Near-space balloon launching device and launching method

Abstract

This invention provides a near-space balloon launching device and method. The launching device includes a base and a near-space balloon system mounted on the base. The near-space balloon system includes a storage and transport cylinder and near-space balloons disposed within the storage and transport cylinder. The cylinder body is composed of at least two shells with interlocking edges, and the shells are detachably connected by multiple sets of separation devices. The base includes a working platform, and the upper surface of the working platform is provided with multiple sets of shell driving devices that cooperate with the shells. The near-space balloon launching device of this invention has good environmental adaptability, can realize remote and automated balloon launching operations, and the launching process of the near-space balloon system is efficient and safe, which can significantly improve the launching efficiency and success rate of the near-space balloon system. It can realize the mobile and rapid deployment of the near-space balloon system, and is especially suitable for rapid and batch launching on small and medium-sized near-space balloon systems.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of near-space spacecraft technology, and particularly relates to a near-space balloon launching device and launching method. Background Technology

[0002] Near-space balloons are aircraft capable of operating for extended periods at altitudes of 20–100 km above sea level. They primarily consist of two types: overpressure balloons and zero-pressure balloons. Compared to other aircraft, they offer advantages such as high altitude, low cost, and long loiter time. By carrying appropriate payloads, near-space balloons can be used for applications including meteorological and environmental monitoring, regional communication, national land surveys, urban traffic monitoring, Earth exploration, astronomical observation, and high-altitude adventure tourism.

[0003] Near-space balloons (referred to as "balloons") typically consist of three main parts: an airbag, a valve assembly, and a parachute. The airbag, made of ultra-thin flexible composite material, is characterized by its large volume and good airtightness. It is used to fill the balloon with buoyancy gas to give the balloon system sufficient lift to take off. The valve assembly consists of a deflation valve, safety control devices, sensors, and an emergency power supply. Under ground control commands or program control, the valve assembly can be used to regulate the balloon's flight altitude, position, and other statuses. The parachute connects the working payload and the airbag in the middle and is mainly used for the safe landing and recovery of the working payload carried by the balloon.

[0004] After manufacturing and testing all components of the balloon, the reliable storage and transportation of these components, and the safe and rapid system integration and deployment during flight tests, are crucial to ensuring the successful launch and long-term aloft of near-space balloons.

[0005] Traditional near-space balloons involve individually packaging and storing each component separately before transporting them to a test site. At the test site, the balloon is deployed, and the components are assembled and tested sequentially. After waiting for relatively stable weather conditions, the balloon is inflated, and the balloon system is launched. This type of balloon and its launch method have the following technical shortcomings:

[0006] 1) Low efficiency: The preparation and assembly time before balloon launch is long, and the structural and electrical integration assembly needs to be carried out temporarily on the test site. The ground base is complex, and the deployment and position adjustment of the device are time-consuming. The preparation time for balloon launch alone is more than 4 hours, which is difficult to meet the needs of rapid launch and deployment of balloons in near space.

[0007] 2) Heavy workload and high labor intensity: The preparation work before the balloon launch is heavy and the labor intensity is high. During the balloon launch process, there are many work positions and a large experimental team is needed to support the balloon launch operation. Therefore, the cost of near-space balloon launch experiments is high.

[0008] 3) Insufficient environmental adaptability: The balloon is greatly affected by meteorological conditions, especially wind and rain. The waiting time for the meteorological conditions to be met for release is long, and the release time window is difficult to determine. Changes in wind direction or short-term gusts may damage the balloon, and the test mission may be terminated.

[0009] 4) Insufficient safety: Before the balloon leaves the ground, the various components of the balloon system, power supply lines, auxiliary ropes and other test equipment and materials are arranged in a cross-shaped manner on the test site, which can easily cause personal injury to the operators or damage to the system components; in addition, the airbag components are also prone to accidental damage during the on-site deployment operation, which may cause the flight test mission to be terminated in advance.

[0010] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a technical means to address the above-mentioned shortcomings. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide a near-space balloon deployment device and deployment method to solve the technical problem of low deployment and deployment efficiency of near-space balloons.

