RU2736791C1 - Non-pyrotechnical detachment device and method of operation thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: undocking means.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to decoupling means, for example, in space engineering. Non-pyrotechnical underscoring device includes a fastening cord, a knife assembly and at least two components for unlocking. Unlocking components are fixed on the first component, the fastening cord is configured to provide a tightening force of the said at least two locking release components, in order to allow said at least two locking release components to be in a first state to lock the second component, the hot knife assembly comprises a hot knife and a hot knife mounting portion. Hot knife mounting section is made of heat-insulating material. Fastening cord is partially in tight contact with the hot knife, and the hot knife is an electric heating element for heat release in order to melt the fastening cord, which allows said at least two locking release components to return to the second state to release the second component.

EFFECT: technical result of group of inventions is improvement of undocking reliability.

38 cl, 7 dwg

Description

[0001] This application claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application 201811057817.7, entitled “NON – PYROTECHNIC UNLOCKING DEVICE AND LOCKING AND UNLOCKING METHOD”, filed on September 11, 2018 with the National Intellectual Property Office of China, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of disconnecting devices and, in particular, to a non-pyrotechnic disconnecting device and a locking and unlocking method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Locking and unlocking technologies play an important role in ensuring the flight of a spacecraft in orbit, namely, for performing such key operations as deploying solar panels, deploying an antenna and releasing payload. Existing spacecraft and warheads use mostly primer explosive devices for coupling and release. The main advantages of traditional explosive disconnecting devices are, for example, high reliability, high energy consumption, high speed, simple and compact design, lightness and small size, and low cost. However, since an explosive initiator device relies on the detonation or combustion of propellant to activate functional mechanisms to perform tasks, the disadvantages of an explosive initiator device, such as a high shock load on the structure during operation, harmful gases and debris generated during operation. the detonation or combustion of gunpowder and polluting the space environment, and single use, also limit its use. In recent years, non-impact and non-fouling non-pyrotechnic disconnectors have been rapidly developed, and non-pyrotechnic disconnectors based on shape memory alloys, paraffin drive and hot knife cutting have been applied.

[0004] The existing hot knife release and release device generally includes a Kevlar cord, a hook release mechanism, a cord tension spring, and a hot knife assembly. The hot knife assembly includes a hot sheet knife, a groove and a pusher, a gap is provided between the initial position of the hot knife and the Kevlar cord, after the Kevlar cord is carbonized by the heat of the tip of the hot sheet knife and the hot knife is pushed along the groove to the cord by the pusher and finally ends, passes through the cord, cutting the carbonized cord.

[0005] With regard to the existing hot knife-based release and release device, the hot knife relies on a pusher to move along the groove, which increases the size and weight of the hot knife assembly. This hot knife assembly is unsuitable for aerospace applications with stringent weight requirements. In addition, after the cord is carbonized by the hot knife assembly, during the cutting process, the sheet hot knife applies a radial thrust to the cord, which causes the carbonized debris of the carbonized part of the cord to easily form and pollute the space environment. In addition, the pusher of the hot knife assembly mainly uses the pre-tension force of the spring to push the hot knife along the groove. In long-term space conditions, the spring easily ages and plastically deforms in a stressed state, which leads to a decrease in the characteristics and low reliability of the hot knife assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In view of the problems with conventional technology, the present application provides a non-pyrotechnic release device and a locking and unlocking method that avoids the generation of carbon debris by radial shock, and the hot knife and hot knife mounting portion have stable structures and characteristics. and high reliability in space conditions.

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present application provides the following technical solutions.

[0008] A non-pyrotechnic release device for locking or unlocking a first component and a second component includes a retention cord, a hot knife assembly, and at least two release components. These at least two release components are secured to the first component, the anchor cord is configured to provide a tightening force for said at least two release components to allow said at least two release components to be in a first state to lock the second component, the hot knife assembly includes a hot knife and a hot knife mounting section, and the hot knife mounting section is made of heat insulating material, the hot knife is located in the hot knife mounting section, the fixing cord is partially in close contact with the hot knife, and the hot knife is an electric heating element to generate heat in order to melt the fastening cord, causing the at least two release components to return to the second state to release the second component.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the hot knife mounting portion is provided with a hot knife mounting hole and a cord hole. The hot knife mounting hole intersects with the cord hole and communicates with the cord hole at the intersection, the hot knife is located in the hot knife mounting hole, and the fixing cord goes through the cord hole and is in close contact with the hot knife.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the first end of the securing cord is fixed and the cord tightening device is configured to provide pulling force on the securing cord to the second end of the securing cord to tighten the securing cord with tightening force.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the cord tightening device includes a clip, a clip attachment area, and a clip receiving site. The section for placing the staple and the section for fastening the staple are both fixed on the first component, and the bracket is provided with a first through hole, the first end of the staple is configured to interact with the section for placing the staple to block the position of the staple, the second end of the bracket is rotatably connected to the section for fixing the staple, the second end The fastening cord passes through the first through hole and is fixed when the clip is removed from the clip-receiving area, and after the clip is secured, the first end of the clip interacts with the clip-receiving area to lock the position of the clip to provide tightening force for the clip.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the non-pyrotechnic disconnector further includes a cord pretensioner configured to lock the first end of the anchor cord and provide a different tightening force for the anchor cord at the first end of the anchor cord after the cord tightener provides the cord pull force ...

[0013] In an optional embodiment, the cord pretensioner includes a slider, a guide, a vertical plate, a stopper bolt, and a stopper nut. The slider is provided with a second through hole and a blocking through hole, one end of the stop bolt is secured to the vertical plate, and the other end of the stop bolt passes through the blocking through hole, the first end of the fixing cord passes through the second through hole and is relatively stationary with respect to the slide, and the lock nut cooperates with the stop bolt to slide the slide along the guide to provide a pretensioning force for the anchor cord at the first end of the anchor cord.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the non-pyrotechnic breakout device further includes a base plate configured to lock components other than an anchor cord, and the base plate is permanently connected to the first component.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the base plate is made of a magnesium alloy material, and the surface of the base plate in contact with the first component and the surface of the base plate in contact with the second component are coated with a conductive coating.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, other surfaces of the base plate are coated with a heat barrier coating.

