Unlocking built-in locking release device and spacecraft

Abstract

This utility model relates to a built-in locking and releasing device for an unlocker and a spacecraft. The built-in locking and releasing device includes a housing, a base, a split nut assembly, an unlocker, a steel ball, a first spring, a sliding sleeve, and a stop pin. The base is coaxially fixed inside the housing, with one end extending out of the housing and having a release port on its end face. The sliding sleeve is slidably fitted onto the outer wall of the base. The first spring is fitted onto the outer side of the sliding sleeve, with its two ends connected to the outer wall of the sliding sleeve and the housing, respectively. The split nut assembly and the unlocker are respectively installed inside the base and arranged coaxially. The split nut assembly is arranged near the release port. The base has a steel ball hole and a stop pin hole, and the sliding sleeve has a steel ball groove and a stop pin groove. The steel ball is located in the steel ball hole, and the stop pin is located in the stop pin hole. The unlocker includes a limiting sleeve and an SMA wire. The limiting sleeve is elastically connected inside the base and has a receiving groove on its outer wall. The SMA wire connects the base and the limiting sleeve, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of aerospace equipment, specifically to an unlocker-integrated locking and releasing device and a spacecraft. Background Technology

[0002] Locking and releasing mechanisms are common in the aerospace field, primarily used for equipment on spacecraft that needs to be unlocked, separated, or deployed. Currently, most satellites and spacecraft are launched into their designated orbits using launch vehicles. Satellites, spacecraft, and launch vehicles need to be locked before launch, and unlocked and separated after reaching their designated orbits. Similarly, the various equipment carried on satellites and spacecraft, limited by the size of the rocket fairing, must be in a retracted state before launch, and then deployed or separated after entering orbit to complete their corresponding tasks. In this case, locking and releasing mechanisms are needed to hold the equipment that needs to be deployed or separated in place, and then unlock it after entering orbit.

[0003] The unlockers of existing spacecraft locking and releasing devices are generally located externally, which takes up a lot of space and are easy to accidentally touch during assembly or operation. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to solve one or more technical problems existing in the prior art, this utility model provides an unlocker-integrated locking and releasing device and a spacecraft.

[0005] The technical solution of this utility model to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: This utility model provides a built-in locking and releasing device for an unlocker, including a shell, a base, a split nut assembly, an unlocker, a steel ball, a first spring, a sliding sleeve, and a stop pin. The base is coaxially fixed inside the shell, one end of the base extends out of the shell and has a release port on its end face, the sliding sleeve is slidably sleeved on the outer side wall of the base, the first spring is sleeved on the outer side of the sliding sleeve, and the two ends of the first spring are respectively connected to the outer side wall of the sliding sleeve and the shell, the split nut assembly and the unlocker are respectively installed in the base and arranged coaxially, the split nut assembly is arranged close to the release port, the base has a steel ball hole and a stop pin hole, the sliding sleeve has a steel ball groove and a stop pin groove, the steel ball is located in the steel ball hole, and the stop pin is located in the stop pin hole; The unlocker includes a limiting sleeve and an SMA wire. The limiting sleeve is elastically connected to the base and has a receiving groove on its outer side wall. The SMA wire is connected to the base and the limiting sleeve respectively. In the locked state, the steel balls abut against the outer side wall of the split nut assembly and the inner side wall of the sliding sleeve, respectively. The outer side wall of the limiting sleeve abuts against the stop pin and positions the stop pin in the stop pin groove to limit the sliding sleeve. The first spring is in a compressed state, the split nut assembly closes and locks the locking rod. In the released state, the SMA wire deforms due to heat, causing the limiting sleeve to move relative to the outer shell. The stop pin enters the receiving groove. The first spring drives the sliding sleeve to move axially, and the steel balls enter the steel ball groove, causing the steel balls to release their abutment and limiting effect on the split nut assembly. The split nut assembly opens and releases the locking rod.

[0006] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: the unlocker of this utility model has a built-in locking and releasing device, which makes the overall structure compact and stable and easy to assemble by hiding the unlocker in the base.

[0007] Based on the above technical solution, the present invention can be further improved as follows.

