Space structure

Abstract

A space structure used in outer space comprises an upper part, a central part, and a lower part. The upper part and the lower part include one first panel. The first panel has a hexagonal shape, a quadrangular shape, or a triangular shape, and includes a plurality of second panels. Each of the second panels is arranged at a point-symmetric position with respect to the first panel. The length of one side of each of the second panels is equal to the length of one side of the first panel.

Description

Cosmic structure

[0001] The present invention relates to a cosmic structure.

[0002] A structure used in outer space (hereinafter referred to as "cosmic structure") is constructed in outer space using the structural material of the structure.

[0003] Regarding the structural material, for example, the following matters are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-276693. The structure 1 has a triangular shape made of a thin plate-like structural material, and is launched into space by a rocket in a reduced shape that houses structures 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e with gradually smaller outer shapes inside in the order of (a). After being launched into space, it is made into one structure 1 as shown in (c), or two structures 1 are joined at the joint 2 to form a long shape as shown in (b). As shown in (d), the bases of four structures 1 are inserted into the connecting part 3 of the structure, and four reflectors 50 are attached as shown in (e) to receive sunlight and constitute a structure that condenses light on the power generation part.

[0004] Considering the transportation of panels from the earth to outer space and the construction in outer space, it is preferable that the number of structural materials is small.

[0005] However, with the shapes of the structural materials disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-276693 (that is, triangular or square shapes), it is difficult to sufficiently reduce the number of structural materials.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to minimize at least one of the number and types of panels serving as the structural material of the cosmic structure.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a cosmic structure used in outer space, comprising an upper part, a central part, and a lower part, wherein the upper part and the lower part include one first panel, the first panel has a hexagonal shape, a quadrangular shape, or a triangular shape, and includes a plurality of second panels, and the length of one side of each second panel is equal to the length of one side of the first panel.

[0008] This is an external view of the space structure of this embodiment. This is a diagram showing the structure of the panel of this embodiment. This is a diagram showing the types of panels of this embodiment. This is a diagram showing the relationships between the types of panels. In Figure 4, this is an unfolded view of the upper and lower parts of the first panel when the number of corners p = 6. In Figure 4, this is an unfolded view of the central part of the third panel when the number of corners r = 6. This is an unfolded view of the upper and lower parts of Modified Example 1. This is an unfolded view of the upper and lower parts of Modified Example 1. This is an unfolded view of the lower part of Modified Example 2. This is a diagram showing the structure of the panel of Modified Example 3. This is a diagram showing the structure of the panel of Modified Example 4.

[0009] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings used to illustrate the embodiment, the same reference numerals are generally used for identical components, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0010] (0) Definitions of Terms The "Z-axis" is the axis along the straight line connecting the centers of gravity of the upper unit T, the central unit C, and the lower unit B of the space structure S. The "X-axis" and "Y-axis" are axes perpendicular to the Z-axis.

[0011] (1) Configuration of the Space Structure The configuration of the space structure of this embodiment will be explained. Figure 1 is an external view of the space structure of this embodiment.

[0012] The space structure S shown in Figure 1 is used in outer space. The space structure S comprises module 1 and bus 2.

[0013] Space structure S is, for example, at least one of the following: • Space station • Solar power satellite • Space telescope • Antenna • Reflecting mirror

[0014] A space is formed inside module 1. Module 1 comprises multiple units (upper unit T, central unit C, and lower unit B). The upper unit T, central unit C, and lower unit B are composed of multiple panels 10.

[0015] The surfaces of the upper unit T and the lower unit B are, for example, spherical. The contours of the upper unit T and the lower unit B are identical in shape to each other.

[0016] The central unit C has, for example, a cylindrical shape.

[0017] Bus 2 is configured to supply power to module 1. Bus 2 is connected to the upper unit T, the lower unit B, or the central unit C. Figure 1 shows an example where bus 2 is connected to the lower unit B.

[0018] (1-1) Panel Structure The structure of the panel in this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the structure of the panel in this embodiment. Figure 2A is a top view of the panel 10. Figure 2B is a side view of the panel 10.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the panel 10 has, for example, a hexagonal outline. The panel 10 is made of, for example, a metal mesh. The panel 10 has curvature. Multiple ribs 10r are formed on the surface of the panel 10.

