Device for adjusting the position of an optical component of an equipment by translation

The device provides precise and rapid optical component adjustments for telescopes on spacecrafts through a support system with flexible elements and an actuator, addressing the need for stability and minimal parasitic movements in space environments.

FR3162531B1Active Publication Date: 2026-05-22AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE SAS
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE SAS
Filing Date
2024-05-22
Publication Date
2026-05-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing optical component adjustment devices for telescopes on spacecrafts lack the precision, speed, and stability required for fine adjustments, particularly in terms of parasitic movements and structural integrity under space conditions.

Method used

A device with a support movable in translation, guided by a lateral support system with flexible elements and an actuator, allowing pure translation with minimal parasitic displacement, and capable of withstanding space-related stresses.

Benefits of technology

Enables precise, rapid, and stable optical component adjustments with minimal parasitic movements, maintaining structural integrity and reducing the device's mass and volume, suitable for space applications.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Device (1) for adjusting the position of an optical component (D) of optical equipment, in particular of a telescope mounted on a spacecraft, by translation, about a central axis (X) and relative to a frame (100), the device (1) comprising: a support (2) on which the optical component (D) is disposed, movable in translation relative to the frame (100), an actuator (3) fixed to the frame (100) and configured to move the support (2) in translation, relative to the frame (100), about the central axis (X), between a low position and a high position, a lateral guidance system (4) of the support (2) comprising two guide assemblies (5) disposed laterally respectively on either side of the support (2) and configured to guide, about the central axis (X), the support (2) during its translational movement, each guide assembly (5) comprising a frame (6) and at least two stages (7a, 7b) disposed at different heights about the central axis (X),each floor (7a; 7b) comprising at least three flexible elements (8a, 8b), including at least one central flexible element (8a) and two lateral flexible elements (8b), said lateral flexible elements (8b) and said central flexible elements (8a) being fixed to the frames and in each floor, all of said lateral flexible elements (8b) and said central flexible element (8a) being fixed, one to the frame (100) and the other to the support (2). Figure of the abstract: Figure 1,
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Description

Title of the invention: Device for adjusting the position of an optical component of equipment by translation. Technical field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a device for adjusting the position of an optical component of optical equipment, in particular optical equipment, such as a telescope, carried on board a spacecraft. Previous technique

[0002] It may be necessary to finely adjust the position of a sensor, lens, mirror or prism, for example to adjust the focal plane of a telescope, in particular according to a translation of precise amplitude.

[0003] FR 3 021 122 knows a device for compensating the displacement of an image in the focal plane of an optical system, in particular by displacement of two mirrors of the optical system with double X structures.

[0004] EP 3 839 424 also knows of a telescope comprising an image sensor that can be moved by a movable positioning element to adjust the focal length of the telescope.

[0005] However, some applications require superior performance, particularly in terms of precision, amplitude and speed of movement. Summary

[0006] The present disclosure improves the situation by means of a device for adjusting the position of an optical component of optical equipment, in particular a telescope on board a spacecraft, by translation, along a central axis and relative to a frame, the device comprising: a. a support, on which the optical component is placed, movable in translation relative to the frame, b. an actuator fixed to the frame and configured to move the support in translation, relative to the frame, along the central axis, between a low position and a high position, c. a lateral support guidance system comprising two sets of guides arranged laterally on either side of the support and configured to guide the support along the central axis during its translational movement, each guide assembly comprising a frame and at least two tiers arranged at different heights along the central axis, each tier comprising at least three flexible elements, including at least one central flexible element and two lateral flexible elements,

[0007] said lateral flexible elements and said central flexible elements being fixed to the frames and in each floor, the whole of said lateral flexible elements and said central flexible element being fixed one to the frame and the other to the support.

[0008] Thus, according to one example, within a stage of a guide assembly, said at least one central flexible element is fixed on one side to the frame of the guide assembly and on the other side to the housing, and the lateral flexible elements are fixed on one side to the frame of the guide assembly and on the other side to the support. According to another example, within a stage of a guide assembly, the lateral flexible elements are fixed on one side to the frame of the guide assembly and on the other side to the housing, and said at least one central flexible element is fixed on one side to the frame of the guide assembly and on the other side to the support.