[0017] In an optional embodiment, the hot knife has a cylindrical structure.

[0018] In an optional embodiment, the hot knife includes a hot knife body, metal conductors and wires, and the hot knife body includes a body, an electric heating wire and an insulating filler, the body is made of stainless steel, the electric heating wire is located inside the body, the insulating filler fills the cavity of the housing, the first end of the wires is connected to the electric heating wire through metal conductors, and the second end of the wires is used to connect to the power source.

[0019] In an optional embodiment, the wires are type C550124-24 insulated wires.

[0020] In an optional embodiment, the electric heating wire is a Cr20Ni80 alloy electric heating wire.

[0021] In an optional embodiment, the hot knife mounting portion is provided with an insulating block extending perpendicular to the axial direction of the hot knife.

[0022] In an optional embodiment, the hot knife mounting portion is made of an alumina structural ceramic material.

[0023] In an optional embodiment, the non-pyrotechnic disconnector includes two sets of hot knife assemblies.

[0024] In an optional embodiment, the anchoring cord is a UHMWPE (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene) cord or multi-strand cotton cord.

[0025] In an optional embodiment, each of the at least two release components includes a stationary shaft, a resilient member, and a tooth, the tooth being secured to the stationary axis, the resilient member being compressed when the at least two release components are in the first state, and is configured to rotate the prong around the fixed axis and return to the second state when the fastening cord has melted.

[0026] In an optional embodiment, the non-pyrotechnic release device includes four release components located at four corners of the base plate.

[0027] A locking and unlocking method for a non-pyrotechnic detachment device includes the following steps:

securing at least two release components and a hot knife assembly to the first component, the hot knife assembly including a hot knife and a hot knife mounting section, wherein the hot knife mounting section is made of heat insulating material, and the hot knife is located inside the hot knife mounting section ;

placing a second component between said at least two unlocking components, providing an anchoring cord to provide a tightening force for said at least two unlocking components to allow said at least two unlocking components to be in a first state to lock a second component in which the securing cord passes through the hot knife mounting section and is partially in close contact with the hot knife when the securing cord is positioned; and

energizing the hot knife while releasing the second component, the hot knife generating heat to melt the fastening cord, causing the at least two release components to return to a second state to release the second component and achieve release.

[0028] In an optional embodiment, the hot knife mounting section is provided with a hot knife mounting hole and a cord hole, the hot knife mounting hole intersecting with the cord hole and communicating with the cord hole at the intersection, the hot knife is located in the hot knife mounting hole knife, and the lashing cord goes through the cord hole and is in close contact with the hot knife.

[0029] In an optional embodiment, the step of providing a securing cord around the second component includes: first securing the first end of the securing cord and then providing tightening force to the second end of the securing cord with a cord tightener to tighten the securing cord with tightening force.

[0030] In an optional embodiment, the cord tightening device includes a staple, a staple attachment portion and a staple housing portion, the staple housing portion and the staple attachment portion are fixed to the first component, the staple is provided with a first through hole, the first end of the staple fits into the staple housing portion and the second end of the staple is rotatably connected to the staple attachment area. The step of providing the tightening force of the second end of the fastening cord with the cord tightening device includes: passing the second end of the fastening cord through the first through hole and securing the second end when the bracket is removed from the staple location area, pivoting the staple so that the first end of the staple interacts with the staple location area to lock the position of the bracket while ensuring the tightening force of the fastening cord at the other end.

[0031] In an optional embodiment, the first end of the anchor cord is secured by a cord pretensioner, and the cord pull force is provided to the first end of the anchor cord by the cord pretensioner after the cord tightener provides tightening force to the anchor cord.

[0032] In an optional embodiment, the cord pretensioner includes a slider, a guide, a vertical plate, a stop bolt and a lock nut, the slider is provided with a second through hole and a lock through hole, one end of the lock bolt is secured to the vertical plate and the other end of the lock the bolt passes through the locking through hole, the first end of the anchor cord passes through the second through hole and is relatively stationary with respect to the slider, and after the cord tightener provides the fastening cord tightening force, the lock nut is screwed on interacting with the retaining bolt so that the slider is pushed sliding along the guide to provide a pretensioning force for the lashing cord at the first end of the lashing cord.

[0033] In an optional embodiment, the method further includes securing components other than the fastening cord to the first component through the base plate.

[0034] In an optional embodiment, the base plate is made of a magnesium alloy material, and the surface of the base plate in contact with the first component and the surface of the base plate in contact with the second component are coated with a conductive coating.

[0035] In an optional embodiment, other surfaces of the base plate are coated with a heat barrier coating.

[0036] In an optional embodiment, the hot knife has a cylindrical structure.

[0037] In an optional embodiment, the hot knife includes a hot knife body, metal conductors and wires, and the hot knife body includes a body, an electric heating wire and an insulating filler, the body is made of stainless steel, the electric heating wire is located inside the body, the insulating filler fills the cavity of the housing, the first end of the wires is connected to the electric heating wire through metal conductors, and the second end of the wires is used to connect to the power source.

[0038] In an optional embodiment, the wires are type C550124-24 insulated wires.

[0039] In an optional embodiment, the electric heating wire is a Cr20Ni80 alloy electric heating wire.

[0040] In an optional embodiment, the hot knife mounting portion is provided with an insulating block extending perpendicular to the axial direction of the hot knife.

[0041] In an optional embodiment, the hot knife mounting portion is made of an alumina structural ceramic material.

