A single vertex four-fold type film folding tool structure and folding method

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of astronomical telescope shade film folding equipment, and discloses a single-apex four-fold-line type film folding tool structure and a folding method. The single-apex four-fold-line type film folding tool structure comprises a base, sliding rails, vertical spacing fixed on the base, sliding blocks, fixed on each sliding rail, clamping pieces, fixed on each sliding block and used for fixing the upper end of the film to be folded, limiting assemblies arranged on the front and back surfaces of the film to be folded, a limiting plate group connected by the limiting assemblies, two limiting plates connected by a 180-degree hinge, a driving device connected with the sliding blocks on each sliding rail and used for driving the sliding blocks to move up and down, and a receiving groove used for receiving the folded film. The present application does not need to pre-fold the fold lines, saves manpower, is more flexible and light, and is more natural and smooth in folding, thereby relieving the problem of increased resistance caused by the accumulation of plate thickness in the rigid plate covering full piece folding method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of folding equipment for astronomical telescope sunshades, and particularly to a single-vertex four-fold type film folding fixture structure and folding method. Background Technology

[0002] As an accessory to astronomical telescopes, a lens hood blocks stray light and provides a relatively stable observation environment. The larger the effective aperture of an astronomical telescope, the larger the required lens hood must be. Thin-film deployable structures, such as single-vertex four-fold films, are lightweight and have a high compactness ratio, and are often used in lens hoods. However, because the materials of thin-film deployable structures are mostly high-strength fiber fabrics or polymers, these materials are relatively soft, have low stiffness, and are difficult to control, making the folding of large thin-film deployable structures quite difficult.

[0003] Existing film folding methods mainly include manual pre-folding with creases, manual folding after cutting and dotting, and rigid plate covering full-sheet folding. Manual pre-folding with creases is difficult to control in terms of crease accuracy and is labor-intensive. For large film structures, the accumulation of film thickness in the later stages of folding makes further manual folding increasingly difficult and laborious. Manual folding after cutting and dotting uses laser cutting and dotting instead of manual pre-folding, improving crease accuracy, but introducing initial defects to the film. It is not suitable for flammable materials or thicker films, and subsequent folding still requires manual operation. Rigid plate covering full-sheet folding attaches rigid plates to all the crease-divided sheets, transforming the folding of the flexible film into a plate-to-plate rotation, saving labor and making film folding easier to control. However, this method requires remaking all rigid plates if the crease size changes even slightly; the rigid plates cannot be reused, and placing rigid plates on all sheets makes the tooling bulky, and the accumulation of film thickness during the folding process is more severe.

[0004] Therefore, existing folding fixtures and methods for large-scale stretchable film structures suffer from problems such as high labor costs and the inability to reuse the fixtures after changes in crease dimensions. A new folding method is needed that can save labor, adapt to changes in crease angle and length, and allow for the reuse of the fixtures. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention aims to address the shortcomings of existing folding methods for large-scale thin-film deployable structures by providing a folding fixture and method for large-scale single-vertex four-fold thin-film deployable structures. This method saves manpower, eliminates the need to replace the limiting plate when the fold length and angle change, and enables the reuse of the fixture.

[0006] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: This invention first provides a single-vertex four-fold film folding fixture structure, including a base, a slide rail connected to the base by double-headed bolts, a slider mounted on the slide rail, a fixed pulley mounted on the top surface of the slide rail, the slider connected to a clamp by bolts, a fixed pulley mounted on the top of the slide rail, a motor box mounted on the ground, one end of a rope on each fixed pulley connected to each slider, and the other end connected to multiple motors in the motor box on the ground, limit plates are fixed on both sides of the film to be folded, two limit plates are connected by 180-degree hinges to form a set of limit plates, a groove is mounted on the ground, and the folded film is stacked in the groove.

[0007] Specifically, the outline of the base is parallel to the outline of the unfolded film.

[0008] Specifically, the film to be folded needs to be a single-vertex four-fold film, and the position of the base fixing slide rail is located at the endpoint of the shorter side of the parallel side of the quadrilateral formed by the single-vertex four-fold.

[0009] More specifically, the limiting plate is fixed at the endpoint of the shorter side of the parallel side of the quadrilateral formed by the four folds at each single vertex.

[0010] Furthermore, the limiting plate is embedded with a magnet. The limiting plate is fixed on both sides of the membrane and attracts each other through the magnet. The positions of the magnets embedded in the limiting plates of adjacent layers are different. The limiting plate can be removed from the membrane and reused after the membrane is folded.

