EP3997287A1

EP3997287A1 - Foldable/deployable structure comprising a deployable mast

Info

Publication number: EP3997287A1
Application number: EP20737200.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Nicolas CAPET; Richard Boudinot
Original assignee: Clix Industries; Anywaves SAS
Current assignee: Clix Industries; Anywaves SAS
Priority date: 2019-07-12
Filing date: 2020-07-10
Publication date: 2022-05-18
Also published as: WO2021009072A1; FR3098535B1; FR3098535A1; US20220290459A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a foldable/deployable structure (1) comprising: - a mast (4) which can be deployed along a longitudinal deployment axis, the mast being designed to be placed either in a folded state requiring little axial installation space, or in a deployed state having a predetermined shape, - a base (10) upon which the deployable mast (4) is rested, the structure (1, 2) further comprising a bracing device, the bracing device: - having at least three points for attachment to the base (10) and at least three points for attachment to the mast (4), the bracing device connecting the base to the mast; - being designed to limit the transverse movements of the mast relative to the base (10) at least when the mast (4) is in a deployed state, and; - comprising at least one connecting member (22, 42, 60) chosen from the group formed by fabrics, non-woven fabrics and ties, the ties being chosen from the group formed by monofilaments, cables, bundles and strips; the structure (1, 2) being characterised in that it comprises a device (30) for tensioning each connecting member of the bracing device when the mast (4) is in the deployed state, the tensioning device (30) enabling a proximal end of the mast (4) to be maintained in the deployed state, at a distance from the base (10) greater than the distance separating the proximal end of the mast (4) from the base (10) when the mast is in the folded state.

Description

Title of the invention: FOLDABLE / DEPLOYABLE STRUCTURE

INCLUDING A DEPLOYABLE MAST

The invention relates to a foldable / deployable spontaneous deployment structure comprising a deployable mast.

[0002] Such deployable structures comprising such a deployable mast can be the subject of numerous land applications (temporary shelters, display panels, supports for sensors, detectors, transmitters, receivers, etc.) or space (support for organs mechanical systems such as a braking sail of a satellite, deployable solar panels; sensors such as a camera, a transmitter, a receiver, or even a magnetometer ...).

[0003] In particular, such sensors or members of a space mast must be carried by the distal end of the mast in order to move them away from the main body of the space system and allow measurements to be made on this main body or be out of its electromagnetic influence for example. Such a space mast sometimes has a length of up to several meters and must be able to be folded up on launch and be deployed only when the space structure is in space, in the position of use.

[0004] Document US 2004/0046085 already discloses a deployable mast for space applications and formed of an inflatable tube. Such a mast is very light but does not have satisfactory stability, positioning accuracy and rigidity. Also known from GB2456424 a support comprising an inflatable tube.

[0005] Document WO2010 / 004168 proposes a deployable mast comprising a framework formed of a succession of stages articulated to each other in pairs, extending from each other along an axis of deployment, the stages being articulated to each other. others by hinges. Such a mast that can be locked in the deployed state requires a complex framework comprising plates articulated between them.

The invention aims to provide a deployable structure having excellent positioning accuracy during deployment. [0007] The invention also aims to provide a deployable structure having improved stability and resistance to mechanical stresses in the deployed state.

The invention also aims to provide a deployable structure which has excellent resistance to mechanical stresses, both in traction or in compression, along a longitudinal deployment axis of the structure once deployed, and stresses along axes forming a non-zero angle with this longitudinal deployment axis.

Finally, the invention aims to provide a deployable structure which is simple and

economical to manufacture and use.

