Low-gravity experimental equipment and low-gravity experimental system equipped with low-gravity experimental equipment

Abstract

A low-gravity experiment device that can easily carry out a predetermined gravity experiment, and a low-gravity experiment system equipped with the low-gravity experiment device are provided. [Solution] The low-gravity experimental device 4 can perform low-gravity experiments, for example, related to biological reactions, while suppressing the effects on the semicircular canals of the living body. The low-gravity experimental device 4 can also perform low-gravity experiments, for example, with different accelerations. The low-gravity experimental device 4 of the present invention is a low-gravity experimental device 4 for performing low-gravity experiments while falling from a flying body 2, and includes a capsule device main body 10 that forms an internal space in which equipment for performing the low-gravity experiment is placed, a wire 12 extending from the capsule device main body 10, and a fall control mechanism 14 that is connected to the wire and controls the upward propulsive force.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a low-gravity experimental device and a low-gravity experimental system equipped with the low-gravity experimental device. [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 using ballistic flight in an airplane, and low-gravity experiments using drops from a flying object such as a balloon 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, which means that a 2G state occurs before and after the process of changing from 1G to 0G. 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 gravity suddenly changes from 1G to 0G or other low-gravity conditions. 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 an experiment on biological reactions is research into fall prevention, in which the brain interprets the sudden change from 1G to 0G as a fall condition, causing the body to take reflexive protective action, and this reaction is studied. For example, for such purposes, low-gravity experiments in which animals are dropped from a flying object are conducted.

[0005] However, while low-gravity experiments based on free fall can be performed by dropping objects from a flying object, it has not been possible to conduct low-gravity experiments that correspond to the gravity of the Moon, Mars, etc. In order to evaluate the impact of human migration to the Moon or Mars, there was a challenge in developing a low-gravity experimental device that could conduct low-gravity experiments with different accelerations.

