Flexible universal compact and spacecraft including such a universal joint.

摘要

The flexible cardan joint comprises a hollow central longitudinal axis Z, two hollow pivots (10, 11) mounted orthogonally to one another and able to pivot respectively about an axis of rotation X, Y, the three axes X, Y, Z being mutually orthogonal and intersecting at a rotation point situated at the middle of the cardan joint. Each pivot (10, 11) comprises an annular external frame (15, 20) extending in a plane containing the central longitudinal axis Z and orthogonal to the axis of rotation X, or respectively Y, of the pivot, a hollow internal ring (16, 21) coaxial with the external frame and several sets of flexible leaves (12, 17, 18, 19) connected to the external frame (15, 20) and to the internal ring (16, 21), and the two pivots (10, 11) are joined together by rigid connecting pieces (50a, 50b). Application to the fine rotational guidance of an element or an equipment of a spacecraft. .