[0009] Advantageously, the present invention provides a device for moving the optical component of equipment such as a telescope by means of a so-called pure translation. By "pure translation," we mean a translation with a parasitic lateral displacement of less than 1 pm, or approximately 1 / 2000 of the total stroke, an angular displacement of less than 500 prad, that is, plus or minus 250 prad per axis (X, Y), and optionally a cadence (Z-axis) of less than plus or minus 10 pm. Such a device makes it possible to perform a movement with precise guidance of the optical component in applications where movement stability and the absence of parasitic movements are key to performance.

[0010] Advantageously, the present invention makes it possible to propose such a device constrained in mass, in particular on the order of 1kg, and in volume, in particular with a volumetric footprint less than 102 m3, in particular a footprint less than a parallelepiped of dimensions 180 mm x 180 mm x 300 mm.

[0011] Advantageously, the present invention makes it possible to propose such a device that is robust and capable of withstanding significant stresses caused by shocks and vibrations, particularly for space applications in which the device is launched into space. The architecture of the device allows it to withstand the stresses during launch without the need for a stacking system.

[0012] Advantageously, the present invention makes it possible to propose a device enabling rapid translation, that is to say on the order of a few seconds.

[0013] Advantageously the present invention makes it possible to propose a device having a long lifespan without the possibility of maintenance.

[0014] Advantageously, the present invention makes it possible to propose a device which allows the optical component to be moved by a stroke of a few millimeters.

[0015] The features described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other:

[0016] The flexible elements can be arranged, in a median position, parallel to each other and at the same height within the same floor. The median position is an intermediate position between the lower and upper positions, in particular a position equidistant from the lower and upper positions.

[0017] Having two flexible element guide stages allows the moving mass consisting of the support and the optical component to be supported, and also allows the moving mass to be guided and stabilized without parasitic movements.

[0018] Each flexible element may have two ends, each flexible element, lateral or central, being fixed to the frame by one of its ends and by the other end to the frame or support, in particular depending on whether it constitutes a central or lateral flexible element.

[0019] The flexible elements are advantageously blades.

[0020] In this case, the blades can be made from a strip, which is in particular a thin sheet of metal or composite material. The strip is cut to the desired dimensions to form the blade. The blades thus formed can be clamped with flanges screwed to the ends of each blade and thus fixed to the frames, the structure, or the support.

[0021] Alternatively, the blades can be manufactured by machining from a solid block, in which case each blade and its flanges constitute a single piece.

[0022] The blades can be arranged parallel to each other, particularly in the median position, the distance between two adjacent blades being less than or equal to 10 mm, in particular less than or equal to 5 mm. The adjacent blades are within the same stage of a guide assembly.

[0023] Each flexible element may have a thickness between 0.1 mm and 0.6 mm. The lateral and central flexible elements preferably have the same length within the same stage, and preferably within the same guide assembly; ideally, all lateral and central flexible elements have the same length. The central flexible elements may have a different width than the lateral flexible elements. For example, the lateral flexible elements may have a narrower width than the central flexible elements.

[0024] The stiffness of all the lateral flexible elements is preferably equal to the stiffness of all the central flexible elements. The length, width, and thickness of the flexible elements can be calculated to achieve a predetermined stiffness with a reduced footprint. In particular, the double stage The flexible elements allow performance to be maintained in a reduced footprint, thanks to the shorter flexible elements.

[0025] The flexible elements advantageously comprise at least one material selected from the group consisting of steel, titanium, copper, their alloys, and a composite material, particularly a carbon-based one. This choice may be guided, in particular, by the desired performance and stiffness of the flexible element.

[0026] The frames are preferably arranged parallel to the central axis and parallel to each other. This means that the frames are parallel to a median plane containing the central axis.

[0027] The two guide assemblies can be arranged symmetrically with respect to a median plane passing through the central axis.