[0006] Furthermore, in animal experiments on biological reactions, the brain determines that the animal is falling when the otoliths detect gravitational acceleration and the direction of the body, and the biological reactions are observed. In contrast, when the semicircular canals detect rotational acceleration, the body attempts to correct its sense of balance based on the disturbance in the senses of front / back, left / right, and up / down. Therefore, there was a problem that the disturbance in the senses of the semicircular canals could affect the performance of animal experiments on biological reactions. Therefore, there was a need to develop a low-gravity animal experiment that minimizes the impact on the semicircular canals.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and has as its object to provide a low-gravity experimental device that can easily carry out a predetermined low-gravity experiment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a low-gravity experimental device for conducting a low-gravity experiment inside while falling from a flying body comprises a capsule device main body that forms an internal space in which an apparatus for conducting a low-gravity experiment is placed, a wire extending from the capsule device main body, and a fall control mechanism that is connected to the wire and controls the upward propulsion force. According to one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the upward propulsive force acting on the capsule device main body can be controlled by the drop control mechanism connected to the wire extending from the capsule device main body, and the gravitational acceleration of a low-gravity experiment in the low-gravity experimental device can be controlled to a predetermined gravitational acceleration. The low-gravity experimental device makes it easy to conduct low-gravity experiments at a predetermined gravitational acceleration. Furthermore, because the capsule device main body and the drop control mechanism are connected via a wire, the attitude of the capsule device main body can be easily stabilized with respect to the control of the propulsive force of the drop control mechanism. Therefore, the capsule device main body can easily control the propulsive force of the drop control mechanism while maintaining its attitude facing downward in the vertical direction. Therefore, the impact on the experiment can be suppressed, for example, even in low-gravity experiments involving living organisms.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a low-gravity experimental system is preferably provided which includes the low-gravity experimental device for conducting low-gravity experiments inside while falling from a flying body, and which includes the low-gravity experimental device described in any one of claims 1 to 7 and the flying body which flies with the low-gravity experimental device suspended therefrom. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the low-gravity experimental system includes a low-gravity experimental device and a flying object. This allows the low-gravity experimental system to control the upward propulsive force acting on the capsule device body using a drop control mechanism connected to a wire extending from the capsule device body, thereby controlling the gravitational acceleration of a low-gravity experiment within the low-gravity experimental device to a predetermined gravitational acceleration. The low-gravity experimental device facilitates the implementation of low-gravity experiments at a predetermined gravitational acceleration. Furthermore, since the capsule device body and the drop control mechanism are connected via a wire, the orientation of the capsule device body can be easily stabilized with respect to the control of the propulsive force of the drop control mechanism. Therefore, the capsule device body can easily control the propulsive force of the drop control mechanism while maintaining its orientation facing downward in the vertical direction. This allows the effects on low-gravity experiments, for example, on living organisms, to be suppressed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the low-gravity experimental device and the low-gravity experimental system equipped with the low-gravity experimental device of the present invention, it is possible to easily carry out a predetermined low-gravity experiment when carrying out an experiment under low gravity in a falling state. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a low-gravity experimental system including a low-gravity experimental device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a low-gravity experimental system including a low-gravity experimental device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a low-gravity experimental device is being dropped in a low-gravity experimental system including the low-gravity experimental device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of a flying body in a low-gravity experimental system equipped with a low-gravity experimental device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a low-gravity experimental device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6]1 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of a low-gravity experimental device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a drop control mechanism of a low-gravity experimental device according to an embodiment of the present invention moves. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, a low-gravity experimental system 1 including a low-gravity experimental device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Low gravity is a low-gravity experimental system that is equivalent to the gravitational acceleration experienced on the Earth's surface, approximately 1 G (approximately 9.8 m / s 2 ) is a gravity lower than that on Earth. Low gravity may be, for example, microgravity or almost zero gravity. A low gravity experiment is also called a zero gravity experiment, and for example, microgravity occurs on the International Space Station (ISS) due to slight acceleration. In this embodiment, low gravity refers to gravity lower than that on Earth, including zero gravity and microgravity. Therefore, a low gravity experiment is performed in a space environment where the gravitational acceleration experienced on Earth is approximately 1 G (9.8 m / s 2 Low-gravity experiments include experiments that simulate the gravity of the Moon, which is about one-sixth of Earth's gravity, and experiments that simulate the gravity of Mars, which is about one-third of Earth's gravity. 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.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, a low-gravity experimental system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is capable of conducting a drop-type low-gravity experiment. The low-gravity experimental system 1 includes a flying object 2 (see Figure 2) and a low-gravity experimental device 4. The low-gravity experimental system 1 includes the drop-type low-gravity experimental device 4, in which a low-gravity experiment is conducted while the low-gravity experimental system 1 is falling from the flying object 2. In the following description of one embodiment of the present invention, the lower side of the posture of the low-gravity experimental apparatus 4 when it is dropped is referred to as the lower side, and the upper side of that posture is referred to as the upper side, as shown in Fig. 5. Also, as shown in Fig. 5, the front side of the paper is referred to as the front side, the back side of the paper is referred to as the rear side, the right-hand side of the low-gravity experimental apparatus 4 is referred to as the right side, and the left-hand side is referred to as the left side.

[0014] The flying object 2 is, for example, a balloon. The flying object 2 is, for example, a balloon capable of reaching altitudes in the Earth's stratosphere, or a large balloon capable of reaching altitudes in the range of 10 km 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. 3 ) and has the function of dropping the low-gravity experimental 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 device 4.

[0015] As shown in Figure 3, the flying object 2 releases the string-like body 21 by the release device 22 at a predetermined altitude, causing the low-gravity experimental device 4 to fall freely. The low-gravity experimental 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 experimental device 4 reaches a predetermined altitude, it opens a parachute 50 (see Figure 5), which will be described later, and after slowing down, it is recovered on the ground G or on water.

[0016] 4, 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.

