EP0068137B1 - Deployable antenna mesh reflector - Google Patents

Deployable antenna mesh reflector Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0068137B1
EP0068137B1 EP82104444A EP82104444A EP0068137B1 EP 0068137 B1 EP0068137 B1 EP 0068137B1 EP 82104444 A EP82104444 A EP 82104444A EP 82104444 A EP82104444 A EP 82104444A EP 0068137 B1 EP0068137 B1 EP 0068137B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
knee
rope
way
levers
ribs
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Expired
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EP82104444A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0068137A1 (en
Inventor
Herbert Imbiel
Henning Herbig
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Airbus Defence and Space GmbH
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Messerschmitt Bolkow Blohm AG
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Publication of EP0068137A1 publication Critical patent/EP0068137A1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q15/00—Devices for reflection, refraction, diffraction or polarisation of waves radiated from an antenna, e.g. quasi-optical devices
    • H01Q15/14—Reflecting surfaces; Equivalent structures
    • H01Q15/16—Reflecting surfaces; Equivalent structures curved in two dimensions, e.g. paraboloidal
    • H01Q15/161—Collapsible reflectors

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a deployable antenna network reflector, in which a reflector network is stretched between articulated, radially diverging in the unfolded state, stiff ribs.
  • Antenna reflectors of this type are used primarily in space travel, since it is important to accommodate as much payload as possible in a limited transport volume.
  • the antennas are therefore transported in the folded state and only unfolded after reaching orbit.
  • a wide variety of constructions for such folding antennas are already known, each of which has specially adapted deployment mechanisms (see Journal of Flight Science and Space Research, 4 (1980), No. 5, pages 255 to 267).
  • a deployable offset reflector is described with the features mentioned at the beginning (loc. Cit. Page 264), which is deployed in two successive phases. First of all, there are the flexible cross connectors between the rib ends, which are under tension in the folded state and, after unleashing, initiate the unfolding of the reflector by spreading the radial ribs.
  • the invention was therefore based on the object of providing a deployable antenna network reflector, the design of which can withstand high mechanical loads and in which perfect deployment is ensured at all times.
  • the arrangement can be designed such that ropes assigned to a plurality of toggle levers can be actuated together.
  • This has the effect that the entire reflector can be unfolded evenly, so that the reflector network does not come under tension on one side.
  • the toggle levers essential for the unfolding process are preferably attached at a distance from the radially outward-pointing rib ends. They can then be made shorter than if they were attached in the region of the rib ends, and moreover the angles between the two arms of the toggle lever are larger in the folded state, which facilitates the start of the unfolding process.
  • the same purpose is also served by the measure to be regarded as favorable, to provide spacers between the ribs, so that the ribs do not lie directly against one another in the folded state. The greater the initial distance between the ribs, the greater the lever angle and the easier the unfolding process can be initiated.
  • toggle levers that can be bent on one side and engage in the extended position.
  • These outer toggle levers can, in addition, similarly to the already mentioned, toggle levers arranged at a distance from the rib ends, additionally be used to support the unfolding process. For this purpose, provision is also made to allow ropes to engage the knee joints of the toggle levers connecting the rib ends.
  • the network target vector shown in a highly schematic manner in FIG. 1 is designated by 1. Only one half, the other, is shown in detail this results in a mirror-image correspondence.
  • the reflector consists essentially of a central rib 2, on the two sides of which there are three further ribs 3, 4, 5 and a terminating rib 6.
  • the ribs 2 to 5 are reinforced in the manner of a truss perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and are essentially flat, while the end ribs 6 are also reinforced in the manner of a framework, but in the form of a space framework.