[0028] The frames and flexible elements are configured in particular so that, when the support is moved in translation by a distance a, each frame is moved, in the same direction, by a distance a / 2.

[0029] The actuator may include a drive element and a shaft configured to be driven in rotation by the drive element and having an eccentric. The actuator may include a connecting rod having an upper end articulated with the support and a lower end articulated with the eccentric.

[0030] Thus, in this case, the rotational movement of the drive unit ultimately results in a translational movement of the upper end of the connecting rod and therefore a translational movement of the support, guided by the two guide assemblies. Indeed, the connecting rod and eccentric transmission allows the rotation to be transformed into translation. Furthermore, the connecting rod and eccentric transmission provides an irreversible position when near the dead center, at the end of the stroke, which eliminates the need for a stacking system at launch.

[0031] In this case, the device may include a pivot joint, in particular a bearing, between a lower end of the connecting rod and the eccentric, and a pivot joint, in particular a bearing, between the shaft and the frame.

[0032] The actuator provides the torque necessary to create the movement of the optical component. It gives the latter a sufficient speed.

[0033] The device enabling refocusing in this case comprises the double stage of guidance by flexible elements, in particular blades, but also the transmission by eccentric and connecting rod.

[0034] The driving element preferably comprises a stepper motor and a gearbox. The resolution of the device is a function of the step size in this case.

[0035] The presence of the double stage of flexible element guidance can be sufficiently axially flexible so as not to have to oversize the motor element.

[0036] The double-stage flexible element guidance system with an offset frame allows for a large stroke while limiting the force required to bend the flexible elements. The stability thus provided to the moving mass does not compromise the actuator: it is therefore possible to use a reasonably sized gearbox – or geared motor – with a small reduction ratio, and therefore a high output speed and limited output torque.

[0037] In one example, the flexible side elements are fixed at one end to the frame and at the other end to the structure. In this case, each floor may have a central flexible element, which is fixed at one end to the frame and at the other end to the support. Alternatively, in this case, each floor may have two central flexible elements, arranged, for example, parallel to each other, each fixed at one end to the frame and at the other end to the support.

[0038] The portion of the frame that is connected to a flexible, lateral, or central element can be positioned next to the portion of the support that is connected to a flexible, central, or lateral element. Thus, in each guide assembly, the frame is located at a distance from this portion of the frame and this portion of the support, being separated from them by the flexible elements.

[0039] The frame may include, for each guide assembly, two separators separating the levels from each other. The support may also have a separating portion separating the levels from each other. In this case, the separating portion may be arranged between said separators of the frame and be able to slide relative to the frame, the separators of the frame and the separating portion of the support preferably being arranged parallel to each other.

[0040] A maximum translation distance of the support, obtained in particular when the driving element rotates the shaft by half a turn, can be between 1 mm and 10 mm, in particular between 1 mm and 5 mm, being in particular equal to 3 mm.

[0041] The moving mass, including the mass of the support and that of the moving component, can be between 0.3 kg and 2 kg, in particular between 0.5 kg and 1.5 kg, in particular equal to about 1 kg. Brief description of the drawings

[0042] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, and upon analysis of the accompanying drawings, on which:

[0043] [Fig-1] is a schematic, axial cross-sectional view of an example device adjustment.

[0044] [Fig.2] schematically shows, in top view, the guide assemblies and the support of the device of [Fig.1].

[0045] [Fig.3] schematically shows, in perspective and axial section, an example of adjustment device.

[0046] [Fig.4] schematically shows, in perspective, an example of a device adjustment. Description of the implementation methods

[0047] The drawings and description below contain, essentially, elements of a definite nature. They may therefore not only serve to better understand this disclosure, but also contribute to its definition, if necessary.

[0048] In the various figures, the same reference numerals designate identical or similar elements. For the sake of brevity, only the elements that are useful for understanding the described embodiment are shown in the figures and are described in detail below.

