Deployable mesh antenna and the folding device and its folding method

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify the structure, and to promote upsizing by providing a conductive mesh to be rolled for storing around a shaft nearly vertical to a mirror finished surface in the storing condition so as to form an expansion type mesh antenna. ;SOLUTION: An expansion truss 20 is formed freely to be folded and expanded by using framework members, and expanded into a nearly hexagonal truncated pyramid shape. A conductive mesh 10 formed by weaving the metal material into a mesh is fitted to one surface forming a mirror finished surface of the expansion truss 20. The conductive mesh 10 is pinched by a first and a second wire networks 11, 12, and a peripheral part is supported by supports 13 of the expansion truss 20, and formed into the mirror finished surface shape. The conductive mesh 10 is expanded into the mirror finished surface shape in the condition that the expansion truss 20 is expanded, and in the condition that the expansion truss 20 is folded, the conductive mesh 10 can be rolled up for storing around a shaft nearly vertical to the mirror finished surface. With this structure, structure is simplified so as to promote the enlargement, and the accurate mesh folding and expanding operation with high reliability can be realized.;COPYRIGHT: (C)2001,JPO