[0042] In an optional embodiment, the non-pyrotechnic disconnector includes two sets of hot knife assemblies.

[0043] In an optional embodiment, the anchoring cord is a UHMWPE cord or multi-strand cotton cord.

[0044] In an optional embodiment, each of the at least two release components includes a stationary shaft, a resilient member, and a tooth, the tooth being secured to the stationary shaft and providing a tightening force to compress the resilient element when the at least two components the release of the blocking are in the first state, and the elastic element rotates the tooth around the fixed axis and returns to the second state when the fastening cord has melted.

[0045] In an optional embodiment, the non-pyrotechnic release device includes four release components located at four corners of the base plate.

[0046]Profitable the effects of the embodiments of the present invention are as follows.

(1) According to the non-pyrotechnic disconnecting device provided by the embodiments of this application, the hot knife is designed as an electric heating element, and the heat-insulating portion of the hot knife mounting is designed to concentrate the heat radiated by the hot knife within the hot knife mounting portion, thereby increasing heat utilization efficiency under convection transfer conditions. heat and ensuring that the cord is cut with a hot knife; Since the hot knife and hot knife mounting section are simple in structure and light in weight, they meet the requirements of lightness in the aerospace field; since the hot knife melts the cord only with heat, the formation of carbon debris by radial thrust can be avoided; since the hot knife assembly provided by the embodiments of this application does not need to use a compression spring, the hot knife and the hot knife mounting portion have stable structures and performance in the space environment and are highly reliable;

(2) heat is concentrated in the position where the hot knife and the fastening cord intersect, by making the hot knife mounting hole and the cord hole intersect with each other in the hot knife mounting area, thereby further increasing the efficiency of heat use in space convection transfer conditions heat and ensuring that the cord is cut with a hot knife;

(3) the cord tightening device provided by the embodiments of this application locks the fastening cord in the through hole of the staple when the staple is removed from the staple location and provides some tightening force for the fastening cord, the staple position is locked by rotating the staple to engage with the staple location , the anchoring cord is pulled using the pivotal displacement of the clip to create a tightening force such that said at least two release components lock the second component when said at least two release components are in the first state, and in addition, the cord tightening device such the structure develops a reliable tightening force due to rotational displacement, the bracket and the bracket placement area are rigidly connected to each other, providing a reliable connection;

(4) the first component is securely connected to the second component by providing the base plate, other components besides the fastening cord are securely connected to the base plate by threads, and the connecting portions are coated with adhesive to ensure reliable connection of the components, the mounting positions of the components on the base plate are sufficiently widely spaced, thereby eliminating the inconvenience of installation and long installation times due to small component sizes and small installation space, simplifying installation and increasing installation efficiency;

(5) the conductivity of the contact area between the first component and the second component due to the application of the conductive coating in the appropriate position of the base plate, since the conductive coating has a strong passivation function, the base plate can resist corrosion in space environment, alkaline or some acid gases, and the stability of the base plate in the space environment is increasing; and since the conductive coating has a high hardness, the wear resistance of the surface of the base plate can be improved, and scratches caused by impacts during use of the base plate can be avoided;

(6) The emissivity of the base plate surfaces is increased by applying a thermal barrier coating on the base plate surfaces other than the conductive coating, which prevents the formation of irreparable defects, such as reduced strength, structural failure, in the base plate material under conditions of long-term direct sunlight. and improve the reliability of the base plate; and

(7) By providing the hot knife with a cylindrical shape, it can be ensured that the fastening cord is in close contact with the hot knife, so that the fastening cord will not be damaged by vibrations or the like. under difficult mechanical conditions of the flight period, and the cylindrical design of the hot knife guarantees uniform heating, which allows evenly heating the section of the fastening cord near the hot knife.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0047] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a non-pyrotechnic disconnector assembly and a second component according to an embodiment of this application;

[0048] FIG. 2 is a schematic structural view of a hot knife assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0049] FIG. 3 is a schematic structural view of a cord tightening device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0050] FIG. 4 is a schematic structural view of a cord pretensioner according to an embodiment of this application;

[0051] FIG. 5 is a schematic structural view of a base plate according to an embodiment of this application;

[0052] FIG. 6 is a schematic structural view of a hot knife according to an embodiment of this application; and

[0053] FIG. 7 is a schematic structural view of a lock release component according to an embodiment of this application.

[0054] Reference numbers in the drawings :

1 - base plate,

2 - fastening cord,

3 - hot knife assembly,

4 - blocking release component,

5 - cord pretensioner,

6 - cord tightening device;

100 is the second component,

101 - the first contact surface,

102 - second surface,

301 - hot knife mounting area,

302 - thermal insulation block,

303 - hot knife

401 - prong

402 - elastic element,

403 - fixed axle,

501 - locking bolt,

502 - slider,

503 - guide,

504 - vertical plate,

505 - lock nut,

601 - bracket,

602 - section for fixing the staple,

603 - staple placement area,

604 - axis of rotation;

3031 - building,

3032 - wire

3033 is an insulating filler.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF IMPLEMENTATION OPTIONS

[0055] A detailed description of this application is given below in connection with the drawings and options for implementation.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 1, according to this application, a non-pyrotechnic disconnecting device is proposed. The non-pyrotechnic release device is configured to lock or unlock the first component (not shown) and the second component 100 and includes a fastening cord 2, a hot knife assembly 3, and at least two release components 4. These at least two release components 4 are secured to the first component, the securing cord 2 surrounds the second component 100 and is configured to provide a tightening force to said at least two release components 4 so as to allow said at least two release components 4 the lock is in a first state to lock the second component 100. The hot knife assembly 3 includes a hot knife 303 and a hot knife mounting portion 301. The hot knife mounting section 301 is made of thermal insulating material, the hot knife 303 is located in the hot knife mounting section 301, the fixing cord 2 passes through the hot knife mounting section 301 and is partially in close contact with the hot knife 303. The hot knife 303 is an electric heating element to release heat to melt the fastening cord 2, allowing the at least two release components 4 to return to a second state to release the second component 100. When the second component 100 is locked, the non-pyrotechnic release device provided by the embodiments of this application provides a tightening force by tightening the fastener cord 2, so that the at least two components 4 for releasing the lock are in the first state and block the second component 100, and when the second component is released, the hot knife 303 is powered by the power source, whereby the hot knife 303 is is aggregated to melt the fastening cord 2, the tightening force to which said at least two unlocking components 4 are subjected disappears and said at least two unlocking components 4 return to the second state and release the second component 100.

