Wind protection device for a telescopic protective structure and telescopic protective structure with such a wind protection device

Abstract

Wind protection device (12) for a protective structure of a telescope (14), comprising the following features: - at least one windbreak panel (16, 18, 20, 22); - at least one guide rail (24, 26) attached to the protective structure of a telescope (14) comprising a first track (28), a second track (30) and a third track (32); - at least one carriage (34) attached to the at least one windscreen panel (16, 18, 20, 22) with a first wheel (36), a second wheel (38) and a third wheel (40), each of which can roll on a corresponding track (28, 30, 32) of the guide rail (24, 26) around respective axes of rotation (361, 381, 401); wherein each track (28, 30, 32) defines a respective axis of rotation (281, 301, 321); characterized in that the axes of rotation (281, 301, 321) intersect at a convergence point (P) on the at least one guide rail (24, 26).

Description

scope

[0001] The present invention relates to a wind protection device for a telescope's protective structure and to a telescope's protective structure comprising this wind protection device. In particular, the present technical solution relates to the field of wind protection systems for astronomical structures, especially wind protection systems for telescopes of considerable size. State of the art

[0002] As is well known, observation structures of considerable size, especially for rotating domes of alt-azimuth telescopes, are designed to house highly precise astronomical instruments and require special provisions to mitigate the effects of local wind and to ensure constant image quality.

[0003] In this context, the mechanical and structural components of the dome, including cladding, guides and movement devices, must be coordinated and integrated into the rotation and alignment functions of the telescope, while simultaneously providing protection from the elements and ensuring that the optical space remains clear for the acquisition of scientific data.

[0004] The main application goal is the development of a modular wind protection system that meets the requirements for adaptability, reliability and ease of control.

[0005] In particular, movable panels must be provided to regulate the aerodynamic permeability within the dome, reduce internal turbulence, and prevent the occurrence of parasitic loads on the telescopic structures.

[0006] Such a system should also allow independent movement of the individual panels to improve protection depending on wind direction and strength, without affecting the slot openings of the dome or the space provided for the light beam.

[0007] Despite the existence of solutions based on fixed panels or conventional sliding doors, problems such as excessive space requirements, low operational flexibility, and rigid control of wind-induced loads persist.

[0008] Especially for telescopes in the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) category with apertures of several tens of meters, it is important to develop sliding rails and movement systems that can withstand high loads while maintaining very tight positional tolerances.

[0009] In this context, the use of windbreak panels that slide on guides is known, in which each panel is connected to the respective guides via carriages. These carriages are characterized by a multitude of opposing wheels that act on guides with parallel raceways.

[0010] The use of opposing wheels on parallel tracks results in a particularly rigid system that is poorly suited for moving large structures. In particular, the use of this type of carriage does not allow for effective distribution of operating loads and can even lead to the carriage locking up under certain operating conditions. Presentation of the invention

[0011] Therefore, it is necessary to at least partially overcome the aforementioned disadvantages and limitations of the known technology.

[0012] In particular, there is a need to overcome the excessive rigidity and lack of adaptability of known sliding systems. Current wind protection systems, based on carriages with opposing wheels on parallel rails, are too rigid and poorly suited for the movement of large panels, such as those required for ELT telescopes. This rigidity can lead to the carriages locking up and to suboptimal load distribution.

[0013] Furthermore, there is a need to overcome the difficulties in load distribution, as conventional systems do not allow for an effective distribution of operating loads across the various support elements, which can lead to local overloads and thus to structural damage or malfunctions.

[0014] The known solutions, which are often based on fixed panels or conventional sliding doors, do not allow for dynamic adjustment of aerodynamic permeability or rapid adaptation to changes in wind direction and strength.

[0015] Furthermore, existing systems can be bulky and may interfere with the dome's slot openings or the optical space required for observation, thus limiting the telescope's functionality.

[0016] Furthermore, the lack of advanced motion and control systems makes it difficult to synchronize panel movements and monitor end positions, leading to safety and maintenance risks.

[0017] Finally, the known systems are not able to compensate for lateral displacements of the rails or misalignments due to manufacturing tolerances, which leads to parasitic loads and possible blockages of the system.

[0018] The proposed invention therefore aims to provide a wind protection device that overcomes these critical points and ensures efficient movement, optimal load distribution, greater operational flexibility, no impairment of the optical parts and the openings of the dome, better synchronization and safety of movements, and the ability to adapt to structural misalignments without developing parasitic forces.

