Precision motion and support structure of a device for large-scale civil applications, especially for telescopes

Abstract

Precision motion and support structure (4) of a device for large-scale civil applications, comprising - a fixed frame (8) with a base (12), a first rail (16) and a second rail (20), - a movable frame (24) which is guided by the first rail (16) and the second rail (20) and moves from a starting position (25) to an end position (26) and vice versa by means of drive means (28), - a precision device (32) for transporting from the starting position (25) to the end position (26) and vice versa by means of the drive means (28), - an interface (36) that carries the precision device (32) and is functionally connected to the movable frame (24), - wherein the fixed frame (8) includes a support chair (52) at each of the initial and final positions, - wherein the support chair (52) has a base (56) on which a triangular plate (60) rests, which at each corner (64) of the triangle forms a hemispherical support (68) with a convexity extending away from the base (56) in the direction of the associated precision device (32), - wherein this interface (36) on a bottom side (72) which is oriented towards this plate (60) of the support chair (52) comprises three hemispherical recesses (76) which are arranged in a triangular arrangement and are concave towards the plate (60) so that they engage in a form-fitting manner with the hemispherical supports (68) of the plate (60) when the movable frame (24) reaches the starting position (25) or the end position (26).

Description

SCOPE

[0001] The present invention relates to a precision motion and support structure for a device for large-scale civil applications, in particular for telescopes. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Particularly in the field of telescopes, the use of devices such as precision mirrors is known, which must be positioned in at least two diametrically opposed positions with respect to a circular path in order to carry out the required measurements / observations.

[0003] These are extremely bulky and heavy structures that move along circular paths with a diameter of up to 20 m and weigh several dozen tons.

[0004] Despite their enormous size and mass, these structures must be positioned in their respective final positions with an accuracy of one tenth of a millimeter, otherwise the measurement / observation performed would be inaccurate.

[0005] Known solutions involve the production of extremely precise guides to ensure the required high accuracy in positioning the devices.

[0006] Of course, these known solutions are poorly suited for the specific application on a telescope, as they incur very high costs to ensure the tolerances of the guides.

[0007] Furthermore, telescopes are usually placed in locations exposed to strong temperature fluctuations of several tens of degrees, which can easily lead to thermal deformations of the structures that affect the positioning accuracy of the mirror.

[0008] Finally, telescopes are often set up in mountainous areas and are therefore exposed to seismic phenomena, which in turn can affect the accuracy of the mirror positioning. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Therefore, it is necessary to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages and limitations of the known technology.

[0010] In particular, there is a need to provide a motion and support structure that, on the one hand, ensures the required extreme positioning accuracy under all operating conditions, especially with high ambient temperature differences, and on the other hand, keeps the costs for assembly, operation and maintenance low.

[0011] This need is met by a precision motion and support structure of a device for large-scale civil applications according to claim 1. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description of its preferred and non-limiting embodiments, wherein: Fig. 1 represents a perspective view of a precision motion and support structure of a device for civil applications according to a possible embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2-3 partial views of the structure from Fig. 1. Present from different perspectives; Fig. 4 a top view of the precision motion and support structure of a device for civil applications Fig. 1 represents; Fig. 5-6 side views of the precision motion and support structure of a device for civil applications made of Fig. 1. The Fig.Figures 7-21 show perspective views of details of a precision motion and support structure of a device for civil applications according to possible embodiments of the present invention.

[0013] The elements or parts of elements that are common to the embodiments described below are identified by the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] With reference to the figures above, figure 4 represents a precision motion and support structure of a device for large-scale civil applications according to the present invention.

[0015] First, for the purposes of the present invention, it must be clarified that the term "precision motion and support structure" is to be understood in a broader sense and therefore does not have to be limited to a specific application.

[0016] Certainly, the present invention finds advantageous application in the field of large-dimensioned telescopes, but this application should not be understood in a narrower or limiting sense.