[0011] Furthermore, each pair of limiting plates between the film layers is connected to form a set of limiting plates by 180-degree hinges. Adjacent sets of limiting plates between two layers are connected by adhesive strips. The two 180-degree hinges connected to adjacent sets of limiting plates between two layers rotate in the same direction, that is, the 180-degree hinges connected to the limiting plate group corresponding to the same slide rail rotate in the same direction. The 180-degree hinges connected to the limiting plate groups on adjacent sheets of each film layer rotate in opposite directions.

[0012] Furthermore, the outline of the groove is consistent with the outline of the folded membrane and the same size.

[0013] The present invention also provides a single-vertex four-crease type film folding method, comprising: Make a base for the single-aperture four-fold film to be folded, fix all the slide rails to the base with double-headed bolts, start the motor, drive the slider to the top of the slide rail through the fixed pulley and rope, and fix the upper edge of the film to be folded to the slider with clips and bolts. The limiting plates embedded with magnets are fixed at the endpoints of the shorter parallel sides of all quadrilaterals in each layer of the film to be folded, with one limiting plate on each side of the film so that they can be attracted to each other by magnets. The motor operates, and the slider is slowly lowered by the fixed pulley and rope. This causes the limiting plates on the adjacent quadrilaterals of each film layer to rotate in opposite directions under the constraint of the 180-degree hinge. As a result, the adjacent quadrilaterals of each film layer are concave and convex during the folding process, forming a single vertex four-fold crease with "three peaks and one valley" or "three valleys and one peak". After each film layer is folded, it is stacked in the groove.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are: 1. The single-vertex four-fold film folding method proposed in this invention is driven by a motor throughout the folding process, and the folds are formed by the control plate. It does not require manual pre-folding of folds, laser dotting to form folds, or manual folding of the film. It ensures fold accuracy and does not introduce initial dotting defects while saving manpower and realizing the automation of single-vertex four-fold film folding. 2. The single-vertex four-fold film folding fixture proposed in this invention can adapt to changes in fold angle and length by changing the distance between the limiting plates. The limiting plates are easy to disassemble. Therefore, the folding fixture proposed in this invention can be reused for single-vertex four-fold films with different fold layouts without the need to replace the limiting plates and other parts. 3. The single-vertex four-fold film folding fixture proposed in this invention fixes the limiting plate at the endpoint of the shorter side of the parallel side of the quadrilateral divided by the single vertex four folds. Compared with the rigid plate covering full-sheet folding method, which adds rigid plates to all sheets, this folding fixture is lighter, the folding is more natural and smooth, and at the same time alleviates the problem of increased resistance after the plate thickness accumulates during the folding process. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the single-vertex four-fold film folding fixture of the present invention when the film is in the unfolded state.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the sheet and corresponding limiting plate of the film separated by creases during the film folding process of the film folding fixture of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the limiting plate and the corresponding single-vertex four-fold crease (three valleys and one peak) formed by the limiting plate during the partial film folding process of the film folding fixture of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the base, groove, and folded membrane.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the slide rail structure.

[0020] Figures 6 to 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of three types of sliders.

[0021] Figures 9 to 10This is a schematic diagram of the structure of two types of clips.

[0022] Figures 11 to 14 The diagram shows the structure of four types of limit plates.

[0023] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the position where magnets are embedded in two adjacent limiting plates.

[0024] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of a fixed pulley structure.

