Low-gravity experimental capsule device and low-gravity experimental system equipped with the low-gravity experimental capsule device

Abstract

Provided are a capsule device for low-gravity experiments that can suppress the influence of flight noise on experiments when conducting experiments under low gravity in a falling state, and a low-gravity experiment system equipped with the capsule device for low-gravity experiments. [Solution] The low-gravity experimental capsule device 4 of the present invention is a drop-type low-gravity experimental capsule device that conducts low-gravity experiments inside while falling from a flying body 2, and is equipped with a capsule device main body 10 that forms an internal space in which equipment for conducting low-gravity experiments is placed, and the capsule device main body 10 is formed in a capsule shape with the width of the middle part between the lower and upper parts being greater than the width of the lower part, and further the capsule device main body is equipped with fixed wing parts that are formed in a state fixed to its outer surface.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a capsule device for low-gravity experiments and a low-gravity experiment system equipped with the capsule device for low-gravity experiments. [Background technology]

[0002] Known methods for conducting zero-gravity experiments and low-gravity experiments include low-gravity experiments on the ISS (International Space Station), low-gravity experiments conducted on airplanes as shown in Patent Document 1, and low-gravity experiments in which a subject is dropped from a flying object such as a balloon. However, low-gravity experiments on the ISS (International Space Station), low-gravity experiments conducted on airplanes, and low-gravity experiments dropped from flying objects such as balloons all involve different processes before low gravity is created, and therefore are recognized by those skilled in the art as low-gravity experimental devices suitable for different low-gravity experiments. For example, in low-gravity experiments on the ISS (International Space Station), the process of changing from 1G to 0G is assumed to involve creating a 1G state using a centrifugal accelerator, and then shutting off the centrifugal accelerator to create 0G. If the centrifugal accelerator were to be stopped suddenly, problems would likely occur with the object due to the law of inertia, making it difficult to make a sudden change from 1G to 0G. Therefore, experiments that do not involve a sudden change in gravity are suitable for low-gravity experiments on the ISS (International Space Station). For example, in low-gravity experiments using airplanes, the airplane repeatedly dives and ascends, so before the process of changing from 1G to 0G occurs, a state of 2G occurs during the ascent. Therefore, experiments that are less affected by the application of larger G forces beforehand are suitable for low-gravity experiments using airplanes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-56741 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In contrast, low-gravity experiments in which animals are dropped from a flying object such as a balloon have the advantage of being able to conduct experiments in which the environment is suddenly changed from 1G to 0G. For example, experiments on biological reactions to a sudden change from 1G to 0G can be conducted using low-gravity experiments in which animals are dropped from a flying object. One example of such experiments on biological reactions is research into fall prevention, in which the brain interprets the sudden change from 1G to 0G as a fall state, causing the body to take reflexive protective action. For example, for such purposes, low-gravity experiments in which animals are dropped from a flying object are conducted.

