembly is connected to the deployment mechanism on the satellite. The speed control assembly includes a speed control element connected to the transmission assembly, and a first pendulum wheel disposed beside the speed control element. The first pendulum wheel is configured to intermittently impede the rotation of the speed control element when the deployment mechanism causes the speed control element to rotate via the transmission assembly, so that the speed control element can limit the power output of the deployment mechanism via the transmission assembly.

[0006] Furthermore, the speed control component is provided with a plurality of speed control teeth, and the first balance wheel includes a first collision component and a second collision component. The first balance wheel is configured to cause the first collision component or the second collision component to enter the gap between the speed control teeth when the speed control component rotates, thereby intermittently hindering the rotation of the speed control component.

[0007] Furthermore, each of the speed control teeth includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first surface being configured to push the first or second impactor after the first or second impactor enters the gap between the speed control teeth.

[0008] Furthermore, the first balance wheel is configured to allow the second impactor to enter other gaps between the speed control teeth when the first impactor leaves the gap between the speed control teeth.

[0009] Furthermore, the first balance wheel also includes a first side plate and a second side plate for arranging the first collision member and the second collision member, with the first side plate and the second side plate arranged opposite to each other.

[0010] Furthermore, a second balance wheel with the same structure as the first balance wheel is provided next to the speed control component, and the first balance wheel and the second balance wheel together intermittently hinder the rotation of the speed control component.

[0011] Furthermore, the transmission assembly includes a drive gear connected to the unfolding mechanism, and a gear set disposed between the drive gear and the speed control assembly. The drive gear is configured to rotate under the drive of the unfolding mechanism so as to cause the speed control component to rotate via the gear set.

[0012] Furthermore, the drive gear is provided with only a portion of the meshing teeth.

[0013] Furthermore, the gear set is a speed-increasing gear set.

[0014] Furthermore, the gear set includes a first driven gear meshing with the driving gear, a second driven gear arranged coaxially with the first driven gear, and a third driven gear connected to the speed control element and meshing with the second driven gear.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model lie in providing a speed control mechanism for the deployment of satellite solar panels, comprising a housing, a transmission assembly disposed within the housing, and a speed control assembly disposed within the housing. The transmission assembly is connected to the deployment mechanism on the satellite. The speed control assembly includes a speed control element connected to the transmission assembly and a first pendulum wheel disposed beside the speed control element. The first pendulum wheel is configured to intermittently impede the rotation of the speed control element when the deployment mechanism rotates via the transmission assembly, so that the speed control element limits the power output of the deployment mechanism via the transmission assembly. The speed control mechanism limits the power output of the deployment mechanism through a purely mechanical structure, thereby limiting the deployment speed of the solar panels. The speed control mechanism has a reliable structure, is not affected by temperature, and is suitable for long-term on-orbit operation of satellites. Compared with existing technologies such as fluid dampers and motor reducers, the speed control mechanism provided by this utility model has better temperature adaptability, saves more satellite control resources, offers outstanding cost-effectiveness, is highly feasible, and has excellent market application prospects. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0017] Figure 1 The diagram shows a speed control mechanism for the deployment of satellite solar panels.

[0018] Figure 2 As shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the transmission component and the speed control component of the speed control mechanism.

[0019] Figure 3 As shown Figure 1 The speed control component of the speed control mechanism shown is a structural cross-sectional view in one state.

[0020] Figure 4 As shown Figure 1 The speed control component of the speed control mechanism shown is in another state of structural cross-section.

[0021] In the figure, the following reference numerals are used: 100, speed control mechanism; 10, housing; 20, transmission assembly; 21, driving gear; 211, meshing gear; 22, gear set; 221, first driven gear; 222, second driven gear; 223, third driven gear; 23, weight reduction hole; 30, speed control assembly; 31, speed control component; 311, speed control gear; 312, first surface; 313, second surface; 32, first balance wheel; 321, first collision component; 322, second collision component; 323, first side plate; 324, second side plate; 33, second balance wheel. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the technical problem to be solved, the technical solution, and the beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This drawing is a simplified schematic diagram, illustrating only the basic structure of the present utility model in a schematic manner; therefore, it only shows the components relevant to the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0023] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the present invention provides a speed control mechanism 100 for deploying satellite solar panels, comprising a housing 10, a transmission assembly 20 disposed within the housing 10, and a speed control assembly 30 connected to the transmission assembly 20. The transmission assembly 20 is connected to a deployment mechanism (not shown) on the satellite, so that the deployment mechanism drives the speed control assembly 30 via the transmission assembly 20 when deploying the solar panels. The speed control assembly 30, in turn, can limit the power output of the deployment mechanism via the transmission assembly 20, thereby limiting the deployment speed of the solar panels.