[0049] In the following description, when reference is made to absolute positional qualifiers, such as the terms "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", etc., or relative positional qualifiers, such as the terms "above", "below", "superior", "lower", etc., or to orientational qualifiers, such as "horizontal", "vertical", etc., reference is made, unless otherwise specified, to the orientation of the figures.

[0050] Reference is now made to Figures 1 and 2. These illustrate an example of a device 1 for adjusting by translation the position of an optical component D of optical equipment, for example of a telescope on board a spacecraft, along a central axis X and relative to a frame 100.

[0051] The optical component D can be a sensor, a lens, a mirror, or a prism, preferably a sensor. The device 1 is configured to allow the position of the optical component D to be adjusted in translation, for example, to adjust the focal length of the optical equipment, particularly the telescope (not visible in this figure), without having to move the entire optical section of the telescope, for example. The device 1, which will now be described with reference to the figures, allows for a so-called pure translation, that is, a translation with a parasitic lateral displacement of less than 1 pm, or approximately 1 / 2000 of the total stroke, an angular displacement of less than 500 prad, that is, plus or minus 250 prad per axis (X, Y), and possibly a cadence (Z-axis) of less than plus or minus 10 pm.

[0052] The frame 100 can form the spacecraft in which the optical equipment is carried.

[0053] The device 1 comprises a support 2 on which the optical component D is disposed and which is movable in translation relative to the frame 100. The support 2 is in a central position, surrounded by the frame 100. The device 1 further comprises an actuator 3 fixed to the frame 100 and configured to move the support 2 in translation, relative to the frame 100. along the central axis X, between a low position and a high position. The movement of support 2 necessarily causes the movement of the optical component D that support 2 carries. In this example, actuator 3 is positioned under support 2 and lifts it upwards.

[0054] The device 1 further includes a lateral guidance system 4 for the support 2. This allows the support 2, and therefore the optical component D, to be guided in pure translation during a translation of the support 2 driven by the actuator 3. The lateral guidance system 4 includes two sets of guides 5 arranged laterally on either side of the support 2 and configured to guide the support 2 along the central axis X during its translational movement.

[0055] Each guide assembly 5 comprises a frame 6 and at least two stages 7a, 7b arranged at different heights along the central axis X. Each stage 7a, 7b comprises at least three flexible elements 8a, 8b, including at least one central flexible element 8a and two lateral flexible elements 8b; in this example, exactly three flexible elements, including one central flexible element 8a and two lateral flexible elements 8b. The lateral guide system 4 thus comprises twelve flexible elements in this example, i.e., three flexible elements x four stages, therefore three flexible elements x two stages for each guide assembly 5.

[0056] The flexible side elements 8b and the flexible central elements 8a are fixed to the frames 6 and in each stage 7a, 7b, all the flexible side elements 8b and the flexible central element 8a are fixed, one to the frame 100 and the other to the support 2. In the example illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the flexible side elements 8b are fixed on one side to the frame 6 and on the other side to the frame 100. The flexible central element 8a is fixed on one side to the frame 6 and on the other side to the support 2.

[0057] The footprint is reduced, being contained within a parallelepiped of dimensions 180 mm x 180 mm x 300 mm.

[0058] As can be seen on [Fig.1], which is schematic, the flexible elements 8a, 8b are arranged, in a median position, intermediate between the lower and upper positions, parallel to each other and at the same height within the same stage 7a or 7b, for each guide assembly 5.

[0059] As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the lateral flexible elements 8b have ends 9a and 9b, each lateral flexible element 8b being fixed by its end 9a to the frame 6 and by its end 9b to the frame 100. Similarly, the central flexible element 8a has ends 10a and 10b, the central flexible element 8a being fixed by its end 10a to the frame 6 and by its end 10b to the support 2.

[0060] As can be seen in [Fig. 2], the flexible elements 8a and 8b have rectangular shapes and are arranged parallel to each other, the edges of two adjacent flexible elements being separated from each other by a constant distance d, by for example, less than or equal to 10 mm, in particular less than or equal to 5 mm. The two lateral flexible elements 8b laterally surround the central flexible element 8a within the same layer illustrated in [Fig. 2]. If there were two central flexible elements 8a, these would be laterally surrounded by the lateral flexible elements 8b. In this example, the width of each central flexible element 8a is greater than the width of each lateral flexible element 8b. Their respective lengths, however, are equal.

