Panel structure and artificial satellite

Abstract

To provide a panel structure which is light in weight and excellent in housing efficiency, and an artificial satellite using the panel structure.SOLUTION: A panel structure 10 includes: a plurality of panels 100; a hinge 200 coupling two neighboring panels 100 among the plurality of panels 100 in an expandable manner; and a pull-in wire 310 for expanding the plurality of panels 100 from an accommodated state. In the panel structure, each of the plurality of panels 100 has: a convex end 101 located on one side in a first direction of the panel 100; and a concave end 102 located on the other side in the first direction of the panel 100 and corresponding to the convex end 101. Furthermore, in the panel structure, a latch 320 and a link mechanism 330 are connected via the pull-in wire 310 between the two neighboring panels 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a panel structure and a satellite.

Background Art

[0002] For example, satellites such as constellation satellites need to be equipped with solar cell paddles with good storage efficiency in order to be able to carry as many satellites as possible on one rocket. In order to realize such solar cell paddles, a structure has been proposed in which a plurality of solar cell panels equipped with solar cells are folded and stored.

[0003] For example, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, an extendable mast is used as a deployment mechanism for a solar cell paddle. Further, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2, a method of deploying by a hinge spring that couples between panels is adopted. However, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, a housing volume for the mast is required, and it can be said that the storage efficiency is inferior accordingly. Further, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2, in order to complete a reliable deployment operation, the panel is required to have a thickness of 15 mm to 25 mm, and it can be said that the storage efficiency is inferior in this regard.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a lightweight and highly storage-efficient panel structure and a satellite using this panel structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) A panel structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of panels, a hinge that detachably connects two adjacent panels among the plurality of panels, a retractable wire for expanding the plurality of panels from a stored state, and is provided with Each of the plurality of panels has a convex end portion located on one side in the first direction of the panel and a concave end portion located on the other side in the first direction of the panel and corresponding to the convex end portion. The hinge is provided at both ends in a second direction that is a direction intersecting the first direction at the convex end portion and the concave end portion. A latch is accommodated in the center in the second direction of the convex end portion, and a link mechanism is accommodated in the center in the second direction of the concave end portion. Between the two adjacent panels, the latch and the link mechanism are connected by the retractable wire. It is characterized by this. In the panel structure having the above configuration, by having the retracting mechanism composed of the latch, the link mechanism, and the retractable wire as described above, extension control by a driving device becomes unnecessary, the accommodation efficiency is improved, and weight reduction is also achieved. Further, in the panel structure having the above configuration, since each panel has the convex end portion and the concave end portion as described above, the rigidity of the panel structure in the deployed state can be ensured, and improvement in accommodation efficiency and weight reduction are achieved. (2) In the panel structure according to (1), Each of the hinges has a first member provided on either one of the convex end portion and the concave end portion and a second member provided on the other one. When the angle formed by the panel surfaces of the two adjacent panels is less than 180 degrees, the rotation axes of the first member and the second member coincide. When the angle formed by the panel surfaces of the two adjacent panels is 180 degrees, the rotation axes of the first member and the second member may be movable in a direction away from each other in the first direction. (3) In the panel structure according to (2), In the hinge, the first member includes a shaft portion, and the second member includes a receiving portion through which the shaft portion is inserted. The length of the receiving portion in the first direction may be larger than the diameter of the shaft portion. (4) In the panel structure according to any one of (1) to (3), in each of the plurality of panels, the link mechanism has a fixed end fixed to the panel, a free end movable in the first direction, and a leaf spring portion that biases the free end in a direction away from the fixed end. One end of the retractable wire may be connected to the latch, and the other end of the retractable wire may be connected to the free end. (5) In the panel structure according to (4), the leaf spring portion may be made of a superelastic shape memory alloy. (6) In the panel structure according to any one of (1) to (5), the latch has a guide portion protruding in a direction out of the plane of the panel surface. The panel structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. (7) In the panel structure according to any one of (1) to (6), in each of the plurality of panels, the latch may be provided so as to be movable in the first direction. (8) In the panel structure according to any one of (1) to (7), in each of the plurality of panels, insertion connectors that can be coupled to each other may be accommodated in the convex end portion and the concave end portion. (9) In the panel structure according to any one of (1) to (8), A solar cell panel is provided on the panel surface of the plurality of panels. The panel structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. (10) A panel structure according to any one of (1) to (9) and a satellite body. An artificial satellite, characterized in that. The artificial satellite having the above configuration is rigid and lightweight.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] The panel structure according to the present invention and the artificial satellite using this panel structure are lightweight and have good accommodation efficiency.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with examples, but it is obvious that the present invention is not limited to the examples described below. In the following description, specific numerical values and materials may be exemplified, but as long as the effects of the present invention can be obtained, other numerical values and materials may be applied. Also, each component of the following embodiments can be combined with each other. In this specification, the numerical range represented by "~" means a range including the numerical values described before and after "~" as the lower limit value and the upper limit value.

