ES2736600B2 - Attachable connecting knot for deployable structures - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

Attachable connecting knot for deployable structures

Field of the invention

The present invention belongs to the field of construction and lightweight and / or folding structures, and more specifically to the field of connection knots for deployable structures, and in particular connection knots for three-dimensional deployable Tensegrity structures.

Background of the invention

In the field of construction, articulated or lattice structures are lattice structures of straight bars interconnected in nodes forming flat triangles (in flat lattices) or three-dimensional pyramids (in spatial lattices), in such a way that several bars can converge at each node .

Within the latter, are the spatial structures, composed of linear elements joined in such a way that the forces are transferred in a three-dimensional way. They can take any type of shape, both flat and curved. Its elements are prefabricated and do not require for the assembly of means of union other than the purely mechanical (that is to say, it is not necessary to weld them on site, for example).

Classified within the spatial structures are those of Tensegrity, which use compressed isolated components that are within a continuous tensile network, in such a way that the members in compression (generally bars) do not touch each other and are united only by means of tractioned elements (usually cables) that are the ones that spatially delimit said system, which is in equilibrium and is stable by itself.

Any of these types of construction (two-dimensional or three-dimensional) can be capable of encompassing drop-down variants. Deployable structures allow the system to go from an extended (in-service) configuration to a compact configuration through a folding process. This folded state is best suited for storage or for transporting them to other locations where they can be deployed and put back into service. In all these cases, the bars that make up the structure are linked by knots, which are extremely important, since they are the ones that ensure the stability of the joints and the functionality of the system. There are a great diversity of nodes (spherical, cylindrical, prismatic, flat, etc.) but few of them allow the folding and unfolding of the structure.

Even more particular are the nodes of the Tensegrity structures, since in addition to joining bars they have to anchor the prestressed cables that make up and stabilize the system. In any case, it is important to note that these cables are essential in Tensegrity structures, but they are not exclusive to them; that is, there are other types of structures that also use them.

In general, a Tensegrity mesh can be classified by its class (k), where k is the number of compression elements (bars) that come together in a node. A large part of the nodes that exist today are designed only for Tensegrity structures of class 1 (k = 1), that is, those in which a maximum of one bar reaches each node. Without However, these nodes are not valid for structures of class 2 or higher (k> 2), in which there are at least 2 bars that converge at each node. Examples of these class 1 nodes are detailed in the following documents:

[1]: Folding Tensegrity Systems - Six Strut Modules and Their Assemblies by Bouderbala, Motro. pg. 33. Motro, R. (2003). Tensegrity: Structural Systems for the future. London (UK): Kogan Page Science.

[2]: Hanaor, A. (1993). Double-layer tensegrity grids as deployable structures. International Journal of Space Structures, 8 (1-2), 135-143., Pg. 139, 140.

[3]: Path Planning For the Deployment of Tensegrity Structures by Pinaud, Masic, Skelton, SPIE’s 10th Annual International Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, San Diego, CA, March 2003, pg. eleven.

[4]: "Tensegrity unit, structure and method for construction". Liapi, K. A. Publication number US 20030009974 Al. Application date: 05/29/2002.

[5]: “Connection node for connecting tension elements and pressure elements of bigger supporting structures, has base portion which has connecting section for connecting connection node with pressure element”. Christian Kogel, Andreas Rupp. Publication number DE 102012003371 Al. Priority date 02/22/2012.

[6]: “Connection and front team node for tensegrity structures, has hollow cylindrical terminal element. which is open at end and is provided with detour ring ''. Kassel University. Publication number DE 102010005461 Al. Priority date 01/21/2010.

[7]: “Disconnectable node joint for integrally tensioned (Tensigry) structure systems. Miodrag Nestorovic. YU37398 A.24 / 10/2006.

However, knots with more than one bar merging into it are also known in the state of the art. Examples of these knots of class k> l are detailed in the following documents:

[8]: "Strut assembly node for reticular space frame structure". Fest, Etienne. Publication number EP1443153 Al. Date of deposit 01/29/2003.

[9]: A Self-Stress Maintening Folding Tensegrity System by Finite Mechanism Activation by Smaili, Motro, pg. 92. Motro. R. (2003). Tensegrity: Structural systems for the future. London (UK): Kogan Page Science.

[10]: Montpellier University Project shown in Motro, R. (2003). Tensegrity: Structural systems for the future. London (UK): Kogan Page Science, pp 79, 80.

[11]: Nimes project shown in Motro, R. (2003). Tensegrity: Structural systems for the future. London (UK): Kogan Page Science, pg 199.

[12]: Pedretti & Plfug project shown in Motro, R. (2003). Tensegrity: Structural systems for the future. London (UK): Kogan Page Science. Pg 211.

