CONNECTING UNIT, COMPONENT WITH A CONNECTING UNIT AND METHOD FOR RELEASING A CONNECTION BETWEEN TWO COMPONENT ELEMENTS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connecting unit, a component having such a connecting unit, and a method for releasing a connection between two component elements. The connecting unit comprises a first and a second retaining element, which are at least temporarily connected to one another via a coupling unit against an ejection force introduced into at least one of the retaining elements. The retaining elements are further configured to be connectable or connected to different components. The coupling unit has a separating mechanism, upon activation of which the connection between the first and second retaining elements is severed.

[0002] So-called hold-down-and-release mechanisms are known from the state of the art. These can be used to connect two components in such a way that they can be separated remotely or automatically, for example when a specific event occurs. Hold-down-and-release mechanisms are often used in devices that are inaccessible or only accessible with comparatively great effort, as is the case in the field of aerospace and deep-sea technology. For example, this technology can be used to advantageously unfold solar panels in space (see GB 2 475 938 A) and to retrieve parts of underwater measuring instruments, such as data storage devices, to the water surface after a measurement has been taken. Such hold-down-and-release mechanisms are also used in safety-relevant devices that require the connection between two components to be separated in the event of an emergency.In this context, fire doors, special rescue equipment or security locks represent further possible applications.

[0003] With their function of securing moving components, hold-down-and-release mechanisms are typically of significant importance to the secured component, creating a connection with known stiffness and strength. By using hold-down-and-release mechanisms that can withstand the expected forces and torques, the moving components can be designed more efficiently, reducing overall mass, which has a significant impact on cost-effectiveness, especially in aerospace applications.

[0004] The launch of a spacecraft places considerable stress on the instruments and equipment carried on board, with at least some of these items only having to be moved or positioned later after launch. For example, antenna arrays, solar panels, extendable masts, and similar equipment that are only moved into their operational positions in space must be secured during the launch process to safely withstand the resulting stresses. Once the deployment position is reached, the corresponding release mechanisms are activated, thus moving the equipment, initially secured during the launch phase, into the desired position.

[0005] A resettable mechanism for releasably securing spacecraft components during launch is known, for example, from WO 2018 / 112637 A1. In this case, too, a hold-and-release mechanism is used to securely fix certain components during launch and then release them later so that they can move into a working position. A key feature of the described technical solution is that only very low impact forces are transferred to the previously secured components during release. This is important because the moving components are used in space and thus in zero gravity.

[0006] The described shock-free release mechanism uses wedge elements that, after activation of the release mechanism, enable the holding elements of different components to move along an inclined plane. Furthermore, it is important that the release mechanism can be returned to its original position after the release process has been completed.

[0007] Furthermore, a hold-and-release mechanism is known from the MOVE project at the Technical University of Munich, Department of Astronautics. It features a clamp that secures conically shaped holding elements. The clamp is closed using a holding wire designed as a fusible wire. To open it, a voltage is applied to the wire, which eventually breaks due to the heat generated, allowing the clamp to open due to the released spring force.

[0008] Incidentally, the NEA ®< hold-and-release mechanism from EBAD (Ensign-Bickford Aerospace and Defense) is well known. It features an electrically initiated, single-stage release mechanism capable of withstanding a comparatively high preload. In this case, the preload is applied by a release rod held by two separable coil halves, which in turn are held together by a tightly wound retaining wire. The retaining wire, in turn, is held in place by redundant electrical safety wires.

[0009] To trigger the device, a voltage is applied to the safety wires so that if the current is sufficiently high, they break, the holding wire is unwound from the coil halves and finally the coil halves and the trip rod separate.

[0010] To reliably absorb the required holding force and prevent premature breakage, the fuse wires, each designed as a fuse wire, must have a comparatively large diameter. This means that the energy required to melt the wires is also high compared to other systems.

[0011] Based on the technical solutions known from the prior art and the problems described above, the object of the invention is to provide a unit for the detachable connection of two components, which, on the one hand, ensures secure fastening of the component to be fixed and, on the other hand, enables the safe and reliable separation of the initially connected component elements using as little energy as possible. Since the described detachable connections are used, at least for the most part, in space travel or in safety-relevant components, and if the separation mechanism fails, the device in which the mechanism is installed is usually unusable, fail-safe operation of the separation mechanism to be specified is also of particular importance.Furthermore, a release mechanism should be designed in such a way that, in the non-released state, it can safely absorb relatively large forces caused, for example, by shocks, vibrations, or impacts. Furthermore, the proposed technical solution should be characterized by a relatively simple design, requiring only a few components of the simplest possible design.