[0010] More specifically, the invention relates to a foldable / deployable structure comprising:

a mast that can be deployed along a longitudinal deployment axis, adapted to be able to be placed either in a folded state in which it occupies a minimum axial size, or in a deployed state in which it has a predetermined shape,

a base on which rests said deployable mast,

said structure further comprising a guying device, said guying device:

^■ having at least three points of attachment to said base and at least three points of attachment to said mast, said guying device connecting said base to said mast;

^■ being adapted to be able to limit the transverse movements of the mast relative to the base at least in a deployed state of said mast, and;

^■ comprising at least one connecting member chosen from the group formed by fabrics, nonwovens and ties, said ties being chosen from the group formed by monofilaments, cables, bundles and bands;

said structure being characterized in that it comprises a tensioning device for each connecting member of said guying device, adapted to be able to tension each connecting member of said guying device, in the deployed state of the mast. The guying device of a structure according to the invention therefore makes it possible to increase the positioning precision of the mast, in particular during its deployment, but also to increase the resistance to mechanical stresses of a mast to the deployed state and in particular to avoid its distortion outside the axis of longitudinal deployment.

Throughout the text, the term "longitudinal" and its derivatives refer, when the structure has a straight line of deployment, to the right longitudinal direction in which it is deployed. When the structure is more or less curved or has a more or less curved deployment line between its longitudinal ends, they refer, in any straight section of the structure, to a direction tangent to the deployment line. The terms "transverse",

"Transverse" and its derivatives, and the term "lateral" and its derivatives, refer to directions orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

Throughout the text, the term "proximal" refers to the elements of the

structure arranged on the side of the base and the term "distal" refers to the elements of the structure arranged on the side of the end of the mast opposite to that fixed to the base, that is to say to elements more distant from the base than those arranged on said side proximal.

Different embodiments are possible with regard to the mast. It may be a foldable / deployable mast with spontaneous deployment, that is, one whose structure is such that it spontaneously tends to deploy from a folded state. It can for example also be a mast such as a mast formed of an inflatable tube whose inflation is triggered by a dedicated device.

Different embodiments are possible with regard to the guying device. In particular, in certain embodiments in accordance with the invention, said connecting member is resistant in traction — in particular in longitudinal traction—. Each connecting member of the guying device has at least one point of attachment to said base and at least one point of attachment to said mast, that is to say a single point or a plurality of juxtaposed points and forming attachment lines or not. Thus each connecting member chosen from the group formed by fabrics, nonwovens and bands (or strips) can have an attachment line to said base and / or at least one attachment point. said mast. As an alternative or in combination, each connecting member chosen from the group formed by fabrics, nonwovens and bands (or

strips) can also have one or more distinct attachment points (not adjacent to each other, that is to say not forming an attachment line).

In certain embodiments according to the invention, said guying device comprises at least two links, at least one of said links being a strip having at least two points of attachment to said base and at least two points of attachment to said mast.

[0017] In certain embodiments according to the invention, said guying device comprises at least three links, each link having at least one point of attachment to said base and at least one point of attachment to said mast. In other words, each link connects at least one point of said base to at least one point of said mast. In certain embodiments according to the invention, said guying device comprises at least four links, each link connecting at least one point of said base to at least one point of said mast. The guying device can also include more than four links, for example five links, six links, seven links, eight links or even ten or twelve links.

Said guying device can therefore be in the form of a plurality of links connecting at least one point of said base to at least one point of said mast, or of a fabric extending at least partially around said mast in the deployed state. It may for example be a fabric in the form of a sail or even a sock extending around said mast in the deployed state.

Such a sock preferably has at least two attachment points to said base, and in particular at least one attachment line, said sock connecting said mast to said base along such an attachment line. In some embodiments according to the invention, said guying device comprises a connecting member selected from the group consisting of fabrics and nonwovens, said connecting member extending entirely around said mast in the deployed state.

In particular, in certain embodiments, it should be noted that each connecting member of said guying device does not extend in contact with said mast in the deployed state (except for each point of said connected mast at a point of said base by a link). Thus, in the case of a guying device in the form of a fabric sock, the sock extends around said mast in the deployed state so as to have a transverse cross section not coincident with the straight section. transverse of said mast in the same plane. This has the effect of limiting all the more effectively the transverse movements of the mast relative to the base at least in a deployed state of said mast.