[0005] However, in low-gravity experiments in which the experimental equipment is dropped from a flying object, the equipment falls at speeds of several hundred kilometers per hour, and so conventional experimental equipment generates very loud wind noise, which can disturb the animals and cause startle reactions, etc. Another problem is that the mechanical noise generated by moving the wings to control posture is loud, which can also disturb the animals and cause startle reactions, etc.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide a capsule device for low-gravity experiments, and a low-gravity experiment system equipped with the capsule device for low-gravity experiments, which can suppress the influence of flight noise on experiments when conducting experiments in low gravity while falling. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a capsule device for low-gravity experiments in which a low-gravity experiment is carried out while the capsule device is falling from a flying object, the capsule device comprising: a capsule device body that forms an internal space in which a device for performing a low-gravity experiment is placed; The capsule device body is formed in a capsule shape in which the width of the body between the lower and upper parts is larger than the width of the lower part, and the capsule device body further includes fixed wing parts formed in a fixed state on its outer surface. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a drop-type capsule device for low-gravity experiments, which conducts low-gravity experiments while falling from a flying object, includes a capsule device main body that defines an internal space for accommodating an apparatus for conducting the low-gravity experiment. The capsule device main body is formed into a capsule shape, with the width of the body between the lower and upper parts being greater than the width of the lower part. The capsule device main body includes fixed wings that are fixed to its outer surface. This suppresses the sound of flight generated by the capsule device main body and prevents mechanical sounds generated by the movable wings when conducting experiments under low gravity conditions of less than approximately 1 G while falling, thereby minimizing the impact of the sound of flight on the experiment. For example, this can prevent the subject animals in an animal experiment from reacting to the sound of flight and thereby minimizing the impact of the sound of flight on the experiment.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the capsule device main body has a teardrop-shaped outer shape from top to bottom, and the fixed wing portion of the capsule device main body forms at least a part of the teardrop-shaped outer shape of the capsule device main body. According to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the capsule device main body has a teardrop-shaped outer shape from top to bottom, and the fixed wing portion of the capsule device main body forms a teardrop-shaped outer shape at least in part of the teardrop-shaped outer shape of the capsule device main body. This makes it possible to further suppress the flight noise generated by the capsule device main body when conducting an experiment in a falling state under low gravity (less than approximately 1 G), thereby further reducing the impact of the flight noise on the experiment. For example, this makes it possible to further reduce the reaction of subject animals in animal experiments to the flight noise and the impact of the flight noise on the experiment.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the fixed wing portions are formed in a mountain shape along the outer periphery of the capsule device main body, and the height from the valley between the fixed wing portions in the cross section to the raised portion of the fixed wing portion is the same for all of the fixed wing portions. According to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the fixed wing sections are formed in a mountain shape along the outer periphery of the capsule device body, and the height from the valley between the fixed wing sections to the raised portion of each fixed wing section in a cross section is the same for all fixed wing sections. This allows air to flow relatively evenly around each fixed wing section outside the capsule device body when conducting experiments in a low-gravity environment (lower than approximately 1 G) during a fall. This effectively suppresses flight noise generated by the capsule device body and the fixed wing sections, thereby further reducing the impact of flight noise on experiments. For example, this effectively suppresses the reaction of subject animals in animal experiments to flight noise, thereby further reducing the impact of flight noise on experiments. Furthermore, for example, since the fixed wing sections are formed in a mountain shape along the outer periphery of the capsule device body, it is possible to reduce wind noise generated by the fixed wing sections.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fixed wing portion is preferably formed to extend from the lower portion to the upper portion of the capsule device body. According to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the fixed wing portion is formed to extend from the lower portion, which is the leading edge of the drop, to the upper portion, thereby suppressing turbulence of the airflow along the outer surface of the capsule device body, further reducing wind noise generated by the fixed wing portion, and suppressing the impact of flight noise on subject animals in animal experiments, for example.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fixed wing portion is preferably formed so that the height of the fixed wing portion gradually increases from the lower portion of the capsule device body to the barrel portion. According to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the fixed wing portions are formed so that the height of the fixed wing portions gradually increases from the lower portion of the capsule device body to the barrel portion, whereby the height of the lower fixed wing portion that is the forefront of the drop is formed relatively low, which suppresses turbulence of the airflow along the outer surface of the capsule device body at the lower portion and further suppresses the generation of flying noise.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the capsule device main body is preferably formed so that, when viewed from the side, the width of the body portion is greater than the width of the lower portion, and the width of the upper portion is smaller than the width of the body portion. According to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the capsule device body is formed so that the width of the body is greater than the width of the lower part, and the width of the upper part is smaller than the width of the body, thereby suppressing turbulence of the airflow along the outer surface of the capsule device body when it is falling, and further suppressing the generation of flying noise.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the capsule device further includes a control mechanism for controlling the attitude, and the control mechanism is configured to be able to change the attitude of the capsule device body by causing air taken in through an inlet portion formed on the outer surface of the capsule device body to flow out through an outlet portion formed on the outer surface of the capsule device body. According to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the control mechanism is configured to change the attitude of the capsule device main body by causing air taken in through an inlet portion formed on the outer surface of the capsule device main body to flow out through an outlet portion also formed on the outer surface of the capsule device main body, thereby changing the flow of air along the outer surface of the capsule device main body and changing the attitude of the capsule device main body.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control mechanism preferably includes an inlet portion formed in the lower portion, an outlet portion formed above the inlet portion, and a branch portion that branches the flow path between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. According to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the capsule device main body includes a control mechanism, which includes an air inlet formed at the lower portion, an air outlet formed above the air inlet, and a branching portion that branches the flow path between the air inlet and the air outlet. This allows the attitude of the capsule device main body to be controlled by switching the flow of air flowing out from the air outlet.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control mechanism preferably includes a control unit that performs attitude control, and the control unit controls a valve that opens and closes a flow path extending from the branching portion so as to suppress rotation in accordance with the angular velocity of the capsule device main body. According to one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the control unit controls the valve body, thereby controlling the flow of air flowing out from the outlet portion and suppressing rotation of the capsule device main body.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the capsule device body is preferably configured to accommodate an animal testing device therein. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the capsule device body is configured to accommodate an animal experiment device therein, thereby providing a capsule device for low-gravity experiments that suppresses the impact of flight noise on animal experiments when the animal experiment device is placed therein.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a low-gravity experiment system is preferably provided which includes a low-gravity experiment capsule device for conducting low-gravity experiments inside while falling from a flying body, and which includes the low-gravity experiment capsule device described in any one of claims 1 to 10, and the flying body which flies with the low-gravity experiment capsule device suspended therefrom. According to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, when the low-gravity experiment system drops a capsule device for low-gravity experiments from a flying body and performs an experiment under low gravity of less than approximately 1 G while the capsule device is falling, the system can suppress the flight noise generated from the capsule device body and prevent mechanical noise generated by the movable wings, thereby suppressing the influence of the flight noise on the experiment. For example, it is possible to suppress the influence of the flight noise on the experiment by causing a reaction in the subject animals of an animal experiment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the low-gravity experimental capsule device and the low-gravity experimental system equipped with the low-gravity experimental capsule device of the present invention, when an experiment is conducted in a falling state under low gravity, the influence of flight noise on the experiment can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a low-gravity experiment system equipped with a capsule device for low-gravity experiments according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a capsule device for low-gravity experiments is being dropped in a low-gravity experiment system equipped with the capsule device for low-gravity experiments according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of a flying body in a low-gravity experimental system equipped with a capsule device for low-gravity experiments according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a capsule device for low gravity experiments according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a capsule device for low-gravity experiments according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from below. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a side view of a low-gravity experimental capsule device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the low-gravity experimental capsule device taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the low-gravity experimental capsule device taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the low-gravity experimental capsule device taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 6. [Figure 10] 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a capsule device for low gravity experiments according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal structure of a capsule device for low gravity experiments according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of a capsule device for low-gravity experiments according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] A low-gravity experiment system 1 equipped with a capsule device for low-gravity experiments according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Low gravity refers to gravity lower than approximately 1 G, which is the gravitational acceleration experienced on Earth's surface. Low gravity may be, for example, microgravity or almost zero gravity. Low-gravity experiments are also known as zero-gravity experiments, but even on the International Space Station (ISS), for example, microgravity occurs due to slight acceleration. It is also known that, strictly speaking, gravity acts even on a balloon at a high altitude, and microgravity occurs on objects. In this embodiment, low gravity refers to gravity lower than that on Earth, including zero gravity and microgravity. The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described as examples, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many variations, modifications, and substitutions can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, and various variations, modifications, etc. can be made in form and details without departing from the scope of the claims. Furthermore, the components disclosed in the specification can be freely combined.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, a low-gravity experimental system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention performs a drop-type low-gravity experiment. The low-gravity experimental system 1 includes a flying body 2 and a low-gravity experimental capsule device 4. The low-gravity experimental system 1 includes the drop-type low-gravity experimental capsule device 4, in which a low-gravity experiment is performed while falling from the flying body 2. In the following description of one embodiment of the present invention, the lower side of the posture of the low-gravity experimental capsule device 4 when it falls as shown in Figure 6 is referred to as the lower side, the upper side of that posture is referred to as the upper side, and the posture viewed from the side is referred to as a side view.