[13]: An Active Deployable Tensegrity Structure (PhD). Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale De Lausanne, Laussanne (Switzerland). RHODE-BARBARIGOS, L.-G.-A. (2012). Pg 97-98.

[14]: Deployment of a Class 2 Tensegrity Boom by Pinaud, Solari, Skelton, SPIE’s llth Annual International Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, San Diego, CA, March 2004, fig. 5.

[15]: Structural Design of a Foldable Tensegrity Footbridge by Averseng, Quirant, Dube, Journal of SEWC 5.

[16]: "Joint for folding tensegrity structure" BANDO TAKAAKI; NAKAI MASATAKE; HAYASHI SHUICH. JP2004298520 (A). 10/28/2004.

[17]: "Connection knot for deployable structures", Gómez Jáuregui, Valentín; Otero González, César Antonio; Manchado del Val, Cristina; Iglesias Prieto, Andrés; Galvez Tomida, Akemi; Quilligan. Michael; Casey, Tom. ES2555635B2. 05/03/2016.

[18]: “Assembly of foldable tensegrity modules”, Jamin Frédéric; Quirant Jéróme; Averseng Julien; Devic Stéphan. WO2017194775.

Throughout the present patent application, it will be understood that the reference to the cited documents of the state of the art corresponds to the numbering in brackets indicated above.

In these situations with more than one bar coming together at each node ([8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14], [15], [16], [ 17], [18]), if the structure is to be folded and deployed easily, it is necessary to design the nodes in such a way that they allow a relative rotation of said bars with respect to the node. However, this is not possible in [10], [11] and [12].

On the other hand, an additional disadvantage presented by all these knots of class k> 1, with the exception of the one described in [17], is that the directions of the cables that come together in them are not very versatile and are quite conditioned. Furthermore, among all these nodes, some of them are very limited because they can fix few cables (cases [8], [9], [14], [16]). Another important limitation of the knot described in [8] is that it needs a minimum of 3 bars to be stable.

In addition, practically none of the knots with more than one bar merging into it described in the state of the art, allows the cables to slide through it, in such a way that the cable is guided but not clamped and thus allows it to run. or slides inside the clamp. The only cases that contemplate this possibility are the knots [13], [17] and [18]. The [13] only allows one of the cables to be sliding, in a single direction, and not the rest of the cables that reach the node in the plane perpendicular to it. In addition, this knot [13] stands out for its great complexity, high weight, manufacturing difficulty and excessive price. In addition, none of the knots [17] and [18] allow the upper sliding cables to form arbitrary angles in a versatile way or the number of sliding cables to be high (more than 3 cables, for example).

Specifically, the knot described in [17], the work of the inventors of the present invention, brings together two or more bars that can rotate and fold around it, allows receiving a plurality of cables from different directions and angles, allows said cables can slide through the knot to facilitate the folding of the structure and it is also light, handy, inexpensive and easy to manufacture and assemble. However, this node [17], like many others described above, has a series of limitations that are exposed to continuation: it does not ensure that the arrangement of the bars, as they are folded, form the same angle with the median plane of the knot; it is difficult to attach horizontally to other nodes or attached bars, because its rectangular shape with protrusions at the ends does not achieve optimal compaction when the mesh is fully folded; once the structure is fully folded, there is no mechanism that fixes said position and prevents it from reopening unintentionally; there is no versatile solution for the upper slide cables to form arbitrary angles; It is not possible for the number of sliding cables to be high (more than 3 cables, for example).

In short, in the state of the art there is no node that complies with the main performance of the node [17] and that, additionally, allows the bars to always form the same angle with the median plane of the connection, which achieves that, Once the structure is fully folded, the knots are easily coupled and fixed to each other or to other bars, allowing the upper sliding cables, in large numbers (eg more than two), to form arbitrary angles.

Summary of the invention

The present invention tries to solve the aforementioned drawbacks by means of a connection knot for deployable structures, which is light, manageable, inexpensive and simple to manufacture and assemble, and also allows 1) to bind 2 "bars, where 1 <n <2 , which can rotate and fold around it, in such a way that each bar forms the same angle as at least one other of the bars, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the node; 2) a Once the structure is completely folded, such that they easily stick together, 3) be fixed to other nodes, such that once coupled they do not unintentionally disengage and 4) that the upper sliding cables form arbitrary angles with each other, said cables being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the node, comprising:

- A central core formed by a web and at least two lateral wings, in such a way that there are at least the same number of lateral wings as there are bars, such that the web has a section with at least one side shaped inwards and towards the less one side shaped outward and such that it has a perforation configured to house a guide eyebolt joint, and such that the lateral wings have perforations for mechanical fixation and cable perforations, configured to house mechanical fixings and wing cables respectively;

