EP3084883A1

EP3084883A1 - Segmented structure, particularly for satellite antenna reflector, provided with at least one strip-comprising unfurling device

Info

Publication number: EP3084883A1
Application number: EP14824037.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Christophe MAYEUX
Original assignee: Airbus Defence and Space SAS
Current assignee: ArianeGroup SAS
Priority date: 2013-12-17
Filing date: 2014-12-10
Publication date: 2016-10-26
Also published as: FR3015131A1; CA2931214A1; US20160315393A1; FR3015131B1; US9825371B2; WO2015092160A1

Abstract

A segmented structure (1) comprising at least two panels (2, 3, 4), one panel (2) referred to as a main panel and at least one panel (3, 4) referred to as a secondary panel, together with at least one unfurling device (5) able to bring a secondary panel (3, 4) into a storage position or into an unfurled position (P2), the unfurling device (5) comprising at least one strip (6) fixed to the secondary panel (3, 4) and connected to the main panel (2), the strip (6) being elastically preloaded into the storage position thereof so as to unfurl automatically and autonomously when relative movement between the secondary panel (3, 4) and the main panel (2) becomes possible, so as to move the secondary panel (3, 4).

Description

Segmented structure, in particular for satellite antenna reflector, provided with at least one ribbon deployment device.

The present invention relates to a segmented structure.

This segmented structure comprises at least two panels linked together and intended to be deployed in space.

Although not exclusively, the present invention applies more particularly to a segmented structure forming part of a telecommunication satellite antenna reflector, in particular to a large antenna reflector, operating in high frequency bands. . The size of the reflector is inversely proportional to the frequency (for a constant gain). Such an antenna reflector generally comprises a rigid structure (called shell) provided with a reflective surface and reinforcement means at the rear of this surface, which participate in the maintenance of the hull and the connection with the satellite.

The large size of the hull of such a reflector poses congestion problems when sending space in a satellite provided with such a reflector using a space launcher.

Also, for rigid reflectors having diameters of several meters, there is provided a segmented structure, provided with several panels, in particular a three-panel structure comprising a central panel and two end panels.

This segmented structure further includes an end panel deployment device, which is adapted to bring the end panel relative to the main panel:

either in a storage position, in which the end panel is superimposed on the main panel on the rear face of the latter, the front face of the end panel being directed in the same direction as the front face of the main panel;

- in an extended position, in which the end panel is positioned beside and against the main panel so as to form a continuous assembly at least on their front faces (active part of an antenna).

In such a segmented structure, each end panel can thus take a storage position for transport in the space launcher and a deployed position when the satellite is in space.

EP-1 043 802 discloses a segmented structure comprising various means for deploying panels. In a particular embodiment, the deployment means comprise, in addition to a pivoting arm, a cable. This cable is a simple cable that implements only one stage of the deployment phase.

The present invention relates to a segmented structure, in particular for a satellite antenna reflector, comprising at least two panels and a deployment device making it possible to realize in space an efficient and advantageous deployment of these two panels.

According to the invention, said segmented structure of the type comprising:

at least two panels, a first so-called main panel comprising a front face and a rear face, and a second so-called secondary panel also comprising a front face and a rear face; and

at least one deployment device connected to the rear faces respectively of said main and secondary panels and adapted to bring said secondary panel in one or other of the two following positions, relative to said main panel:

A storage position, in which said secondary panel is at least partially superimposed on said main panel on the rear face of the latter, the front face of said secondary panel being directed in the same direction as the front face of said main panel; and

An extended position, in which said secondary panel is positioned towards the outside of the main panel, next to and against said main panel so as to form a continuous assembly at least on their front faces, is remarkable in that said deployment device comprises:

at least one ribbon, said ribbon being fixed by a first of its ends to the secondary panel at a so-called contact face of the latter, which comes into contact with a so-called contact face of the main panel in the deployed position , and being connected to the main panel at the contact face of the latter, said ribbon:

• having a flexibility allowing it to be folded at least to so-called hinge areas in the storage position;

Being elastically prestressed in the storage position so as to unfold automatically and autonomously, when the movement between the secondary panel and the main panel is released, so as to move the secondary panel when unfolding, until reaching a unfolded position substantially rectilinear; and

· Self-locking in the unfolded position; and

at least one winding device which is able to wind up said ribbon from its unfolded position, a winding of the ribbon approaching the secondary panel of the main panel.