[0019] These requirements are at least partially met by a wind protection device according to claim 1 and by a protective structure for a telescope according to claim 22. Description of the drawings

[0020] 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 schematically shows a protective device for a telescope which is equipped with a wind protection device according to a possible embodiment in a first application configuration; - Fig. 2 schematically shows a protective device for a telescope which is equipped with a wind protection device according to a possible embodiment in a second configuration; - Fig. 3 schematically shows a cross-section of a section of a windbreak device according to a possible embodiment; - Fig. 3A schematically shows a cross-section of a section of a windbreak device according to a possible embodiment; - Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows a cross-section of a section of a windbreak device according to a possible embodiment, in which some components have been removed; - Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows an axonometric view of some components of a wind protection device according to a possible embodiment; - Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 schematically shows two side views of a windbreak device according to a possible embodiment in two configurations: a fully retracted configuration, which is in Fig. 6 can be seen, and a fully extended configuration, which is in Fig. 7 can be seen. - Fig. Figure 8 schematically shows an axonometric view of a section of a windbreak device according to a possible embodiment in a fully retracted configuration; - Fig. 9 Fig. 8 corresponds to, with components for the movement of the panels added; - Fig. Figure 10 schematically shows an axonometric view of a section of a windbreak according to a possible embodiment in a fully erected configuration; - Fig. 11 Fig. 10 corresponds to the addition of components for moving the panels. - Fig. Figure 12 schematically shows an axonometric view of a section of a windbreak device according to a possible embodiment; - Fig. 12A schematically a special feature from Fig. 12 shows; - Fig. Figure 13 schematically shows an axonometric view of a section of a windbreak device according to a possible embodiment; - Fig. 13A schematically a special feature from Fig. 13 shows; - Fig. Figure 14 schematically shows an axonometric view of a section of a windbreak device according to a possible embodiment; - Fig. 15 schematically a special feature from Fig. 14 shows; - Fig. Figure 16 schematically shows an axonometric view of a section of a windbreak device according to one possible embodiment; and - Fig. Figure 17 schematically shows an axonometric view of part of a windbreak device according to a possible embodiment.

[0021] The elements or parts of elements that are common to the embodiments described below are identified by the same reference numerals. Detailed description

[0022] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a wind protection device for a protective structure of a telescope 14, which is designated by reference numeral 12.

[0023] The wind protection device 12 includes: - at least one windbreak panel 16, 18, 20, 22; - at least one guide rail 24, 26, which is attached to the protective structure of a telescope 14 and comprises a first raceway 28, a second raceway 30 and a third raceway 32; and - at least one carriage 34 attached to at least one wind protection panel 16, 18, 20, 22.

[0024] The carriage 34 comprises a first wheel 36, a second wheel 38 and a third wheel 40, each designed to roll on a corresponding raceway 28, 30, 32 of the guide rail 24, 26 about corresponding axes of rotation 361, 381, 401.

[0025] Each track 28, 30, 32 defines a respective running axis 281, 301, 321.

[0026] In the context of this discussion, a running axis is understood to be an ideal geometric line that defines the principal direction along which the loads are transferred between the wheel and the track of a guide rail. Since the wheels in this case have a cylindrical profile, the running axis is perpendicular to the axis of rotation and to the track axis along the rail.

[0027] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the running axes 281, 301, 321 intersect at a convergence point P on at least one guide rail 24, 26.

[0028] This configuration ensures that the carriage remains firmly connected to the rail and prevents accidental detachment.

[0029] The wind protection panels 16, 18, 20, 22 make it possible to regulate the wind effect, thereby improving the stability of the telescope and protecting it from adverse weather conditions.

[0030] The configuration with three tracks 28, 30, 32 ensures a stable and secure support for the carriage 34 and reduces the risk of vibrations or unwanted movements.

[0031] The integration of three wheels 36, 38, 40 enables smooth and controlled movement along the rail and improves the positioning accuracy of the panel.

[0032] Furthermore, the convergence of the running axes 281, 301, 321 at a specific point ensures that the carriage 34 remains firmly connected to the guide rail 24, 26, thus preventing loosening and ensuring safe operation.

[0033] According to one possible embodiment, the windbreak panel 16, 18, 20, 22 can comprise a cladding 42 made of perforated aluminum sheets, a frame 44 made of structural steel, and edge supports 46, 48 for connecting the panel to the carriage 34. An example of an aluminum cladding is shown, for instance, in Fig. 16 shown.

[0034] The perforated aluminum cladding is designed to provide the desired permeability, while the steel frame ensures lightness and structural strength.

[0035] The size of the openings can be chosen according to specific requirements.