[0057] According to the non-pyrotechnic docking device provided by the embodiments of this application, the hot knife is designed as an electric heating element, and the hot knife mounting portion is thermally insulated and designed to concentrate the heat radiated by the hot knife in the hot knife mounting portion, thereby increasing heat utilization efficiency under convection conditions. transferring heat and ensuring that the hot knife can cut the cord securely; Since the hot knife and hot knife mounting section are simple in structure and light in weight, they meet the requirements of lightness in the aerospace field; since the hot knife melts the cord only with heat, the carbon debris generated by the radial thrust can be avoided; Since the hot knife assembly provided by the embodiments of this application does not need to use a compression spring, the hot knife and the hot knife mounting portion have stable structures and performance in the space environment and are highly reliable.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 2, in an optional embodiment, the hot knife mounting portion 301 is provided with a hot knife mounting hole and a cord hole. The hot knife mounting hole intersects with the cord hole and connects to the cord hole at the intersection, hot knife 303 is located in the hot knife mounting hole, and the fixing cord 2 goes through the cord hole and is in close contact with the hot knife 303. Heat concentrates in the position where the hot knife and the fixing cord intersect by placing the hot knife mounting hole and the cord hole intersecting with each other in the hot knife mounting area, thereby further increasing the efficiency of heat use in space conditions of convection heat transfer and guaranteeing that the hot knife can cut the cord securely.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 1, in an optional embodiment, the non-pyrotechnic disconnector further includes a cord tightening device 6. The first end of the fastening cord 2 is fixed, and the cord tightening device is configured to provide the tightening force of the fastening cord 2 for the second end of the fastening cord 2. By providing the cord tightening device, it is convenient to provide the tightening force for tightening the fastening cord and for applying the tightening force to at least at least two release components.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 3, the cord tightening device 6 includes a clip 601, a clip attachment portion 602, and a clip receiving portion 603. The staple receiving portion 603 and the staple holding portion 602 are both secured to the first component, the staple 601 is provided with a first through hole, the first end of the staple 601 is adapted to cooperate with the staple receiving portion 603 to lock the position of the staple 601. The second end of the staple 601 is rotatably connected with a section 602 for fastening the staple by means of a rotation axis 604. The second end of the fastening cord 2 passes through the first through hole and is fixed when the clip 601 is removed from the staple receiving area (as shown in Fig. 3 when the first end of the clip 601 is positioned over the second end), and after fixing the fastening cord 2, the clip 601 is rotated so that the first end of the staple 601 cooperates with the staple receiving portion 603 to lock the position of the staple 601 to provide the tightening force of the fastening cord 2. In the present embodiment, the fastening cord 2 is attached to the fastener 601 by tying the second end of the fastening cord 2. In other embodiments, the fastening cord 2 and bracket 601 may be secured to each other by providing hooks, locks, and the like.

[0061] The cord tightening device provided by the embodiments of this application locks the anchor cord in the through hole of the clip when the clip is removed from the clip receiving area and provides some tightening force for the anchor cord. The position of the shackle is locked by pivoting the shackle to engage the shackle placement area, and the anchor cord is pulled by the shackle's pivotal displacement to create a tightening force such that said at least two release components lock the second component when said at least two release components the locks are in the first state, and in addition, the cord tightening device of this design develops a reliable tightening force due to translational movement, the bracket and the section for placing the bracket are rigidly connected to each other, providing a reliable connection.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 1, in an optional embodiment, the non-pyrotechnic disconnector further includes a cord pretensioner 5 for securing the first end of the securing cord 2 and providing a pull force for the securing cord 2 at the first end of the securing cord 2 after the cord tightening device 6 provides a tightening force for the securing cord 2. cord 2. By providing a cord pretensioner, a pulling force is applied to the cord at both ends and this ensures that the cord provides the force to securely tighten the locking release components, thereby increasing the reliability and safety of the device.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 4, in an optional embodiment, the cord pretensioner 5 includes a slider 502, a guide 503, a vertical plate 504, a lock bolt 501, and a lock nut 505. The slider 502 is provided with a second through hole and a lock through hole. One end of the stop bolt is attached to the vertical plate 504 and the other end of the stop bolt extends through the blocking through hole. The first end of the fastening cord 2 passes through the second through hole and is relatively fixed with respect to the slider 502, and the lock nut 505 cooperates with the stop bolt 501 to slide the slider 502 along the guide 503 so as to provide the tightening force of the fastening cord 2 for the first end of the fastening cord 2. In the present embodiment, the first end of the attachment cord is fixed relative to the slider by tying the first end of the attachment cord to form a knot whose diameter is larger than that of the locking through hole. In other embodiments, the first end of the anchor cord and slider may be secured together by providing hooks, locks, or the like. The cord pretensioner provided by this embodiment has the advantages of simple structure, compactness, and the ability to accurately adjust the sliding displacement of the slider by adjusting the lock nut and the lock bolt, thereby realizing effective control of the tightening force.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 1 and 5, the non-pyrotechnic disconnector further comprises a base plate 1 for securing components other than the securing cord 2, such as said at least two unlocking components 4, a hot knife assembly 3, a cord pretensioner 5 and a cord tightener 6. Base plate 1 is permanently connected to the first component to provide a fixed connection of the components to the first component.