  • the ribs are all attached to a mounting block 7, the ribs 3 to 6 can be pivoted. They are preferably made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and are therefore very light, yet extremely resilient.
  • a first and a second inner toggle lever 8 and 9 are provided, which are articulated on the ribs and whose knee joints 8 'and 9' are engaged in the illustrated lever position, but are bent radially outwards can.
  • the radially outward-pointing ends of the ribs 2 to 6 are connected to one another by further, outer toggle levers 10 to 13. These are also locked in the position shown and can be bent radially outwards via their knee joints 10 'to 13'.
  • the first rope 14 runs over a first balancing roller 17, the second rope 15 over a second balancing roller 18 and the third rope 16 over a third balancing roller 19.
  • a fourth rope 20 engages with the balancing rollers 18 and 19, which over a fourth balancing roller 21 running. This in turn is engaged by a traction cable 22, on which a traction which is essentially radially inward can be exerted with the aid of a drive (not shown), for example a motor.
  • top surfaces of the ribs 2 to 6 appearing in plan view are parabolically curved perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and, in a first approximation, define a parabolic reflector surface.
  • a fine-meshed, metallic reflector network (not shown) is attached to the ribs, which can be brought into a parabolically curved shape with high approximation, for example by a second, wide-mesh adjustment network arranged underneath and adjustable cross wires connecting the two networks.
  • FIG. 2 the same numbering as in FIG. 1 is used for the same components.
  • the representation is further schematized insofar as the ribs 3 to 6 are only indicated in thin dashed lines and the toggle levers 8 to 13 are shown in thick dashed lines, for reasons of better clarity.
  • the ribs do not lie directly against one another, since they are kept at a certain distance by spacers (not shown).
  • the inner two toggle levers 8 and 9 are thus not completely folded up, so that the unfolding process can be initiated more easily due to the angle that opens between the lever arms. This is done in that the pulling rope 22 exerts a substantially radially inward pull on the compensating roller 21. This is transferred to the compensating rollers 18 and 19 and 17, so that finally a force is exerted on the knee joints of the inner and outer toggle levers 8, 9 and 10 to 12, which tries to bring the toggle lever into the extended position.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 correspond to those in FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • the corresponding numbers have therefore been adopted.
  • the arrangement differs from that of FIGS. 1 and 2 essentially in that the inner toggle levers now only have one on their knee joints 8 'and 9 'Attacking rope 23, which runs over a compensating roller 24, are put under tension, with the aid of a tension rope 25.
  • the outer toggle levers 10 to 12 shown in dotted lines are not actuated radially from the inside, but via a peripheral tensioning rope 26.
  • rope guides 27 to 30 held on the knee joints of the outer toggle levers 10 to 13 are used, which can be designed as hollow rails provided with grooves, and from which the tensioning rope 26 is guided radially on the outside.
  • 2 to 6 guide rollers 31 to 35 are pivotally attached to the radially outward ends of the ribs, of which the tensioning cable 26, seen in the radial direction, is guided inside.
  • the pulling or tensioning cables 25 and 26 can be put under tension by, for example, motor-driven winding devices 36 and 37, the design of which is not essential to the invention. This happens when the reflector from the folded state shown in FIG. 4 is to be brought into the unfolded and locked state shown in FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 4 corresponds to that of FIG. 2, the numbering of that of FIG. 3. If the reflector is to be unfolded, a pull is simultaneously exerted on the pull cable 25 and the tension cable 26. To stretch the inner toggle levers 8 and 9, actuation of the pull cable 25 would in itself be sufficient, but the deployment process is facilitated and accelerated by additional actuation of the tension cable 26.
  • the compensating rollers 21 and 24 and 17, 18 and 19 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 have the effect that the tension exerted on the pulling ropes 22 and 25 is passed on evenly to the knee joints of the corresponding toggle levers, so that the unfolding process is also as uniform as possible.