[0017] The precision motion and support structure 4 comprises a fixed frame 8 with a base 12, a first rail 16, and a second rail 20. As described in more detail below, the first rail 16 and the second rail 20 are configured to guide the movement of an associated movable frame 24. For the purposes of the present invention, the first rail 16 and the second rail 20 can have any desired extent or geometric shape, provided they are profiled relative to each other to correctly guide the movement of the associated movable frame 24. In the case of a telescope, the first rail 16 and the second rail 20 extend along circumferential tracks. Furthermore, in the case of a telescope, the precision motion and support structure 4 is an overall cylindrical structure.

[0018] The precision motion and support structure 4 also includes the movable frame 24, which, guided by the first rail 16 and the second rail 20, moves from a starting position 25 to an end position 26 and vice versa by means of drive means 28. Typically, the drive means 28 are electric motors. It is also possible to provide one or more intermediate positions 27 between the starting position 25 and the end position 26.

[0019] The precision motion and support structure 4 also includes a precision device 32, which can be transported from the initial position 25 to the end position 26 and vice versa by means of the drive means 28. In the case of a telescope, this precision device 32 is, for example, a precision mirror.

[0020] The precision motion and support structure 4 also includes an interface 36 that supports the precision device 32 and includes a locking seat 40.

[0021] The interface 36 is functionally connected to the movable frame 24; in other words, the interface 36 moves in conjunction with the movable frame 24, which is guided by the first rail 16 and the second rail 20, sliding, shifting or rototranslatively moved.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the interface 36 is configured to have two vertical guides 44, which allow relative vertical movement between the interface 36 and the movable frame 24. This relative vertical movement makes it possible, as described in more detail below, to determine the exact position of the interface 36 and thus of the precision device 32 when reaching the aforementioned initial position 25 and final position 26.

[0023] According to one possible embodiment, the vertical guides 44 include wedges 48 to prevent radial play RR in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction YY.

[0024] Advantageously, the fixed frame 8 includes a support chair 52 at each of the aforementioned starting and end positions. It is understood that one or more intermediate positions 27 can also be provided between the starting position 25 and the end position 26, each of the aforementioned intermediate positions 27 being equipped with a corresponding support chair 52.

[0025] The support chair 52 has a base 56 on which a triangular plate 60 rests, forming a hemispherical support 68 at each corner 64 of the triangle, the convexity of which points away from the base 56 in the direction of the associated precision device 32. Preferably, the hemispherical supports 68 are arranged at an angular distance of 120° from each other.

[0026] Advantageously, this interface 36 on a bottom surface 72, which is oriented towards the plate 60 of the support chair 52, comprises three hemispherical recesses 76 arranged in a triangular configuration and oriented with a concavity towards the plate 60 in order to engage with the hemispherical supports 68 of the plate 60 in a form-fit connection when the movable frame 24 reaches the starting position 25 or the end position 26. Preferably, the hemispherical recesses 76 are arranged at an angular distance of 120° from each other.

[0027] It should be noted that the mutual coupling between the hemispherical recesses 76 of the interface 36 and the hemispherical supports 68 of the plate 60 enables extremely precise positioning of the interface 36 and thus of the precision device 32. In fact, the use of three mutual support points allows for well-controlled positioning in space. Furthermore, the hemispherical coupling allows for easy adjustment between the mutually contacting surfaces.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a through-hole 80 and a bolt 84 are provided in the center of the plate 60, the bolt passing through the through-hole 80 so that it can be moved along a locking direction LL from a retracted position, in which the bolt 84 does not protrude from the through-hole 80, to an extended position, in which the bolt 84 passes through the through-hole 80 and engages in the locking seat 40 of the interface 36 to lock the interface 36 and the precision device 32 in their position.

[0029] In particular, the through-hole 80 is aligned with the locking seat 40 of the interface 36 when the movable frame 24 reaches the starting position 25 or the end position 26. In this way, when the starting position 25 or the end position 26 is reached, the interface 36 can be firmly locked to the support chair 52 by means of the latch 84.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the bolt 84 is provided with a rototranslatory movement with respect to the locking direction LL, so that it enters the locking seat 40 in a first orientation parallel to the locking direction LL and can rotate about the locking direction LL to assume a second orientation in which it forms an undercut connection with the interface 36 with respect to the locking direction LL. This undercut connection effectively prevents any displacement of the interface 36 with respect to the support chair 52.