[0010] (Panel Structure) FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view for explaining the panel structure 10 according to the present embodiment. The panel structure 10 according to the present embodiment includes at least a plurality of panels 100, a hinge 200 that connectably couples two adjacent panels 100 among the plurality of panels 100, and a retraction wire 310 included in a retraction mechanism 300 for deploying the plurality of panels 100 from the stored state of the panel structure 10.

[0011] In the example of FIG. 1, only two adjacent panels 100 are shown. The number of the plurality of panels 100 is not particularly limited, and a number suitable for constructing a desired panel structure 10 may be adopted. Also, in the example of FIG. 1, the panel 100 is a solar panel, and a plurality of solar panels 120 are mounted on one side of the panel 100.

[0012] (A) of FIG. 1 shows a state in which the panel structure 10 is folded and stored. (B) of FIG. 1 shows a state in which the panel structure 10 is in the process of unfolding. (C) of FIG. 1 shows a state in which the panel structure 10 is unfolded in the panel unfolding direction E. (D) of FIG. 1 shows a state in which the panels 100 constituting the unfolded panel structure 10 are close to each other in the panel unfolding direction and the unfolding of the panel structure 10 is completed.

[0013] Hereinafter, each configuration of the panel structure 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. (Panel) FIG. 2 shows a schematic plan view for explaining the panel 100. (A) of FIG. 2 is a view of the panel 100 seen from the panel surface 100a side, and (B) of FIG. 2 is a view of the panel 100 seen from the panel surface 100b side opposite to the panel surface 100a. Both the X-axis and the Y-axis in FIG. 2 are parallel to the paper surface of FIG. 2. Also, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are orthogonal to each other.

[0014] The panel 100 has a convex end portion 101 located on one side in the first direction of the panel 100 and a concave end portion 102 located on the other side in the first direction of the panel 100 and corresponding to the convex end portion 101. In the example of FIG. 2, the first direction is parallel to the X-axis. Also, the direction intersecting the first direction is defined as the second direction. In the example of FIG. 2, the second direction is parallel to the Y-axis.

[0015] As illustrated in FIG. 2, when the panel 100 is viewed in plan view toward the panel surface 100a (or the panel surface 100b), the center of the convex end portion 101 protrudes outward from both ends of the convex end portion 101 in the first direction. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 2, when the panel 100 is viewed in plan view toward the panel surface 100a (or the panel surface 100b), the center of the concave end portion 102 is recessed inward from both ends of the concave end portion 102 in the first direction.

[0016] In the panel structure 10, the opposing convex end portions 101 and concave end portions 102 of two adjacent panels 100 have corresponding shapes. That is, when the convex end portion 101 and the concave end portion 102 are butted against each other with the panel surfaces 100a (or panel surfaces 100b) of two adjacent panels 100 being parallel to each other, it is more preferable that the shape between the convex end portion 101 and the concave end portion 102 is designed such that no gap is formed.

[0017] The size of the panel 100 is preferably in the range of 600×600 mm to 1500 mm×1500 mm on the premise that a thin-film triple-junction solar cell is mounted and a maximum output power of 1 kW can be obtained at room temperature (the height during storage is the same regardless of the area).

[0018] Also, the panel 100 is preferably a thin panel, but has a certain thickness. Since the panel 100 has a certain thickness, a latch 320 and a link mechanism 330, which will be described later, can be accommodated inside the panel 100. The thickness direction of the panel 100 is parallel to the Z-axis in FIG. 2.

