The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 14, 1989
Filed:
Feb. 03, 1989
Martin Roth, Taufkirchen, DE;
Helmut Kiendl, Munich, DE;
Messerschmitt-Boelkow-Blohm GmbH, Munich, DE;
Abstract
An unfolding joint for the panels of a solar generator is constructed for the partial and complete unfolding of the outer solar panel of the solar generator which is connected to the body of a spacecraft. The solar generator includes, in addition to the outer panel a pluraLity of inner panels. The unfolding is controlled by a closed cable loop in a positive manner, whereby primary and secondary hold down devices are provided for the outer panel and for the inner panels respectively. The unfolding joint includes two joint sections which are tiltably connected to each other and are tilting axis of the joint carries a rotatably mounted cable pulley. Two spring biased locking members are mounted in the joint section that is connected to the outer panel. Stop surfaces are provided in the second joint section and in the cable pulley for cooperation with the locking members. In the partially unfolded state both locking members cooperate to provide a formlocking of the unfolding joint. In the fully unfolded state the locking is accomplished by only one of the locking elements in the form of a locking lever. During the transition from the partially unfolded state into the fully unfolded state the other locking member in the form of a locking bolt provides a formlocking connection of the outer or second joint half with the cable pulley for the closed loop cable control.