Adjusting device, adjusting system, and flying object

By using partition components in the airtight cab to adjust the internal and external pressure difference and automatically control the gas flow path, the problem of gas pressure fluctuations in the cab is solved and the health and safety of occupants is ensured.

CN118753507BActive Publication Date: 2025-07-25IWAYA INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202410734934.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-06-30
Filing Date
2024-06-07
Publication Date
2025-07-25
Estimated Expiration
2044-06-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the airtight cab, it is difficult to automatically adjust the gas pressure to maintain it within an appropriate range, which poses a risk of human operation errors and affects the health of the occupants.

Method used

The adjustment device is adopted to separate the inner space of the cab into an open and closed space through the partitioning member, and automatically adjust the opening and closing of the gas flow path by using the internal and external pressure difference to keep the gas pressure in the cab within an appropriate range.

Benefits of technology

It realizes automatic adjustment of gas pressure in the cab, reduces human operation errors, and ensures the health and safety of occupants.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention provides an adjustment device, an adjustment system, and a flying object. A means for adjusting the pressure of the gas in the airtight cab so as to maintain it within an appropriate range is provided. The adjustment device (16) is disposed in the internal space (S1) of the cab of a flying object such as a gas balloon. The adjustment device has a container (161) and a partition member (162) that hermetically divides the internal space of the container into an open space (S3) and a closed space (S4). The open space communicates with the internal space, and the closed space is closed. The partition member moves in the +X direction as the pressure of the gas in the internal space rises. When the partition member moves a distance D or more from the reference position, an opening (O2) provided in the container opens, and the gas flows out from the internal space to the external space (S2) via the exhaust pipe (17). As a result, when the pressure of the air in the internal space decreases, the partition member moves in the -X direction, the opening is closed, and the outflow of the gas stops.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for adjusting the pressure in a cab that houses a conveyance object of a flying object. Background Art

[0002] When a flying object such as an aircraft conveys a person or an animal, in order to sustain the life of these conveyance objects, the air in the internal space of a container (hereinafter referred to as "cab") that houses these conveyance objects must contain sufficient oxygen and be at a pressure within a specified range.

[0003] Therefore, various mechanisms (air conditioning systems) have been proposed to adjust the air in the cab so as to satisfy the conditions for sustaining the life of the conveyance object. For example, an air conditioning system for an aircraft is described in Patent Document 1. The air conditioning system described in Patent Document 1 compresses external gas to a pressure within a specified range by a compressor and conveys the compressed air to the cab of the aircraft in such a way that the compressed air circulates.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-103715

[0005] When the flying object reaches a relatively high altitude such as more than 10,000 meters above the ground, the air around the flying object becomes a low pressure and low temperature at which a person or an animal cannot sustain life. Therefore, a cab that houses a person or an animal conveyed upward by such a flying object needs to have a structure that is airtight with respect to the external space.

[0006] In a cab that is airtight with respect to the external space, it is necessary to supply oxygen consumed by the breathing of a person or an animal from an oxygen cylinder or the like. When oxygen is supplied to the airtight cab, the pressure of the air in the cab rises.

[0007] When the pressure of the air in the cab deviates significantly from the atmospheric pressure, the person or animal in the cab may complain of poor physical conditions such as headache caused by autonomic nerve disorder. Therefore, it is desirable to maintain the pressure of the gas in the cab within a specified range close to the atmospheric pressure (hereinafter referred to as "appropriate range").

[0008] For example, consider disposing a pressure gauge in the cab, and the occupant in the cab monitors the measured value of the pressure gauge. If the pressure deviates from the appropriate range, the exhaust port provided in the cab is manually opened and closed to discharge the gas in the cab to the outside of the cab, thereby maintaining the pressure of the gas in the cab within the appropriate range.

[0009] However, in the case of the above method, it requires the effort of the occupant and there is a risk of an accident due to human error. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention has been completed in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a means for adjusting the pressure of the gas in an airtight cab so as to maintain the pressure within an appropriate range.

[0011] The present invention provides an adjustment device that adjusts the pressure of the gas in the internal space of an airtight cab that houses a transport object of a flying body. The adjustment device includes: a container; and a partition member that hermetically divides the internal space of the container into a first space that is open to the internal space of the cab and a second space that is closed to both the internal space of the cab and the external space of the cab. The partition member is subjected to a force generated by the difference in the pressure of the gas in the first space and the pressure of the gas in the second space, and while maintaining the state of hermetically separating the first space and the second space, moves within the container, and opens and closes the gas movement path between the internal space of the cab and the external space of the cab as the partition member moves.

[0012] According to the present invention, the pressure of the gas in the cab is maintained within an appropriate range. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a view showing the appearance of a flying body according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 is a view showing the structural part housed in the internal space of a cab according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 is a view showing the appearance of an adjustment device according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 is a view showing the structure of an adjustment device according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 is a view showing the configuration of an adjustment device according to one modification example.

[0018] Figure 6 is a view showing the configuration of an adjustment device according to one modification example.