[0036] The use of perforated aluminum sheets reduces the overall weight of the panel and improves the efficiency of the movement system, while the steel frame ensures robustness and durability.

[0037] As in Fig. 13 and in detail in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 14, the edge supports 46, 48 can comprise a π-shaped welded support 50 and preferably a cantilever cable distributor 52, 54.

[0038] The π-shaped support distributes the loads coming from the carriages onto the steel structure, while the cable distributor facilitates the management of the cables required for the operation of the system.

[0039] According to one possible embodiment, the frame 44 and the cladding 42 of the windscreen panel 16, 18, 20, 22 can form an arch between the edge supports 46, 48.

[0040] This arched configuration improves the structural stability of the panel and reduces the effects of wind, thus ensuring more efficient operation.

[0041] According to one possible embodiment, the guide rails 24, 26 can be two and arranged on the sides of the windbreak panels 16, 18, 20, 22.

[0042] This double-sided configuration ensures symmetrical and stable support of the panel. In fact, the presence of two rails improves the system's stability and reduces the risk of vibrations or unwanted movements during operation.

[0043] The windbreak panel 16, 18, 20, 22 can be equipped with four laterally mounted carriages 34, with upper and lower carriages. The distance between the upper and lower carriages can be approximately 7200 mm.

[0044] The arrangement of the carriages ensures an even load distribution and improves the stability and precision of the panel's movement.

[0045] According to one possible embodiment, the wheels 36, 38, 40 of the carriage 34 can be flange-mounted.

[0046] The flanged wheels improve the stability of the carriage on the rail.

[0047] Advantageously, the first wheel can have a diameter of about 200 mm, while the second and third wheels (38, 40) can have a diameter of about 250 mm.

[0048] According to one possible embodiment, the wheels 36, 38, 40 can be arranged on corresponding pivot pins 362, 382, ​​402, which are supported by a corresponding support structure 363, 383, 403 of the carriage 34.

[0049] Advantageously, the pivots 362, 382, ​​402 of the wheels 36, 38, 40 can have some play along the axis of rotation 361, 381, 401 of the respective wheel. According to one possible embodiment, the play along the axis of rotation 361, 381, 401 can be on the order of mm.

[0050] According to one aspect of the present invention, each wheel 36, 38, 40 rotates about a pivot 362, 382, ​​402 which can make moderate displacements along the axis of rotation of the wheels 361, 381, 401 in order to allow a moderate rotation of the carriage 34 about an axis passing through P and perpendicular to the plane containing the axis of rotation of the wheels 361, 381, 401.

[0051] According to one possible embodiment, the wheels can be mounted on pins 362, 382, ​​402 via bearing means 364, 384, 404, which allow the wheels to rotate around the pins.

[0052] According to a possible alternative embodiment, the wheels 36, 38, 40 can be rigidly mounted on the respective pins 362, 382, ​​402, and the bearing means can be arranged between the bolts and the support structure.

[0053] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3A, the first running axis 281 can be inclined relative to the third running axis 321 at an angle between 100° and 140°, preferably about 120°. The second running axis 301 can be inclined relative to the third running axis 321 or the first running axis 281 at an angle between 80° and 130°, preferably about 100°.

[0054] The specific arrangement of the trackways and thus the determination of the orientation of the track axes can be predetermined by specific requirements, such as space requirements.

[0055] Furthermore, thanks to this special arrangement, both radial and tangential loads on the panel can be absorbed.

[0056] Furthermore, thanks to this configuration, each carriage is a rotating support, allowing the panel to adapt to lateral displacements of the rails without generating parasitic forces.

[0057] According to one possible embodiment, the movement system comprises means of movement 56, such as steel cables 58 and lifting winches 60, to move the wind protection panels 16, 18, 20, 22 along the guide rail 24, 26.

[0058] As in the Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10 and Fig. As can be seen in section 11, the means of transport can include the following: - four steel cables 58, i.e. two steel cables 58 per side of the panel, parallel to the redundancy; and - two lifting winches 60, i.e. one lifting winch 60 per side of the panel, each lifting winch being advantageously equipped with two asynchronous motors fitted with an incremental encoder and corresponding gearboxes.

[0059] The cable system ensures safe and controlled movement of the panel with redundancy to improve operational safety.

[0060] According to one possible embodiment, the wind protection device can include at least one limit switch 62 to monitor the movement limits, the deceleration phases and the maintenance position of the wind protection panels 16, 18, 20, 22.

[0061] The limit switches improve operational safety, prevent excessive movement and facilitate maintenance work.

[0062] According to one possible embodiment, the guide rails 24, 26 can be supported by the supporting structures of the dome of the protective structure of a telescope 14.