In particular, in certain embodiments in accordance with the invention, each connecting member is formed of at least one material chosen from the group formed by flexible polymer materials, flexible composite materials, synthetic fiber fabrics ( carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers (aromatic polyamides), boron fibers, etc.), synthetic fiber yarns (polyamide fibers, polyester fibers, polyethylene fibers, chlorofibers, acrylic fibers, polypropylene fibers, polyurethane fibers ...), metal fibers, beryllium fibers, ceramic fibers, cellulose fibers and their mixtures.

[0021] In certain embodiments according to the invention, said structure comprises a device for controlling the initiation of deployment associated with said mast so as to be able to authorize its longitudinal deployment in the deployed state from the folded state.

[0022] Different embodiments are possible as regards the

arrangement of the fixing points of said guying device to said mast. The attachment points of said guy device to said mast are preferably arranged beyond half the height of said mast in the deployed state, in particular beyond two thirds of the height of said mast in the deployed state, c 'that is to say disposed on a distal portion of said mast. In some embodiments according to the invention, each connecting member connects said base to a distal portion of said mast in the deployed state. In particular, in certain embodiments according to the invention, each connecting member connects said base to a distal end of said mast in the deployed state.

In certain embodiments according to the invention, said structure comprises a device for tensioning said guying device, in particular for tensioning each connecting member of said guying device, adapted to be able to tension each connecting member of said guying device, in the deployed state of the mast. The tensioning device is a device distinct from the mast itself and distinct from the guying device. It is chosen so as to be able to power up or increase the tension of the connecting members, when the deployable mast is in the deployed state - in particular only when the deployable mast is in the deployed state. The tensioning device allows, for example, when the mast is in the deployed state, a relative movement away between at least one — in particular each — point of attachment of said guying device to said mast and the base. It then allows precise positioning of the deployable mast, in the deployed state. In certain embodiments in accordance with the invention, the tensioning device is chosen to make it possible to maintain a proximal end of the mast in the deployed state, at a distance from said base greater than the distance separating the proximal end of said mast of said base when said mast is in the folded state. Different embodiments are possible as regards the tensioning device of said guying device. Such a tensioning device may for example comprise a jack and / or an actuator allowing the mast (that is to say the proximal end of the mast placed on the side of the base of the structure) to be moved away from the structure. based. In particular, in certain modes of

embodiment in accordance with the invention, said device for tensioning said guying device comprises a helical spring adapted to be able to be compressed in the folded state of said mast and extended in the deployed state of said mast so as to maintain (when the mast is in the deployed state) a proximal end of said mast at a distance from said base greater than the distance separating said mast - in particular said proximal end of said mast - from said base when said mast is in the folded state.

In certain embodiments according to the invention, the base comprises flaps, in particular at least three flaps, adapted to be able to pivot between at least one closed position in which said flaps form a receptacle capable of receiving at least one part of said mast in the folded position, and at least one open position in which the shutters are pivoted so as to move away from said mast, each connecting member connecting at least one point of a shutter to at least one point of said mast.

[0025] In some embodiments according to the invention, in position

deployed, each connecting member extends in at least one direction forming a non-zero angle with respect to the axis of longitudinal deployment of said mast.

[0026] In certain embodiments according to the invention, said structure comprises an antenna (that is to say a data communication antenna). The satellites carry an antenna for transmitting and / or receiving said data by radiation of an electromagnetic beam, as well as means for directing this electromagnetic beam towards a target which may be a ground station or another satellite.

[0027] Different embodiments are possible with regard to the arrangement of the antenna on the structure. The antenna can for example be disposed at the distal end of the mast or on the base. In some embodiments according to the invention, in the deployed position, said antenna is helical and extends in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis of deployment, said mast extending longitudinally inside said antenna. It is also possible to provide for the antenna to be placed inside the mast.