[0019] Figure 7 is a view showing the structure of an adjustment device according to one modification example.

[0020] Figure 8 is a view showing the structure of an adjustment device according to one modification example.

[0021] Figure 9 is a view showing the configuration of an adjustment device according to one modification example.

[0022] Figure 10This is a diagram showing a cab equipped with an adjustment device of a modification example.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the structure of an adjustment device of a modification example.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the structure of a cab of a modification example.

[0025] Reference Numeral Explanation

[0026] 1: Flying object; 11: Airbag; 12: Suspension cable; 13: Cab; 14: Gas cylinder; 15: Constant flow valve; 16: Adjustment device; 17: Exhaust pipe; 18: Manual on-off valve; 19: Pressure gauge; 20: Solenoid valve; 21: Alarm device; 22: Differential pressure control valve; 23: Manual on-off valve; 24: Carbon dioxide absorber; 26: Adjustment device; 27: Spring; 28: Spring; 33: Cab; 161: Container; 162: Partition member; 163: Pressure relief valve; 164: Cover; 165: Stopper; 171: Socket; 261: Container; 262: Partition member; 263: Rack; 264: Power transmission mechanism; 265: On-off valve; 331: Inner wall body; 332: Outer wall body; 333: Connecting member; 1611: Plug; 1612: Plug; 1613: Flange-like portion; 1621: Circular plate member; 1622: Cylindrical member; 1623: O-ring; 2641: Pinion gear; 2642: Pinion gear; 2643: Pinion gear. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0027]

Embodiment

[0028] Hereinafter, a flying object 1 of an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the appearance of the flying object 1. The flying object 1 has an airbag 11, a suspension cable 12, and a cab 13 as main structures observed from the outside.

[0029] The airbag 11 stores a gas lighter than air (for example, helium gas) and generates buoyancy to make the flying object 1 rise. The suspension cable 12 is a cable body connecting the airbag 11 and the cab 13. The cab 13 is a container that stores a conveyance object in an airtight state in the internal space. The conveyance object may also include, for example, an occupant (person) or an animal.

[0030] Figure 2This is a diagram showing the structural parts (including the structural parts having a portion that penetrates the wall portion of the cab 13 and exposes to the external space S2) stored in the internal space S1 of the flying object 1. In the structural parts of the cab 13, there are arranged a gas cylinder 14, a constant flow valve 15, an adjustment device 16, an exhaust pipe 17, a manual on-off valve 18, a pressure gauge 19, a solenoid valve 20, an alarm device 21, a differential pressure control valve 22, a manual on-off valve 23, and a carbon dioxide absorber 24. In addition, as Figure 2 shown, an occupant A, which is an example of an object to be transported, is also stored in the internal space S1.

[0031] The gas cylinder 14 is a pressure-resistant container that stores a gas at a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure (for example, in the state before the constant flow valve 15 is opened, it is 5 atmospheres to 8 atmospheres). The gas stored in the gas cylinder 14 includes oxygen at a concentration higher than that contained in normal air. For example, the gas stored in the gas cylinder 14 is normal air, high-oxygen-concentration air with oxygen added to normal air to increase the oxygen concentration, oxygen, etc.

[0032] The constant flow valve 15 is a valve installed on the supply path of the gas supplied from the gas cylinder 14 to the internal space S1. It opens during the period when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the gas cylinder 14 is equal to or higher than a specified threshold value, and maintains the flow rate of the oxygen flowing from the gas cylinder 14 to the internal space S1 to be substantially constant. In addition, the flow rate being substantially constant means that the flow rate does not have to be strictly constant, and a variation within a specified range is allowed. The type of the constant flow valve 15 can be any type such as a rubber orifice type or a needle orifice type.

[0033] The adjustment device 16 is a device that closes the gas flow path between the internal space S1 and the external space S2 of the cab 13 during the period when the absolute pressure of the gas in the internal space S1 is less than the threshold value PT3 (or equal to or less than the threshold value PT3), thereby maintaining the internal space S1 airtight with respect to the external space S2. During the period when the absolute pressure of the internal space S1 is equal to or higher than the threshold value PT3 (or exceeds the threshold value PT3), it opens the gas flow path between the internal space S1 and the external space S2, thereby enabling the gas to move from the internal space S1 to the external space S2. The structure of the adjustment device 16 will be described later.

[0034] The exhaust pipe 17 is a pipe that forms a gas flow path from the internal space S1 toward the external space S2 via the adjustment device 16. That is, one end (hereinafter referred to as the "inner end") of the exhaust pipe 17 is connected to the adjustment device 16, and the other end (hereinafter referred to as the "outer end") penetrates the wall portion of the cab 13 and exposes to the external space S2.