[0063] According to one possible embodiment, the device can comprise four wind protection panels 16, 18, 20, 22, which can be adjusted between a fully extended position, for example in Fig. 6 can be seen, and a fixed position that is in Fig.As can be seen in Figure 7, the panels are movable, essentially lying one on top of the other. The windscreen can seamlessly transition from a retracted configuration to a fully extended configuration. The movement of the windscreen panels can also be dynamic during star tracking phases by changing the configuration of the windscreen to provide the best possible protection for the telescope from wind disturbances while simultaneously protecting the optical space traversed by the light beam, depending on the elevation angle.

[0064] According to one possible embodiment, the windbreak panels 16, 18, 20, 22 can be moved independently of each other.

[0065] The independence of the movements allows for more precise control that can be adapted to the operating conditions.

[0066] According to one possible embodiment, the device can include a central processing unit 64 for controlling the movements of the wind protection panels 16, 18, 20, 22.

[0067] The present invention also relates to a protective device for a telescope, comprising a windscreen device as described above.

[0068] The advantages of the wind protection device for a telescope's protective device and the telescope's protective device that includes this wind protection device are now obvious.

[0069] In one embodiment, a device was provided with a system of microperforated plates suitable for shielding large devices from wind, and which was developed by modeling porous media based on the Navier-Stokes and Darcy-Forchheimer equations.

[0070] In addition, a system of micro-perforated panels was provided, suitable for protecting large equipment from wind, such as the mirrors of an exceptionally large optical astronomical telescope located within a movable cover.

[0071] In addition, a system of micro-perforated panels was provided, suitable for protecting large equipment from wind and capable of moving autonomously, for example, in relation to the covering of an astronomical telescope and the telescope itself.

[0072] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, a system of micro-perforated panels has been provided which is suitable for protecting large equipment from wind and consists of at least two completely independent but coordinately controlled elements.

[0073] In addition, a system of micro-perforated panels was provided, suitable for protecting large equipment from gusts of wind and preventing the occurrence of vibrations in certain frequency ranges.

[0074] In addition, a system of micro-perforated panels was developed that is suitable for protecting large equipment from wind and has a mechanism that allows, for example, four curved panels with a corrugated surface to be extended along a curved surface, ensuring precise and uniform movement and allowing the loads on the support surfaces to be controlled at all times.

[0075] In addition, a system of corrugated and micro-perforated panels was provided, suitable for protecting large equipment from wind and consisting of independent but coordinated elements.

[0076] In addition, a system of micro-perforated panels was provided, suitable for protecting large equipment from wind and covering, for example, a total area of ​​1,500 m². 2 covered by four autonomous panels, each 10 m high and 40 m long.

[0077] In addition, a system of micro-perforated panels was provided, suitable for protecting large equipment from wind, and carried at the ends of innovative three-wheeled carriages running on rails specially designed for the specific requirements of rational mechanics.

[0078] In addition, a system of micro-perforated panels was provided, suitable for protecting large equipment from wind and allowing smooth movement of the panels, both with extremely slow movements, which are useful for a telescope during astronomical observation, and with fast movements, which would be useful for a telescope during realignment.

[0079] In addition, a system of micro-perforated panels is available, suitable for protecting large equipment from wind and designed to ensure high reliability standards for the entire system and its components, and to ensure that they do not suffer irreparable damage under extreme conditions, such as an earthquake with a recurrence period of 475 years.

[0080] In the embodiments described above, the person skilled in the art can make changes and / or replacements of the described elements with equivalent elements to meet specific requirements without departing from the scope of the attached claims. REFERENCE MARK 12 Windbreak device 14 Protective structure for a telescope 16 Windbreak panels 18 Windbreak panels 20 windbreak panels 22 Windbreak panel 24 guide rail 26 Guide rail 28 first career 30 second career 32 third career 34 trolleys 36 first wheel 38 second wheel 40 third wheel 42. Cladding 44 frames 46 edge supports 48 edge supports 50 π-shaped welded beams 52 cantilever cable distributors 54 Cantilever cable distributors 56 means of transportation 58 steel cables 60 lifting winches 62 limit switches 64 central processing unit 281 first axle 301 second axle 321 third axle 361 Axis of rotation of the first wheel 381 Axis of rotation of the second wheel 401 Axis of rotation of the third wheel 362 pins of the first wheel 382 pins of the second wheel 402 pins of the third wheel 363 Support structure of the first wheel 383 Support structure of the second wheel 403 Support structure of the third wheel 364 Bearing means of the first wheel 384 Bearing device of the second wheel 404 Bearing device of the third wheel P Convergence Point