[0028] In certain embodiments according to the invention, said guying device, in particular each connecting member, has at least one point of attachment to said antenna. This makes it possible in particular to coordinate the deployment of the mast and the deployment of the antenna when the antenna is a foldable / deployable antenna.

In some embodiments according to the invention, the antenna comprises a radiating source, adapted to radiate electromagnetic waves and a main reflector, of the antenna, the antenna being adapted so that the main reflector can radiate said electromagnetic beam from electromagnetic waves radiated by the radiant source. Such a main reflector may for example have at least substantially the shape of a hyperbolic paraboloid. [0030] In certain embodiments according to the invention, said mast adopts, in the deployed state, a stable shape rigid in axial compression. In certain embodiments according to the invention, the structure is locked in the deployed state.

The connecting members of the guying device are distributed and fixed between the mast and the base of a structure according to the invention so as to be adapted to limit the transverse movements of the mast relative to the base in the state deployed. In particular, in certain embodiments according to the invention, the guying device is adapted to be able to maintain said mast isostatic relative to said base. In particular, in certain embodiments in accordance with the invention, when the guying device comprises at least four fixing points at the base and at least four fixing points to the mast, the guying device is adapted to be able to maintain said mast. hyperstatic with respect to said base.

[0032] The invention also extends to a method of deploying such

structure.

[0033] The invention also relates to a structure and a method characterized, in combination or not, by all or part of the characteristics mentioned above or below. Whatever the formal presentation which is given, unless explicitly indicated otherwise, the various characteristics mentioned above or below should not be considered as closely or inextricably linked to each other, the invention being able to relate only to one of them. these structural or functional characteristics, or only part of these structural or functional characteristics, or only part of one of these structural or functional characteristics, or any grouping, combination or juxtaposition of all or part of these structural or functional characteristics .

Other aims, characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the following description given without limitation of some of its possible embodiments and which refers to the appended figures in which: [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a structure according to a first embodiment of the invention in the folded state,

[Fig. 2] is a perspective view of a structure according to the first embodiment of the invention,

[Fig. 3] is a perspective view of a structure according to the first embodiment of the invention in the deployed state,

[Fig. 4] is a perspective view of a structure according to the first embodiment of the invention in the deployed state,

[Fig. 5] is a perspective view of a structure according to a second embodiment of the invention in the folded state,

[Fig. 6] is a perspective view of a structure according to the second embodiment of the invention in the deployed state,

[Fig. 7] is a perspective view of a detail of a structure according to the second embodiment of the invention in the deployed state,

[Fig. 8] is a perspective view of a detail of a structure according to the second embodiment of the invention in the deployed state,

[Fig. 9] is a perspective view of a structure according to a third embodiment of the invention in the deployed state,

[Fig. 10] is a perspective view of a structure according to a fourth embodiment of the invention in the deployed state.

According to a first embodiment according to the invention, a foldable / deployable structure 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4 comprises a mast 4 deployable along a longitudinal deployment axis also defining a longitudinal direction of the structure.

In particular, the mast 4 is spontaneous deployment. It may for example be an inflatable mast or a mast entirely made of a single piece of the same material (for example a polymer material or composite with a polymer matrix, or even of a metallic material) and adapted to be able to be folded locally in any area of this mast so as to form a spontaneous deployment folding hinge. It may also be a deployable mast comprising a framework formed of a succession of stages articulated to each other as described in WO2010 / 004168.

The deployable mast 4 adapted to be able to be placed either in a folded state in which it occupies a minimum axial size, or in a deployed state in which it has a predetermined shape. In particular, the mast 4 adopts, in the deployed state, a stable shape rigid in axial compression.

[0038] The deployable mast extends between two longitudinal ends. In particular, in the deployed state, the mast 4 has the same cross section between its two longitudinal ends. In particular, the mast 4 has a generally substantially cylindrical shape in the deployed state. However, the mast 4 can also have a more complex non-profiled shape, for example a succession of frustoconical or wavy portions.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 9 the mast 4 has a conical proximal end 9. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 9, the mast 4 has at its distal end a plate 7 in the form of a disc.