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  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Aerials With Secondary Devices (AREA)
  • Details Of Aerials (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen enfaltbaren Antennen-Netzreflektor, bei dem zwischen gelenkig gelagerten, im entfalteten Zustand radial auseinanderstrebenden, in sich steifen Rippen ein Reflektornetz aufgespannt ist.The invention relates to a deployable antenna network reflector, in which a reflector network is stretched between articulated, radially diverging in the unfolded state, stiff ribs.

Derartige Antennen-Reflektoren werden vor allem in der Raumfahrt verwendet, da es dort darauf ankommt, in einem begrenzten Transportvolumen möglichst viel Nutzlast unterzubringen. Die Antennen werden deshalb im zusammengefalteten Zustand transportiert und erst nach Erreichen der Umlaufbahn entfaltet. Es sind bereits die verschiedensten Konstruktionen für solche Faltantennen bekannt, die jeweils besonders angepasste Entfaltmechanismen besitzen (siehe Zeitschrift für Flugwissenschaft und Weltraumforschung, 4 (1980), Heft 5, Seiten 255 bis 267). Dort ist unter anderem ein entfaltbarer Offset-Reflektor mit den eingangs erwähnten Merkmalen beschrieben (loc. cit. Seite 264), der in zwei aufeinanderfolgenden Phasen entfaltet wird. Zunächst wirken die zwischen den Rippenenden angebrachten flexiblen Querverbinder, die im zusammengefalteten Zustand unter Spannung stehen und nach der Entfesselung die Entfaltung des Reflektors durch Aufspreizung der radialen Rippen einleiten. Für die volle Entfaltung und Verriegelung, die für eine definierte Oberflächenform des Reflektornetzes erforderlich ist, muss ein zusätzlicher Antrieb vorgesehen werden, da auf dem letzten Stück des Entfaltweges der zunehmenden Netzspannung entgegengewirkt werden muss. Hierzu sind bei der bekannten Vorrichtung über einen Stellmotor betätigte Seilzüge vorgesehen, deren konstruktive Ausbildung jedoch nicht weiter beschrieben ist.Antenna reflectors of this type are used primarily in space travel, since it is important to accommodate as much payload as possible in a limited transport volume. The antennas are therefore transported in the folded state and only unfolded after reaching orbit. A wide variety of constructions for such folding antennas are already known, each of which has specially adapted deployment mechanisms (see Journal of Flight Science and Space Research, 4 (1980), No. 5, pages 255 to 267). There, among other things, a deployable offset reflector is described with the features mentioned at the beginning (loc. Cit. Page 264), which is deployed in two successive phases. First of all, there are the flexible cross connectors between the rib ends, which are under tension in the folded state and, after unleashing, initiate the unfolding of the reflector by spreading the radial ribs. For full deployment and locking, which is required for a defined surface shape of the reflector network, an additional drive must be provided, since the increasing network voltage must be counteracted on the last part of the deployment path. For this purpose, cables operated via a servomotor are provided in the known device, the design of which, however, is not further described.

Die an den Rippenenden angebrachten flexiblen Querverbinder der bekannten Reflektoranordnung sind, insbesondere wenn die Rippen im gefalteten Zustand eng aneinanderliegen, ausserordentlich hohen mechanischen Spannungen ausgesetzt. Hinzu kommt, dass beim Start Vibrationsenergie in die Reflektorstruktur eingeleitet wird, die von den Querverbindern zusätzlich aufgenommen werden muss. Diese ausserordentlich hohen Belastungen bringen die Gefahr mit sich, dass der eine oder andere Querverbinder noch vor Beginn des Entfaltvorganges bricht und ein ordnungsgemässes Entfalten somit nicht mehr gewährleistet ist.The flexible cross-connectors of the known reflector arrangement attached to the rib ends are exposed to extraordinarily high mechanical stresses, in particular when the ribs lie close together in the folded state. In addition, vibration energy is introduced into the reflector structure at the start, which must also be absorbed by the cross connectors. These extraordinarily high loads entail the risk that one or the other cross connector breaks before the unfolding process begins, and proper unfolding is therefore no longer guaranteed.

Der Erfindung lag daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, einen entfaltbaren Antennen-Netzreflektor bereitzustellen, dessen Konstruktion hohen mechanischen Belastungen gewachsen ist und bei dem ein einwandfreies Entfalten jederzeit sichergestellt ist.The invention was therefore based on the object of providing a deployable antenna network reflector, the design of which can withstand high mechanical loads and in which perfect deployment is ensured at all times.

Diese Aufgabe wird gemäss der Erfindung dadurch gelöst, dass je zwei Rippen verbindende, mit ihren beiden Enden an diesen angelenkte, einseitig knickbare und in gestreckter Stellung einrastende Kniehebel vorgesehen sind, an deren Kniegelenken über Rollen geführte Seile angreifen.This object is achieved according to the invention in that two ribs are connected, with their two ends articulated to them, one-sided bendable and in the stretched position engaging toggle levers on the knee ropes which are guided by rollers.

Mit dieser Konstruktion wird erreicht, dass der Entfaltvorgang nunmehr in einem Zuge abläuft, und zwar durch Betätigung der Seile, die an den Kniegelenken der erfindungsgemäss vorgesehenen Kniehebel angreifen. Die Kniehebel sind im gefalteten Zustand im wesentlichen radial nach aussen eingeknickt und werden durch die Seile, die im wesentlichen radial nach innen wirken, bis in die gestreckte Stellung gezogen, in der sie einrasten. Dadurch ist sowohl das einwandfreie Entfalten als auch die notwendige Verriegelung gesichert. Die Kniehebel stehen im gefalteten Zustand nicht unter Spannung und sind den während des Transportes auftretenden Belastungen ohne weiteres gewachsen.With this construction it is achieved that the unfolding process now takes place in one go, namely by actuating the cables which act on the knee joints of the toggle levers provided according to the invention. The toggle levers are folded essentially radially outwards in the folded state and are pulled by the ropes which act essentially radially inwards to the extended position in which they engage. This ensures proper unfolding and the necessary locking. When folded, the toggle levers are not under tension and can easily cope with the loads that occur during transport.