[0020] (1-2) Types of Panels The types of panels in this embodiment will be explained. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the types of panels in this embodiment. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the relationships between the types of panels.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, panel 10 includes three types of panels (first panel 11 to third panel 13).

[0022] The panels 10 of the upper unit T and the lower unit B are composed of a first panel 11 and a second panel 12.

[0023] The first panel 11 has a p-sided polygonal shape (for example, a regular p-sided polygonal shape). p represents the number of sides of the first panel 11. The first panel 11 is provided with a connection part (not shown) for connecting to the bus 2. In the unfolded view of each unit, the first panel 11 is placed in an area that is not connected to the panels 10 that make up other units (hereinafter referred to as the "inner circumference area"). In other words, the first panel 11 is not connected to the panels 10 that make up other units.

[0024] The second panel 12 has a q-sided polygonal shape (for example, a regular q-sided polygonal shape), where q represents the number of sides of the second panel 12. The length of one side of each second panel 12 is equal to the length of one side of the first panel 11. In the unfolded view of the upper unit T or the lower unit B, the second panel 12 is located in the outer periphery region (the position where it connects to the third panel 13 that constitutes the central unit C). In other words, the second panel 12 is connected to the third panel 13, which is panel 10 that constitutes the central unit C.

[0025] The third panel 13 has an r-sided polygonal shape (for example, a regular r-sided polygon). r represents the number of sides of the third panel 13. The length of one side of each third panel 13 is equal to the length of one side of the second panel 12.

[0026] The number of angles p of the first panel 11, the number of angles q of the second panel 12, the number of angles r of the third panel 13, and the number of panels 10 that share one vertex (hereinafter referred to as "number of vertices") n have the relationship shown in Figure 4.

[0027] In Figure 4, the number of corners p of the first panel 11 is the number of corners that can tile the plane (i.e., 6, 4, or 3).

[0028] When p = 6, the number of angles q of the second panel 12 is 5, the number of angles r of the third panel 13 is 6, and the number of diameters n is 3.

[0029] When p = 4, the number of angles q of the second panel 12 is 3, the number of angles r of the third panel 13 is 4, and the number of diameters n is 4.

[0030] In other words, when p = 6 or 4, the following relationships hold: • q = p - 1 • r = p

[0031] When p = 3, the number of angles q of the second panel 12 is 3, the number of angles r of the third panel 13 is 3, and the number of diameters n is ▲. In other words, when p = 3, all panels 10 are composed of triangles.

[0032] (1-3) Preferred Embodiments A preferred embodiment of this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is an unfolded view of the upper and lower parts of the first panel in Figure 4 when the number of corners p = 6. Figure 6 is an unfolded view of the central part of the third panel in Figure 4 when the number of corners r = 6.

[0033] As shown in Figure 5, the first panel 11 is positioned in the inner circumferential region. The first panel 11 is connected to each of the second panels 12.

[0034] Each second panel 12 is positioned in a point-symmetric position with respect to the first panel 11 in the outer peripheral region EL. That is, each second panel 12 is positioned such that the line LC connecting the center of the first panel 11 and the center of each second panel 12 coincides with the center line of the first panel 11. In the example in Figure 5, six second panels 12 are arranged.

[0035] The second panel 12 has two edges that are in contact with panel 10 (i.e., the third panel 13) that constitute the central unit C. The second panel 12 has two edges that are in contact with other second panels 12. The second panel 12 has one edge that is in contact with the first panel 11.

[0036] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, each panel 10 is arranged such that three panels 10 share one vertex. Multiple third panels 13 are stacked in the d-th column (where d is a natural number indicating the position on the Z-axis).

[0037] In the example shown in Figure 4, p is preferably 6 for the following reasons: • When the number of vertices of the first panel 11 is p = 6, the space structure S requires only two types of panels (for example, the regular hexagonal first panel 11 and third panel 13, and the regular pentagonal second panel 12). This simplifies at least one aspect of the structure and control of the assembly device for assembling the space structure S. • When p = 6, the number of panels 10 sharing one vertex, n, in the example shown in Figure 4, becomes the minimum value of 3. This maximizes the assembly accuracy of the space structure S.