- As many cylindrical mechanical fasteners as bars bind the connection node, said mechanical fasteners being configured to join the bars to the central core, such that each mechanical fastening passes through a first mechanical fastening perforation of a lateral wing, the perforation of a bar and a second mechanical fixing hole of the other lateral wing, such that said three holes are aligned on the same axis, this being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the node of the invention, such that each mechanical fixing crosses a single bar, such that each mechanical fixing It has a section of thickness less than the perforation of the bar that it passes through and such that each mechanical fixing piece is located parallel to the plane that contains the core and with its two ends outside the space that is formed between the two facing lateral wings;

- As many female fasteners as mechanical fasteners, configured to prevent said mechanical fasteners from coming out of their housing;

- A guide eyebolt joint perpendicular to the plane containing the core, configured to join a mechanical stop, such that one of the elements is male and passes through the hole in the core and the remaining female, and fix a cable-holding connector between them,

such that the guide eyebolt joint comprises an opening along its longitudinal axis, configured to allow the displacement of a sliding link, and consequently of each pair of plates attached to the sliding link;

- A sliding link inserted in the opening of the guide eye bolt joint, configured to connect the ends of the plates and ensure that the two bars whose plates are attached to the same sliding link form the same angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the node;

- As many bars as bars bind the connection node, said bars being configured to join the bars to the sliding link;

- A cable-clamp connector with an opening configured to allow it to be trapped by the guide eyebolt joint and the mechanical stop, such that said cable-clamp connector is placed in contact with the surface of the core farthest from the mechanical fixings, and such that it comprises the least two superimposed pieces, where each superimposed piece comprises at least one cable gland groove, said gland grooves may be on one or both flat faces of said superimposed pieces, such that the gland grooves have a semicircular section, such that the two cable gland grooves superimposed pieces are placed opposite each other to allow the radial cable to be accommodated, and such that the cable gland slots of the cable tie connector form arbitrary angles to each other, allowing the radial cables that are accommodated in them to form those same arbitrary angles;

- A mechanical stop located at the end of the cable gland connector that is not in contact with the core, and which is configured to join the guide eye joint and trap the cable gland connector, preventing the radial cables from coming out of the cable gland slots and , additionally, clamping said radial cables preventing their sliding along the longitudinal axis of the cable clamp connector.

In a possible embodiment, the web is substantially flat, has a perforation in its center and has a section with at least one side with a concave shape and at least one side with a convex shape.

In a possible embodiment, each lateral flange is substantially flat and is placed together substantially perpendicular to the web, and each lateral flange is situated substantially parallel to another lateral flange, such that each pair of facing lateral flanges agglutinate at least one bar.

In a possible embodiment, the mechanical fixings are screws with eyes configured to allow the anchoring of various cables or their sliding through the ring that forms the head of the screw.

In a possible embodiment, the female fixings are internally threaded eyebolts configured to allow the anchoring of various cables or their sliding through the ring that forms the head of the eyebolt.

In a possible embodiment, the guide eyebolt joint ends with a ring located at the opposite end where the cable tie connector is located, such that said guide eyebolt joint It allows to receive in its ring various axial cables (continuous if they pass through the ring or discontinuous if they are anchored to it).

In a possible embodiment, the guide eye joint is cylindrical and female.

In a possible embodiment, the cable tie connector is cylindrical in section.

In a possible embodiment, the mechanical stop is male and passes through the hole in the core. In a possible embodiment, the material of the elements that comprise the node of the invention is steel.

In a possible embodiment, once the node of the invention is installed and operative in a certain deployable structure, the web is located in a substantially horizontal direction, and the space between the lateral wings is located at a lower height than the web. .

In a possible embodiment, the deployable structure in which the node of the invention is installed is spatial and Tensegrity.

Brief description of the figures

In order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of its practical realization, and to complement this description, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part thereof, the character of which is illustrative and not limiting. In these drawings:

Figure 1 shows a diagram of a deployed class 2 knot, according to an embodiment of the invention, with female fixings with eyelets and where the two upper sliding cables form 60 °,

Figure 2 shows a diagram of the elevation view of a deployed class 2 knot, according to an embodiment of the invention, with female fixings without ring.

Figure 3 shows a diagram of a deployed class 2 knot, according to an embodiment of the invention, with female fixings without a ring.

Figure 4 shows a diagram of a deployed class 2 knot, according to an embodiment of the invention, where the two upper sliding cables form 90 °.

Figure 5 shows a diagram of a deployed class 2 knot, according to an embodiment of the invention, where the three upper sliding cables form 60 °.

Figure 6 shows a diagram of a folded class 2 knot, according to an embodiment of the invention, with female fixings with and without ring.