Thus, thanks to the invention, the secondary panel of the segmented structure can be deployed efficiently and advantageously in space, from the storage position to the deployed position, as specified below.

Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, said segmented structure comprises means for removably holding the secondary panel on the main panel, said holding means being controllable and making it possible to release the secondary panel from the main panel when they are ordered. such release releasing movement between said secondary panel and said main panel.

Advantageously, said ribbon, of the type technically a "tape measure", has at least one of the following characteristics:

it is provided with flexible thermal protections at least at the level of said hinge zones; - it is provided, at least in part, with a surface treatment;

it is made of one of the following materials: a metallic material and a composite material.

It will be noted that the document EP-1 043 802 does not disclose the use of a particular tape which makes it possible to implement the main steps of the deployment, namely a "tape measure" which simultaneously presents all the aforementioned characteristics.

Moreover, advantageously:

the segmented structure comprises removable auxiliary holding means capable of holding the ribbon in the storage position; and or

the segmented structure comprises means capable of generating a thrust on the secondary panel to move it away from the main panel in order to assist the deployment; and or

- The winding device is provided with an electric motor arranged in the structure of the main panel; and or

- The segmented structure comprises a damping device adapted to achieve shock absorption may be generated at least at the time of self-locking said tape; and or

- The segmented structure comprises means configured to perform a terminal guidance to reach the deployed position.

Furthermore, in a particular embodiment, each deployment device is configured to perform the simultaneous deployment of the secondary panel and at least one intermediate panel which are such that said intermediate panel is arranged between the secondary panel and the main panel, superimposed in the storage position and in lateral contact in the deployed position, and the intermediate panel is connected to the ribbon so as to slide along said ribbon. Preferably, said ribbon passes through at least part of the structure of said intermediate panel. In a particular embodiment, the segmented structure comprises a plurality of intermediate panels between the main panel and a secondary panel. Moreover, in a preferred embodiment, the segmented structure comprises:

- a central main panel;

two secondary panels arranged on either side of said central main panel in the deployed position so as to have a parabolic shape; and

two deployment devices associated respectively with said secondary panels.

The present invention also relates to:

a satellite antenna reflector which comprises a segmented structure as mentioned above; and

a satellite which comprises at least one such segmented structure or such an antenna reflector.

The present invention also relates to a method of deploying a segmented structure as mentioned above.

According to the invention, this method comprises successive steps consisting, during the deployment of the storage position in the deployed position:

a) to release the movement of the secondary panel relative to the main panel, this release allowing an automatic unfolding of the prestressed ribbon so as to bring the secondary panel from a position superimposed at a position substantially in the same medium plane as the main panel, said tape self-locking when fully unfolded; and

b) winding the ribbon, with the aid of the winding device, so as to approach the secondary panel of the main panel until their respective contact faces are substantially in contact, in particular so that a terminal guide can be implemented.

Advantageously, the pivoting method comprises an additional step of performing a terminal guidance to reach the deployed position. The figures of the appended drawing will make it clear how the invention can be realized. In these figures, identical references designate similar elements.

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a particular embodiment of a segmented structure illustrating the invention and comprising a central panel and two secondary panels, each of which is in a storage position.

Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a particular embodiment of a segmented structure illustrating the invention and comprising a central panel and two secondary panels, each of which is in an extended position.

Figure 3 schematically illustrates the arrangement of a ribbon.

Figures 4A and 4B illustrate different cross-sectional examples of a ribbon.

