JPS6286906A - Folded 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 A. Field of Industrial Application The present invention relates to a system comprising a number of hingedly connected substantially rigid rods or the like to connect the frame or the like. The present invention relates to a spring-loaded inner and outer space folding structure that engages at least a portion of the hinge points and urges them in a folding or unfolding direction.

Structures of this type in the form of masts, for example, can be transported compactly, such that when said structure is retracted, the plates are folded up and thus, for example, carried into space and, after a certain stay in space, brought to Earth. It is used to carry solar panels so that they can be fully or partially deployed, for example at a desired location on a spacecraft, for placement in a working position.

In disc-shaped or platform-shaped embodiments, this type of structure includes a disc-shaped (e.g. parabolic) antenna which can be extended from the spacecraft and supported to be retracted with respect to the cosmic rays. or used to support other objects. If desired, due to the various degrees of deployment, it is necessary to change the position of the carried body, e.g. cosmic rays, with respect to the carrier object, such as with respect to the earth or the sun, thereby making it necessary to change the position of said carrier object, e.g. cosmic rays, during the process. One of the objectives is to have a structure that can be guided to various angles without any distortion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A known structure of this type with a rigid rod adapted to form a mast or disc is a link rod system (telescoping arm pry system). An example is the patent FR below.
511,503N, GB797.376, US3,4
No. 60.992, IJS No. 3.496.687, DE6
51.642) FR2,254,176 and EU1
It is described in Mei IB book No. 36.985. Other known structures of this type include US 4,482°9
No. 00, US 4,276.726 and DE 2.94
As described in the specification of 1.170@, there is a bar that is made to turn half a turn at one point between the arms. In other known structures for this kind of purpose, the length of the rod is varied telescopically, as described for example in the specification DE 3°044.630. Combinations of systems of this type are also known.

In order for this type of structure to be used in outer space,
Cables used in the folding or unfolding of this type of structure, or used to provide strength to the deployed structure, may sag in the deployed situation of this structure while the spacecraft is stationary. This should be avoided.

Therefore, FR511,503 and GB797.3
Link bar systems such as those disclosed in the '76 patent are not suitable for use in space.

The specification of LJSP 3,460.992 describes a folding device with telescoping arms in which solar panels are arranged in the legs, each projecting from the legs of the telescoping arms to one side, and thus generally projecting on both sides. An out-type solar panel cell is disclosed. A helical spring is arranged in the hinge point of said one and this leg, which forces said leg in the direction of expansion of the plate. In this construction, the pincers have a small lateral stiffness in their respective planes of motion for bending due to their small design height, making the system unsuitable for long panel solar cells. For this reason,
It should be considered that there is a telescopic arm structure of this type between two rows of solar panels. The dimensions of the plates are, for example, 1.5 x 2 m each, giving the cell an extended length of 40 m. As a result of the unavoidable movement of the cell, said piece and its legs are loaded not only by tensile and compressive forces, but also by bending moments. Due to the strong deflection of this cell and insufficient elastic damping of the motion, the energy production of this cell will remain a low prospect.

In particular, it is necessary to add a rigid mast to a very thin and long panel type solar cell whose cell base has low rigidity against bending and torsion.

The telescoping arm pry system described in USP 3.496.687 is maintained in shape by three cables.

By shortening the central cable that defines the zig-sag passage,
Simultaneous letting out of the outer cable applies force to the hinge point and extends the mast. Limits on extension length, shortening and some curvature of the extended mast are 2
Obtained by the outer cable of the book. A curved structure is obtained due to the difference in length of the legs of the rod. The structural rigidity of the mast is thus based on the rigidity of the pry legs (rods) which cooperate with each other to form the mast and/or on the rigidity with respect to the extension of the cable.

In the structures described in patents DE 651.642, FR 2,254°176 and EP 136.985, the structural rigidity of the entire structure is provided solely by and is based on the structural rigidity of the rods. There is.

Telescoping arm pry structures of this type do not provide suitable attachment points to the solar panels or, as is true for telescoping arm pry structures in general, each and every hinge point of the structure does not allow the initiation of external loads. It has the disadvantage that it is not adapted to be used for

Among other structures described in the above-mentioned patents in which the rod can buckle or change length telescopically, US Pat.
No. 2,900 discloses a structure consisting of basic elements in the form of a cube and having a hinged connection of rods forming ribs of the cube at the heel points of the cube. ing.

