JP4646939B2 - Panel device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a panel device that can be developed from a bulk storage state to a planar deployment state.

  As a power generation system that does not impose a burden on the global environment, a space solar power generation system that generates power by providing a solar panel on a stationary orbit in outer space is considered. In this space solar power generation system, in order to find sufficient practicality, a solar cell panel launched at a time must be spread in a planar shape in a range of 100 m square, for example. Contrary to this launch, when launching, the launch rocket is restricted by the storage space in the fairing provided on the launch rocket, and must be folded into as small a mass as possible for the purpose of protection from vibrations associated with launch. I must. Such a solar cell panel does not exist and development is desired.

  The artificial satellite is provided with a solar cell panel, and the artificial satellite is operated using electric power generated by the solar cell panel. The solar cell panel provided in this artificial satellite is also folded into a small size at the time of launch and widely deployed after launch. The solar cell panel provided in an artificial satellite is disclosed by patent documents 1-9, for example. Each of the solar cell panels disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 9 has a plurality of panel bodies, each panel body is connected by a hinge, and is launched in a folded state so that it can be deployed after launch. It is configured. The solar cell panels disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 9 have a configuration in which all panel bodies are stacked in the thickness direction in a folded state.

  In the solar cell panel that must be deployed over a wide range used in the space solar power generation system, the number of panel bodies is larger than the solar cell panel of an artificial satellite. If the structure which folds so that the panel body of this may be piled up, the dimension of the overlapping direction of each panel will become large too much and it will become impossible to mount in a rocket. Thus, the conventional technology cannot realize a large-sized solar cell panel used in the space solar power generation system.

JP 2002-302100 A JP 2000-280997 A JP 2006-188201 A JP-A-7-223597 JP 2000-59122 A JP-A-11-91698 JP-A-7-187089 JP 60-147150 A JP 2001-88799 A

  The objective of this invention is providing the panel apparatus which can be expand | deployed to the surface shape as large as possible from the state folded into the lump shape as small as possible.

The present invention is a plurality of panel bodies each having a plurality of panel pieces, and each panel piece extends from the storage state in which the panel pieces overlap each other in the overlapping direction of the panel pieces in the storage state, and each panel piece is arranged in a plane. A plurality of panel bodies that can be primarily deployed in a state;
Each panel body is connected to each other so that the panel bodies can be primarily deployed from the retracted state to the intermediate state, and the panel bodies are overlapped with each other in the intermediate state. It is a panel device characterized by comprising connecting means for connecting the panel bodies so that the panel bodies can be secondarily deployed in a deployed state in which the panel bodies are arranged in a planar shape.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the connecting means connects the panel bodies and the panel pieces so that the primary development in the panel bodies proceeds simultaneously in conjunction with each other.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that a honeycomb shape is formed by bundling a plurality of rhombus cylinders during primary development.

  In addition, the present invention is characterized by comprising a reverse prevention means for preventing a state change operation from the intermediate state toward the retracted state and a state change operation from the expanded state toward the intermediate state.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the reversion preventing means is primarily deployed from the retracted state to the intermediate state, the adjacent panel pieces are held in a predetermined angular positional relationship, and when the secondary expansion is performed from the intermediate state to the expanded state, The panel bodies to be held are held in a predetermined angular positional relationship.

  According to the present invention, each panel body includes a plurality of panel bodies, each panel body includes a plurality of panel pieces, the panel bodies are connected to each other by the connecting means, and the panel pieces in each panel body are connected to each other. Are connected by connecting means. Each panel body can be primarily deployed from a storage state in which the panel pieces overlap each other to an intermediate state in which the panel pieces extend in the overlapping direction of the panel pieces in the storage state and the panel pieces are arranged in a plane. Furthermore, each panel body is in a state in which the panel bodies are overlapped with each other in the intermediate state, and the panel body is extended from the intermediate state in the overlapping direction of the panel bodies in the intermediate state, and the panel bodies are arranged in a planar shape. Secondary deployment is possible. In this way, not only the panel bodies are folded so as to be stacked in the thickness direction, but also the panel bodies themselves are folded. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a panel device that can be developed into a plane shape as large as possible from a state in which it is folded as small as possible.

  Moreover, according to this invention, each panel body and each panel piece are connected by a connection means, and the primary expansion | deployment in each panel body advances simultaneously in conjunction. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the progress of the primary development from occurring in each panel body, and to smoothly perform the primary development. Moreover, each panel body can transfer to secondary expansion | deployment simultaneously, and can be expanded smoothly secondary. In this way, the panel device configured to be deployed in two stages can be smoothly deployed.

  Further, according to the present invention, from the retracted state, a honeycomb-like shape obtained by bundling a plurality of rhombus-shaped cylinders is primarily expanded and becomes an intermediate state. Thus, the panel device has a configuration in which each panel piece has a pantograph shape corresponding to a link. As a result, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the panel pieces are linked and primarily deployed.

  Further, according to the present invention, the reverse prevention means is provided, and the state change operation from the intermediate state to the retracted state and the state change operation from the unfolded state to the intermediate state are prevented. In this way, an operation opposite to the operation toward the unfolded state is prevented, and the unfolded state can be smoothly developed.

  According to the present invention, when the primary deployment from the retracted state to the intermediate state is performed, adjacent panel pieces are held in a predetermined angular positional relationship, and when the secondary deployment is performed from the intermediate state to the expanded state, the adjacent panel bodies are The predetermined angular position relationship is maintained. In this way, the reversing means maintains the angular positional relationship between the panel pieces and the panel bodies, so that the panel device in the unfolded state can be used while being held in a predetermined suitable shape.

  FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view showing a panel device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1B (1) shows the storage state, FIG. 1B (2) shows the state during the primary expansion, FIG. 1C (3) shows the intermediate state, and FIG. 1C (4) shows the secondary expansion. FIG. 1D (5) shows the unfolded state. The panel device 10 is mounted on a rocket and launched into outer space in the folded state shown in FIG. 1B (1), and after being launched, deployed into the deployed state shown in FIG. 1D (5). Is done.