[0038] (2) According to this embodiment of the present invention, the space structure S used in space includes an upper unit T, a central unit C, and a lower unit B. The upper unit T and the lower unit B include one first panel 11 and a plurality of second panels 12. The first panel 11 has a hexagonal shape, a quadrangular shape, or a triangular shape. The length of one side of each second panel 12 is equal to the length of one side of the first panel 11. Thereby, at least one of the number and type of the panels 10 that are the structural materials of the space structure S can be minimized.

[0039] According to this embodiment, each second panel 12 may be arranged such that a straight line connecting the center of the first panel 11 and the center of each second panel 12 passes through the midpoint of each side of the first panel 11. Thereby, at least one of the number and type of the panels 10 that are the structural materials of the space structure S can be minimized.

[0040] According to this embodiment, the central unit C may include a plurality of third panels 13. Thereby, a space structure S having an arbitrary diameter can be formed.

[0041] (3) Modified Example A modified example of this embodiment will be described.

[0042] (3-1) Modified Example 1 A modified example 1 of this embodiment will be described. Modified example 1 is an example in which a third panel 13 is arranged between the first panel 11 and the second panel 12.

[0043] (3-1-1) Upper and Lower Configurations of Modified Example 1 The configurations of the upper unit T and the lower unit B of modified example 1 will be described. FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the upper and lower parts of modified example 1. FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the upper and lower parts of modified example 1. FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the upper and lower parts of modified example 1.

[0044] FIG. 7 shows an example in which the outer peripheral region EL is circular and the second panels 12 are not adjacent to each other.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 7, the upper unit T and the lower unit B are each composed of one first panel 11, six second panels 12, and a plurality of third panels 13. The first panel 11 is the same as in this embodiment.

[0046] Similar to FIG. 5, the first panel 11 is disposed in the inner peripheral region. The first panel 11 is connected to the third panel 13 that constitutes the upper unit T and the lower unit B.

[0047] The six second panels 12 are disposed at point-symmetric positions around the first panel 11 in the outer peripheral region EL.

[0048] Each third panel 13 is disposed in the inner peripheral region and the outer peripheral region EL. The third panel 13 disposed in the inner peripheral region is located between the first panel 11 and the second panel 12. There are six third panels 13 disposed in the outer peripheral region EL. The third panel 13 is located between each pair of second panels 12 in the outer peripheral region EL.

[0049] FIG. 7A shows an example in which one third panel 13 is disposed between the first panel 11 and the second panel 12 in the inner peripheral region, and one third panel 13 (i.e., a total of six third panels 13) is disposed between each pair of second panels 12 in the outer peripheral region EL.

[0050] FIG. 7B shows an example in which two third panels 13 are disposed between the first panel 11 and the second panel 12 in the inner peripheral region, and two third panels 13 (i.e., a total of twelve third panels 13) are disposed between each pair of second panels 12 in the outer peripheral region EL. The third panel 13 disposed in the inner peripheral region is located between the first panel 11 and the second panel 12. There are twelve third panels 13 disposed in the outer peripheral region EL. The third panel 13 is located between each pair of second panels 12 in the outer peripheral region EL.

[0051] In FIGS. 7A to 7B, the second panel 12 has two sides that contact the panel 10 (i.e., the third panel 13) that constitutes the central unit C. The second panel 12 has two sides that contact the third panel 13 disposed in the outer peripheral region EC. The second panel 12 has one side that contacts the third panel 13 disposed in the inner peripheral region.

[0052] FIG. 8 shows an example in which the outer peripheral region EL is elliptical and the second panels 12 do not adjacent to each other.

[0053] As shown in Figure 8, the upper unit T and the lower unit B are each composed of one first panel 11, six second panels 12, and multiple third panels 13. The first panel 11 is the same as in this embodiment.