The bars forming the top and bottom ribs are also hinged halfway along their respective lengths, but the sides of the cube have a diagonal, and the ends of the diagonal extend over the corners of the cube. They are hingedly connected to each other at the points. When this base element is being folded up, the top and bottom ribs move in the plane of the sides and the ribs connecting the top and bottom surfaces run parallel and straight toward each other.

The structure is designed to deploy only once and then maintain its final position. The spring force, which is effective above all at the central hinge of the split rib, keeps the folded rib fully extended and in the final position reached. A platform constructed from many of these base elements of the same shape cannot be retracted because the segmented ribs of all the base elements are not forced to collapse by external forces.

A different structure is disclosed in the patent application of US Pat. No. 4,276.726. Again, the geometry of the basic element is a convolution cube but without bars along the ribs.

There are two diagonals within the four sides of this cube,
The two diagonal lines intersect with each other and are hingedly connected to each other at these intersection points. The back surface of this cube has no diagonals.

On the front side, the diagonals are interrupted at a point of intersection and have a joint hinge there. The hinge is provided in such a way that during folding of the cube, the hinge is pulled out and a pyramid-shaped retainer is produced in the diagonal half. During deployment, the diagonal half of the central hinge returns to the front of the cube. Since the rod retainer formed by this cube is a hinged unit, dimensional stability can only be achieved by fixing the shared hinge by means of an additionally provided rod. .

In order to maintain the shape of the entire platform already achieved, said additional inner rods must be provided on all basic elements. This means that the platform cannot be collapsed by breaking only one fixing mechanism.

Another example of a rod mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,290,244. Its basic elements are made up of rigid pincer-like rods that move like scissors.

Through the scissor-like motion, the bar can be loaded even by forces in both lateral directions.

This means that in order to give the rod such a bending stiffness that the basic element has sufficient dimensional stability, the rod must ultimately only be subjected to tensile and compressive forces. That means it needs to weigh more or have larger external dimensions than you think. A characteristic difference with the previously described systems is that the surfaces formed do not all have hinge points of the basic elements, so that the rod can even be manipulated out of said surfaces. This means that the structure does not meet the criteria set for bratforms. This structure allows each position of this structure between a virtually fully collapsed position and a fully extended position to be fixed by fixation of only one elementary element in principle. It has the following characteristics.

This method of convolution and unfolding also causes the rod or the like to be subjected to only tension and compression, but no or very little bending, so that these known structures can be constructed from one point or from a small It can be folded and unfolded in a simple way from a large number of points, thereby giving a maximum number of well-supported connection points for the connection parts to be supported and also for example antennas in outer space and lightweight It is not ideal for platform or support surfaces such as those of the conventional embodiments.

Means for Solving Problems C.3 On the one hand, the present invention provides a lightweight unit that incorporates components such as solar panels carried by a structure, yet resists transverse forces in the deployed position and in intermediate stages. We have improved the expansion structure so that it can be expanded and folded using the simplest mechanism possible, and that it can be expanded and folded with a structure that does not require much space in the convolved state. The purpose is to

On the other hand, the invention provides that all hinge points are located in the outer plane of the deployable structure and that substantially all of these are connection points for components to be carried by the structure, such as solar panels. The aim is to construct a body of spaces m'#i that can be expanded and collapsed from substantially identical basic units adapted to be used as .

The structure according to the invention as described in the preamble for this purpose consists of a number of elements, each of which consists of two sets of four-bars or the like and three sets of 6-bars at two hinge points in harmony with each other. hinge points or fold d3
and two pieces at one end, two pieces at the other end, and two pieces between each other in the direction between the two ends, and each one.
Any two said hinge points of a set are movable in a direction transverse to said direction near and far from each other, and each set of two rods or the like has hinge points adjacent to each other, i.e. different extending to one side of the center line of said element extending in the direction of folding and unfolding between each one of the hinge points of the set, the other two bars or the like of each set each extending on either side of said center line between two rods of the same set or the like;
Said other two rods or the like are hingedly connected to said rod or the like on one side of said centerline so as to be movably intersecting each other, and a number of said elements are connected to said rod or the like on one side of said center line so as to moveably intersect with each other; Multiple sets of 2 at one end
They are characterized in that they are hingedly connected to each other at two hinge points.

In order to achieve the object of the invention, the known structures are thus not only improved with respect to the above-mentioned drawbacks, but also the many different shapes of the structures are generally compatible with the shape of the platform or the shape of the mast. It will be done.