The deployable mast 4 rests on a base 10 of the structure 1. In the

embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 9, the base 10 has a parallelepipedal shape, the proximal end of the mast 4 resting on one of the main faces of said parallelepiped. The base 10 can be formed from any member or system provided with a deployable mast. It may in particular be a satellite and in particular a miniaturized satellite (for example a nanosatellite).

The mast 4 is connected to the base 10 (directly or indirectly) by any type of connection, it can in particular be a ball joint type connection, such a connection making it possible in particular to limit the stresses exerted on the mast deployed.

[0042] The foldable / deployable structure 1 comprises a guying device

comprising four links 22, each link 22 connecting at least one point of said base 10 to at least one point of said mast 4. The guying device comprises at least two links (that is to say a number of links greater than or equal to two ).

The guying device can therefore also comprise, for example, five links or even up to ten, twenty or thirty links 22. The links 22 are distributed around the mast 4 so as to be regularly spaced or not between them, in depending on the applications and mechanical stresses to which the structure is likely to be subjected. It could for example be advantageous to provide for reinforcing the resistance to transverse stresses on one side of the structure. The guying device is therefore not necessarily symmetrical.

Each link 22 can for example be formed of at least one wire, a cable, a band or a strip in at least one material chosen from the group formed of flexible polymer materials, flexible composite materials, fiber fabrics synthetic (carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers

(aromatic polyamides), boron fibers, etc.), synthetic fiber yarns (polyamide fibers, polyester fibers, polyethylene fibers, chlorofibers, acrylic fibers, polypropylene fibers, polyurethane fibers, etc.), fibers metallic fibers, beryllium fibers, ceramic fibers,

cellulosics and their mixtures. In particular, each link is formed of at least one wire, cable or band, flexible and resistant in traction.

Each link 22 can for example be formed of aramid fibers. Such fibers are flexible and resistant in traction.

Each link 22 can be fixed to the base and to the mast using a loop, passing it inside an opening formed in the base or in the mast, or by gluing to the using a synthetic resin. In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, each link 22 is fixed on the one hand, to an edge of the plate 7 at the distal end of the mast 4 by passing inside an opening 8, the plate having four openings 8, and, on the other hand, at a point 18 of one edge of each flap 15.

The foldable / deployable structure 1 further comprises a device 30 for tensioning the guying device. Such a tensioning device is for example adapted to allow the proximal end of the mast 4 to be pushed back from the base, for example using a jack and / or an actuator. It could also also be reels adapted to tension each link 22 once the mast has been deployed. The tensioning device of the guying device can also make it possible to adjust the length of each link, in particular during the deployment of the mast in the case where each link 22 is deployed simultaneously with the mast 4. The foldable / deployable structure 1 can also include such a device for adjusting the length of each link 22 separate from the tensioning device of the guying device. In the first embodiment of a structure 1 according to the invention, the device 30 for tensioning the guying device comprises a helical spring adapted to be able to be compressed in the folded state of the mast 4 and extended (by relaxing said spring) in the deployed state of the mast 4 so as to maintain the proximal end of the mast at a distance from the base 10 greater than the distance separating the mast from the base 10 when the mast 4 is in the folded state. The structure 1 could also comprise, for example, a device for adjusting the length of each link 22 provided at each point of attachment of a link 22 to the plate 7 and / or at point 18 of each flap 15, such an adjustment device the length of each link could for example be of the type of an endless screw device. In particular, such an adjustment device is not necessary when the device for guying the structure comprises three or more links.

The foldable / deployable structure 1 may also include a device for controlling the triggering of the deployment associated with said mast so as to be able to allow its longitudinal deployment in the deployed state from the folded state.