[0012] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the specific technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0013] A near-space balloon launching device includes a base and a near-space balloon system mounted on the base. The near-space balloon system includes a storage and transport cylinder and near-space balloons disposed within the storage and transport cylinder. The cylinder body is composed of at least two shells with their edges interlocking, and the shells are connected by multiple sets of separation devices.

[0014] The base includes a working platform, on which the near-space balloon system is mounted. The upper surface of the working platform is provided with multiple sets of shell driving devices that cooperate with the outer shell. The working platform is provided with multiple tethering lines that cooperate with the near-space balloon. The working platform is provided with a first through hole located below the cylindrical body. Below the first through hole is a space for placing the near-space balloon's working load. A load suspension device is provided at the first through hole. A release channel is provided on one side of the working platform, and the release channel communicates with the first through hole.

[0015] Therefore, the near-space balloon launching device of the present invention adopts an integrated storage and transportation mode near-space balloon system, which can eliminate the cumbersome on-site deployment procedure of balloons before launching. Through the cooperation of the outer shell drive device and tethering cable on the working platform, the various steps of the near-space balloon system are connected in an orderly manner during the launching process, so as to realize the rapid launching of balloons.

[0016] Furthermore, the tethering cable is divided into an airbag tethering cable and a load tethering cable, which are controlled by an airbag tethering winch and a load tethering winch respectively located on the upper surface of the working platform.

[0017] Furthermore, the upper surface of the work platform is also equipped with a controller, and the bottom of the base is equipped with a rotating chassis. The outer shell drive device, the airbag tethering winch, the load tethering winch, and the rotating chassis are all electrically connected to the controller.

[0018] Furthermore, the housing drive device consists of multiple sets of push rod assemblies disposed on the upper surface of the working platform. Each set of push rod assemblies includes a first push rod and a second push rod, and both the first push rod and the second push rod are connected to a housing.

[0019] Furthermore, the housing drive device is a set of multiple slide rail assemblies disposed on the upper surface of the working platform. The set of slide rail assemblies includes pulleys installed on the bottom of the housing and slide rails disposed on the working platform.

[0020] Furthermore, the load suspension device is a padlock, which includes a locking bar extending into the release channel and a safety pin installed on the locking bar, and the working load of the near-space balloon is suspended on the locking bar.

[0021] Furthermore, a tether rope protector 222 is provided at the top of the cylinder 22, and a second through hole 224 is provided on the tether rope protector 222, through which the tether rope passes.

[0022] In addition, the bottom end of the storage and transportation cylinder is provided with a bottom cover, which is composed of two partitions connected by a detachable hinge, and a third through hole is provided in the center of the bottom cover.

[0023] Based on the same inventive concept, this invention also discloses a method for launching a near-space balloon using the near-space balloon launching device described above. The near-space balloon includes an airbag, a parachute, and a working payload. The airbag is disposed at the upper part of the near-space balloon, and the working payload is disposed at the lower part of the near-space balloon. A parachute connects the airbag and the working payload. The method for launching the near-space balloon includes the following steps:

[0024] Step 1: Conduct and complete the deployment status check of the near-space balloon system, and simultaneously complete the assembly and testing of the base;

[0025] Step 2: Install the near-space balloon system onto the work platform;

[0026] Step 3: Adjust the working platform according to the wind speed and direction so that the opening direction of the dispensing channel is consistent with the wind direction;

[0027] Step 4: Hang the working load on the load suspension device, and connect the parachute straps through the first through hole to the working load;

[0028] Step 5: Inflate the airbag and connect the tether to the working load and the airbag restraint device set on the airbag respectively; straighten the parachute connected to the airbag to the airbag, control the tether and adjust the height of the airbag.

[0029] Step Six: Activate the separation device to quickly separate the outer shell into multiple parts. The outer shell driving device is activated to drive the outer shell to move backward a certain distance, and then control the upper part of the outer shell to open. After the airbag and parachute are fully exposed from the storage and transportation cylinder, control the tethering cable to complete the buoyancy transfer.

[0030] Step 7: Cut the tether cable connected to the working load, control the airbag restraints to release the restraints, and complete the deployment of the near-space balloon.

[0031] The near-space balloon launching device and launching method of the present invention have the following advantages:

[0032] 1) The valve components, airbags, parachutes and other components of the balloon system are integrated and assembled into one unit before storage and transportation, which is suitable for long-term storage and long-distance transportation of the system. There is no need to carry out temporary structural and electrical integration and assembly on the test site, which is conducive to the rapid completion of the deployment preparation work of the near-space balloon system.