[0031] According to one possible embodiment, the interface 36 on the side of the said underside 72 comprises at least one centering bolt 88 with a cylindrical head 92 which is counter-shaped towards at least one fork 96 attached to the support chair 52.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the fork 96 has a concavity shaped to counteract the cylindrical head 92 and is provided with an insertion extension 100 for the cylindrical head 92.

[0033] The centering bolts 88 and the corresponding forks 96 serve for preliminary centering between the interface 36 and the support chair 52, in order to ensure correct alignment between the hemispherical supports 68 and the hemispherical recesses 76 before the interface 36 rests firmly on the support chair 52 and this position is locked by the aforementioned latch 84.

[0034] Preferably, three centering bolts 88 and as many forks 96 are provided, which are preferably arranged at an angle of 120° to each other.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the movable frame 24 is attached to the first rail 16 by means of intermediate bearings 104, which are opposite each other along a direction perpendicular to a path defined by the rail itself.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the movable frame 24 is equipped with a pair of pre-tensioned vertical bearings 108, which are arranged at opposite lateral ends 112 of the movable frame 24 to prevent displacements of the movable frame 24 in a direction parallel to the path of the first rail 16 and in a direction transverse to this path of the first rail 16.

[0037] For example, the second rail 20 is attached to the base 12 by means of adjustable supports 116.

[0038] Preferably, guides 120 opposite each other are arranged between the second rail 20 and the base 12 to prevent movements perpendicular to the path defined by the second rail 20 itself.

[0039] According to one embodiment, a rack 124 is connected to the second rail 20, into which at least one pinion 128 of the drive means 28 attached to the movable frame 24 engages.

[0040] According to one embodiment, microswitches are provided which are activated when the movable frame 24 reaches the aforementioned starting position 25 and the aforementioned end position 26.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the interface 36 is mechanically connected to the movable frame 24 to allow relative movement between the precision device 32, to which it is rigidly connected, and the movable frame 24 along at least one vertical direction YY, perpendicular to the base 12 of the precision motion and support structure 4. This movement along the vertical direction YY is useful for enabling the coupling phase between the hemispherical recesses 76 and the hemispherical supports 68, as well as between the centering pins 88 and the forks 96. In other words, upon reaching the initial position 25 and the final position 26, the movable frame 24 is raised along the vertical direction YY relative to the support chair 52.This lifting enables the correct preliminary alignment between the hemispherical recesses 76 and the hemispherical supports 68, as well as between the centering bolts 88 and the forks 96: After carrying out this alignment, the interface 36 can be lowered along the vertical direction YY, i.e., the interface 36 can be brought close to the support chair 52 in order to connect the hemispherical recesses 76 with the hemispherical supports 68 and the centering bolts 88 with the forks 96.

[0042] According to one possible embodiment, the relative movement of the interface 36 with respect to the movable frame 24 along the vertical direction YY is effected by the rotation of two threaded rods 132 which are arranged at the lateral ends 112 of the movable frame 24; in particular, this movement is effected by a motor 136 which is connected to both threaded rods 132, for example, via cardan joints.

[0043] According to one possible embodiment, the motion system, consisting of the motor 136 and the threaded rods 132, detaches from the interface 36 when the interface 36 is lowered onto the support chair 52 by further rotation. The interface 36 remains on the support chair 52. By changing the direction of rotation, the motion system reconnects to the interface 36 and again assumes its load. The locking seat 40 of the interface 36 is held in its position by the preload of the bolt 84, which has already been inserted into the through-hole 80 and rotated 90° relative to the opening, in order to create an undercut connection with respect to the locking direction LL.

[0044] As can be seen from the description, the structures according to the invention make it possible to overcome the disadvantages that occur in the known technology.

[0045] Advantageously, the present invention provides a precision movement and support device for a large-scale civil application, in particular for the precision movement and support of a mirror of a precision telescope.