In the first embodiment of a structure 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4, the base 10 comprises four flaps 15 pivoting. In the closed position, the flaps 15 form a receptacle capable of receiving the mast 4 in the folded position (FIG. 1). In the open position, the flaps 15 are pivoted towards the outside of the structure so as to move away from the mast 4 (FIG. 2), each link 22 connecting each flap 15 to the plate 7 at the distal end of the mast 4. Each flap 15 comprises a panel 16 whose main faces are substantially square or

rectangular. A pivoting rod 17 connects each flap 15 to the base 10.

The deployment trigger control device associated with said mast can be coupled to a device for maintaining the mast in the folded state.

Various embodiments can be considered with regard to the device for maintaining the mast in the folded state. According to other embodiments not shown, it is possible to use at least one wire or a cable made of thermoplastic polymer material to maintain the structure in the folded state. The device for maintaining the mast in the folded position can in particular take the form of a wire, a bundle of wires, a band, a unidirectional clamp, a sleeve (woven or not ) ... In certain embodiments in accordance with the invention, said holding device comprises at least one thread of thermoplastic polymer material which is adapted to be able to be broken by melting. It can be a single thread or a bundle of threads, possibly woven together. A deployable structure according to the invention can for example comprise a microcontroller making it possible to control the breaking of said holding device at at least one point so as to allow the deployment of said mast.

[0052] In some embodiments according to the invention, the material

forming said holding device is chosen from the group formed of polymer materials exhibiting a melting point of less than 300 ° C, in particular a melting point of between 0 ° C and 280 ° C, in particular from the group formed of polypropylenes (PP ), polyethylenes (PE) (for example Dyneema® marketed by DSM® (Heerlen, Netherlands) (“UHMNPE” or ultra high molecular weight polyethylene)), polyaramides (for example Kevlar® marketed by DuPont® (Midland, United States)), polyamides, polyesters, their composites and mixtures thereof.

In certain embodiments according to the invention, the device for maintaining the mast in the folded state comprises at least one heating device adapted to be able to rupture said holding device by fusion. It may for example be a heating device (sometimes called a "heating knife") formed of a wire (for example a metal wire such as an alloy of nickel and chromium) or of a metal plate suitable for be able to reach a predetermined temperature at least equal to the melting temperature of the material forming said holding device to be broken. The heating device comprises in particular an electrically conductive material suitable for being able to be heated by the Joule effect (P = RI ² in direct current mode, P representing an electrical power, R the electrical resistance of the heating device and I the electrical intensity) when it is electrically connected to the two terminals of a generator.

The device for controlling the triggering of the deployment associated with the mast 4 can therefore be a device for deactivating the holding device. of the mast in the folded state. It may be a heating device in the case of a hold using a fusible wire or a bundle of fusible wires, or else flaps 15 in the first embodiment of a structure. according to the invention, the closed flaps 15 being able for example to exert a compression of the mast in the folded state such that when the opening by pivoting of the flaps 15 is triggered, the mast 4 is released and its deployment thus triggered. It is also possible to combine the two in the same structure

foldable / deployable (maintained using fuse wires and maintained in the folded state by flaps 15).

In addition, the device 30 for tensioning so may be such that the

structure can be deployed in a single stage or in at least two stages of relaxation. If the tensioning device is actuated or activated spontaneously or concomitantly with the deployment control device associated with the mast, we can speak of relaxation in a single step, the tensioning of the links of the guying device being carried out during deployment. of the mast and in particular at the end of deployment of the mast. The mast thus deployed being very quickly stable and able to withstand transverse mechanical stresses.

In a second variant, it is possible to trigger the tensioning of the links of the guying device by the tensioning device distinctly from the device for controlling the triggering of the deployment associated with the mast, the deployment of the structure can then be carried out in at least two stages (deployment of the mast 4 then tensioning of the guying device). To do this, it is for example possible to provide a fusible wire retaining the coil spring in the compressed position associated with a heating device adapted to be able to break this fusible wire at the desired time.