Insbesondere kann die Anordnung so ausgebildet sein, dass mehreren Kniehebeln zugeordnete Seile gemeinsam betätigbar sind. Hierdurch wird bewirkt, dass der gesamte Reflektor gleichmässig entfaltet werden kann, so dass das Reflektornetz nicht einseitig unter Spannung gerät. Die für den Entfaltungsvorgang wesentlichen Kniehebel werden vorzugsweise mit Abstand von den radial nach aussen weisenden Rippenenden angebracht. Sie können dann kürzer ausgebildet sein, als wenn sie im Bereich der Rippenenden angebracht wären, und überdies sind dann die Winkel zwischen den beiden Armen der Kniehebel im gefalteten Zustand grösser, wodurch der Beginn des Entfaltvorganes erleichtert wird. Demselben Zweck dient auch die als günstig anzusehende Massnahme, zwischen den Rippen Abstandshalter vorzusehen, so dass die Rippen im gefalteten Zustand nicht direkt aneinanderliegen. Je grösser der anfängliche Abstand zwischen den Rippen ist, desto grösser wird auch der Hebelwinkel und desto leichter kann der Entfaltvorgang eingeleitet werden.In particular, the arrangement can be designed such that ropes assigned to a plurality of toggle levers can be actuated together. This has the effect that the entire reflector can be unfolded evenly, so that the reflector network does not come under tension on one side. The toggle levers essential for the unfolding process are preferably attached at a distance from the radially outward-pointing rib ends. They can then be made shorter than if they were attached in the region of the rib ends, and moreover the angles between the two arms of the toggle lever are larger in the folded state, which facilitates the start of the unfolding process. The same purpose is also served by the measure to be regarded as favorable, to provide spacers between the ribs, so that the ribs do not lie directly against one another in the folded state. The greater the initial distance between the ribs, the greater the lever angle and the easier the unfolding process can be initiated.

Um eine in der entfalteten und verriegeltenTo one in the unfolded and locked

Stellung besonders stabile Reflektorstruktur zu erhalten, ist zu empfehlen, die Rippenenden ebenfalls durch einseitig knickbare, in gestreckter Stellung einrastende Kniehebel untereinander zu verbinden. Diese äusseren Kniehebel können darüber hinaus, ähnlich wie die bereits erwähnten, mit Abstand von den Rippenenden angeordneten Kniehebel, noch zusätzlich zur Unterstützung des Entfaltvorganges herangezogen werden. Dazu ist vorgesehen, an den Kniegelenken der die Rippenenden verbindenden Kniehebel ebenfalls Seile angreifen zu lassen.To maintain the position of a particularly stable reflector structure, it is recommended to also connect the rib ends to one another by means of toggle levers that can be bent on one side and engage in the extended position. These outer toggle levers can, in addition, similarly to the already mentioned, toggle levers arranged at a distance from the rib ends, additionally be used to support the unfolding process. For this purpose, provision is also made to allow ropes to engage the knee joints of the toggle levers connecting the rib ends.

Weitere vorteilhafte Ausbildungen der Erfindung sind den Unteransprüchen und den im folgenden näher beschriebenen Ausführungsformen zu entnehmen.Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the subclaims and the embodiments described in more detail below.

Es zeigen in schematischer Weise

  • Fig. 1 einen Antennen-Netzreflektor gemäss der Erfindung in entfaltetem Zustand,
  • Fig. 2 den Reflektor der Fig. 1 im zusammengefalteten Zustand,
  • Fig. 3 einen weiteren Antennen-Netzreflektor gemäss der Erfindung im entfalteten Zustand,
  • Fig. 4 den Reflektor der Fig. 3 im zusammengefalteten Zustand.
They show in a schematic way
  • 1 shows an antenna network reflector according to the invention in the deployed state,
  • 2 the reflector of FIG. 1 in the folded state,
  • 3 shows a further antenna network reflector according to the invention in the unfolded state,
  • Fig. 4 shows the reflector of Fig. 3 in the folded state.