  Although only a part of the panel device 10 is shown in FIG. 1B (1), the panel device 10 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape in which each ridge line is parallel to any of the orthogonal first to third directions x to z in the stored state. It is a lump. The dimensions of the panel device 10 in this stored state are, for example, the dimension Lx0 in the first direction x is about 5 m, the dimension Ly0 in the second direction y is about 5 m, and the dimension Lz0 in the third direction z is about 10 m. .

  FIG. 1C (4) shows only the corners of the four corners of the panel device 10, but the panel device 10 is a plane parallel to the second and third directions y and z (hereinafter referred to as “yz plane”) in the unfolded state. And each side has a rectangular surface shape parallel to one of the second and third directions y and z. The dimensions of the panel device 10 in this unfolded state are, for example, the dimension Lx1 in the first direction x is 0.02 m (20 mm), the dimension Ly1 in the second direction y is about 100 m, and the dimension Lz0 in the third direction z is About 100 m.

  The use of panel device 10 is not particularly limited, and may be used as an antenna or the like, but in the present embodiment, it is implemented as a solar cell panel used in a space solar power generation system. A panel device 10 implemented as a solar battery panel of a space power generation system is deployed in a planar shape on a geostationary orbit in outer space, receives sunlight to generate power, and transmits it to the ground with microwaves.

  The panel device 10 includes a plurality of panel bodies 11 in the present embodiment, and each panel body 11 includes a plurality of panel pieces 12 in the present embodiment. Therefore, the panel device 10 has 3800 panel pieces 12 in total. Each panel piece 12 is formed in a strip shape, has a lengthwise dimension L12L of about 5 m, a widthwise dimension L12W of 0.5 m (500 mm), and a thicknesswise dimension L12T of 0.02 m (20 mm). is there.

  When the panel device 10 is in the retracted state, each panel piece 12 has a longitudinal direction parallel to the first direction x, a width direction parallel to the third direction z, and a thickness direction parallel to the second direction y. Take a posture. The panel pieces 12 are arranged in the third direction z in such a manner that the 20 panel pieces 12 face each other in the width direction, and the 190 panel pieces 12 are arranged in the thickness direction. Are overlapped in the second direction y.

  In the retracted state, 190 panel pieces 12 stacked in the second direction y are grouped together, and one panel body 11 is configured by the group of panel pieces 12. In FIG. 1B (1), only 13 panel pieces 12 of each panel body 11 are shown. FIGS. 1B (2) to 1C (3) show only the 11 panel body 11 portions corresponding to section A of FIG. 1B (1) among the portions shown in FIG. 1B (1). Yes.

  Each panel body 11 has a group of panel pieces 12 connected to each other so as to be angularly displaceable, and is configured in a so-called bellows shape in which mountain fold portions and valley fold portions are alternately arranged. The most contracted state. Each panel body 11 extends from the stored state in the second direction y, which is the overlapping direction of the panel pieces 12 in the stored state, and can be primarily deployed in an intermediate state in which the panel pieces 12 are arranged in a plane. . Hereinafter, when any one of the mountain fold portion and the valley fold portion is unspecified, it is referred to as a bent portion.

  Here, a portion that protrudes upward in the third direction z, for example, in FIG. 1 is a mountain fold, and a portion that protrudes downward in the other direction in the third direction z, for example, in FIG. The panel bodies 11 adjacent to each other in the third direction z are provided so that the valley fold portion of the panel body 11 on the one side in the third direction z faces the mountain fold portion of the panel body 11 on the other side in the third direction z. It is done. When each such panel body 11 starts primary deployment from the retracted state and extends in the second direction y, as shown in FIG. 1B (2), it seems that a plurality of rhombus cylinders are not bundled. A honeycomb-like state is reached, and after this honeycomb-like state, the primary development is completed and an intermediate state is reached.

  When the panel device 10 is in an intermediate state, each panel piece 12 has a longitudinal direction parallel to the first direction x, a width direction parallel to the second direction y, and a thickness direction parallel to the third direction z. Take a posture. Each panel piece 12 is arranged in the second direction y such that a group of 190 panel pieces 12 constituting one panel body 11 face each other in the width direction in such a posture, Twenty panel pieces 12 are overlapped in the third direction z so as to overlap in the thickness direction. In the intermediate state, each panel body 11 has a planar shape parallel to a plane parallel to the first and second directions x and y (hereinafter referred to as “xy plane”), and overlaps with the third direction z.

  Each panel body 11 is in a state of being flat like an intermediate state, for example, so that the panel device 10 has a bellows shape like a folding screen in which mountain folded portions and valley folded portions are alternately arranged. In the intermediate state, it is in the most contracted state when folded. The panel device 10 extends from the intermediate state in the third direction z, which is the overlapping direction of the panel bodies 11 in the intermediate state, and can be secondarily deployed in an unfolded state in which the panel bodies 11 are arranged in a planar shape. When the panel device 10 starts secondary deployment from the intermediate state and extends in the third direction z, as shown in FIG. 1C (4), the panel device 10 is in a state of an open folding screen. The secondary deployment is completed and the deployment state is reached.

  When the panel device 10 is in the unfolded state, each panel piece 12 has a longitudinal direction parallel to the third direction z, a width direction parallel to the second direction y, and a thickness direction parallel to the first direction x. Take a posture. Each panel piece 12 is arranged in the second direction y such that a group of 190 panel pieces 12 constituting one panel body 11 face each other in the width direction in such a posture, Twenty panel pieces 12 are arranged in the third direction z so that the ends in the longitudinal direction abut each other.

