JPS5967909A - Extensible structure - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] This invention closes a small space when folded,
It relates to an elongated structure that forms a vertically elongated lath-like column when elongated.

Structures similar to the above-mentioned structures generally have many uses, but are especially essential structures in outer space. Many current or future structures in outer space are
It has become necessary for things to be longer and bigger. However, since these components must be transported to outer space by rockets, space shuttles, etc., the size of the cargo hold is limited.

Conventionally, a typical example of the above-mentioned extension structure is one called Astromast (trade name). (Patent Publication 1972-2
6653) This mast is typically composed of three or more vertical beams, a number of small square members that are connected to these horizontally, and a number of diagonal tension elements that connect these contact points.

This mast has been highly evaluated because its extension mechanism is unique from the perspective of its structural concept, and because it shows the limit of its structure, which cannot be simplified any further.

However, despite this, users continue to make many complaints. This type of structure is both a structure and a type of mechanism. There are at least a large number of parts, and there are also a considerable number of joints between the parts, which are combinations of parts. This among other things increases the number of tests in a functional test. Especially when used in space, high reliability is required, and the effort and cost of testing becomes enormous. In fact, the cost of inspection far exceeds the pure manufacturing cost.

There are also problems from the manufacturer's side. These parts form a mast that functions correctly the first time by delicately adjusting their lengths so that their tension and compression forces balance each other. Therefore, although it is said to be a simplified fence, the number of parts is still large and adjustment is time-consuming, which has a negative impact on product reliability and cost.

These existing masts also have many problems as mentioned above, and therefore a proposal that can solve these problems is desired. In particular, proposals that can further simplify these to the extreme are desired. The purpose of the present invention is to meet such a need.

The gist of the present invention to achieve the above-mentioned object is that when the structure is extended, vertical lines spaced horizontally at least three or more times along the longitudinal direction of the structure; feet extending radially from the central portion in a plane substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal beam, spaced apart in the longitudinal direction at 14 intervals and supporting said longitudinal beam at laterally spaced intervals; a plurality of integral radial spacers (spacers) having a shape, a plurality of joints that rotationally connect the vertical legs and the end portions of the integral radial spacers, and a tension ' that connects joints at diagonal positions adjacent to the joints; A structure consisting of a large number of members, when contracted, consists in an extended structure in which the vertical spacers are folded into substantially a coil shape, and the integral radial spacers are stacked and folded.

The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention during extension. In the figure, 1 is the vertical Q, 2 is the integral radial spacer 13 is a hand tension cable, 4 is a wind blower, and 5 is a wire element. Figure 2 is a plan view thereof. Figure 2-A is an enlarged view of the joint part, where CC' is the main rotating shaft and DD' is the auxiliary rotating shaft. The secondary rotating shaft is not essential.

Figure 3 shows the folded state of the above embodiment, and Figure 4 shows the wire element loosened and partially stretched.

Figure 5.6 shows a known astromast for comparative explanation. Figure 6-A is an enlarged view of the joint part.

A notable difference is that the triangular truss formed by a number of small corners 6 in the astromast is replaced by integral radial spacers 2 in the present invention.

The idea of this difference is based on the following clear grounds. According to network theory, ``The smallest path that connects three points in space is not a triangle that connects the three points, but a path that connects the three points and the centroid of the triangle.'' Therefore, the spacer shown in Figure 2 should be a smaller path for joining the members than the small square pieces that make up the triangle in Figure 6.

Also, from a mechanical standpoint, these two cases are quite different. A triangle made of small pieces of wood is clearly t
It is a two-triangular truss, and the integral radial spacer has a rigid frame structure that takes care of the in-plane bending moment at its center.

In this way, a more general and simpler configuration than what was previously considered the simplest configuration has become possible. In addition, the conventional one is a combination of three completed ladder-like plane trusses, but in the case of the present invention,
It cannot be disassembled into a plane truss. This is because the spacer does not exist within that plane. In this sense, the present invention is a unique configuration that can only exist in a three-dimensional configuration and has no redundancy.

A number of effects were obtained by using a monolithic radial spacer instead of multiple small square pieces. First, not only is the weight saved, but the number of parts has been drastically reduced. The number of transverse members, which are the main components of this type of extension structure, is 1
This was followed by a reduction to /3. As a result, the number of these engagements also decreased.

The structure of the joint has also become simpler. These can greatly reduce manufacturing, inspection and adjustment costs.