Claims

[1] Wind protection device (12) for a protective structure of a telescope (14) comprising the following features: - at least one windbreak panel (16, 18, 20, 22); - at least one guide rail (24, 26) attached to the protective structure of a telescope (14) comprising a first track (28), a second track (30) and a third track (32); - at least one carriage (34) attached to the at least one windscreen panel (16, 18, 20, 22) with a first wheel (36), a second wheel (38) and a third wheel (40), each of which can roll on a corresponding track (28, 30, 32) of the guide rail (24, 26) around respective axes of rotation (361, 381, 401); wherein each track (28, 30, 32) defines a respective axis of rotation (281, 301, 321); characterized by , that the running axes (281, 301, 321) intersect at a convergence point (P) on the at least one guide rail (24, 26). [2] Wind protection device (12) according to claim 1, characterized by , that at least one windbreak panel (16, 18, 20, 22) comprises the following: - a cladding (42) made of perforated aluminium sheets; - a frame (44) made of structural steel; and - Edge support (46, 48) for connecting the at least one wind protection panel (16, 18, 20, 22) with the at least one carriage (34). [3] Wind protection device (12) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the edge supports (46, 48) for connecting the at least one wind protection panel (16, 18, 20, 22) with the at least one carriage (34) comprise a π-shaped welded support (50) and a cantilever cable distributor (52, 54). [4] Wind protection device (12) according to one of claims 2 to 3, characterized by , that the frame (44) and the cladding (42) of the at least one wind protection panel (16, 18, 20, 22) form an arch between the edge beams (46, 48). [5] Wind protection device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the guide rails (24, 26) are two and are arranged on the sides of the at least one wind protection panel (16, 18, 20, 22). [6] Wind protection device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the at least one windbreak panel (16, 18, 20, 22) is provided with four carriages (34) attached laterally to the windbreak panel (16, 18, 20, 22), thereby defining upper and lower carriages (34). [7] Wind protection device (12) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the distance between the upper and lower carriages (34) is approximately 7200 mm. [8] Wind protection device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first wheel (36), the second wheel (38) and the third wheel (40) are of the flange type. [9] Wind protection device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first wheel (36) has a diameter of about 200 mm and the second wheel (38) and the third wheel (40) have a diameter of about 250 mm. [10] Wind protection device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the wheels (36, 38, 40) are arranged on corresponding pivot pins (362, 382, ​​402); wherein the pivot pins (362, 382, ​​402) are supported by a corresponding support structure (363, 383, 403) of the carriage (34). [11] Wind protection device (12) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the pivots (362, 382, ​​402) of the wheels (36, 38, 40) have play along the axis of rotation (361, 381, 401) of the respective wheel. [12] Wind protection device (12) according to one of claims 10 to 11, characterized by, that the wheels (36, 38, 40) are mounted on the pivots (362, 382, ​​402) by means of appropriate bearing means (364, 384, 404); wherein the bearing means (364, 384, 404) enable the wheels (36, 38, 40) to rotate about the pivots (362, 382, ​​402). [13] Wind protection device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first running axis (281) is inclined relative to the third running axis (321) by an angle between 100° and 140°, preferably by about 120°. [14] Wind protection device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second running axis (301) is inclined relative to the third running axis (321) or the first running axis (281) by an angle between 80° and 130°, preferably by about 100°. [15] Wind protection device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the same means of movement (56) includes which are suitable for moving the at least one windbreak panel (12) along the at least one guide rail (24, 26) by means of a cable system comprising steel cables (58) and lifting winches (60). [16] Wind protection device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the same includes at least one limit switch (62) for the at least one wind protection panel (16, 18, 20, 22) which monitors the following: the movement limits and / or a deceleration phase; and one for a maintenance position. [17] Wind protection device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the guide rails (24, 26) are supported by the supporting structures of the dome of the protective structure of a telescope (14). [18] Wind protection device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that it includes four windbreak panels (16, 18, 20, 22). [19] Wind protection device (12) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the windbreak panels (16, 18, 20, 22) are movable between a fully extended position in which they do not overlap or only minimally overlap, and a retracted position in which the windbreak panels (16, 18, 20, 22) are essentially on top of each other. [20] Wind protection device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the windbreak panels (16, 18, 20, 22) are movable independently of each other. [21] Wind protection device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that it includes a central processing unit (64) for controlling the movements of the at least one wind protection panel (16, 18, 20, 22). [22] Protective structure for a telescope (14) with a wind protection device (12) according to one of the preceding claims.

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