[0033] 2) The balloon system base adopts a modular design, which makes the assembly, position adjustment during operation and control of the actuation mechanism of the device relatively quick and safe.

[0034] 3) This integrated near-space balloon system and flexible ground base have good environmental adaptability and can realize remote and automated balloon launch operations. The launch process of the near-space balloon system is efficient and safe, which can significantly improve the launch efficiency and success rate of the near-space balloon system. It can realize the mobile and rapid deployment of the near-space balloon system, and is especially suitable for rapid and batch launch on small and medium-sized near-space balloon systems. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 a) is a schematic diagram of the storage and transportation tube structure, and b) is a schematic diagram of the near-space balloon system structure;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the base structure of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the docking of the near-space balloon system and the base of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the near-space balloon launching device of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the near-space balloon system after the top cover has separated;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the airbag inflation state of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the storage and transportation cylinder in the open state according to the present invention;

[0042] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the working load release state of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the near-space balloon system of the present invention after it has been fully released and ascended into the air;

[0044] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the cylindrical body cross-section of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the cylindrical body cross-section of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the cylindrical body cross-section of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the airbag ground restraint method of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom cover structure of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the padlock structure of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 16 A flowchart illustrating the deployment process of the near-space balloon system of the present invention.

[0051] Explanation of markings in the diagram: 10. Near-space balloon system; 11. Valve assembly; 12. Airbag; 121. Airbag inflation tube; 122. Airbag restraint; 14. Parachute; 15. Limiting fixture; 17. Hinge interface; 20. Storage and transport cylinder; 21. Top cover; 22. Cylinder body; 221. Groove; 222. Tether cable protector; 223. Separation device; 224. Second through hole; 23. Bottom cover; 231. Detachable hinge; 232. Third through hole; 27. Foam plastic; 30. Crane; 3 1. Airbag compartment; 32. Parachute compartment; 34. Working load; 40. Lifting fixture; 60. Base; 61. Working platform; 618. First through hole; 619. Release channel; 62. Shell drive device; 631. First push rod; 632. Second push rod; 64. Airbag tethering winch; 641. Airbag tethering cable; 65. Load tethering winch; 651. Load tethering cable; 66. Rotating chassis; 67. Ladder; 68. Controller; 69. Padlock; 691. Locking bar; 692. Safety pin. Detailed Implementation

[0052] To better understand the purpose, structure, and function of this invention, the invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the near-space balloon launching device of this embodiment includes a base 60 and a near-space balloon system 10 mounted on the base 60. The near-space balloon system 10 includes a storage and transport cylinder 20 and near-space balloons disposed within the storage and transport cylinder 20. The cylinder body 22 of the storage and transport cylinder 20 is composed of at least two outer shells with their edges interlocking, and the outer shells are connected by multiple sets of separation devices 223. The separation devices 223 can be explosive bolts, electric ignition cutters, detonating cords, or other devices that enable rapid separation.

[0054] like Figure 1 and Figure 4As shown, the near-space balloon includes an airbag 12, a parachute 14, and a working payload 34. The airbag 12 is located at the upper part of the near-space balloon, and the working payload 34 is located at the lower part of the near-space balloon. The parachute 14 connects the airbag 12 and the working payload 34. The storage and transport cylinder 20 is a sealed thin-walled cylindrical structure, manufactured from high-strength lightweight composite materials or alloy materials. The storage and transport cylinder 20 includes a top cover 21, a cylinder body 22, and a bottom cover 23. The top cover 21 and the cylinder body 22 are detachably connected, and the bottom cover 23 is detachably connected to the cylinder body 22. The cylinder body 22 is the main body of the storage and transport cylinder, used for the installation and storage of the airbag 12 and the parachute 14. The top cover 21 is the top sealing component of the storage and transport cylinder 20, mainly used to accommodate the installation and storage of the balloon system valve assembly 11 and the folded airbag inflation tube 121. The top cover 21 is configured as a semi-enclosed cylinder or cone with an open bottom, and a limiting fixture 15 for supporting the valve assembly 11 is also provided inside the top cover 21. The bottom cover 23 is the bottom sealing component of the storage and transportation cylinder 20. Figure 1 and Figure 14 As shown, the bottom cover 23 is installed at the bottom of the cylinder 22 and is composed of two rigid plates connected by a detachable hinge 231, used to seal the bottom opening of the storage and transportation cylinder. The hinge connection can be manually released, allowing the bottom cover 23 to be used in two separate parts. A third through hole 232 is provided at the center of the bottom cover 23, through which the parachute straps can pass.