Figure 7 shows a diagram of a deployed class 4 knot, according to an embodiment of the invention, where the diagonal cables and one of the bars are not illustrated in order to clearly visualize the geometry of the knot.

Figure 8 shows a diagram of a folded class 4 knot, according to an embodiment of the invention, where the diagonal cables and one of the bars are not illustrated to clearly visualize the geometry of the knot.

Figure 9 shows an elevation view diagram of a folded class 4 knot, according to an embodiment of the invention, where the diagonal cables and one of the bars are not illustrated to clearly visualize the geometry of the knot.

Figure 10 shows a diagram of a folded spatial structure where three class 2 knots appear coupled and fixed at the same level so that they are not unintentionally released, and one of the bars is not illustrated to clearly visualize the geometry of the knot.

Figure 11 shows a diagram of the plan view of a folded space structure where three class 2 knots appear coupled and fixed so that they do not unintentionally come loose.

Figure 12 shows a diagram of a folded spatial structure where three class 4 knots appear coupled and fixed so that they do not unintentionally come loose and some of the bars are not illustrated to clearly visualize the geometry of the knot.

Figure 13 shows a diagram of the plan view of a folded space structure in which three class 4 knots appear coupled and fixed at the same level so that they do not unintentionally come loose.

Figure 14 shows a diagram of a folded spatial structure in which three class 2 nodes appear coupled at different levels.

Figure 15 shows a diagram of a folded spatial structure where three class 4 nodes appear coupled at different levels, and one of the bars of each node is not illustrated in order to clearly visualize the geometry of the node.

Figure 16 shows a diagram of a folded spatial structure in which three class 2 nodes appear coupled at different levels.

Figure 17 shows a diagram of the lower, upper and intermediate parts of the cable tie connector, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

In this text, the term "comprises" and its variants should not be understood in an exclusive sense, that is, these terms are not intended to exclude other technical characteristics, additives, components or steps.

Furthermore, the terms "about", "substantially", "about", "about", and so on. should be understood as indicating values close to those that these terms accompany, since due to calculation or measurement errors, it is impossible to achieve those values with total accuracy.

Furthermore, continuous cables are understood to be those cables that are not anchored to the knot of the invention, but rather slide between the slots and / or perforations that said knot has.

Furthermore, discontinuous cables or non-continuous cables are understood to be those cables that are anchored to the knot of the invention by, for example, a carabiner or a shackle.

The characteristics of the knot of the invention, as well as the advantages derived therefrom, can be better understood with the following description, made with reference to the drawings listed above.

The following preferred embodiments are provided by way of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention covers all the possible combinations of particular and preferred embodiments indicated herein. For those skilled in the art, other objects, advantages and characteristics of the invention will emerge in part from the description and in part from the practice of the invention.

Next, the connection knot for deployable structures of the invention is described, which is light, manageable, inexpensive and simple to manufacture and assemble, and also allows 1) to bind two or four bars that can rotate and fold around it. , in such a way that each bar forms the same angle as at least one other of the bars, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the node; 2) be coupled to other nodes (with their corresponding bars) once the structure is fully folded, such that they easily stick together; 3) be fixed to other nodes, such that once coupled they are not unintentionally disengaged and 4) that the upper sliding cables form arbitrary angles with each other, said cables being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the node.

Preferably, the deployable structures are spatial and Tensegrity, although not limiting.

Figures 1-9 show a diagram of different embodiments of the knot of the invention (figures 1-5: class 2 and unfolded; figure 6: class 2 and folded; figure 7: class 4 and unfolded; figures 8-9: class 4 and folding). The present invention solves the functional deficiencies found in the literature on knots of deployable structures and especially Tensegrity structures.

The node of the invention is composed of the following elements:

- A central core formed by a web 11 and at least two lateral wings 12, in such a way that there are at least the same number of lateral wings 12 as there are bars 13.

The core 11 is substantially flat in a preferred embodiment, and has a section with 1) at least one side shaped inwards, for example concave in shape; and 2) at least one outwardly shaped side, for example convex shaped. This configuration allows the coupling between two central cores or between a central nucleus and a bar, if the nodes are at different levels, as can be seen in Figures 10-16.

Preferably, each lateral flange 12 is substantially flat and is situated substantially perpendicular with respect to the web 11, attached thereto by, for example, welding, folding, tongue and groove, extrusion or screwing. Furthermore, preferably each lateral flange 12 is situated substantially parallel to another lateral flange 12, such that each pair of facing lateral flanges 12 agglutinate at least one bar 13.

Furthermore, once the node of the invention is installed and operational in a specific deployable structure, the core 11 is preferably located in the direction substantially horizontal, and the space between the lateral wings 12 is located at a lower height than the web 11.