FIGS. 5A to 5F illustrate, schematically in perspective, different successive stages of deployment of a secondary panel with respect to a main panel of a segmented structure.

Figure 6 shows schematically a winding device.

Figure 7 illustrates, schematically, a particular embodiment of a segmented structure, comprising a plurality of superimposed panels.

FIGS. 8A and 8B schematically illustrate an exemplary element for locking (or locking) a slide connection of an intermediate panel.

Figures 9A-9C show various steps of unlocking a locked slide link.

Figure 10 illustrates, schematically, a particular embodiment of a segmented structure, comprising a plurality of superimposed panels within a parabola.

The segmented structure 1, illustrating the invention and shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1 in particular, is intended, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a telecommunication satellite antenna reflector. Such an antenna reflector generally comprises, when it is deployed in space, a rigid structure (called shell) provided with a reflective surface, as well as reinforcement and holding means (not shown) at the rear of this structure, which contribute to the maintenance of the hull and the connection with the satellite. In particular for reasons of space when launching the satellite by a space launcher, this structure is of segmented type, that is to say that it is formed of several segments or panels.

More specifically, the present invention relates to a segmented structure 1 of the type comprising, as shown in FIG.

at least two panels, namely at least a first panel 2 said main comprising a front face 2A and a rear face 2B, and at least a second panel 3, 4 said secondary also comprising a front face 3A, 4A and a rear face 3B, 4B; and

at least one deployment device 5 which is linked, respectively, to the main panel 2 and to an associated secondary panel 3, 4.

This deployment device 5 is able to bring the corresponding secondary panel, for example the secondary panel 3, in one or the other of the two following positions relative to the main panel 2:

- A storage position P1, as shown in Figure 1, wherein said secondary panel 3 is at least partially superimposed and preferably completely superimposed on the main panel 2 on the rear face 2B of the latter. The front face 3A of the secondary panel 3 is directed in the same direction as the front face 2A of the main panel 2; and

- An extended position P2, as shown in Figures 2 and 5F, wherein the secondary panel 3 is positioned adjacent and against the main panel 2 so as to form a continuous assembly at least on their front faces 2A and 3A.

In the description of the present invention is meant: - Front face and rear face, the two faces of a panel, the front face 3A, 4A of a secondary panel 3, 4 being superimposed at least partially on the rear face 2B of the main panel 2. Preferably, as shown particularly in the examples of FIGS. 1, 2, 5A to 5F and 7, each front face 2A, 3A, 4A corresponds in the case of an antenna reflector to the reflecting face. However, it is also possible that this is the opposite, as in the example of Figure 10 described below; and

- by inside and outside, the positions of the various elements concerned with respect to the center of the segmented structure 1 in the deployed position of the latter (FIG. 2), "inside" applying to the position closest to the center and "outside" "Applying to the furthest position from the center in this deployed position (in the direction of an axis XX (Figure 1), in this case an axis of symmetry of the segmented structure 1).

In the preferred embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the segmented structure 1 comprises:

- a central 2 main panel;

two secondary panels 3 and 4 arranged on either side of said central main panel 2 in the fully extended position (FIG. 2) so that these three panels 2, 3 and 4 have a parabolic shape in this fully extended position; and

two deployment devices associated respectively with said secondary panels 3 and 4.

According to the invention, each of the deployment devices 5 of the segmented structure 1 comprises:

at least one ribbon 6, and preferably two ribbons 6 (or more than two ribbons 6) very schematically represented by dashes in FIG. 1; and

at least one winding device 7, namely as many winding devices 7 as there are tapes 6. Each winding device 7 is associated with a ribbon 6 and is able to wind the ribbon 6 with which it is associated from an unfolded position ( Figure 5D) as specified below. A winding of the ribbon 6 has the effect of pulling the secondary panel 3, towards the main panel 2, of the outside to the inside, until respective contact faces 2C and 3C (Figure 5A) are substantially in contact (Figure 5F).

