Life support method, life support device, life support program, and balloon cabin

Abstract

To provide a life support method, a life support device, a life support program, and a balloon cabin that can not only maintain the lives of passengers inside the cabin of a balloon used for manned flight at high altitudes by a balloon, but also safely and comfortably adjust the internal pressure and gas concentration. [Solution] A life support method within a balloon cabin 100 that is sealed during flight and can only be vented, which executes an internal pressure adjustment mode reading step for reading an internal pressure adjustment mode, a gas concentration adjustment mode reading step for reading a gas concentration adjustment mode, an internal pressure adjustment step for adjusting the internal pressure according to the internal pressure adjustment mode, and a gas concentration adjustment step for adjusting the gas concentration according to the gas concentration adjustment mode.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a life support method, a life support device, a life support program, and a balloon cabin for maintaining the lives of passengers inside a balloon cabin during manned flight at high altitudes using a balloon. Note that "high altitude" in the present invention refers to an altitude higher than the altitude at which aircraft normally operate, specifically an altitude of 20,000 meters or more up to a maximum of approximately 500,000 meters. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known technologies for maintaining the lives of passengers inside manned aircraft. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2-262498 discloses a life support system equipped with a cabin pressurizing device that pressurizes the internal pressure of the aircraft cabin to a predetermined pressure range according to the altitude of the aircraft (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-262498 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, aircraft equipped with conventional life support systems, including the life support system described in Patent Document 1, fly at an altitude of around 10,000 m at most, carrying several hundred passengers. For this reason, an aircraft must have a structure that forcibly takes in a large amount of outside air by flying at high speed, and the taken-in outside air is pressurized by a pressurizing device, adjusted to an appropriate temperature by an air conditioning device, and then supplied to the inside of the aircraft cabin. This keeps the internal pressure and gas concentrations (oxygen concentration and carbon dioxide concentration) inside the aircraft cabin at appropriate levels.

[0005] On the other hand, the cabin of a balloon that flies at an altitude of 20,000 m or more by a manned balloon is exposed to a lower air pressure than the flight conditions of an aircraft, and flies at a much slower speed than an aircraft. For this reason, it is not possible to take in outside air into the cabin of a balloon in the same way as an aircraft, and it is necessary to seal the cabin so that the air inside the cabin does not escape. In addition, since the cabin of a balloon flies by the buoyancy of the balloon, it is essential to reduce the weight, and since it is much narrower than an aircraft cabin, it is not possible to mount large and heavy equipment such as a pressurizing device or an air conditioning device that is installed in an aircraft. In the interior of a balloon cabin with such various constraints, a technology for appropriately adjusting both the internal pressure and the gas concentration so as to maintain the life of the passenger inside the cabin has not been realized so far.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve these problems, and its object is to provide a life support method, life support device, and life support program, as well as a balloon cabin, which can not only maintain the lives of the occupants inside a balloon cabin used for manned flight at high altitudes by balloon, but can also safely and comfortably adjust the internal pressure and gas concentration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The life support method according to the present invention is a method for maintaining life inside a balloon cabin during manned flight at high altitudes by a balloon, in order to solve the problem of not only maintaining the life of a passenger inside the cabin of the balloon during manned flight at high altitudes by a balloon, but also adjusting the internal pressure and gas concentration safely and comfortably, the balloon cabin having an airtight structure that is sealed during flight and can only be evacuated, and including a pressurizing gas cylinder filled with a pressurizing gas for pressurizing the inside of the balloon cabin, and a gas cylinder for the balloon cabin. an oxygen cylinder filled with oxygen to be supplied into a cabin; a gas supply flow control valve capable of adjusting the supply flow rate of pressurizing gas supplied from said pressurizing gas cylinder to a target flow rate by changing the valve opening; an oxygen supply flow control valve capable of adjusting the supply flow rate of oxygen supplied from said oxygen cylinder to a target flow rate by changing the valve opening; an exhaust flow control valve capable of adjusting the exhaust flow rate of gas exhausted from said balloon cabin to a target flow rate by changing the valve opening; and a life support device for adjusting valve openings of each of the control valves consisting of the gas supply flow control valve, the oxygen supply flow control valve, and the exhaust flow control valve based on at least the internal pressure value among the concentration values ​​of oxygen and carbon dioxide, wherein the life support device includes an internal pressure adjustment mode reading step of reading an internal pressure adjustment mode in which a target flow rate of each of the control valves is set corresponding to an internal pressure range in the balloon cabin, a gas concentration adjustment mode reading step of reading a gas concentration adjustment mode in which a target flow rate of each of the control valves is set corresponding to a concentration range of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the balloon cabin, an internal pressure adjustment step of setting each of the control valves to a valve opening corresponding to the target flow rate of the internal pressure adjustment mode when the detected internal pressure value is included in the internal pressure range of any of the internal pressure adjustment modes, and adjusting the internal pressure value so that it is within a suitable pressure range preferable for supporting life, and in the internal pressure adjustment mode in which the internal pressure range is relatively large, when the detected concentration value of oxygen or carbon dioxide is included in the concentration range of the gas concentration adjustment mode, setting each of the control valves to a valve opening corresponding to the target flow rate of the gas concentration adjustment mode,and a gas concentration adjustment step of adjusting the concentration value so that the concentration value falls within a suitable concentration range for sustaining life.

[0008] The life support device according to the present invention is a life support device for maintaining life inside a balloon cabin during manned flight at high altitudes by a balloon, in order to solve the problem of not only maintaining the life of a passenger inside the cabin of the balloon during manned flight at high altitudes by a balloon, but also adjusting the internal pressure and gas concentration safely and comfortably, the balloon cabin having an airtight structure that is sealed during flight and can only be evacuated, and further comprising a pressurizing gas cylinder filled with a pressurizing gas for pressurizing the inside of the balloon cabin, and a gas supply system for supplying the pressurizing gas to the balloon cabin. an oxygen cylinder filled with oxygen to be supplied into the balloon cabin; a gas supply flow control valve capable of adjusting the supply flow rate of the pressurizing gas supplied from the pressurizing gas cylinder to a target flow rate by changing the valve opening; an oxygen supply flow control valve capable of adjusting the supply flow rate of the oxygen supplied from the oxygen cylinder to a target flow rate by changing the valve opening; and an exhaust flow control valve capable of adjusting the exhaust flow rate of the gas exhausted from the balloon cabin to the target flow rate by changing the valve opening; and adjusting the valve opening of each of the control valves consisting of the gas supply flow control valve, the oxygen supply flow control valve, and the exhaust flow control valve based on at least the internal pressure value among the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration values ​​in the balloon cabin that are outputted, wherein an internal pressure adjustment mode reading step reads an internal pressure adjustment mode in which a target flow rate of each of the control valves is set corresponding to an internal pressure range in the balloon cabin; a gas concentration adjustment mode reading step reads a gas concentration adjustment mode in which a target flow rate of each of the control valves is set corresponding to a concentration range of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the balloon cabin; an internal pressure adjustment step, when the detected internal pressure value is within the internal pressure range of any of the internal pressure adjustment modes, setting each of the control valves to a valve opening corresponding to the target flow rate of the internal pressure adjustment mode, and adjusting the internal pressure value so that it is within a suitable pressure range that is preferable for sustaining life; and when the detected concentration value of oxygen or carbon dioxide is within the concentration range of the gas concentration adjustment mode in the internal pressure adjustment mode in which the internal pressure range is relatively large, setting each of the control valves to a valve opening corresponding to the target flow rate of the gas concentration adjustment mode.and a gas concentration adjustment step of adjusting the concentration value so that the concentration value falls within a suitable concentration range for sustaining life.

[0009] Furthermore, the life support method according to the present invention is a method for maintaining life inside a balloon cabin during manned flight at high altitudes by a balloon, in order to solve the problem of not only maintaining the lives of occupants inside the cabin of a balloon during manned flight at high altitudes by a balloon, but also adjusting the internal pressure and gas concentration safely and comfortably, the balloon cabin having an airtight structure that is sealed during flight and can only be evacuated, a pressurizing gas cylinder filled with a pressurizing gas for pressurizing the inside of the balloon cabin, and a gas pressure adjusting device for adjusting the internal pressure and gas concentration inside the balloon cabin. an oxygen cylinder filled with oxygen to be supplied to the balloon; a gas supply flow control valve capable of adjusting the supply flow rate of the pressurizing gas supplied from the pressurizing gas cylinder to a target flow rate by changing the valve opening; an oxygen supply flow control valve capable of adjusting the supply flow rate of the oxygen supplied from the oxygen cylinder to a target flow rate by changing the valve opening; an exhaust flow control valve capable of adjusting the exhaust flow rate of the gas exhausted from the balloon cabin to the target flow rate by changing the valve opening; and a life support device that adjusts the valve openings of the supply flow control valves, which are the gas supply flow control valve and the oxygen supply flow control valve, and the exhaust flow control valve, based on at least the internal pressure value, wherein the life support device reads an internal pressure adjustment mode in which a target flow rate of each of the supply flow control valves or a supply side internal pressure target value for feedback controlling the valve opening of each of the supply flow control valves and a exhaust side internal pressure target value for feedback controlling the valve opening of the exhaust flow control valve are set in correspondence with an internal pressure range in the balloon cabin; a gas concentration adjustment mode reading step for reading a gas concentration adjustment mode in which an oxygen target value for feedback-controlling a valve opening degree of the oxygen supply flow control valve is set in correspondence with a concentration range of oxygen in the cabin of the balloon, and a carbon dioxide target value for feedback-controlling a valve opening degree of the gas supply flow control valve is set in correspondence with a concentration range of carbon dioxide in the cabin of the balloon; and when the detected internal pressure value is within the internal pressure range of any of the internal pressure adjustment modes, each of the supply flow control valves is set to a valve opening degree corresponding to the target flow rate of the internal pressure adjustment mode;or an internal pressure adjustment step in which the valve opening is feedback-controlled based on the difference between the supply side internal pressure target value corresponding to the internal pressure adjustment mode and the internal pressure value, and the exhaust flow control valve feedback-controls the valve opening based on the difference between the exhaust side internal pressure target value corresponding to the internal pressure adjustment mode and the internal pressure value, and adjusts the internal pressure value to be within a suitable pressure range preferable for sustaining life; and a gas concentration adjustment step in which, in the internal pressure adjustment mode in which the internal pressure range is relatively large, when the detected concentration value of oxygen or carbon dioxide is included in the concentration range of the gas concentration adjustment mode, the valve opening is feedback-controlled based on the difference between the oxygen target value or the carbon dioxide target value corresponding to the gas concentration adjustment mode and the concentration value, and adjusts the concentration value to be within a suitable concentration range preferable for sustaining life.