The lateral wings 12 have mechanical fixing holes and cable holes, configured to accommodate mechanical fixing 14 and wing cables 15 respectively.

Each mechanical fixation 14 is located through two mechanical fixation perforations of two facing lateral wings, such that each mechanical fixation perforation is in a different lateral flange 12 and such that said two mechanical fixation perforations are aligned on the same axis, this being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the node of the invention. In this way, each mechanical fastening piece 14, once installed, is positioned parallel to the plane containing the core 11 and with its two ends outside the space formed between the two facing lateral wings 12. Furthermore, each wing cable 15 passes through at least one cable hole, and preferably two cable holes of two lateral wings, such that each cable hole is in a different lateral wing 12 and facing each other. In this case, unlike the mechanical fixings 14, it is not necessary for said two cable perforations to be aligned on a certain axis, so that the wing cable 15, when passing through the interior of the space formed by the core 11 and the lateral wings 12, it can do so at a certain angle with respect to the mechanical fixing pieces 14. A person skilled in the art will understand that the location of these cable perforations has to be such that the wing cable 15 that passes through said cable perforations do not obstruct at any time the rotation that, once installed, the bars 13 make in the space between the lateral wings 12. In another possible embodiment, each wing cable 15 does not pass through said cable perforations and is not continuous, but It has a fixing, such as a carabiner, a shackle or a ring, which allows it to be anchored to said cable holes.

Figures 1-6 show a node comprising the web 11 and at least two lateral wings 12, in which two bars 13 converge.

Furthermore, the core 11 has a perforation, preferably in its center or in a place close to it, configured to house a guide eyebolt joint 16, which will be detailed later.

Figures 7-9 show a class 4 node, comprising the web 11 and four lateral wings 12, it being possible for four bars 13 to come together in said node.

- As many mechanical fixings 14 as bars 13 bind the connection node, said mechanical fixings 14 being configured to join the bars 13 to the central core. That is, each mechanical fastening 14 passes through a first mechanical fastening perforation of a lateral flange, the perforation of a bar and a second mechanical fastening perforation of the other lateral flange, such that said three perforations (the two mechanical fastening perforations of the facing lateral wings and the perforation of the bar) are aligned on the same axis, this being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the joint of the invention. That is, each mechanical fastener 14 passes through a single bar 13.

The mechanical fasteners 14 are cylindrical, thus allowing the rotation of the bar 13 that they pass through and, preferably, they are screws with eyes. In another possible embodiment, said mechanical fasteners 14 are bolts. A person skilled in the art will understand that in the event that the mechanical fasteners 14 are screws with eyes, in the ring that makes up the head of said fastener, cables with different orientations can be attached. In a possible embodiment, these cables are continuous and pass through said ring. In another possible embodiment, the cables are not They are continuous, but have a fixation, such as a carabiner or a shackle, which allows them to be anchored to the ring.

Each mechanical fastener 14 has a section of thickness less than the perforation of the bar through which it passes. This clearance allows rotation between the mechanical fastener 14 and the bar 13.

- As many female fasteners 112 as mechanical fasteners 14, configured to prevent said mechanical fasteners 14 from coming out of their housing. In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 2-9, the female fixture 112 is a ringless fixture (generally nuts that thread onto the bolts or screws with eyes). In another possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 4-6, each female fastener 112 is a female eye bolt with an internal thread, such that the ring allows the joining of several cables with different orientations. In this case, in a first embodiment, the cables pass through said eyebolt. In a second embodiment, the cables are not continuous, but have a fixation, such as a carabiner or a shackle, that allows them to be anchored to the eyebolt.

- A guide eyebolt joint 16, preferably cylindrical, perpendicular to the plane containing the core 11, configured to join a mechanical stop 17, such that one of the elements is male (preferably the mechanical stop 17) and passes through the perforation of the core and the remaining female (preferably the guide eyebolt joint 16), and fix between them a cable tie connector 18. In a possible embodiment, the guide eyebolt union 16 ends with a ring located at the opposite end where the cable tie connector 18 is located, such that Said guide eyebolt joint 16 allows it to receive various axial cables in its ring (continuous if they pass through the ring or discontinuous if they are anchored to it), in such a way that the knot is more versatile. The guide eyebolt joint 16 comprises an opening along its longitudinal axis, configured to allow the movement of a sliding link 19, and consequently of each pair of plates 10 attached to the sliding link 19. This movement allows the folding and unfolding of the knot of the invention.

- A sliding link 19, inserted in the opening of the guide eyebolt joint 16, configured to connect the ends of the bars 10, as many as bars 13 come together in the node, and ensure that the two bars 13 whose bars 10 are attached to it sliding nexus 19 form the same angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the knot.