[0017] The string-like body 21 connects the flying body 2 and the low-gravity experimental 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 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 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. Note that the string-like body 21 may be configured so that it does not become attached to the low-gravity experimental device 4 when it falls.

[0018] The detachment device 22 has a function of detaching the low-gravity experimental 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.

[0019] 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 installed so that the situation at the destination of the low-gravity experimental device 4's descent and the surrounding situation can be confirmed.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3 , 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 low-gravity experimental device 4 to descend.

[0021] The GPS device 27 is capable of identifying the current position of the flying object 2 using satellites.

[0022] The operation unit 25 (see FIG. 2 ) can issue operation commands for operating the flying object 2 and starting the descent of the low-gravity experimental device 4. The operation unit 25 is provided at a location separate from the main body of the flying object 2 and is electrically connected to a system control unit 26 (described later) via wireless communication. The operation unit 25 can be remotely operated, for example, by a user. The flight of the flying object 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 device 4 may be controlled by the system control unit 26 (described later), or the descent start position and timing of the low-gravity experimental device 4 may 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 device 4. For example, only the descent start position may be operated by the operation unit 25, and 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 a tablet terminal. As another example, the operation device may be a dedicated controller such as a radio-controlled controller.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 4 , the flying object 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 object 2. More specifically, the system control unit 26 can control the descent start position (coordinates, altitude) and timing of the low-gravity experimental device 4. The system control unit 26 can control the flight altitude and flight route of the flying object 2, the detachment operation of the string-like body 21 by the detachment device 22, etc. The system control unit 26 can realize control to make the flying object 2 reach a predetermined target altitude and cause the low-gravity experimental device 4 to free fall toward the ground G. The system control unit 26 incorporates a storage device such as a CPU and memory, and controls connected devices to execute predetermined control based on a predetermined control program recorded in the memory or the like. 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 by wireless communication, etc. The system control unit 26 and a control unit 46 (described later) may be formed as a single device.

[0024] 1 to 3, 5, etc., the low-gravity experimental device 4 is a drop-type low-gravity experimental device 4 in which a low-gravity experiment is performed while the device is in free fall from a flying object 2. The low-gravity experimental device 4 can, for example, perform a low-gravity experiment at a predetermined gravity, and can also provide an experimental environment for an experimental subject that is quiet and vibration-suppressed. The low-gravity experimental device 4 includes a capsule device main body 10 that forms an internal space 10d (see FIG. 5) in which an apparatus for performing a low-gravity experiment is placed, a wire 12 extending upward from the capsule device main body 10, and a drop control mechanism 14 that is connected to the wire 12 and controls the upward propulsive force.

[0025] The capsule device main body 10 forms a flying body that falls from a predetermined altitude H (see FIG. 3) to near the ground G, and also forms a laboratory inside for conducting low-gravity experiments, microgravity experiments, or zero-gravity experiments corresponding to a predetermined low gravity. As shown in FIG. 5, the capsule device main body 10 has a lower part 10a that is tapered downward, and a cylindrical trunk part 10b. The capsule device main body 10 is formed in a hollow capsule shape. The capsule device main body 10 and the aerodynamic stabilizer 11 are made of metal such as aluminum or a carbon material.

[0026] The center of gravity of the capsule device body 10 is located below the vertical center so that the lower portion 10a is the leading edge when it falls. The vertical length from the lower portion 10a to the top portion 10c is approximately 1 m, and the width of the body portion 10b is approximately 0.8 m. The lower portion 10a of the capsule device body 10 forms the head portion facing the ground, and the top portion 10c forms the tail portion connected to the fall control mechanism. The outer shape of the capsule device body 10 can be changed as long as it is hollow enough to accommodate a laboratory inside. Forming the capsule device body 10 into other vertically elongated shapes, such as a cannonball, capsule, cone, pyramid, or rocket shape, rather than a spherical shape, makes it less likely to rotate and contributes to posture stability. The weight of the capsule device body 10 is within the range of 300 g to 100 kg, preferably within the range of 1 kg to 30 kg.