To do this, according to the invention, each ribbon 6 is fixed by a first of its ends to the secondary panel 3, at a so-called contact face 3C (which comes into contact with a face 2C called contact of the main panel 2C in the deployed position P2). In addition, the ribbon 6 is connected to the main panel 2 at the contact face 2C of the latter.

In addition, according to the invention, each ribbon 6:

- implements an action that can be symmetrical;

has a flexibility allowing it to be folded at least in so-called hinge zones 8A, 8B (FIGS. 1 and 3) in the storage position P1;

is resiliently prestressed in the storage position P1 so as to unfold automatically and autonomously, when the movement between the secondary panel 3, 4 and the main panel 2 (which is locked in the storage position P1) is released, in order to move the secondary panel 3, 4 during the unfolding, and this until reaching an unfolded position PD in which the strip 6 has a longitudinally substantially straight shape (Figure 5D); and

- self-lock in the unfolded position PD, that is to say is provided with a certain rigidity in this unfolded position, to maintain the secondary panel 3, 4 relative to the main panel 2 substantially in a plane , and pull the secondary panel 3, 4 to the main panel 2 while maintaining this relative position.

The segmented structure 1 thus comprises one or more winding devices 7, in the vicinity of the contact edge 2C between the central main panel 2 and the secondary panel 3, 4 mobile when it is deployed. In the storage position P1 (FIG. 1), the deployable secondary panels 3 and 4 are placed above the main panel 2 so as to limit the bulk of the structure as much as possible, the strip 6 then taking a generally "Z" shape. As shown in Figure 3. Although represented schematically in FIG. 2, the ribbons 6 and the reeling devices 7 (which are arranged inside the structure) are of course not visible in the perspective view, in the deployed position P2.

The embodiment shown in particular in FIGS. 5A to 5F comprises two ribbons 6 with two retractor devices 7. The number of ribbons 6 can be adapted according to the characteristics of the segmented structure 1 and the deployment constraints.

The segmented structure 1 also comprises holding means (not shown) of the secondary panel 3, 4 on the main panel 2 which are distributed around each deployable secondary panel and which are of separable type (or removable). These holding means are controllable and make it possible to release the secondary panel 3,4 of the main panel 2 when they are controlled (via a usual deployment order), such a release releasing the movement between the corresponding secondary panel 3, 4 and the main panel 2 and allowing the tape (s) 6 to come into action.

Such a deployment device 5 makes it possible to perform an efficient and advantageous deployment of the secondary panel 3, 4, with which it is associated, from the storage position P1 (FIG. 1) to the deployed position P2 (FIG. 2), as specified herein. below.

The order of magnitude of the thickness of the ribbon 6 is a few tenths of millimeters, so as to have the flexibility to hold in the folded position (shaped "Z"). The ribbon 6 has, in cross section, a curved shape which is such that, when the ribbon 6 unfolds, it self-locks in the upright position (phenomenon or "ratchet" effect) in the manner of a "meter" ribbon ". The shape of the ribbon 6 is such that, for this "ratchet" effect to occur, the ribbon 6 is folded in one direction or the other (symmetrical shape and action). In a particular embodiment, said ribbon 6 has, as a cross section of symmetrical shape: a cross section S1 in the form of a tilde "~", as represented in FIG. 4A; or

- A cross section S2 shaped "w" with rounded corners, as shown in Figure 4B.

The ribbon 6 is provided with particular zones (hinge zones 8A,

8B) having a significantly lower flexural stiffness, for example a few centimeters, in order to locate the folding zones of the ribbon 6 (virtual pivot connection), so that the deployment kinematics are reproducible and predictable. This effect can be obtained by a local narrowing of the curved shape and / or by a slight modification of the thickness of the ribbon 6. In particular, the deployment and the folding can thus be made many times on the ground, using a system of gravity compensation.

The stiffness of the ribbon 6 is determined so that the deployment kinematics is adapted to the inertias of the secondary panels 3 and 4, and induces a minimum of parasitic vibratory movements.