[0008] Furthermore, the unlocker also includes a base, a second spring, and a circuit board. The base is fixed at the center of one end of the outer casing opposite the release port. One end of the limiting sleeve is a closed end, and the other end is an open end. The open end of the limiting sleeve is slidably fitted onto the base. The second spring is installed inside the limiting sleeve and its two ends are respectively connected to the closed end of the limiting sleeve and the base. The base is provided with a circuit board, and the SMA wire passes through the circuit board and the base and is electrically connected to the circuit board.

[0009] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further solution is that by setting the base, the second spring and the circuit board, the circuit board can be used to power or de-energize the SMA wire.

[0010] Furthermore, the base is provided with a plurality of stop pin holes, which are evenly arranged in a row along the circumference of the base, and each stop pin hole is provided with a stop pin.

[0011] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further solution is that by setting multiple stop pin holes and multiple stop pins, the sliding sleeve can be stably limited.

[0012] Furthermore, the retaining pin groove is arranged in a ring along the circumference of the sliding sleeve.

[0013] Furthermore, the base has multiple steel ball holes arranged in multiple rows along the circumference of the base, and the steel ball grooves are arranged in a ring along the circumference of the sliding sleeve, with each row of steel ball holes corresponding to one steel ball groove.

[0014] Furthermore, the receiving groove is inclined in a slope shape on one side wall away from the split nut assembly, so that the stop pin can slide into the receiving groove along the slope.

[0015] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further solution is that by setting a ramp, it is convenient for the retaining pin to slide into the receiving groove.

[0016] Furthermore, the two end faces of the stop pin along the radial direction of the base are arc-shaped.

[0017] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further solution is that by setting the two end faces of the stop pin to an arc surface structure, it is convenient to slide into or out of the receiving groove and the stop pin groove.

[0018] Furthermore, a retaining ring is fixed on the inner side wall of the base. The retaining ring is coaxially arranged with the base and is located outside the limiting sleeve. A third spring is sleeved on the limiting sleeve, and the two ends of the third spring abut against the retaining ring and the split nut assembly, respectively.

[0019] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further solution is that by setting a retaining ring, it is convenient to abut and limit the third spring.

[0020] Furthermore, a limiting protrusion is provided on the outer side wall of the end of the limiting sleeve opposite to the split nut assembly, and the retaining ring is arranged at intervals with the limiting protrusion, and the limiting protrusion and the retaining ring together form the receiving groove.

[0021] This utility model also provides a spacecraft, including a locking and releasing device with an unlocker built-in as described above, and also includes a spacecraft body and a device to be released. The outer shell is fixed on the spacecraft body, and the device to be released is connected and fixed to the locking rod.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: the spacecraft of this utility model, by hiding the unlocker inside the base, facilitates the installation of the entire locking and releasing device. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the built-in locking and releasing device of the unlocker of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the base of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the unlocking device of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the built-in locking and releasing device of the unlocker of this utility model in the locked state; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the unlocker's built-in locking and releasing device in the released state.

[0024] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows: 1. Outer shell; 2. Base; 21. Release port; 22. Steel ball; 23. Steel ball hole; 24. Stop pin hole; 25. Stop pin; 26. Retaining ring; 27. Connecting screw; 3. Sliding sleeve; 31. First spring; 32. Steel ball groove; 33. Stop pin groove; 4. Split nut; 41. First top block; 42. Second top block; 5. Limiting sleeve; 51. Receiving groove; 52. Base; 53. Second spring; 54. Circuit board; 55. Ramp; 56. Third spring; 57. Limiting protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The principles and features of this utility model are described below. The examples given are only for explaining this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0026] Example 1 like Figures 1-5 As shown, this embodiment of an unlocker-type built-in locking and releasing device includes a housing 1, a base 2, a split nut assembly, an unlocker, a steel ball 22, a first spring 31, a sliding sleeve 3, and a stop pin 25. The base 2 is coaxially fixed inside the housing 1. One end of the base 2 extends out of the housing 1 and has a release port 21 on its end face. The sliding sleeve 3 is slidably sleeved on the outer side wall of the base 2. The first spring 31 is sleeved on the outer side of the sliding sleeve 3, and both ends of the first spring 31 are respectively connected to the outer side wall of the sliding sleeve 3 and the housing 1. The split nut assembly and the unlocker are respectively installed inside the base 2 and arranged coaxially. The split nut assembly is arranged close to the release port 21. The base 2 has a steel ball hole 23 and a stop pin hole 24. The sliding sleeve 3 has a steel ball groove 32 and a stop pin groove 33. The steel ball 22 is located in the steel ball hole 23, and the stop pin 25 is located in the stop pin hole 24. The first spring 31 is always in a compressed state.