[0010] The life support system according to the present invention is a life support system for maintaining life inside a balloon cabin during manned flight at high altitudes by a balloon, in order to solve the problem of not only maintaining the life of a passenger inside the cabin of the balloon during manned flight at high altitudes by a balloon, but also adjusting the internal pressure and gas concentration safely and comfortably, the balloon cabin having an airtight structure that is sealed during flight and can only be evacuated, a pressurizing gas cylinder filled with a pressurizing gas for pressurizing the inside of the balloon cabin, and a gas cylinder for heating the inside of the balloon cabin. a gas supply flow control valve capable of adjusting the supply flow rate of the pressurizing gas supplied from the pressurizing gas cylinder to a target flow rate by changing the valve opening degree; an oxygen supply flow control valve capable of adjusting the supply flow rate of the oxygen supplied from the oxygen cylinder to a target flow rate by changing the valve opening degree; and an exhaust flow control valve capable of adjusting the exhaust flow rate of the gas exhausted from the balloon cabin to the target flow rate by changing the valve opening degree, and the life support device detects an internal pressure value of the balloon cabin detected by a pressure sensor and an oxygen pressure value in the balloon cabin detected by a gas sensor. and an internal pressure adjustment mode reading step of reading an internal pressure adjustment mode in which a target flow rate of each of the supply flow control valves, which are the gas supply flow control valve and the oxygen supply flow control valve, or a supply side internal pressure target value for feedback-controlling the valve opening of each of the supply flow control valves and a discharge side internal pressure target value for feedback-controlling the valve opening of the discharge flow control valve are set in correspondence with an internal pressure range in the balloon cabin; a gas concentration adjustment mode reading step for reading a gas concentration adjustment mode in which an oxygen target value for feedback-controlling a valve opening degree of the oxygen supply flow control valve is set in correspondence with an oxygen concentration range within the balloon cabin, and a carbon dioxide target value for feedback-controlling a valve opening degree of the gas supply flow control valve is set in correspondence with a carbon dioxide concentration range within the balloon cabin; and when the detected internal pressure value is within the internal pressure range of any of the internal pressure adjustment modes, each of the supply flow control valves is set to a valve opening degree corresponding to the target flow rate of the internal pressure adjustment mode,or an internal pressure adjustment step in which the valve opening is feedback-controlled based on the difference between the supply side internal pressure target value corresponding to the internal pressure adjustment mode and the internal pressure value, and the exhaust flow control valve feedback-controls the valve opening based on the difference between the exhaust side internal pressure target value corresponding to the internal pressure adjustment mode and the internal pressure value, and adjusts the internal pressure value to be within a suitable pressure range preferable for sustaining life; and a gas concentration adjustment step in which, in the internal pressure adjustment mode in which the internal pressure range is relatively large, when the detected concentration value of oxygen or carbon dioxide is included in the concentration range of the gas concentration adjustment mode, the valve opening is feedback-controlled based on the difference between the oxygen target value or the carbon dioxide target value corresponding to the gas concentration adjustment mode and the concentration value, and adjusts the concentration value to be within a suitable concentration range preferable for sustaining life.

[0011] Furthermore, the life support program of the present invention causes a computer to execute any of the above-mentioned aspects of the life support method in order to solve the problem of not only maintaining the lives of occupants inside a balloon cabin during manned flight at high altitudes by balloon, but also adjusting the internal pressure and gas concentration safely and comfortably.

[0012] In addition, the balloon cabin of the present invention is equipped with a life support device of any of the above-mentioned aspects in order to solve the problem of not only maintaining the lives of the occupants inside a balloon cabin flying at high altitudes by manned balloon, but also of safely and comfortably adjusting the internal pressure and gas concentration. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to maintain the lives of the passengers inside a balloon cabin during manned flight at high altitudes using a balloon, and also to adjust the internal pressure and gas concentration safely and comfortably. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a balloon cabin equipped with a life support device and a life support program according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a life support system according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 3] 4 is a graph showing the relationship between internal pressure and internal pressure adjustment modes that can be set in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 3 is a flowchart showing a life support method executed by the life support device and the life support program of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 5 is a flowchart showing details of a gas concentration adjustment step in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 13 is a graph showing the relationship between internal pressure and internal pressure adjustment modes that can be set in the second embodiment. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart showing a life support method executed by a life support device and a life support program of a second embodiment. [Figure 8] 8 is a flowchart showing details of a gas concentration adjustment step in FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] As a result of intensive research by the inventors to solve the above-mentioned problems, they came up with the idea of ​​maintaining the internal pressure, oxygen concentration and carbon dioxide concentration within the balloon cabin within a range sufficient to sustain life by providing separate pressurization gas cylinders and oxygen cylinders inside the balloon cabin and appropriately adjusting the flow rates of each gas supplied from these cylinders and the flow rate of gas exhausted from the balloon cabin, thereby completing the present invention.

[0016] A first embodiment of the life support method, the life support device, the life support program, and the balloon cabin according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The first embodiment is characterized in that, as described below in detail, a target flow rate of each control valve that is expected to be appropriate for each internal pressure range (zone) of the balloon cabin is determined in advance, and each control valve is adjusted in multiple stages to a valve opening corresponding to the target flow rate according to the internal pressure range that includes the actually measured internal pressure value.

[0017] [1] About the Balloon Cabin 100 The balloon cabin 100 is for manned flight at high altitudes by balloon. In this first embodiment, the balloon cabin 100 is formed in a substantially spherical shape from fiber-reinforced plastic or the like, and has an airtight structure in which an opening is sealed by a hatch or the like during flight and only exhaust is possible.

[0018] 1, the interior of the balloon cabin 100 mainly comprises a gas supply flow control valve 110 for controlling the supply flow rate of pressurizing gas, an oxygen supply flow control valve 120 for controlling the supply flow rate of oxygen, an exhaust flow control valve 130 for controlling the exhaust flow rate of gas exhausted from the balloon cabin 100, and a life support device 1 for controlling these control valves 110, 120, 130. Each component will be described below.

[0019] The gas supply flow control valve 110 controls the supply flow rate of pressurizing gas for pressurizing the inside of the balloon cabin 100. In the present first embodiment, the gas supply flow control valve 110 is configured with an electromagnetic valve or the like capable of adjusting the valve opening degree by a control signal from the life support device 1, and the supply flow rate of the pressurizing gas can be adjusted to a target flow rate by the valve opening degree.

[0020] 1, a pressurizing gas cylinder 111 filled with pressurizing gas at high pressure for pressurizing the inside of the balloon cabin 100 is connected to the gas supply flow control valve 110 via a first pressure reducing valve 112 and a second pressure reducing valve 113. The first pressure reducing valve 112 reduces the pressure of the pressurizing gas discharged from the pressurizing gas cylinder 111 to a first pressure value. The second pressure reducing valve 113 further reduces the pressure of the pressurizing gas discharged from the first pressure reducing valve 112 to a second pressure value. Note that the pressurizing gas used is a gas that contains almost no carbon dioxide, such as air gas or nitrogen gas that accounts for about 80% of the air components.

[0021] In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, a pressure sensor 114 for warning a remaining amount, a pressure gauge 115, and an emergency supply valve 116 are connected between the first pressure reducing valve 112 and the second pressure reducing valve 113. The pressure sensor 114 for warning a remaining amount detects the pressure value of the pressurizing gas discharged from the first pressure reducing valve 112, and outputs an alarm when the pressure is equal to or lower than a predetermined value. The pressure gauge 115 is for checking whether the pressure in the cylinder 111 of the pressurizing gas has decreased. The emergency supply valve 116 is for manually supplying pressurizing gas of a first pressure value into the balloon cabin 100 in an emergency such as when the internal pressure in the balloon cabin 100 has significantly decreased.

[0022] 1, a manual supply valve 117 is provided between the second pressure reducing valve 113 and the gas supply flow control valve 110, and a manual opening / closing valve 118 and a supply flow rate sensor 119 are provided downstream of the gas supply flow control valve 110. The manual supply valve 117 manually supplies pressurization gas of the second pressure value into the balloon cabin 100 when the supply flow rate of the pressurization gas is insufficient due to a malfunction of the gas supply flow control valve 110 or the like. The manual opening / closing valve 118 manually adjusts the supply flow rate of the pressurization gas when the supply flow rate from the gas supply flow control valve 110 becomes excessive or the like. The supply flow rate sensor 119 detects the supply flow rate of the pressurization gas supplied into the balloon cabin 100.

[0023] The oxygen supply flow control valve 120 controls the supply flow rate of oxygen supplied into the balloon cabin 100. In the present first embodiment, the oxygen supply flow control valve 120 is configured with an electromagnetic valve or the like capable of adjusting the valve opening degree by a control signal from the life support device 1, and the oxygen supply flow rate can be adjusted to a target flow rate by the valve opening degree.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, an oxygen cylinder 121 filled with oxygen at high pressure is connected to the oxygen supply flow control valve 120 via a first pressure reducing valve 112 and a second pressure reducing valve 113. In addition, a residual quantity warning pressure sensor 114, a pressure gauge 115, and an emergency supply valve 116 are connected between the first pressure reducing valve 112 and the second pressure reducing valve 113, similar to the configuration on the pressurizing gas side. The residual quantity warning pressure sensor 114 detects the pressure value of the oxygen discharged from the first pressure reducing valve 112, and outputs an alarm when the pressure value is equal to or lower than a predetermined value. The pressure gauge 115 checks whether the pressure of the oxygen cylinder 121 has decreased. The emergency supply valve 116 manually supplies oxygen at the first pressure value into the balloon cabin 100 in an emergency such as when the oxygen concentration in the balloon cabin 100 has significantly decreased.

[0025] 1, a manual supply valve 117 is provided between the second pressure reducing valve 113 and the oxygen supply flow control valve 120, similar to the configuration on the pressurizing gas side, and a manual opening / closing valve 118 and a supply flow rate sensor 119 are provided downstream of the oxygen supply flow control valve 120. The manual supply valve 117 manually supplies oxygen at the second pressure value into the balloon cabin 100 when the oxygen supply flow rate is insufficient due to a malfunction of the oxygen supply flow control valve 120 or the like. The manual opening / closing valve 118 manually adjusts the supply flow rate of oxygen when the supply flow rate from the oxygen supply flow control valve 120 becomes excessive or the like. The supply flow rate sensor 119 detects the supply flow rate of oxygen supplied into the balloon cabin 100.