[0027] The capsule device main body 10 has an elongated outer shape from the top 10c to the bottom 10a. By locating the center of gravity at the bottom, the capsule device main body 10 can easily maintain its falling posture.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 5, 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 experimentation device 40 can be placed in a laboratory within the internal space 10d. The capsule device main body 10 places the animal experimentation device 40, such as 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 within the internal space 10d for monitoring the state of the experiment via video.

[0029] The capsule device main body 10 is connected to a wire 12 on the top 10c side, and the capsule device main body 10 is suspended from the flying object 2 via the drop control mechanism 14 and the wire 12, allowing the flying object 2 to fly.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1 , multiple aerodynamic stabilizers 11 are formed along the outer periphery of the top of the capsule device main body 10. The aerodynamic stabilizers 11 are formed outward from the barrel 10b. The aerodynamic stabilizers 11 are arranged at positions that divide the outer periphery of the barrel 10b into four parts. The number of aerodynamic stabilizers 11 can be any number within a range of, for example, 3 to 10. The aerodynamic stabilizers 11 form plate-like blades extending in the vertical direction. In a side view, the aerodynamic stabilizers 11 form wings that are, for example, triangular or rectangular. Unlike movable wing portions, the aerodynamic stabilizers 11 are fixed to the outer surface of the capsule device main body 10. The aerodynamic stabilizers 11 also have the function of stabilizing the falling posture. For example, the aerodynamic stabilizers 11 can suppress rotation of the capsule device main body 10 around a central axis centered on the vertical direction.

[0031] The wire 12 is formed of a metal wire. The wire 12 may be formed of nylon fiber, Kevlar (registered trademark) cable, or the like, which is strong and resistant to low temperatures. The wire 12 is formed to a predetermined length, for example, a length within a range of 5 m to 20 m. By forming the wire 12 to such a length, the capsule device main body 10 can easily maintain a vertically downward posture (a posture extending vertically from the lower portion 10 a to the top portion 10 c) in response to lateral movement or posture changes of the drop control mechanism 14. In addition, since the capsule device main body 10 is separated from the drop control mechanism 14 by a predetermined distance, wind noise and vibrations of the propeller 42 and operating sounds of the directional control rudder 48 are less likely to be transmitted to the capsule device main body 10. An electric signal line may be provided along the wire 12 to connect the capsule device main body 10 and the drop control mechanism 14.

[0032] When the drop control mechanism 14 is suspended from the flying body 2, the drop control mechanism 14 is positioned above the capsule device main body 10. When the drop control mechanism 14 and the capsule device main body 10 are in free fall from the flying body 2, the drop control mechanism 14 is positioned above the capsule device main body 10. When the drop control mechanism 14 and the capsule device main body 10 are in free fall from the flying body 2, the drop control mechanism 14, as a device connected to the capsule device main body 10, has the function of generating an upward propulsive force and a lateral moving force. When the low-gravity experimental device 4 is falling, the drop control mechanism 14 is positioned above the capsule device main body 10.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 5, the drop control mechanism 14 includes a propeller 42 that generates an upward thrust by rotation, a motor 44 that rotates the propeller 42, a directional control rudder 48 that is a direction control unit that controls the lateral position of the drop destination, a parachute 50, an inertial measurement unit 52, a GPS device 54, and a control unit 46 that controls the rotation speed of the motor 44 and the directional control rudder 48. The drop control mechanism 14 is capable of controlling the speed of the low-gravity experimental device 4 from 0 G (for example, 0.01 G) to 0.5 G (9.8 m / s 2 to 4.9 m / s 2The device is configured to be able to control the magnitude of the upward thrust force F so that low-gravity experiments can be conducted that generate gravitational acceleration within a range of 100 rpm (up to 100 rpm).