For the ribbon 6 (spring), a high elastic fast resistance and a good resilience as well as a good endurance with respect to the alternating flexions are required. One can, for example, use a steel alloy 45Si7 (leaf spring) or type "piano wire". Elinvar (steel with 33% nickel, 12% chromium, 1.2% manganese) can also be used to obtain a Young's modulus independent of the temperature.

Moreover, in a particular embodiment, in which the ribbon 6 also serves to transmit a signal (in electrical form) or electrical power, it is possible to use a cuproberyllium alloy (Cu-Be). Its elastic limit reaches 1000 MPa, with very good endurance, very good thermal and electrical conductivity.

It is also possible to use composite materials, in particular based on glass fibers or carbon fibers, which have advantageous strength and mass characteristics. In addition to the choice of material, the performance of the ribbon 6 also depends on a surface treatment applied to said ribbon 6. This treatment may, for example, be shot peening on a metal material.

In the folded position, the secondary panels 3 and 4 deployable are stacked by points distributed around the periphery of the main panel 2. The release of the stacking points allows the automatic deployment of the secondary panels 3 and 4 by spring effect ribbons 6.

In a particular embodiment, the segmented structure 1 comprises auxiliary means (not shown), able to generate a thrust on the secondary panel 3, 4 to separate it from the main panel 2, to help its deployment. Preferably, for this purpose, springs are integrated in the stacking device of the panels, in order to generate a (push) pulse at the beginning of deployment of the secondary panels 3 and 4 deployable.

Furthermore, to limit the influence of the temperature on the stiffness of the ribbon (s) 6, each ribbon 6 is provided with flexible thermal protections at least at the level of said hinge zones 8A, 8B flexible.

Moreover, in a particular embodiment, the ribbons 6, whose natural frequency is very low (flexible structure of great slenderness), are attached to the structure of the main central panel 2 by means of aramid yarns or other similar systems. These wires are cut at the same time as the stacking points (or shortly before) by a hot wire at the time of deployment.

The present invention has many advantages, and in particular:

the space between the central main panel 2 and the secondary panels 3 and 4 is very small, because of the very small bulk of the tape (s) 6. The undercap volume (when launched by a space launcher) is optimized to the maximum; - The linear density of the tape 6 is very small, given the very small thickness thereof, combined with a width of only a few centimeters. The tape deployment device 6 is therefore extremely light;

the number of mechanical parts is reduced;

- the cost of manufacturing and integration is low;

the deployment device 5 is very reliable. Reliability results from the reduced number of mechanical parts and mechanism requiring precise adjustments;

the kinematic links do not have any particular adjustment, and are therefore not very sensitive to differential thermal expansions; and

the use of metallic or composite materials makes it possible to guarantee an absence of degassing and resistance to spatial ambiances (radiation, atomic oxygen, etc.).

The winder device 7 is provided with an electric motor (not shown) arranged in the structure of the main panel 2, which drives in rotation a winding shaft 10 (shown in FIG. 6), on which the ribbon 6 is wound during the rotation.

The segmented structure 1 further comprises a damping device 11 capable of achieving damping of the shocks that can be generated at least at the time of the locking of the ribbon 6 in the unfolded position.

In a particular embodiment shown in FIG. 6, this damping device 11 comprises two leaf springs 12 and 13 mounted around the ribbon 6, at the level of an opening 14 in the form of a slot, made in the wall of the face. contact 2C main panel 2. The ribbon 6 which passes through the opening 14 passes between the two leaf springs 12 and 13. These leaf springs 2 and 13 allow by contact with the ribbon 6 to dampen the shock on the main panel 2 at the time of locking the ribbon 6, with a decoupling of the ribbon guides relative to the carrier structure. Once the ribbon 6 has been unfolded in an upright position (FIG. 5D), with the deployable panel 3 hooked on the end, the retractor device 7, moved by the electric motor, brings (in the direction illustrated by an arrow E 2 by FIGS. and 5E) the secondary panel 3 of the main panel 2.