In the case of a platform, this structure is characterized in that it is connected to one another so as to form a plurality of equilateral polygons in a plane transverse to the plane of said elements, preferably by such end hinge points. .

Therefore, in order to obtain dimensional stability without the need for additional devices in a plane transverse to the plane of the element, it is preferred to arrange the element at least in a major part according to an equilateral triangle.

This type of structure can be made very lightweight and can be made by moving a set of two hinge points (so-called harmonized hinge points at the same end of an element) toward and away from each other. It can be convolved and unrolled from a point or from several points if desired. By holding the hinge points fixed at a fixed distance from each other, it is also possible to arrest or lock the structure in a fully deployed position and, if necessary, in an intermediate state. .

The hinge points of this structure according to the invention are preferably used as attachment points for parts of the platform, antenna or the like which have to be carried. In this case, the structure according to the invention has the advantage that all hinge points lie in the outer plane of the deployed structure.

The structure does not need to form a flat surface in the deployed state. By taking advantage of the difference in length of rods or the like, whereby the rods on one side of said element are shorter than those on the other side, concave or convex shapes, such as the plane of a platform or antenna, can be created. A structure is obtained which forms a working surface.

Attaching springs to all or some of the hinge points or between the hinge points that force rods adjacent to the hinge points into particular positions with respect to each other or push the hinge points toward or away from each other. is possible. In this case, one can choose which springs force the structure into the deployed or collapsed position. The force to be applied externally for folding or unfolding must therefore act against the spring force for one of these movements. Said springs may be arranged at or between some of the hinge points so that these hinge points act particularly in the first phase of expansion or folding, while the springs at or between the other hinge points act In particular, it can be adapted to act on the terminal phase.

It is possible to use a coil spring in the hinge point to force the bars into a specified angular position with respect to each other, such that the spring engages an adjacent bar with a stop at its projecting end or the like. be.

This type of spring has the advantage that it does not suffer from play at the hinge point.

This is because the unidirectional spring force of these springs eliminates this type of play.

This is particularly important in the extended state to achieve defined end positions.

The spring increases the force required to move the structure against the force of the spring, so that the spring is applied to one or more sets of harmonic hinge points, e.g. symmetrically distributed over the circumference of the structure. It may be desirable to apply an external force exactly to a large number of points.

In the case of a mast, the structure according to the invention preferably consists of a number of such elements connected to each other in a series connection, one
It is preferably characterized in that two hinge points at one end of one element are connected to two hinge points at the other end of the other element.

If the structure is used to carry solar cell plates, these cell plates are preferably directly connected to parts of the element and not directly hinged to each other. This design of solar panels can be optimal with respect to the operation of these panels since from a structural point of view they need to contribute little or nothing to the strength of the mast-type structure.

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

For all design details not shown, reference should be made to commonly known structures such as hinges, springs, solar panels, spatial antennas such as date antennas, etc., and to the aforementioned publications. It is.

In FIG. 1, the basic element 1 is shown in an intermediate position between a fully collapsed position and a fully deployed position. This element 1 is a uniform 2 connected at points 6 and 7
It consists of two parts 2 and 3, and each part consists of a rigid rod, for part 2 a rod (10 to 13) and for part 3 a rod (14 to 17), which rods are e.g. are made of known fiber-reinforced plastic and also line hinges (4 to 9)
It ends in Hinge point 6 is four rods 10°11.14
and 15, and point 7 is carried by four rods 12.
13, 16 and 17 are supported by glue. The movements that the elementary elements can make take place within the plane of this drawing. Since the intersecting bars 11 and 12 and 15 and 16 must pass freely past each other during the folding and unfolding of this structure, bar 11 is preferably made of two parallel bars and bar 12 is made of two parallel bars. Preferably, the book is moved between parallel bars. Due to the symmetrical structure of this platform, rod 16 preferably also consists of two rods and rod 13 preferably moves between said two rods. As the distance between hinge points 4 and 5 increases, the distance between 8 and 9 also increases by the same extent and the distance between 6 and 7 decreases. When the distance between points 4 and 5 or 8 and 9 is increased, elementary element 1 advances to the deployed end position.

For example, bars 10 and 14 now lie in line with each other, and so do 13 and 17. In FIG. 4, where a number of elementary elements 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2 are seen in the direction of an imaginary line connecting points 6 and 7, hinges 4 and 5 and 8 and 9 are connected to corresponding hinges of equal elementary elements. They are adapted to form equilateral polygons which together form a supporting surface for the structure, for example the platform of the antenna. If the equilateral polygon formed is a triangle, a maximum of six basic elements can be connected at each connection point 4, 5 or 8, 9. Each connection point consists of two hinge points placed transversely one above the other as shown in these figures.