[0035] The manual opening / closing valve 18 is, for example, a valve that opens or closes the flow path of the gas formed by the exhaust pipe 17 according to the manual operation of the occupant A. The manual opening / closing valve 18 is used to stop the outflow of the gas in the following case: Although the adjustment device 16 has some malfunction and the absolute pressure of the gas in the internal space S1 is less than the threshold value PT3 (or is the threshold value PT3 or less), the gas flows out from the internal space S1 to the external space S2 through the adjustment device 16 and the exhaust pipe 17. For example, when the alarm device 21 described later notifies a decrease in abnormal pressure, the occupant A closes the manual opening / closing valve 18 according to the notification.

[0036] The pressure gauge 19 is an absolute pressure gauge or a gauge pressure gauge, and measures the pressure of the gas in the internal space S1. The electromagnetic valve 20 is arranged so as to penetrate the wall portion of the cab 13 (or is arranged so as to close the pipe penetrating the wall portion of the cab 13), and opens when the pressure continuously measured by the pressure gauge 19 rises to reach the upper threshold value PT5, and closes when the pressure continuously measured by the pressure gauge 19 drops to reach the lower threshold value PT4.

[0037] The electromagnetic valve 20 functions as follows: Although the adjustment device 16 has some malfunction and the absolute pressure of the gas in the internal space S1 is above the threshold value PT3 (or exceeds the threshold value PT3), the gas does not flow out from the internal space S1 to the external space S2 through the adjustment device 16 and the exhaust pipe 17, the internal space S1 remains airtight with respect to the external space S2, and when the pressure of the gas in the internal space S1 reaches the threshold value PT5, the gas flows out from the internal space S1 to the external space S2, and the pressure of the gas in the internal space S1 is reduced to the threshold value PT4.

[0038] When the pressure continuously measured by the pressure gauge 19 rises to reach the upper threshold value PT7, the alarm device 21 starts alarm actions such as emitting a warning sound or lighting a warning lamp, and when the pressure continuously measured by the pressure gauge 19 drops to reach the lower threshold value PT6, the alarm device 21 stops the alarm action, thereby notifying the occupants in the cab 13 of an abnormal increase in the pressure of the gas in the internal space S1.

[0039] In addition, when the pressure continuously measured by the pressure gauge 19 drops to reach the lower threshold value PT1, the alarm device 21 starts alarm actions such as emitting a warning sound or lighting a warning lamp, and when the pressure continuously measured by the pressure gauge 19 rises to reach the upper threshold value PT2, the alarm device 21 stops the alarm action, thereby notifying the occupants in the cab 13 of an abnormal decrease in the pressure of the gas in the internal space S1.

[0040] In the present embodiment, the magnitude relationship between the above threshold values PT1 to PT7 and the atmospheric pressure AP is PT1 < PT2 < AP < PT3 < PT4 < PT5 < PT6 < PT7.

[0041] The differential pressure control valve 22 is a valve configured to penetrate the wall portion of the cab 13, close during a period when the pressure difference between the gas in the internal space S1 and the external space S2 is less than a specified threshold value QT (or equal to or less than the threshold value QT), keep the internal space S1 airtight with respect to the external space S2, open during a period when the pressure difference between the gas in the internal space S1 and the external space S2 is equal to or greater than the threshold value QT (or exceeds the threshold value QT), and allow the gas to move from the internal space S1 to the external space S2.

[0042] The pressure at which the differential pressure control valve 22 opens and closes, that is, the threshold value QT, is the difference between the pressure of the gas in the external space S2 and the maximum assumed pressure of the gas in the internal space S1 (for example, 1.5 times the atmospheric pressure) at the maximum assumed altitude during the flight of the flying object 1.

[0043] The differential pressure control valve 22 functions as follows: it opens when there are malfunctions in the adjustment device 16 and the pressure gauge 19, or when malfunctions occur in all of the adjustment device 16, the solenoid valve 20, and the alarm device 21 and the air pressure in the internal space S1 abnormally rises, allowing the gas to flow out from the internal space S1 to the external space S2 to reduce the pressure of the gas in the internal space S1.

[0044] The manual opening and closing valve 23 is configured to penetrate the wall portion of the cab 13 (or configured to close a pipe penetrating the wall portion of the cab 13), and is, for example, a valve that opens or closes the gas flow path between the internal space S1 and the external space S2 according to the manual operation of the occupant A. For example, when the alarm device 21 notifies an abnormal rise in pressure, the occupant A opens the manual opening and closing valve 18 according to the notification.

[0045] The carbon dioxide absorber 24 is a liquid or solid substance that absorbs carbon dioxide from the gas in contact therewith by chemically reacting with the carbon dioxide contained in the gas at normal temperature. Examples of the carbon dioxide absorber 24 include calcium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, etc., but are not limited thereto. In addition, the carbon dioxide absorber 24 is stored in a container having a vent through which the surrounding gas can enter and exit to prevent unintentional contact by the occupant A or the like. In addition, the carbon dioxide absorber 24 is stored in a storage body such as a bag or the like in a manner not in contact with the external gas during the period before the flight of the flying object 1, that is, when not in use, or the vent of the container is closed by a sheet-like material. Moreover, before the flight of the flying object 1 is about to start or after the flight starts, the absorption of carbon dioxide is started by opening the storage body or peeling off the sheet-like material that closes the vent.