  As described above, each panel body 11 is configured by connecting the panel pieces 12, and the panel pieces 12 extend from the storage state in which the panel pieces 12 overlap each other in the overlapping direction of the panel pieces 12 in the storage state. Primary development is possible in an intermediate state arranged in a line. Further, the panel bodies 11 are overlapped with each other in the intermediate state, and extend from the intermediate state in the overlapping direction of the panel bodies 11 in the intermediate state so that the panel bodies 11 can be secondarily deployed in a deployed state in which the panel bodies 11 are arranged in a plane. Are connected to each other. Accordingly, the panel device 10 is subjected to primary deployment and secondary deployment from a massive storage state that can be mounted on a launch rocket as shown in FIG. 1B (1), as shown in FIG. 1D (5), It can be expanded to a planar expansion state that spreads over a wide area.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the panel device 10. FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view showing a part of the panel device 10. FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view showing a part of the panel device 10. FIG. 3 shows a state seen with a line of sight parallel to the first direction x, and FIG. 4 shows a state seen with a line of sight parallel to the second direction y. 2A (1), FIG. 3A (1) and FIG. 4A (1) show the storage state, and FIG. 2A (2), FIG. 3A (2) and FIG. 4A (2) show the state during the primary deployment. 2B (3), FIG. 3B (3) and FIG. 4B (3) show an intermediate state, and FIG. 2C (4), FIG. 3B (4) and FIG. Indicates the state. As described above, the panel device 10 includes the connecting means 15 for connecting the panel bodies 11 and the panel pieces 12 so as to be expandable from the stored state to the expanded state. The connecting means 15 is roughly divided into three types of connecting tools 16-18.

  The connecting means 15 connects the side portions 90 in the width direction of the panel pieces 12 adjacent to each other in the second direction y in the intermediate state so as to be angularly displaceable about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the panel pieces 12. Thus, each panel body 11 that can be extended from the folded state can be realized by folding the connection pieces into bent portions so that the panel pieces 12 overlap each other. Further, the connecting means 15 connects the end portions 91 in the longitudinal direction of the panel pieces 12 adjacent to each other in the third direction z in the unfolded state so as to be angularly displaceable about an axis parallel to the width direction of the panel pieces 12. By connecting the panel bodies 11 adjacent to each other in the third direction z in the unfolded state, the connection portions are bent so that the panel bodies 11 overlap each other, and can be extended from this folded state. Panel device 10 can be realized. In the present invention, the angular displacement includes not only an angular displacement of less than 360 degrees but also an angular displacement corresponding to a rotation of 360 degrees or more.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view further enlarging the section B of FIG. 2A (2). The first coupling tool (hereinafter referred to as “first coupling tool”) 16 of the three types of coupling tools 16 to 18 in the coupling means 15 is two panels arranged at both ends in the third direction z of the panel device 10. It is a connecting tool provided for connecting the panel pieces 12 in the body 11 (hereinafter referred to as an “end panel body” when any one of these two panel bodies is unspecified). In order to form a bent portion that protrudes toward the opposite side of the remaining panel body 11 excluding each end panel 11 in each end panel body 11, the first connector 16 is formed on the panel piece 12 in this bent portion. The corner portions 92 are connected to each other at both end portions 91 in the longitudinal direction. The first connector 16 is a corner portion 92 of the panel piece 12 of the end panel body 11, and in the state during the primary deployment shown in FIGS. 1B (2) and 2A (2), The corner portions 92 that are butted only to the corner portions 92 of the panel pieces 12 are connected.

  The first connector 16 is realized by a one-degree-of-freedom hinge in which a pair of hinge pieces 20 and 21 are movably connected by a hinge pin 22 around a hinge axis L16 that coincides with the axis of the hinge pin 22. As for the 1st coupling tool 16, one hinge piece 20 is connected with the side part 90a of the width direction of one panel piece 12 among the two panel pieces 12 which should be connected, and the other hinge piece 21 should be connected. Of the two panel pieces 12, the other panel piece 12 is connected to the side surface portion 90a in the width direction.

  The first connector 16 is provided such that the hinge axis L16 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the panel piece 12, and connects the panel piece 12 around the hinge axis L16 so as to be angularly displaceable. The two panel pieces 12 connected by the first connector 16 have a state in which they overlap in the thickness direction and a state in which the panel pieces 12 are arranged in a planar state with the side surfaces 90a facing each other facing each other. Angular displacement is possible around the hinge axis L16, which is an angular displacement axis parallel to the longitudinal direction. These two panel pieces 12 are in an overlapping state in the retracted state, are relatively angularly displaced in the primary development, and are arranged in a planar shape in the intermediate state.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view further enlarging section C of FIG. 2A (2). FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the second connector 17. FIG. 8 is a front view showing the second connector 17. FIG. 9 is a side view showing the second connector 17. 7 is a view seen from the same direction as FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 5. FIG. 7A (1) shows the storage state, and FIG. 7A (2) shows the state during the primary deployment. 7B (3) shows an intermediate state, FIG. 7B (4) shows a state during secondary development, and FIG. 7 (5) shows a development state. FIG. 8 is a view showing a state viewed from a line of sight parallel to the first direction x parallel to the longitudinal direction of each panel piece 12, and FIG. 8A (1) shows the storage state, and FIG. ) Shows the state of the middle stage during the primary development, FIG. 8B (3) shows the state of the final stage during the primary development, and FIG. 8B (4) shows the intermediate state. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state viewed from a line of sight parallel to the second direction y, which is parallel to the width direction of each panel piece 12. FIG. 9A (1) shows an intermediate state, and FIG. ) Shows the state of the middle stage during the secondary development, FIG. 9B (3) shows the state of the final stage during the secondary development, and FIG. 9B (4) shows the development state.

  The second connecting tool (hereinafter referred to as “second connecting tool”) 17 of the three types of connecting tools 16 to 18 in the connecting means 15 is in the primary development of FIGS. 1B (2) and 2A (2). In this state, it is a corner 92 that is abutted against each other, and is a connecting tool that is provided to couple the corners 92 that are abutted against each other even in the expanded state shown in FIG. 1D (5). The second connector 17 is always a second connector for connecting the corners 92 of the four panel pieces 12 adjacent to each other in the second direction y and the third direction z (hereinafter referred to as “second for four sheets”). 17) for connecting two panels for connecting the corner portions 92 of the two panel pieces 12 which are disposed at both ends in the second direction y of the panel device 10 and are always adjacent to each other in the third direction z. The second connecting tool (hereinafter referred to as “second connecting tool for two sheets”) 17.