[0055] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the parachute 14, after folding, can be installed and fixed inside the storage and transport cylinder 20 in the form of a parachute pack. The airbag 12 is a closed bag made of ultra-thin flexible composite material, with one or two long inflation tubes 121 on it. The airbag 12 and its inflation tubes 121 are folded into a cuboid or other polygonal structure in an "S" or "Z" shape to facilitate rapid inflation and self-deployment. The folded inflation tubes 121 are located at the top of the airbag 12. The maximum external dimensions of the folded airbag 12 match the internal dimensions of the storage and transport cylinder 20, allowing the storage and transport cylinder 20 to accommodate the airbag 12. To facilitate the positioning and installation of the folded airbag 12 and parachute 14, the cylinder 22 is divided into two connected sections from top to bottom: an airbag compartment 31 and a parachute compartment 32, with a smooth transition between the two sections. Smooth foam plastic 27 is attached to the inner surface of the cylinder 22 and the top cover 21. This foam plastic 27 is made by splicing multiple pieces or by injection molding as a whole, achieving an external shape and size similar to the storage and transportation cylinder. The material thickness is generally 10mm to 50mm, preferably 40mm. Figure 10 As shown, the storage and transportation cylinder 20, in addition to being formed by an outer cylinder 22 and an inner foam plastic 27 in an annular cross-sectional shape, as... Figure 11 and 12The diagram can also be set to a combination of "outer rectangle + inner circle" or "outer regular polygon + inner circle" to improve the stability and space utilization of the near-space balloon system during storage and transportation.

[0056] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, an airbag restraint device 122 is installed at a suitable position on the upper part of the folded airbag 12. The main body of the airbag restraint device 122 is made of flexible material and is connected and fixed to the airbag 12 by tightly wrapping it with a rope. A tethering rope is fixed to the airbag restraint device 122. When the airbag 12 is folded, the airbag restraint device 122 is folded in as well, and the tethering rope connected to it remains outside the airbag 12. Figure 1 and Figure 13 As shown, the top of the cylinder 22 is also provided with a slot 221, and a set of tether cable protectors 222 are installed inside the slot. The tether cable protector 222 adopts a grid wheel structure, and the center of the grid wheel structure is a second through hole 224, through which the tether cable can pass to avoid wear or jamming of the tether cable. The installation position of the airbag restraint device 122 on the airbag 12 is determined in advance by calculating the airbag's ground inflation volume.

[0057] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown. The base 60 includes a working platform 61, on which the near-space balloon system 10 is mounted. The upper surface of the working platform 61 is provided with multiple sets of shell driving devices 62 that cooperate with the outer shell. In a first embodiment of the present invention, the shell driving device 62 consists of two sets of push rod assemblies disposed on the upper surface of the working platform 61. The push rod assemblies are symmetrically arranged, and the movement direction of the two sets of push rod assemblies is perpendicular to the direction of the release channel 619, ensuring that the balloon can smoothly enter the release channel 619 from the first through hole 618 after the outer shell is opened. Each set of push rod assemblies includes a first push rod 631 and a second push rod 632, both of which are connected to an outer shell. The lower outer surface of the cylinder 22 is provided with two sets of hinge interfaces 17 that cooperate with the first push rod 631 and the second push rod 632. The first push rod 631 and the second push rod 632 are paired in a cross configuration, and the ends of the telescopic push rods are provided with hinge interfaces.

[0058] As a second embodiment of the present invention, the housing driving device 62 may also be a set of slide rail assemblies disposed on the upper surface of the working platform 61, wherein the set of slide rail assemblies includes pulleys mounted on the bottom of the housing and slide rails disposed on the working platform 61.