[0026] The discharge flow control valve 130 controls the discharge flow rate of the gas discharged from inside the balloon cabin 100. In the first embodiment, the discharge flow control valve 130 is configured with an electromagnetic valve or the like capable of adjusting the valve opening degree by a control signal from the life support device 1, and the discharge flow rate can be adjusted to a target flow rate by the valve opening degree. In addition, the discharge flow control valve 130 is provided with a discharge flow rate sensor 131 that detects the discharge flow rate of the gas discharged from inside the balloon cabin 100, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0027] In the first embodiment, the balloon cabin 100 is provided with a manual exhaust valve 132 and a pressure relief valve 133 as emergency exhaust means, as shown in Fig. 1. The manual exhaust valve 132 is for manually exhausting the gas inside the balloon cabin 100. The pressure relief valve 133 exhausts the gas inside the balloon cabin 100 when the internal pressure of the balloon cabin 100 exceeds a predetermined pressure value relative to the external air pressure. A manual opening and closing valve 118 is provided to prevent unexpected operation, such as excessive exhaust due to malfunction of the manual exhaust valve 132 and the pressure relief valve 133.

[0028] In the first embodiment, the emergency supply valve 116 and the manual supply valve 117 are needle valves whose flow rates can be manually adjusted by changing the valve opening, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the emergency supply valve 116 and the manual supply valve 117 may be flow control valves equipped with a mass flow meter or a flow selector. The gas supply flow control valve 110, the oxygen supply flow control valve 120, and the exhaust flow control valve 130 may be flow control valves equipped with a flow selector.

[0029] [2] Life Support System 1 The life support device 1 adjusts the valve opening of each control valve, consisting of a gas supply flow control valve 110, an oxygen supply flow control valve 120, and an exhaust flow control valve 130, in multiple stages to a valve opening corresponding to a target flow rate, based on at least the internal pressure value of the balloon cabin 100 and the concentration values ​​of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the balloon cabin 100. In this first embodiment, the life support device 1 is configured by a computer such as an embedded computer, and has mainly a memory means 2 and an arithmetic processing means 3, as shown in FIG.

[0030] The storage means 2 stores various data and functions as a working area when the arithmetic processing means 3 performs arithmetic processing. In the first embodiment, the storage means 2 is composed of a hard disk, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, etc., and has a program storage unit 21, an internal pressure adjustment mode storage unit 22, and a gas concentration adjustment mode storage unit 23, as shown in FIG.

[0031] A life support program 1a according to the first embodiment is installed in the program storage unit 21. The calculation processing means 3 executes the life support program 1a, thereby causing the computer as the life support device 1 to function as each of the components described below.

[0032] The use of the life support program 1a is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the life support program 1a may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, such as an SD card, a CF card, a USB memory, an external HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an external SSD (Solid State Drive), a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, etc., and may be read and executed directly from the recording medium.

[0033] The internal pressure adjustment mode storage unit 22 stores internal pressure adjustment modes for adjusting the internal pressure of the balloon cabin 100. In the first embodiment, the internal pressure adjustment mode storage unit 22 stores internal pressure adjustment modes in which target flow rates of the control valves consisting of the gas supply flow control valve 110, the oxygen supply flow control valve 120, and the exhaust flow control valve 130 are set in association with the internal pressure range in the balloon cabin 100.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 3, mode 1, mode 2, mode 2A, and mode 3 are registered as internal pressure adjustment modes in the first embodiment based on the suitable pressure range for sustaining life inside the balloon cabin 100. Each mode will be described below. The upper limit (PU) of the suitable pressure range is preferably set to a value not exceeding 1 atm, which is the standard atmospheric pressure. The lower limit (PL) is preferably set to a value not falling below 0.6 atm, which has a negative effect on the breathing of the passengers.

[0035] (1) Mode 1: The internal pressure range exceeding the upper limit (PU) of the suitable pressure range can be said to be an internal pressure range where decompression is mainly required inside the balloon cabin 100. Therefore, in this internal pressure range, the target flow rate (Qg1) of the gas supply flow control valve 110, the target flow rate (Qo1) of the oxygen supply flow control valve 120, and the target flow rate (Qe1) of the exhaust flow control valve 130 are set so that the supply flow rate ratio (Qg1 / Qo1), which is the ratio of the target flow rate (Qg1) of the pressurizing gas to the target flow rate (Qo1) of oxygen, is maintained at a first ratio value (A1) at which the oxygen component ratio in the mixed gas of oxygen and pressurizing gas is close to the oxygen component ratio in air, and the exhaust flow rate (Qe1) is greater than the sum of the supply flow rates (Qg1+Qo1).

[0036] In this mode 1, a mixture of oxygen and pressurizing gas is supplied with a composition ratio close to that of air, while the air in the balloon cabin 100 is discharged at a discharge flow rate greater than the supply flow rate, so that the internal pressure of the balloon cabin 100 is significantly reduced. Since mode 1 is a mode for reducing the internal pressure, the target flow rate (Qg1) of the gas supply flow control valve 110 and the target flow rate (Qo1) of the oxygen supply flow control valve 120 may both be set to zero. However, since the balloon cabin 100 is sealed during flight and cannot take in outside air, oxygen is not supplied into the balloon cabin 100, and there is a risk of the carbon dioxide concentration rising rapidly, so in mode 1, it is more preferable to ensure a supply flow rate even if it is only a small flow rate.

[0037] (2) Mode 2: The internal pressure range that is greater than a preset intermediate value (PM) within the preferred pressure range and is equal to or less than the upper limit value (PU) can be said to be an internal pressure range that mainly maintains the air environment while pre-compensating for the drop in oxygen partial pressure in the cabin when the internal pressure drops to the intermediate value (PM). Therefore, in this internal pressure range, the target flow rate (Qg2) of the gas supply flow control valve 110, the target flow rate (Qo2) of the oxygen supply flow control valve 120, and the target flow rate (Qe2) of the exhaust flow control valve 130 are set so that the supply flow rate ratio (Qg2 / Qo2) is maintained at a second ratio value (A2) that is smaller than the first ratio value (A1), and the exhaust flow rate (Qe2) is the same or approximately the same as the sum of the supply flow rates (Qg2+Qo2).

[0038] In mode 2, a mixed gas with a slightly higher oxygen concentration than air is supplied, while the air inside the balloon cabin 100 is exhausted at a flow rate approximately equal to the supply flow rate. As a result, oxygen is supplied while maintaining the internal pressure inside the balloon cabin 100, which is sealed and cannot take in outside air, so the air environment is maintained. In the present invention, the term "same or approximately the same" refers not only to the case where the two are the same, but also to a concept that includes values ​​that are close to each other within the scope of the effects of the present invention.

[0039] (2A) Mode 2A: The internal pressure range greater than the lower limit (PL) of the suitable pressure range and less than the intermediate value (PM) can be said to be an internal pressure range that mainly maintains the pressure environment while pre-compensating for the drop in oxygen partial pressure in the cabin when the internal pressure drops to the lower limit (PL) of the suitable pressure range. Therefore, in this internal pressure range, the target flow rate (Qg2A) of the gas supply flow control valve 110, the target flow rate (Qo2A) of the oxygen supply flow control valve 120, and the target flow rate (Qe2A) of the exhaust flow control valve 130 are set so that the supply flow rate ratio (Qg2A / Qo2A) is maintained at the fifth ratio value (A5) that is smaller than the first ratio value (A1) and larger than the second ratio value (A2), and the exhaust flow rate (Qe2A) is smaller than the sum of the supply flow rates (Qg2A+Qo2A).

[0040] With this mode 2A, a mixed gas with a slightly higher oxygen concentration than air is supplied, while the exhaust flow rate from the balloon cabin 100 is kept lower than the supply flow rate. As a result, oxygen is supplied inside the balloon cabin 100, which is sealed and cannot take in outside air, while the internal pressure is slightly increased, so a pressurized environment is maintained.

[0041] (3) Mode 3: The internal pressure range below the lower limit (PL) of the suitable pressure range can be said to be an internal pressure region where pressure increase is mainly required while compensating for the drop in oxygen partial pressure inside the balloon cabin 100. Therefore, in this internal pressure range, the target flow rate (Qg3) of the gas supply flow control valve 110, the target flow rate (Qo3) of the oxygen supply flow control valve 120, and the target flow rate (Qe3) of the exhaust flow control valve 130 are set so that the supply flow rate ratio (Qg3 / Qo3) is maintained at a third ratio value (A3) smaller than the second ratio value (A2) and the exhaust flow rate (Qe3) is zero or approximately zero.

[0042] In this mode 3, a mixed gas having a much higher oxygen concentration than air is supplied to the balloon cabin 100, while almost no air is discharged from inside the balloon cabin 100, so that the internal pressure of the sealed balloon cabin 100 is greatly increased.

[0043] The reason for considering the oxygen partial pressure (= internal pressure x oxygen concentration) inside the balloon cabin 100 is that if the oxygen partial pressure drops, the amount of oxygen intake in the lungs drops, making breathing difficult, and conversely, if the oxygen partial pressure is too high, there is a risk of oxygen poisoning. Therefore, in each of the above-mentioned modes, the supply flow rate ratio and the magnitude relationship between the supply flow rate and the exhaust flow rate are set in consideration of the balance between the internal pressure and the oxygen concentration so that the oxygen partial pressure is maintained within a predetermined range.

[0044] In addition, in the first embodiment, the above-mentioned four modes are registered as the internal pressure adjustment modes, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, mode 2A is a mode when the internal pressure in the balloon cabin 100 is within the preferred pressure range, and has a function of suppressing the decrease in internal pressure caused by slow leak of the balloon cabin 100. For this reason, mode 2A is not necessarily an essential mode, and mode 2 may be always executed in the internal pressure range that is greater than the lower limit (PL) and less than the upper limit (PU) of the preferred pressure range.

[0045] If the internal pressure of the balloon cabin 100 and the opening area of ​​the small gap are constant, the amount of exhaust air due to slow leak increases during ascent because the external air pressure decreases, and decreases during descent because the external air pressure increases. Therefore, as a means for suppressing the decrease in internal pressure due to slow leak, a mode in which the exhaust flow rate is changed according to the fluctuation of the external air pressure may be adopted instead of mode 2A. For example, when no exhaust is being performed, the target flow rate on the supply side may be changed according to the altitude, and when exhaust is being performed, the target flow rate on the exhaust side may be changed according to the altitude.

[0046] The gas concentration adjustment mode storage unit 23 stores gas concentration adjustment modes for adjusting the concentration of oxygen or carbon dioxide inside the balloon cabin 100. In the first embodiment, the gas concentration adjustment mode storage unit 23 stores gas concentration adjustment modes in which target flow rates of the control valves consisting of the gas supply flow control valve 110, the oxygen supply flow control valve 120, and the exhaust flow control valve 130 are set in association with the concentration ranges of oxygen and carbon dioxide inside the balloon cabin 100.