Der in Fig. 1 in stark schematisierter Weise dargestellte Netzreffektor ist mit 1 bezeichnet. Detailliert dargestellt ist nur die eine Hälfte, die andere ergibt sich daraus als spiegelbildliche Entsprechung. Der Reflektor besteht im wesentlichen aus einer zentralen Rippe 2, zu dessen beiden Seiten jeweils sich anschliessenden drei weiteren Rippen 3, 4, 5 sowie je einer Abschlussrippe 6. Die Rippen 2 bis 5 sind senkrecht zur Zeichenebene fachwerkartig verstärkt und im wesentlichen flächenhaft ausgebildet, während die Abschlussrippen 6 ebenfalls fachwerkartig verstärkt sind, jedoch in Form eines Raumfachwerkes. Die Rippen sind sämtlich an einem Halterungsblock 7 befestigt, die Rippen 3 bis 6 schwenkbar. Sie bestehen vorzugsweise aus kohlefaserverstärktem Kunststoff, sind daher sehr leicht und trotzdem äusserst belastungsfähig. Zwischen den Rippen 2, 4 und 6 sind ein erster sowie ein zweiter innerer Kniehebel 8 bzw. 9 vorgesehen, die an den Rippen angelenkt sind und deren Kniegelenke 8' sowie 9' in der dargestellten gestreckten Hebelstellung eingerastet sind, jedoch radial nach aussen eingeknickt werden können. Die radial nach aussen weisenden Enden der Rippen 2 bis 6 sind durch weitere, äussere Kniehebel 10 bis 13 untereinander verbunden. Diese sind in der dargestellten Position ebenfalls eingerastet und über ihre Kniegelenke 10' bis 13' radial nach aussen knickbar.The network target vector shown in a highly schematic manner in FIG. 1 is designated by 1. Only one half, the other, is shown in detail this results in a mirror-image correspondence. The reflector consists essentially of a central rib 2, on the two sides of which there are three further ribs 3, 4, 5 and a terminating rib 6. The ribs 2 to 5 are reinforced in the manner of a truss perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and are essentially flat, while the end ribs 6 are also reinforced in the manner of a framework, but in the form of a space framework. The ribs are all attached to a mounting block 7, the ribs 3 to 6 can be pivoted. They are preferably made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and are therefore very light, yet extremely resilient. Between the ribs 2, 4 and 6, a first and a second inner toggle lever 8 and 9 are provided, which are articulated on the ribs and whose knee joints 8 'and 9' are engaged in the illustrated lever position, but are bent radially outwards can. The radially outward-pointing ends of the ribs 2 to 6 are connected to one another by further, outer toggle levers 10 to 13. These are also locked in the position shown and can be bent radially outwards via their knee joints 10 'to 13'.

An den Kniegelenken 8' bis 12' der Kniehebel 8 bis 12 greifen insgesamt drei Seile 14, 15, 16 an. Das erste Seil 14 läuft über eine erste Ausgleichsrolle 17, das zweite Seil 15 über eine zweite Ausgleichsrolle 18 und das dritte Seil 16 über eine dritte Ausgleichsrolle 19. An den Ausgleichsrollen 18 und 19 greift ein viertes Seil 20 an, das über eine vierte Ausgleichsrolle 21 läuft. An dieser wiederum greift ein Zugseil 22 an, auf das mit Hilfe eines nicht dargestellten Antriebes, beispielsweise eines Motors, ein im wesentlichen radial nach innen gerichteter Zug ausgeübt werden kann.A total of three ropes 14, 15, 16 engage the knee joints 8 'to 12' of the toggle levers 8 to 12. The first rope 14 runs over a first balancing roller 17, the second rope 15 over a second balancing roller 18 and the third rope 16 over a third balancing roller 19. A fourth rope 20 engages with the balancing rollers 18 and 19, which over a fourth balancing roller 21 running. This in turn is engaged by a traction cable 22, on which a traction which is essentially radially inward can be exerted with the aid of a drive (not shown), for example a motor.

Weiterhin sind noch einige (nicht bezifferte) Führungsrollen dargestellt, deren Funktion sich unmittelbar aus der Fig. 2 ergibt.Furthermore, some (not numbered) guide rollers are shown, the function of which results directly from FIG. 2.

Die in Draufsicht erscheinenden Oberseiten der Rippen 2 bis 6 sind senkrecht zur Zeichenebene parabolisch gekrümmt und definieren in erster Näherung eine parabolische Reflektoroberfläche. An den Rippen ist ein (nicht dargestelltes) engmaschiges, metallisches Reflektornetz befestigt, das beispielsweise durch ein zweites, darunter angeordnetes, weitermaschiges Justiernetz sowie justierbare, beide Netze verbindende Querdrähte mit hoher Annäherung in eine parabolisch gekrümmte Form gebracht werden kann.The top surfaces of the ribs 2 to 6 appearing in plan view are parabolically curved perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and, in a first approximation, define a parabolic reflector surface. A fine-meshed, metallic reflector network (not shown) is attached to the ribs, which can be brought into a parabolically curved shape with high approximation, for example by a second, wide-mesh adjustment network arranged underneath and adjustable cross wires connecting the two networks.