[0059] like Figure 2 and Figure 7As shown, the working platform 61 is equipped with multiple tethering cables that cooperate with the adjacent space balloon. The tethering cables are divided into airbag tethering cable 641 and load tethering cable 651. The airbag tethering cable 641 and load tethering cable 651 are controlled by airbag tethering winch 64 and load tethering winch 65 respectively located on the upper surface of the working platform 61.

[0060] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the working platform 61 is provided with a first through hole 618, which is located below the cylinder 22. Below the first through hole 618 is a placement space for the working load of the adjacent space balloon. A load suspension device 69 is provided at the first through hole 618. An open release channel 619 is provided on one side of the working platform 61, which communicates with the first through hole 618. Specifically, as... Figure 2 and Figure 15 As shown, the load suspension device 69 is a padlock, which includes a locking rod 691 extending into the release channel 619 and a safety pin 692 mounted on the locking rod 691. The working load 34 of the near-space balloon is suspended on the locking rod 691. The release channel 619 is a flared notch whose width gradually increases from one end to one side of the working platform 61.

[0061] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the upper surface of the working platform 61 is also equipped with a controller 68, and the bottom of the base 60 is equipped with a rotating chassis 66, which can quickly adjust its position and orientation. A ladder 67 is also provided on one side of the dispensing device 60, allowing access from the ground to the working platform 61. The airbag tethering winch 64 and the load tethering winch 65 are parallel to the dispensing channel 619. The airbag tethering winch 64 is installed behind the dispensing channel 619, and the load tethering winch 65 is installed beside the dispensing channel 619. Preferably, the load tethering winch 65 can be installed on the side of the dispensing channel 619 below the working platform 61 to improve the tethering effect on the working load 34. Specifically, the outer shell drive device 62, the airbag tethering winch 64, the load tethering winch 65, and the rotating chassis 66 are all electrically connected to the controller 68.

[0062] The controller 68 is the control center and hub of the entire launching device. A remote monitoring and control computer is connected to the controller 68 wirelessly or via wired connection, and controls the actions of each actuating mechanism through the controller 68. Under the command of the remote monitoring and control computer, the controller 68 can control the synchronous operation of the outer shell drive device 62, and can control the rotation of the airbag tethering winch 64 and the load tethering winch 65, respectively realizing the raising and lowering or length adjustment of the airbag tethering cable 641 and the load tethering cable 651. It can also drive the steerable chassis 66 to work, realizing the rapid adjustment of the direction and position of the launching device 60. Furthermore, the base 60, via the ladder 67, allows operators to safely and quickly reach the work platform 61, facilitating the installation operations before the balloon system is launched.

[0063] like Figure 16 As shown, a method for launching near-space balloons using the near-space balloon launching device described above is as follows:

[0064] Conduct and complete the deployment status check of the near-space balloon system, and simultaneously complete the assembly and testing of the base 60.

[0065] The status inspection of the near-space balloon system mainly includes checking the appearance of the storage and transportation cylinder and the condition of the valve components and airbags inside the cylinder's top cover. The inspection content includes:

[0066] 1. Inspect the appearance of the storage and transportation cylinders to confirm that there is no damage or significant deformation.

[0067] 2. Remove the top cover from the top of the storage and transportation cylinder, check that the valve assembly and airbag are in normal condition, and test the valve assembly to ensure it works normally.

[0068] 3. Pass the end of the airbag restraint rope on the airbag through the tether protector and slot on the inner wall of the storage and transportation cylinder, and fix it to the outside and bottom of the storage and transportation cylinder.

[0069] 4. Arrange the folded airbag inflation tubes to ensure they are in the correct position and free from any looseness or tangling.

[0070] 5. After checking that there are no extra items inside the storage and transportation cylinder, install the top cover onto the top of the storage and transportation cylinder.

[0071] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, with the help of crane 30 and lifting fixture 40, the near space balloon system 10 is vertically lifted and moved above the work platform 61. With the assistance of the operator, the near space balloon system 10 is docked with the work platform 61.

[0072] The docking operation between the balloon system and the dispensing device mainly includes:

[0073] 1. Move the bottom of the balloon system's storage and transport tube to the center of the dispensing device's working platform and adjust its orientation so that the two sets of hinged interfaces 17 on the lower outer surface of the storage and transport tube correspond to the two sets of push rod assemblies of the dispensing device. By connecting the storage and transport tube to the push rod assemblies through hinges, the storage and transport tube can be stably supported on the dispensing device's working platform.