[0012] The above-described object is achieved in a connection unit according to claim 1. Inventive uses of the connection unit are specified in claims 8 and 9. Furthermore, claim 10 specifies an object and claim 11 specifies a method for releasing a connection, each of which achieves the object underlying the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and are explained in more detail in the following description, with partial reference to the figures.

[0013] The invention relates to a connecting unit comprising a first and a second holding element, which are at least temporarily connected to one another via a coupling unit against an ejection force introduced into at least one of the holding elements and which are each configured to be connected or connectable to different components. The holding elements can thus advantageously be fastened either by means of suitable fastening elements to different components that are to be fixed in a desired position relative to one another, or can be an integral part of different components. In this case, the coupling unit has a separating mechanism, the activation of which separates the connection between the first and the second holding element, thus allowing a relative movement between the different components.

[0014] According to the invention, the connecting unit is characterized in that the coupling unit has a blocking element and a locking unit, wherein the blocking element is arranged to be at least partially movable relative to the first and second holding elements, preferably axially movable, and is held by the locking unit in a locked position when the first and second holding elements are connected. In this locked position, the introduced ejection force is transmitted from the second holding element to the first holding element via the blocking element. Upon activation of the separation mechanism, the locking unit moves the blocking element out of the locked position such that the connection between the first and second holding elements is severed.The locking unit is thus designed such that the blocking element, which in the locked position serves at least partially to transmit force between the retaining elements, is securely held in the locked position on the one hand and, on the other hand, moves quickly and reliably from the locked position to another position when needed, so that a relative movement occurs between the retaining elements due to the acting ejection force. With the aid of a connecting unit designed in this way, it is not only possible to separate two components from each other as needed, in particular remotely and / or automatically, but also to transmit relatively large forces between the two retaining elements.This is achieved primarily by providing a movably mounted locking element which transmits the ejection force introduced into at least one of the holding elements to the other holding element in such a way that, in the locking position, a relative movement between the first and second holding element is excluded.

[0015] The ejection force is a force, for example a spring force, which is intended to cause a relative movement between the two holding elements after activation of the separation mechanism, in particular to move a component attached to one of the holding elements into a working position. Preferably, the ejection force is introduced into one of the holding elements by a spring element that exerts a tensile or compressive force on one of the two holding elements, or by another element whose weight acts on one of the holding elements. In this context, it is conceivable that the ejection force is caused by the weight of a component that is intended to be transferred to a specially provided operating and / or emergency position upon the occurrence of a certain event and activation of the separation mechanism.For example, it is possible to provide a connecting unit designed according to the invention on a fire door which is to be automatically closed in the event of a fire.

[0016] Regardless of the type of ejection force selected, it is essential to the invention that the ejection force introduced into at least one of the holding elements when the holding elements are connected, which can be supplemented by other forces occurring at least temporarily due to operation, such as acceleration and / or vibrations, is transmitted from one of the holding elements to the other holding element via the locking element, which is held in its locked position by the locking unit. This prevents forces that would cause a separation of the holding elements and, where applicable, the components connected to them from acting, or only acting to a limited extent, on the locking unit, which holds the locking element in the locked position and only releases it when needed.In particular, the locking unit can therefore be designed and / or dimensioned at least largely without taking into account the forces that cause the connected holding elements to separate.

[0017] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the locking element has a movably arranged molded body with a locking structure and at least one locking element that can be at least partially received within the locking structure. Advantageously, the locking element is designed such that the locking element is movable relative to the molded body and is at least partially received in the locking structure as soon as the separation mechanism has been activated and a relative movement between the holding elements is to occur. When the locking element is in the locking position, the locking element is at least partially arranged outside the locking structure of the molded body in such a way that the ejection force, possibly supplemented by further forces, is transmitted via the locking element from one of the holding elements to the other holding element.The ejection forces can be transmitted directly or indirectly via the locking element. It is advantageous if the locking element, in the locking position, rests at least partially against both the first and second retaining elements. In the locking position, this reliably prevents any relative movement of the two retaining elements relative to each other, despite the occurrence of the ejection force and possibly other forces that would cause the retaining elements to separate.