[0061] As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the frames 6 are arranged parallel to the central axis X, that is, parallel to a median plane P including the central axis X, as illustrated in [Fig. 2], and parallel to each other. More precisely, the two guide assemblies 5 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the median plane P passing through the central axis X. The frames 6 are arranged externally, on either side of a central block formed by the frame 100 and the support 2, as well as, partially, the actuator 3.

[0062] The part of the frame 100 that is connected to a flexible element, lateral 8b or central 8a, in this example lateral 8b, can be arranged next to the part of the support 2 that is connected to a flexible element, central 8a or lateral 8b, in this example central 8a. Thus, in each guide assembly 5, the frame 6 is located at a distance from this part of the frame 100 and from this part of the support 2, being separated from them by the flexible elements 8a and 8b.

[0063] As can be seen in the example illustrated in [Fig. 1], the actuator 3 comprises a drive member 11 and a shaft 12 configured to be driven in rotation by the drive member 11 and having an eccentric 13. Also in the illustrated example, the actuator 3 comprises a connecting rod 14 having an upper end 15 articulated with the support 2 and a lower end 19 articulated with the eccentric 13.

[0064] The device 1 comprises in this example and as seen in [Fig.1], a pivot joint 18, in particular a bearing, between a lower end 19 of the connecting rod 14 and the eccentric 13 and a pivot joint 20, in particular a bearing, between the shaft 12 and the frame 100. A pivot joint may also be provided between the support 2 and the upper end 15 of the connecting rod 14.

[0065] The rotary motion generated in the shaft 12 by the drive member 11 is transformed, via the eccentric 13 and the connecting rod 14, into a translational motion from bottom to top and top to bottom on the [Fig.1], which thus drives the support 2 and therefore the optical component D in translation. The lateral guidance system 4 is configured to guide the support 2 during this translation to prevent any lateral or radial displacement of the support 2.

[0066] Thus, the transmission via connecting rod 14 and eccentric 13 allows the rotation to be transformed into translation. Furthermore, the transmission via connecting rod 14 and eccentric 13 allows to offer an irreversible position when near the dead point, at the end of the stroke, which avoids adding a stacking system at launch.

[0067] The actuator 3 provides the torque necessary to create the movement of the optical component D. It gives the latter a sufficient speed.

[0068] The architecture of device 1, in a reduced footprint, makes it possible to offer a good compromise between the sizing of the flexible elements and the need for motor torque.

[0069] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the central flexible elements 8a in this example, which are attached to the support 2, have their ends 10b, which are attached to the support 2, translated by the same distance a when the support 2 is moved by a distance a. Conversely, since the frame 100 remains stationary during the translation of the support 2, the ends 9b, which are attached to the frame 100, also remain stationary when the lateral flexible elements 8b in this example are attached to the frame 100. This creates a translational displacement of the frames 6, in the same direction as the support 2, in this example by a distance a / 2. The ends 9a and 10a, respectively of the central flexible elements 8a and lateral flexible elements 8b, which are attached to the frames 6, are also translationally displaced by this distance a / 2.Thus, the flexible elements 8a and 8b, which were in a planar configuration in the median position of the support 2, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, are found in a deformed configuration as illustrated in [Fig. 4] in a position different from the median position, for example in the upper position of the support 2. In the deformed configuration, we obtain a difference in height, projected onto the central axis X, between the two ends of each flexible element 8a or 8b which is equal to half the height of displacement of the support 2.

[0070] Thus, the frames 6 and the flexible elements 8a, 8b are configured in such a way that, when the support 2 is moved in translation by a distance a, each frame 6 is moved, in the same direction, by a distance a / 2.