- As many bars 10 as bars 13 bind the connection node, said bars 10 being configured to join the bars 13 (for example through a lug) to the sliding link 19.

- A cable clamp connector 18, preferably of cylindrical section, with an opening configured to allow it to be trapped by the guide eyebolt joint 16 and the mechanical stop 17, such that said cable clamp connector 18 is placed in contact with the surface of the core 11 plus away from the mechanical fixings 14, and such that it comprises at least two superimposed pieces, as can be seen in figure 17.

Each superimposed piece comprises at least one cable gland groove 171 in order to allow the free passage of the radial cables 111, said gland grooves 171 being able to be on one or both flat faces of said superimposed pieces, such that the cable gland grooves 171 have semicircular section and such that the cable gland grooves 171 of two superimposed pieces are placed opposite each other to allow the radial cable 111 to be accommodated. The gland grooves 171 of the at least two superimposed pieces and, if they exist, the cable gland grooves 171 of the same piece forms arbitrary angles to each other, allowing the radial cables 111 that are housed in them to form those same arbitrary angles. Therefore, between every two overlapping pieces, at least one cable can be accommodated and trapped. radial 111, being able to couple together a large number of overlapping pieces (two onwards) and therefore allowing the passage of a large number of radial cables 111. In other words, an important advantage of the cable clamp connector 18 is that it is possible to superimpose a undefined number of radial cables 111.

- A mechanical stop 17 located at the end of the cable clamp connector 18 that is not in contact with the core 11, and which is configured to join the guide eyebolt joint 16 and trap the cable clamp connector 18, preventing the radial cables 111 from exit from the cable gland grooves 171 and, additionally, clamping said radial cables 111 preventing their sliding along the longitudinal axis of the cable clamp connector 18. This last application is appropriate to achieve that the relative distances of the radial cables 111 remain fixed ( clamping them), or to allow them to be variable (not clamping, just guiding and allowing the radial cables 111 to slide through the cable gland slots 171 of the cable clamp connector 18).

The objective of this mechanical stop 17 is twofold: on the one hand, it prevents the guide eyebolt joint 16 from coming out of its housing; and on the other hand, the cable clamp connector 18 is clamped to clamp the radial cables 111 that pass through it.

Preferably, the material of each element comprised in the node of the invention (central core, mechanical fasteners 14, female fasteners 112, guide eyebolt joint 16, cable clamp connector 18, plates 10, sliding link 19 and mechanical stop 17) is steel, although a A person skilled in the art will understand that the material can be any that meets a series of requirements such as: resistance, toughness, hardness and durability.

The characteristics and relative positions of the cables, radial 111, wing 15 and axial, and of the bars 13 that make up the deployable structure are described below. In any case, a person skilled in the art will understand that said radial cables 111 and bars 13 are outside the scope of the knot of the present invention.

- The radial cables 111 are responsible for transmitting the tensile loads of the structure in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cable clamp connector 18, as they are guided or clamped by said cable clamp connector 18 and by the mechanical stop 17 and, therefore , by being fixed to the knot of the invention in all its senses.

These radial cables 111, which can form various angles to each other, and which are in planes substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the node, pass through the cable gland grooves 171. In the case of having more than one radial cable 111, the various cables Radials 111 are housed between the different pieces of the cable tie connector 18, in contact with one another in consecutive planes.

- The wing cables 15 are in charge of transmitting the tensile loads of the structure in a diagonal or parallel direction with respect to the lateral wings 12 that make up the node, each one being housed in at least one cable perforation of a wing lateral, or in a fixation anchored to said lateral wing 12, as explained above.

- The axial cables (not represented in the figures), in the preferred embodiment of being able to join the node of the invention, are responsible for transmitting the tensile loads of the structure in a diagonal or parallel direction with respect to the lateral wings 12 that make up the knot, each one being housed in the ring of the guide eyebolt joint 16, or in a fixing anchored to said ring.

Furthermore, and as mentioned above, the knot of the invention allows the possibility of accommodating other cables both in the mechanical fasteners 14 and in the female fasteners 112. In the preferred embodiment described, and with this new knot, the radial cables 111 they pass through a cable gland connector 18 that allows their passage through the cable gland slots 171. If it is desired that the radial cables 111 slide through the node, the mechanical stop 17 can be kept threaded to the guide eyebolt joint 16 but with sufficient clearance to not tighten the radial cables 111. If you want to fix the longitudinal position of the radial cables 111, you can tighten the mechanical stop 17 inside the guide eyebolt joint 16 until it clamps said radial cables 111 that pass through the cable gland grooves 171 thereof.

The wing cables 15 can also pass freely through the knot, easily transmitting the necessary forces but at the same time allowing, through their sliding, said wing cables 15 to be accommodated to the most suitable position within the structure.

