EP0076978A1 - Adjustable support device for a reflector mounted on a satellite - Google Patents

Adjustable support device for a reflector mounted on a satellite Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0076978A1
EP0076978A1 EP82109048A EP82109048A EP0076978A1 EP 0076978 A1 EP0076978 A1 EP 0076978A1 EP 82109048 A EP82109048 A EP 82109048A EP 82109048 A EP82109048 A EP 82109048A EP 0076978 A1 EP0076978 A1 EP 0076978A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
axes
reflector
mounting flange
frame
axis
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP82109048A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0076978B1 (en
Inventor
Hans Dipl.-Ing. Heimerdinger
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Dornier System GmbH
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Dornier System GmbH
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Publication date
Application filed by Dornier System GmbH filed Critical Dornier System GmbH
Publication of EP0076978A1 publication Critical patent/EP0076978A1/en
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Publication of EP0076978B1 publication Critical patent/EP0076978B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
    • H01Q3/02—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole
    • H01Q3/08—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system using mechanical movement of antenna or antenna system as a whole for varying two co-ordinates of the orientation

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a universal joint with two mutually perpendicular axes that intersect centrally in or under a mounting flange and are provided with a drive.
  • joints of this type are used in satellite technology in order to align satellites, in particular communication satellites, reflectors for receiving or transmitting signals to a corresponding transmitting and / or receiving station. This requires joints with which the antennas or reflectors can be adjusted or aligned in two axes.
  • the antenna or reflector can be freely rotated and pivoted about an axis and can be fine-tuned to any position and around any axis using the special direct drive . It also ensures that there is a substantial simplification in the construction, in particular in the case of communication satellites.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of the axis arrangement of a universal joint 1 (see also FIG. 2). Therein lies the intersection point s of the two mutually perpendicular axes xx and yy outside an antenna flange 2 shown as a circle, axis xx being at the same time the axis of rotation or swivel axis of a reflector 3 attached to the antenna flange 2 (FIG. 2).
  • the reflector 3 Due to the arrangement of the intersection point s of the two axes xx and yy outside the antenna flange 2, the reflector 3 is completely free when rotated about the xx axis and is not impeded by the pivoting or folding out about the yy axis.
  • the type of direct drives then enables both swiveling and fine alignment movements on both axes xx and yy, e.g. in the angular second range.
  • FIG. 2 shows a constructive representation of a universal joint 1 with an antenna flange 2 arranged on the yy axis and a reflector 3 attached to it. While the antenna flange 2 can be rotated together with the reflector 3 in bearings 5, 5 ′ arranged above and below a frame 4 on the yy axis (see direction of rotation arrow), the frame 4 is together with the antenna flange 2 attached to it and reflector 3 in bearings 6, 6 'arranged on both sides of the frame 4 and fastened to a holder 7 can be pivoted or folded about the xx axis (see direction of rotation arrow). The pivoting or unfolding of the reflector 3 is possible at an angle of up to 180.
  • a fine adjustment or fine alignment of the reflector 3, as already mentioned under FIG. 1, is independent of the swivel or fold-out position of the frame 4 and the antenna flange 2 with reflector 3 fastened thereon in both directions of rotation (direction arrows) on the axes xx and yy possible.

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  • Aerials With Secondary Devices (AREA)
  • Variable-Direction Aerials And Aerial Arrays (AREA)

Abstract

1. Adjustable support device for a reflector mounted on a satellite consisting of a frame (4) swivelling around a shaft, a mounting flange (2) swivelling around a second shaft rectangular thereto, carrying the reflector, and drives (8, 8') for the swivel axes, wherein the mounting flange (2) is formed as an essentially C-shaped bow and is bed in both ends of the C-legs, that the frame (4) is formed as essentially rectangular and has a cross-piece (4') parallel to its narrow sides, and that the swivel axis (xx) for the frame (4) is at its one end mounted parallel to its narrow side and the swivel axis (yy) for the mounting flange is bed in the other narrow side in the cross-piece (4"), and that immediate drives (8, 8') wich alow coarse as well as fine adjustment are assigned as drives for the axes.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Kreuzgelenk mit zwei zueinander rechtwinkeligen, sich zentral in oder unter einem Montageflansch schneidenden mit einem Antrieb versehenen Achsen.The invention relates to a universal joint with two mutually perpendicular axes that intersect centrally in or under a mounting flange and are provided with a drive.