[0054] Figure 8A shows an example in which, in the inner circumference region, one to two third panels 13 are arranged between the first panel 11 and the second panel 12, and in the outer circumference region EL, one to two third panels 13 are arranged between each second panel 12 (i.e., a total of eight third panels 13).

[0055] Figure 8B shows an example in which, in the inner circumference region, one or three third panels 13 are arranged between the first panel 11 and the second panel 12, and in the outer circumference region EL, one or three third panels 13 are arranged between each second panel 12 (i.e., a total of 10 third panels 13).

[0056] Figure 9 shows an example where the outer peripheral region EL is elliptical and the second panel 12 is adjacent.

[0057] As shown in Figure 9, the upper unit T and the lower unit B are each composed of one first panel 11, six second panels 12, and multiple third panels 13. The first panel 11 is the same as in this embodiment.

[0058] Figure 9A shows an example in which, in the inner circumference region, one third panel 13 is placed between the first panel 11 and the second panel 12, and in the outer circumference region EL, two third panels 13 are placed between some of the second panels 12 (i.e., a total of four third panels 13). In Figure 9A, some of the second panels 12 are adjacent to each other.

[0059] Figure 9B shows an example in which, in the inner circumference region, one or two third panels 13 are arranged between the first panel 11 and the second panel 12, and in the outer circumference region EL, three third panels 13 are arranged between some of the second panels 12 (i.e., a total of six third panels 13). In Figure 9B, some of the second panels 12 are adjacent to each other.

[0060] (3-1-2) Summary of Modification 1 According to Modification 1, the upper unit T and the lower unit B may each include a plurality of third panels 13. Each third panel 13 may have the same shape as the first panel. At least one third panel 13 may be placed between the first panel 11 and the second panel 12 in the upper unit T and the lower unit B. This makes it possible to form a space structure S having any diameter.

[0061] According to Modification 1, the first panel 11 to the third panel 13 may be arranged such that at least three panels share one vertex. This makes it possible to form a space structure S having any diameter.

[0062] (3-2) Modification 2 Modification 2 of this embodiment will be described. Modification 2 is an example in which the size of the first panel 11 is larger than the third panel 13.

[0063] In the second modification, the upper unit T and the central unit C are the same as in this embodiment.

[0064] (3-2-1) Lower part of Modified Example 2 The lower unit B of Modified Example 2 will be explained. Figure 10 is an exploded view of the lower part of Modified Example 2.

[0065] As shown in Figure 10, the lower unit B is composed of a first panel 11 and a third panel 13.

[0066] The size of the first panel 11 is larger than that of the third panel 13. The first panel 11 is located in the inner circumferential region when viewed in an unfolded view of the lower unit B.

[0067] Multiple third panels 13 are arranged in the inner circumferential region and the outer circumferential region EL when the lower unit B is unfolded. A portion of each third panel 13 arranged in the inner circumferential region is positioned to overlap with the first panel 11. Each third panel 13 arranged in the outer circumferential region EL is connected to the third panels 13 that constitute another unit (central unit C).

[0068] (3-2-2) Summary of Modification 2 According to Modification 2, the unit connected to the bus 2 (for example, the lower unit B) may have a first panel 11 and a third panel smaller than the first panel 11.

[0069] (3-3) Modification 3 Modification 3 of this embodiment will be described. Modification 3 is an example in which an outer wall is provided on the panel 10.

[0070] (3-3-1) The structural diagram 11 of the panel of modified example 3 shows the structure of the panel of modified example 3.

[0071] As shown in Figure 11, the panel 10 comprises an outer wall 20 and support columns 21.