[0046] The carbon dioxide absorber 24 functions as follows: it absorbs the carbon dioxide increased due to breathing by the occupant A or the like in the internal space S1 that is airtight with respect to the external space S2, thereby making the carbon dioxide concentration in the gas in the internal space S1 close to the carbon dioxide concentration of normal air.

[0047] Next, the structure of the adjustment device 16 will be described.

[0048] Figure 3 FIG. is a view showing the appearance of the adjustment device 16, Figure 4 FIG. is a view showing the structure of the adjustment device 16. The adjustment device 16 includes a container 161, a partition member 162, a pressure relief valve 163, a lid 164, and a stopper 165.

[0049] The container 161 is a container having a cylindrical shape as a whole, and has an opening O1, an opening O2, and an opening O3.

[0050] The internal space of the container 161 is divided by the partition member 162 into Figure 4 the left space, i.e., the open space S3 (an example of the first space), and Figure 4 the right space, i.e., the closed space S4 (an example of the second space).

[0051] The opening O1 is an opening provided on the open space S3 side, and is provided to allow gas to move between the internal space S1 of the cab 13 and the open space S3 of the container 161.

[0052] The opening O2 is provided to allow gas to move between the open space S3 of the container 161 and the external space S2 of the cab 13 via the exhaust pipe 17. The container 161 has a plug 1611 formed so as to surround the periphery of the opening O2 and project outward. The plug 1611 is hermetically connected to a socket 171 provided at the inner end of the exhaust pipe 17.

[0053] When the partition member 162 moves, the opening O2 may be closed by the partition member 162 as shown in (A) of Figure 4 or may not be closed by the partition member 162 as shown in (B) of Figure 4 . Hereinafter, the state in which the opening O2 is closed by the partition member 162 is referred to as the "closed state", and the state in which the opening O2 is not closed by the partition member 162 is referred to as the "open state".

[0054] The opening O3 is an opening provided on the closed space S4 side, and is provided to allow gas to freely enter and exit the closed space S4 of the container 161. The container 161 has a plug 1612 formed so as to surround the periphery of the opening O3 and project outward. During the preparation stage of the adjustment device 16, the plug 1612 is connected to a socket provided at the end of the intake and exhaust pipe of an intake and exhaust device (not shown). The intake or exhaust of gas with respect to the closed space S4 by the intake and exhaust device is performed when the partition member 162 is in Figure 4In the state of the position shown in (A) below (hereinafter referred to as the "reference position"), the pressure of the gas in the closed space S4 is adjusted to a predetermined pressure (absolute pressure), that is, the pressure PS4(0). This predetermined pressure PS4(0) will be described later.

[0055] When the adjustment of the pressure of the gas in the closed space S4 by the intake / exhaust device is completed, the socket of the intake / exhaust device is removed from the plug 1612. At this time, the pressure relief valve 163 is arranged to close the opening O3 so that the gas in the closed space S4 does not leak to the outside through the opening O3. The pressure relief valve 163 opens when the air pressure from the inside of the closed space S4 to the outside or the air pressure from the outside of the closed space S4 to the inside reaches a threshold value sufficiently greater than the pressure PS4(0), and closes when it is less than this threshold value.

[0056] The cover 164 is installed on the plug 1612 after the socket of the intake / exhaust device is removed. The cover 164 serves to close the opening O3 to prevent the gas from leaking to the outside through the opening O3 from the closed space S4 where the gas pressure has been adjusted. In addition, when the gas leakage is reliably prevented by the pressure relief valve 163, the cover 164 may not be provided.

[0057] The partition member 162 is a member that hermetically divides the internal space of the container 161 into an open space S3 that is open to the internal space S1 of the cab 13 and a closed space S4. The partition member 162 is subjected to a force generated by the pressure difference (internal and external pressure difference) between the gas pressure in the open space S3 and the gas pressure in the closed space S4, and moves in the X direction ( Figure 4 the left - right direction) within the container 161.

[0058] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The illustrated partition member 162 has a circular plate member 1621, a cylindrical member 1622 provided so as to cover the entire circumference of the outer edge of the circular plate member 1621, and one or more O - rings 1623 embedded in grooves provided on the outer side surface of the cylindrical member 1622. The outer diameter of the cylindrical member 1622 is smaller than the inner diameter of the portion in the container 161 that contacts the cylindrical member 1622 by a clearance amount, and the O - ring 1623 can move in the X direction in a state of being in contact with the inner surface of the container 161. In addition, in the region of the inner surface of the container 161 that contacts the O - ring 1623, lubricating oil may be applied in order to enable the partition member 162 (O - ring 1623) to slide smoothly relative to the container 161 while maintaining the state where the open space S3 and the closed space S4 are hermetically separated by the O - ring 1623.