[0019] The thickness of the panel 100 is preferably 12 mm or less. Also, it is more preferable that the panel 100 satisfies the following requirements. Power / output ratio: 150 W / kg Lowest natural frequency during deployment (0.05 Hz or more)

[0020] Note that some or all of the panels 100 constituting the panel structure 10 may have the same shape, or all of the panels 100 may have different shapes. For example, the panels located at the ends in the deployment direction of the panel structure 10 may have a different shape from other panels. From the perspective of storage efficiency when the panel structure 10 is folded and stored in a z-shaped manner, it is more preferable that the panels 100 have substantially the same shape.

[0021] As the panel 100, for example, a CFRP honeycomb panel generally used as a structural material for a space SAP (solar cell panel) can be used.

[0022] (Hinge) The hinge 200 is provided at both ends in the second direction at the convex end portion 101 and the concave end portion 102 of the panel 100. The hinge 200 preferably has a first member 210 provided on either the convex end portion 101 or the concave end portion 102, and a second member 220 provided on the other of the convex end portion 101 and the concave end portion 102.

[0023] Figs. 3 and 4 show the operation of the hinge 200 from the stored state of the panel structure 10 to the state where the deployment of the panel structure 10 is completed. In Figs. 3 and 4, only the hinge 200 is shown among the components of the panel structure 10 for the sake of explanation.

[0024] (A) to (D) of Fig. 3 are schematic perspective views for explaining the operation of the hinge 200 from the stored state of the panel structure 10 to the state where the deployment of the panel structure 10 is completed. (A) to (D) of Fig. 4 are schematic side views corresponding to (A) to (D) of Fig. 3 for explaining the operation of the hinge 200, and are views of each hinge 200 in Fig. 3(A) to (D) seen from the side. The states of the hinge 200 shown in (A) to (D) of Figs. 3 and 4 correspond to the states of the panel structure 10 shown in (A) to (D) of Fig. 1. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis in Figs. 3 and 4 are orthogonal to each other. The X-axis and Z-axis in Fig. 4 are both parallel to the plane of the drawing.

[0025] (A) of Figs. 3 and 4 shows the state of the hinge 200 when the panel structure 10 is folded. This state corresponds to the stored state of the panel structure 10.

[0026] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the hinge 200 preferably includes a first member 210 and a second member 220. The first member 210 preferably includes a shaft portion 211, and the second member 220 preferably includes a receiving portion 222 through which the shaft portion 211 is inserted. The first member 210 and the second member 220 are preferably engaged with each other so as to be rotatable or movable relative to each other via the shaft portion 211 of the first member 210 and the receiving portion 222 of the second member 220.

[0027] The first member 210 has an attachment surface 210a. The second member 220 has an attachment surface 220a. The attachment surface 210a is connected to the panel surface 100a or the panel surface 100b of one of the adjacent panels 100. The attachment surface 220a is connected to the panel surface 100a or the panel surface 100b of the other of the adjacent panels 100. That is, when the panel structure 10 is configured, the panel surface 100a or the panel surface 100b of the panel 100 and the attachment surface 210a or the attachment surface 220a are parallel to each other.

[0028] In the states of FIGS. 3 and 4(A), the attachment surface 210a and the attachment surface 220a are parallel and face different directions. In the states of FIGS. 3 and 4(A), the attachment surface 210a and the attachment surface 220a are parallel to the X coordinate axis and the Y coordinate axis. The axis of the shaft portion 211 of the first member 210 is parallel to the Y coordinate axis in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0029] In the states from (A) to (C) of FIGS. 3 and 4, the rotation axis when the first member 210 and the second member 220 rotate relative to each other is defined as the rotation axis C of the hinge 200. If the axis of the shaft portion 211 is defined as the rotation axis C1 of the first member 210, the rotation axis C and the rotation axis C1 coincide. Also, the rotation axis C of the hinge 200 is defined as the rotation axis C2 of the second member 220. That is, in the states from (A) to (C) of FIGS. 3 and 4, the rotation axis C1 of the first member 210 and the rotation axis C2 of the second member 220 coincide.

[0030] FIGS. 3 and 4(B) show the state of the hinge 200 when the panel structure 10 is being deployed.

[0031] The states (A) and (B) in FIGS. 3 and 4 correspond to a state where the angle formed by the panel surfaces 100a (or panel surfaces 100b) of two adjacent panels 100 is less than 180 degrees. That is, in this state, the rotation axis C1 of the first member 210 and the rotation axis C2 of the second member 220 coincide.

[0032] (C) in FIGS. 3 and 4 shows the state of the hinge 200 when the panel structure 10 is deployed.