Thus, for example if the tensioning device 30 is a spring

helical which is compressed in the folded state of the structure and its relaxation allowed simultaneously with the triggering of the deployment of the mast 4, the deployment of the structure will take place in a single step (although this deployment can however take place gradually until effective tensioning of the guying device links, typically in a few seconds). FIG. 3 represents the structure 1 after triggering of the deployment of the mast 4 and at the end of the deployment of said mast, the mast having reached its predetermined maximum length corresponding to its deployed state. Figure 4

shows structure 1 after deployment of said mast and tensioning of the links 22 of the guying device, the coil spring 30 being more extended than the coil spring 30 visible in FIG. 3. After tensioning of the guying device, the links 22 which are not stretched in Figure 3 become so in Figure 4 so as to obtain a structure 1 whose position in the deployed state of the mast 4 is precise and stable. Thus, after deployment of the mast 4 and tensioning of the links 22 of the guying device, the mast 4 is held isostatic or hyperstatic with respect to said base 10. In addition, the tensioning device 30 makes it possible to lock the structure. 1 in the deployed state.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 8, the foldable / deployable structure 2 differs from a structure 1 according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4 in that the links 42 are attached directly to the base 10 and not through flaps 15.

The foldable / deployable structure 2 shown in Figures 5 to 8 comprises a deployable mast 4 identical to the mast according to the first embodiment of a structure according to the invention and rests on the same base 10.

The foldable / deployable structure 2 shown in Figures 5 to 8 comprises a guying device comprising four links 42, each link 42 connecting at least one angle 45 of the base 10 to at least one point of the plate 7 at the end distal of mast 4.

[0062] Figure 5 shows the structure 2 in the folded state (before the deployment of the mast is triggered). In FIG. 5 the helical spring of the device 30 for tensioning the guying device is compressed.

Figure 6 shows the structure 2 in the deployed state and after tensioning of the links 42 of the guying device by relaxation of the helical spring of the device 30 for tensioning the guying device (as in Figure 4 in this which concerns the structure 1 according to the first embodiment).

[0064] Figure 7 shows a detail of a structure 2 whose mast is in the state

deployed, before tensioning of the links 42 of the guying device (the coil spring being compressed). FIG. 8 represents a detail of a structure 2, the mast of which is in the deployed state, after tensioning of the links 42 of the guying device in accordance with the representation of FIG. 6, the helical spring being extended.

[0065] In a third embodiment of the invention shown in the state

Deployed in Figure 9, a foldable / deployable structure 3 differs from a structure 1 according to the first embodiment in that it further comprises an antenna 50.

[0066] Different configurations are possible with regard to the type of antenna and its arrangement in the structure. The antenna can be attached to the base, to

the end of the mast, or around or inside the mast 4. The antenna 50 shown in Figure 9 is helical and extends in a direction

longitudinal substantially parallel to the axis of longitudinal deployment of the structure 3, the mast 4 extending longitudinally inside the antenna 50. The antenna 50 is fixed to each longitudinal end of the mast 4 and can be compressed to the way of a spring, so that in the folded state, the structure 3 has the same axial size as the structures 1 or 2 according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

In a variant (not shown) it is also possible to provide that the guying device, here the links 22, are connected at one or more points to the antenna by fixing points, for example using synthetic resin such as glue points or using secondary ties or other types of additional ties or loops.

According to a fourth embodiment of a structure 70 according to the invention shown in Figure 10, a foldable / deployable structure 70 differs from a structure 1 according to the first embodiment in that the guying device is formed of a connecting member selected from the group formed by fabrics and nonwovens, the fabric (or the nonwoven) extending entirely around said mast 4 in the deployed state like a sock 60 The sock 60 is fixed along a circular fixing line to the base 110 and also along a circular fixing line on the plate 7 at the distal end of the mast 4, the mast 4 being placed inside the sock. 60. The sock can also integrate a helical antenna 65, the antenna being arranged around (to

outside) of mast 4 in the deployed state of the structure.

In the folded state (Figures 1, 2 and 5) (before deployment), the mast 4 can for example be in the general form of a cylinder whose external dimensions are of the order of 100 mm height with a diameter of the order of 9 mm.