  6 to 9 show the second connector 17 for four sheets. The four second connector 17 is a connector for connecting the four panel pieces 12 adjacent to each other in the second direction y and the third direction z, and includes two main connectors 25 and two sub-connectors. Instrument 26. The main coupler 25 includes a pair of hinge pieces 30 and 31 and an L-shaped hinge pin 32. The hinge pin 32 has a pair of shaft portions 33 and 34, and is formed such that the axis lines L33 and L34 of the shaft portions 33 and 34 form an angle of 90 degrees. One hinge piece 30 is provided on one shaft portion 33 so as to be angularly displaceable around one axis portion axis L33, which is its axis, and the other hinge piece 31 is on its axis on the other shaft portion 34. The other shaft portion is provided so as to be angularly displaceable around the axis L34. As described above, the main coupler 25 is realized by a two-degree-of-freedom hinge in which the pair of hinge pieces 30 and 31 are connected to the shaft pins L33 and L34 of the hinge pin 32 so as to be displaceable by the hinge pin 32. The

  The main connector 25 is a connector that connects two panel pieces 12 adjacent in the third direction z in the retracted state and the intermediate state, and one hinge piece 30 is one of the two panel pieces 12 to be connected. The other hinge piece 31 is connected to the end surface portion 91a in the longitudinal direction of the other panel piece 12 out of the two panel pieces 12 to be connected. The main coupler 25 is provided such that one shaft portion axis L33 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the panel piece 12, and the other shaft portion axis L34 is provided so as to be parallel to the width direction of the other panel piece 12. The panel piece 12 is connected around the shaft axis lines L33 and L34 so as to be angularly displaceable. The two panel pieces 12 connected by the main connector 25 extend in the longitudinal direction of the panel piece 12 in a state where they overlap each other in the thickness direction and in a state where they are lined up in a state where the side portions 90a in the width direction face each other. An angular displacement axis that is parallel to the direction and can be angularly displaced around one axial axis L33, and in a state where it is overlapped in the thickness direction and in a state in which the end surface portion 91a in the longitudinal direction is faced to face each other. And can be angularly displaced around the other axis portion L34 which is an angular displacement axis parallel to the width direction of the panel piece 12.

  The sub-connector 26 is realized by a one-degree-of-freedom hinge in which a pair of hinge pieces 36 and 37 are movably connected around a hinge axis L26 which is an axis thereof by a hinge pin 38. The sub-connector 26 is a connector that connects two panel pieces 12 adjacent in the second direction y in the retracted state and the intermediate state, and one hinge piece 36 is one of the two panel pieces 12 to be connected. The other hinge piece 37 is connected to the side surface portion 90a in the width direction of the other panel piece 12 out of the two panel pieces 12 to be connected. The sub-connector 26 is provided so that the hinge axis L26 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the panel piece 12, and connects the panel piece 12 around the hinge axis L26 so as to be angularly displaceable. The two panel pieces 12 connected by the sub-connector 26 extend in the longitudinal direction of the panel piece 12 in a state where they overlap each other in the thickness direction and in a state where they are aligned in a face-to-face manner with the side surface portions 90a facing each other. Angular displacement is possible around the hinge axis L26, which is an angular displacement axis parallel to the direction.

  The four adjacent panel pieces 12 connected by the second connector 17 for four sheets having these two main connectors 25 and two sub-connectors 26 are shown in FIGS. 7A (1) and 8A (1). As shown, in the retracted state, two sheets are arranged in the third direction z in a plane shape so that the side surface portions 90a in the width direction are abutted, and two sheets are overlapped in the second direction y so as to overlap in the thickness direction. is there. From this stored state, in the primary deployment, each panel piece 12 is displaced around the one axis portion axis L33 of the main connector 25 and the hinge axis L26 of the sub-connector 26, and FIG. 7A (2) and FIG. As shown in (2) and FIG. 8B (3), when viewed from a line of sight parallel to the first direction x, the panels 12 are arranged in a radial shape and are in an X-shape. The angular displacement is brought to the intermediate state shown in 8B (4).

  In the intermediate state, as shown in FIG. 7B (3), FIG. 8B (4), and FIG. 9A (1), two sheets are arranged in the second direction y so as to face the side surface portion 90a in the width direction. The two sheets overlap in the third direction z so as to overlap in the thickness direction. From this intermediate state, in the secondary deployment, each panel piece 12 is displaced about the other axis part axis L34 of the main coupler 25, and FIG. 7B (4), FIG. 9A (2) and FIG. 9B (3). As shown in FIG. 7, when viewed with a line of sight parallel to the second direction y, each panel 12 bends in a U-shape and is angularly displaced to the unfolded state shown in FIGS. 7C (5) and 9B (4). To do.

  The second connector 17 for two of the second connectors 17 is arranged at the end in the second direction y and connects two panel pieces 12 adjacent to each other in the third direction z in the retracted state and the intermediate state. It is a connecting tool for. This 2nd 2nd connector 17 is a structure provided with only the 1 main connector 25 among the four connectors 25 and 26 of the above-mentioned 4nd 2nd connector 17 for a sheet.

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view further enlarging the section D of FIG. 2A (2). FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the third connector 18. FIG. 12 is a front view showing the third connector 18. 11 is a view seen from the same direction as FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 5. FIG. 12 is a view seen in a line of sight parallel to the first direction x which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of each panel piece 12. FIG. FIG. 11A (1) and FIG. 12A (1) show the storage state, FIG. 11A (2) and FIG. 12A (2) show the state of the middle stage during the primary development, FIG. 11B (3) and FIG. 12B (3) shows an intermediate state, and FIGS. 11B (4) and 12B (4) show an initial stage state during secondary development.

  A third coupling tool (hereinafter referred to as “third coupling tool”) 18 of the three types of coupling tools 16 to 18 in the coupling means 15 is in the primary deployment of FIGS. 1B (2) and 2A (2). In the state, the corners 92 are abutted with each other, and in the unfolded state shown in FIG. 1D (5), the corners 92 arranged at positions distant from each other in the third direction z are provided. It is a connecting tool. The third connector 18 is adjacent to the second direction y and the third direction z from the retracted state to the intermediate state, and is adjacent to the second direction y during the secondary deployment and in the deployed state. A third connecting tool 18 (hereinafter referred to as “four-third connecting tool”) 18 for connecting the corners 92 of the four panel pieces 12 separated in the third direction z as a set, and the panel device 10 The two panel pieces 12 are arranged at both ends in the second direction y, adjacent to the third direction z between the retracted state and the intermediate state, and separated in the third direction z during the secondary deployment and in the deployed state. And a third connecting tool 18 for connecting the corner portions 92 (hereinafter referred to as “second connecting tool for two sheets”) 18.