[0025] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of a 180-degree hinge structure.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Base; 2. Slide rail; 3. Slider; 4. Clamping piece; 5. Limiting plate; 6. Groove; 7. Film to be folded; 8. Fixed pulley; 9. Motor housing; 10. 180-degree hinge; 11. Base mounting hole; 21. First slide rail; 22. Second slide rail; 23. Third slide rail; 24. Fourth slide rail; 211. Holes on slide rail number 1 for easy connection to the base using double-headed bolts; 212. Channels on slide rail number 1 for easy up-and-down movement of the slider; 31. Model 1 slider; 32. Model 2 slider; 33. Model 3 slider; 311. The sliding end of the Model 1 slider; 312. The plate end of the Model 1 slider that connects to the upper edge of the film; 313. The hole at the plate end of the Model 1 slider that facilitates bolt connection with the clamping piece; 321. Sliding end of slider 2; 322. Plate end of slider 2 connecting to the upper edge of film; 323. Hole at the plate end of slider 2 for easy connection with clamping piece via bolts; 331. Sliding end of slider 3; 332. Plate end of slider 3 connecting to the upper edge of film; 333. Hole at the plate end of slider 3 for easy connection with clamping piece via bolts; 41. Type 1 clip; 42. Type 2 clip; 51. Model 1 limit plate; 52. Model 2 limit plate; 53. Model 3 limit plate; 54. Model 4 limit plate; 510. Groove on the limiting plate of Model 1 for embedding magnets; 520. Groove on the limiting plate of Model 2 for embedding magnets; 530. Groove on the limiting plate of Model 3 for embedding magnets; 540. Groove on the limiting plate of Model 4 for embedding magnets. 81. Pulley; 82. Fixed pulley bracket; 821. Holes on the fixed pulley bracket for fixing to the top surface of the slide rail; 511. Model 1 limit plate with serial number 1; 512. Model 1 limit plate with serial number 2; 513. Model 1 limit plate with serial number 3; 525. Model 2 limit plate with serial number 5; 526. Model 2 limit plate with serial number 6; 5132. The upper left (second quadrant) vertex of the model 1 limiting plate with serial number 3; 5251. The upper right (first quadrant) vertex of the model 2 limiting plate with serial number 5; 5252. The upper left (second quadrant) vertex of the model 2 limiting plate with serial number 5; 5253. The lower left (third quadrant) vertex of the model 2 limiting plate with serial number 5; 5254. The lower right (fourth quadrant) vertex of the model 2 limiting plate with serial number 5; 5114. The lower right (fourth quadrant) vertex of the model 1 limiting plate with serial number 1; 5121. The upper right (first quadrant) vertex of the model 1 limiting plate with serial number 2; 5122. The upper left (second quadrant) vertex of the model 1 limiting plate with serial number 2. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the present invention will be further described clearly and completely below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] Example 1 See Figure 1 —— Figure 17 This invention provides a single-vertex four-fold film folding fixture for folding film structures. The fixture includes a base 1, a slide rail 2 connected to the base 1 by double-headed bolts, a slider 3 mounted on the slide rail 2, and a clamping piece 4 connected to the slider 3 by bolts. A fixed pulley 8 is mounted on the top of the slide rail 2. A motor box 9 is mounted on the ground. One end of a rope on each fixed pulley 8 is connected to each slider 3, and the other end is connected to a motor inside the motor box 9. Limiting plates 5 are fixed on both sides of the film 7 to be folded. Two limiting plates 5 are connected by 180-degree hinges 10 to form a set of limiting plates. The uppermost limiting plate 5 is not connected to the clamping piece 4; a length is reserved at the top of the film 7 to facilitate connection with the clamping piece 4. A groove 6 is installed on the ground, and the folded film 7 is stacked in the groove 6.

[0029] The base 1 has a base mounting hole 11 for connecting with the slide rail 2 by double-headed bolts.

[0030] The outline of the base 1 of the present invention is parallel to the outline of the unfolded film 7 to be folded.

[0031] The film 7 to be folded in this invention needs to be a single-vertex four-fold film, and the position of the base 1 fixing slide rail 2 is located at the end of the shorter side of the parallel side of the quadrilateral formed by the single-vertex four-fold of the film 7 to be folded.

[0032] The limiting plate 5 of the present invention is fixed at the end of the shorter side of the parallel side of the quadrilateral formed by the four folds of each single vertex of the film 7 to be folded.

[0033] The limiting plate 5 of this invention is embedded with magnets. The limiting plate 5 is fixed to both sides of the film 7 to be folded and attracts each other through the magnets. The positions of the magnets embedded in the limiting plates 5 of adjacent layers are different, thereby preventing the magnets of adjacent layers of limiting plates 5 from repelling each other during folding and hindering the folding process. The limiting plate 5 can be removed from the film 7 to be folded after the film 7 is folded and reused.