[0074] 2. Remove 40 hoisting tools and 30 cranes.

[0075] The rotating chassis 66 is controlled according to wind speed and direction to ensure that the opening direction of the dispensing channel 619 is consistent with the wind direction. Furthermore, the dispensing device equipped with the balloon system can be moved to an area with lower wind speed as needed.

[0076] The dispensing device can be moved manually or by electric drive from a steerable chassis under the command of a remote control computer.

[0077] like Figure 4 As shown, the working load 34 is attached to the padlock, and the parachute straps of the parachute 14 pass through the first through hole 618 and connect to the working load 34. A full system test is performed on the balloon system, launch device, etc., to ensure that the communication and control functions between the ground control computer and the balloon system and launch device are normal.

[0078] The working load is connected to the parachute straps via conventional methods such as ropes or metal hooks. The length of the working load's ropes should be adapted to the height of the deployment device's working platform to ensure that the working load attached to the padlock does not interfere with or collide with the ground or the steerable chassis.

[0079] like Figure 5 As shown, remove the top cover 21 of the balloon system storage and transportation cylinder, connect the inflation pipe 121 to the floating gas source, connect the airbag tether cable 641 of the airbag tether winch 64 to the airbag restraint device 122 set on the airbag 12, and connect the load tether cable 651 of the load tether winch 65 to the working load 34.

[0080] The separation of the storage and transportation cylinder body from the top cover can be achieved by electric means or by explosive detonation of pyrotechnic materials, in order to improve the speed and safety of the top cover detaching from the top of the storage and transportation cylinder.

[0081] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, buoyancy gas is injected into the airbag 12 through the inflation tube 121 until the rising airbag 12 straightens the attached parachute 14. The airbag height is adjusted by controlling the load tether winch 65 to retract and extend the load tether cable 651, thereby accelerating the inflation speed and reducing the airbag's wind resistance.

[0082] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 7As shown, the separation device 223 is activated by issuing a command through a remote monitoring and control computer, which quickly separates the outer shell into two parts. The outer shell driving device 62 is activated, driving the outer shell to move backward a certain distance, and then controlling the upper part of the outer shell to open up, making it into an inverted "V" shape. After the airbag 12 and parachute 14 are fully exposed from the storage and transportation cylinder 20, the buoyancy transfer is completed by controlling the length of the airbag tether cable 641 and the load tether cable 651.

[0083] The buoyancy transfer process includes the following steps:

[0084] 1. Control the airbag tethering winch to release the airbag tethering cable. As the airbag rises, its buoyancy is transferred to the working load through the parachute and is mainly borne by the padlock of the deployment device. Then, stop the airbag tethering winch operation.

[0085] 2. Control the load mooring winch to appropriately retract the load mooring cable. After the length of the load mooring cable becomes shorter, causing the working load height to decrease slightly, stop the operation of the load mooring winch and pull out the safety pin on the padlock.

[0086] 3. Control the load mooring winch to release the load mooring cable. The length of the load mooring cable increases, and the working load is removed from the padlock bar. The buoyancy of the airbag is mainly transferred from the load mooring winch to the airbag mooring winch.

[0087] 4. Control the load-tethering winch to continue releasing the load-tethering cable, safely transfer the working load from under the working platform of the issuing device, and stop the operation of the load-tethering winch.

[0088] like Figure 8 As shown, the load mooring cable 651 connected to the load mooring winch is quickly cut using a rope cutting tool, and the working load 34 is released. Figure 9 As shown, a command is issued by a remote telemetry and control computer to control the airbag restraint device 122 to release its restraints and separate from the airbag 12. The near-space balloon, now freed from restraints, slowly ascends carrying its working payload, completing the near-space balloon deployment.

[0089] Among them, the rope cutting tool is a general cutting tool in this technical field, including fusion cutting and pyrotechnic cutting methods. The airbag restraint device is a general near-space balloon restraint and release tool in this technical field, and its release action can be controlled by remote wireless communication.