  10 to 12 show the third connector 18 for four sheets. The four third connector 18 is a connector for connecting the four panel pieces 12 adjacent to each other in the second direction y and the third direction z in the retracted state, and includes two main connectors 35, Two sub-connectors 36. The main coupler 35 has a pair of hinge pieces 40 and 41. One hinge piece 40 is integrally formed with a hinge shaft 42, and the other hinge piece 41 is formed with a bearing portion 43 into which the hinge shaft 42 is fitted so as to be angularly displaceable around a hinge axis L 35 as its axis. ing. The bearing portion 43 is formed in a U-shape, and a hinge recess 44 in which the hinge shaft 42 is disposed is open in one direction (hereinafter referred to as “opening direction”) O. 43 is disengaged from the bearing 43 by being displaced in the opening direction O of the hinge recess 44 which is a direction intersecting the hinge axis L35. As described above, the main coupler 35 is realized by a hinge in which the pair of hinge pieces 40 and 41 are detachably connected to each other and can be displaced around the hinge axis L35.

  The main coupler 35 is a coupler that couples two panel pieces 12 adjacent in the third direction z in the retracted state and the intermediate state. One hinge piece 40 is connected to the side surface portion 90a in the width direction of one of the two panel pieces 12 to be connected, and the hinge shaft 42 protrudes from the end surface portion 91a in the longitudinal direction of the panel piece 12. The hinge axis L35 is provided in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the panel piece 12. The other hinge piece 40 is connected to the longitudinal end surface portion 91a of the other panel piece 12 of the two panel pieces 12 to be connected, and the opening direction O of the hinge recess 44 of the bearing portion 43 is the panel piece 12. It is provided so as to be parallel to the thickness direction. The main connector 35 connects the panel pieces 12 so as to be detachable and angularly displaceable around the hinge axis L35. The two panel pieces 12 connected by the main coupler 35 extend in the longitudinal direction of the panel piece 12 in a state where they overlap each other in the thickness direction and in a state where they are lined up in a state where they face each other with the side surface portions 90a facing each other. It can be angularly displaced about a hinge axis L35 that is an angular displacement axis parallel to the direction, and can be attached and detached in a state of overlapping in the thickness direction.

  The sub-connector 36 is realized by a one-degree-of-freedom hinge in which a pair of hinge pieces 46 and 47 are connected by a hinge pin 48 around a hinge axis L36 that is an axis thereof so as to be displaceable. The sub-connector 36 is a connector that connects two panel pieces 12 adjacent in the second direction y in the retracted state and the intermediate state, and one hinge piece 46 is one of the two panel pieces 12 to be connected. The other hinge piece 46 is connected to the side surface portion 90a in the width direction of the other panel piece 12 out of the two panel pieces 12 to be connected. The sub-connector 36 is provided such that the hinge axis L36 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the panel piece 12, and connects the panel piece 12 around the hinge axis L36 so as to be angularly displaceable. The two panel pieces 12 connected by the sub-connector 36 extend in the longitudinal direction of the panel piece 12 in a state in which they overlap in the thickness direction and a state in which they are arranged in a plane with the side surfaces 90a facing each other facing each other. Angular displacement is possible around the hinge axis L36, which is an angular displacement axis parallel to the direction.

  Four adjacent panel pieces 12 connected by the third connector 18 for four sheets having these two main connectors 35 and two sub-connectors 36 are shown in FIGS. 11A (1) and 12A (1). As shown, in the retracted state, two sheets are arranged in the third direction z in a plane shape so that the side surface portions 90a in the width direction are abutted, and two sheets are overlapped in the second direction y so as to overlap in the thickness direction. is there. In this primary state, each panel piece 12 is displaced about the hinge axis L35 of the main connector 35 and the hinge axis L36 of the sub-connector 36 in the primary deployment, and FIGS. 11A (2) and 12A (2 As shown in FIG. 11B (3) and FIG. 12B (3) through the state where the panels 12 are arranged in an X-shape when viewed from a line of sight parallel to the first direction x. Angular displacement up to.

  In the intermediate state, as shown in FIG. 11B (3) and FIG. 12B (3), two sheets are arranged in the second direction y so as to abut on the side surface portion 90a in the width direction and overlap in the thickness direction. Thus, the two sheets overlap in the third direction z. In the intermediate state, the opening direction O of the hinge recess 44 of the bearing portion 44 of the main coupler 35 is such that one panel piece 12 to which one hinge piece 40 is connected is connected to the other hinge piece 41 to the other. This is a direction away from the panel piece 12. In the secondary development from this intermediate state, as shown in FIGS. 11B (4) and 12B (4), the hinge pieces 40, 41 of the main coupler 35 are separated from each other and are adjacent to each other in the second direction y. The panel pieces 12 are divided into two sets, and the corners 92 of one set of panel pieces 12 are separated from the corners 92 of the other set of panel pieces 12. The angular displacement is caused to the unfolded state around the vicinity of the end 91 in the longitudinal direction opposite to the side on which the four third couplers 18 are provided.

  Of the third connectors 18, the second third connector 18 is disposed at the end in the second direction y and connects the two panel pieces 12 adjacent to each other in the third direction z in the retracted state and the intermediate state. It is a connecting tool for. The two third connector 18 includes only one main connector 35 among the four connectors 35 and 36 of the four third connector 18 described above.