[0034] In the foldable film 7 of the present invention, every two limiting plates 5 between layers are connected to form a limiting plate group by 180-degree hinges 10. Adjacent limiting plate groups between two layers are connected by adhesive strips. The two 180-degree hinges 10 connected to adjacent limiting plate groups between two layers rotate in the same direction, that is, the 180-degree hinges 10 connected to the limiting plate groups corresponding to the same slide rail 2 rotate in the same direction. The 180-degree hinges 10 connected to the limiting plate groups on adjacent surfaces of each layer of film 7 rotate in opposite directions, while the 180-degree hinges 10 connected to the limiting plate groups on the same surface of each layer of film 7 rotate in the same direction. Figure 1 As shown, looking at a single layer of the film 7 to be folded, slide rails 22 and 23 correspond to the same surface, so the 180-degree hinges 10 connected to the two columns of limiting plates 5 corresponding to slide rails 22 and 23 rotate in the same direction; slide rails 23 and 24 correspond to adjacent surfaces, so the 180-degree hinges 10 connected to the two columns of limiting plates 5 corresponding to slide rails 23 and 24 rotate in opposite directions; similarly, slide rails (22, 21) correspond to adjacent surfaces, so the 180-degree hinges 10 connected to the two columns of limiting plates 5 corresponding to slide rails (22, 21) rotate in opposite directions. On the same side of the film 7 to be folded, for example, on the front of the film 7, since the 180-degree hinges 10 can only be placed on the side of the limiting plate 5 away from the film 7 to be folded, to achieve opposite rotation directions for the two 180-degree hinges 10, they can only be staggered, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the 180-degree hinges 10 connected to the row of limit plates 5 corresponding to slide rail 23 need to be staggered with the 180-degree hinges 10 connected to the row of limit plates 5 corresponding to slide rail 24. The 180-degree hinges 10 connected to the row of limit plates 5 corresponding to slide rail 22 need to be staggered with the 180-degree hinges 10 connected to the row of limit plates 5 corresponding to slide rail 21. The 180-degree hinges 10 connected to the row of limit plates 5 corresponding to slide rail 22 need to be installed on the same layer as the 180-degree hinges 10 connected to the row of limit plates 5 corresponding to slide rail 23.

[0035] The groove 6 of the present invention has the same outline and size as the outline of the film 7 to be folded.

[0036] like Figure 1As shown, the distance between the film 7 to be folded and the slide rails 2 at different positions can be either almost touching, such as slide rails (22, 23), or a certain distance, such as slide rails (21, 24). Furthermore, the length of the horizontal crease in the middle part of the film 7 is not long enough to accommodate two limiting plates 5, so an extended limiting plate 5 is used for limiting. The positions of the magnets on adjacent limiting plates 5 need to be different. Under the constraints of the above three conditions, three types of sliders (model 1 slider 31, model 2 slider 32 and model 3 slider 33), two types of clips (model 1 clip 41 and model 2 clip 42) and four types of limiting plates (model 1 limiting plate 51, model 2 limiting plate 52, model 3 limiting plate 53 and model 4 limiting plate 54) are required.

[0037] Example 2 See Figure 1 —— Figure 17 A single-vertex four-fold film folding method, the folding method comprising the following steps: 1. Make a base 1 for the single-aperture four-fold film 7 to be folded. Fix all the slide rails 2 to the base 1 with double-headed bolts. Start each set of motors in the motor box 9. Drive each slider 3 to rise synchronously to the top of the slide rail 2 through each fixed pulley 8 and rope. Fix the upper edge of the film 7 to be folded to each slider 3 with clips 4 and bolts. 2. Fix the limiting plate 5 embedded with magnets at the endpoints of the shorter parallel sides of all quadrilaterals in each layer of the film to be folded 7, with one limiting plate 5 on each side of the film to be folded 7, so that they can be attracted to each other by magnets. 3. The motors inside the motor housing 9 operate, and through the fixed pulleys 8 and ropes, control the sliders 3 to descend synchronously and slowly, causing the limiting plates 5 on the adjacent quadrilateral surfaces of each layer of film to be folded 7 to rotate in opposite directions under the constraint of the 180-degree hinges 10. Specifically, as shown... Figure 3 , 4As shown, from the left-hand perspective, limiting plates 525 and 512 rotate counterclockwise, while limiting plates 511 and 526 rotate clockwise. Therefore, the rotation directions of the limiting plates on adjacent panels between single layers and between adjacent panels between two layers are opposite. Consequently, adjacent panels between single layers must have one concave and one convex shape, ensuring that the crease pattern is a more complex single-vertex four-fold crease rather than a simple "Z"-shaped crease. The formation mechanism of the "three valleys and one peak" crease line in the single-vertex four-fold crease is as follows: point 5251 coincides with point B, point 5122 coincides with point D, and point 5254 coincides with point A. Limiting plates 525 and 526 rotate... The folding of the film 7 is restricted to form valley lines BD and peak lines AD; point 5114 coincides with point C, and the limiting plates 511 and 526 rotate to restrict the film 7 to form valley lines CD; point 5132 coincides with point F, and the limiting plates 512 and 513 rotate to restrict the film 7 to form valley lines DF (EF); in summary, by the limiting plates on the adjacent two sides of the single layer rotating in opposite directions under the restriction of the 180-degree hinge, the adjacent quadrilateral sides of each layer of film are concave and convex during the folding process, forming a single vertex four-fold crease of "three peaks and one valley" or "three valleys and one peak". After each layer of film is folded, it is stacked in the groove in sequence.