In Fig. 2 sind für diesselben Bauteile diesselben Bezifferungsnummern wie in Fig. 1 verwendet. Die Darstellung ist insoweit noch weiter schematisiert, als die Rippen 3 bis 6 nur mehr dünn gestrichelt angedeutet und die Kniehebel 8 bis 13 dick gestrichelt gezeichnet sind, und zwar aus Gründen der besseren Übersichtlichkeit. Die Rippen liegen nicht direkt aneinander, da sie durch (nicht dargestellte) Abstandshalter in einem gewissen Abstand gehalten werden. Die inneren beiden Kniehebel 8 und 9 sind somit nicht völlig zusammengefaltet, so dass auf Grund des zwisehen den Hebelarmen sich öffnenden Winkels der Entfaltvorgang leichter eingeleitet werden kann. Dies geschieht dadurch, dass mit Hilfe des Zugseils 22 auf die Ausgleichsrolle 21 ein im wesentlichen radial nach innen gerichteter Zug ausgeübt wird. Dieser überträgt sich auf die Ausgleichsrollen 18 und 19 sowie 17, so dass schliesslich auf die Kniegelenke der inneren sowie äusseren Kniehebel 8, 9 bzw. 10 bis 12 eine Kraft ausgeübt wird, die die Kniehebel in die gestreckte Lage zu bringen sucht.In FIG. 2, the same numbering as in FIG. 1 is used for the same components. The representation is further schematized insofar as the ribs 3 to 6 are only indicated in thin dashed lines and the toggle levers 8 to 13 are shown in thick dashed lines, for reasons of better clarity. The ribs do not lie directly against one another, since they are kept at a certain distance by spacers (not shown). The inner two toggle levers 8 and 9 are thus not completely folded up, so that the unfolding process can be initiated more easily due to the angle that opens between the lever arms. This is done in that the pulling rope 22 exerts a substantially radially inward pull on the compensating roller 21. This is transferred to the compensating rollers 18 and 19 and 17, so that finally a force is exerted on the knee joints of the inner and outer toggle levers 8, 9 and 10 to 12, which tries to bring the toggle lever into the extended position.

Dadurch werden gleichzeitig die Rippen auseinandergespreizt, bis schliesslich die Kniehebel in ihrer gestreckten Lage einrasten und die Reflektorstruktur damit verriegelt ist. Der Reflektor befindet sich dann in dem in Fig. 1 dargestellten entfalteten Zustand.As a result, the ribs are spread apart until the toggle levers finally snap into their extended position and the reflector structure is locked with it. The reflector is then in the unfolded state shown in FIG. 1.

Zahl und Art der Rippen entsprechen beim Ausführungsbeispiel der Figuren 3 und 4 denen der Fig. 1 und 2. Die entsprechenden Bezifferungen sind daher übernommen worden. Das gleiche gilt für die inneren und äusseren Kniehebel 8, 9 bzw. 10 bis 13. Die Anordnung unterscheidet sich von der der Fig. 1 und 2 im wesentlichen dadurch, dass die inneren Kniehebel nunmehr lediglich über ein an ihren Kniegelenken 8' bzw. 9' angreifendes Seil 23, das über eine Ausgleichsrolle 24 läuft, unter Zug gesetzt werden, und zwar mit Hilfe eines Zugseiles 25. Die dick gestrichelt dargestellten äusseren Kniehebel 10 bis 12 werden nicht radial von innen her betätigt, sondern über ein peripher umlaufendes Spannseil 26. Zu dessen Führung dienen einmal an den Kniegelenken der äusseren Kniehebel 10 bis 13 gehalterte Seilführungen 27 bis 30, die als mit Laufrillen versehene hohle Schienen ausgebildet sein können, und von denen das Spannseil 26 radial aussen geführt wird. Zum anderen sind an den radial nach aussen gerichteten Enden der Rippen 2 bis 6 Führungsrollen 31 bis 35 schwenkbar angebracht, von denen das Spannseil 26, in radialer Richtung gesehen, innen geführt wird. Die Zug- bzw. Spannseile 25 und 26 können von beispielsweise motorgetriebenen Aufwickelvorrichtungen 36 und 37, deren Ausbildung nicht erfindungswesentlich ist, unter Zug gesetzt werden. Dies geschieht, wenn der Reflektor aus dem in Fig. 4 dargestellten, zusammengefalteten Zustand in den in Fig. 3 dargestellten, entfalteten und verriegelten Zustand gebracht werden soll.The number and type of ribs in the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 3 and 4 correspond to those in FIGS. 1 and 2. The corresponding numbers have therefore been adopted. The same applies to the inner and outer toggle levers 8, 9 and 10 to 13. The arrangement differs from that of FIGS. 1 and 2 essentially in that the inner toggle levers now only have one on their knee joints 8 'and 9 'Attacking rope 23, which runs over a compensating roller 24, are put under tension, with the aid of a tension rope 25. The outer toggle levers 10 to 12 shown in dotted lines are not actuated radially from the inside, but via a peripheral tensioning rope 26. To guide it, rope guides 27 to 30 held on the knee joints of the outer toggle levers 10 to 13 are used, which can be designed as hollow rails provided with grooves, and from which the tensioning rope 26 is guided radially on the outside. On the other hand, 2 to 6 guide rollers 31 to 35 are pivotally attached to the radially outward ends of the ribs, of which the tensioning cable 26, seen in the radial direction, is guided inside. The pulling or tensioning cables 25 and 26 can be put under tension by, for example, motor-driven winding devices 36 and 37, the design of which is not essential to the invention. This happens when the reflector from the folded state shown in FIG. 4 is to be brought into the unfolded and locked state shown in FIG. 3.