[0046] In general, the architecture of the motion device enables extremely precise movement and positioning of a device from a starting position to a final position with tolerances in the millimeter range for movements of several tens of meters, even for devices weighing several tens of tons. Precise positioning of the device is indeed essential for certain applications.

[0047] In particular, the switching system of the telescope of the present invention is designed to direct a light beam to two different, opposite points in space by rotating a mirror using a mechanical movement system.

[0048] The switching system is designed to direct a beam of light to two different, opposing points in space, and is based on a ribbed plate.

[0049] The switching system is also designed to direct a beam of light to two different, opposite points in space, thanks to a mechanism that controls the alignment of a mirror.

[0050] The switching system is designed to direct a beam of light to two different, opposite points in space via remote control.

[0051] The switching system is designed to direct a light beam to two different, opposing points in space, with movement phases and fixation phases alternating in two possible, alternating operating positions.

[0052] The switching system is also designed to direct a light beam to two different, opposing points in space, where converters transform the light beam into an electrical signal.

[0053] The switching system is designed to direct a beam of light to two different, opposing points in space, while maintaining the reflective surface of the mirror and ensuring high precision and repeatability when reaching the alternative positions.

[0054] The switching system is designed to direct a beam of light via two different sub-mechanisms to two opposite points in space, the first being responsible for rotating a mirror and the second for taking over the mirror in the target position and ensuring its correct alignment as well as the rigid connection of the reflecting system with the main structure.

[0055] The switching system is designed to direct a beam of light to two different, opposing points in space, with the interface plate for mounting the mirror being firmly connected to the metal structure of the machine in both operating positions using a fastening system that does not allow any play.

[0056] The switching system is also designed to direct a beam of light to two different, opposing points in space, with the mirror mounting plate being detached from the machine structure and held by a support that moves along a rail, thus enabling the transition of the reflective surface from one focus position to the other.

[0057] To meet specific requirements, a specialist can make numerous changes and variations to the solutions described above.

[0058] The scope of protection of the invention is defined by the following claims. Reference sign 4 Precision motion and support structure 8 fixed frames 12 sockets 16 first rail 20 second rail 24 movable frames 25 Starting position 26 End position 27 Intermediate position 28 propulsion devices 32 Precision device 36 Interface 40 locking seat 44 vertical guides 48 wedges 52 Support chair 56 base 60 plates 64 corner 68 hemispherical pads 72 Underside 76 hemispherical depressions 80 through hole 84 bars 88 centering bolts 92 cylindrical head 96 Fork 100 Introduction expansion 104 warehouses 108 preloaded vertical bearings 112 lateral ends 116 adjustable supports 120 opposing guided tours 124 Rack and pinion 128 sprockets 132 threaded rods 136 engine YY vertical direction RR radial direction LL locking direction