[0071] Each frame 6 has a general rectangular or square shape, with two longitudinal uprights 30 parallel to each other and two transverse uprights 31 parallel to each other, the longitudinal uprights 30 and transverse uprights 31 being arranged perpendicularly in pairs at their respective ends, as can be seen in particular in [Fig.4], to form the frame 6.

[0072] In the example illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the flexible elements 8a, 8b are blades. The flexible elements 8a, 8b, i.e., the blades, are attached to the frames 6, the frame 100, or the support 2. In the example shown, the blades are made from a strip, which is a thin sheet of metal or composite material. The strip is cut to the desired dimensions to form the blade.

[0073] On each frame 6, the flexible elements 8a and 8b in the form of blades are pinched at the transverse uprights 31 with flanges 32 fixed using elements fixing 33, for example screws, at the ends of each blade and thus fixed to the frames, the frame or the support.

[0074] Alternatively, the blades can be manufactured by machining from a solid block, in which case each blade and its flanges 32 constitute a single piece.

[0075]

[0076] Similarly, the lateral flexible elements 8b, which in this example consist of blades, are respectively fixed, in particular by clamping, to the frame 100 at their other end, using flanges 32 and fastening elements 33, in particular screws. In this example, fastening elements 33 also allow the clamping of the ends 10b of the central flexible elements 8a to be tightened in a slot in the support 2, formed by two overlapping parts thereof, as shown in [Fig. 3].

[0077] Each flexible element 8a, 8b has in examples a thickness, between 0.1 and 0.6 mm, chosen, with its length, its width and its material, in particular, to allow obtaining a desired stiffness in a reduced space.

[0078] The stiffness of the set of lateral flexible elements 8b is, in this example, equal to the stiffness of the set of central flexible elements 8a. Thus, when, as in the example illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the guide assembly 5 comprises a central flexible element 8a and two flexible elements 8b laterally surrounding the central flexible element 8a, the stiffness of the central flexible element 8a is equal to the stiffness of the two lateral flexible elements 8b.

[0079] The flexible elements 8a, 8b comprise, for example, steel, titanium, copper or one of their alloys.

[0080] In the example illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the drive unit 11 comprises a stepper motor and a gearbox 22. The two-stage guidance system using flexible elements with an offset frame allows for a large stroke while limiting the force required to bend the flexible elements. The stability thus provided to the moving mass does not compromise the actuator: it is therefore possible to use a reasonably sized gearbox—or geared motor—with a small reduction ratio, and therefore a high output speed and limited output torque.

[0081] In the illustrated example, the portion of the frame 100 that is connected to a flexible element, either lateral or central, is positioned next to the portion of the support 2 that is connected to a flexible element, either central or lateral. Thus, in each guide assembly 5, the frame 6 is located at a distance from this portion of the frame 100 and from this portion of the support 2, being separated from them by the flexible elements 8a and 8b.

[0082] More specifically, and as can be seen in particular in [Fig. 3], the frame 100 comprises, for each guide assembly 5, two separators 25 separating the stages 7a, 7b from each other, and the support 2 also has a separating portion 26 separating the stages 7a, 7b from each other. The separating portion 26 of the support 2 is arranged between the separators 25 of the frame 100 and is able to slide relative to the frame 100, the separators 25 of the frame 100 and the separating portion 26 of the support 2 being arranged parallel to each other. Thus, when the support 2 is moved in translation, the separating portion 26 slides relative to the separators 25 surrounding it.

[0083] A maximum distance a of translation of the support 2, obtained in particular when the motor 11 drives the shaft 12 in rotation by half a turn, is for example between 1 mm and 10 mm, in particular between 1 mm and 5 mm, being in particular equal to 3 mm.

[0084] The moving mass, including the mass of the support 2 and the mass of the moving component D, is for example between 0.3 kg and 2 kg, in particular between 0.5 kg and 1.5 kg, in particular equal to about 1 kg.