[0033] In the state (C) of FIGS. 3 and 4, the rotation axis C1 of the first member 210 and the rotation axis C2 of the second member 220 coincide, and the rotation axis C1 of the first member 210 and the rotation axis C2 of the second member 220 are movable in a direction away from each other in the first direction. In this state, the attachment surface 210a and the attachment surface 220a are on the same plane, corresponding to a state where the angle formed by the panel surfaces 100a (or panel surfaces 100b) of two adjacent panels 100 is 180 degrees. In the examples of FIGS. 3 and 4, the direction in which the rotation axis C1 and the rotation axis C2 are separated from each other is parallel to the X coordinate axis.

[0034] (D) in FIGS. 3 and 4 shows the state of the hinge 200 when the panels 100 constituting the deployed panel structure 10 approach each other in the panel deployment direction E by a retraction mechanism 300 to be described later, and the deployment of the panel structure 10 is completed.

[0035] As described above, in the state (C) of FIGS. 3 and 4, the rotation axis C1 of the first member 210 and the rotation axis C2 of the second member 220 are movable in a direction away from each other in the first direction. Therefore, the attachment surface 210a of the first member 210 and the attachment surface 220a of the second member 220 that constitute the hinge 200 are movable in a direction approaching each other, and accordingly, two adjacent panels 100 can move in a direction approaching each other.

[0036] When the two adjacent panels 100 are moved closer to each other by the retracting mechanism 300, the hinge 200 transitions from the state of FIGS. 3 and 4 (C) to the state of FIGS. 3 and 4 (D). In the state of FIG. 4 (D), the first member 210 and the second member 220 are fitted to each other and are in a state where they cannot rotate relative to each other. The state of FIG. 4 (D) is a state where the deployment is complete, and the first member 210 and the second member 220 of the hinge 200 are fitted to each other and are in a state where they cannot rotate relative to each other.

[0037] Around the rotation axis C of the hinge 200, a guide portion (not shown) is provided that rotatably holds the first member 210 and the second member 220 relative to each other when the angle formed by the mounting surface 210a and the mounting surface 220a is less than 180 degrees, and holds the first member 210 and the second member 220 so that they can rotate relative to each other and can be translated parallel to each other when the angle formed by the mounting surface 210a and the mounting surface 220a is 180 degrees. Thereby, the behavior of the hinge 200 as described above is achieved.

[0038] By having the structure of the hinge 200 as described above, stable deployment behavior and weight reduction are realized.

[0039] Also, in the second member 220, it is preferable that the length of the receiving portion 222 in the first direction is larger than the diameter of the shaft portion 211 of the first member 210. Thereby, a simpler structure realizes stable deployment behavior and weight reduction. From the viewpoint of thinning, the diameter of the shaft portion 211 of the first member 210 is preferably 2 to 3 mm. The length of the receiving portion 222 of the second member 220 in the first direction is preferably 3 to 10 mm in order to achieve thinning and engagement of the connectors.

[0040] As the hinge 200, Al (aluminum), stainless steel, or resin can be adopted.

[0041] (Retracting mechanism) Next, the retraction mechanism 300 will be described. The retraction mechanism 300 includes a retraction wire 310, a latch 320, and a link mechanism 330.

[0042] FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view for explaining the retraction mechanism 300. FIG. 5 is a view showing only the retraction mechanism 300 among the panel structures 10. In FIG. 5, for the sake of explanation, among the components of the panel structure 10, only the retraction wire 310, the latch 320, and the link mechanism 330 that constitute the retraction mechanism 300 are shown. The first direction of the panel 100 is parallel to the X-axis in FIG. 5. The panel surface 100a (or panel surface 100b) of the panel 100 is parallel to the X-axis and Y-axis in FIG. 5. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis in FIG. 5 are orthogonal to each other.

[0043] The latch 320 shown in FIG. 5 is accommodated in the center in the second direction of the convex end portion 101 of one of the two adjacent panels 100, and the link mechanism 330 is accommodated in the center in the second direction of the concave end portion 102 of the other of the two adjacent panels 100. Between the two adjacent panels 100, the latch 320 and the link mechanism 330 are connected by a retraction wire 310. Note that FIG. 5 shows the latch 320 during the deployment of the panel structure 10.