Aus der Praxis sind Kreuzgelenke in zahlreichen Konstruktionsformen und für verschiedene Anwendungsbereiche bekannt. Zum Beispiel kommen in der Satellitentechnik derartige Gelenke zum Einsatz, um an Satelliten, insbesondere Kommunikationssatelliten, Reflektoren für einen Empfang oder ein Senden von Signalen auf eine korrespondierende Sende- und/oder Empfangsstation auszurichten. Dazu werden Gelenke benötigt, mit welchen die Antennen bzw. Reflektoren in zwei Achsen verstell- bzw. ausrichtbar sind.In practice, universal joints are known in numerous construction forms and for different areas of application. For example, joints of this type are used in satellite technology in order to align satellites, in particular communication satellites, reflectors for receiving or transmitting signals to a corresponding transmitting and / or receiving station. This requires joints with which the antennas or reflectors can be adjusted or aligned in two axes.

Bei derartigen durch einen Montageflansch (Antennenflansch) mit dem Gelenk verbundenen und daran befestigten Antennen bzw. Reflektoren, insbesondere Parabolantennen, sind die beiden zueinander rechtwinklig stehenden Achsen so angeordnet, dass ihr Schnittpunkt zentral unterhalb des Antennenflansches liegt. Mit einer derartigen Achsanordnung ist aber der Nachteil verbunden, dass die Bewegungsfreiheit der Antenne bzw. des Reflektors sehr eingeschränkt ist und ein Schwenken bzw. Ausklappen sowie eine Feinausrichtung der Antennenschale um beide Achsen nicht möglich ist.In the case of such antennas or reflectors, in particular parabolic antennas, which are connected to the joint and fastened to the joint by an assembly flange (antenna flange), the two axes which are at right angles to one another are arranged such that their point of intersection lies centrally below the antenna flange. With such an axis arrangement, however, is the after partially connected that the freedom of movement of the antenna or the reflector is very limited and swiveling or unfolding and fine alignment of the antenna shell around both axes is not possible.

Davon ausgehend ist es Aufgabe der Erfindung, ein Kreuzgelenk zu schaffen, mit welchem ein Schwenken und Ausklappen der Antenne bzw. des parabolisch geformten Reflektors bis zu 180° mit gleichzeitiger Feineinstellung und Feinausrichtung des Reflektors um beide Achsen möglich ist.Proceeding from this, it is an object of the invention to provide a universal joint with which pivoting and unfolding of the antenna or the parabolically shaped reflector is possible up to 180 ° with simultaneous fine adjustment and fine alignment of the reflector about both axes.

Zur Lösung der gestellten Aufgabe sind erfindungsgemäss die kennzeichnenden Merkmale von Anspruch 1 und die der ihm folgenden Unteransprüche vorgesehen.To achieve the object, the characterizing features of claim 1 and the subclaims that follow it are provided according to the invention.

Der Vorteil besteht darin, dass durch die Verlegung des Schnittpunktes der beiden Drehachsen ausserhalb des Montage- bzw. Antennenflansches die Antenne bzw. der Reflektor ungehindert um eine Achse verdreh- und schwenkbar und durch den speziellen Direktantrieb in jede beliebige Stellung und um jede Achse feineinstellbar ist. Ferner wird damit erreicht, dass eine wesentliche Vereinfachung im konstruktiven Aufbau, insbesondere bei Kommunikationssatelliten, erzielt wird.The advantage is that by moving the intersection of the two axes of rotation outside the mounting or antenna flange, the antenna or reflector can be freely rotated and pivoted about an axis and can be fine-tuned to any position and around any axis using the special direct drive . It also ensures that there is a substantial simplification in the construction, in particular in the case of communication satellites.

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel ist nachstehend beschrieben und durch Skizzen erläutert.An embodiment is described below and illustrated by sketches.

Es zeigen:

  • Fig. 1 eine schematische Darstellung der Achsanordnung,
  • Fig. 2 eine konstruktive Darstellung gemäss Fig. 1.
Show it:
  • 1 is a schematic representation of the axis arrangement,
  • 2 shows a constructional representation according to FIG. 1.

Aus Fig. 1 ist eine schematische Darstellung der Achsanordnung eines Kreuzgelenkes 1 (siehe auch Fig. 2) ersichtlich. Darin liegt der Schnittpunkt s der beiden zueinander rechtwinkligen Achsen xx und yy ausserhalb eines als Kreis dargestellten Antennenflansches 2, wobei die Achse xx zugleich Dreh- bzw. Schwenkachse eines am Antennenflansch 2 befestigten Reflektors 3 (Fig. 2) ist.1 shows a schematic representation of the axis arrangement of a universal joint 1 (see also FIG. 2). Therein lies the intersection point s of the two mutually perpendicular axes xx and yy outside an antenna flange 2 shown as a circle, axis xx being at the same time the axis of rotation or swivel axis of a reflector 3 attached to the antenna flange 2 (FIG. 2).