  In the panel device 10, as described above, in the retracted state, the panel pieces 12 overlap in the second direction y and are arranged in the third direction z. Therefore, the panel pieces 12 are in a state of being aligned in the second direction y and the third direction z. Such a corner 92 in each panel piece 12 is identified by an identification number (M, N, Z, X). In each panel piece 12, according to the arrangement order of the second direction y, the panel piece 12 at one end in the second direction y (for example, diagonally downward to the left in FIG. 1) is set to 1, and the other in the second direction y (for example, FIG. 1 is a natural number assigned to each panel piece 12 so that the numerical value increases one by one toward the upper right. According to the arrangement order of the third direction z, N is set to 1 in the panel piece 12 at one end of the third direction z (for example, the upper side in FIG. 1), and 1 toward the other side of the third direction z (for example, the lower side in FIG. 1). It is a natural number assigned to each panel piece 12 so that the numerical value becomes larger one by one. In the retracted state, Z is set to 1 at the corner 92 on the one side in the third direction z and to 2 at the corner 92 on the other side in the third direction z. In the retracted state, X is set to 1 in the first direction x in one side (for example, diagonally downward to the right in FIG. 1), and is set to 2 in the first direction x in the other (left diagonally upward). . Here, the natural number is a positive integer, that is, an integer of 1 or more. The maximum value of M is Mmax, and the maximum value of N is Nmax. Therefore, M is an integer from 1 to Mmax, and N is an integer from 1 to Nmax.

  The first connector 16 connects the corner 92 of the identification number (α, 1, 1, 1) and the corner 92 of the identification number (α + 1, 1, 1, 1). The first connecting portion 16 connects the corner 92 of the identification number (β, Nmax, 2, 1) and the corner 92 of the identification number (β + 1, Nmax, 2, 1). Here, α = 2γ or α = 2γ + 1. γ is an integer of 0 or more. When Nmax is an odd number, β = α−1, and when Nmax is an even number, β = α. However, when an integer greater than or equal to 0 is substituted for γ, the identification number M of at least one corner is 0 or less, and the identification number M of at least one corner is Mmax + 1 or more. In this case, the first connector 16 is not provided.

  The second connector 17 includes a corner 92 of the identification number (δ, ε, 2, 1), a corner 92 of the identification number (δ + 1, ε, 2, 1), and an identification number (δ, ε + 1, 1, The corner 92 of 1) is connected to the corner 92 of the identification number (δ + 1, ε + 1, 1, 1). Here, δ = α-1 and ε = 2ζ-1. ζ is an integer of 0 or more. However, when an integer greater than or equal to 0 is substituted for γ, the identification numbers M of all corners are 0 or less, and the identification numbers M of all corners are Mmax + 1 or more. The second connector 17 is not provided. Further, when an integer greater than or equal to 0 is substituted for ζ, the identification number N of at least two corners becomes 0 or less, and the identification number N of at least two corners becomes Nmax + 1 or more. In some cases, the second connector 17 is not provided. When an integer greater than or equal to 0 is substituted for ζ and N of all corner identification numbers is 1 or more and Nmax or less, when an integer greater than or equal to 0 is substituted for γ, the identification numbers of two corners The M of the two corners is M and the identification number M of the two corners is M, and the M of the identification numbers of the two corners is Mmax + 1. The second connector 17 for two sheets is used, and the second connector 17 for four sheets is provided when the identification numbers M of all corners are 1 or more and Mmax or less.

  The third connector 18 includes a corner 92 of the identification number (α, η, 2, 1), a corner 92 of the identification number (α + 1, η, 2, 1), and an identification number (α, η + 1, 1, The corner 92 of 1) is connected to the corner 92 of the identification number (α + 1, η + 1, 1, 1). Here, η = ε−1. However, when an integer greater than or equal to 0 is substituted for γ, the identification numbers M of all corners are 0 or less, and the identification numbers M of all corners are Mmax + 1 or more. The third connector 18 is not provided. Further, when an integer greater than or equal to 0 is substituted for ζ, the identification number N of at least two corners becomes 0 or less, and the identification number N of at least two corners becomes Nmax + 1 or more. In some cases, the third connector 18 is not provided. When an integer greater than or equal to 0 is substituted for ζ and N of all corner identification numbers is 1 or more and Nmax or less, when an integer greater than or equal to 0 is substituted for γ, the identification numbers of two corners The M of the two corners is M and the identification number M of the two corners is M, and the M of the identification numbers of the two corners is Mmax + 1. The third connector 18 for two sheets is used, and the second connector 18 for four sheets is provided when the identification numbers M of all corners are 1 or more and Mmax or less.

  The above is arrangement | positioning of the 1st direction x one side of the 1st-3rd coupling tools 16-18, and the arrangement | positioning of the 1st direction x other side of the 1st-3rd coupling tools 16-18 is described below. On the other side in the first direction x, the first connector 16 connects the corner 92 of the identification number (α, 1, 1, 2) and the corner 92 of the identification number (α + 1, 1, 1, 2). To do. The first connector 16 connects the corner 92 of the identification number (β, Nmax, 2, 2) and the corner 92 of the identification number (β + 1, Nmax, 2, 2). The second connector 17 includes a corner 92 of the identification number (α, η, 2, 2), a corner 92 of the identification number (α + 1, η, 2, 2), and an identification number (α, η + 1, 1, The corner portion 92 of 2) is connected to the corner portion 92 of the identification number (α + 1, η + 1, 1, 2). The third connector 18 includes a corner 92 of an identification number (δ, ε, 2, 2), a corner 92 of an identification number (δ + 1, ε, 2, 2), and an identification number (δ, ε + 1, 1, The corner portion 92 of 2) is connected to the corner portion 92 of the identification number (δ + 1, ε + 1, 1, 2).

  As for the arrangement of the first to third couplers 16 to 18 on the other side in the first direction x, the values of M and N are restricted by the writing as in the arrangement on the one side of the first direction x. The first connector 16 on the other side in the first direction x is the corner of the identification number in which only X of the identification numbers of the corners connected by the first connector 16 on the one side in the first direction x has changed from 1 to 2. Connect them together. Therefore, on the other side in the first direction x, the first connector 16 is provided at a position on the opposite side of the first direction x from the position where the first connector 16 is provided on the one side in the first direction x.