[0044] The latch 320 preferably has a rectangular parallelepiped shape as shown in FIG. 5. One end of the retraction wire 310 is preferably connected to the latch 320.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, the link mechanism 330 preferably has a fixed end 331, a free end 332, four link portions 333 (from 333A to 333D) connecting the fixed end 331 and the free end 332, and leaf spring portions 334 (334A and 334B) provided between the link portions 333.

[0046] The link mechanism 330 is a so-called pantograph mechanism. Among the components of the link mechanism 330, the fixed end 331 is fixed to the panel 100 at the center in the second direction of the concave end portion 102 of the panel 100.

[0047] Each of the link portions 333 is a long member as shown in FIG. 5. One end of the link portion 333A is rotatably connected to the fixed end 331. Also, the other end of the link portion 333A is connected to the leaf spring portion 334A. The link portion 333B has the same configuration as the link portion 333A. One end of the link portion 333C is connected to the leaf spring portion 334A. The other end of the link portion 333C is rotatably connected to the free end 332. The link portion 333D has the same configuration as the link portion 333C.

[0048] The link portion 333A and the link portion 333C are biased to a certain state by the elastic force of the leaf spring portion 334A. Also, with the leaf spring portion 334A as a starting point, energy is accumulated in the leaf spring portion 334A as the relative positions of the link portion 333A and the link portion 333C change.

[0049] The free end 332 is movable along the linear guide 335. Since one end of the linear guide 335 is connected to the fixed end 331, the free end 332, which is movable along the linear guide 335, moves closer to or away from the fixed end 331. Since the linear guide 335 is provided so as to extend in the first direction of the panel 100, the free end 332 is movable in the first direction.

[0050] At the fixed end 331, a latch pin 336 is provided on the opposite side of the direction in which one end of the linear guide 335 is connected.

[0051] The thicknesses and lengths of the four link portions 333 (from 333A to 333D) are not particularly limited.

[0052] In the panel structure 10 according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the leaf spring portion 334 biases the free end 332 in a direction away from the fixed end 331.

[0053] The leaf spring portion 334 is preferably made of a superelastic shape memory alloy. Since the leaf spring portion 334 is made of a superelastic shape memory alloy, a stable tensile force can be applied to the retraction wire 310 from the time when the panel is stored until the panel is deployed. Examples of the superelastic shape memory alloy include alloys with an allowable strain of 7% to 9%, such as Cu-Al-Ni single crystal materials, and alloys with a transformation temperature Af of 30°C or lower.

[0054] The other end of the retraction wire 310 is preferably connected to the actuator movable portion of the free end 332.

[0055] Using FIG. 6, the operation of the retraction mechanism 300 centered on the link mechanism 330 will be described. In FIG. 6, for the sake of explanation, only the main part of the link mechanism 330, the retraction wire 310, and the latch 320 are shown among the components of the panel structure 10.

[0056] (A-1) to (C-1) of FIG. 6 show the operations of the retraction mechanism 300 corresponding to the stored state, the state during deployment, and the deployed state of the panel structure 10, respectively. (A-2) to (C-2) of FIG. 6 are perspective views of the leaf spring portion 334. (A-2) to (C-2) of FIG. 6 explain the state of the leaf spring portion 334 in each state of (A-1) to (C-1) of FIG. 6. Both the X-axis and the Y-axis in (A-1) to (C-1) of FIG. 6 are parallel to the plane of the paper of FIG. 6. Also, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are orthogonal to each other.

[0057] (A-1) of FIG. 6 illustrates a state in which the free end 332 is closest to the fixed end 331. This state corresponds to the state of (A) in FIG. 1 in which the panel structure 10 is folded.

[0058] In the state of (A-1) in FIG. 6, in the plane of FIG. 6, the angle formed by the longitudinal direction of the link portion 333A and the longitudinal direction of the link portion 333C is the smallest. In this state, as shown in (A-2) of FIG. 6, the leaf spring portion 334A is in a curved state. Since the flat plate shapes of the leaf spring portion 334A and the leaf spring portion 334B are in a steady state, in the state of (A-1) in FIG. 6, a force is applied to the leaf spring portion 334A and the leaf spring portion 334B by the link portion 333, and elastic energy is accumulated in the leaf spring portion 334.

[0059] In addition, in order to make the leaf spring portion 334 in the state shown in (A-1) of FIG. 6 deformed, a member for fixing the panel structure 10 may be provided, or a structure for fixing the panels 100 of the panel structure 10 to each other may be provided.