If necessary, synchronization can be provided between the two (or even more than two) reel devices 7 of the deployment device 5, in particular by a flexible mechanical connection or by homokinetic gimbals (tripod or Rzeppa type). It is also possible to envisage a single remote motor intended for the different reeling devices 7 of the deployment device 5.

The segmented structure 1 further comprises means configured to perform a terminal guidance to reach the deployed position P2. In a particular embodiment, these means comprise a conventional cone / counter-cone system.

The deployment devices 5 of the segmented structure 1, associated with the various secondary panels 3 and 4 of this segmented structure 1, therefore make it possible to carry out a deployment of the segmented structure 1 of a complete storage position (for which all the secondary panels 3 and 4 are in a storage position P1, as shown in FIG. 1) at a fully deployed position (for which all the secondary panels 3 and 4 are in an extended position P2, as shown in particular in FIG. 2).

The deployment device 5 also comprises means (not shown) (for example a central unit) for controlling, in particular, the electric motors of the reeling devices 7 and / or generating a deployment order.

The operation of said deployment device 5, for the deployment of a 3 of said secondary panels 3, 4, from the storage position P1 of Figure 1 to the deployed position P2 of Figures 2 and 5F, is as follows: a) the movement of the secondary panel 3 is released relative to the main panel 2, from the storage position P1 of Figure 1 for example. This release allows an automatic deployment of the prestressed ribbons 6, generating a displacement of the secondary panel 3 outwards in the direction indicated by an arrow E1, as illustrated by different successive positions PA, PB and PC respectively in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C. This makes it possible to bring the secondary panel 3 from the superposed storage position P1 to a non-superimposed PD position (FIG. 5D) substantially in the same middle plane as the main panel 2. Said strip 6 self-locks when it is completely unfolded in the PD position of Figure 5D; then

b) the two ribbons 6 are wound up with the aid of the associated winding devices 7, as illustrated by an intermediate position PE in FIG. 5E, so as to move the secondary panel 3 inwards in the direction illustrated by the arrow E2 and approaching this secondary panel 3 of the main panel 1 until their respective contact faces 2C and 3C are substantially in contact.

The deployment method also comprises an additional step consisting in making a usual terminal guidance to reach the deployed position P2, by bringing the secondary panel 3 into contact with the main panel 2 in the desired final position, as illustrated in FIG. 5F.

To do this, the segmented structure 1 comprises means (not shown) to allow precise final positioning between the secondary panel 3 and the main panel 2, and means for locking the panel (s) in the deployed position P2.

The same deployment method is implemented for the secondary panel 4 so as to finally obtain a fully deployed position of the segmented structure 1, as shown in FIG.

Of course, the device 5 can also bring the segmented structure 1 from the deployed position P2 to the storage position P1, if this was necessary, for example for a validation operation, by performing the above operations in the reverse order (b, a), with each operation implemented in the opposite direction.

Furthermore, in a particular embodiment, shown schematically in Figure 7, the segmented structure 1 comprises several panels (more than two panels) superimposed, thus deploying large systems in several directions.

In this case, the deployment device 5 is configured to perform the simultaneous deployment of the secondary panel 3, 4 and at least one intermediate panel 23, 24. This intermediate panel 23, 24 is arranged between the secondary panel 3, 4 and the main panel 2, and this superimposed in the storage position P1, as shown in Figure 7, and in lateral contact in the deployed position. In addition, the intermediate panel 23, 24 is bonded to each ribbon 6 used so as to slide along said ribbon 6.

In this case, in a particular embodiment, the ribbon 6 at least partially passes through the structure of the intermediate panel 23, 24, as shown by dashes in FIG.