Claims

Demands

1. Device (1) for adjusting by translation the position of an optical component (D) of optical equipment, in particular of a telescope on board a spacecraft, about a central axis (X) and relative to a frame (100), the device (1) comprising: a. a support (2) on which is disposed the optical component (D) movable in translation relative to the frame (100), b. an actuator (3) fixed to the frame (100) and configured to move the support (2) in translation, relative to the frame (100), about the central axis (X), between a low position and a high position, c.a lateral guidance system (4) of the support (2) comprising two guide sets (5) arranged laterally respectively on either side of the support (2) and configured to guide, along the central axis (X), the support (2) during its translational movement, each guide set (5) comprising a frame (6) and at least two stages (7a, 7b) arranged at different heights along the central axis (X), each stage (7a; 7b) comprising at least three flexible elements (8a, 8b) of which at least one central flexible element (8a) and two lateral flexible elements (8b), said lateral flexible elements (8b) and said central flexible elements (8a) being fixed to the frames and in each stage, the set of said lateral flexible elements (8b) and said central flexible element (8a) being fixed one to the frame (100) and the other to the support (2).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the flexible elements (8a, 8b) are arranged, in the median position, parallel to each other and at the same height within the same stage (7a; 7b).

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, each flexible element (8a, 8b) having two ends (9a, 9b; 10a, 10b), each flexible element, lateral or central, being fixed to the frame (6) by one of its ends (9a; 10a) and by the other end (9b; 10b) to the frame (100) or to the support (2).

4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible elements (8a, 8b) are blades, in which the blades are fixed by clamping to the frames (6), the frame (100) or the support (2).

5. Device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the blades are arranged parallel to each other, the distance between two adjacent blades being less than or equal to 10 mm, in particular less than or equal to 5 mm.

6. Device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein each flexible element (8a, 8b) has a thickness between 0.1 and 0.6 mm.

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stiffness of the set of lateral flexible elements (8b) is equal to the stiffness of the set of central flexible elements.

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible elements (8; 8a, 8b) comprise at least one material selected from the group consisting of steel, titanium, copper and their alloys.

9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frames (6) are arranged parallel to the central axis (X) and parallel to each other.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two guide assemblies (5) are arranged symmetrically with respect to a median plane passing through the central axis (X).

11. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frames (6) and the flexible elements (8a, 8b) are configured such that, when the support (2) is moved in translation by a distance a, each frame (6) is moved, in the same direction, by a distance a / 2.

12. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (3) comprises a driving member (11) and a shaft (12) configured to be driven in rotation by the driving member (11) and having an eccentric (13), the actuator (3) comprising a connecting rod (14) having an upper end (15) articulated with the support and a lower end articulated with the eccentric (13).

13. Device (1) according to claim 12, comprising a pivot joint (18), in particular a bearing, between a lower end (19) of the connecting rod (14) and the eccentric (13) and a pivot joint (20), in particular a bearing, between the shaft (12) and the frame (100).

14. Device (1) according to any one of claims 12 and 13, wherein the driving member (11) comprises a stepper motor and a reducer (22).

15. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lateral flexible elements (8b) are fixed by one end (9a) to the frame (6) and by the other end (9b) to the frame (100) and wherein each stage (7a, 7b) comprises a central flexible element (8a), which is fixed by one end (10a) to the frame (6) and by the other end (10b) to the support (2).

16. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (100) comprises, for each guide assembly (5), two separators (25) separating the stages (7a, 7b) from each other, and the support (2) also has a separation portion (26) separating the stages (7a; 7b) from each other, the separation portion being disposed between said separators (25) of the frame (100) and being able to slide relative to the frame (100), the separators (25) of the frame (100) and the separation portion (26) of the support (2) being disposed parallel to each other.

17. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a maximum distance (x) of translation of the support (2), obtained in particular when the motor (11) drives the shaft (12) in rotation by half a turn, is between 1 mm and 10 mm, in particular between 1 mm and 5 mm, being in particular equal to 3 mm.

18. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the moving mass, including the mass of the support (2) and that of the moving component (D), is between 0.3 kg and 2 kg, in particular between 0.5 kg and 1.5 kg, in particular equal to about 1 kg.