The structure of the equilateral triangle is determined statically in the plane of FIG. 4 with respect to the hinge movement in said plane. This static determination means that a number of polygons are 4 as shown at 18 in FIG.
It persists if it is materialized as a square (diamond). The above static determination still holds, but if one or more quadrilaterals or more Even polygons with sides can be used.

The structure to be supported (e.g. the umbrella grid of a plate antenna) which is sufficiently rigid in the plane of FIG. Bottom) When attached to at least one hinge point of all or a significant number of elements 1, said static determination can be provided by said structure to be carried.

Therefore, if desired, the entire structure or element 1 can be attached to the fourth
It is possible to use quadrilaterals or polygons with more sides that do not need to be statically determined as seen in the plane of the figure.

A part carrying this structure, such as a satellite, can engage with this structure, for example at 19. An external force, for example from a satellite, can be applied to the hinge points 4 and 5 to force them closer to each other in a convoluted or unfolded manner. However, special measures must be taken to prevent rotation of this structure with respect to a satellite or the like in the plane of FIG. In many cases, for example, by means of cables extending from the satellite along or through the structure to the set of hinge points and which can be paid out and hoisted with a winch, or by means of a set of hinge points 4.5. several points, e.g. 19.20 and 21.
It is preferable to apply such a force at a set of hinge points 4.5 that are not directly connected to the satellite.

This struct cannot be collapsed next, so
Points 20 and 21 cannot form a fixed connection to the satellite. However, the above point is this artificial one!
! It can be a fixed point on the T star. However, this structure is then first connected only at 19 and is not fixed at 20 and 21 after deployment. Guide tracks are also provided leading from 20 and 21 to 19 for convolution and expansion. For example, the hinge 5 slides through said guide track during folding and unfolding, leaving the hinge 7 free to project downwardly therefrom together with the adjacent rod. The dashed lines in FIG. 4 schematically illustrate such a track. Another perhaps more practical answer to this is to provide a mast that is extensible along the platform on one or more sides, and in any case along points 19 and 20 in Figure 4. . Preferably, a mast of this type is designed according to the same principles of the invention, as described below with respect to FIGS. 5 to 10. Such a mast may also be connected to the structure of FIG. 4 via an intervening hinge point and may also have a connection to point 21. This mast can thus be folded and unfolded simultaneously with the structure according to FIG.

If there is a spring within the structure that urges the structure toward the deployed position, such external force will be directed toward convolution and thus the hinge, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Apply a force to move points 4 and 5 towards each other and vice versa.

FIG. 2 shows various possibilities for providing a spring. For example, between harmonic hinge points 6 and 7 there is a spring 2
2 is provided and/or vA sum hinge points 8 and 9 (
Alternatively, a spring 23 can be provided between 4 and 5). Said spring may be a tension spring or a compression spring; in the case of a compression spring, perhaps a telescopic telescoping rod, for example, is provided for half-turn protection.

- by way of example, the hinge pin 5 has a coil spring 25 wound around this hinge pin or sleeve in situ and the radial ends 26 and 27 are connected to the rods 13 and 1
It is shown in the figure that it is pressed against 1. The springs are able to force the structure towards the deployed position where the bars 11 and 13 form a small angle with each other, but the spring ends 26 and 27 also force the structure towards the collapsed position of the bars. The other side can be engaged.

Of course, the influence of the springs on folding or unfolding will depend on the position and strength of these springs, as well as on the degree of folding or unfolding. The degree of convolution or expansion described above also determines which component of force is passed by the spring. During the unfolding from a more convoluted position than in Fig. 1 to the position in Fig. 2, the hinge points 4, 5 and 8, 9 first move significantly laterally but slightly vertically. Again, near the end of the expansion, this situation is reversed. A spring like 22 is the first
In the position shown, a lower force component is released onto the rods 10.11° 14.15 than in a position closer to the position shown in FIG.
Also in FIG. 2, this component of the released spring force is greatest at rods 11, 15, etc. spring 22
If and 23 is a tension spring, the spring force through spring 22 is convoluted! ? ! It will be maximum at i (even more convolved than in Figure 1). Also, the spring force through spring 23 is actually maximum in the deployed state (FIG. 2). Therefore, the hinge points 4 and 5 (for example at 19.20 and 21) are sufficiently correlated with each other to produce a flexible and smooth convolution and expansion in cooperation with an external force device that can be moved near and far from each other. It is possible to provide complementary springs. If desired, springs can also protrude between two non-conforming hinge points or even between hinge points of different elements 1.