[0065] The first component is securely connected to the second component by providing the base plate, other components besides the fastening cord are securely threaded to the base plate, and the connection positions are coated with adhesive to ensure reliable connection of the components, the mounting positions of the components on the base plate are sufficiently widely spaced. thereby eliminating the inconvenience of installation and long installation times due to small component sizes and small installation space, simplifying installation and increasing installation efficiency.

[0066] In an optional embodiment, the base plate 1 is made of a magnesium alloy material. As shown in FIG. 5, the first component contacting surface of the base plate 1 and the second component 100 contacting surface of the base plate (eg, the first contact surface 101 shown in FIG. 5) are coated with a conductive coating, and the conductive coating is preferably an electroless nickel coating.

[0067] The conductivity of the contact area between the first component and the second component due to the application of a conductive coating at the corresponding position of the base plate. Since the conductive coating has a strong passivation function, the base plate can resist corrosion in space environment, some alkaline or acid gases, and the resistance of the base plate in space environment is improved; and since the conductive coating has a high hardness, the wear resistance of the surface of the base plate can be improved, and scratches caused by impacts during use of the base plate can be avoided.

[0068] In an optional embodiment, other surfaces of base plate 1 (eg, second surface 102 shown in FIG. 5) are coated with a heat barrier coating.

[0069] The emissivity of the surfaces of the base plate is increased by applying a thermal barrier coating on the surfaces of the base plate other than the conductive coating, which prevents the formation of irreparable defects, such as reduced strength, structural failure, in the base plate material under conditions of long-term direct sunlight and increases reliability of the base plate.

[0070] In an optional embodiment, hot knife 303 has a cylindrical shape. It can be ensured that the fastening cord is in close contact with the hot knife by giving the hot knife a cylindrical shape, and the fastening cord will not be damaged by vibration or the like. in the difficult mechanical conditions of the flight period, and the cylindrical design of the hot knife guarantees uniform heating, and the section of the fastening cord near the hot knife is evenly heated.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 6, in an optional embodiment, hot knife 303 includes a hot knife body, metal conductors (not shown), and wires 3032. The hot knife body includes a body 3031, an electric heating wire (not shown), and an insulating filler 3033. The body 3031 is formed from stainless steel, the electric heating wire is located in the housing 3031, the insulating filler 3033 fills the cavity of the housing 3031, the first end of the wires 3032 is connected to the electric heating wire through metal conductors, and the second end of the wires 3032 is used to connect to the power source. The insulating filler 3033 in the present embodiment is preferably magnesium oxide particles.

[0072] The heat generated by the heating wire can be efficiently transferred to the case by providing an insulating filler having good insulating properties and good dielectric strength. Metallic conductors are preferably made of stainless steel, which has a low electrical resistivity, when high currents are passed, a large amount of heat is not released, which does not lead to damage to surrounding structures, has good corrosion resistance and high strength, poorly oxidizes and can adapt to harsh space conditions ... The electric heating wire has good high temperature strength, and its ductility remains very good with long-term use. The electric heating wire can be reused under certain temperature conditions, which is in line with the strategic direction of development to reduce the cost and consumption of materials in spacecraft.

[0073] In an optional embodiment, the wires are type C550124-24 insulated wires specially designed for spacecraft.

[0074] In an optional embodiment, the electric heating wire is a Cr20Ni80 alloy electric heating wire. The electric heating wire has good insulation and heat resistance properties, can adapt to harsh space conditions, has good vibration and corrosion resistance properties, has good mechanical strength at high temperature and does not show brittle fracture in long-term use, and can adapt to harsh mechanical conditions during flight phases and landing of the spacecraft and adapt to space conditions while operating. The electric heating element used in the embodiments of this application can be reheated for 1000 hours at 1200 degrees Celsius (° C), the 28V circuit provides energy to the hot knife assembly during operation, and the hot knife can melt the fastener cord within 2 minutes of feeding. power supply and the unlocking time is correct. In an optional embodiment, the apparatus includes two sets of hot knife assemblies, and the two sets of hot knife assemblies duplicate each other to ensure reliable separation. In an optional embodiment, the disconnector further includes a power supply, which is preferably a 28V power supply.

[0075] In an optional embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the hot knife mounting section 301 is provided with an insulating block 302 extending perpendicular to the axial direction of the hot knife in order to concentrate all the heat generated by the hot knife 303 during operation on the surface of the fastening cord 2 to increase the efficiency of the non-pyrotechnic disconnector.

[0076] In an optional embodiment, the hot knife mounting portion is made of a high temperature alumina structural ceramic material, preferably A-99, A-97, A-98, etc. from a number of alumina heat-resistant ceramics.

[0077] Alumina structural high-temperature ceramic can withstand static or dynamic mechanical stress at high temperature, has a high melting point, good strength and low creep property at high temperature, as well as good thermal shock resistance, good corrosion resistance, good oxidation resistance and good structural resistance, which compensates for the disadvantages of metallic materials such as oxidation instability and susceptibility to corrosion at high temperatures. In the embodiments of this application, the hot knife mounting section has good thermal insulation property and can collect heat generated during the hot knife operation in the hot knife mounting section, thus ensuring that all the heating energy during operation acts on the fastening cord, and increasing the efficiency of the non-pyrotechnic operation. undocking device.

[0078] In an optional embodiment, the anchoring cord 2 is an UHMWPE cord or multi-strand cotton cord. The cord has a high degree of crystallinity, stable chemical properties, low temperature resistance, water resistance, moisture resistance, chemical resistance, and UV resistance. The diameter of the fastening cord 2 in the embodiments of this application is preferably between 2 mm and 3 mm.