Second, the integrated structure not only eliminates the need for delicate assembly adjustments, but also makes it possible to produce highly reliable products.

Thirdly, the spacer can be freely designed, unlike conventional shapes in which the shape is automatically determined depending on the position of the vertical beam.

Various examples are shown in FIG. Since it is radial, it goes without saying that three legs, four legs, etc. are made in the same way. : In other words, the cross-sectional shape is deep like A-A' for weight reduction and strength, and
It can be made to fit into two embedded swords.

Furthermore, a three-dimensional design such as B-B' for weight reduction and appropriate rigidity distribution is also possible.

In addition, in the explanation, the case where the vertical beam is elastically continuous has been described, but the present invention is equally applicable to the case where the vertical Q is a structure in which many small parts are connected by rotating joints, and therefore, in that case. shall also be included.

Also, designs in which the elongated structure is tapered in the longitudinal direction or has a modified cross-section are particularly effective under certain conditions.

Also, a design in which a plurality of pieces are divided into sections of a certain length in the hand direction, and a plurality of pieces are connected together as one unit is also particularly effective in terms of productivity. In short, it is natural that many changes may be made based on the basic concept of the present invention.

Thus, the present invention does not add anything to the conventional products of this kind, but rather has an extremely simple configuration that subtracts them, and satisfactorily meets the above-mentioned needs, and also improves in various respects compared to the conventional products. It was shown that it is an excellent elongated structure.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view and FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2-A is a plan view and a partially enlarged view of Figure 2. Figure 3,
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the state of the embodiment when it is contracted and partially extended. 5 is a perspective view, and FIG. 6 is a plan view, which are reference views of a known extension structure. Figure 6-A is a plan view.
6 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 6. FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the invention in a plan view. 1...Vertical beam 2...Integrated radial spacer 3...Tension cable 4...Joint 5...Line element 6... ...Small square lumber (reference drawing) 7... Joint (reference drawing) Patent applicant, Miura public auction 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 2-A Fig. 4 Fig. 5 Fig. 6 Fig. 6-A Fig. A-A'B-B' Procedural amendment prevention illusion Mr. Kazuo Wakasugi, Commissioner of the Patent Office 1, Indication of the case, Patent Application No. 178196 of 1982, 2, Name extension of the invention Structure 3, Relationship with the person making the amendment Patent application Address 3-9-7 Tsurukawa, Machida City, Tokyo Name (
Name) Miura Public Auction 4, Agent 102 Address 201 Ichigaya Law Office Building 4-1-5 Kudankita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 6 Number of inventions increased by amendment None 7 Subject of amendment (1) In the “Brief explanation of the drawings” column on page 8 of the specification,
In lines 1 to 8, "Figure 1 shows..." is corrected as follows. [Figures 1 to 5 show an extensible structure according to the present invention, where Figure 1 is a perspective view of the extended structure, Figure 2 is a horizontal sectional view thereof, and Figure 3 is a perspective view of the folded structure.
Figure 4 is a perspective view in a slightly extended state, Figure 5 is an enlarged sectional view of the main part of Figure 2, Figures 6 to 8 show conventional extension structures, Figure 6 is a perspective view equivalent to Figure 1, Figure 7 is a horizontal sectional view equivalent to Figure 2, Figure 8 is an enlarged sectional view of the main part equivalent to Figure 5, Figure 9 (A),
(B), (C), and (D) are plan views of modified examples of the radial spacer used in the present invention, and Figure 10 is A-A' in Figure 9 (B).
11 is a sectional view taken along the line B-B' of FIG. 9(C). (2) Delete figure 2-A and figures from this figure to figure 7 in the drawings,
Add Figures 5 to 11 as attached. 9. List of attached documents (1) Drawings (Figures 5 to 11) 1 copy 6 Figure 7 Figure 87 9 Figures (A) (B) 101ffl 11 Figures

Claims (1)

[Claims] When a structure is extended and sag, vertical beams spaced laterally at least three or more times along the longitudinal direction of the structure and in a plane substantially perpendicular to the vertical beams in the longitudinal direction. The number of integrated radial spacers (spacing elements) with legs extending radially from the center 811, which are spaced apart from each other and support the vertical beams at horizontal intervals, are fixed to the vertical beams and integrally radially. It is a structure consisting of a number of joints that rotationally join the ends of the legs of the spacer, and a number of tension members that connect the joints at diagonal positions adjacent to the joints. An extension structure that is essentially folded into a coil, with integral radial spacers stacked together.