In the example of FIG. 7, the arrangement is symmetrical with respect to a transverse plane illustrated by a straight line L, and the deployment is carried out:

- For the assembly formed of the secondary panel 3 and the intermediate panel 23 in the direction illustrated by an arrow F1; and

- For the assembly formed of the secondary panel 4 and the intermediate panel 24 in the direction illustrated by an arrow F2.

FIG. 7 also shows very schematically conventional stacking systems.

The intermediate panels 23, 24 are mounted floating on the deployment tape or ribbons 6. In order to ensure that there is no collision between the panels and a controlled and reproducible kinematics, the segmented structure 1 comprises a system 27 for locking the intermediate panels 23, 24 relative to the ribbon (s) 6 in translation. system of locking 27 is automatically retracted reliably during the winding operation of the ribbons 6.

In a particular embodiment, shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the locking system 27 comprises a flexible blade 28 (made of metallic or composite material) which passes through the ribbon 6, through a small slot 29 made in the ribbon 6. When docking a panel 23A on an adjacent panel 23B, a finger 30 provided at the end of the panel 23A near the passage of the ribbon 6 folds this flexible blade 28 (as illustrated by an arrow 26 in the figure 8B) until it disengages from the slot 29, thus freeing the slide connection.

FIGS. 9A to 9C illustrate various stages of such release, at two adjacent panels 23A and 23B (corresponding to the main panel and an adjacent intermediate panel, or to two adjacent intermediate panels, or to the secondary panel and to a adjacent middle panel). More precisely :

- In Figure 9A, the connection is locked and flexible blade 28 passes through the ribbon 6;

- In Figure 9B, the connection is still locked, but the panel 23A approaches the panel 23B and the blade 28 bends under the force of the finger 30 and begins to disengage; and

- In Figure 9C, the intermediate panel 23A is guided at the end of the intermediate panel 23B, the blade 28 is disengaged from the tape 6 and the connection is unlocked.

Furthermore, in order to activate the stacking systems 25 offset on the intermediate panels, the ribbons 6 can be used to directly drive the necessary electrical energy without the addition of dedicated wiring, which has advantages in terms of simplicity and robustness .

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 10, unlike the example of FIG. 7, the segmented structure 1 is such that the panels (secondary panel 3 and intermediate panel (s) 33 on one side secondary panel 4 and intermediate panel (s) 34 on the other side) are superimposed on the inside of the parable. In other words, the face (called back) of the main panel 2 (on which is superimposed in the storage position the face (so-called before) of another panel) is located inside the parabola (and not outside as in the example of Figure 7) and corresponds to a reflective face in the case of a parabolic reflector.

In this case, the panels left (relative to the plane L) are released before or after the right panels to avoid generating a collision.

In the example of Figure 10, the deployment is performed:

for the assembly formed of the secondary panel 3 and the intermediate panel 33 in the direction illustrated by an arrow F3; and

- For the assembly formed of the secondary panel 4 and the intermediate panel 34 in the direction illustrated by an arrow F4.

The segmented structure 1, as described above, including in particular a deployment device 5 makes it possible to achieve a simple and reliable deployment by design, very light, and very compact under cover, and has a reduced cost of production and integration . In addition, it is possible to deploy several superimposed panels in order to deploy systems 1 of large dimensions, in several directions.

Claims

A segmented structure, in particular for a satellite antenna reflector, said segmented structure (1) comprising:

at least two panels (2, 3, 4), a first panel (2) said main comprising a front face (2A) and a rear face (2B), and a second panel (3, 4) said secondary also comprising a front face (3A, 4A) and a rear face (3B, 4B); and

at least one deployment device (5) connected to the rear faces respectively of said main and secondary panels and adapted to bring said secondary panel (3, 4) in one or the other of the following two positions relative to said main panel ( 2):

A storage position (P1), in which said secondary panel (3, 4) is at least partially superimposed on said main panel (2) on the rear face (2B) of the latter, the front face (3A, 4A) of said secondary panel (3, 4) being directed in the same direction as the front face (2A) of said main panel (2); and