The axial cables can also pass freely through the ring of the guide eyebolt joint 16 of the knot, easily transmitting the necessary forces but at the same time allowing, through their sliding, that said axial cables are accommodated to the most suitable position within the structure.

- The bars 13 are in charge of transmitting the compression forces to the joint, being the rigid linear elements that make up the structure. Each bar 13 is perforated at one of its ends, in such a way that the perforation of a bar and the perforations for mechanical fixing of two lateral wings are located on the same axis, this being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the node of the invention. In this way, as mentioned above, the perforation of each bar and the mechanical fixing perforations of the two pairs of lateral wings that are located on the same axis, are traversed by a mechanical fixing 14.

The perforated end of a bar 13 is located within the space formed between the lateral wings 12 and the web 11, in such a way that when rotating around the mechanical fasteners 14 they do not interfere with each other, or with the web 11. , nor with the wing cables 15 passing through the central core.

In a possible embodiment, each bar 13 has attached a lug to which the plates 10 are attached, which are the rotating elements that ensure that the angle formed by the bars 13 with the guide eyebolt joint 16 is the same and, therefore, that all bars 13 are folded and unfolded in a consistent and coordinated manner.

As can be seen in the figures, the proposed solution is versatile for nodes of different classes: for joining 2 bars 13 (figures 1-6) and 4 bars 13 (figures 7-9).

Example

A concrete example of the embodiment of the invention and the results obtained are shown below. The node of the invention is composed of the following elements:

- A central core formed by a web and two lateral wings, in such a way that the node in the example brings together two bars.

The core is flat, and presents a section with two opposite sides with an inward shape (concave); and the two remaining opposite sides shaped outward (convex).

The lateral wings are flat and perpendicular to the web, joined to it by means of a weld. In addition, the lateral wings are placed parallel to each other, and they agglutinate two bars.

The side wings feature mechanical fixing holes and cable holes, configured to accommodate mechanical fixing and wing cables respectively.

Each wing wire passes through two cable holes of the two side wings, such that each cable hole is on a different side wing. In this case, the two cable holes are not aligned on a certain axis.

- Two mechanical fixings configured to join the two bars to the central core. That is to say, each mechanical fastening passes through a first mechanical fastening perforation of a lateral flange, the perforation of a bar and a second mechanical fastening perforation of the other lateral flange, such that said three perforations (the two mechanical fastening perforations of the flanges facing sides and the perforation of the bar) are aligned on the same axis, this being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the joint of the invention. In other words, each mechanical fastening passes through a single bar. In this way, each mechanical fixing piece, once installed, is positioned parallel to the plane containing the core and with its two ends outside the space formed between the two facing lateral wings.

Said mechanical fixings are cylindrical, thus allowing the rotation of the bar that they pass through and, in addition, they are screws with eyes. In addition, in the ring that makes up the head of said fixation, cables with different orientations are joined.

Each mechanical fastening has a section of thickness less than the perforation of the bar that passes through it. This clearance allows rotation between the mechanical fastener and the bar.

- Two female fixings configured to prevent the mechanical fixings from coming out of their housing.

- A guide eyebolt joint, with a cylindrical section, perpendicular to the plane containing the core, configured to join a mechanical stop, such that one of the elements is male (the mechanical stop) and passes through the core perforation and the remaining female ( the guide eyebolt joint), and fix a cable tie connector between them. The guide eyebolt joint ends with a ring located at the opposite end where the cable clamp connector is located, such that said guide eyebolt joint allows various axial cables to be received in its ring. The guide eye joint comprises an opening along its longitudinal axis, configured to allow the movement of a sliding link, and consequently of the two plates attached to the link. This displacement allows the folding and unfolding of the knot of the invention.

- A sliding link, inserted in the opening of the guide eyebolt joint, configured to connect the ends of the two plates, and ensure that the two bars form the same angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the node.

- Two plates configured to join the bars (through a lug) to the sliding link.

- A cable-holding connector, with a cylindrical section, with an opening configured to allow it to be trapped by the guide eye joint and the mechanical stop, such that said connector Cable tie is located in contact with the surface of the core furthest from the mechanical fixings, and such that it comprises three superimposed pieces.

The intermediate piece comprises two cable gland grooves, each located on a different face. The upper and lower pieces comprise a single cable gland groove, such that a) the groove of the upper piece and one of the grooves of the intermediate piece and b) the groove of the lower piece and the remaining groove of the intermediate piece face each other. In this exemplary embodiment, the grooves of the intermediate superimposed piece form an angle between each other of 60 °, allowing the cables that are housed in them to form that same angle.