[0018] In a specific development, the molded body with its locking structure and the locking element are designed such that, upon activation of the separation mechanism, the locking element moves at least partially into the locking structure of the molded body. Due to this movement of the locking element into the locking structure, which is preferably initiated by a suitable movement of the molded body with its locking structure, the force flow between the at least two holding elements is interrupted, resulting in a relative movement between the first and second holding elements caused by the ejection force.

[0019] According to the invention, the locking unit comprises a fixing element that holds the blocking element in the locking position against an ejection force, specifically as long as no relative movement is to occur between the first and second holding elements. Preferably, the locking unit is designed such that the fixing element holds the shaped body of the blocking element in the locking position for as long as necessary and, upon activation of the separating mechanism, is released such that the shaped body is set in motion due to the ejection force acting on it. In general, the design of the fixing element is irrelevant for securely holding the blocking element in the locking position.According to the invention, the fixing element has a wire and / or a band, each of which holds the blocking element in the locked position and is at least partially destroyed upon activation of the separating mechanism due to a force exerted by the separating mechanism. According to an unclaimed embodiment, the fixing element has a nut. According to a specific development, the fixing element is designed as a fuse wire, which holds the blocking element in the locked position and to which a voltage is applied upon activation of the separating mechanism, so that the fuse wire heats up due to the current flowing through it and ultimately breaks. For this purpose, the separating mechanism has or can be connected to a suitable voltage source, which is preferably switched on remotely and / or automatically upon activation of the separating mechanism.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the fixing element is moved electrically, electromechanically, pneumatically and / or hydraulically when the separation mechanism is activated in such a way that the blocking element is then moved at least partially out of the locking position due to the acting ejection force.

[0021] In this context, it is conceivable for the fixing element to have a movable stop against which the locking element, arranged in the locking position and subjected to the ejection force, is pressed or pulled. Upon activation of the separating mechanism, the stop is moved such that the locking element can move out of the locking position. According to this particular embodiment of the invention, the separating mechanism has at least one electrical, electromechanical, pneumatic, and / or hydraulic drive means that acts on the fixing element upon activation.

[0022] Particularly advantageously, the ejection force, by which the locking element is moved out of the locking position upon activation of the separation mechanism, is generated by means of a trigger element of the locking unit. The trigger element preferably has at least one spring element, in particular a coil spring, which is pretensioned when the locking element is in the locking position and which, after activation of the separation mechanism and release of the fixing element, exerts a spring force, preferably a compressive force, on the locking element, which thereby moves out of the locking position.

[0023] In a further specific embodiment of the invention, one of the holding elements has a guide element that is symmetrical with respect to its longitudinal axis, in the interior of which at least part of the blocking element is movably mounted and / or along the outer surface of which the other holding element is movably mounted. According to this specific embodiment, one of the holding elements has a guide element that particularly preferably has a channel in which the blocking element is moved relative to the guide element after activation of the separating mechanism. The guide element is preferably rotationally symmetrical, for example as a tubular piece, in which a piston-like shaped body of the blocking element is mounted so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction.As long as the two retaining elements are to be connected, the part of the locking element arranged inside the guide element is advantageously held in the locked position by a fixing element against an ejection force acting on it. Upon activation of the separation mechanism, the fixing element is released, and the part of the locking element mounted inside the guide element is moved relative to the guide element due to the acting ejection force. Particularly preferably, this movement separates the connection between the first and second retaining elements.

[0024] According to a particular development, the guide element has a suitable contour for guiding a locking element which, after activation of the separating mechanism, is at least temporarily inserted into a locking structure of the movable shaped body of the blocking element. The contour is advantageously designed such that, as long as the blocking element is in the locking position, the locking element arranged in the contour transmits a force between the two holding elements. Only after activation of the separating mechanism is this flow of force between the holding elements interrupted due to a movement of the blocking element, in particular a shaped body with a locking structure and a suitably shaped locking element, and the connection between the holding elements is severed. The contour of the guide element is preferably designed as a recess, in particular as a through-bore, within which the locking element, for example in the form of a ball or a pin orCylinder, is movable between at least two positions. In the locking position of the blocking element, the locking element is located outside the locking structure and preferably at least partially within the locking structure of at least the holding element, on which at least the ejection force acts. The ejection force acting on this holding element is thus transferred to the locking element and from there to the second holding element, so that relative movement between the two holding elements is reliably excluded.