[0060] (B-1) of FIG. 6 illustrates a state in which, in the plane of FIG. 6, the angle formed by the longitudinal direction of the link portion 333A and the longitudinal direction of the link portion 333C is larger than that in the state of (A-1) in FIG. 6. This state corresponds to the state of (B) in FIG. 1 when the panel structure 10 is being deployed.

[0061] Due to the restoring forces of the leaf spring portion 334A and the leaf spring portion 334B, the angle formed by the longitudinal direction of the link portion 333A and the longitudinal direction of the link portion 333C increases from (A-1) in FIG. 6. By this operation, the free end 332 moves so as to be separated from the fixed end 331. As a result, the pulling wire 310 is pulled along the first direction of the panel 100 along the linear guide 335, and the adjacent panels 100 are deployed from the overlapped state.

[0062] That is, when the panel structure 10 according to the present embodiment is deployed from the stored state, since the link mechanism functions by the restoring forces of the leaf spring portion 334A and the leaf spring portion 334B, a driving device such as a motor is not required.

[0063] (C-1) of FIG. 6 illustrates a state in which the longitudinal direction of link portion 333A and the longitudinal direction of link portion 333C are parallel. This state corresponds to the state of (D) in FIG. 1 where the panels 100 constituting the deployed panel structure 10 are close to each other in the panel deployment direction and the deployment of the panel structure 10 is completed.

[0064] In the state of (C-1) of FIG. 6, due to the restoring force of leaf spring portion 334A and leaf spring portion 334B, the longitudinal direction of link portion 333A and the longitudinal direction of link portion 333C become parallel. In the state of (C-1) of FIG. 6, the elastic energy of leaf spring portion 334A and leaf spring portion 334B is released and they are in a steady state.

[0065] According to the above configuration, by pulling the retraction wire 310 by the restoring force of the leaf spring portion 334 provided in the link mechanism 330, the adjacent panels 100 can be autonomously deployed. Therefore, the panel structure 10 can be deployed without using a driving device such as an electric motor.

[0066] In the panel structure 10 according to the present embodiment, by adopting the link mechanism 330 having one end as the free end 332, the tensile force applied to the retraction wire 310 increases as the fixed end 331 and the free end 332 move apart, and it becomes possible to surely connect the panels 100 to each other. For example, if an attempt is made to apply a deployment force to the panel structure 10 using a coil spring or the like without adopting the link mechanism 330 as described above, the elastic energy of the coil spring decreases as it returns to the steady state, resulting in a problem that sufficient force cannot be applied at the end stage of deployment.

[0067] In the panel structure 10 according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the latch 320 has a guide portion 321 as shown in FIG. 5. It is preferable that the guide portion 321 is provided with a groove for guiding the retraction wire 310.

[0068] The retractable wire 310 is preferably composed of a material (stainless steel wire rope) that is flexible and has space environmental resistance with a diameter of 1 mm or less.

[0069] Here, an example of a side view of the panel structure 10 during deployment is shown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7, the latch 320 protrudes in the out-of-plane direction of the panel surface 100a (or panel surface 100b) of the panel 100. By having such a guide portion 321, the tensile force applied to the retractable wire 310 is appropriately transmitted to the latch 320. Therefore, the rotational moment about the rotation axis C of the hinge 200 generated by the retracting mechanism 300 is appropriately transmitted between two adjacent panels 100, and the panel 100 can be deployed with less force.

[0070] Note that, from the viewpoint of applying an appropriate rotational moment between two adjacent panels 100, it is preferable that the guide portion 321 protrudes in the out-of-plane direction in which the retractable wire 310 extends when the panel structure 10 is stored.

[0071] In the panel structure 10 according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the latch 320 is provided movably in the first direction in each of the plurality of panels 100. Thereby, when the panel structure 10 is deployed, the latch 320 engages with a part of the link mechanism 330 prior to the fitting of the hinge 200 described above, which has the advantage of enabling the engagement of the plug-in type connector.

[0072] FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective view for explaining the retracting mechanism 300 according to the present embodiment. In the example of FIG. 8, only the vicinity of the retracting mechanism 300 in the panel structure 10 is shown. Each state from (A) to (D) in FIG. 8 corresponds to each state from (A) to (D) in FIG. 1.

