A joint is provided for unfolding systems, e.g. for satellite solar
generators that permits sufficiently large unfolding torque, low weight
and small dimensions. A drive on one joint half acts on a small pulley to
wind a cord on it. The other end of the cord is tautly connected to a
large pulley that rotates on the hinge pin and is fixed to the second
joint half. The large pulley rotates in the opposite direction of the
small pulley when the cord is wound so that the second joint half folds
away from the first joint half on the hinge pin into an unfolded state and
is held in this state by a stop against the tension of the cord. The joint
is used, for example, for unfolding joints for satellite solar generators
that consist of two joint halves, a hinge pin and a drive.