[0047] In the first embodiment, the gas concentration adjustment mode is set to be executable only in mode 1 and mode 2, which have a relatively large internal pressure range, among the above-mentioned internal pressure adjustment modes, as shown in Fig. 3. If an attempt is made to adjust the gas concentration in mode 2A and mode 3, which have a relatively small internal pressure range, the operation of each control valve will interfere with the operation of each control valve in mode 2A or mode 3, which attempts to increase the cabin internal pressure, and the internal pressure may be excessively reduced, which may have adverse effects on the human body.

[0048] Therefore, in modes 2A and 3, priority is given to adjusting the internal pressure without executing the gas concentration adjustment mode. Even in this case, the pressurizing gas and oxygen supplied to the balloon cabin 100 are set to a supply flow rate ratio with a higher oxygen concentration than normal air, as described above, so that a sufficient amount of oxygen for breathing is ensured.

[0049] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 3, if the detected internal pressure value exceeds an abnormal value (P0) that is greater than the upper limit value (PU) of the suitable pressure range, it is considered that some abnormality has occurred in the exhaust system and the exhaust is not being performed normally. Therefore, in this case as well, in order to protect the balloon cabin 100 from damage due to excessive pressure increase, priority is given to depressurization, and the gas concentration adjustment mode is not executed.

[0050] (4) Gas concentration adjustment mode: The gas concentration adjustment mode of the first embodiment is executed when the oxygen or carbon dioxide concentration value is outside the preferred concentration range for sustaining life in modes 1 and 2. Here, the preferred concentration range of oxygen is a concentration range that exceeds a lower threshold (O1), and the preferred concentration range of carbon dioxide is a concentration range that is below an upper threshold (C1). Note that the lower threshold (O1) of oxygen concentration and the upper threshold (C1) of carbon dioxide concentration are preferably set to values ​​that do not interfere with normal breathing of the occupant.

[0051] From the above, it can be said that the concentration range below the lower threshold value (O1) of the oxygen concentration or the concentration range above the upper threshold value (C1) of the carbon dioxide concentration is a concentration range in which the degree of oxygen partial pressure compensation should be increased to adjust the gas concentration compared to mode 1 or mode 2. Therefore, in these concentration ranges, the target flow rate (Qg4) of the gas supply flow rate control valve 110, the target flow rate (Qo4) of the oxygen supply flow rate control valve 120, and the target flow rate (Qe4) of the exhaust flow rate control valve 130 are set so that the supply flow rate ratio (Qg4 / Qo4) is maintained at a fourth ratio value (A4) smaller than the second ratio value (A2) and larger than the third ratio value (A3), and the exhaust flow rate (Qe4) is larger than the sum of the supply flow rates (Qg4+Qo4).

[0052] This gas concentration adjustment mode allows a mixed gas with a higher oxygen concentration than air to be supplied even inside the balloon cabin 100, which is sealed and cannot take in outside air, while air with an abnormal gas concentration inside the balloon cabin 100 is expelled, thereby adjusting the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations inside the balloon cabin 100 to within a suitable range.

[0053] As described above, in the first embodiment, the supply flow rate ratio (Qg / Qo) in each mode is set on the basis of the following reasons. First ratio value (A1) for mode 1: The value at which the oxygen content in the mixture of oxygen and boosting gas becomes close to the oxygen content in air. Second ratio value (A2) of mode 2: A value that can compensate in advance for the decrease in oxygen partial pressure inside the cabin when the internal pressure drops to the middle value (PM) of the preferred pressure range. The third ratio value (A3) of mode 3: A value that can compensate for the decrease in oxygen partial pressure inside the cabin when the internal pressure falls below the lower limit of the preferred pressure range (PL). Fourth ratio value (A4) in gas concentration adjustment mode: A value that provides a greater degree of compensation for oxygen partial pressure than the first ratio value (A1) or the second ratio value (A2). Fifth ratio value (A5) of mode 2A: A value that can compensate in advance for the decrease in oxygen partial pressure inside the cabin when the internal pressure falls to the lower limit value (PL) of the preferred pressure range.

[0054] The calculation processing means 3 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and by executing the life support program 1a installed in the program storage unit 21, it functions as an internal pressure adjustment mode reading unit 31, a gas concentration adjustment mode reading unit 32, an internal pressure acquisition unit 33, a gas concentration acquisition unit 34, an internal pressure adjustment unit 35, and a gas concentration adjustment unit 36, as shown in Fig. 2. Each component will be described in more detail below.

[0055] The internal pressure adjustment mode reading unit 31 reads the internal pressure adjustment mode from the storage means 2. In the first embodiment, the internal pressure adjustment mode reading unit 31 reads the internal pressure adjustment mode registered in advance in the internal pressure adjustment mode storage unit 22 of the storage means 2. This allows the internal pressure range of each mode and the target flow rate of each control valve set in association with the internal pressure range to be acquired.

[0056] The gas concentration adjustment mode reading unit 32 reads the gas concentration adjustment mode from the storage means 2. In the present first embodiment, the gas concentration adjustment mode reading unit 32 reads the gas concentration adjustment mode registered in advance in the gas concentration adjustment mode storage unit 23 of the storage means 2. Thereby, the concentration ranges of oxygen and carbon dioxide and the target flow rates of each control valve set in association with the concentration ranges are acquired.

[0057] The internal pressure acquisition unit 33 acquires the internal pressure value of the balloon cabin 100 detected by the pressure sensor 140. The gas concentration acquisition unit 34 acquires the concentration values ​​of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the balloon cabin 100 detected by the gas sensor 150. In the first embodiment, the pressure sensor 140 and the gas sensor 150 are provided in the balloon cabin 100 as shown in FIG. 1. The gas sensor 150 is capable of outputting the concentration values ​​of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

[0058] The internal pressure adjustment unit 35 adjusts the internal pressure of the balloon cabin 100. In this first embodiment, the internal pressure adjustment unit 35 judges whether the internal pressure value acquired by the internal pressure acquisition unit 33 is included in the internal pressure range of the internal pressure adjustment mode read by the internal pressure adjustment mode reading unit 31. If it is judged that the internal pressure value is included in the internal pressure range of any of the internal pressure adjustment modes, it transmits a control signal instructing the target flow rate of the internal pressure adjustment mode to each control valve. As a result, each control valve is set to a valve opening corresponding to the instructed target flow rate, and the internal pressure value is adjusted to be within a suitable pressure range suitable for sustaining life.

[0059] The gas concentration adjustment unit 36 ​​adjusts the concentration of oxygen or carbon dioxide in the balloon cabin 100. In the first embodiment, the gas concentration adjustment unit 36 ​​judges whether or not the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration values ​​acquired by the gas concentration acquisition unit 34 are included in the concentration range of the gas concentration adjustment mode read by the gas concentration adjustment mode reading unit 23 in mode 1 or mode 2, which is an internal pressure adjustment mode in which the internal pressure range is relatively large. If it is judged that the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration values ​​are included in the concentration range of the gas concentration adjustment mode, the gas concentration adjustment unit 36 ​​transmits a control signal instructing a target flow rate of the gas concentration adjustment mode to each control valve. As a result, each control valve is set to a valve opening corresponding to the instructed target flow rate, and the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration values ​​are adjusted so that they are within a suitable concentration range suitable for sustaining life.

[0060] [3] Effects Next, the actions of the life support method, the life support device 1, the life support program 1a, and the balloon cabin 100 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0061] First, when a manned flight at high altitude is performed by a balloon using the balloon cabin 100 equipped with the life support system 1 of the first embodiment, the internal pressure adjustment mode reading unit 31 reads the internal pressure adjustment mode from the storage means 2 (step S1: internal pressure adjustment mode reading step), and the gas concentration adjustment mode reading unit 32 reads the gas concentration adjustment mode from the storage means 2 (step S2: gas concentration adjustment mode reading step), as shown in Fig. 4. This makes the life support system 1 ready to execute the internal pressure adjustment mode and gas concentration adjustment mode that have been prepared in advance.

[0062] In principle, the balloon cabin 100 is sealed from the beginning of flight, but it may be sealed after reaching a certain altitude. This puts the balloon cabin 100 in a state where it cannot take in outside air, and it can only be vented by the various venting means described above (the exhaust flow control valve 130, the manual venting valve 132, and the pressure relief valve 133).

[0063] Next, when the internal pressure acquisition unit 33 acquires the internal pressure value of the balloon cabin 100 from the pressure sensor 140 (step S3: internal pressure acquisition step), the internal pressure adjustment unit 35 executes the internal pressure adjustment mode based on the internal pressure value, and adjusts the internal pressure so that it is within a suitable pressure range suitable for sustaining life (steps S4 to S10: internal pressure adjustment step).

[0064] Specifically, the internal pressure adjustment unit 35 first judges whether the internal pressure value is greater than the upper limit value (PU) of the suitable pressure range (step S4). As a result, if the internal pressure value is greater than the upper limit value (PU) (step S4: YES), the internal pressure adjustment unit 35 instructs each control valve to set a target flow rate (Qg1, Qo1, Qe1) such that the discharge flow rate (Qe1) is greater than the sum of the supply flow rates (Qg1+Qo1) while maintaining the supply flow rate ratio (Qg1 / Qo1) at the first ratio value (A1) as mode 1, and sets the valve opening corresponding to the target flow rate (step S5). As a result, the inside of the balloon cabin 100 is depressurized, preventing damage to the balloon cabin 100 and adverse effects on the human body due to an excessive increase in internal pressure, thereby improving safety.

[0065] On the other hand, when the internal pressure value is equal to or lower than the upper limit value (PU) of the suitable pressure range (step S4: NO), the internal pressure adjustment unit 35 judges whether the internal pressure value is higher than the intermediate value (PM) (step S6). As a result, when the internal pressure value is higher than the intermediate value (PM) (step S6: YES), the internal pressure adjustment unit 35 instructs each control valve to set a target flow rate (Qg2, Qo2, Qe2) such that the discharge flow rate (Qe2) is equal to or substantially equal to the sum of the supply flow rates (Qg2+Qo2) while maintaining the supply flow rate ratio (Qg2 / Qo2) at the second ratio value (A2) as mode 2, and sets the valve opening corresponding to the target flow rate (step S7). As a result, oxygen is supplied to the balloon cabin 100 without causing a large fluctuation in the internal pressure of the balloon cabin 100, so that a comfortable air environment for the passengers is maintained.