FIG. 3 shows what shape this deployment structure can take if the active part is not desired to be flat, but curved in a concave or convex shape.

It is assumed in this case that points 5 and 9 are replaced by points 5' and 9' as shown in FIG. Bars 10, 12, 14 and 16 therefore maintain equal length, but bars 11, 13, 16 and 17 are therefore shorter than the corresponding bars as shown in FIG. 1 in solid lines. On unfolding, a semi-turned working surface of said structure is thus obtained which is either concave or convex. In FIG. 3, of course, as in the other figures, either the top or bottom surface or both surfaces can be used for the carrying useful portion.

The structure is configured such that when the bars 10 and 14 of all elements are aligned with each other, the bars 13 and 17 form an angle with each other.

An external device that applies a force to a point such as 19.20°21 in Figure 4 to move hinge points 4 and 5 (or 8 and 9) toward and away from each other holds one of these points. It can also have a device for moving the other one near and far from this point. The part can be formed, for example, by a threaded spindle and nut or by a cable. In order to fix the desired position, e.g. to hold rods 10 and 14 stably aligned with each other in the deployed positions of FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, they are engaged by an external force for folding or unfolding. The maximum distance of the outermost hinge points 4, 5 and 8, 9 of all or part of said elements which are not mated is, for example, maintained in position by a cable which is tensioned and connects these harmonious hinge points. It can be fixed by A sliding rod in one or more elements connected to one hinge point, along which the hinge points in harmony with each other are made to slide, especially between 4 and 5 or 8 and 9 It is also possible to fix the sliding bar.

Typically the hinge points will be designed as a rear A7 with hinge points incorporated between the fork-shaped parts at various points. As for hinge points 4.5.8 and 9, these are disks positioned in a plane perpendicular to the line of connection to the harmonic hinge, provided with a plurality of recesses along their periphery, as described above. The hinge pin in the recess can be a disc adapted to support the end of this convergent rod or the like. Where a number of rods or the like converge, the hinge points may lie in dissimilar parallel planes perpendicular to the connecting line.

At points 6 and 7, where only four bars are always concentrated,
The carrier body is mounted and fixed on one rod, such that the body has three forks with hinge pins, one for each of the other rods concentrated at the said location. Alternatively, it can have two forks, again with one of the forks carrying a carrier body with two forks. Regarding type 2 rod,
There can always be two forks with said recesses or hinge pins. Such hinge structures are generally known in many forms.

The construction of FIGS. 5-13 of a mast constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention will now be described. This structure has many features in common with the structures of FIGS. 1 to 4 described above, but these features will be obvious to those skilled in the art and will be highlighted in full below. You probably won't be able to do it.

In a series of elements 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2 disposed on a carrier body, e.g. satellite 28, hinge points 8 and 9 of each preceding element are connected to hinge points 4 and 5 of the next element 1, respectively. combined. Thus, two elements are shown connected in series in FIGS. 5, 6 and 8, six elements in FIG. 9, three elements in FIG. Three elements are illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13. Although the number of elements shown for clarity is two or three, in practice a significantly greater number of elements are provided, all connected in series as shown in the accompanying drawings.

Preferably each hinge structure has a continuous hinge pin 4.
6, 8, 34, 35, and a rod hinge sleeve is engaged around the hinge pin as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

Each bar of each element may consist of two parallel bars separated by a distance. FIG. 8 shows how each bar is formed into a so-called flat frame by arranging a pair of parallel bars between any two parallel bars. This is shown in detail in FIG. 8 for two wooden rods 10 and two rods 14.

Each rod 10 has a similar rod 10' at the opposite end of the same hinge pin 4.6.8. This also applies to the other rod, which is not shown insofar as it is understandable. A crossbar 10'' is rigidly connected to the rods 10J3 and 10', supplementing such a flat frame. The same is shown for the two rods 14, 14' and 14''. There is. As can be seen from Figure 8,
The bars formed in the flat frame as described above are identical to each other, and the respective hinge sleeves can be arranged next to each other on the various hinge pins so that said elements are always slightly staggered. .

The same is possible for the transverse bars 1i, 12, 15.16, but these bars should always be able to pass freely through each other during the folding and unfolding of this structure. . This limits the possibility of cross-cutting.