[0079] In an optional embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, each of said at least two release components 4 includes a fixed shaft 403, a resilient member 402, and a barb 401, the barb 401 having an L-shaped structure. One end of the prong is fixed on a fixed axis 403, the elastic element 402 is configured to compress when the at least two release components 4 are in the first state, and to allow the prong to rotate about the fixed axis and return to the second state when the fastening cord 2 has melted ... The resilient element in the embodiments of this application is preferably a torsion spring. When the fastening cord 2 is placed, the fastening cord is pressed against the curved section of the barb 401 and provides a tightening force so that the barb 401 locks the second component 100. In the event that the fastening cord 2 melts, the barb 401 rebounds under the elasticity of the torsion spring and releases the second component 100 The released second component 100 is separated in free fall, and no impact debris is generated during the entire process, which solves the problem of high impact, excess debris and debris during the operation of a conventional explosive device. The torsion spring in the embodiments is made of 70 # steel wire. Due to its special shape, the spring has a large mechanical energy in a small construction space and can apply a large force to a target object in a short time. As shown in FIG. 1, in an optional embodiment, the non-pyrotechnic release device includes four release components located at four corners of the base plate to securely secure the second component.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 1-7, embodiments of the present application further provide a locking and unlocking method for a non-pyrotechnic release device, which includes the following 3 steps.

[0081] In step 1, at least two release components 4 and the hot knife assembly 3 are fixed to the first component. The hot knife assembly 3 includes a hot knife and a hot knife mounting section, wherein the hot knife mounting section is made of heat-insulating material, and the hot knife is located in the hot knife mounting section.

[0082] In step 2, a second component 100 is positioned between said at least two release components 4, a securing cord 2 is provided around the second component 100 to provide a tightening force for said at least two release components 4 to allow said at least two the unlocking components 4 are in a first state to lock the second component 100. The securing cord 2 passes through the hot knife mounting section and is in close contact with the hot knife when the securing cord is placed.

[0083] In step 3, the hot knife is energized when the second component is released. The hot knife generates heat to melt the fastening cord 2, which allows said at least two release components 4 to return to a second state to release the second component 100 and release.

[0084] In an optional embodiment, the hot knife mounting portion is provided with a hot knife mounting hole and a cord hole. The hot knife mounting hole intersects with the cord hole and communicates with the cord hole at the intersection, the hot knife 303 is located in the hot knife mounting hole, and the fixing cord 2 passes through the cord hole and is in close contact with the hot knife 303.

[0085] In an optional embodiment, the step of providing the securing cord 2 around the second component 100 includes: first securing the first end of the securing cord 2 and then providing tightening force to the second end of the securing cord 2 with the cord tightening device 6.

[0086] In an optional embodiment, the cord tightening device 6 includes a clip 601, a clip attachment portion 602, and a clip receiving portion 603. The staple receiving portion 603 and the staple securing portion 602 are both secured to the first component, the staple 601 being provided with a first through hole, the first end of the staple 601 seated in the staple receiving portion 603, and the second end of the staple 601 rotatably coupled to the staple holding portion 602. The step of providing tightening force to the second end of the fastening cord 2 by the cord tightening device includes: when the clip 601 is removed from the clip receiving portion 603, passing the second end of the attachment cord 2 through the first through hole and securing the second end, pivoting the clip 601 so that the first end of the clip 601 interacts with the staple placement portion 603 to lock the staple position to tighten the securing cord 2 at the second end.

[0087] In an optional embodiment, the first end of the anchor cord 2 is secured by a cord pretensioner 5, and this cord pretensioner 5 provides a different tightening force for the anchor cord 2 on the first end of the anchor cord 2 after the cord tightener 6 provides the cord pulling force 2.

[0088] In an optional embodiment, the cord pretensioner 5 includes a slider 502, a guide 503, a vertical plate 504, a stop bolt 501, and a lock nut 505. The slider 502 is provided with a second through hole and a lock through hole, one end of the stop bolt fixed to the vertical plate 504, and the other end of the locking bolt passes through the locking through hole, the first end of the fastening cord 2 passes through the second through hole and is fixed with respect to the slider 502, and after the cord tightening device 6 provides the tightening force of the fastening cord 2, the locking nut 505 is screwed on cooperating with the stop bolt 501 so that the slider 502 is slidably pushed along the guide 503 to provide the tightening force of the fastening cord 2 at the first end of the fastening cord 2.

[0089] In an optional embodiment, the method further includes securing components other than the fastening cord 2 to the first component through the base plate 1.

[0090] In an optional embodiment, the base plate 1 is made of a magnesium alloy material, and the surface of the base plate 1 in contact with the first component and the surface of the base plate 1 in contact with the second component 100 are coated with a conductive coating.

[0091] In an optional embodiment, the other surfaces of the base plate 1 are coated with a heat barrier coating.

[0092] In an optional embodiment, hot knife 303 has a cylindrical structure.

[0093] In an optional embodiment, hot knife 303 includes a hot knife body, metal conductors (not shown), and wires 3032. The hot knife body includes a body 3031, an electric heating wire (not shown), and an insulating filler 3033. The body 3031 is formed stainless steel, electric heating wire is located inside the housing 3031, the insulating filler 3033 fills the cavity of the housing 3031, the first end of the wires 3032 is connected to the electric heating wire through metal conductors, and the second end of the wires 3032 is used to connect to the power source. In an optional embodiment, the wires are type C550124-24 insulated wires specially designed for spacecraft. In an optional embodiment, the electric heating wire is a Cr20Ni80 alloy electric heating wire. The electric heating element used in this application can be reheated for 1000 hours at 1200 ° C, the 28V circuit provides energy for the hot knife assembly during operation, and the hot knife can melt the fixing cord in 2 minutes of power on, and the release time is proper. In an optional embodiment, the apparatus includes two sets of hot knife assemblies, and the two sets of hot knife assemblies duplicate each other to ensure reliable separation. In an optional embodiment, the disconnector further includes a power supply, which is preferably a 28V power supply.