[0024] It should be understood that the deployment mechanism can use energy storage elements such as clock springs as a power source to drive the deployment of the solar array. The specific structure of the deployment mechanism is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here. The connection method between the deployment mechanism and the transmission assembly 20 can be adaptively selected by those skilled in the art, and will not be described in detail here either.

[0025] Combination Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the transmission assembly 20 includes a drive gear 21 connected to the unfolding mechanism, and a gear set 22 disposed between the drive gear 21 and the speed control assembly 30. The drive gear 21 can be rotatably connected to the housing 10 via bearings, so that the drive gear 21 can rotate under the drive of the unfolding mechanism. The gear set 22 is configured to convert the high-torque, low-speed power output by the drive gear 21 into low-torque, high-speed power, and output the low-torque, high-speed power to the speed control assembly 30. It should be understood that the connection method between the drive gear 21 and the unfolding mechanism can be adaptively selected by those skilled in the art, and will not be elaborated further in this application.

[0026] In some embodiments, the drive gear 21 may only have a portion of the meshing teeth 211. Since the drive gear 21 generally does not rotate 360° during the full deployment of the solar array in the deployment mechanism, such as a hinged deployment mechanism, a scissor-fork deployment mechanism, a single-bar folding deployment mechanism, or a truss deployment mechanism, having only a portion of the meshing teeth 211 on the drive gear 21 can reduce the counterweight of the drive gear 21 while meeting the transmission requirements, thereby reducing the weight of the satellite.

[0027] In some preferred embodiments, the angle of the central angle corresponding to the meshing tooth 211 on the circle can be 180° or 270°, etc.

[0028] Combination Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the gear set 22 is a speed-increasing gear set. The gear set 22 includes a first driven gear 221 meshing with the driving gear 21, a second driven gear 222 coaxially arranged with the first driven gear 221, and a third driven gear 223 connected to the speed control assembly 30 and meshing with the second driven gear 222. The first driven gear 221 and the second driven gear 222 are rotatably connected to the housing 10 via the same shaft. Driven by the driving gear 21, the first driven gear 221 causes the second driven gear 222 to rotate simultaneously via the shaft. The radius of the first driven gear 221 is smaller than the radius of the second driven gear 222 to achieve the speed increase. Preferably, the speed increase ratio can be changed by adjusting the tooth ratio between the first driven gear 221, the second driven gear 222, and the third driven gear 223. More preferably, the speed increase ratio can also be changed by increasing the number of gear stages in the gear set 22. That is, the gear set 22 is not limited to three driven gears, but can also have four, five or more driven gears.

[0029] In some preferred embodiments, each driven gear in the drive gear 21 and gear set 22 is provided with a weight reduction hole 23 so as to reduce the weight of the transmission assembly 20 without affecting the structural strength of the drive gear 21 and each driven gear, thereby achieving the purpose of reducing the weight of the satellite.

[0030] Combination Figure 2-4As shown, in some embodiments, the speed control assembly 30 includes a speed control element 31 coaxially arranged with the third driven gear 223, and a first pendulum wheel 32 disposed next to the speed control element 31. The third driven gear 223 and the speed control element 31 are rotatably connected to the housing 10 via the same shaft. Furthermore, the third driven gear 223 and the speed control element 31 can be connected to this shaft via a key, so that the speed control element 31 can rotate when the third driven gear 223 rotates. The speed control element 31 is configured to repeatedly collide with the first pendulum wheel 32 as it rotates with the third driven gear 223, causing the first pendulum wheel 32 to oscillate back and forth continuously. Simultaneously, the first pendulum wheel 32 also intermittently hinders the rotation of the speed control element 31 through mutual collisions with it, preventing the speed control element 31 from rotating continuously. Thus, the speed control element 31, through the gear set 22, restricts the rotation of the driving gear 21 in the opposite direction, so that the driving gear 21 can prevent the deployment mechanism from continuously outputting power, thereby achieving the purpose of limiting the deployment speed of the solar array.

