公开(公告)号：US3705411A

公开(公告)日：1972-12-05

申请号：US3705411D

申请日：1970-12-02

Applicant: MC DONNELL DOUGLAS CORP

Inventor： DESTEESE JOHN G

IPC: G21H1/10 ,  H01J45/00 ,  H01M2/10 ,  H05K7/20 ,  H05K5/06

CPC classification number: H05K7/20 ,  G21H1/10 ,  H01J45/00 ,  H01M2/1022

Abstract: High temperature thermionic energy converter is supported inside a larger evacuated housing by electrically conductive, thin, flat spring means. Both radial and axial support of the converter are provided by a thin, flat spiral spring at each end thereof. Each spring includes a radially inner periphery which engages a corresponding converter end, and radially outer peripheral (finger) sections that engage respective parts of an annular circumferential area of the internal wall of the housing. Narrow curved fingers of each spring provide radial spring action and long thermal leakage paths to minimize the thermal conductance of the support system. Radical location of the converter is provided by spring action in the plane of the spiral, and axial support of the converter results from a diaphragm effect perpendicular to the spiral plane. Spring portions (snubbers) positioned normally near the housing internal wall limit the extent of radial spring motion by engaging such wall.