[0066] On the other hand, if the internal pressure value is equal to or lower than the intermediate value (PM) (step S6: NO), the internal pressure adjustment unit 35 judges whether the internal pressure value is higher than the lower limit value (PL) of the suitable pressure range (step S8). As a result, if the internal pressure value is higher than the lower limit value (PL) (step S8: YES), the internal pressure adjustment unit 35 instructs each control valve to set a target flow rate (Qg2A, Qo2A, Qe2A) such that the discharge flow rate (Qe2A) is less than the sum of the supply flow rates (Qg2A+Qo2A) while maintaining the supply flow rate ratio (Qg2A / Qo2A) at the fifth ratio value (A5) as mode 2A, and sets the valve opening corresponding to the target flow rate (step S9). This suppresses the decrease in internal pressure due to slow leak in the balloon cabin 100, thereby maintaining a comfortable pressure environment for the passengers.

[0067] On the other hand, if the internal pressure is equal to or lower than the lower limit (PL) (step S8: NO), the internal pressure adjustment unit 35 sets the target flow rates (Qg3, Qo3, Qe3) for each control valve so that the discharge flow rate (Qe3) is zero or nearly zero while maintaining the supply flow rate ratio (Qg3 / Qo3) at the third ratio value (A3) as mode 3, and sets the valve opening corresponding to the target flow rates (step S10). This increases the pressure inside the balloon cabin 100, preventing adverse effects on breathing due to an excessive decrease in internal pressure and maintaining the lives of the passengers.

[0068] As described above, the internal pressure adjustment unit 35 executes the above-mentioned internal pressure adjustment mode according to the internal pressure value of the balloon cabin 100, so that the internal pressure of the balloon cabin 100 is automatically controlled within a suitable pressure range suitable for sustaining life. In addition, the internal pressure adjustment unit 35 continuously adjusts the internal pressure of the balloon cabin 100 by simultaneously controlling the supply flow rate of the pressurizing gas, the supply flow rate of oxygen, and the exhaust flow rate.

[0069] Therefore, the internal pressure is adjusted gradually without abrupt or instantaneous increase or decrease, so that the internal pressure can be controlled safely and comfortably. When the internal pressure is high, the discharge flow rate is increased and the supply flow rate is reduced to reduce the internal pressure, and when the internal pressure is low, the supply flow rate is increased and the discharge flow rate is reduced to restore the internal pressure. Furthermore, even if the external air pressure changes depending on the altitude of the balloon cabin 100, the discharge flow rate can be kept constant.

[0070] Next, in this first embodiment, when the above-mentioned mode 1 (step S5) or mode 2 (step S7) is set, the gas concentration adjustment unit 36 ​​executes the gas concentration adjustment mode based on the concentration values ​​of oxygen and carbon dioxide, and adjusts the concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide so that they are within the suitable concentration range for sustaining life (step S11: gas concentration adjustment step).

[0071] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the gas concentration adjuster 36 first judges whether the internal pressure value is greater than the abnormal value (P0) (step S111). As a result, if the internal pressure value is greater than the abnormal value (P0) (step S111: YES), it is considered that some abnormality has occurred in the exhaust system. Therefore, the gas concentration adjuster 36 returns to step S3 without executing the gas concentration adjustment mode, and causes the internal pressure adjuster 35 to execute processing. This executes a depressurization operation that has a higher priority than the concentration adjustment of oxygen or carbon dioxide, thereby preventing the balloon cabin 100 from being excessively pressurized and damaged.

[0072] On the other hand, if the internal pressure value is below the abnormal value (P0) (step S111: NO), the gas concentration adjustment unit 36 ​​acquires the concentration values ​​of oxygen and carbon dioxide inside the balloon cabin 100 from the gas sensor 150 (step S112: gas concentration acquisition step), and executes the gas concentration adjustment mode based on each concentration value, adjusting the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations so that they are within the suitable concentration range for sustaining life (steps S113-S114: gas concentration adjustment step).

[0073] Specifically, the gas concentration adjuster 36 determines whether the oxygen concentration value is equal to or lower than the lower threshold value (O1) of the oxygen concentration, or whether the carbon dioxide concentration value is equal to or higher than the upper threshold value (C1) of the carbon dioxide concentration (step S113). As a result, if the oxygen or carbon dioxide concentration is within either of the concentration ranges (step S113: YES), the gas concentration adjuster 36 sets the gas concentration adjustment mode, while maintaining the supply flow rate ratio (Qg4 / Qo4) at the fourth ratio value (A4), instructs each control valve to a target flow rate (Qg4, Qo4, Qe4) such that the exhaust flow rate (Qe4) is greater than the sum of the supply flow rates (Qg4+Qo4), and sets the valve opening corresponding to the target flow rate (step S114).

[0074] As a result, gas with a higher oxygen concentration than air is supplied to the balloon cabin 100, while air with an abnormal gas concentration is exhausted from the balloon cabin 100. Therefore, the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations in the balloon cabin 100 are automatically adjusted to within the optimum concentration range suitable for sustaining life.

[0075] Moreover, the gas concentration adjusting unit 36 ​​simultaneously controls the supply flow rate of the pressurizing gas, the supply flow rate of the oxygen, and the exhaust flow rate, thereby continuously adjusting the oxygen concentration and carbon dioxide concentration inside the balloon cabin 100. As a result, the oxygen or carbon dioxide concentration does not change suddenly or instantaneously, but is adjusted gradually, so that a safe and comfortable air environment is maintained.

[0076] After the valve opening degree of each control valve is set, the process returns to step S111, and the above-mentioned process is repeated unless the internal pressure value exceeds the abnormal value (P0) (step S111: NO). Then, when the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration values ​​are both within the suitable concentration range (step S113: NO), the gas concentration adjustment mode is terminated and the process returns to Fig. 4. After that, the process from step S3 to step S11 is repeated while the balloon is flying (step S12: NO).

[0077] In addition, in the above-mentioned internal pressure adjustment mode, if mode 2A (step S9) is omitted, mode 2 (step S7) may be performed even if the internal pressure value is greater than the lower limit value (PL) of the suitable pressure range and equal to or less than the intermediate value (PM).

[0078] In addition, in this first embodiment, in addition to the gas supply flow control valve 110 and the oxygen supply flow control valve 120 that are automatically controlled by the life support device 1, there are provided, as manual gas supply means, an emergency supply valve 116 for supplying high-pressure gas reduced to a first pressure value by the first pressure reducing valve 112, and a manual supply valve 117 for supplying high-pressure gas reduced to a second pressure value by the second pressure reducing valve 113.

[0079] Therefore, in the event of an emergency such as a significant drop in the internal pressure of the balloon cabin 100, the internal pressure is quickly increased by supplying high-pressure gas at the first pressure value from the emergency supply valve 116. Also, in the event of a shortage of the supply flow rate due to a failure of the gas supply flow control valve 110 or the like, the necessary supply flow rate is ensured by supplying high-pressure gas at the second pressure value from the manual supply valve 117.

[0080] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a manual exhaust valve 132 is provided as a manual gas exhaust means in addition to the exhaust flow control valve 130 that is automatically controlled by the life support system 1. Therefore, when the exhaust flow rate is insufficient due to a malfunction of the exhaust flow control valve 130 or the like, the gas in the balloon cabin 100 is manually exhausted through the manual exhaust valve 132 to ensure the required exhaust flow rate.

[0081] In addition, in the first embodiment, there is a pressure relief valve 133 that exhausts gas inside the balloon cabin 100 when the internal pressure of the balloon cabin 100 reaches or exceeds a predetermined pressure value relative to the outside air pressure. Therefore, even if a large amount of high-pressure gas is released from the pressurizing gas cylinder 111 or the oxygen cylinder 121 due to a defect in an O-ring seal or the like, the gas is exhausted without any operation, so the balloon cabin 100 is reliably protected.

[0082] According to the life support method, life support device 1, life support program 1a, and balloon cabin 100 of the first embodiment described above, the following effects are achieved. 1. Inside the cabin 100 for a balloon used for manned high altitude flight, the internal pressure and gas concentration can be adjusted safely and comfortably while maintaining the lives of the passengers. 2. A target flow rate can be set for each control valve suitable for controlling the internal pressure of the balloon cabin 100 within a suitable pressure range suitable for sustaining life. 3. A target flow rate can be set for each control valve suitable for controlling the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations in the balloon cabin 100 within a suitable concentration range suitable for sustaining life. 4. The decrease in internal pressure of the balloon cabin 100 due to slow leaks can be suppressed. 5. If any abnormality occurs in the exhaust system, the internal pressure adjustment mode is executed with priority over the gas concentration adjustment mode, thereby protecting the balloon cabin 100 from damage due to excessive pressure buildup. 6. The control algorithm of the life support program 1a is simplified because the target flow rates for the pressurizing gas supply flow rate, the oxygen supply flow rate, and the exhaust flow rate are preset and the valve opening of each control valve is adjusted.

[0083] Next, a second embodiment of the life support method, the life support device 1, the life support program 1a, and the balloon cabin 100 according to the present invention will be described. Among the configurations of the second embodiment, the same or corresponding configurations as those of the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals, and the repeated description will be omitted.

[0084] In the first embodiment described above, the target flow rate of each control valve that is expected to be appropriate according to the internal pressure range is determined in advance, and each control valve is adjusted in multiple stages to the valve opening corresponding to the target flow rate according to the actually measured internal pressure value and concentration value. In contrast, the second embodiment is characterized in that the target values ​​of the internal pressure and gas concentration are determined in advance according to the internal pressure range, and the valve opening of each control valve is adjusted by feedback control so that the actually measured internal pressure value and concentration value become the target values.

[0085] In this second embodiment, the internal pressure adjustment mode memory unit 22 has registered therein an internal pressure adjustment mode in which the target flow rates of each supply flow control valve consisting of the gas supply flow control valve 110 and the oxygen supply flow control valve 120, or a supply side internal pressure target value (Pr2) for feedback control of the valve opening degree of each supply flow control valve, and the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1) for feedback control of the valve opening degree of the discharge flow control valve 130 are set in correspondence with the internal pressure range within the balloon cabin 100.

[0086] As shown in Fig. 6, as the internal pressure adjustment modes of the second embodiment, Mode 1, Mode 2, and Mode 3 are registered based on the suitable pressure range for sustaining life inside the balloon cabin 100. Each mode will be described below.

[0087] (1) Mode 1: The internal pressure range exceeding the upper limit (PU) of the suitable pressure range can be said to be an internal pressure range where reduction in pressure is mainly required inside the balloon cabin 100. Therefore, in this internal pressure range, the supply flow rate ratio (Qg1 / Qo1), which is the ratio of the target flow rate (Qg1) of the pressurization gas to the target flow rate (Qo1) of oxygen, is maintained at a first ratio value (A1) at which the oxygen component ratio in the mixed gas of oxygen and pressurization gas is close to the oxygen component ratio in air, and the exhaust flow rate is feedback controlled so that the internal pressure value becomes the exhaust side internal pressure target value (Pr1) that is greater than the lower limit (PL) and less than the upper limit (PU).