All hinges between the elements allow pivoting of the elements only within the plane of the drawing of FIGS. 3 and 4.

A spring, for example a coil spring around a hinge pin with a protruding spring wire end which presses against an adjacent element, is placed in every hinge so that these push said element towards the deployed position shown in the drawings. It is thus possible to reduce the angle between each two adjacent elements but to counteract it like a spring. In FIG. 6 such a spring is only schematically illustrated at 41 in the hinge points 7 and 9. A projecting stop arm may be placed on each element at each of the eight mutual hinge points. Said arm counteracts the action of said spring by engaging behind the spring at the respective stop. Limiting the angular positions of adjacent elements, e.g. limiting said positions to the deployed position shown in the drawings and alternating this to allow zigzag folding.
1 and 32. However, as discussed below, these can often be excluded.

The outermost rods 14 and 17 are connected to each other at their respective outermost ends by rods 36 and 38. Rods 36 and 38 are hingedly connected to said rods at 34 and 35 and also to each other at 37. Springs (not shown) in the hinge points of these rods 36 and 38 spring-likely urge said rods 36 and 38 towards the position shown in this figure, and again the stop 31 Stops such as and 32 can be provided to limit the maximum angular rotation of bars 36 and 38 with respect to each other and with respect to said bars 14 and 17. Bars 36 and 38, which are of course designed to be double-ended (i.e. 36.36' and 38.38' in Figure 7) and perhaps with intersecting buttresses (not shown) between the parallel sections, are toggle joints. It operates as. If desired, the winch drum 40 or A cable 39 extending to other hoisting and unwinding elements engages the mutual hinge, bin 37.

Figure 6 shows how this structure can be expanded. The winch 40 is used to pull three cables, the cable 39 pulling the hinge pin 37 to the left so that the rods 36 and 38 first extend and then the hinge pin 37 is pulled through its dead center. Rods 14 to 17 can be followed elastically, so that the distance between 34 and 35 increases very slightly. At this time, by further shortening the cable 39, the entire structure is folded through the intermediate position of FIG. 6 until the single layer of elements is folded towards the hinge structure 4.5. It is possible to hold the stack by means of a holding-fixing device, which is not shown. During this convolution, the hinge point 4 moves towards the hinge point 5 to the same extent as the other hinge points 8.9 move towards each other.

By separating the holding-fixing device from the folded stack of elements and slowly unwinding the cable 39, the stack is expanded by the built-in spring via the position of FIG. 6 to the position of FIG. 5. will.

For clarity, the crossbars are shown interrupted or only partially in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8.

The toggle joint IMfi bodies 36 to 38 can also be placed between mutually opposed hinge points other than the last two designated 34 and 35. There may also be one or more such structures on one or more locations along the length of the mast. Since the spring-loaded structure has a tendency to deploy, it will deploy and retain this deployed position even in the event of a failure, for example if the winch 40 is not working properly or due to burnout of the cable 39. would be possible. Additionally, additional welts can be placed in the cable 39 near one or the other end of this structure in case a failure occurs during deployment and collapsing.

In the maximum deployed position there is still an angle between the outer bars as in FIG. 6, so that due to the unwinding of cable 39 under the action of said built-in spring bars 36 and 38 are as shown in FIG. occupies the position of said rod 36
．． 38 must therefore be short so that they can occupy positions aligned with each other. Its advantages and possible applications thereof will be further explained with reference to FIG.

In order to maintain the desired source stress within the structure in its deployed position, the hinge point 4 is moved to some extent from the position it naturally occupies, as indicated at 4' in FIG. I can do it.

For this purpose, the movement of the hinge point 4 outwardly away from the point 5 is such that the left end of the rod 1o cannot reach the above-mentioned naturally occupied position but occupies the terminal position as illustrated in dashed lines. The end portions 1 to 3 can be arranged. It is also possible in an active motion device to locate the hinge point somewhat further away from the hinge point 5 than the position naturally occupied for the same purpose.

Together with the stops 31, 32 and Miyohi springs 41, the above device determines the original stress in the deployed structure. Expansion and folding can also be achieved by moving the hinge point 4 with such a positive movement device, even if the toggle joint structures 36-38 are omitted if desired, and perhaps even the springs such as 22 are omitted. can be completely determined.

The hinge point 4 is slidable within the slot 29.