[0090] It is understood that the present invention has been described through some embodiments, and those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes or equivalent substitutions can be made to these features and embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, under the teachings of the present invention, these features and embodiments can be modified to adapt to specific situations and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims of this application are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A near-space balloon launching device, characterized in that, Includes a base (60) and a near space balloon system (10) mounted on the base (60). The near space balloon system (10) includes a storage and transport tube (20) and near space balloons disposed in the storage and transport tube (20). The tube body (22) of the storage and transport tube (20) is composed of at least two shells with their edges interlocking. The shells are detachably connected by multiple sets of separation devices (223). The base (60) includes a working platform (61), the near space balloon system (10) is installed on the working platform (61), the upper surface of the working platform (61) is provided with multiple sets of shell driving devices (62) that cooperate with the shell, the working platform (61) is provided with multiple tethering cables that cooperate with the near space balloon, the working platform (61) is provided with a first through hole (618), the first through hole (618) is located below the cylinder (22), the space below the first through hole (618) is provided with a placement space for the near space balloon working load, the first through hole (618) is provided with a load suspension device (69), the side of the working platform (61) is provided with a release channel (619), the release channel (619) is connected to the first through hole (618).

2. The near-space balloon launching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tethering cable is divided into an airbag tethering cable (641) and a load tethering cable (651), which are controlled by an airbag tethering winch (64) and a load tethering winch (65) respectively located on the upper surface of the working platform (61).

3. The near-space balloon launching device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper surface of the working platform (61) is also provided with a controller (68), and the bottom of the base (60) is provided with a rotating chassis (66). The outer shell drive device (62), the airbag tethering winch (64), the load tethering winch (65), and the rotating chassis (66) are all electrically connected to the controller (68).

4. The near-space balloon launching device according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The housing drive device (62) consists of multiple sets of push rod assemblies disposed on the upper end face of the working platform (61). Each set of push rod assemblies includes a first push rod (631) and a second push rod (632), and both the first push rod (631) and the second push rod (632) are connected to a housing.

5. The near-space balloon launching device according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The housing drive device (62) is a set of multiple slide rail assemblies disposed on the upper end face of the working platform (61). The set of slide rail assemblies includes pulleys installed on the bottom of the housing and slide rails disposed on the working platform (61).

6. The near-space balloon launching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The load suspension device (69) is a padlock, which includes a locking bar (691) extending into the release channel (619) and a safety pin (692) installed on the locking bar (691). The working load of the near-space balloon is suspended on the locking bar (691).

7. The near-space balloon launching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the cylinder (22) is provided with a tether protector (222), and the tether protector (222) is provided with a second through hole (224), through which the tether rope passes.

8. The near-space balloon launching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage and transportation cylinder (20) is provided with a bottom cover (23) at the bottom end. The bottom cover (23) is made of two partitions connected by a detachable hinge (231). A third through hole (232) is provided at the center of the bottom cover (23).

9. A method for launching a near-space balloon using the near-space balloon launching device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the near-space balloon comprises an airbag (12), a parachute (14), and a working payload (34), the airbag (12) being disposed at the upper part of the near-space balloon, the working payload (34) being disposed at the lower part of the near-space balloon, and a parachute (14) connecting the airbag (12) and the working payload (34), characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Conduct and complete the deployment status check of the near-space balloon system (10), and simultaneously complete the assembly and testing of the base (60); Step 2: Install the near-space balloon system (10) onto the work platform (61); Step 3: Adjust the working platform (61) according to the wind speed and wind direction so that the opening direction of the dispensing channel (619) is consistent with the wind direction; Step 4: Hang the working load (34) on the load suspension device (69), and connect the parachute (14) straps through the first through hole (618) to the working load (34); Step 5: Inflate the airbag (12), connect the tether to the working load (34) and the airbag restraint device (122) set on the airbag (12); straighten the parachute (14) connected to the airbag (12) to be floated, control the tether, and adjust the height of the airbag (12); Step 6: Activate the separation device (223) to quickly divide the outer shell into multiple parts. The outer shell driving device is activated to drive the outer shell to move backward a certain distance, and then control the upper part of the outer shell to open. After the airbag (12) and parachute (14) are fully exposed from the storage and transportation cylinder (20), control the tethering cable to complete the buoyancy transfer. Step 7: Cut the tether cable connected to the working load (34), control the airbag restraint device (122) to release the restraint, and complete the near-space balloon deployment.

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