Claims

[1] Precision motion and support structure (4) of a device for large-scale civil applications, comprising - a fixed frame (8) with a base (12), a first rail (16) and a second rail (20), - a movable frame (24) which is guided by the first rail (16) and the second rail (20) and moves from a starting position (25) to an end position (26) and vice versa by means of drive means (28), - a precision device (32) for transporting from the starting position (25) to the end position (26) and vice versa by means of the drive means (28), - an interface (36) that carries the precision device (32) and is functionally connected to the movable frame (24), - wherein the fixed frame (8) includes a support chair (52) at each of the initial and final positions, - wherein the support chair (52) has a base (56) on which a triangular plate (60) rests, which at each corner (64) of the triangle forms a hemispherical support (68) with a convexity extending away from the base (56) in the direction of the associated precision device (32), - wherein this interface (36) on a bottom side (72) which is oriented towards this plate (60) of the support chair (52) comprises three hemispherical recesses (76) which are arranged in a triangular arrangement and are concave towards the plate (60) so that they engage in a form-fitting manner with the hemispherical supports (68) of the plate (60) when the movable frame (24) reaches the starting position (25) or the end position (26). [2] Precision motion and support structure (4) for civil applications according to claim 1, wherein the interface (36) comprises a locking seat (40) and a through hole (80) and a latch (84) are provided in the center of the plate (60), the latch passing through the through hole (80) to move along a locking direction (LL) from a retracted position in which the latch (84) does not protrude from the through hole (80) to an extended position in which the latch (84) passes through the through hole (80) and engages in the locking seat (40) of the interface (36) to lock the interface (36) and the precision device (32) in their position. [3] Precision motion and support structure (4) for civil applications according to claim 2, wherein the through-hole (80) is aligned with the locking seat (40) of the interface (36) when the movable frame (24) reaches said initial position (25) or said end position (26). [4] Precision motion and support structure (4) for civil applications according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the latch (84) is provided with a rototranslatory movement with respect to the locking direction (LL) such that it enters the locking seat (40) parallel to the locking direction (LL) with a first orientation and rotates about the locking direction (LL) to assume a second orientation in which it forms an undercut with the interface (36) with respect to the locking direction (LL). [5] Precision motion and support structure (4) for civil applications according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the hemispherical supports (68) are arranged at an angular distance of 120° from each other. [6] Precision motion and support structure (4) for civil applications according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the hemispherical recesses (76) are arranged at an angular distance of 120° from each other. [7] Precision motion and support structure (4) for civil applications according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the movable frame (24) is attached to the first rail (16) by the interposition of bearings (104) which are opposite each other along a direction perpendicular to a path defined by the first rail (16) itself. [8] Precision motion and support structure (4) for civil applications according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the movable frame (24) is provided with a pair of pre-tensioned vertical bearings (108) arranged at opposite lateral ends (112) of the movable frame (24) to prevent displacement of the movable frame (24) in a direction parallel to the path of the first rail (16) and in a direction transverse to this path. [9] Precision motion and support structure (4) for civil applications according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second rail (20) is attached to the base (12) by means of adjustable supports (116). [10] Precision motion and support structure (4) for civil applications according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein opposite guides (120) are arranged between the second rail (20) and the base (12) to prevent movements perpendicular to the path defined by the second rail (20). [11] Precision motion and support structure (4) for civil applications according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a rack (124) is connected to the second rail (20), into which at least one pinion (128) of the drive means (28) attached to the movable frame (24) engages. [12] Precision motion and support structure (4) for civil applications according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the interface (36) is mechanically connected to the movable frame (24) to allow relative movement between the precision device (32), to which it is rigidly connected, and the movable frame (24) along at least one vertical direction (YY) perpendicular to the base (12) of the precision motion and support structure (4). [13] Precision motion and support structure (4) for civil applications according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the interface (36) is configured to have two vertical guides (44) which allow a vertical relative movement between the interface (36) and the movable frame (24), wherein the vertical guides (44) comprise wedges (48) to prevent radial play in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (YY). [14] Precision motion and support structure (4) for civil applications according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the relative movement of the interface (36) relative to the movable frame (24) along the vertical direction (YY) is effected by the rotation of two threaded rods (132) arranged at the lateral ends (112) of the movable frame (24) and connected to a motor (136) via cardan joints. [15] Precision motion and support structure (4) for civil applications according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the interface (36) on the side of said underside (72) comprises at least one centering pin (88) with a cylindrical head (92) which is counter-shaped against at least one fork (96) attached to the support chair (52). [16] Precision motion and support structure (4) for civil applications according to claim 15, wherein the fork (96) has a recess shaped to counter-form the cylindrical head (92) and is provided with an insertion extension (100) for the cylindrical head (92). [17] Precision motion and support structure (4) for civil applications according to one of claims 15 to 16, wherein three centering pins (88) and as many forks (96) are provided, which are preferably arranged at an angular distance of 120° from each other. [18] Precision motion and support structure (4) for civil applications according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the first rail (16) and the second rail (20) extend along circumferential tracks. [19] Precision motion and support structure (4) for civil applications according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the precision motion and support structure (4) is an overall dome-shaped structure of a telescope and the precision device (32) is a precision mirror of the telescope.

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