[0073] Fig. 8(A) shows the state in which the panel structure 10 is folded and stored. In this state, the fixed end 331 and the free end 332 of the link mechanism 330 are closest to each other, and the retractable wire 310 is pulled out the longest from the panel 100.

[0074] Fig. 8(B) shows the state in which the panel structure 10 is in the process of unfolding. Due to the restoring force of the leaf spring portion 334A and the leaf spring portion 334B, the free end 332 of the link mechanism 330 moves away from the fixed end 331, so that the retractable wire 310 is pulled into the panel 100 in the first direction of the panel 100. As a result, a rotational moment around the rotation axis C of the hinge 200 is generated between the panel 100 provided with the latch 320 and the panel 100 provided with the link mechanism 330. As a result, the panel 100 opens so that the panel surfaces 100b of each other are separated.

[0075] Fig. 8(C) shows the state in which the panel structure 10 is unfolded in the panel unfolding direction E. In this state, the panel surfaces 100a (or panel surfaces 100b) of adjacent panels 100 are parallel to each other.

[0076] In the state of Fig. 8(C), a gap S of 8 to 10 mm is generated between adjacent panels 100.

[0077] Fig. 8(D) shows the state in which the panels 100 constituting the unfolded panel structure 10 are close to each other in the panel unfolding direction E and the unfolding of the panel structure 10 is completed.

[0078] From the state of Fig. 8(C), the adjacent panels 100 move further in the direction in which they approach each other in the panel unfolding direction E to reach the state shown in Fig. 8(D). In this state, the leaf spring portion 334A and the leaf spring portion 334B of the link mechanism 330 have released elastic energy and are in a steady state. Due to the structure of the hinge 200, it is possible to transition from the state of Fig. 8(C) to the state of Fig. 8(D).

[0079] When transitioning from the state of (C) in FIG. 8 to the state of (D) in FIG. 8, the adjacent panels 100 move closer to each other in the first direction, and the above-described gap S becomes smaller. With such a configuration, there is an advantage that a member such as the insertion connector 400 described later can be employed.

[0080] FIG. 9 shows a schematic perspective view for explaining the artificial satellite 1 including the panel structure 10 according to the present embodiment. (A) in FIG. 9 shows a state in which the panel structure 10 is folded and stored. (B) in FIG. 9 shows a state in which the panel structure 10 is in the process of being deployed. (C) in FIG. 9 shows a state in which the panel structure 10 is deployed in the panel deployment direction E. (D) in FIG. 9 shows a state in which the panels 100 constituting the deployed panel structure 10 are close to each other in the panel deployment direction, and the deployment of the panel structure 10 is completed. The states of the panel structure 10 of the artificial satellite 1 from (A) to (D) in FIG. 9 correspond to the states of the panel structure 10 shown from (A) to (D) in FIG. 1.

[0081] In the example of FIG. 9, when the panel structure 10 is stored, the panel structure 10 is folded in a corrugated shape. In the state of (A) in FIG. 9, the panel structure 10 is fixed to the satellite body 11 by the fixing member 12.

[0082] In the panel structure having the structure as described above, by having the above-described latch, the link mechanism, and the retraction structure composed of the retraction wire, the extension control by the drive device becomes unnecessary, so that it is lightweight and the accommodation efficiency is improved.

[0083] Further, in the panel structure 10 according to the present embodiment, since each panel 100 has the convex end portion 101 and the concave end portion 102 as described above, no additional structure such as a reinforcing member is required, and the rigidity of the panel structure 10 in the deployed state can be ensured, and there is also an advantage that weight reduction and improvement of accommodation efficiency are realized.

[0084] (Plug connector) In the panel structure 10 according to the present embodiment, in each of the plurality of panels 100, a plug connector 400 that can be coupled to each other may be accommodated in the convex end portion 101 and the concave end portion 102. FIG. 10 shows an enlarged view of the vicinity of the plug connector 400 corresponding to each state of (A) to (D) in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 10, the plug connector 400 has a male connector portion 410 attached to either the convex end portion 101 or the concave end portion 102, and a female connector portion 420. The male connector portion 410 has connection pins 411. The female connector portion 420 has sockets 422 corresponding to the connection pins 411. Each of the male connector portion 410 and the female connector portion 420 may be connected to a solar cell panel 120 mounted on the panel 100 or other electronic devices by wiring 430.