Die Darstellungsweise der Fig. 4 entspricht der der Fig. 2, die Bezifferung der der Fig. 3. Soll der Reflektor entfaltet werden, so wird gleichzeitig ein Zug auf das Zugseil 25 sowie das Spannseil 26 ausgeübt. Zur Streckung der inneren Kniehebel 8 und 9 würde an sich die Betätigung des Zugseiles 25 ausreichen, der Entfaltvorgang wird jedoch durch zusätzliche Betätigung des Spannseiles 26 erleichtert und beschleunigt.The representation of FIG. 4 corresponds to that of FIG. 2, the numbering of that of FIG. 3. If the reflector is to be unfolded, a pull is simultaneously exerted on the pull cable 25 and the tension cable 26. To stretch the inner toggle levers 8 and 9, actuation of the pull cable 25 would in itself be sufficient, but the deployment process is facilitated and accelerated by additional actuation of the tension cable 26.

Die in den Fig. 1 bis 4 dargestellten Ausgleichsrollen 21 und 24 sowie 17, 18 und 19 bewirken, dass der auf die Zugseile 22 bzw. 25 ausgeübte Zug gleichmässig an die Kniegelenke der entsprechenden Kniehebel weitergeleitet wird, so dass der Entfaltvorgang ebenfalls so gleichförmig wie möglich abläuft.The compensating rollers 21 and 24 and 17, 18 and 19 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 have the effect that the tension exerted on the pulling ropes 22 and 25 is passed on evenly to the knee joints of the corresponding toggle levers, so that the unfolding process is also as uniform as possible.

Bei den in den Fig. dargestellten Ausführungsbeispielen handelt es sich zwar in beiden Fällen um Reflektoren vom Offset-Typ, die Erfindung ist jedoch nicht hierauf beschränkt, vielmehr kann sie entsprechend ohne weiteres bei zentralsymmetrischen Reflektoren angewendet werden.The exemplary embodiments shown in the figures are in both cases reflectors of the offset type, but the invention is not limited to this, but rather can be used accordingly with centrally symmetrical reflectors.

Claims (11)