  In the second connector 17 for four sheets on the other side in the first direction x, only X among the identification numbers of the corners connected by the third connector 18 for four sheets on the one side in the first direction x changes from 1 to 2. The corners of the identification numbers are connected. Therefore, the second connector 17 for four sheets on the other side in the first direction x is provided at a position opposite to the position where the third connector 18 for four sheets is provided on the one side in the first direction x. It is done. Further, the second connector 17 for the two sheets on the other side in the first direction x is changed from 1 to 2 only in the identification number of the corner connected by the third connector 18 for the two sheets on the one side in the first direction x. The corners of the unusual identification numbers are connected. Therefore, the second connector 17 for two sheets on the other side in the first direction x is provided at a position opposite to the position where the third connector 18 for two sheets is provided on the one side in the first direction x. It is done.

  In the third connector 18 for four sheets on the other side in the first direction x, only X among the identification numbers of the corners connected by the second connector 17 for four sheets on the one side in the first direction x changes from 1 to 2. The corners of the identification numbers are connected. Therefore, the third connector for four sheets 18 on the other side in the first direction x is provided at a position opposite to the position where the second connector 17 for four sheets is provided on the one side in the first direction x. It is done. Further, in the third connector 18 for two sheets on the other side in the first direction x, only X among the identification numbers of the corners connected by the second connector 17 for two sheets on the one side in the first direction x is changed from 1 to 2. The corners of the unusual identification numbers are connected. Accordingly, the second three-piece connector 18 on the other side in the first direction x is provided at a position on the opposite side of the first direction x from the position where the second connector 17 for two sheets is provided on the one side in the first direction x. It is done.

  By connecting each panel body 11 by the connecting means 15 having such first to third connecting tools 16 to 18, and connecting each panel piece 12 in each panel body 11, from the stored state, Such a primary expansion and secondary expansion can be performed to realize a connection structure that can be expanded to an expanded state. Moreover, since the connection means 15 has the 1st-3rd connection tools 16-18, and each panel piece 12 is connected by the above arrangement | positioning, it is the panel apparatus 10 between a retracted state and an intermediate state. Is configured so that each panel piece has a pantograph shape corresponding to a link, and as described above, it has a honeycomb shape in which a plurality of rhombus cylinders are bundled and is primarily expanded. By configuring the panel device 10 in a pantograph shape, the primary deployment of each panel body 11 can be linked and the primary deployment can proceed simultaneously.

  FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the latch means 50. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view seen from below of FIG. FIG. 13 (1) shows a separated state, FIG. 13 (2) shows a latch operation start state, and FIG. 13 (3) shows a latch completion state. The panel device 10 includes a latch unit 50 that is a reverse prevention unit that prevents a state change operation from the intermediate state toward the retracted state and a state change operation from the expanded state toward the intermediate state. In the present embodiment, a plurality of latch means 50 are used.

  In the intermediate state, the latch means 50 abuts each other with the side surface portions 90a facing each other, and in order to engage the two panel pieces 12 arranged in the second direction y, the two panel pieces 12 to be engaged with each other. At least one each is provided in the butt portion. Further, the latch means 50, in the unfolded state, abuts with the end faces 91a facing each other, and in order to engage the two panel pieces 12 arranged in the third direction z, the two panel pieces 12 to be engaged with each other. At least one each is provided at each butting portion.

  The latch means 50 includes a latch shaft 51 and a latch piece 52 that engages with the latch shaft 51. The latch piece 52 is provided at the base end portion so as to be capable of being angularly displaced around the latch axis L50, and has a latch recess 55 at the free end portion that is open in one direction of the angular displacement. The latch piece 52 is given a spring force in one direction of angular displacement by the latch spring 56 realized by a torsion coil spring, and the angular displacement in one direction of the angular displacement direction at a predetermined angular position by the restriction piece 57. Be regulated. The latch shaft 51 is provided on one of the two panel pieces 12 to be engaged with each other, and the latch piece 52 is provided on the other of the two panel pieces 12 to be engaged with each other.

  When the latch means 50 is provided to engage the two panel pieces 12 aligned in the second direction y with the side surface portions 90a facing each other in the intermediate state, FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the latch shaft 51 is provided on the side surface portion 90a of the one panel piece 12, and the latch piece 52 is provided on the side surface portion 90a of the other panel piece 12, and the free end portion is opposed to the side surface portion 90a. It is provided so that it may protrude in the direction away. By providing the latch means 50 in this way, when the primary deployment of each panel body 11 approaches the final stage, the latch piece 52 approaches the latch shaft 51 as shown in FIG. As shown in (2), the end surface 59 of the free end portion of the latch piece 52 abuts on the latch shaft 51. The end surface 59 of the latch piece 52 has a shape in which the distance from the latch axis L50 decreases as it goes in one of the angular displacement directions of the latch piece 52. When the free end of the latch piece 52 gets over the latch shaft 51, the latch piece 52 is moved by the latch spring 56 in one direction of angular displacement. The latch shaft 51 is fitted into the latch recess 55, and the latch piece 52 is engaged with the latch shaft 51. In this state, the panel piece 12 provided with the latch shaft 51 and the panel piece 12 provided with the latch piece 52 are engaged. As a result, the state change operation from the intermediate state toward the storage state is prevented.

  When the latch means 50 is provided in order to engage the two panel pieces 12 arranged in the third direction z with the end faces 91a facing each other in the unfolded state, FIGS. 9 and 9, the latch shaft 51 is provided on the end surface portion 91a of the one panel piece 12, and the latch piece 52 is provided on the end surface portion 91a of the other panel piece 12, and the free end portion is the end surface portion 91a. It protrudes in the direction away from the. By providing the latch means 50 in this way, when the secondary development of each panel body 11 approaches the final stage, the latch piece 52 approaches the latch shaft 51 as shown in FIG. As shown in (2), the end surface 59 of the free end portion of the latch piece 52 abuts on the latch shaft 51. The end surface 59 of the latch piece 52 has a shape in which the distance from the latch axis L50 decreases as it goes in one of the angular displacement directions of the latch piece 52. When the free end of the latch piece 52 gets over the latch shaft 51, the latch piece 52 is moved by the latch spring 56 in one direction of angular displacement. The latch shaft 51 is fitted into the latch recess 55, and the latch piece 52 is engaged with the latch shaft 51. In this state, the panel piece 12 provided with the latch shaft 51 and the panel piece 12 provided with the latch piece 52 are engaged. This prevents a state change operation from the expanded state toward the intermediate state.