[0094] In an optional embodiment, the hot knife mounting portion 301 is provided with an insulating block 302 extending perpendicular to the axial direction of the hot knife to avoid transfer of heat generated by the hot knife 303 during heat generation to the base plate 1 and to avoid damage to the thermal barrier coating of the base plate 1 and to transfer the heat generated by the hot knife 303 to the surface of the fastening cord 2 as much as possible, thereby increasing the operational efficiency of the non-pyrotechnic disconnector.

[0095] In an optional embodiment, the hot knife mounting portion is made of a high temperature alumina structural ceramic material, preferably A-99, A-97, A-98, etc. from a number of alumina heat-resistant ceramics.

[0096] In an optional embodiment, the securing cord 2 is a UHMWPE cord or multi-strand cotton cord.

[0097] In an optional embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, each of said at least two unlocking components 4 includes a stationary shaft 403, a resilient member 402, and a tooth 401, the tooth 401 having an L-shaped structure, one end of the tooth being secured to the stationary shaft 403, the elastic element 402 being compressed, when said at least two locking release components 4 are in the first state, and is configured to rotate the prong around the fixed axis and return to the second state when the fastening cord 2 melts. The resilient element in the embodiments of this application is preferably a torsion spring. When the fastening cord 2 is placed, the fastening cord is pressed against the curved portion of the barb 401 and provides a tightening force to force the barb 401 to block the second component 100. In the event that the fastening cord 2 melts, the barb 401 rebounds under the elastic action of the torsion spring and releases the second component 100.

[0098] In an optional embodiment, the non-pyrotechnic release device includes four release components located at four corners of the base plate.

[0099] The locking and unlocking method provided by the embodiment of this application is carried out by using the above release device. Details and effects are given in the above device embodiments, and the details are not described again here.

[0100] The above described only preferred embodiments of this application, which are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any variation or substitution that a person skilled in the art may suggest within the technical scope disclosed in this application falls within the scope of protection of this application.

[0101] Content not described in detail in the description of this application is considered to be well known to those skilled in the art.

Claims (41)

