公开(公告)号：US3733758A

公开(公告)日：1973-05-22

申请号：US3733758D

申请日：1971-04-29

Applicant: MESSERSCHMITT BOELKOW BLOHM

Inventor： MAIER H ,  ARBEITLAND E ,  KLEBER P

IPC: B64G1/22 ,  B64G1/44 ,  B64G1/10

CPC classification number: B64G1/443 ,  B64G1/222 ,  E05Y2201/62 ,  E05Y2201/652 ,  H02S30/20 ,  Y10S136/292

Abstract: Mechanism for unfolding series-connected, accordionlike folded structural elements, particularly for use in supporting large surface solar cells. The several sections to be folded and unfolded are connected by hinge structure including a torsion-bar tensioned when said parts are in a selected on of folded or unfolded conditions. In addition, force transmission means are arranged between panels which rotate in the same direction during movement in response to the urging of said tensioned torsion bars. These force transmission devices ensure that said arm sections will unfold (or fold) at predetermined ratios with respect to each other, regardless of the effectiveness of successive individual torsion bars and will further ensure predeterminable response by said arm sections, even if certain of said torsion bars are out of action. If desired, a power means can be applied to operate through said force transmission means for restoring the arm sections against the force of said torsion bars to said selected condition.

公开(公告)号：DE2021580B1

公开(公告)日：1972-01-05

申请号：DE2021580D

申请日：1970-05-02

Applicant: MESSERSCHMITT BOELKOW BLOHM

Inventor： MAIER H ,  ARBEITLAND ERICH ,  ELEBER PETER

IPC: B64G1/22 ,  B64G1/44 ,  F16H19/00

Abstract: 1348384 Unfolding mechanism MESSERSCHMITT - BOLKOW - BLOHM GmbH 30 April 1971 [2 May 1970] 12419/71 Heading E2M A mechanism for opening out a row of panels which are hinged together and folded up in concertina-fashion is provided. Alternate panels 5 and 5' are connected by means of drive devices 10. These comprise discs 15, rigidly attached to the panels 5 and 5' so that the axis of the hinge passes through the centre of the disc, and flexible belts passing around the discs. Each panel 5 or 5' has a disc at each hinge. Movement of one panel, for instance 5', will thus move the interconnected panels 5 in the same sense and so open out the whole row. Optionally, the hinges may comprise torsion bars 8, which, when the row is folded up, provide a motive force for the unfolding. Further discs 16 may be provided, attached to the torsion bars 8 so as to rotate with them. Adjacent pairs of discs 16 are interconnected by flexible drive means to give the drive devices 11, the effect of which is to even out the unfolding. In the embodiment shown, two rows 3 and 4 of panels are provided about a central body 1. These are interconnected by drive means 13 to provide mutual assistance in the unfolding and so give an even movement. Dampers 14 may be provided to slow down the movement. The panels 5', adjacent to the central body 1 are of half the width of panels 5 and 6. This ensures the symmetry of the row 3 and 4 about body 1 before, during and after the unfolding. It is envisaged that the panels are solar cells.