[0025] In its second position within the contour of the guide element, after activation of the separation mechanism, the locking element is no longer located within the locking structure of the holding element, but rather in the locking structure of the blocking element movably arranged within the guide element, so that the holding element with its locking structure moves with the guide element relative to the other holding element due to the acting ejection force.

[0026] In a further specific embodiment of the invention, an ejection element, in particular in the form of an elastic element, is provided and arranged such that the ejection force, which is intended to cause a movement of at least one of the holding elements after activation of the separation mechanism, is exerted by the ejection element on one of the two holding elements. When the first and second holding elements are connected, the ejection force is exerted by the ejection element on one of the two holding elements and transmitted from there to the other holding element, so that no relative movement occurs between the holding elements. When the two holding elements are connected, the ejection force is in turn transmitted at least partially via the locking element, in particular via a movably arranged latching element of the locking element, which is arranged between the first and second holding elements.

[0027] The ejection element preferably has at least one spring, foam, or rubber element which, when the holding elements are connected, i.e. when the locking element is in the locked position, is pretensioned such that, upon activation of the separation mechanism and release of the locking of the locking element caused by the locking unit, this pretension is released and the ejection force is thus introduced into one of the holding elements, so that this is moved or a relative movement occurs between the holding elements. Such an elastic element is preferably designed as a spring element, very particularly preferably as a spiral spring, which at least temporarily exerts a compressive force on one of the two holding elements. According to a specific development of the invention, the ejection element, in particular a spring element, is arranged outside a guide element of at least one of the holding elements.Particularly preferably, the ejection element surrounds the guide element and is thereby fixed in its position and orientation.

[0028] Furthermore, the invention provides a preferred use of a connecting unit designed according to at least one of the previously described embodiments, in which a component is transferred from a first to a second operating state upon the occurrence of a specific event, in particular upon reaching a specific position or in an emergency. A connecting unit designed according to the invention can be used particularly advantageously to unfold a solar panel or other functional element of a device launched into space. Upon reaching the position provided for this purpose in space, the separation mechanism is activated, and the device, which until then was fixed to the spacecraft, is moved into its working position.

[0029] Furthermore, it is conceivable to use a connecting unit designed according to the invention, for example, to close an emergency door, an emergency gate, or an emergency lock in the event of an emergency, such as a fire or flooding on a ship. Such a connecting unit can also be used for the targeted release of a lifeboat and / or a life raft of a ship or other rescue device in the event of an emergency. In this context, it is conceivable that the separation mechanism is activated either automatically upon the occurrence of a predetermined event or by manual, in particular remote-controlled, actuation by an operator.

[0030] Furthermore, the invention also relates to an article having a first and a second component element which are at least temporarily connected to one another by a connecting unit which is designed according to at least one of the previously described embodiments, wherein the first and the second holding element are either fastened to the first and the second component element via suitable fastening elements or at least one of the holding elements is formed in one piece with the first and / or the second component element.It is therefore generally conceivable that the first and the second holding element of a connecting unit designed according to the invention are each fastened to different component elements which are to be moved relative to one another when a predetermined event occurs, for example by means of a screw, weld or solder connection, or that at least one of the holding elements is an integral part of a component element which can be moved if necessary.

[0031] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method for releasing two component elements connected to one another via a coupling unit against an ejection force via holding elements, wherein the coupling unit has a blocking element that is at least partially movable relative to the two holding elements, and a locking unit, and when the first and second holding elements are connected, the locking unit holds the blocking element in a locking position. In this locking position, the ejection force is transmitted from the first holding element to the second holding element via the blocking element, while upon activation of the separation mechanism, the locking unit moves the blocking element out of the locking position such that the connection between the first and second holding elements is severed.Using the method according to the invention, it is thus possible to release two holding elements, to each of which a component is preferably fastened, so that at least one of the two holding elements or component elements is moved into the desired operating position upon the occurrence of a predetermined event due to the initiated ejection force. Preferably, the locking unit has, on the one hand, at least one fixing element that holds the blocking element in the locking position for as long as necessary, and, on the other hand, at least one triggering element that is designed such that, upon activation of the separation mechanism, the blocking element is moved out of the locking position and therefore establishes a relative movement between the two holding elements and the component elements fastened thereto.