[0027] The unlocking device includes a limiting sleeve 5 and an SMA wire. The limiting sleeve 5 is elastically connected to the base 2 and has a receiving groove 51 on its outer side wall. The SMA wire is connected to the base 2 and the limiting sleeve 5 respectively. The SMA wire can be a commonly used shape memory alloy wire that can be deformed by heat.

[0028] In the locked state, the steel ball 22 abuts against the outer side wall of the split nut assembly and the inner side wall of the sliding sleeve 3, respectively. The outer side wall of the limiting sleeve 5 abuts against the stop pin 25 and positions the stop pin 25 in the stop pin groove 33 to limit the sliding sleeve 3. The first spring 31 is in a compressed state, the split nut assembly closes and locks the locking rod. In the released state, the SMA wire deforms due to heat, causing the limiting sleeve 5 to move relative to the outer shell 1. The stop pin 25 enters the receiving groove 51. The first spring 31 drives the sliding sleeve 3 to move axially. The steel ball 22 enters the steel ball groove 32, causing the steel ball 22 to release its abutment and limiting effect on the split nut assembly. The split nut assembly opens and releases the locking rod.

[0029] In this embodiment, both the base 2 and the outer shell 1 adopt a cylindrical structure. The lower end of the base 2 is provided with a first outer annular connecting edge, and the lower end of the outer shell 1 is provided with a second outer annular connecting edge. The base 2 is coaxially sleeved inside the outer shell 1, and the first outer annular connecting edge and the second outer annular connecting edge are fixedly connected by screws.

[0030] In this embodiment, the steel ball hole 23 is a radially arranged cylindrical hole, and the stop pin hole 24 can also be a radially arranged cylindrical hole. The sliding sleeve is fitted on the base, and the first spring is always in a compressed state. Under the action of the first spring, the sliding sleeve tends to move axially along the base. The inner side wall of the bottom of the sliding sleeve is provided with a stop pin groove. The end face of the stop pin fits against the inner side wall of the stop pin groove, and the end face of the other end of the stop pin fits against the limiting sleeve in the unlocker and restricts the movement of the limiting sleeve. Several split nuts are in a retracted state and lock the locking rod. When the locking release device needs to unlock, the unlocker is powered and drives the limiting sleeve to move while releasing the constraint on the stop pin. Under the action of the limiting sleeve, the stop pin moves radially along its own axis towards the base. Under the action of the first spring, the limiting sleeve moves axially along the base. At this time, the steel ball groove and the steel ball at the upper end of the limiting sleeve are aligned. The steel ball is squeezed into the corresponding steel ball groove under the action of the split nuts. Several split nuts open to unlock the mechanism.

[0031] The unlocker in this embodiment has a built-in locking and releasing device. By hiding the unlocker inside the base, the overall structure is compact and stable, and easy to assemble.

[0032] Example 2 Based on Embodiment 1, this embodiment provides a specific structure for an unlocker. For example... Figures 3-5As shown, the unlocking device in this embodiment further includes a base 52, a second spring 53, and a circuit board 54. The base 52 is fixed at the center of one end of the outer casing 1 opposite the release port 21. One end of the limiting sleeve 5 is closed, and the other end is open. The open end of the limiting sleeve 5 is slidably fitted onto the base 52. The second spring 53 is installed inside the limiting sleeve 5, and its two ends are respectively connected to the closed end of the limiting sleeve 5 and the base 52. The circuit board 54 is provided on the base 52. The SMA wire passes through the circuit board 54 and the base 52 and is electrically connected to the circuit board 54. By setting the base, the second spring, and the circuit board, the circuit board can be used to supply power to or de-energize the SMA wire.