1. A non-pyrotechnic release device for locking or unlocking the first component and the second component, comprising a fastening cord, a hot knife assembly and at least two unlocking components, wherein said at least two unlocking components are attached to the first component, the fastening cord is configured to providing a tightening force for said at least two unlock components to allow said at least two unlock components to be in a first state to lock the second component, the hot knife assembly comprises a hot knife and a hot knife mounting section, the hot knife mounting section being made of thermal insulation material, the hot knife is located inside the hot knife mounting area, the fastening cord is partially in close contact with the hot knife, and the hot knife is an electric heating element to generate heat to melt the fastening cord, which allows the crumpled at least two unlocking components return to the second state, releasing the second component. 2. A non-pyrotechnic disconnector according to claim 1, in which the hot knife mounting section is provided with a hot knife mounting hole and a cord hole, and the hot knife mounting hole intersects with the cord hole and communicates with the cord hole in the intersection position, hot knife located in the hot knife mounting hole and the anchor cord goes through the cord hole and is in close contact with the hot knife. 3. Non-pyrotechnic disconnecting device according to claim 1, further comprising a cord tightening device in which the first end of the fastening cord is fixed, and the cord tightening device is configured to provide the fastening cord tightening force for the second end of the fastening cord to tighten the fastening cord with the creation of a tightening force. 4. Non-pyrotechnic disconnecting device according to claim 3, in which the cord tightening device comprises a clip, a clip attachment area and a clip placement area, and the clip placement area and the clip attachment area are fixed on the first component, the clip is provided with a first through hole, the first end of the clip is made with the ability to interact with the section for staple placement to block the position of the staple, the second end of the staple is rotatably connected to the staple attachment section, the second end of the fastening cord passes through the first through hole and is fixed when the bracket is removed from the staple position, and after fixing the fastening cord, the first end The staple interacts with the staple placement area to lock the staple position while providing the tightening force for the fastening cord. 5. A non-pyrotechnic disconnector according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising a cord pretensioner configured to lock the first end of the anchor cord and provide a different tightening force of the anchor cord for the first end of the anchor cord after the cord tightener provides the cord pull force ... 6. Non-pyrotechnic disconnecting device according to claim 5, in which the cord pretensioner comprises a slider, a guide, a vertical plate, a stop bolt and a lock nut, and the slider is provided with a second through hole and a blocking through hole, one end of the lock bolt is fixed on the vertical plate, and the other end of the stop bolt passes through the locking through hole, the first end of the fastening cord passes through the second through hole and is fixed relative to the slider, and the lock nut interacts with the stopper bolt to slide the slider along the guide to provide tightening force for the fastening cord over the first end of the fastening cord. 7. Non-pyrotechnic disconnecting device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-6, further comprising a base plate adapted to retain components other than the anchorage cord, the base plate being permanently connected to the first component. 8. The non-pyrotechnic disconnector of claim 7, wherein the base plate is made of a magnesium alloy material and both the surface of the base plate in contact with the first component and the surface of the base plate in contact with the second component are coated with a conductive coating. 9. The non-pyrotechnic disconnector of claim 8, wherein the other surfaces of the base plate are coated with a heat barrier coating. 10. The non-pyrotechnic uncoupling device according to claim 1, wherein the hot knife has a cylindrical structure. 11. Non-pyrotechnic disconnecting device according to claim 1 or 10, in which the hot knife contains a hot knife body, metal conductors and wires, and the hot knife body contains a housing, an electric heating wire and an insulating filler, the housing is made of stainless steel, the electric heating wire is located in the housing , the insulating filler fills the cavity of the body, the first end of the wires is connected to the electric heating wire through metal conductors, and the second end of the wires is configured to be connected to a power source. 12. Non-pyrotechnic disconnecting device according to claim 1 or 10, in which the wires are wires with thermal insulation protection type C550124-24. 13. The non-pyrotechnic disconnector according to claim 1 or 10, wherein the electric heating wire is a Cr20Ni80 alloy electric heating wire. 14. The non-pyrotechnic disconnecting device according to claim 1, wherein the hot knife mounting section is provided with a heat-insulating block extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the hot knife. 15. A non-pyrotechnic disconnecting device according to claim 1, wherein the hot knife mounting section is made of an alumina structural ceramic material. 16. Non-pyrotechnic disconnecting device according to PP. 1, 10, 14, or 15, containing two sets of hot knife assemblies. 17. The non-pyrotechnic disconnector according to claim 1, wherein the securing cord is a UHMWPE cord or multi-strand cotton cord. 18. Non-pyrotechnic disconnecting device according to claim 1 or 7, in which each of the said at least two components of unlocking comprises a fixed axis, an elastic element and a tooth, and the tooth is fixed on a fixed axis, the elastic element is made with the possibility of compression when said at least two release components are in a first state, and to rotate the prong around a fixed axis and return to a second state when the anchor cord is melted. 19. The non-pyrotechnic disconnector of claim 18, comprising four release components located at four corners of the base plate. 20. Method of operation of a non-pyrotechnic undocking device, including the steps: securing at least two release components and a hot knife assembly to a first component, wherein the hot knife assembly includes a hot knife and a hot knife mounting section, wherein the hot knife mounting section is made of heat insulating material, and the hot knife is located in the hot knife mounting section ; placing a second component between at least two release components, providing a securing cord to provide a tightening force for said at least two release components to allow said at least two release components to be in a first state to lock the second component, while the fastening the cord passes through the hot knife mounting area and is partially in close contact with the hot knife when the fastening cord is being positioned; and energizing the hot knife while releasing the second component, the hot knife generating heat to melt the fastening cord, which allows the at least two release components to return to a second state to release the second component and achieve release. 21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the hot knife mounting section is provided with a hot knife mounting hole and a cord hole, the hot knife mounting hole intersecting with the cord hole and communicating with the cord hole at the intersection position, the hot knife is located at mounting hole for the hot knife, and the fixing cord goes through the cord hole and is in close contact with the hot knife. 22. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of providing a securing cord around the second component comprises first securing the first end of the securing cord and then providing tightening force to the second end of the securing cord with a cord tightener to tighten the securing cord with tightening force. 23. The method according to claim 22, in which the cord tightening device comprises a clip, a clip attachment area and a clip placement area, the clip placement area and the clip attachment area are fixed to the first component, the clip is provided with a first through hole, the first end of the clip sits in the placement area staples, and the second end of the staple is rotatably connected to the staple attachment area, and the step of providing the tightening force of the second end of the fastening cord with a cord tightening device comprises the steps of: passing the second end of the fastening cord through the first through hole and fixing the second end when the bracket is removed from the section where the bracket is placed, the bracket is rotated so that the first end of the bracket can interact with the section where the bracket is placed to lock the position of the bracket while providing the tightening force of the fastening cord for the second end. 24. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein the first end of the anchor cord is secured by a cord pretensioner and a different tightening force of the anchor cord is provided to the first end of the anchor cord by the cord pretensioner after the cord tightener provides tightening force to the anchor cord. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the cord pretensioner comprises a slider, a guide, a vertical plate, a stop bolt and a lock nut, and the slider is provided with a second through hole and a lock through hole, one end of the lock bolt is attached to the vertical plate and the other end the locking bolt passes through the locking through hole, the first end of the securing cord passes through the second through hole and is fixed relative to the slider, and after the cord tightener provides the tightening force for the securing cord, the locking nut is screwed on, interacting with the securing bolt, and the slider is pushed sliding along the guide to provide tightening force for the securing cord at the first end of the securing cord. 26. The method according to any of paragraphs. 20-25, further comprising attaching components other than an anchorage cord to the first component through a base plate. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the base plate is made of a magnesium alloy material, and both the surface of the base plate in contact with the first component and the surface of the base plate in contact with the second component are coated with a conductive coating. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the other surfaces of the base plate are coated with a heat barrier coating. 29. The method of claim 20, wherein the hot knife has a cylindrical structure. 30. The method according to claim 20 or 29, in which the hot knife comprises a hot knife body, metal conductors and wires, and the hot knife body contains a body, an electric heating wire and an insulating filler, and the body is made of stainless steel, the electric heating wire is located in the body, the insulating filler fills the cavity of the body, the first end of the wires is connected to the electric heating wire through metal conductors, and the second end of the wires is configured to be connected to a power source. 31. The method of claim 20 or 29, wherein the wires are C550124-24 type insulated wires. 32. The method of claim 20 or 29, wherein the electric heating wire is a Cr20Ni80 alloy electric heating wire. 33. The method of claim 20, wherein the hot knife mounting section is provided with a heat insulating block extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the hot knife. 34. The method of claim 20, wherein the hot knife mounting portion is made of an alumina structural ceramic material. 35. The method according to PP. 20, 29, 33, or 34, in which the non-pyrotechnic disconnector comprises two sets of hot knife assemblies. 36. The method of claim 20, wherein the securing cord is a UHMWPE cord or multi-strand cotton cord. 37. The method according to claim 20 or 26, wherein each of said at least two unlocking components comprises a stationary axis, an elastic element and a tooth, the tooth being fixed on the stationary axis and configured to provide a tightening force to compress the elastic element when said at least two unlocking components are in the first state, and the resilient member is configured to rotate the prong around the fixed axis and return to the second state when the fastening cord has melted. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the non-pyrotechnic release device comprises four release components located at four corners of the base plate.

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