[0038] In the above technical solution, the single-vertex four-crease type film folding fixture structure and folding method provided by the present invention have the following beneficial effects: 1. The single-vertex four-fold film folding method proposed in this invention is driven by a motor throughout the folding process, and the folds are formed by the control plate. It does not require manual pre-folding of folds, laser dotting to form folds, or manual folding of the film. It ensures fold accuracy and does not introduce initial dotting defects while saving manpower and realizing the automation of single-vertex four-fold film folding. 2. The single-vertex four-fold film folding fixture proposed in this invention can adapt to changes in fold angle and length by changing the distance between the limiting plates. The limiting plates are easy to disassemble. Therefore, the folding fixture proposed in this invention can be reused for single-vertex four-fold films with different fold layouts without the need to replace the limiting plates or other parts. 3. The single-vertex four-fold film folding fixture proposed in this invention fixes the limiting plate at the endpoint of the shorter side of the parallel side of the quadrilateral divided by the single vertex four folds. Compared with the rigid plate covering full-sheet folding method, which adds rigid plates to all sheets, this folding fixture is lighter, the folding is more natural and smooth, and at the same time alleviates the problem of increased resistance after the plate thickness accumulates during the folding process.

[0039] It should be noted that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Any equivalent substitutions and improvements made based on the inventive concept should be covered within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A single-vertex, four-fold type film folding fixture structure, characterized in that, include: Base; Slide rails; fixed to the base at vertical intervals; slider; Fixed on each of the slide rails; Clip; Fixed to each of the sliders to secure the upper end of the film to be folded; A limiting component is provided on both sides of the film to be folded; the limiting component is composed of a group of limiting plates connected together; the group of limiting plates is composed of two limiting plates connected by a 180-degree hinge. A drive unit, connected to the slider on each of the slide rails, is used to drive the slider to move up and down; as well as Storage slots are used to store folded films.

2. The single-vertex four-fold type film folding fixture structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, A fixed pulley is installed on the top surface of each slide rail; the driving device includes multiple sets of motors and tension ropes connected to each motor; the tension ropes pass around the fixed pulleys and are connected to the slider.

3. The single-vertex four-fold type film folding fixture structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outline of the base is parallel to the outline of the unfolded film.

4. The film folding fixture structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The base fixing slide rail is located at the endpoint of the shorter side of the parallel side of the quadrilateral formed by the single vertex four-fold type film.

5. The film folding fixture structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The limiting plate is fixed at the endpoint of the shorter side of the parallel side of the quadrilateral formed by the single-vertex four-fold type film in each layer.

6. The film folding fixture structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The limiting plate is embedded with a magnet. The limiting plate is fixed to the front and back of the single-vertex four-fold type film and is attracted to each other by the magnet. The positions of the magnets embedded in the limiting plates of adjacent layers are not the same.

7. The film folding fixture structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The limiting plate groups are connected by adhesive strips; the 180-degree hinges connected to the limiting plate groups corresponding to the same slide rail rotate in the same direction; the 180-degree hinges connected to the limiting plate groups on adjacent sheets of each film rotate in opposite directions.

8. The film folding fixture structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outline of the storage groove is consistent with the outline of the folded membrane and the same size.

9. The film folding fixture structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The storage slot is located on the base or the ground.

10. A folding method based on the film folding fixture structure according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Using the drive device, raise the slider to the top of the slide rail and use the clamps to fix the upper edge of the film to be folded onto the slider; Step 2: Fix the limiting plate at the endpoints of the shorter parallel sides of all quadrilaterals in each layer of the film to be folded; Step 3: Using the drive device, control the slider to slowly descend, causing the limiting plates on the adjacent quadrilateral faces of each film layer to rotate in opposite directions under the constraint of the 180-degree hinge. This results in the adjacent quadrilateral faces of each film layer being concave and convex during the folding process, forming a single vertex four-fold crease. After each film layer is folded, it is stacked in the storage slot in sequence.

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