- A mechanical stop located at the end of the cable gland connector that is not in contact with the core, and which is configured to join the guide eyebolt joint and trap the cable gland connector, preventing the radial cables from coming out of the grooves and, additionally, clamping said cables preventing their sliding along the longitudinal axis of the cable clamp connector.

In this example, the material of each element comprised in the node of the invention (central core, mechanical fasteners, female fasteners, guide eye joint, cable clamp connector, plates, sliding link and mechanical stop) is steel.

Claims (10)

1. Connection node for a deployable structure to bind 2n bars (13), where 1 <n <2, characterized in that it comprises: - A central core formed by a web (11) and at least two lateral wings (12), in such a way that there are at least the same number of lateral wings (12) as bars (13), such that the web (II ) has a section with at least one side shaped inwards and at least one side shaped outwards and such that it has a perforation that houses a guide eyebolt joint (16), and such that the side wings (12) have perforations of mechanical fixation and cable perforations, which house mechanical fixings (14) and wing cables (15) respectively; - As many cylindrical mechanical fixings (14) as bars (13) bind the connection node, where said mechanical fixings (14) join the bars (13) to the central core, such that each mechanical fixation (14) goes through a first fixing hole mechanics of a lateral flange, the perforation of a bar and a second mechanical fixing perforation of the other lateral flange, such that said three perforations are aligned on the same axis. this being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the node of the invention, such that each mechanical fastening (14) passes through a single bar (13), such that each mechanical fastening (14) has a section of thickness less than the perforation of the rod that passes through and such that each mechanical fastening piece (14) is located parallel to the plane containing the core (11) and with its two ends outside the space formed between the two facing lateral wings (12); - As many female bindings (112) as mechanical bindings (14); - A guide eye bolt joint (16) perpendicular to the plane containing the core (11) joined to a mechanical stop (17) such that the guide eye bolt union (16) comprises an opening along its longitudinal axis for the movement of a sliding link (19). and consequently of each pair of plates (10) joined to the sliding link (19); - A sliding link (19) inserted in the opening of the guide eyebolt joint (16), which connects the ends of the plates (10) and ensures that the two bars (13) whose plates (10) are attached to the same sliding link (19) form the same angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the knot; - As many bars (10) as bars (13) bind the connection node, such that said bars 10 join the bars (13) to the sliding link (19); - A cable clamp connector (18) fixed between the guide eyebolt union (16) and the mechanical stop (17), with an opening for its trapping by the guide eyebolt union (16) and the mechanical stop (17). such that said cable clamp connector (18) is placed in contact with the surface of the core (11) farthest from the mechanical fixings (14). and such that it comprises at least two superimposed pieces, where each superimposed piece comprises at least one cable gland groove (171), said cable gland grooves (171) being able to be on one or both flat faces of said superimposed pieces, such that the cable gland grooves (171) have a semicircular section, such that the cable gland grooves (171) of two superimposed pieces are placed opposite each other to allow the accommodation of upper sliding cables or radial cables (III), the radial cables (111) being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the knot and such that the cable gland slots (171) of the cable clamp connector (18) form arbitrary angles to each other, allowing the radial cables (111) that are housed in them to form those same arbitrary angles; - A mechanical stop (17) located at the end of the cable clamp connector (18) that is not in contact with the core (11), and which is attached to the guide eyebolt joint (16) and traps the cable clamp connector (18) . preventing the radial cables (111) from coming out of the cable gland grooves (171) and. additionally, clamping said radial cables (111) preventing their sliding along the longitudinal axis of the cable clamp connector (18). The connection node according to claim 1, characterized in that the core (11) is substantially flat, has a perforation in its center and has a section with at least one side with a concave shape and at least one side with a convex shape. 3. The connection node according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each lateral flange (12) is substantially flat and is located attached substantially perpendicular to the web (11) and where each lateral flange (12) is located substantially parallel to another lateral wing (12), such that each pair of facing lateral wings (12) agglutinate at least one bar (13). 4. The connection knot according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mechanical fixings (14) are screws with eyes for anchoring various cables or for sliding them through the ring that makes up the head of the screw. 5. The connection knot according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the female fasteners (112) are eyebolts with internal thread for anchoring various cables or for their sliding through the ring that forms the head of the eyebolt. 6. The connection knot according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide eyebolt joint (16) ends with a ring located at the opposite end where the cable clamp connector (18) is located, such that said guide eyebolt joint (16 ) allows it to receive various axial cables in its ring (continuous if they pass through the ring or discontinuous if they are anchored to it). The connection node according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide eyebolt joint (16) is cylindrical and female. 8. The connection node according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable-holding connector (18) has a cylindrical section. 9. The connection node according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mechanical stop (17) is male and passes through the perforation of the core (11). 10. The connection node according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material of the elements that comprise it is steel.