[0031] In some embodiments, the speed control member 31 is provided with a plurality of speed control teeth 311. Furthermore, the plurality of speed control teeth 311 are evenly arranged along the circumferential direction of the speed control member 31. Each speed control tooth 311 includes a first surface 312 facing clockwise and a second surface 313 facing counterclockwise. The first surface 312 and the second surface 313 are opposite to each other.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first balance wheel 32 includes a first side plate 323, a second side plate 324 arranged opposite to the first side plate 323, and a first collision member 321 and a second collision member 322 disposed between the first side plate 323 and the second side plate 324. The first balance wheel 32 can partially accommodate the speed control member 31 through the first side plate 323, the second side plate 324, the first collision member 321 and the second collision member 322, so that when the speed control member 31 rotates, the speed control tooth 311 can collide with the first collision member 321 or the second collision member 322.

[0033] In this embodiment, the first side plate 323 and the second side plate 324 are approximately rounded rectangles. The first collision member 321 and the second collision member 322 are respectively located at the two rounded corners of the first side plate 323 near the speed control member 31.

[0034] Combination Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, during the clockwise rotation of the speed control member 31 as indicated by arrow X, the speed control member 31 can abut against the first collision member 321 via the first surface 312 of a speed control tooth 311. As the speed control member 31 continues to rotate clockwise, it pushes the first collision member 321 via the first surface 312 of the speed control tooth 311, causing the first balance wheel 32 to rotate counterclockwise as indicated by arrow Y. This results in the speed control member 31 and the first balance wheel 32 rotating in opposite directions. Therefore, the second collision member 322 of the first balance wheel 32 will enter the remaining gaps between the speed control teeth 311 of the speed control member 31, and abut against the first surface 312 of one of the speed control teeth 311, thereby hindering the rotation of the speed control member 31 to some extent. Figure 4 As shown, as the speed control element 31 continues to rotate clockwise, it pushes the second impact element 322 through the first surface 312 of the speed control tooth 311, causing the first balance wheel 32 to rotate clockwise until the first impact element 321 of the first balance wheel 32 is again located in the gap between the two speed control teeth 311 of the speed control element 31. By continuously repeating the above process, the first balance wheel 32 can intermittently hinder the rotation of the speed control element 31, preventing it from rotating continuously clockwise. Thus, the speed control element 31 can, through the transmission assembly 20, prevent the deployment mechanism from continuously outputting power, thereby limiting the deployment speed of the solar array.

[0035] It should be understood that the first surface 312 of the speed control tooth 311 should ensure that the first impact member 321 or the second impact member 322 can be pushed out of the tooth gap, and the second surface 313 should ensure that the first impact member 321 or the second impact member 322 can enter the tooth gap. Therefore, the tilt angle of the first surface 312 and the second surface 313 can be adapted and set by those skilled in the art to ensure that the first impact member 321 and the second impact member 322 can enter or leave the tooth gap between the speed control teeth 311.

[0036] Combination Figure 2-4 As shown, in this embodiment, a second balance wheel 33 with the same structure as the first balance wheel 32 is also provided next to the speed control component 31. The first balance wheel 32 and the second balance wheel 33 are arranged opposite to each other.

[0037] Combination Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, during the clockwise rotation of the speed control member 31, the first impact member 321 of the first balance wheel 32 and the second impact member 322 of the second balance wheel 33 can respectively abut against the first surfaces 312 of the two speed control teeth 311. As the speed control member 31 continues to rotate clockwise, it pushes the first impact member 321 of the first balance wheel 32 and the second impact member 322 of the second balance wheel 33 through the first surfaces 312 of the two speed control teeth 311, causing the first balance wheel 32 and the second balance wheel 33 to rotate counterclockwise. This results in the speed control member 31 rotating in the opposite direction to the first balance wheel 32 and the second balance wheel 33. Therefore, the second impact member 322 of the first balance wheel 32 and the first impact member 321 of the second balance wheel 33 enter the remaining tooth gaps between the speed control teeth 311 of the speed control member 31. Figure 4 As shown, the first surfaces 312 of the two speed-controlling teeth 311 of the speed-controlling component 31 collide with and abut against the second impactor 322 of the first balance wheel 32 and the first impactor 321 of the second balance wheel 33, respectively. This, in turn, causes the first balance wheel 32 and the second balance wheel 33 to collectively hinder the rotation of the speed-controlling component 31 to a certain extent. As the speed-controlling component 31 continues to rotate clockwise, the first surfaces 312 of the two speed-controlling teeth 311 push the second impactor 322 of the first balance wheel 32 and the first impactor 321 of the second balance wheel 33, respectively, so that both the first balance wheel 32 and the second balance wheel 33 rotate clockwise until the first impactor 321 of the first balance wheel 32 and the second impactor 322 of the second balance wheel 33 are again located in the gap between the two speed-controlling teeth 311 of the speed-controlling component 31. By continuously repeating the above process, the first balance wheel 32 and the second balance wheel 33 can intermittently hinder the rotation of the speed-controlling component 31. Therefore, the speed control component 31 can, through the transmission component 20, prevent the deployment mechanism from continuously outputting power, thereby limiting the deployment speed of the solar array.