[0032] In a particular embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that the locking element has a shaped body with a locking structure and at least one locking element, wherein in the connected state of the first and the second holding element, the locking element is arranged in such a way that a force from the first holding element, in particular from a locking structure of the first holding element, in which the locking element is at least partially arranged, is transmitted via the locking element to the second holding element and after activation of the separating mechanism, the locking element is moved relative to the shaped body and is at least partially introduced into the locking structure of the shaped body in such a way that the flow of force between the two holding elements is interrupted and a relative movement takes place between the two holding elements or the component elements fastened thereto.

[0033] Furthermore, it is advantageous if, after activation of the separation mechanism, the locking element is moved at least in sections within a guide element which forms part of one of the two holding elements and / or the other holding element slides along an outer surface of the guide element, which is preferably tubular.

[0034] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail, without limiting the general inventive concept, using exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. In the figures: Fig. 1: Sectional view of a connecting unit designed according to the invention with a locking element in the locking position; Fig. 2: Schematic sectional view of a connecting unit designed according to the invention in three different operating situations; and Fig. 3: Schematic representation of a solar panel with a connecting unit designed according to the invention in three different operating situations.

[0035] Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a connecting unit 1 designed according to the invention with a locking element 5, which is in a locking position. The connecting unit 1 has a first and a second holding element 2, 3, which are mounted so as to be movable relative to one another. Fig. 1 In order to produce the operating state shown, in which the two holding elements 2, 3 are in a connected state, a locking element 5 is provided which is held in the locking position by a locking unit 6 with a fixing element 10 against an ejection force acting on the second holding element 3.

[0036] The ejection force is exerted by an elastic ejection element 12, here in the form of a spiral spring, which surrounds the first holding element 2 at least partially along its circumference, wherein the ejection element 12 is arranged and prestressed in an intermediate space 21 between the first and the second holding element 2, 3.

[0037] The first holding element 2 is tubular, the second holding element 3 is sleeve-shaped, with the outer diameter of the first holding element 2 in the upper region being only slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the second holding element 3. The tubular part of the first holding element 2 thus forms a guide element 15, which has a channel 16 in its interior in which a part of the locking element 5, which is designed as a piston-shaped molded body 7 with a special outer contour, is movably mounted, while the outer surface 17 of the guide element 15 enables a guided movement of the second holding element 3 relative to the first holding element 2. In this way, an at least almost play-free movement of the first holding element 2 relative to the second holding element 3 is possible.

[0038] In order to hold the locking element 5 in the locking position, the locking unit 6 has a fixing element 10 which is arranged in accordance with the Fig. 1 In the embodiment shown, it is designed as a fuse wire and exerts a tensile force on the shaped body 7 of the blocking element 5, counter to the ejection force. The fuse wire is attached at one end to the shaped body 7 and at the opposite end to the first holding element 2. The fuse wire is connected to a voltage source 22, which, upon activation of the separating mechanism 4, is controlled such that a current flows through the fuse wire, causing it to heat up and ultimately break.

[0039] Furthermore, the Fig. 1 shown shaped body 7 of the locking element 5 via a locking structure 8 and an additional, movably arranged locking element 9 is provided, which slides into the locking structure 8 of the shaped body 7 after activation of the separating mechanism 4, the resulting release of the fixing element 10, here the tearing of the melting wire, and the movement of the shaped body 7, which is initiated by a release force caused by a release element 11 in the form of a spiral spring. Fig. 1 However, the locking element 5 is shown in its locked position, in which the locking element 9 is located outside the locking structure 8 and is arranged such that a force flow is established between the first and second holding elements 2, 3 via the locking element 9. The ejection force, which represents a compressive force and is introduced into the second holding element 3 with the aid of the ejection element 12 in the form of a spring, is transferred from the second holding element 3 via the locking element 9 into the first holding element 2. It is essential for the technical solution shown that the ejection force and any additional forces acting on the second holding element 3 do not act on the locking unit 6, in particular not on the fixing element 10 designed as a fuse wire, so that the fixing element 10, in this embodiment thus the fuse wire, can be designed and dimensioned independently of the magnitude of the aforementioned forces.

[0040] According to the Fig. 1 In the embodiment shown, the first holding element 2 is designed as a base plate with a pipe section or as a standing cylinder, onto which the second holding element 3 is pushed. Since the ejection force emanating from the ejection element 12 does not act on the locking unit 6, it is possible to attach comparatively large loads to the second holding element 3. Using the Fig. 1 The connecting unit 1 shown thus allows a component attached to or connected to the second holding element 3, such as the antenna or the solar panel of a spacecraft, to be moved into the required operating position when a predetermined event occurs, such as reaching the desired flight altitude.