[0033] Specifically, in this embodiment, the circuit board 54 and the base 52 both have wiring holes for the passage of the power supply line of the mechanism. The circuit board is a PCB board, and it is fixedly connected to the base. To prevent the mechanism from accidentally locking during vibration, a second spring is installed between the limiting sleeve and the base. The power supply line passes through the wiring hole of the base from the bottom surface of the PCB board of the unlocker. The solder joints of the power supply line and the PCB board are sealed with insulating glue to ensure the safety of the power supply.

[0034] Example 3 Based on Example 1 or Example 2, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the base 2 in this embodiment has multiple stop pin holes 24, which are evenly arranged in a row along the circumference of the base 2. Each stop pin hole 24 is provided with a stop pin 25. By providing multiple stop pin holes and multiple stop pins, the sliding sleeve can be stably limited.

[0035] Specifically, in this embodiment, the retaining pin groove 33 is arranged in a ring along the circumference of the sliding sleeve 3.

[0036] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in a specific embodiment, the base 2 is provided with a plurality of steel ball holes 23, which are arranged in multiple rows along the circumference of the base 2. The steel ball grooves 32 are arranged in a ring along the circumference of the sliding sleeve 3 and are provided in multiple rows, with each row of steel ball holes 23 corresponding to one steel ball groove 32.

[0037] like Figures 3-5 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the receiving groove 51 is arranged in a slope shape on the side wall away from the split nut assembly, so that the stop pin 25 can slide into the receiving groove 51 along the slope 55. By setting the slope, it is convenient for the stop pin to slide into the receiving groove.

[0038] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, preferably, the two end faces of the stop pin 25 along the radial direction of the base 2 are arc-shaped. By setting the two end faces of the stop pin to arc-shaped, it is convenient to slide into or out of the receiving groove and the stop pin groove.

[0039] Example 4 Based on any of the above embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, a retaining ring 26 is fixed on the inner wall of the base 2. The retaining ring 26 is coaxially arranged with the base 2 and is located outside the limiting sleeve 5. A third spring 56 is sleeved on the limiting sleeve 5, and both ends of the third spring 56 abut against the retaining ring 26 and the split nut assembly, respectively. The retaining ring 26 is fixed to the inner wall of the base 2 by connecting screws 27. By setting the retaining ring, it is convenient to abut and limit the third spring.

[0040] like Figures 3-5 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the limiting sleeve 5 has a limiting protrusion 57 on the outer side wall of the end opposite to the split nut assembly, the retaining ring 26 is arranged at intervals with the limiting protrusion 57, and the limiting protrusion 57 and the retaining ring 26 together form the receiving groove 51.

[0041] Specifically, such as Figures 4-5 As shown, the segmented nut assembly of this embodiment includes multiple segmented nuts 4, which are gathered together to form a complete nut. The segmented nuts 4 can only move radially within the base, and all segmented nuts 4 move radially. At both ends of the segmented nut assembly in this embodiment, a first top block 41 and a second top block 42 are respectively provided. The first top block 41 is located near the release port of the base, and an opening is also provided in the center of the first top block 41. The second top block 42 is elastically connected to the retaining ring 26 by a third spring 56. The second spring 53 is always in a compressed state, ensuring that the second top block 42 is always in contact with the segmented nuts. Specifically, both ends of a single segmented nut 4 are inclined surfaces, and the slope of the inclined surfaces is the same as that of the first top block 41 and the second top block 42. When multiple segmented nuts 4 form a complete nut, when subjected to tensile force along the nut axis, it has a certain radial component force. After unlocking, reliable force component force can be ensured for the nut. This slope should be greater than the resulting friction angle. The inner hole of a single split nut 4 is an incomplete thread, and the upper and lower end faces are beveled, which are used to fit with the first top block 41 and the second top block 42. Several cylindrical holes are provided on the mating surfaces of the nuts. These cylindrical holes are used to prevent the fourth spring from opening quickly. One end face of the split nut 4 is provided with a sliding groove, which is used to cooperate with the slider on the first top block 41 to ensure that the split nut does not rotate along the axis during the tightening process.

[0042] Example 5 This embodiment provides a spacecraft, including a lock release device with an unlocker built-in as described above, and also includes a spacecraft body and a device to be released. The outer shell 1 is fixed on the spacecraft body, and the device to be released is connected and fixed to the locking rod.

