Electro-mechanical linear drive unit for precise positioning e.g. of a large reflector used in radio astronomy or of a communication antenna

US12278418B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• OHB DIGITAL CONNECT GMBH · DE
• Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Föderung der Wissenschaften e.V. · US

Inventors

• Martin Süss · Bellinzona, CH
• Thomas Zimmerer · Mainz, DE
• Gundolf Wieching · Bonn, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 27, 2020
• Grant date: Apr 15, 2025
• Expiry date: Jul 27, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01Q15/14
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The invention relates to a linear drive unit comprising a first and second actuator element, a guiding unit configured to enable a linear relative movement between both actuator elements, a first and second power unit, each attached to the first actuator element and configured to provide the second actuator element with a respective first and second driving force, and a control unit for controlling both power units and configured to control the first and second driving force such that the first driving force can be different from the second driving force. The invention further relates to a telescope comprising a linear drive unit as well as to a method of aligning such telescope.