  Further, the latch means 50 prevents the angular displacement of each panel piece 12 and keeps the angular positional relationship in a state where the latch piece 52 is engaged with the latch shaft 51. In other words, when the latch means 50 is primarily deployed from the retracted state to the intermediate state, each panel body 11 holds the adjacent panel pieces 12 in a predetermined angular positional relationship and performs secondary deployment from the intermediate state to the expanded state. The adjacent panel bodies 11 are held in a predetermined angular positional relationship. In the present embodiment, the angle of each panel body 11 and each panel piece 12 is such that each panel piece 12 is arranged flush, the panel body 11 becomes planar, and each panel body is arranged flush. Holds the position. Therefore, the panel apparatus 10 becomes planar.

  As another embodiment of the present invention, the corner panel body 11 and each panel piece 12 may be held in another angular positional relationship. For example, each panel body 11 may be held at an angular position where adjacent panel bodies 11 are slightly smaller than 180 degrees, and the panel device 10 may be held in a curved shape. By making the panel device 10 into a curved shape in the unfolded state, for example, sunlight can be used as a reflector that reflects and collects light.

  Moreover, each panel piece 12 which comprises the panel apparatus 10 is comprised by sticking a solar cell module on the surface of the thickness direction one side of the main body of a sandwich panel structure, for example. The main body has a sandwich structure in which a foam core made of foamed synthetic resin or a honeycomb core made of metal or synthetic resin is sandwiched between two face plates made of carbon fiber reinforced synthetic resin (CFRP) or metal, for example. . Furthermore, one or more selected panel pieces 12 out of each panel piece 12 incorporate a circuit capable of emitting microwaves from the surface on the other side in the thickness direction. Each such panel piece 12 is provided so that the surface on one side in the thickness direction is arranged on the same side in the unfolded state of the panel device 10, and the panel device 10 is provided on one side in the thickness direction of each panel piece 12. It is placed on a geostationary orbit so that the surface faces away from the earth. The electric power generated by the solar cell module of each panel piece 12 is transmitted to the ground as a microwave by a circuit built in the selected panel piece 12. You may make it provide a solar cell module in the position which does not affect the radiation | emission of a microwave also on the surface of the thickness direction other side of each panel piece 12. FIG.

  Further, the panel device 10 includes a driving unit 60 that applies a driving force for primary and secondary deployment from the stored state. In this Embodiment, it implement | achieves by the spring member hold | maintained at the 1st-3rd connection tools 16-18. This spring member is, for example, a torsion coil spring. The drive means 60 gives a spring force to the panel 12 via the 1st-3rd connection tools 16-18 as a drive force. After being launched into outer space, the panel device 10 is deployed to the deployed state with this driving force. As another embodiment of the present invention, the drive unit 60 may be realized using a small motor. The driving means 60 may be realized by combining a spring member and a motor.

  Each above-mentioned embodiment is only the illustration of this invention, and can change a structure within the scope of the present invention. For example, the panel device 10 may be other than the panel device 10 used in the space solar power generation system, and may not be a solar cell panel. Further, the shape of one panel piece 12, the dimensions of the panel device 10 in the retracted state and the unfolded state, the number of panel bodies 11 and the number of panel pieces 12 for constituting the panel device 10 are the shapes of the specific examples described above, It is not limited to dimensions and numbers.

It is a perspective view which simplifies and shows the panel apparatus 10 of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which simplifies and shows the panel apparatus 10 of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which simplifies and shows the panel apparatus 10 of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which simplifies and shows the panel apparatus 10 of one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the panel device 10. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the panel device 10. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the panel device 10. 2 is an enlarged front view showing a part of the panel device 10. FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view showing a part of the panel device 10. FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view showing a part of the panel device 10. FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view showing a part of the panel device 10. FIG. It is a perspective view which expands and further shows section B of Drawing 2A (2). It is a perspective view which expands and further shows section C of Drawing 2A (2). FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a second connector 17. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a second connector 17. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a second connector 17. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a second connector 17. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a second connector 17. FIG. 6 is a side view showing a second connector 17. FIG. 6 is a side view showing a second connector 17. It is a perspective view which expands and further shows section D of Drawing 2A (2). FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a third connector 18. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a third connector 18. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a third connector 18. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a third connector 18. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a latch means 50. FIG. It is sectional drawing shown from the downward direction of FIG. 13 (3).

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Panel apparatus 11 Panel body 12 Panel piece 15 Connection means 16 1st connection tool 17 2nd connection tool 18 3rd connection tool 50 Latch means 60 Drive means

Claims (5)

A plurality of panel bodies each having a plurality of panel pieces, wherein each panel piece extends from the storage state in which the panel pieces overlap each other to the intermediate state in which the panel pieces extend in the overlapping direction of the panel pieces in the storage state. Multiple panel bodies that can be deployed; and
Each panel body is connected to each other so that the panel bodies can be primarily deployed from the retracted state to the intermediate state, and the panel bodies are overlapped with each other in the intermediate state. A panel device comprising: a connecting means for connecting the panel bodies so that the panel bodies can be deployed in a deployed state extending in the overlapping direction and arranged in a planar shape.   The panel device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting means connects the panel bodies and the panel pieces so that the primary development in the panel bodies proceeds simultaneously in conjunction with each other.   3. The panel device according to claim 2, wherein the panel device has a honeycomb shape in which a plurality of rhombus cylinders are bundled during primary development.   The panel device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a reverse prevention unit that prevents a state change operation from the intermediate state toward the retracted state and a state change operation from the deployed state toward the intermediate state.   When the primary return from the retracted state to the intermediate state, the reversal prevention means holds adjacent panel pieces in a predetermined angular positional relationship, and when the secondary expansion from the intermediate state to the extended state causes the adjacent panel bodies to move together. The panel device according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined angular position relationship is maintained.

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