[0022] The flying object 2 is, for example, a balloon. The flying object 2 is, for example, a balloon capable of reaching an altitude in the Earth's stratosphere, or a large balloon capable of reaching an altitude in the range of 10 to 50 km above the ground. The flying object 2 is, for example, an unmanned balloon inflated with helium gas. The balloon of the flying object 2 has an inflatable portion formed of, for example, polyethylene film. The flying object 2 flies in the air above the ground G (see FIG. 2) and has the function of dropping the low-gravity experimental capsule device 4 from the air toward the ground G. The flying object 2 may be an unmanned aerial vehicle such as a drone, an aircraft, a rocket, or the like, as long as it can reach a predetermined altitude while suspending the low-gravity experimental capsule device 4.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the flying object 2 releases the string-like body 21 by the release device 22 at a predetermined altitude, causing the low-gravity experiment capsule device 4 to fall freely. The low-gravity experiment capsule device 4 can conduct a low-gravity experiment within a few seconds to several tens of seconds after it starts to fall. When the low-gravity experiment capsule device 4 reaches a predetermined altitude, it opens a parachute 16 (see Figure 10), which will be described later, and after slowing down, it is recovered on the ground G or on water.

[0024] 3, the flying object 2 further includes a string-like body 21, a detachment device 22, a camera 23, an altitude measurement device 24, a GPS device 27, an operation unit 25, a monitor unit 28, and a system control unit 26. The flying object 2 also includes a communication unit (not shown) that performs wireless communication with the operation unit 25 and the like.

[0025] The string-like body 21 connects the flying body 2 and the low-gravity experimental capsule device 4. The string-like body 21 is a flexible member. The string-like body 21 is formed to a predetermined length. The string-like body 21 is formed to have enough strength to allow the low-gravity experimental capsule device 4 to fly while hanging from the flying body 2. The lower part of the string-like body 21 can be detached at any time by a detachment device 22. The string-like body 21 is designed to fall with a portion of it attached to the low-gravity experimental capsule device 4. When falling, the string-like body 21 experiences air resistance that is weaker than the air resistance experienced by the low-gravity experimental capsule device 4. The aerodynamic center of the low-gravity experimental capsule device 4 moves rearward by the amount of air resistance experienced by the string-like body 21 compared to when the low-gravity experimental capsule device 4 does not have the string-like body 21. This stabilizes the posture of the low-gravity experimental capsule device 4 with the string-like body 21 attached. The material of the string-like body 21 is preferably nylon fiber, Kevlar (registered trademark) cable, or the like, which is strong and resistant to low temperatures. The length of the string-like body 21 is preferably about half to three times the length of the capsule device main body 10 in the vertical direction. Note that the string-like body 21 may be configured so that it does not become attached to the capsule device 4 for low-gravity experiments when it falls.

[0026] The detachment device 22 has the function of detaching the low-gravity experimental capsule device 4 from the flying body 2. For example, the detachment device 22 is configured to detach the lower part of the string-like body 21 from the upper part of the string-like body 21. The detachment device 22 is, for example, a cutter device, a thermal cutting mechanism, or the like.

[0027] The camera 23 can photograph and visually confirm the surrounding situation from the flying body 2. The camera 23 allows the situation around the camera 23 to be confirmed from a remote location. The camera 23 is provided so that the situation at the destination of the low-gravity experimental capsule device 4 can be confirmed.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2 , the altitude measurement device 24 can measure the altitude H (distance) of the flying object 2 relative to the ground G. The altitude measurement device 24 is configured by combining a GPS altimeter and a barometric altimeter. The altitude measurement by the barometric altimeter can be combined with the altitude measurement data reception interval of the GPS altimeter. The altitude measurement device 24 may be configured by either a GPS altimeter or a barometric altimeter. The altitude measurement device 24 may also be configured by any one or combination of a barometric pressure measurement sensor capable of measuring flight altitude by measuring barometric pressure, an ultrasonic sonar capable of measuring the distance from the flying object 2 to the ground G, a laser measurement sensor capable of measuring the distance from the flying object 2 to the ground G, or the like. This allows the altitude measurement device 24 to measure the altitude H (distance) from the flying object 2 to the ground G. After the altitude measurement device 24 recognizes the altitude H (distance) to the ground G, for example, the system control unit 26 controls the descent of the low-gravity experiment capsule device 4.