[0043] In this embodiment of the spacecraft, the unlocker is hidden inside the base, which facilitates the installation of the entire locking and releasing device.

[0044] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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 utility model.

[0045] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, 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, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0046] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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, 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.

[0047] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0048] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0049] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A locking and releasing device with an integrated unlocker, characterized in that, The device includes a housing, a base, a split nut assembly, an unlocker, a steel ball, a first spring, a sliding sleeve, and a stop pin. The base is coaxially fixed inside the housing, with one end extending out of the housing and having a release port on its end face. The sliding sleeve is slidably fitted onto the outer wall of the base. The first spring is fitted onto the outer side of the sliding sleeve, with its two ends connected to the outer wall of the sliding sleeve and the housing, respectively. The split nut assembly and the unlocker are respectively installed inside the base and arranged coaxially. The split nut assembly is located near the release port. The base has a steel ball hole and a stop pin hole, and the sliding sleeve has a steel ball groove and a stop pin groove. The steel ball is located inside the steel ball hole, and the stop pin is located inside the stop pin hole. The unlocker includes a limiting sleeve and an SMA wire. The limiting sleeve is elastically connected to the base and has a receiving groove on its outer side wall. The SMA wire is connected to the base and the limiting sleeve respectively. In the locked state, the steel balls abut against the outer side wall of the split nut assembly and the inner side wall of the sliding sleeve, respectively. The outer side wall of the limiting sleeve abuts against the stop pin and positions the stop pin in the stop pin groove to limit the sliding sleeve. The first spring is in a compressed state, the split nut assembly closes and locks the locking rod. In the released state, the SMA wire deforms due to heat, causing the limiting sleeve to move relative to the outer shell. The stop pin enters the receiving groove. The first spring drives the sliding sleeve to move axially, and the steel balls enter the steel ball groove, causing the steel balls to release their abutment and limiting effect on the split nut assembly. The split nut assembly opens and releases the locking rod.

2. The unlocker-integrated locking and releasing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The unlocker also includes a base, a second spring, and a circuit board. The base is fixed at the center of one end of the outer casing opposite the release port. One end of the limiting sleeve is a closed end and the other end is an open end. The open end of the limiting sleeve is slidably fitted onto the base. The second spring is installed inside the limiting sleeve and its two ends are respectively connected to the closed end of the limiting sleeve and the base. The base is provided with a circuit board. The SMA wire passes through the circuit board and the base and is electrically connected to the circuit board.

3. The unlocker-integrated locking and releasing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base has multiple stop pin holes, which are evenly arranged in a row along the circumference of the base, and each stop pin hole is provided with a stop pin.

4. The unlocker-integrated locking and releasing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retaining pin groove is arranged in a ring along the circumference of the sliding sleeve.

5. The unlocker-integrated locking and releasing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base has multiple steel ball holes arranged in multiple rows along the circumference of the base. The steel ball grooves are arranged in a ring along the circumference of the sliding sleeve and there are multiple grooves. Each row of steel ball holes corresponds to one steel ball groove.

6. The unlocker-integrated locking and releasing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving groove is inclined in a slope shape on the side wall away from the split nut assembly, so that the stop pin can slide into the receiving groove along the slope.

7. The unlocker-integrated locking and releasing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end faces of the stop pin along the radial direction of the base are arc-shaped.

8. The unlocker-integrated locking and releasing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A retaining ring is fixed on the inner side wall of the base. The retaining ring is coaxially arranged with the base and is located outside the limiting sleeve. A third spring is sleeved on the limiting sleeve, and the two ends of the third spring abut against the retaining ring and the split nut assembly, respectively.

9. The unlocker-integrated locking and releasing device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The limiting sleeve has a limiting protrusion on the outer side wall of the end opposite to the split nut assembly. The retaining ring is arranged at intervals with the limiting protrusion, and the limiting protrusion and the retaining ring together form the receiving groove.

10. A spacecraft, characterized in that, The device includes a built-in locking and releasing device for unlocking as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, and further includes a spacecraft body and a device to be released, wherein the outer shell is fixed to the spacecraft body and the device to be released is connected and fixed to the locking rod.

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