To provide an ion engine capable of moving the grid plates thereof by a very small amount in the perpendicular direction to the axis of a discharge container by a simple and compact mechanical mechanism while keeping a very small distance between grid plates.
This ion engine is formed in such a manner that one or a plurality of grid plates 4 supported by a spring member can be moved in the perpendicular direction z to the axis of the discharge container 3, i.e., in the radial direction by using a pry bar 21 (one or a plurality of pieces). Since a drive force is less required for a motor used to apply a drive force to the power point of the pry bar 21, the motor can be reduced in size and weight, and an overall thrust direction control mechanism can be reduced in size and weight. Also, since the entire portion of the grid plates 4 connected to the pry bar 21 is displaced uniformly in the radial direction and the displacement amount of the grid plates 4 is smaller than the displacement amount of the pry bar 21 at the power point, the position of the grip plate 4a can be accurately controlled, and the jetting direction of ion beam can be accurately controlled.
Masao Kato
Masuo Yamada
Fumio Sato
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