An extended position (P2), in which said secondary panel (3, 4) is positioned towards the outside of the main panel (2), beside and against said main panel (2) so as to form a continuous assembly at least on their front faces,

characterized in that said deployment device (5) comprises:

- At least one ribbon (6), said ribbon (6) being fixed by a first of its ends to the secondary panel (3, 4) at a face (3C) said contact of the latter, which comes into contact a so-called contact face (2C) of the main panel (2) in the deployed position (P1), and being connected to the main panel (2) at the contact face (2C) of the latter, said strip ( 6):

• having a flexibility allowing it to be folded at least so-called hinge zones (8A, 8B) in the storage position (P1); Being elastically prestressed in the storage position (P1) so as to unfold automatically and autonomously, when the movement between the secondary panel (3, 4) and the main panel (2) is released, so as to displace the secondary panel (3, 4) during unfolding until reaching a substantially straight unfolded position; and

• self-locking in the unfolded position; and

- At least one winding device (7) which is able to wind said ribbon (6) from its unfolded position, a winding of the ribbon (6) approaching the secondary panel (3, 4) of the main panel (2).

Segmented structure according to claim 1,

characterized in that it comprises means for removably holding the secondary panel (3, 4) on the main panel (2), said holding means being controllable and making it possible to release the secondary panel (3, 4) from the main panel ( 2) when controlled, such release releasing movement between said secondary panel (3, 4) and said main panel (2).

3. Segmented structure according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said ribbon (6) has at least one of the following characteristics:

it is provided with flexible thermal protections at least at the level of said hinge zones (8A, 8B);

- it is provided, at least in part, with a surface treatment;

4. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises removable auxiliary holding means adapted to hold the ribbon (6) in the storage position (P1).

5. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means adapted to generate a thrust on the secondary panel (3, 4) to separate it from the main panel (2) to assist deployment.

6. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said winding device (7) is provided with an electric motor arranged in the structure of the main panel (2).

7. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, in addition, a damping device (11) adapted to achieve a damping shock likely to be generated at least at the time of the self-locking said tape (6).

8. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises means configured to perform a terminal guide to reach the deployed position.

9. Structure according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said deployment device (5) is configured to perform the simultaneous deployment of the secondary panel (3, 4) and at least one intermediate panel (23, 24). 33, 34) which are such that said intermediate panel (23, 24; 33, 34) is arranged between the secondary panel (3, 4) and the main panel (2), superimposed in the storage position (P1 ) and in lateral contact in the extended position, and in that said intermediate panel (23, 24; 33, 34) is connected to said ribbon (6) so as to slide along said ribbon (6).

Segmented structure according to claim 9,

characterized in that said ribbon (6) passes at least partly through the structure of said intermediate panel (23, 24; 33, 34).

Segmented structure according to any one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that it comprises:

- a central main panel (2); - two secondary panels (3, 4) arranged on either side of said main panel (2) in the central position in the deployed position so as to have a parabolic shape; and

two deployment devices (5) associated, respectively, with said secondary panels (3, 4).

12. Satellite antenna reflector,

characterized in that it comprises a segmented structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. Satellite,

characterized in that it comprises at least one segmented structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. A method of deploying a segmented structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11,

characterized in that it comprises successive steps consisting, during the deployment of the storage position (P1) in the deployed position (P2):

a) to release the movement of the secondary panel (3), relative to the main panel (2), this release allowing an automatic unfolding of the tape (6) prestressed so as to bring the secondary panel (3, 4) a position superimposed on a position (PD) substantially in the same middle plane as the main panel (2), said tape (6) self-locking when fully unfolded; and

b) winding the ribbon (6) with the winding device (7), so as to approach the secondary panel (3) of the main panel (2) until their contact faces (2C, 3C ) are substantially in contact.

15. Deployment method according to claim 14,

characterized in that it comprises an additional step of performing a terminal guidance to arrive at the deployed position (P2).