[0088] In this mode 1, a mixture of oxygen and pressurizing gas is supplied with a component ratio close to that of air, while the air inside the balloon cabin 100 is discharged toward the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1) which is smaller than the upper limit value (PU), thereby reducing the internal pressure of the balloon cabin 100.

[0089] (2) Mode 2: The internal pressure range greater than the lower limit (PL) of the suitable pressure range and less than the upper limit (PU) of the suitable pressure range is the internal pressure range that mainly maintains the air environment while pre-compensating for the drop in oxygen partial pressure in the cabin when the internal pressure drops to the lower limit (PL) of the suitable pressure range. Therefore, in this internal pressure range, the supply flow ratio (Qg2 / Qo2) is maintained at a second ratio value (A2) smaller than the first ratio value (A1), and the exhaust flow rate is feedback-controlled so that the internal pressure value becomes the exhaust side internal pressure target value (Pr1).

[0090] In this mode 2, a mixed gas with a slightly higher oxygen concentration than air is supplied, while the air inside the balloon cabin 100 is discharged toward the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1) that is greater than the lower limit (PL) and less than the upper limit (PU). As a result, even inside the balloon cabin 100, which is sealed and cannot take in outside air, oxygen is supplied while keeping the internal pressure within the suitable pressure range, so the air environment is maintained.

[0091] (3) Mode 3: The internal pressure range below the lower limit (PL) of the suitable pressure range can be said to be an internal pressure region where mainly pressure increase is required while compensating for the drop in oxygen partial pressure inside the balloon cabin 100. Therefore, in this internal pressure range, the supply flow rate ratio (Qg3 / Qo3) is maintained at a third ratio value (A3) smaller than the second ratio value (A2), and the supply flow rate is feedback controlled so that the internal pressure value becomes the supply side internal pressure target value (Pr2) larger than the lower limit (PL), and the exhaust flow rate is feedback controlled so that the internal pressure value becomes the exhaust side internal pressure target value (Pr1).

[0092] In this mode 3, the supply side internal pressure target value (Pr2) is set to be greater than the lower limit value, so that a mixed gas having a much higher oxygen concentration than air is supplied to the balloon cabin 100, while the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1) is set to be greater than the lower limit value (PL), so that almost no air is discharged from the balloon cabin 100, and the internal pressure of the sealed balloon cabin 100 is greatly increased. Note that the supply side internal pressure target value (Pr2) and the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1) are the same as the predetermined internal pressure target values ​​of the balloon cabin 100, but the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1) may be set slightly higher than the supply side internal pressure target value (Pr2) in consideration of slow leak.

[0093] In addition, in this second embodiment, the gas concentration adjustment mode memory unit 23 registers a gas concentration adjustment mode in which an oxygen target value (Or1) for feedback controlling the valve opening of the oxygen supply flow control valve 120 corresponding to the oxygen concentration range in the balloon cabin 100, and a carbon dioxide target value (Cr1) for feedback controlling the valve opening of the gas supply flow control valve 110 corresponding to the carbon dioxide concentration range in the balloon cabin 100 is set.

[0094] In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the gas concentration adjustment mode is set to be executable only in mode 1 and mode 2, which have a relatively wide internal pressure range, among the above-mentioned internal pressure adjustment modes.

[0095] (4) Gas concentration adjustment mode: The gas concentration adjustment mode of the second embodiment is executed when the concentration value of oxygen or carbon dioxide is outside the preferred concentration range for sustaining life in mode 1 and mode 2.

[0096] Specifically, when the detected oxygen concentration value is in a concentration range below the lower oxygen concentration threshold (O1), the supply flow rate of oxygen is feedback controlled so that the concentration value becomes the oxygen target value (Or1), and the discharge flow rate is feedback controlled so that the detected internal pressure value becomes the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1). Also, when the detected carbon dioxide concentration value is in a concentration range above the upper carbon dioxide concentration threshold (C1), the supply flow rate of pressurizing gas is feedback controlled so that the concentration value becomes the carbon dioxide target value (Cr1), and the discharge flow rate is feedback controlled so that the detected internal pressure value becomes the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1).

[0097] This gas concentration adjustment mode allows gas with a higher oxygen concentration than air to be supplied even inside the balloon cabin 100, which is sealed and cannot take in outside air, while air with an abnormal gas concentration inside the balloon cabin 100 is expelled, thereby adjusting the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations inside the balloon cabin 100 to within a suitable range.

[0098] In the second embodiment, the internal pressure adjustment unit 35 judges whether the internal pressure value acquired by the internal pressure acquisition unit 33 is included in the internal pressure range of any of the internal pressure adjustment modes acquired by the internal pressure adjustment mode acquisition unit. If it is judged that the internal pressure value is included in the internal pressure range of mode 1 or mode 2, a control signal instructing the target flow rate of the mode 1 or mode 2 is transmitted to each supply flow control valve. As a result, each control valve is set to a valve opening degree corresponding to the instructed target flow rate.

[0099] On the other hand, for the discharge flow control valve 130, the internal pressure adjustment unit 35 adjusts the valve opening by feedback control based on the difference between the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1) and the internal pressure value so that the internal pressure value becomes the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1), and adjusts the internal pressure value so that it is within a suitable pressure range for maintaining life.

[0100] Furthermore, when the internal pressure adjustment unit 35 determines that the detected internal pressure value is within the internal pressure range of mode 3, it adjusts the valve opening degree by feedback control based on the difference between the supply side internal pressure target value (Pr2) and the internal pressure value so that the internal pressure value becomes the supply side internal pressure target value (Pr2). On the other hand, for the discharge flow rate control valve 130, the internal pressure adjustment unit 35 adjusts the valve opening degree by feedback control based on the difference between the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1) and the internal pressure value so that the internal pressure value becomes the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1), and adjusts the internal pressure value so that it is within the suitable pressure range that is preferable for sustaining life.

[0101] Furthermore, in this second embodiment, the gas concentration adjustment unit 36 ​​determines whether the oxygen or carbon dioxide concentration value acquired by the gas concentration acquisition unit 34 in mode 1 or mode 2, which is an internal pressure adjustment mode in which the internal pressure range is relatively large, is included in the concentration range of the gas concentration adjustment mode acquired by the gas concentration adjustment mode acquisition unit.

[0102] If it is determined that the concentration is within the concentration range of the gas concentration adjustment mode, gas concentration adjustment unit 36 ​​adjusts the valve opening of oxygen supply flow rate control valve 120 or gas supply flow rate control valve 110 through feedback control based on the difference between the oxygen target value (Or1) or carbon dioxide target value (Cr1) corresponding to the gas concentration adjustment mode and the concentration value of oxygen or carbon dioxide so that the concentration value becomes the oxygen target value (Or1) or carbon dioxide target value (Cr1), and adjusts the oxygen or carbon dioxide concentration to be within a suitable concentration range suitable for sustaining life.

[0103] On the other hand, the gas concentration adjustment unit 36 ​​adjusts the valve opening of the discharge flow control valve 130 through feedback control based on the difference between the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1) and the internal pressure value so that the internal pressure value becomes the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1).

[0104] Next, the actions of the life support method, the life support device 1, the life support program 1a, and the balloon cabin 100 of the second embodiment will be described.

[0105] First, when a manned flight at high altitude is performed by a balloon using a balloon cabin 100 equipped with the life support system 1 of the second embodiment, an internal pressure adjustment mode reading step (step S21), a gas concentration adjustment mode reading step (step S22), and an internal pressure acquisition step (step S23) are executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7. Then, the internal pressure adjustment unit 35 executes the internal pressure adjustment mode based on the internal pressure acquired in the internal pressure acquisition step, and adjusts the internal pressure so that it falls within a suitable pressure range suitable for sustaining life (steps S24 to S28, S30 to S31: internal pressure adjustment step).

[0106] Specifically, the internal pressure adjustment unit 35 judges whether the internal pressure value is greater than the upper limit value (PU) of the suitable pressure range (step S24). As a result, if the internal pressure value is greater than the upper limit value (PU) (step S24: YES), the internal pressure adjustment unit 35 instructs each supply flow control valve to set a target flow rate (Qg1, Qo1) such that the supply flow rate ratio (Qg1 / Qo1) maintains the first ratio value (A1) as mode 1, and sets the valve opening corresponding to the target flow rate (step S25).

[0107] Based on the difference between the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1) and the internal pressure value, the internal pressure adjustment unit 35 adjusts the valve opening of the discharge flow control valve 130 by feedback control so that the internal pressure value becomes the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1) (step S28). This reduces the pressure inside the balloon cabin 100, preventing damage to the balloon cabin 100 and adverse effects on the human body due to an excessive increase in internal pressure, thereby improving safety.

[0108] On the other hand, if the internal pressure value is equal to or lower than the upper limit value (PU) of the suitable pressure range (step S24: NO), the internal pressure adjustment unit 35 judges whether the internal pressure value is higher than the lower limit value (PL) (step S26). As a result, if the internal pressure value is higher than the lower limit value (PL) (step S26: YES), the internal pressure adjustment unit 35 instructs each supply flow control valve to set a target flow rate (Qg2, Qo2) such that the supply flow rate ratio (Qg2 / Qo2) maintains the second ratio value (A2) as mode 2, and sets the valve opening corresponding to the target flow rate (step S27).

[0109] Furthermore, the internal pressure adjusting unit 35 adjusts the valve opening of the discharge flow control valve 130 by feedback control based on the difference between the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1) and the internal pressure value so that the internal pressure value becomes the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1) (step S28). As a result, oxygen is supplied to the balloon cabin 100 without causing large fluctuations in the internal pressure of the balloon cabin 100, so that a comfortable air environment for the passengers is maintained.

[0110] On the other hand, if the internal pressure is below the lower limit value (PL) (step S26: NO), the internal pressure adjustment unit 35 adjusts the valve opening by feedback control in mode 3, while maintaining the supply flow ratio (Qg3 / Qo3) at the third ratio value (A3), based on the difference between the supply side internal pressure target value (Pr2) and the internal pressure value, so that the internal pressure value becomes the supply side internal pressure target value (Pr2) (step S30).

[0111] The internal pressure adjustment unit 35 also adjusts the valve opening of the discharge flow control valve 130 by feedback control based on the difference between the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1) and the internal pressure value so that the internal pressure value becomes the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1) (step S31). As a result, the discharge flow control valve 130, which is set to the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1) larger than the supply side internal pressure target value (Pr2), suppresses the discharge flow rate and increases the pressure inside the balloon cabin 100, preventing adverse effects on breathing due to an excessive decrease in internal pressure and maintaining the lives of the passengers.