If the toggle joints 36 to 38 are omitted, this structure can be folded back from FIG. 6 and the most ideal position of, for example, a solar panel placed on said element
It is equally possible by such forced movement of hinge point 4 further away from hinge point 5 than shown in FIG. It is. Thus elements 10 and 13
is not divergent as in Fig. 5, but hinge point 4
and convergently extending from 5.

FIG. 9 shows such a structure in a perspective view in a fully deployed position. The solar cell plate 44 is made of these rods 13.17
are arranged along each side of a portion of a set of elements. Figure 10 shows a portion of this structure in a partially deployed position. In this case, the forwardly extending portion of the solar cell plate 44 is shown cut away.

FIG. 11 shows the fully collapsed structure. This plate has an opening 45 for positioning the folded structure on the pin 43 on the fixed structure 28. Each of the bins may have a device for holding the structures together. 42 includes a hinge structure 4゜5 etc. and a cable 39 (in this case 2
There is a device for operating the winch drum 40 (parallel cables) on the winch drum 40.

In this case, the solar panel 44 is the second one of a series-connected set of outer rods 13.17, counting from the fixed structure 28. 5th, 6th, 9th and 10th rods etc. are arranged on the surface and in a plane parallel to the plane of motion of said elements each of these is approximately equal to twice the goodness of the respective element. It has a length. Said panels having the same length:
They can also be attached to, for example, the second, fourth, sixth, etc. rods in the set, which are connected in series so that they are always parallel to each other and all absorb the same amount of solar energy. By varying the degree of deployment of this mast, it is possible to direct the plate as perpendicularly to the sun's rays as possible.

This entire mast-type structure also has a carrier structure at 28, so that the solar panels can always be guided optimally with respect to the sun, without requiring adjustment of the position of the carrier structure, e.g. the satellite. It can also be provided rotatably about an axis on the structure.

In the mast-type structure according to the invention illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the rods 10 and 14 have mutually equal lengths, but also the equal length elements 13.17. The length has been increased. crossed sticks 1
1, 12, 16 are again different in length from one another; rods 11.15 are longer and rods 12.15 are longer. ．． 16 is short.

In this way, a mast is obtained which in deployment occupies a position which is curved towards the side of the shorter rod 13.17, i.e. in the form of a stepped bend as shown in this figure. This can be very useful for carrying digi-type antennas, for example. Otherwise, this structure can be designed exactly the same in all details as the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. If one or more cables are used for folding, said cables can be guided over rollers on the hinge pins 7.7 and/or 9 to avoid damage. With more or less deployment, the angular position of the free end of the mast is also changed. This is particularly attractive, for example, for purposes of angular setting of digi-type antennas or solar panels. FIG. 12 shows the structure in a partially deployed position, and FIG. 13 shows the structure in a fully deployed position.

Slight changes in the lengths of the various rods allow adjacent rods 13 and 17 to be aligned with each other or at the hinge point 9.
is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, for example, with hinge point 9 in FIG. Departure from the deployed position can be achieved.

In all embodiments, not at the ends of the crossbars 11, 12, 15, 16 as shown, but in hinged engagement with said bars at a distance from said ends. It is possible in principle to provide the above-mentioned cross bars. However, for hinge receptacle purposes, the structure shown is preferred. Solar panels or antenna surfaces can also be connected to such crossbars. 12th
In the embodiments of FIG. It has high torsional rigidity.

The elements can also have different length distributions. For example, they can be distributed alternately long and short on each side of a series of elements.

Elements according to the invention can be used for many different purposes and can be carried by or with other structures for carrying the element, as well as with any of the same type in one or more directions. can be combined with as many elements as possible, resulting in high signal strength and excellent strength and stiffness performance in the expanded state, as well as a large number of identical or nearly identical elements and simple ground testing. provides a simple system with a high degree of design flexibility and low production costs.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows elements of the type used to construct a structure according to the invention in a largely but not fully collapsed position; FIG. 2 shows the same in a fully unfolded position; The same view of the elements; FIG. 3 is the same view of two adjacent elements deployed, but with the corresponding bars having different lengths; FIG. 4 shows said elements in the deployed position A view perpendicular to that of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 of a platform according to the invention made from:
FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a mast-type structure according to the invention in a deployed position; FIG. 6 is a similar view in a3 partially collapsed position; FIG. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the structure taken from section 11 of FIG. 5; FIG. 9 shows the solar cell plate according to the fully developed invention. Perspective view of the structure; 1st
Figure 0 is a perspective view of a portion of this structure in a partially deployed position; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the structure of Figures 9 and 10 in a fully collapsed position; Figure 12 is a perspective view of a portion of this structure in a fully collapsed position; Schematic representation of the mast-type structure of FIGS. 9 and 10: FIG. 13 is the same schematic representation of the mast-type structure of the embodiment of FIG. 12 in the deployed position. 1... Basic element; 2, 3... Same part; 4.5...
・Hinge pin; 6, 7... Hinge pin; 8, 9...
Hinge point: 10.11, 14.15.16.17...
Rod: 19.20.21... point; 25... coil spring; 26.27... spring end; 22.23... spring;
28...Artificial satellite; 29...Short hole, 34.35.
・Hinge pin: 31.32 ・Stop; 36.3
8... Rod; 39... Cable; 40... Winch; 41... Spring; 44... Solar battery plate.