Durch die Anordnung des Schnittpunktes s der beiden Achsen xx und yy ausserhalb des Antennenflansch 2 ist der Reflektor 3 beim Verdrehen um die xx-Achse völlig frei und wird auch nicht durch das Schwenken bzw. Ausklappen um die yy-Achse behindert. Die Art der Direktantriebe ermöglicht dann an beiden Achsen xx und yy sowohl Schwenk- als auch Feinausrichtbewegungen, z.B. im Winkelsekundenbereich, auszuführen.Due to the arrangement of the intersection point s of the two axes xx and yy outside the antenna flange 2, the reflector 3 is completely free when rotated about the xx axis and is not impeded by the pivoting or folding out about the yy axis. The type of direct drives then enables both swiveling and fine alignment movements on both axes xx and yy, e.g. in the angular second range.

Aus Fig.2 ist eine konstruktive Darstellung eines Kreuzgelenkes 1 mit auf der yy-Achse angeordnetem Antennenflansch 2 und daran befestigtem Reflektor 3 ersichtlich. Während der Antennenflansch 2 zusammen mit dem Reflektor 3 in ober- und unterhalb eines Rahmens 4 auf der yy-Achse angeordneten Lagern 5, 5' verdrehbar ist (siehe Drehrichtungspfeil), ist der Rahmen 4 zusammen mit dem daran befestigten Antennenflansch 2 und Reflektor 3 in zu beiden Seiten des Rahmens 4 angeordneten und an einer Halterung 7 befestigten Lagern 6, 6' um die xx-Achse schwenk- bzw. klappbar (siehe Drehrichtungspfeil). Das Schwenken bzw. Ausklappen des Reflektors 3 ist dabei unter einem Winkel bis zu 180 möglich. Eine Feinverstellung bzw. Feinausrichtung des Reflektors 3 ist, wie unter Fig. 1 bereits erwähnt, unabhängig von der Schwenk- bzw. Ausklappstellung des Rahmens 4 und des darauf befestigten Antennenflansches 2 mit Reflektor 3 in beiden Drehrichtungen (Drehrichtungspfeile) auf den Achsen xx und yy möglich.2 shows a constructive representation of a universal joint 1 with an antenna flange 2 arranged on the yy axis and a reflector 3 attached to it. While the antenna flange 2 can be rotated together with the reflector 3 in bearings 5, 5 ′ arranged above and below a frame 4 on the yy axis (see direction of rotation arrow), the frame 4 is together with the antenna flange 2 attached to it and reflector 3 in bearings 6, 6 'arranged on both sides of the frame 4 and fastened to a holder 7 can be pivoted or folded about the xx axis (see direction of rotation arrow). The pivoting or unfolding of the reflector 3 is possible at an angle of up to 180. A fine adjustment or fine alignment of the reflector 3, as already mentioned under FIG. 1, is independent of the swivel or fold-out position of the frame 4 and the antenna flange 2 with reflector 3 fastened thereon in both directions of rotation (direction arrows) on the axes xx and yy possible.

An einem Ende der mit Lagern 5, 5' bzw. 6, 6' versehenen Achsen xx und yy sind Direktantriebe 8, 8' angeordnet, welche z.B. als mehrpolige Gleichstrommotoren, Schrittmotoren oder als frei ansteuerbare Drehmomentgeber ausgebildet-sein können.Direct drives 8, 8 'are arranged at one end of the axes xx and yy provided with bearings 5, 5' and 6, 6 ', which e.g. can be designed as multi-pole DC motors, stepper motors or as freely controllable torque transmitters.