[0041] In addition to Fig. 1 shows Fig. 2 The schematic sectional view of a connecting unit 1 designed according to the invention in three different operating states. Fig. 1 a) shows an operating state in which the first and second holding elements 2, 3 are in a connected state, in which the blocking element 5 is arranged in its locking position and the ejection force is introduced from the second holding element 3 via the latching element 8 into the first holding element 2. After activation of the separating mechanism 4, an electrical voltage is applied to the fixing element 10 designed as a fuse wire, so that the fuse wire finally breaks due to the heating.After the fixing element 10 no longer holds the shaped body 7 of the locking element 5, the latter is pushed upwards by the release force emanating from the release element 11, which is designed as a spiral spring, so that the locking element 9, here in the form of a ball, which is movably arranged in a cylindrical through-opening 14 in the first holding element 2, slides into the locking structure 8 of the shaped body 7. The movement of the locking element 9 into the locking structure 8 of the shaped body 7 is initiated by the movement of the second holding element 3 relative to the first holding element 2 and is facilitated both by a suitably shaped locking structure 13 in the second holding element 3 and the conical shape of the through-opening 14 in the first holding element 2.The locking element 9 is thus reliably moved from the locking structure 13 of the second holding element 3 into the locking structure 8 of the molded body 7, so that the force flow between the second and the first holding element 3, 2, established by the locking element 9 in the locking position, is interrupted. The operating state in which the locking element 9 is now partially located within the locking structure 8 of the molded body 7 and the second holding element 3 begins to move relative to the first holding element 2 due to the ejection force exerted by the ejection element 12 in the form of a spring, is shown in Fig. 1 b).

[0042] Furthermore, Fig. 1 c) finally shows an operating state in which the second holding element 3 has moved further upwards and has completely separated from the first holding element 2. Preferably, the first holding element 2 is connected to a first component 19 of an object 18, such as a working device or a larger structural unit, which is not shown in this view, but Fig. 3 can be removed, connected to or attached to it, while the second holding element 3 is connected to a second component 20, in particular a special functional component or an instrument, which is transferred from a fixed operating position, which is assumed for example during transport, into a specific working position when a special event occurs and the subsequent activation of the separating mechanism 4.

[0043] Fig. 3shows a schematic representation of a solar panel for a spacecraft, such as a satellite, with a connecting unit 1 designed according to the invention in three different operating situations. Fig. 3 a) shows the solar panel in a folded operating state, which the solar panel assumes during launch and transfer into space. The first holding element 2 of the connecting unit 1 designed according to the invention is attached to the basic structure of the satellite and the second holding element 3 is attached to the foldable solar panel, wherein the two holding elements 2, 3 are still connected to one another in the operating state shown in Fig. 3 a).

[0044] Fig. 3 b) shows an operating state in which the separation mechanism 4 has already been activated and the connection between the first and second holding elements 2, 3 has thus already been released. Due to the force exerted by the ejection element 12, the solar panel is now moved relative to the first holding element 2 and thus the basic structure of the satellite and thus unfolded.

[0045] Finally, Fig. 3 c) shows an operating state in which the solar panel has been fully unfolded and is now in the desired working position. List of reference symbols

[0046] 1Connecting unit 2First holding element 3Second holding element 4Separating mechanism 5Locking element 6Locking unit 7Molded body 8Locking structure of the molded body 9Locking element 10Fixing element 11Triggering element 12Ejection element 13Locking structure of the second holding element 14Through opening 15Guide element 16Interior of the guide element 17Outer surface of the guide element 18Object 19First component 20Second component 21Gap 22Voltage source