[0059] The stopper 165 is a member installed on the inner surface of the open space S3 side of the container 161 in a manner protruding inward. The stopper 165 restricts the movement of the partition member 162 so that the partition member 162 does not exceed Figure 4 (A) and toward the open space S3 side (-X direction, i.e. Figure 4 In addition, Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the example of FIG. 1 , the stopper 165 is a plurality of columnar protrusions, but the shape, number, arrangement, etc. thereof may be arbitrarily changed as long as the movement of the partition member 162 is restricted.

[0060] In addition, normally, the partition member 162 does not move greatly in the -X direction ( Figure 4 Therefore, the stopper 165 is not necessary. However, for example, in the event that a hole is opened in the cab 13 and the pressure of the air in the internal space S1 is temporarily greatly reduced, there is a risk that the partition member 162 will move greatly in the -X direction from the reference position, causing the partition member 162 to be pushed out of the container 161 and detached. In this way, when the partition member 162 detaches from the container 161, the opening O2 opens, the internal space S1 of the cab 13 is connected to the external space S2 via the exhaust pipe 17, and the gas in the internal space S1 leaks to the external space S2. The stopper 165 serves to prevent such an undesirable situation from occurring.

[0061] The above is a description of the structure of the adjustment device 16. Next, the operation of the adjustment device 16 will be described below. In the following description, the pressure of the gas in the internal space S1 is referred to as "pressure PS1", and the pressure of the gas in the external space S2 is referred to as "pressure PS2".

[0062] As described above, the partition member 162 moves in the X direction due to the internal and external pressure difference. In addition, the pressure of the gas in the closed space S4 when the partition member 162 is in the reference position is adjusted to the pressure PS4 (0). Hereinafter, the pressure of the gas in the closed space S4 when the partition member 162 moves from the reference position to the +X direction by a distance d is recorded as pressure PS4 (d).

[0063] Pressure PS4 (0) is the pressure at which the partition member 162 moves from the reference position by a distance D. Figure 4 The pressure of the gas in the closed space S4 in the state of (B) is a pressure (e.g., 0.5 atmosphere) determined so that the pressure PS4 (D) becomes a predetermined value (e.g., 1.5 atmospheres, etc., which is greater than the atmospheric pressure and is within the range where the occupants of the cab 13 can comfortably pass through). In addition, the pressure PS4 (0) varies depending on the capacity of the container 161, the length of the cylindrical member 1622 of the partition member 162 in the X direction, etc.

[0064] First, on the ground, crew member A etc. enter the cab 13, the hatch (not shown) is closed etc., whereby the internal space S1 of the cab 13 becomes a state airtight with respect to the external space S2. In this state, the partitioning member 162 is located at the reference position ( Figure 4 of (A)).

[0065] In this state, for example, when crew member A opens the constant flow valve 15, oxygen starts to be continuously supplied from the gas cylinder 14 to the internal space S1. Along with the supply of oxygen, the pressure of the gas in the internal space S1, i.e., the pressure PS1, rises. Then, when the pressure PS1 exceeds the pressure of the gas in the closed space S4, i.e., the pressure PS4(0), the partitioning member 162 starts to move in the +X direction.

[0066] After that, when the pressure PS1 reaches the pressure PS4(D) and the partitioning member 162 has moved a distance D in the +X direction from the reference position, a part of the opening O2 closed by the partitioning member 162 opens. As a result, the internal space S1 communicates with the external space S2 via the exhaust pipe 17. The pressure of the gas (air) in the external space S2 is approximately atmospheric pressure (1 atmosphere) on the ground and decreases when the flying object 1 ascends from the ground. That is, the pressure of the gas in the external space S2 is below atmospheric pressure. On the other hand, in the case where the adjusting device 16 is in Figure 4 the state of (B), the pressure PS1 of the gas in the internal space S1 is equal to the pressure PS4(D). Therefore, the gas flows out from the internal space S1 with a higher pressure to the external space S2 with a lower pressure.

[0067] As described above, when the gas flows out from the internal space S1 to the external space S2, the pressure PS1 of the gas in the internal space S1 decreases, the partitioning member 162 moves in the -X direction, the opening O2 is closed, and the outflow of the gas from the internal space S1 to the external space S2 stops.

[0068] As described above, as the pressure PS1 of the gas in the internal space S1 changes, the partitioning member 162 moves in the X direction to open and close the opening O2, whereby the pressure PS1 of the gas in the internal space S1 is maintained at or below the pressure PS4(D) (or less than the pressure PS4(D)).

[0069]

Modification Example

[0070] The above-mentioned flying object 1 and adjusting device 16 can be variously modified within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. The following shows their modification examples. In addition, two or more of the following modification examples can be appropriately combined.

[0071] (1), Constitution Figure 3 and Figure 4The shape, number, configuration, etc. of the components of the adjustment device 16 shown are examples, and various changes can be made. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the container 161 is generally cylindrical in shape, but it can also be square cylindrical in shape.