[0029] The GPS device 27 is capable of identifying the current position of the flying object 2 using satellites.

[0030] The operation unit 25 can issue operation commands for operating the flying body 2 and starting the descent of the low-gravity experimental capsule device 4. The operation unit 25 is provided at a location separate from the main body of the flying body 2 and is electrically connected via wireless communication to the system control unit 26 (described later). The operation unit 25 can be remotely operated, for example, by a user. The flight of the flying body 2 can also be controlled by the user's operation of the operation unit 25. The descent start position and timing of the low-gravity experimental capsule device 4 may be controlled by the system control unit 26 (described later), but the descent start position and timing of the low-gravity experimental capsule device 4 may also be instructed and controlled by the user's operation of the operation unit 25. The operation unit 25 can also operate only any part of the flight and descent operation of the low-gravity experimental capsule device 4. For example, only the descent start position may be operated by the operation unit 25, while other operations may be automatically controlled by the system control unit 26. The operation unit 25 may be displayed on a monitor unit 28 that displays images. In this manner, the operation unit 25 may be an information terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal. As another example, the operation device may be a dedicated controller such as a radio-controlled controller.

[0031] The monitor unit 28 displays images and videos captured by the camera 23, allowing the user to check the images, etc. This allows the user to fly while visually checking the surroundings. The monitor unit 28 is electrically connected via wireless communication to the system control unit 26, which will be described later.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3 , the flying body 2 is provided with a system control unit 26. The system control unit 26 may be provided in an information terminal device or the like on the operation unit 25 side. The system control unit 26 controls the low-gravity experimental system 1 and the flight of the flying body 2. More specifically, the system control unit 26 can control the descent start position (coordinates, altitude) and timing of the low-gravity experimental capsule device 4. The system control unit 26 can also control the flight altitude of the flying body 2, the flight route, the rotation speed and attitude of each blade (including left and right roll and yawing in the rotation direction), and the detachment operation of the string-like body 21 by the detachment device 22. The system control unit 26 can realize control to make the flying body 2 reach a predetermined target altitude and cause the low-gravity experimental capsule device 4 to free fall toward the ground G. The system control unit 26 has a built-in CPU, memory, etc., and controls connected devices to execute predetermined control based on a predetermined control program recorded in the memory, etc. The system control unit 26 is electrically connected to the detachment device 22, the camera 23, the altitude measurement device 24, the GPS device 27, the operation unit 25, the monitor unit 28, etc. These electrical connections may be made via wireless communication, etc. The system control unit 26 and a control unit 38, which will be described later, may be formed as a single device.

[0033] 4 to 11, the low-gravity experimental capsule device 4 is a drop-type low-gravity experimental capsule device 4 in which low-gravity experiments are carried out while the capsule device 4 is in free fall from the flying body 2. The low-gravity experimental capsule device 4 provides an experimental environment with excellent noise reduction and vibration suppression for experimental subjects. For example, the low-gravity experimental capsule device 4 is a silent low-gravity experimental capsule device that provides an experimental environment with excellent noise reduction and vibration suppression for animal experiments. The capsule device 4 for low-gravity experiments comprises a capsule device main body 10 that forms an internal space 10d (see FIG. 11) in which equipment for conducting low-gravity experiments is placed, and fixed wing sections 12 that are formed on the outer surface of the capsule device main body 10. The capsule device main body 10 and fixed wing sections 12 are made of metal such as aluminum or a carbon material.

[0034] The capsule device main body 10 forms a flying object that falls from a predetermined altitude H (see FIG. 2) to near the ground G, and also forms a laboratory inside for conducting low-gravity, microgravity, or zero-gravity experiments. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the capsule device main body 10 is formed in a capsule shape in which the width of a body portion 10c (see FIG. 6) between a lower portion 10a and an upper portion 10b is greater than the width of the lower portion 10a. More specifically, the capsule device main body 10 has a teardrop-shaped outer shape from the lower portion 10a to the upper portion 10b. The center of gravity of the capsule device main body 10 is located downstream of the center of the top and bottom so that the lower portion 10a is the leading edge during the fall. As shown in FIG. 4, the capsule device main body 10 is formed in a vertically elongated shape so that the vertical length from the lower portion 10a to the upper portion 10b is greater than the horizontal width of the body portion 10c. The vertical length from the lower portion 10a to the upper portion 10b is approximately 1 m, and the horizontal width of the body portion 10c is approximately 0.8 m. The lower part 10a of the capsule device main body 10 forms the head that is directed toward the ground surface, and the upper part 10b forms the tail that is connected to the flying object 2. The capsule device main body 10 is less likely to rotate and is more likely to contribute to posture stability if it is formed into other vertically elongated shapes such as a cannonball shape, capsule shape, cone shape, pyramid shape, or rocket shape rather than a spherical shape.