Claims

1. A connecting unit (1) comprising a first and a second holding element (2, 3), which are at least temporarily connected with one another against an ejection force introduced into at least one of the holding elements (2, 3) and are respectively configured to be connected or connectable to different components, wherein a disconnecting mechanism (4) is provided, upon activation of which the connection between the first and the second holding element (2, 3) is disconnected, wherein the disconnecting mechanism (4) comprises a locking element (5), which is movably arranged, at least partially, relative to the first and to the second holding element (2, 3), and an arresting unit (6), wherein, in the connected state of the first and the second holding element (2, 3), the locking element (5) is held in an interlocked position by the arresting unit (6), in which the ejection force introduced is transmitted from the second holding element (3) to the first holding element (2) via the locking element (5), and, upon activation of the disconnecting mechanism (4), the arresting unit (6) moves the locking element (5) out of the interlocked position in such a way that the connection between the first and the second holding element (2, 3) is disconnected, wherein the arresting unit (6) comprises a fixation element (10), which holds the locking element (5) in the interlocked position against a release force applied by a release element (11), characterized in that the fixation element (10) has a wire and / or a strap, which, upon activation of the disconnecting mechanism (4), is at least partially destroyed due to a force applied by the disconnecting mechanism (4).

2. The connecting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking element (5) has a movably arranged molded body (7) with a snap-in structure (8) and at least one snap-in element (9), which can be at least partially accommodated within the snap-in structure (8).

3. The connecting unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, in the connected state of the first and the second holding element (2, 3), a force is transmitted from the second holding element to the first holding element via the snap-in element (9).

4. The connecting unit according to claims 2 or 3, characterized in that, after activation of the disconnecting mechanism (4), the snap-in element (9) moves at least partially into the snap-in structure (8) of the molded body (7).

5. The connecting unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixation element (10) has a stop element, which, upon activation of the disconnecting mechanism (4), is moved electrically, electromechanically, pneumatically and / or hydraulically.

6. The connecting element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the holding elements (2, 3) comprises a guide element (15) that is symmetrical in relation to a longitudinal axis, in the interior (16) of which at least part of the locking element (5) is movably mounted and / or along the outer surface (17) of which the respective other holding element (3, 2) is movably mounted.

7. The connecting unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an elastic ejection element (12) is provided and arranged such that, in the connected state of the first and the second holding element (2, 3), an ejection force applied by the elastic ejection element (12) is at least partially transmitted from the second holding element (3) to the first holding element (2) via the locking element (5).

8. Use of a connecting unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in order to transfer a component from a first into a second operating state upon occurrence of an event.

9. Use of a connecting unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 for deploying a solar panel or other functional element of a device launched into space, for closing an emergency door or gate in the event of an emergency and / or for releasing a lifeboat or life raft of a ship or other rescue device in the event of an emergency.

10. A subject matter (18) with a first and a second component (19, 20), which are at least temporarily connected with one another with a connecting unit (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first and the second holding element (2, 3) are either respectively fastened to the first and the second component (19, 20) via suitable fastening elements or are respectively designed in one piece with the first and the second component (19, 20).

11. A method for releasing two holding elements (2, 3) connected with one another against an ejection force and / or components (19, 20) respectively fastened to the holding elements, wherein a disconnecting mechanism with a locking element (5), which is at least partially moved relative to the two holding elements (2, 3), and an arresting unit (6) are provided, wherein, in the connected state of the first and the second holding element (2, 3), the arresting unit (6) holds the locking element (5) in an interlocked position, in which the ejection force is transmitted from the second holding element (3) to the first holding element (2) via the locking element (5), and, upon activation of the disconnecting mechanism (4), the arresting unit (6) moves the locking element (5) out of the interlocked position in such a way that the connection between the first and the second holding element (2, 3) is disconnected, wherein the arresting unit (6) comprises a fixation element (10), which holds the locking element (5) in the interlocked position against a release force applied by a release element (11), and wherein the fixation element (10) has a wire and / or a strap, which, upon activation of the disconnecting mechanism (4), is at least partially destroyed due to a force applied by the disconnecting mechanism (4).

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the locking element (5) has a molded body (7) with a snap-in structure (8) and at least one snap-in element (9), wherein, in the connected state of the first and the second holding element (2, 3), the snap-in element (9) is arranged such that a force is transmitted from the second holding element (3) to the first holding element (2) via the snap-in element (9) and, after activation of the disconnecting mechanism (4), the snap-in element (9) is moved relative to the molded body (7) and at least partially inserted into the snap-in structure (8) of the molded body (7) in such a way that no force is transmitted between the two holding elements (2, 3) via the snap-in element (9).

13. The method according to claims 11 or 12, characterized in that, after activation of the disconnecting mechanism (4), at least part of the locking element (5) is moved in an interior (16) of a guide element (15) of one of the two holding elements (2, 3) and the respectively other holding element (3, 2) moves along an outer surface (17) of the guide element (15).