[0072] (2), in the above-described embodiment, the adjustment device 16 is arranged in the internal space S1, but as long as there is a flow path through which gas can move freely between the open space S3 and the internal space S1, and there is a flow path through which gas can move freely between the opening O2 and the external space S2, the adjustment device 16 can be arranged at any position.

[0073] For example, as Figure 5 shown, it can also be that the adjustment device 16 is arranged in the external space S2, the inner end of the exhaust pipe 17 is arranged in the internal space S1, and the outer end of the exhaust pipe 17 is connected to the opening O1 instead of the opening O2. In addition, in Figure 5 , the illustrations of the pressure gauge 19, the solenoid valve 20, the alarm device 21, the differential pressure control valve 22, the manual on-off valve 23, and the carbon dioxide absorber 24 are omitted (the same is true in Figure 6 , Figure 10 , Figure 12 ).

[0074] In addition, as Figure 6 shown, the exhaust pipe 17 may not be used, and the adjustment device 16 may be arranged to penetrate the wall portion of the cab 13 in such a way that the opening O1 is in the internal space S1 and the opening O2 is in the external space S2.

[0075] (3), the flying object 1 may also have a plurality of gas cylinders 14 and constant flow valves 15. In addition, the flying object 1 may also have a plurality of adjustment devices 16, exhaust pipes 17, and manual on-off valves 18. In addition, the flying object 1 may also have a plurality of carbon dioxide absorbers 24.

[0076] (4), it can also be that, in a state where the partition member 162 opens the gas movement path between the internal space S1 and the external space S2, a force is applied to the partition member 162 in a direction toward a state of closing the movement path. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the structure of an adjustment device 16 which is an example of this modification. The adjustment device 16 of this modification has, in addition to the structure of the adjustment device 16 of the above-described embodiment (refer to Figure 4 ), a spring 27 (a biasing member). In addition, Figure 7 shown, the number of springs 27 is 1, but the number of springs 27 can also be 2 or more.

[0077] The length of the spring 27 in a state where no external force is applied is, for example, longer than the state where the partition member 162 is in the reference position ( Figure 7The distance between the +X side surface of the partition member 162 and the -X side surface of the container 161 facing the +X side surface of the partition member 162 is long under (A) of . Therefore, the spring 27 disposed in the closed space S4 with its longitudinal direction along the X direction applies a force toward the -X direction to the partition member 162.

[0078] Figure 8 FIG. is a diagram showing the structure of the adjustment device 16 which is another example of this modification. The adjustment device 16 of this modification is different from the adjustment device 16 of the above-described embodiment (refer to Figure 4 ) in that the container 161 has a flange-shaped portion 1613 extending radially inward from the end portion on the opening O1 side and in that it has a spring 28 (biasing member). In addition, Figure 8 The number of the springs 28 shown is two, but the number of the springs 28 may also be one or three or more.

[0079] The length of the spring 28 in a state where no external force is applied is, for example, shorter than the distance between the +X side surface of the flange-shaped portion 1613 and the -X side surface of the partition member 162 facing the +X side surface of the flange-shaped portion 1613 in a state where the partition member 162 is located at the reference position ( Figure 8 of (A)). Therefore, the spring 27 mounted between the flange-shaped portion 1613 and the partition member 162 with its longitudinal direction along the X direction applies a force toward the -X direction to the partition member 162.

[0080] In addition, Figure 7 or Figure 8 The biasing member of the adjustment device 16 shown is a spring, but a biasing member other than a spring may be employed. For example, an elastic body (such as rubber) other than a spring may be used instead of the spring 27 or the spring 28. In addition, a pair of magnets arranged to repel each other in the X direction may be employed instead of the spring 27. In addition, a pair of magnets arranged to attract each other in the X direction may be employed instead of the spring 28.

[0081] Figure 9 FIG. is a diagram showing the arrangement of the adjustment device 16 which is still another example of this modification. The adjustment device 16 of this modification has the same structure as the adjustment device 16 of the above-described embodiment (refer to Figure 4 ), but is different in that it is arranged with the -X direction being the vertically downward direction. Figure 9 The adjustment device 16 of Figure 7 or Figure 8 does not have a biasing member independent of other components like the adjustment device 16 of

[0082] When the partition member 162 that moves in the +X direction as the pressure of the gas in the internal space S1 rises is to move in the -X direction as the pressure of the gas in the internal space S1 subsequently drops, a situation may occur where, for example, due to the frictional force generated between the O-ring 1623 and the inner surface of the container 161, this movement cannot be smoothly generated. In this case, the amount of gas flowing out from the internal space S1 to the external space S2 via the opening O2 is excessive, and the pressure of the gas in the internal space S1 is excessively reduced. In the adjustment device 16 of this modification, since the partition member 162 is biased in the -X direction, such an adverse situation is less likely to occur.

[0083] (5) The adjustment device 16 of the above-described embodiment constitutes an opening / closing mechanism that opens and closes the opening O2 by the partition member 162 that moves due to the internal and external pressure difference between the open space S3 and the closed space S4, and opens and closes the gas movement path between the internal space S1 and the external space S2. As long as the gas movement path between the internal space S1 and the external space S2 is opened and closed as the partition member moves, opening / closing mechanisms of various other structures can be employed.