[0072] The outer wall 20 is positioned on the outermost periphery of the space structure S. The outer wall 20 is configured, for example, to protect the panel 10 from space debris. The outer wall 20 is configured to expand in the X-axis direction when a force in the X-axis direction is applied. This reduces the distance between the outer walls 20 positioned on each panel 10. The force in the X-axis direction is, for example, at least one of the following: - A biasing force applied by a spring (not shown) - A driving force applied by an actuator (not shown) - An external force applied by a robotic arm (not shown)

[0073] The support column 21 is configured to connect the panel 10 and the outer wall 20. The support column 21 is configured to extend in the Z-axis direction when a force is applied in the Z-axis direction. This increases the distance between the panel 10 and the outer wall 20 in the Z-axis direction. The force in the Z-axis direction is, for example, at least one of the following: - Biasing force applied by a spring (not shown) - Driving force applied by an actuator (not shown) - External force applied by a robot arm (not shown)

[0074] (3-3-2) Summary of Modification 3 According to Modification 3, the first panel 11 to the third panel 13 may be provided with an outer wall 20. This makes it possible to protect the space structure S from space debris.

[0075] According to Modification 3, the outer wall 20 may be configured to widen the Z-axis spacing between the first panel 11 and the third panel 13. This allows the outer wall 20 to be easily positioned.

[0076] According to Modification 3, the outer wall 20 may be configured to extend in the X-axis direction perpendicular to the Z-axis. This allows for easy placement of the outer wall 20.

[0077] (3-4) Modification 4 Modification 4 of this embodiment will be described. Modification 4 is an example of a panel having a shape other than a pentagon or hexagon. The structure of the Modification 4 panel of this embodiment will be described. Figure 12 is a diagram showing the structure of the panel of Modification 4.

[0078] As shown in Figure 12A, if the panel 10 is hexagonal, the hexagonal shape may be formed by combining one triangular panel 10a and a pair of square panels 10b.

[0079] As shown in Figure 12B, if panel 10 is pentagonal, a hexagonal shape may be formed by combining one triangular panel 10a and one square panel 10b.

[0080] As shown in Figure 12C, the panel 10 may be formed by combining multiple rhombus-shaped panels 10c.

[0081] As shown in Figure 12D, the panel 10 may be formed by combining a plurality of rectangular panels 10d and a plurality of triangular panels 10e.

[0082] (4) Other Modifications In this specification, an example is shown in which the surface shapes of both the upper unit T and the lower unit B are spherical, but this embodiment is not limited to this. This embodiment is also applicable to any of the following: - An example in which the surface shapes of both the upper unit T and the lower unit B are flat. - An example in which the surface shapes of the upper unit T and the lower unit B are different from each other.

[0083] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be improved or modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the embodiments and modifications described above can be combined.

[0084] S: Space structure T: Upper unit C: Central unit B: Lower unit 1: Module 2: Bus 10: Panel 11: First panel 12: Second panel 13: Third panel 20: Outer wall 21: Support column

Claims

1. A space structure for use in outer space, comprising an upper unit, a central unit, and a lower unit, wherein the upper unit and the lower unit each include a first panel, the first panel having a hexagonal, quadrilateral, or triangular shape, and each including a plurality of second panels, the length of one side of each second panel being equal to the length of one side of the first panel.

2. The space structure according to claim 1, wherein each second panel is arranged such that a straight line connecting the center of the first panel and the center of each second panel passes through the midpoint of each side of the first panel.

3. The space structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper unit and the lower unit each include a plurality of third panels, each third panel having the same shape as the first panel, and at least one third panel is positioned between the first panel and the second panel in the upper unit and the lower unit.

4. The space structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the central unit includes a plurality of third panels.

5. The space structure according to claim 3, wherein the first to third panels are arranged such that at least three panels share one vertex.

6. If the first panel has the hexagonal shape or the quadrilateral shape, the number of corners of the second panel is one less than the number of corners of the first panel, the space structure according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. The space structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein if the first panel has the triangular shape, the number of corners of the second panel is 3.

8. The space structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the upper unit or the lower unit comprises the first panel and a third panel smaller than the first panel.

9. The space structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first to third panels are outer walls.

10. The space structure according to claim 9, wherein the outer wall is configured to widen the spacing between the first to third panels with respect to the Z-axis, which is the axis along the straight line connecting the centers of gravity of the upper unit, the central unit, and the lower unit.

11. The space structure according to claim 9, wherein the outer wall is configured to extend in the X-axis direction perpendicular to the Z-axis, which is the axis along the straight line connecting the centers of gravity of the upper unit, the central unit, and the lower unit.

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