[0085] By adopting the plug connector 400 having the above configuration, the electrodes of the connector can be protected from the plasma generated around the panel structure 10. Therefore, a high-voltage solar cell panel can be mounted on the panel structure 10.

[0086] Before deployment, the Hot / Rtn between each panel is short-circuited by a short-circuit mechanism, and at the final latching, the short-circuit mechanism is disengaged in synchronization with the final latching mechanism so that the SAP can supply power to the satellite body.

[0087] In the panel structure 10 according to the present embodiment, a solar cell panel 120 may be provided on the panel surface of the plurality of panels 100. The solar cell panel 120 may include solar cells, electrodes, a sealing agent or glass for protecting these components, and the like. In the example of the present embodiment, the solar cell panel 120 is provided on one surface of the panel 100, but the solar cell panel 120 may be provided on both surfaces of the panel 100. Since the panel structure 10 according to the present embodiment has rigidity and is lightweight, a solar cell panel can be preferably mounted.

[0088] (Artificial satellite) In the artificial satellite equipped with the panel structure according to the above embodiment, at the time of satellite launch, the panel structure can be folded and stored in a z-shaped manner. Also, for example, when the panel structure is deployed on the satellite orbit, each panel is automatically deployed by the above-described structure. Therefore, the artificial satellite equipped with the panel structure and the satellite body according to the above embodiment can be stored compactly and is lightweight.

[0089] In addition, since the artificial satellite equipped with the panel structure and the satellite body according to the above embodiment has ensured rigidity, it can be preferably used as a general artificial satellite.

[0090] Note that, for example, in the example of FIG. 1, the panel structure 10 is provided only on one side of the satellite body 11. However, for example, the panel structure 10 may also be provided on the opposite side of the satellite body 11 along the panel deployment direction.

[0091] The panel structure according to the present disclosure has the advantages of being lightweight and having good accommodation efficiency. Therefore, the artificial satellite using this panel structure has the advantages of being small and lightweight.

Description of reference numerals

[0092] 1 Artificial satellite 10 Panel structure 11 Satellite body 100 Panel 200 Hinge 300 Retraction mechanism 310 Retraction wire 320 Latch 330 Link mechanism

Claims

1. A plurality of panels, a hinge that connectably links two adjacent panels among the plurality of panels, a retractable wire for expanding the plurality of panels from a stored state, comprising: each of the plurality of panels has a convex end portion located on one side in a first direction of the panel and a concave end portion located on the other side in the first direction of the panel and corresponding to the convex end portion; the hinge is provided at both ends in a second direction that is a direction intersecting the first direction at the convex end portion and the concave end portion; a latch is accommodated at the center in the second direction of the convex end portion, and a link mechanism is accommodated at the center in the second direction of the concave end portion; between the two adjacent panels, the latch and the link mechanism are connected by the retractable wire; A panel structure characterized by the above.

2. each of the hinges has a first member provided on either one of the convex end portion and the concave end portion and a second member provided on the other one; when the angle formed by the panel surfaces of the two adjacent panels is less than 180 degrees, the rotation axes of the first member and the second member coincide; when the angle formed by the panel surfaces of the two adjacent panels is 180 degrees, the rotation axes of the first member and the second member are movable in a direction away from each other in the first direction; The panel structure according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. In the hinge, the first member includes a shaft portion, and the second member includes a receiving portion through which the shaft portion is inserted; the length of the receiving portion in the first direction is greater than the diameter of the shaft portion; The panel structure according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. in each of the plurality of panels, the link mechanism has a fixed end fixed to the panel, a free end movable in the first direction, and a leaf spring portion that biases the free end in a direction away from the fixed end; one end of the retractable wire is connected to the latch, and the other end of the retractable wire is connected to the free end; The panel structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the above.

5. the leaf spring portion is made of a superelastic shape memory alloy; The panel structure according to claim 4, characterized by the above.

6. the latch has a guide portion that protrudes in a direction out of the plane of the panel surface of the panel; The panel structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that...

7. In each of the plurality of panels, the latch is provided so as to be movable in the first direction. The panel structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that...

8. In each of the plurality of panels, insertion connectors that can be coupled to each other are accommodated in the convex end portion and the concave end portion. The panel structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that...

9. A solar cell panel is provided on the panel surface of the panel among the plurality of panels. The panel structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that...

10. An artificial satellite comprising the panel structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and a satellite body. Characterized by an artificial satellite.

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