[0084] For example, a structure may also be adopted in which, instead of directly opening and closing the gas movement path between the internal space S1 and the external space S2 by the partition member, the force applied to the partition member due to the internal and external pressure difference is transmitted via a power transmission mechanism to an opening / closing member that opens and closes the gas movement path between the internal space S1 and the external space S2, and this movement path is opened and closed.

[0085] Figure 10 FIG. shows a state in which the adjustment device 26, which is an example of this modification, is installed in the driver's cab 13. Additionally, Figure 11 FIG. shows the structure of the adjustment device 26.

[0086] The adjustment device 26 first has a container 261 corresponding to the container 161 that the adjustment device 16 has and a partition member 262 corresponding to the partition member 162 that the adjustment device 16 has. The partition member 262 moves along the Figure 11 indicated X direction by the force generated due to the internal and external pressure difference.

[0087] On the -X direction side ( Figure 11 the upper side) of the partition member 262, a rack 263 is installed. Additionally, the partition member 262 and the rack 263 may also be integrally formed. When the pressure of the gas in the internal space S1 increases, the rack 263 moves in the +X direction together with the partition member 262, and when the pressure of the gas in the internal space S1 decreases, the rack 263 moves in the -X direction together with the partition member 262.

[0088] In addition, the adjustment device 26 has a power transmission mechanism 264 that transmits the force exerted on the partition member 262 due to the internal and external pressure difference to the on-off valve 265. In Figure 11 this example, the power transmission mechanism 264 has three meshing pinions, namely, pinion 2641, pinion 2642, and pinion 2643.

[0089] In this case, when the pressure of the gas in the internal space S1 rises and the rack 263 moves in the +X direction, the pinion 2641 meshing with the rack 263 rotates in the +D1 direction, the pinion 2642 meshing with the pinion 2641 rotates in the +D2 direction, and the pinion 2643 meshing with the pinion 2642 rotates in the +D3 direction.

[0090] In addition, when the pressure of the gas in the internal space S1 decreases and the rack 263 moves in the -X direction, the pinion 2641 meshing with the rack 263 rotates in the -D1 direction, the pinion 2642 meshing with the pinion 2641 rotates in the -D2 direction, and the pinion 2643 meshing with the pinion 2642 rotates in the -D3 direction.

[0091] In addition, the structure of the power transmission mechanism 264 is not limited to the above structure, and various structures can be adopted. For example, the power transmission mechanism 264 may have a number of pinions other than three, or a structure that transmits power through a transmission belt.

[0092] In addition, the adjustment device 26 has an on-off valve 265 that opens and closes as the pinion 2643 rotates. The on-off valve 265 (an example of an opening and closing member) is arranged so as to penetrate the wall portion of the cab 13 (or arranged so as to close a pipe penetrating the wall portion of the cab 13), and closes during the period when the pressure of the gas in the internal space S1 is less than the pressure PS4(D), and opens when the pressure of the gas in the internal space S1 reaches the pressure PS4(D) as a threshold value.

[0093] (6) In the above embodiment, a gas containing oxygen is supplied from the gas cylinder 14 to the internal space S1. Instead of the gas cylinder 14, a storage space for storing a gas containing oxygen may be formed in the wall body of the cab, and the gas containing oxygen may be supplied from the storage space to the internal space S1.

[0094] Figure 12 It is a view showing the structure of the cab 33 illustrating this modification. The cab 33 has a double-structured wall body, namely, an inner wall body 331 and an outer wall body 332.

[0095] The inner wall body 331 and the outer wall body 332 are connected by a plurality of connecting members 333. The connecting members 333 function as follows: maintaining the positional relationship between the inner wall body 331 and the outer wall body 332, thereby ensuring an inter-wall space S5 between the inner wall body 331 and the outer wall body 332.

[0096] In addition, in Figure 12 , although the inter-wall space S5 appears to be divided into a plurality of spaces by the connecting members 333, the connecting members 333 do not extend in a manner that divides the inter-wall space S5, and the inter-wall space S5 forms a continuous space.

[0097] An oxygen-containing gas is filled in the inter-wall space S5 at a high pressure. That is, the double-structured wall body composed of the inner wall body 331, the outer wall body 332, and the connecting members 333 functions as a pressure-resistant container that houses the oxygen-containing gas and makes the pressure of the gas higher than the atmospheric pressure. Moreover, the oxygen-containing gas is supplied from the inter-wall space S5 to the internal space S1 via a constant flow valve 15 arranged in a manner that penetrates the inner wall body 331 (or arranged in a manner that closes a pipe penetrating the inner wall body 331). According to this modification example, there is no need to install a gas cylinder in the cab, the internal space S1 can be effectively utilized, and the weight of the flying object 1 can be lightened.