[0035] The capsule device main body 10 has a teardrop-shaped outer shape from the upper portion 10b to the lower portion 10a in a vertical cross section. In other words, the capsule device main body 10 has a streamlined shape from the lower portion 10a to the upper portion 10b in a vertical cross section. The capsule device main body 10 forms an octagonal base body in a cross section as shown by line VIII-VIII. The radius of curvature of the approximate outer shape of the lower portion 10a of the capsule device main body 10 is larger than the radius of curvature of the approximate outer shape of the upper portion 10b.

[0036] 6, the capsule device main body 10 is formed so that, in a side view, the width W2 of the body portion 10c at the middle is larger than the width W1 of the lower portion 10a, and the width W3 of the upper portion 10b is smaller than the width W2 of the body portion 10c. The body portion 10c of the capsule device main body 10 is a portion between the lower portion 10a and the upper portion 10b in the vicinity of the widest portion in a side view.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 11, the capsule device main body 10 forms an internal space 10d in which equipment for conducting low-gravity experiments is placed. The capsule device main body 10 is formed so that an animal experiment equipment 40 can be placed in an internal laboratory. The capsule device main body 10 is configured to place equipment according to the content of the experiment in the internal space 10d formed as a laboratory for low-gravity experiments. The capsule device main body 10 places the animal experiment equipment 40, for example, equipment for conducting animal experiments and equipment for conducting biological experiments. Furthermore, for example, the capsule device main body 10 is provided with a camera 41 in the internal space 10d for monitoring the state of the experiment via video.

[0038] The capsule device main body 10 has a connection part 14 for connecting to a balloon on the upper part 10b side, and a parachute 16. The connection part 14 is connected to a string-like body 21, and the capsule device main body 10 is suspended from the flying object 2, allowing the flying object 2 to fly. The parachute 16 is provided on the upper part of the capsule device main body 10 and is equipped with an altimeter (not shown), and is configured so that the control unit 38 can deploy the parachute 16 at a predetermined altitude. The parachute 16 may be equipped with a clock device (or a clock function of the control unit 38), in which case the parachute 16 may be configured to automatically deploy when a predetermined time has passed since the start of the descent, regardless of the value of the altitude measuring device 24.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of fixed wing portions 12 are formed along the outer periphery of the capsule device main body 10. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the fixed wing portions 12 are formed in a continuous mountain shape along the outer periphery of the capsule device main body 10 in a cross section of the barrel portion 10c, for example, the cross section shown in FIG. 8. For example, the fixed wing portions 12 are formed so as to form raised portions at the corners of the octagonal base body of the capsule device main body 10. In a cross section, for example, the cross section shown in FIG. 8, the fixed wing portions 12 are formed with, for example, eight raised portions lined up. In a cross section, for example, the cross section shown in FIG. 8, the peaks of the raised portions are formed in an arc shape. Eight valley portions 12a are located between the eight arc-shaped raised portions 12b, and the fixed wing portion 12 is formed in a pleated shape in which the raised portions 12b and the valley portions 12a are continuous in the circumferential direction. For example, the raised portions 12b are arranged every 45 degrees around the circumference of the cross section. For example, the angle between one protrusion 12b and the adjacent protrusion 12b with respect to the center of the capsule device main body 10 is approximately 45 degrees. Similarly, for example, the angle between one valley 12a and the adjacent valley 12a is approximately 45 degrees. Unlike movable wing portions, the fixed wing portions 12 are fixed to the outer surface of the capsule device main body 10. The fixed wing portions 12 are fixed in position, direction, and shape. The fixed wing portions 12 can be formed with any number of fixed wing portions 12, for example, within a range of 3 to 10. The fixed wing portions 12 also have the function of stabilizing the falling posture.

[0040] The height H1 of the fixed wing section 12 from the valley 12a between the fixed wing sections 12 to the raised portion 12b at the top in a cross section, for example, in FIG. 8, is the same for all fixed wing sections 12 along the circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the fixed wing section 12 is formed so as to extend linearly in a side view from the lower section 10a, which is the leading edge of the drop, to the upper section 10b. As shown in FIG. 10, the fixed wing section 12 has an outer shape (outer edge) that follows a teardrop shape in a longitudinal cross section. For example, the raised portion 12b of the fixed wing section 12 forms an outer shape that follows a teardrop shape from the lower section 10a to the upper section 10b. Also, for example, the valley portion 12a of the fixed wing section 12 forms an outer shape that follows a teardrop shape from the lower section 10a to the upper section 10b. The height of the fixed wing section 12 at the lower section 10a of the fixed wing section 12 is lower than the height of the fixed wing section 12 at the body section 10c in the middle of the fixed wing section 12. The fixed wing portions 12 are formed so that the height of each fixed wing portion 12 gradually increases from the lower portion 10a to the body portion 10c of the capsule device main body 10. For example, the height of the fixed wing portion 12 near the lower portion 10a is H2 (see FIG. 7), and the height of the fixed wing portion 12 near the body portion 10c is H1 (see FIG. 8), which is higher than H2.

[0041] 11, the capsule device main body 10 further includes a control mechanism 30 that controls the attitude of the capsule device main body 10 by the outflow of air. The control mechanism 30 functions as an attitude control mechanism. The control mechanism 30 includes an inlet portion 31 formed in the lower portion 10a, an outlet portion 32 formed above (rearward of) the inlet portion 31, and a branch portion 34 that branches the flow path between the inlet portion 31 and the outlet portion 32. The control mechanism 30 is configured to be able to change the attitude of the capsule device main body 10 by causing air taken in through the inlet portion 31 formed on the outer surface of the capsule device main body 10 to flow out from the outlet portion 32 also formed on the outer surface of the capsule device main body 10.