1. An unfoldable antenna mesh reflector, in which a reflector mesh is stretched between hin- gedly-mounted ribs which are in themselves stiff and which in the unfolded state diverge radially, characterised by knee levers (8', 9) which connect two ribs (2, 4; 4, 6) each and which are hinged thereto by their free ends and which are bendable on one side and which engage in the stretched position and on the knee joints (8', 9') of which there act ropes which are conducted over rollers (17,19).
2. An unfoldable antenna mesh reflector according to claim 1, characterised in that ropes associated with several knee levers are jointly ac- tuable.
3. An unfoldable antenna mesh reflector according to claim 1, characterised in that the knee levers (8, 9) are located at a spacing from the rib ends, pointing radially outwards.
4. An unfoldable antenna mesh reflector according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the rib ends are likewise connected one to another by knee levers (10,11,12,13) which are bendable on one side and which engage in the stretched position.
5. An unfoldable antenna mesh reflector according to claim 4, characterised in that ropes (14,15,16) act on the knee joints (10', 11', 12') of the knee levers (10,11,12) which connect the rib ends.
6. An unfoldable antenna mesh reflector according to claim 4, characterised in that the knee joints (10',11',12',13') of the knee levers (10,11, 12, 13) which connect the rib ends are provided with rope guides (27, 28, 29, 30) and the rib ends are provided with guide rollers (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) and a tensioning rope (26) extends by way of the rope guides and guide rollers, in which respect the knee joints are bendable radially outwards and the tensioning rope is conducted by the rope guides radially outwards and by the guide rollers radially inwards.
7. An unfoldable antenna mesh reflector according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that associated with three mutually adjacent ribs (2, 3, 4; 4, 5, 6) is one inner knee lever (8, 9) in which respect the latter is hinged to the two outer ones of the three ribs (2, 4; 4, 6) at a spacing from the rib ends and the respective central rib (3; 5) is connected at its end by way of further outer knee leevers (10, 11; 12, 13) to the ends of the two outer ribs (2, 4; 4, 6).
8. An unfoldable antenna mesh reflector according to claim 7, characterised by a first rope (14) which acts on the knee joint (8') of the inner knee lever (8) and which runs by way of a first compensating roller (17) to the knee joint (10') of the one of the two outer knee levers (10) and a second rope (15) which acts on the first compensating roller (17) and which extends by way of a second compensating roller (18) to the knee joint (11') of the other one of the two outer knee levers (11).
9. An unfoldable antenna mesh reflector according to claim 1 having a central rib linking to which on both sides are each three further ribs as well as a terminal rib, characterised in that the middle ones (4) of the three further ribs (3, 4, 5) are connected respectively by way of first inner knee levers (8), hinged at a spacing from the rib ends, to the central rib (2) and respectively by way of second inner knee levers (9), hinged at a spacing from the respective rib ends, to the terminal ribs (6) and the ends of all the ribs (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) are connected by way of further outer knee levers (10, 11, 12, 13) to the respective adjacent rib ends.
10. An unfoldable antenna mesh reflector according to claim 9, characterised in that ropes (14,15,16) act on the knee joints (10', 11', 12'), of the first three outer knee levers (10, 11, 12), counted in each case from the central rib (2), in which respect the first rope (14), associated with the first outer knee lever (10), runs by way of a first compensating roller (17) to the knee joint (8'), of the first inner knee lever (8), the second rope (15), associated with the second outer knee lever (11), runs by way of a second compensating roller (18) to the first compensating roller (17), and the third rope (16), associated with the third outer knee lever (12), runs by way of a third compensating roller (19) to the knee joint (9') of the second inner knee lever (9), the second compensating roller is connected to the third one by a fourth rope (20) running by way of a fourth compensating roller (21), and a traction rope (22) of its own acts on the fourth compensating roller.
11. An unfoldable antenna mesh reflector according to claim 9, characterised in that the knee joints (8', 9') of the two inner knee levers (8, 9) are, in each case, connected to one another by a first rope (23) running by way of a compensating roller (24), in each case, a traction rope (25) acts on the compensating roller, the rib ends are provided with guide rollers (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) and the knee joints of the outer knee levers (10, 11, 12,13) are provided with rope guides (27,28,29, 30) and a tensioning rope (26) extends by way of all the guide rollers and rope guides, in which respect the outer knee levers are linkable radially outwards and the tensioning rope is conducted by the rope guides radially outwards and by the guide rollers radially inwards.
EP82104444A 1981-06-25 1982-05-21 Deployable antenna mesh reflector Expired EP0068137B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE3124907 1981-06-25
DE19813124907 DE3124907A1 (en) 1981-06-25 1981-06-25 "DEVELOPABLE AERIAL NET REFLECTOR"

Publications (2)

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EP0068137A1 EP0068137A1 (en) 1983-01-05
EP0068137B1 true EP0068137B1 (en) 1986-03-12

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP82104444A Expired EP0068137B1 (en) 1981-06-25 1982-05-21 Deployable antenna mesh reflector

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US (1) US4498087A (en)
EP (1) EP0068137B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS586603A (en)
DE (1) DE3124907A1 (en)

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DE19818240A1 (en) * 1998-04-23 1999-11-04 Daimler Chrysler Ag Antenna reflector for space application
DE19818240C2 (en) * 1998-04-23 2000-06-29 Daimler Chrysler Ag Reflector and reflector element for antennas for use in space, and method for unfolding a reflector

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE3124907C2 (en) 1987-12-10
JPH0161241B2 (en) 1989-12-27
EP0068137A1 (en) 1983-01-05
JPS586603A (en) 1983-01-14
DE3124907A1 (en) 1983-01-13
US4498087A (en) 1985-02-05

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