[0098] (7) The type of the flying object 1 is not limited to a gas balloon. For example, the flying object 1 can be other types of flying objects that rise by the buoyancy generated by an airbag, such as a hot air balloon, an airship, etc., or a flying object that flies by lift, such as an aircraft.

[0099] (8) The present invention provides an adjustment device exemplified by the above adjustment device 16 (or adjustment device 26), a system having the adjustment device, a pressure-resistant container exemplified by the gas cylinder 14, and a constant flow valve exemplified by the constant flow valve 15, and a flying object having the system.

Claims

1. An adjusting device that adjusts the pressure of the gas in the internal space of an airtight cab that houses a conveyance object for a flying object, wherein, the adjusting device includes: a container; a partitioning member that airtightly partitions the internal space of the container into a first space that is open to the internal space of the cab and a second space that is closed to both the internal space of the cab and the external space of the cab, and the partitioning member is subjected to a force generated by the pressure difference between the gas in the first space and the gas in the second space and while maintaining the state of airtightly partitioning the first space and the second space, moves within the container; and an opening provided on the second space side of the container and provided to allow gas to freely enter and exit the second space of the container, and the opening is connected to a suction and exhaust device during the preparation stage of the adjusting device to suck or exhaust gas from the second space, thereby adjusting the pressure of the gas in the second space, opening and closing the gas movement path between the internal space of the cab and the external space of the cab as the partitioning member moves.

2. The adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein, the container has an opening provided on the gas movement path between the first space and the external space of the cab, the partitioning member opens and closes the opening as it moves, thereby opening and closing the gas movement path between the internal space of the cab and the external space of the cab.

3. The adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein, the adjusting device includes: a power transmission mechanism that transmits the force received by the partitioning member as the partitioning member moves; and an opening and closing member provided on the gas movement path between the internal space of the cab and the external space of the cab, and opening and closing the gas movement path between the internal space of the cab and the external space of the cab by using the force transmitted by the power transmission mechanism.

4. The adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein, in a state where the partitioning member opens the gas movement path between the internal space of the cab and the external space of the cab, the partitioning member is biased in a direction toward closing the movement path.

5. An adjusting system that includes: an adjusting device that adjusts the pressure of the gas in the internal space of an airtight cab that houses a conveyance object for a flying object; a pressure-resistant container that houses a gas containing oxygen and has a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure; and a constant flow valve installed on the gas movement path provided from the pressure-resistant container to the internal space of the cab, the adjusting device includes: a container; A partition member that hermetically divides the interior space of the container into a first space open to the interior space of the cab and a second space closed to the interior space of the cab, and the partition member moves within the container under the force generated by the pressure difference between the gas in the first space and the gas in the second space; and An opening provided on the second space side of the container and provided to allow gas to freely enter and exit the second space of the container. The opening is connected to an intake / exhaust device during the preparation stage of the adjustment device to intake or exhaust gas from the second space, thereby adjusting the pressure of the gas in the second space. Opens and closes the gas movement path between the interior space of the cab and the exterior space of the cab as the partition member moves.

6. The adjustment system according to claim 5, wherein The system has: A pressure gauge that measures the pressure of the interior space of the cab; and A solenoid valve provided on the gas movement path between the interior space of the cab and the exterior space of the cab, and opens and closes the gas movement path between the interior space of the cab and the exterior space of the cab according to the pressure measured by the pressure gauge.

7. The adjustment system according to claim 5, wherein The system has a differential pressure control valve provided on the gas movement path between the interior space of the cab and the exterior space of the cab, and the differential pressure control valve opens and closes according to the pressure difference between the gas pressure in the interior space of the cab and the gas pressure in the exterior space of the cab.

8. The adjustment system according to claim 5, wherein The system has a carbon dioxide absorber disposed in the interior space of the cab.

9. The adjustment system according to claim 5, wherein At least a part of the wall portion of the cab is composed of an inner wall body and an outer wall body disposed outside the inner wall body. The pressure-resistant container is composed of the inner wall body and the outer wall body, and a gas containing oxygen with a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure is stored in the space formed between the inner wall body and the outer wall body.

10. An aircraft having: An airtight cab that houses the object to be transported; An adjustment device that adjusts the pressure of the gas in the interior space of the cab; A pressure-resistant container that stores a gas containing oxygen and has a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure; and A constant flow valve installed on the gas movement path provided from the pressure-resistant container to the interior space of the cab. The adjustment device has: A container; A partition member that hermetically divides the interior space of the container into a first space open to the interior space of the cab and a second space closed to the interior space of the cab, and the partition member moves within the container under the force generated by the pressure difference between the gas in the first space and the gas in the second space; and An opening portion is provided on the second space side of the container and is provided to enable gas to freely enter and exit the second space of the container. The opening portion is connected to the suction and exhaust device during the preparation stage of the adjustment device to suck or exhaust gas from the second space, thereby adjusting the pressure of the gas in the second space. As the partition member moves, it opens and closes the gas movement path between the interior space of the cab and the exterior space of the cab.

Citation Information

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