[0042] The inlet port 31 is provided in the lower part 10a of the capsule device main body 10, and opens downward when dropped. The inlet port 31 forms a roughly circular opening. The radius of the inlet port 31 is within a range of 3 mm to 10 mm. The inlet port 31 is connected to the branch part 34 via a vent pipe 31a. The vent pipe 31a and the vent pipe 32a can be made of pipes that are not prone to vibration, preferably metal pipes.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 11, the outlet 32 ​​is provided in the barrel 10c of the capsule device main body 10 and opens toward the side or rear (information side). The outlet 32 ​​forms a roughly oval opening. The pipe diameter of the flow path immediately before the outlet 32 ​​is within a range of 3 mm to 10 mm. The outlet 32 ​​is connected to the branching portion 34 via an air duct 32a. The air flowing out from the outlet 32 ​​generates a flow along the outer surface of the capsule device main body 10 as shown by the arrow F1 in FIG. 6, which generates a pressure difference in the outer peripheral region of the capsule device main body 10 and can control the attitude of the capsule device main body 10. For example, when air flows out from the outlet 32 ​​as shown by the arrow F1 in FIG. 6, the air flowing from the outlet 32 ​​along the outer surface of the capsule device main body 10 becomes a relatively slow air flow F1. On the other hand, air flowing along the outer surface of other parts of the capsule device main body 10 (assuming that the air flow does not originate from the outlet 32) flows at a relatively high speed, as shown by arrow F2, for example. At this time, a force J is generated in the direction toward arrow F2 (the side where the pressure is lower). Therefore, a pressure difference occurs between the area downstream from the outlet 32 ​​and the area where the air flows as shown by arrow F2, based on Bernoulli's theorem (the theory that air pressure is lower in areas where the air flow is fast). Therefore, a force (e.g., force J) that controls the attitude of the capsule device main body 10 can be generated by utilizing the pressure difference. The control mechanism 30 mainly controls the attitude of the capsule device main body 10 by utilizing the pressure difference of the air along the outer surface of the capsule device main body 10, but the control mechanism 30 may also control the attitude by utilizing the reaction force of the air flowing out from the outlet 32.

[0044] 4 and 5, the outlet portions 32 are opened at positions facing each other on the side walls on both sides of each valley portion 12a. The outlet portions 32 are opened obliquely upward on the side walls on both sides of the valley portion 12a. At least a part of the outlet portion 32 is formed to face the outer circumferential direction (outer circumferential rotation direction) of the capsule device main body 10. Therefore, by controlling the outflow of air from each outlet portion 32, it is possible to correct the rotation of the capsule device main body 10 in the outer circumferential direction, whether it is clockwise rotation or counterclockwise rotation, so as to suppress it.

[0045] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, 16 outlet portions 32 are provided, but the number can be any number between 4 and 20, for example. In Figure 6, some of the outlet portions 32 are omitted for simplicity. The outlet portions 32 are not necessarily arranged on the side walls on both sides of the valley portion 12a, but may be arranged on either side, or may be arranged in the valley portion 12a. Furthermore, an outlet portion 32 may not be provided in each valley portion 12a, but may be provided in relation to every other valley portion 12a.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 11 , the branching unit 34 includes a valve element 35 for opening and closing the air flow path connected to each outlet port 32 for each flow path. The branching unit 34 forms, for example, a two-way valve that branches the flow path in two directions. The valve element 35 opens and closes each flow path extending from the branching unit 34. The control unit 38 can control the outflow of air from each outlet port 32 by opening and closing the valve element 35. Note that the valve element 35 may be configured to control not only the opening and closing of the flow path but also the airflow rate. The valve element 35 is an electromagnetic valve that can electromagnetically open and close the flow path in response to a command from the control unit 38. By opening and closing the valve element 35 corresponding to the position of the outlet port 32, the control mechanism 30 can control the position of the outlet port 32 from which air is to be outflowed, thereby controlling the attitude of the capsule device main body 10.

[0047] The control mechanism 30 further includes an inertial measurement unit (IMU) 36, a GPS device 37, and a control unit 38 that controls the control mechanism 30.

[0048] The inertial measurement unit 36 ​​includes a three-axis angular velocity (gyro) sensor, a three-axis acceleration sensor, etc. The inertial measurement unit 36 ​​can measure angular velocity and acceleration, and can detect translational and rotational movements in three orthogonal axial directions. The inertial measurement unit 36 ​​can calculate the position and attitude of the capsule device main body 10.

[0049] The GPS device 37 is capable of identifying the current location of the capsule device main body 10 using satellites.