[0112] As described above, the internal pressure adjustment unit 35 executes the above-mentioned internal pressure adjustment mode according to the internal pressure value of the balloon cabin 100, so that the internal pressure of the balloon cabin 100 is automatically feedback-controlled to be within a suitable pressure range suitable for sustaining life. The internal pressure adjustment unit 35 also continuously adjusts the internal pressure of the balloon cabin 100 by simultaneously controlling or feedback-controlling all of the pressurizing gas supply flow rate, oxygen supply flow rate, and exhaust flow rate. Therefore, the internal pressure is adjusted gradually without abrupt or instantaneous increase or decrease, so that the internal pressure is controlled safely and comfortably.

[0113] Furthermore, by adopting the above-mentioned discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1) and supply side internal pressure target value (Pr2), the internal pressure adjustment unit 35 automatically adjusts the valve opening to a value suitable for feedback controlling the internal pressure within a suitable pressure range for sustaining life.

[0114] Next, in this second embodiment, when the above-mentioned mode 1 (step S25) or mode 2 (step S27) is set, the gas concentration adjustment unit 36 ​​executes the gas concentration adjustment mode based on the concentration values ​​of oxygen and carbon dioxide, and adjusts the concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide so that they are within the suitable concentration range for sustaining life (step S29: gas concentration adjustment step).

[0115] 8, when the internal pressure value is greater than the abnormal value (P0) (step S291: YES), the gas concentration adjuster 36 returns to step S23 without executing the gas concentration adjustment mode, and executes the process of the internal pressure adjuster 35, as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, when the internal pressure value is equal to or less than the abnormal value (P0) (step S291: NO), the gas concentration adjuster 36 acquires the concentration values ​​of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the balloon cabin 100 from the gas sensor 150 (step S292: gas concentration acquisition step), and executes the gas concentration adjustment mode based on each concentration value, adjusting the concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide to be within a suitable concentration range suitable for sustaining life (steps S293 to S298: gas concentration adjustment step).

[0116] Specifically, the gas concentration adjuster 36 first determines whether the oxygen concentration value is equal to or less than the lower threshold value (O1) of the oxygen concentration (step S293). If the oxygen concentration value is equal to or less than the lower threshold value (O1) (step S293: YES), the gas concentration adjuster 36 adjusts the valve opening of the oxygen supply flow rate control valve 120 by feedback control based on the difference between the oxygen target value (Or1) and the oxygen concentration value, so that the concentration value becomes the oxygen target value (Or1) (step S294).

[0117] Furthermore, the gas concentration adjusting unit 36 ​​adjusts the valve opening of the discharge flow control valve 130 by feedback control based on the difference between the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1) and the internal pressure value so that the internal pressure value becomes the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1) (step S295). As a result, air with an abnormal concentration is discharged and an appropriate amount of oxygen is supplied, so that the oxygen concentration is automatically adjusted to be within a suitable concentration range that is favorable for sustaining life.

[0118] On the other hand, if the oxygen concentration value is greater than the lower threshold (O1) (step S293: NO), there is no problem with the oxygen concentration, so the gas concentration adjuster 36 determines whether the carbon dioxide concentration value is equal to or greater than the upper threshold (C1) of the carbon dioxide concentration (step S296). As a result, if the carbon dioxide concentration value is equal to or greater than the upper threshold (C1) (step S296: YES), the gas concentration adjuster 36 adjusts the valve opening of the gas supply flow control valve 110 by feedback control based on the difference between the carbon dioxide target value (Cr1) and the carbon dioxide concentration value, as the gas concentration adjustment mode, so that the concentration value becomes the carbon dioxide target value (Cr1) (step S297).

[0119] Furthermore, the gas concentration adjusting unit 36 ​​adjusts the valve opening of the discharge flow control valve 130 by feedback control based on the difference between the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1) and the internal pressure value so that the internal pressure value becomes the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1) (step S298). As a result, air with an abnormal concentration is discharged and pressurizing gas containing almost no carbon dioxide is supplied, so that the carbon dioxide concentration is automatically adjusted to be within a suitable concentration range that is favorable for sustaining life.

[0120] As described above, the gas concentration adjusting unit 36 ​​adjusts the pressurizing gas supply flow rate and the oxygen supply and exhaust flow rates by feedback control, thereby continuously adjusting the oxygen concentration and carbon dioxide concentration inside the balloon cabin 100. As a result, the oxygen or carbon dioxide concentration does not change suddenly or instantaneously, but is adjusted gradually, so that a safe and comfortable air environment is maintained.

[0121] After feedback control of the valve opening of each supply flow control valve, the process returns to step S291, and the above-mentioned process is repeated unless the internal pressure exceeds the abnormal value (P0) (step S291: NO). Then, when the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration values ​​are both within the suitable concentration range (step S293: NO and step S296: NO), the gas concentration adjustment mode is terminated, and the process returns to Fig. 7. Thereafter, the process from step S23 to step S31 is repeated while the balloon is flying (step S32: NO).

[0122] According to the life support method, life support device 1, life support program 1a, and balloon cabin 100 of the second embodiment described above, in addition to the advantageous effects of the first embodiment, the introduction of feedback control makes it possible to suppress the adverse effects of disturbances and errors, and to reliably adjust the internal pressure, oxygen concentration, and carbon dioxide concentration to their target values.

[0123] The life support method, life support device 1, life support program 1a, and balloon cabin 100 according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be modified as appropriate.

[0124] For example, a filter may be provided for each of the exhaust flow control valve 130, the manual exhaust valve 132, and the pressure relief valve 133 provided as exhaust means for the balloon cabin 100. This prevents dust and dirt from entering the piping of the exhaust system, thereby ensuring an appropriate exhaust flow rate.

[0125] In addition, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the balloon cabin 100 is provided with a first pressure reducing valve 112, a second pressure reducing valve 113, a pressure sensor 114 for remaining amount alarm, a pressure gauge 115, an emergency supply valve 116, a manual supply valve 117, a manual opening and closing valve 118, a manual exhaust valve 132, a pressure relief valve 133, etc. as a means for enhancing the safety of passengers or as a backup means in case of emergency, but these are not essential components and may be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1 life support equipment 1a Life Support Program 2 Memory means 3. Processing means 21 Program memory section 22 Internal pressure adjustment mode memory section 23 Gas concentration adjustment mode memory section 31 Internal pressure adjustment mode reading section 32 Gas concentration adjustment mode reading section 33 Internal pressure acquisition unit 34 Gas concentration acquisition unit 35 Internal pressure adjustment section 36 Gas concentration adjustment section 100 Balloon Cabin 110 Gas supply flow control valve 111 Pressurized gas cylinder 112 First pressure reducing valve 113 Second pressure reducing valve 114 Pressure sensor for remaining amount alarm 115 Pressure Gauge 116 Emergency Supply Valve 117 Manual Supply Valve 118 Manual opening and closing valve 119 Supply Flow Sensor 120 Oxygen supply flow control valve 130 Discharge flow control valve 131 Exhaust flow rate sensor 132 Manual exhaust valve 133 Pressure relief valve 140 Pressure Sensor 150 Gas Sensor

Claims

1. A life support method for maintaining life inside a balloon cabin during manned flight at high altitude by a balloon, comprising: The balloon cabin has an airtight structure that is sealed during flight and can only be vented, a gas cylinder filled with a gas for pressurizing the interior of the balloon cabin; an oxygen cylinder filled with oxygen to be supplied to the interior of the balloon cabin; a gas supply flow rate control valve capable of adjusting the supply flow rate of the pressurization gas supplied from the pressurization gas cylinder to a target flow rate by changing a valve opening degree; an oxygen supply flow rate control valve capable of adjusting the supply flow rate of oxygen supplied from the oxygen cylinder to a target flow rate by changing a valve opening degree; an exhaust flow control valve capable of adjusting the exhaust flow rate of gas exhausted from the balloon cabin to a target flow rate by changing the valve opening degree; a life support device that adjusts the valve openings of each of the control valves, consisting of the gas supply flow control valve, the oxygen supply flow control valve, and the exhaust flow control valve, based on at least the internal pressure value of the balloon cabin detected by a pressure sensor and the concentration values ​​of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the balloon cabin detected by a gas sensor; Including, The life support system includes: an internal pressure adjustment mode reading step of reading an internal pressure adjustment mode in which a target flow rate of each of the control valves is set corresponding to an internal pressure range in the balloon cabin; a gas concentration adjustment mode reading step of reading a gas concentration adjustment mode in which a target flow rate of each of the control valves is set corresponding to a concentration range of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the balloon cabin; an internal pressure adjustment step of, when the detected internal pressure value is within the internal pressure range of any one of the internal pressure adjustment modes, setting each of the control valves to a valve opening corresponding to a target flow rate of the internal pressure adjustment mode, and adjusting the internal pressure value so that it is within a suitable pressure range that is suitable for sustaining life; a gas concentration adjustment step of, when the detected concentration value of oxygen or carbon dioxide is included in the concentration range of the gas concentration adjustment mode in the internal pressure adjustment mode in which the internal pressure range is relatively large, setting each of the control valves to a valve opening corresponding to a target flow rate of the gas concentration adjustment mode, and adjusting the concentration value so that it is within a suitable concentration range that is preferable for sustaining life; A life-sustaining method to perform.

2. The life support method according to claim 1, wherein the internal pressure adjustment mode includes at least the following modes 1 to 3: (1) Mode 1: In an internal pressure range exceeding an upper limit value (PU) of the preferred pressure range, a supply flow rate ratio, which is a ratio of a target flow rate of the pressurizing gas to a target flow rate of oxygen, is maintained at a first ratio value (A1), and the exhaust flow rate is made greater than the sum of the supply flow rates; (2) Mode 2: In an internal pressure range greater than the lower limit (PL) of the preferred pressure range and less than the upper limit (PU), the supply flow rate ratio is maintained at a second ratio value (A2) smaller than the first ratio value (A1), and the discharge flow rate is made equal to or approximately equal to the sum of the supply flow rates; (3) Mode 3: In the internal pressure range below the lower limit value (PL), the supply flow rate ratio is maintained at a third ratio value (A3) smaller than the second ratio value (A2), and the discharge flow rate is set to zero or approximately zero.

3. The life support method of claim 2, wherein the gas concentration adjustment mode is executed when the detected concentration value of oxygen or carbon dioxide in mode 1 or mode 2 is outside the preferred concentration range, and the supply flow rate ratio is maintained at a fourth ratio value (A4) smaller than the second ratio value (A2) and larger than the third ratio value (A3), and the exhaust flow rate is made greater than the sum of the supply flow rates.