[0038] In some other embodiments not shown, provided that the installation space of the speed control mechanism 100 and the weight of the satellite allow, three or more balance wheels can be provided next to the speed control component 31 to further improve the speed control effect of the speed control mechanism 100.

[0039] The speed control mechanism 100 provided in this application limits the power output of the deployment mechanism through a purely mechanical structure, thereby limiting the deployment speed of the solar array. The speed control mechanism 100 has a reliable structure, is not affected by temperature, and is suitable for long-term on-orbit operation of satellites.

[0040] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0041] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "up", "down", "front and back", "left and right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" 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 utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to 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 utility model.

[0042] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made thereto and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner, provided there is no structural conflict. The present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A speed control mechanism for the deployment of satellite solar panels, characterized in that, include Shell (10); A transmission assembly (20); disposed within the housing (10), the transmission assembly (20) being connected to the deployment mechanism on the satellite; and Speed ​​control assembly (30) is disposed inside the housing (10). The speed control assembly (30) includes a speed control element (31) connected to the transmission assembly (20) and a first balance wheel (32) disposed next to the speed control element (31). The first balance wheel (32) is configured to intermittently impede the rotation of the speed control element (31) when the deployment mechanism rotates through the transmission assembly (20), so that the speed control element (31) can limit the power output of the deployment mechanism through the transmission assembly (20).

2. The speed control mechanism for satellite solar array deployment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The speed control component (31) is provided with a plurality of speed control teeth (311), and the first balance wheel (32) includes a first collision component (321) and a second collision component (322). The first balance wheel (32) is configured to allow the first collision component (321) or the second collision component (322) to enter the gap between the speed control teeth (311) when the speed control component (31) rotates, thereby intermittently hindering the rotation of the speed control component (31).

3. The speed control mechanism for satellite solar array deployment according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the speed control teeth (311) includes a first surface (312) and a second surface (313) opposite to the first surface (312). The first surface (312) is configured to push the first impactor (321) or the second impactor (322) after the first impactor (321) or the second impactor (322) enters the tooth gap between the speed control teeth (311).

4. The speed control mechanism for satellite solar array deployment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first balance wheel (32) is configured to allow the second impact member (322) to enter other gaps between the speed control teeth (311) when the first impact member (321) leaves the gap between the speed control teeth (311).

5. The speed control mechanism for satellite solar array deployment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first balance wheel (32) also includes a first side plate (323) and a second side plate (324) for arranging the first collision member (321) and the second collision member (322), with the first side plate (323) and the second side plate (324) arranged opposite to each other.

6. The speed control mechanism for satellite solar array deployment according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Next to the speed control component (31), there is a second balance wheel (33) with the same structure as the first balance wheel (32). The first balance wheel (32) and the second balance wheel (33) together intermittently hinder the rotation of the speed control component (31).

7. The speed control mechanism for satellite solar array deployment according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The transmission assembly (20) includes a drive gear (21) connected to the unfolding mechanism, and a gear set (22) disposed between the drive gear (21) and the speed control assembly (30). The drive gear (21) is configured to rotate under the drive of the unfolding mechanism so that the speed control component (31) is rotated by the gear set (22).

8. The speed control mechanism for satellite solar array deployment according to claim 7, characterized in that, Only a portion of the meshing teeth (211) are provided on the drive gear (21).

9. The speed control mechanism for satellite solar array deployment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The gear set (22) is a speed-increasing gear set.

10. The speed control mechanism for satellite solar array deployment according to claim 9, characterized in that, The gear set (22) includes a first driven gear (221) meshing with the driving gear (21), a second driven gear (222) coaxially arranged with the first driven gear (221), and a third driven gear (223) connected to the speed control element (31) and meshing with the second driven gear (222).

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