In the deployed state (Figures 4, 6 and 9), the mast 4 may for example have external dimensions such that the mast has a length of the order of 60 mm, or even up to one. meter in length.

The invention can be the subject of many variations and applications other than those described above. In particular, it goes without saying that unless otherwise indicated the different structural and functional characteristics of each of the embodiments described above should not be considered as combined and / or closely and / or inextricably linked to each other, but to the the opposite as simple juxtapositions. In addition, the structural and / or functional characteristics of the various embodiments described above may be the subject, in whole or in part, of any different juxtaposition or any different combination. For example, the structure could be devoid of a base.

Claims

[Claim 1] Foldable / deployable structure (1, 2) comprising:

a mast (4) which can be deployed along a longitudinal axis of deployment, adapted to be able to be placed either in a folded state in which it occupies a minimum axial size, or in a deployed state in which it has a predetermined shape,

a base (10) on which rests said deployable mast (4),

said structure (1, 2) further comprising a guying device, said guying device:

^■ having at least three points of attachment to said base (10) and at least three points of attachment to said mast (4), said guying device connecting said base to said mast;

^■ being adapted to be able to limit the transverse movements of the mast relative to the base (10) at least in a deployed state of said mast (4), and;

^■ comprising at least one connecting member (22, 42, 60) chosen from the group formed by fabrics, nonwovens and ties, said ties being chosen from the group formed by monofilaments, cables, bundles and bands ;

said structure (1, 2) being characterized in that it comprises a device (30) for tensioning each connecting member of said guying device, adapted to be able to tension each connecting member of said guying device, to the deployed state of the mast (4).

[Claim 2] Structure according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a device for controlling the triggering of the deployment associated with said mast (4) so as to be able to authorize its longitudinal deployment in the deployed state from the state. folded.

[Claim 3] Structure according to one of claims 1 or 2,

characterized in that said guying device comprises at least two links, at least one of said links being a band having at least two points of attachment to said base (10) and at least two points of attachment to said mast (4). [Claim 4] Structure according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said guying device comprises at least three links (22, 42), each link (22, 42) having at least one point of attachment to said base (10) and at least one point of attachment to said mast

(4).

[Claim 5] Structure according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each connecting member (22, 42, 60) connects said base (10) to a distal end of said mast (4) in the deployed state. .

[Claim 6] Structure according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the device (30) for tensioning said guying device comprises a helical spring adapted to be able to be compressed in the folded state of said mast (4 ) and extended in the deployed state of said mast (4) so as to maintain a proximal end of said mast at a distance from said base (10) greater than the distance separating the mast (4) from said base (10) when the mast is in the folded state.

[Claim 7] Structure according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the base (10) comprises at least three flaps (15) adapted to be able to pivot between at least one closed position in which said flaps form a suitable receptacle at least partially receiving said mast (4) in the folded position, and at least one open position in which the flaps (15) are pivoted so as to move away from said mast (4), each connecting member (22, 42) , 60) connecting at least one point of a shutter (15) to at least one point of said mast (4).

[Claim 8] Structure according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it is locked in the deployed state and in that said guying device is adapted to be able to maintain said mast (4) isostatic with respect to said base (10).

[Claim 9] Structure according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, in the deployed position, each connecting member extends in at least one direction forming a non-zero angle with respect to the axis of longitudinal deployment. of said mast (4).

[Claim 10] Structure according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises an antenna (50, 65).

[Claim 1 1] Structure according to claim 10, characterized in that, in the deployed state, said antenna (50, 65) is helical and extends in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to said axis of longitudinal deployment, said mast ( 4) extending longitudinally inside said antenna.

[Claim 12] Structure according to one of claims 10 or 1 1,

characterized in that said guying device has at least one point of attachment to said antenna (50, 65).

[Claim 13] Structure according to claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said mast (4) adopts, in the deployed state, a stable shape rigid in axial compression.