Claims (5)

1. Kreuzgelenk mit zwei zueinander rechtwinkligen, sich zentral in oder unter einem Montageflansch schneidenden, mit einem Antrieb versehenen Achsen, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sich die Achsen (xx) und (yy) ausserhalb des Montageflansches (2) schneiden und die Achse (xx) zugleich Schwenkachse ist und wobei der Antrieb der Achsen (xx) und (yy) als Direktantrieb (8, 8') zu deren Grob- und Feinausrichtung ausgebildet ist.1. Universal joint with two mutually perpendicular axes that intersect centrally in or under a mounting flange and are provided with a drive, characterized in that the axes (xx) and (yy) intersect outside the mounting flange (2) and the axis (xx) is also a swivel axis and the drive of the axes (xx) and (yy) is designed as a direct drive (8, 8 ') for their rough and fine alignment. 2. Kreuzgelenk nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Direktantrieb (8, 8') der Achsen (xx) und (yy) ein mehrpoliger Gleichstrommotor ist.2. Universal joint according to claim 1, characterized in that the direct drive (8, 8 ') of the axes (xx) and (yy) is a multi-pole DC motor. 3. Kreuzgelenk nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Direktantrieb (8, 8') der Achsen (xx) und (yy) ein Schrittmotor ist.3. Universal joint according to claim 1, characterized in that the direct drive (8, 8 ') of the axes (xx) and (yy) is a stepper motor. 4. Kreuzgelenk nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Direktantrieb (8, 8') der Achsen (xx) und (yy) sowohl als Gleichstrommotor als auch als Schrittmotor ausgebildet und ansteuerbar ist.4. universal joint according to claim 1, characterized in that the direct drive (8, 8 ') of the axes (xx) and (yy) both is designed and controllable as a DC motor and as a stepper motor. 5. Kreuzgelenk nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Direktantrieb (8, 8') der Achsen (xx) und (yy) als Achslager (5, 5'; 6, 6') ausgebildet ist.5. Universal joint according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the direct drive (8, 8 ') of the axes (xx) and (yy) is designed as an axle bearing (5, 5'; 6, 6 ').
EP19820109048 1981-10-08 1982-09-30 Adjustable support device for a reflector mounted on a satellite Expired EP0076978B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19813140000 DE3140000C2 (en) 1981-10-08 1981-10-08 Device for the adjustable mounting of a reflector arranged on a satellite
DE3140000 1981-10-08

Publications (2)

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EP0076978A1 true EP0076978A1 (en) 1983-04-20
EP0076978B1 EP0076978B1 (en) 1985-08-07

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EP19820109048 Expired EP0076978B1 (en) 1981-10-08 1982-09-30 Adjustable support device for a reflector mounted on a satellite

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1994023469A1 (en) * 1993-03-31 1994-10-13 Kvh Industries, Inc. Two axis mount pointing apparatus

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3244225A1 (en) * 1982-11-30 1984-05-30 Teldix Gmbh, 6900 Heidelberg Arrangement for positioning appliances such as antennas, solar generators, etc.
US5241183A (en) * 1991-03-22 1993-08-31 Nippon Telegraph And Telephone Corporation Vertical xy stage
DE4301490A1 (en) * 1993-01-21 1994-07-28 Insta Elektro Gmbh & Co Kg Passive infrared system reacting to heat movement
US7802939B2 (en) * 2007-08-07 2010-09-28 Mts Systems Corporation High axial stiffness swivel joint

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1051913A (en) * 1900-01-01
US2734710A (en) * 1950-08-28 1956-02-14 Supporting mechanisms
US2740962A (en) * 1950-01-05 1956-04-03 Sperry Rand Corp Three axis tracking system
FR1117168A (en) * 1954-10-14 1956-05-18 Labo Cent Telecommunicat Pointing device
US4126865A (en) * 1975-11-11 1978-11-21 The Secretary Of State For Defence In Her Britannic Majesty's Government Of The United Kingdom Of Great Britain And Northern Ireland Satellite tracking dish antenna

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1051913A (en) * 1900-01-01
US2740962A (en) * 1950-01-05 1956-04-03 Sperry Rand Corp Three axis tracking system
US2734710A (en) * 1950-08-28 1956-02-14 Supporting mechanisms
FR1117168A (en) * 1954-10-14 1956-05-18 Labo Cent Telecommunicat Pointing device
US4126865A (en) * 1975-11-11 1978-11-21 The Secretary Of State For Defence In Her Britannic Majesty's Government Of The United Kingdom Of Great Britain And Northern Ireland Satellite tracking dish antenna

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1994023469A1 (en) * 1993-03-31 1994-10-13 Kvh Industries, Inc. Two axis mount pointing apparatus
US5517205A (en) * 1993-03-31 1996-05-14 Kvh Industries, Inc. Two axis mount pointing apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE3140000C2 (en) 1984-11-29
DE3140000A1 (en) 1983-04-28
EP0076978B1 (en) 1985-08-07

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