4. 3. The life support method according to claim 2, wherein the mode 2 is executed when the internal pressure range is greater than a preset intermediate value (PM) within the preferred pressure range and equal to or less than the upper limit value (PU), and when the internal pressure range is greater than the lower limit value (PL) and equal to or less than the intermediate value (PM), a mode 2A shown below is executed; Mode 2A: The supply flow rate ratio is maintained at a fifth ratio value (A5) that is smaller than the first ratio value (A1) and larger than the second ratio value (A2), and the exhaust flow rate is made smaller than the sum of the supply flow rates.

5. A life support system for maintaining life inside a balloon cabin during manned flight at high altitude by a balloon, comprising: The balloon cabin has an airtight structure that is sealed during flight and can only be vented, a gas cylinder filled with a gas for pressurizing the interior of the balloon cabin; an oxygen cylinder filled with oxygen to be supplied to the interior of the balloon cabin; a gas supply flow rate control valve capable of adjusting the supply flow rate of the pressurization gas supplied from the pressurization gas cylinder to a target flow rate by changing a valve opening degree; an oxygen supply flow rate control valve capable of adjusting the supply flow rate of oxygen supplied from the oxygen cylinder to a target flow rate by changing a valve opening degree; an exhaust flow control valve capable of adjusting the exhaust flow rate of gas exhausted from the balloon cabin to a target flow rate by changing the valve opening degree; Including, the life support device adjusts the valve openings of each of the control valves, consisting of the gas supply flow control valve, the oxygen supply flow control valve, and the exhaust flow control valve, based on at least the internal pressure value of the balloon cabin detected by a pressure sensor and the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration values ​​in the balloon cabin detected by a gas sensor; an internal pressure adjustment mode reading step of reading an internal pressure adjustment mode in which a target flow rate of each of the control valves is set corresponding to an internal pressure range in the balloon cabin; a gas concentration adjustment mode reading step of reading a gas concentration adjustment mode in which a target flow rate of each of the control valves is set corresponding to a concentration range of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the balloon cabin; an internal pressure adjustment step of, when the detected internal pressure value is within the internal pressure range of any one of the internal pressure adjustment modes, setting each of the control valves to a valve opening corresponding to a target flow rate of the internal pressure adjustment mode, and adjusting the internal pressure value so that it is within a suitable pressure range that is suitable for sustaining life; a gas concentration adjustment step of, when the detected concentration value of oxygen or carbon dioxide is included in the concentration range of the gas concentration adjustment mode in the internal pressure adjustment mode in which the internal pressure range is relatively large, setting each of the control valves to a valve opening corresponding to a target flow rate of the gas concentration adjustment mode, and adjusting the concentration value so that it is within a suitable concentration range that is preferable for sustaining life; A life support system that performs the following functions:

6. A life support method for maintaining life inside a balloon cabin during manned flight at high altitude by a balloon, comprising: The balloon cabin has an airtight structure that is sealed during flight and can only be vented, a gas cylinder filled with a gas for pressurizing the interior of the balloon cabin; an oxygen cylinder filled with oxygen to be supplied to the interior of the balloon cabin; a gas supply flow rate control valve capable of adjusting the supply flow rate of the pressurization gas supplied from the pressurization gas cylinder to a target flow rate by changing a valve opening degree; an oxygen supply flow rate control valve capable of adjusting the supply flow rate of oxygen supplied from the oxygen cylinder to a target flow rate by changing a valve opening degree; an exhaust flow control valve capable of adjusting the exhaust flow rate of gas exhausted from the balloon cabin to a target flow rate by changing the valve opening degree; a life support device that adjusts valve openings of each of the supply flow control valves, which are the gas supply flow control valve and the oxygen supply flow control valve, and the exhaust flow control valve, based on at least the internal pressure value of the balloon cabin detected by a pressure sensor and the concentration values ​​of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the balloon cabin detected by a gas sensor; Including, The life support system includes: an internal pressure adjustment mode reading step for reading an internal pressure adjustment mode in which a target flow rate of each of the supply flow control valves or a supply side internal pressure target value for feedback control of a valve opening degree of each of the supply flow control valves and a discharge side internal pressure target value for feedback control of a valve opening degree of the discharge flow control valve are set in correspondence with an internal pressure range in the balloon cabin; a gas concentration adjustment mode reading step for reading a gas concentration adjustment mode in which an oxygen target value for feedback-controlling a valve aperture of the oxygen supply flow control valve is set in correspondence with a concentration range of oxygen in the cabin of the balloon, and a carbon dioxide target value for feedback-controlling a valve aperture of the gas supply flow control valve in correspondence with a concentration range of carbon dioxide in the cabin of the balloon is set; an internal pressure adjustment step in which, when the detected internal pressure value is within the internal pressure range of any one of the internal pressure adjustment modes, each of the supply flow control valves is set to a valve opening corresponding to a target flow rate of the internal pressure adjustment mode, or feedback-controls the valve opening based on the difference between the supply side internal pressure target value corresponding to the internal pressure adjustment mode and the internal pressure value, and the discharge flow control valve feedback-controls the valve opening based on the difference between the discharge side internal pressure target value corresponding to the internal pressure adjustment mode and the internal pressure value, thereby adjusting the internal pressure value to be within a suitable pressure range suitable for sustaining life; a gas concentration adjustment step of feedback-controlling a valve opening based on a difference between the oxygen target value or the carbon dioxide target value corresponding to the gas concentration adjustment mode and the concentration value, when the detected oxygen or carbon dioxide concentration value is included in the concentration range of the gas concentration adjustment mode in the internal pressure adjustment mode in which the internal pressure range is relatively large, and adjusting the concentration value so that it falls within a suitable concentration range that is favorable for sustaining life; A life-sustaining method to perform.

7. The life support method according to claim 6, wherein the internal pressure adjustment mode includes the following modes 1 to 3: (1) Mode 1: In an internal pressure range exceeding an upper limit value (PU) of the preferred pressure range, a supply flow rate ratio, which is a ratio of a target flow rate of the pressurization gas to a target flow rate of oxygen, is maintained at a first ratio value (A1), and the discharge flow rate is feedback controlled so that the internal pressure value becomes the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1) that is greater than a lower limit value (PL) of the preferred pressure range and less than the upper limit value (PU); (2) Mode 2: In an internal pressure range greater than the lower limit value (PL) of the suitable pressure range and equal to or less than the upper limit value (PU), the supply flow rate ratio is maintained at a second ratio value (A2) smaller than the first ratio value (A1), and the discharge flow rate is feedback-controlled so that the internal pressure value becomes the discharge-side internal pressure target value (Pr1); (3) Mode 3: In the internal pressure range below the lower limit value (PL), the supply flow rate ratio is maintained at a third ratio value (A3) smaller than the second ratio value (A2), and the supply flow rate is feedback controlled so that the internal pressure value becomes the supply side internal pressure target value (Pr2) larger than the lower limit value (PL), and the discharge flow rate is feedback controlled so that the internal pressure value becomes the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1).

8. In the gas concentration adjustment mode, in the mode 1 or the mode 2, When the detected oxygen concentration value is outside the preferred concentration range, the supply flow rate of oxygen is feedback-controlled so that the concentration value becomes the oxygen target value (Or1), and the discharge flow rate is feedback-controlled so that the detected internal pressure value becomes the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1); When the detected carbon dioxide concentration value is outside the preferred concentration range, the supply flow rate of the pressurization gas is feedback-controlled so that the detected carbon dioxide concentration value becomes the carbon dioxide target value (Cr1), and the discharge flow rate is feedback-controlled so that the detected internal pressure value becomes the discharge side internal pressure target value (Pr1). The life support method according to claim 7.

9. The life support method according to claim 3 or claim 8, wherein in the mode 1 or the mode 2, if the detected internal pressure value exceeds an abnormal value (P0) that is greater than the upper limit value (PU), the gas concentration adjustment mode is not executed.

10. A life support system for maintaining life inside a balloon cabin during manned flight at high altitude by a balloon, comprising: The balloon cabin has an airtight structure that is sealed during flight and can only be vented, a gas cylinder filled with a gas for pressurizing the interior of the balloon cabin; an oxygen cylinder filled with oxygen to be supplied to the interior of the balloon cabin; a gas supply flow rate control valve capable of adjusting the supply flow rate of the pressurization gas supplied from the pressurization gas cylinder to a target flow rate by changing a valve opening degree; an oxygen supply flow rate control valve capable of adjusting the supply flow rate of oxygen supplied from the oxygen cylinder to a target flow rate by changing a valve opening degree; an exhaust flow control valve capable of adjusting the exhaust flow rate of gas exhausted from the balloon cabin to a target flow rate by changing the valve opening degree; Including, the life support device adjusts valve openings of each of the supply flow control valves, which are the gas supply flow control valve and the oxygen supply flow control valve, and the exhaust flow control valve, based on at least the internal pressure value of the balloon cabin detected by a pressure sensor and the concentration values ​​of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the balloon cabin detected by a gas sensor; an internal pressure adjustment mode reading step for reading an internal pressure adjustment mode in which a target flow rate of each of the supply flow control valves or a supply side internal pressure target value for feedback control of a valve opening degree of each of the supply flow control valves and a discharge side internal pressure target value for feedback control of a valve opening degree of the discharge flow control valve are set in correspondence with an internal pressure range in the balloon cabin; a gas concentration adjustment mode reading step for reading a gas concentration adjustment mode in which an oxygen target value for feedback-controlling a valve aperture of the oxygen supply flow control valve is set in correspondence with a concentration range of oxygen in the cabin of the balloon, and a carbon dioxide target value for feedback-controlling a valve aperture of the gas supply flow control valve in correspondence with a concentration range of carbon dioxide in the cabin of the balloon is set; an internal pressure adjustment step in which, when the detected internal pressure value is within the internal pressure range of any one of the internal pressure adjustment modes, each of the supply flow control valves is set to a valve opening corresponding to a target flow rate of the internal pressure adjustment mode, or feedback-controls the valve opening based on the difference between the supply side internal pressure target value corresponding to the internal pressure adjustment mode and the internal pressure value, and the discharge flow control valve feedback-controls the valve opening based on the difference between the discharge side internal pressure target value corresponding to the internal pressure adjustment mode and the internal pressure value, thereby adjusting the internal pressure value to be within a suitable pressure range suitable for sustaining life; a gas concentration adjustment step of feedback-controlling a valve opening based on a difference between the oxygen target value or the carbon dioxide target value corresponding to the gas concentration adjustment mode and the concentration value, when the detected oxygen or carbon dioxide concentration value is included in the concentration range of the gas concentration adjustment mode in the internal pressure adjustment mode in which the internal pressure range is relatively large, and adjusting the concentration value so that it falls within a suitable concentration range that is favorable for sustaining life; A life support system that performs the following functions:

11. A life support program for causing a computer to execute the life support method according to claim 1 or 6.

12. A balloon cabin equipped with a life support system according to claim 5 or 10.

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