Claims (14)

[Claims] (1) consisting of a number of hingedly connected substantially rigid rods or the like and engaging at least a portion of the hinge points connecting said rods or the like; In the direction of folding and unfolding, there is an inner and outer space folding structure with springs that urge it in the direction of folding or unfolding, said structure consisting of a number of elements, each of which consists of two sets of four-bars or the like. Three sets of 2 that are in harmony with each other
two at one end, two at the other end, and two between each other in the directions of folding and unfolding; The two said hinge points are also movable in a direction transverse to said direction near and far from each other, each set of two rods or the like being able to move adjacent hinge points to each other, i.e. different sets of two rods or the like. The other two bars of each set or the like extend to one side of the center line of said element extending in the direction of folding and unfolding between each one of the hinge points, each of which is of the same set. two rods or the like extending between each other on either side of said centerline, said other two rods or the like extending hingedly to one side of said centerline so as to movably intersect each other; a folding structure, characterized in that a plurality of said elements are hingedly connected to each other at a plurality of sets of two hinge points at one end of each element. body. 2. A structure as claimed in claim 1, including means for moving said rod in a direction opposite to the direction in which said spring presses said rod or the like. 3. A structure according to claim 2, wherein said device engages a set of coordinating hinge points at varying distances. (4) In the structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the ends are arranged so as to form an equilateral polygon in a plane that crosses the plane of the element. A structure consisting of many elements connected to each other by hinge points. (5) A structure according to claim 4, wherein at least a majority of the elements are arranged in the form of an equilateral triangle. (6) In the structure described in any one of claims 1 to 5, a large number of the elements are connected to each other in series, and one of the elements is A structure in which two hinge points at one end are joined to two hinge points at the other end of another element. (7) In the structure according to claim 6, 1
Two mutually harmonious rods on both the front and back sides of the element when viewed in a direction transverse to the center line of the element or two rods connected in series between the hinge points are connected to the hinge point. , said rods being hinged to each other and each hinged to one of said rods or hinge points, to one side of the position where said two rods in series connection are in line with each other; engaging said mutual hinge points for the purpose of moving said mutual hinge points to permit convolution when placed and to prevent convolution when placed on the other side of the mutually inline position; structure adapted to cooperate with one another to form a toggle joint or an overcenter mechanism. (8) A structure according to claim 7, wherein the mutual hinge points between the two rods are directed toward the carrier structure and collapsible against the action of a spring. for moving the rod towards a bent position and for further movement towards the carrier structure to collapse the deployment structure against the action of a spring;
A structure wherein a flexible tensioning element is adapted to move from said mutual hinge point between said two rods to a carrier structure. (9) A structure according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the transverse bars are hingedly connected about the same hinge pin. structure adapted to engage at the hinge point of said four bars of said element on the same side of the direction of folding and unfolding when viewed transversely. (10) In the structure according to any one of claims 6 to 9, the plurality of bars are composed of two parallel bars having intersecting braces between them. structure. (11) A structure according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in which the element at least partially supports a solar cell plate. (12) A structure according to claims 6 and 11, wherein the solar cell plate is disposed on the surface of a single set of rods or the like of a multiplicity of elements and extends from the rods. A structure with more than half of its length protruding to one side. (13) A structure according to any one of claims 11 or 12, in which the solar cell plate is connected perpendicularly to the direction of deployment and between the elements by the hinge. A structure that projects on either side of said element when viewed perpendicular to the plane in which the point moves. (14) In the structure according to any one of claims 1 to 13, a bar or the like on one side of the center line of at least a part of the element. a structure in which the structure is shorter than the other rod or the like of the same element, so that in the deployed position of the structure the structure is concave or convex.