[0050] The control unit 38 controls the control mechanism 30 and the devices necessary for carrying out the low-gravity experiment in the internal space 10d. More specifically, the control unit 38 estimates the attitude, position, motion state, etc. of the capsule device main body 10 using the inertial measurement unit 36 ​​and the GPS device 37, and executes control of the control mechanism 30 necessary to control the attitude of the capsule device main body 10, if necessary. When the control mechanism 30 executes control, it opens and closes the valve body 35 of the branching portion 34, allowing air to flow out through each outlet portion 32 and controlling the attitude of the capsule device main body 10. Therefore, the control mechanism 30 can control the attitude of the capsule device main body 10 while it is falling. Note that the control by the control mechanism 30 only needs to control the attitude of the capsule device main body 10 to a certain extent so as not to affect the execution of the low-gravity experiment within the internal space 10d. For example, by suppressing the rotational movement of the capsule device main body 10 in a direction that rotates vertically downward, the application of the G force of gravity to objects within the internal space 10d is suppressed. Alternatively, by suppressing the increase in wind noise caused by the attitude of the capsule device main body 10 tilting vertically downward, the impact of wind noise on living things within the internal space 10d is suppressed. The control unit 38 may also control equipment necessary for the execution of the low-gravity experiment, such as storing animal experiments using a camera 41 or transmitting the data to an operating unit of another electronic device on the ground.

[0051] The control unit 38 has a built-in CPU, memory, etc., and controls connected devices to execute predetermined control based on a predetermined control program recorded in the memory, etc. The control unit 38 also has a storage unit that stores data acquired by the camera 41. The control unit 38 is electrically connected to the valve element 35, the inertial measurement unit 36, the GPS device 37, the operation unit 39, the camera 41, etc. These electrical connections may be made via wireless communication, etc. The control unit 38 may be provided in an information terminal device, etc., on the side of the operation unit 39, which will be described later. The control unit 38 can control the valve element 35 provided in the branch unit to suppress rotation in accordance with the angular velocity of the capsule device main body. The control unit 38 also has a program that enables such control.

[0052] The capsule device 4 for low-gravity experiments may include an operation unit 39 in a location separate from the capsule device main body 10. For example, the operation unit 39 can change the control content by the control unit 38. Also, for example, the operation unit 39 may control the attitude of the capsule device main body 10 instead of all or part of the control by the control unit 38. The operation unit 39 may directly operate a device connected to the control unit 38. Also, the operation unit 39 may be provided in an electronic device such as an information terminal device, and may display the control content, camera images of the experiment, etc. on the monitor of the electronic device.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a drop-type capsule device 4 for low-gravity experiments, which performs low-gravity experiments while falling from a flying object 2, includes a capsule device main body 10 that defines an internal space for accommodating an apparatus for performing the low-gravity experiment. The capsule device main body 10 is formed into a capsule shape, with a body portion 10c between a lower portion 10a and an upper portion 10b having a width greater than the width of the lower portion 10a. The capsule device main body 10 includes fixed wing portions 12 that are fixed to its outer surface. This suppresses the sound of flight generated by the capsule device main body 10 and prevents mechanical noise generated by the movable wings when performing experiments under low gravity conditions (below approximately 1 G) while falling, thereby minimizing the impact of the sound of flight on the experiment. For example, this can prevent the subject animals in an animal experiment from reacting to the sound of flight and thus minimizing the impact of the sound of flight on the experiment.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the capsule device main body 10 has a teardrop-shaped outer shape from the upper portion 10b to the lower portion 10a, and the fixed wing portion 12 of the capsule device main body 10 forms a teardrop-shaped outer shape in at least a part of the teardrop-shaped outer shape of the capsule device main body 10. This makes it possible to further suppress the flight noise generated from the capsule device main body 10 when conducting an experiment in a falling state under low gravity of less than approximately 1 G, thereby further preventing the flight noise from affecting the experiment. For example, it is possible to further prevent a reaction to the flight noise in an animal experiment, thereby preventing the flight noise from affecting the experiment.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the fixed wing portions 12 are formed in a mountain shape along the outer periphery of the capsule device main body 10, and the height from the valleys between the fixed wing portions 12 to the raised portions 12b of the fixed wing portions 12 in the cross section is the same for all of the fixed wing portions 12. This allows air to flow relatively evenly around each fixed wing portion 12 outside the capsule device main body 10 when conducting experiments in a low-gravity environment (lower than approximately 1 G) in a falling state. This further suppresses the flight noise generated by the capsule device main body 10 and the flight noise generated by the fixed wing portions 12, thereby further reducing the impact of the flight noise on the experiment. For example, the flight noise may cause a reaction in the subject animals in an animal experiment, thereby further reducing the impact of the flight noise on the experiment. Furthermore, for example, since the fixed wing portions 12 are formed in a mountain shape along the outer periphery of the capsule device main body 10, the generation of wind noise at the fixed wing portions 12 can be reduced.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the fixed wing portion 12 is formed to extend from the lower portion 10a, which is the leading edge of the drop, to the upper portion 10b, thereby suppressing turbulence of the airflow along the outer surface of the capsule device main body 10 and further reducing wind noise generated by the fixed wing portion 12, thereby suppressing the impact of flight noise on subject animals in animal experiments, for example.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the fixed wing portions 12 are formed so that the height of the fixed wing portions 12 gradually increases from the lower portion 10a to the barrel portion 10c of the capsule device main body 10. As a result, the height of the fixed wing portions 12 at the lower portion 10a, which is the front of the drop, is formed relatively low, which suppresses turbulence in the airflow along the outer surface of the capsule device main body 10 at the lower portion 10a and further suppresses the generation of flight noise.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the capsule device main body 10 is formed so that the width of the body portion 10c is greater than the width of the lower portion 10a, and the width of the upper portion 10b is smaller than the width of the body portion 10c. This suppresses turbulence of the airflow along the outer surface of the capsule device main body 10 in a falling state, thereby further suppressing the generation of flying noise.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the control mechanism 30 is configured to be able to change the attitude of the capsule device main body 10 by causing air taken in from an inlet portion 31 formed on the outer surface of the capsule device main body 10 to flow out from an outlet portion 32 also formed on the outer surface of the capsule device main body 10. In this way, the control mechanism 30 is configured to be able to change the attitude of the capsule device main body 10 by changing the flow of air along the outer surface of the capsule device main body 10.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the capsule device main body 10 includes a control mechanism 30, and the control mechanism 30 includes an inlet portion 31 formed in the lower portion 10a, an outlet portion 32 formed above the inlet portion 31, and a branch portion that branches the flow path between the inlet portion 31 and the outlet portion 32. As a result, the attitude of the capsule device main body 10 can be controlled by switching the flow of air flowing out from the outlet portion 32.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the control unit controls the valve body, thereby controlling the flow of air flowing out from the outlet portion 32 and suppressing rotation of the capsule device main body 10.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the capsule device body 10 is configured to accommodate an animal experiment device therein, thereby providing a capsule device 4 for low-gravity experiments that can suppress the impact of flight noise on animal experiments when an animal experiment device is placed therein.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, when the low-gravity experiment system drops the capsule device 4 for low-gravity experiments from the flying body 2 and performs an experiment under low gravity of less than approximately 1 G while the capsule device 4 is falling, the flight noise generated from the capsule device main body 10 can be suppressed and mechanical noise generated by the movable wings can be prevented, thereby suppressing the influence of the flight noise on the experiment. For example, it is possible to suppress the reaction of subject animals in an animal experiment to the flight noise and the influence of the flight noise on the experiment.

[0064] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other modifications may be applied. Various alternative embodiments and examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the disclosed technology. In this embodiment, the control mechanism 30 is used to control the attitude of the capsule device main body 10, which forms an internal space in which an apparatus for performing a low-gravity experiment is placed, but the control mechanism 30 may also be used to control the attitude of the capsule device main body 10, which forms an internal space in which an apparatus other than an apparatus for performing a low-gravity experiment is placed. In other words, this embodiment is not limited to a capsule device for low-gravity experiments in which a low-gravity experiment is performed while falling from a flying body, but can also be applied to a capsule device that falls from a flying body. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1: Low gravity experiment system 2: Flying object 4: Low gravity experimental capsule device 10: Capsule device body 10a: Lower part 10b: Upper part 10c: Body 10d: Internal space 12: Fixed wing section 12a: Tanibe 14: Connection part 30: Control mechanism 31:Inlet part 32: Outlet part 34: Branch 35: Valve body 38: Control section 40: Animal experiment equipment

Claims

1. A capsule device for low-gravity experiments in which low-gravity experiments are carried out while falling from a flying object, a capsule device body that forms an internal space in which a device for performing a low-gravity experiment is placed; The capsule device main body is formed in a capsule shape, with the width of the body between the lower and upper parts being greater than the width of the lower part, and the capsule device main body is further provided with fixed wing parts formed in a fixed state on the outer surface of the capsule device main body, the capsule device main body forming an outer shape in a teardrop shape from the upper part to the lower part, and the fixed wing parts of the capsule device main body forming at least a part of the teardrop-shaped outer shape of the capsule device main body.

2. 2. The capsule device for low-gravity experiments according to claim 1, wherein the fixed wing sections are formed in a mountain shape along the outer periphery of the capsule device main body, and the height from the valleys between the fixed wing sections to the raised sections of the fixed wing sections in the cross section is the same for all of the fixed wing sections.

3. The capsule device for low-gravity experiments according to claim 1 , wherein the fixed wing portion is formed to extend from the lower portion to the upper portion of the capsule device body.

4. 2. The capsule device for low-gravity experiments according to claim 1, wherein the fixed wing section is formed so that the height of the fixed wing section gradually increases from the lower part of the capsule device body to the trunk part.

5. 2. The capsule device for low-gravity experiments according to claim 1, wherein the capsule device main body is formed so that, in a side view, the width of the trunk portion is greater than the width of the lower portion, and the width of the upper portion is smaller than the width of the trunk portion.

6. 2. The capsule device for low-gravity experiments according to claim 1, further comprising a control mechanism for controlling an attitude, wherein the control mechanism is configured to be able to change the attitude of the capsule device main body by causing air taken in through an inlet portion formed on the outer surface of the capsule device main body to flow out through an outlet portion formed on the outer surface of the capsule device main body.

7. 7. The capsule device for low-gravity experiments according to claim 6, wherein the control mechanism comprises: the inlet portion formed in the lower portion; the outlet portion formed above the inlet portion; and a branch portion that branches a flow path between the inlet portion and the outlet portion.

8. 8. The capsule device for low-gravity experiments according to claim 7, wherein the control mechanism includes a control unit that performs attitude control, and the control unit controls a valve that opens and closes a flow path extending from the branching portion so as to suppress rotation in accordance with an angular velocity of the capsule device main body.

9. The capsule device for low-gravity experiments according to claim 1 , wherein the capsule device body is configured to accommodate an animal experiment device therein.

10. A low-gravity experiment system including the low-gravity experiment capsule device in which a low-gravity experiment is performed while falling from a flying object, The low-gravity experimental capsule device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and a flying body that flies while suspending the capsule device for low-gravity experiments.

Images