[0034] The propeller 42 generates an upward thrust force F (see FIG. 5) when the motor 44 rotates in a predetermined direction (for example, forward rotation). The propeller 42 is configured to push downward the air hitting the underside of the propeller 42 as it rotates, causing the blades of the propeller 42 to generate an upward thrust force (lift) F. As shown in FIG. 1, the propeller 42 has four blades, but may have another number of blades, such as three or two. Note that contra-rotating propellers may also be used to reduce the counter torque during rotation.

[0035] Here, the theory regarding the acceleration of the low-gravity experimental device 4 will be explained. When the low-gravity experimental device 4 starts to fall (when the low-gravity experimental device 4 is detached), the free fall is 1 G (approximately 9.8 m / s 2 ) is applied to the low-gravity experimental apparatus 4. If a predetermined upward thrust F is generated by the propeller 42 at the start of the fall, a downward acceleration a, which is the thrust F minus the acceleration F, is applied to the low-gravity experimental apparatus 4. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the acceleration a is applied to the animal experiment apparatus 40. For example, if the mass of the low-gravity experimental device 4 is m (g), the acceleration a minus the thrust force F and the air resistance D can be calculated as follows: m×9.8[m / s 2 ]-(F+D)=ma When the speed is relatively high, the air resistance D during free fall is proportional to the air density ρ and the speed V, as shown in the following formula, and is expressed as the frontal projected area S (m 2 ) and the drag coefficient CD (a constant determined by the shape of the object). D=(1 / 2)×ρ×CD×S×V 2 Therefore, in order to generate and maintain a predetermined low-gravity acceleration a in the low-gravity experimental device 4, the control unit 46 maintains the value of F+D constant. The control unit 46 recognizes the falling speed V of the low-gravity experimental device 4 and the air density ρ derived from the altitude. The control unit 46 also controls the rotation speed of the propeller 42 to control the thrust F. Thus, by controlling the thrust F according to the air density and the falling speed, the control unit 46 can generate a predetermined low-gravity acceleration a in the low-gravity experimental device 4. The predetermined low-gravity acceleration a is, for example, a gravitational acceleration in the range from almost zero gravity to 1 G, and more preferably, for example, from 0 G (e.g., 0.01 G) to 0.5 G (9.8 m / s 2 to 4.9 m / s 2 The predetermined low gravity acceleration a is, for example, the gravitational acceleration corresponding to the gravity of the moon or the gravitational acceleration corresponding to the gravity of Mars.

[0036] The motor 44 is disposed so that the rotation of the shaft of the motor 44 is transmitted to the propeller 42. Therefore, gears, shafts, etc. for transmitting the rotation are disposed between the shaft of the motor 44 and the propeller 42. The motor 44 is a motor whose rotation speed can be controlled.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, the directional control rudder 48 forms an X-shaped rudder in top view. The directional control rudder 48 has four rudder blades 49 around the center. Each rudder blade 49 is configured so that its tilt from the vertical direction can be controlled independently. In the standard state, the rudder blades 49 extend vertically from bottom to top. The rudder blades 49 are configured so that their tilt from the vertical direction can be changed. The rudder blades 49 are arranged in a cross shape, and in Figure 5, the rudder blades 49 extending in the fore-and-aft direction and the rudder blades 49 extending in the left-and-right direction form an angle of 90 degrees. By changing the tilt of the rudder blades 49, air hits the rudder blades 49, and forces in the fore-and-aft and left-and-right directions can be applied to the drop control mechanism 14.

[0038] The parachute 50 reduces the falling speed of the capsule device main body 10 and the drop control mechanism 14. In FIG. 1, the parachute is stored in the drop control mechanism 14, and when deployed, it experiences air resistance, significantly slowing the falling speed of the capsule device main body, etc., allowing the device to be recovered. The parachute 50 is provided on top of the drop control mechanism 14 and is equipped with an altimeter (not shown), and is configured so that the control unit 46 can deploy the parachute 50 at a predetermined altitude. The parachute 50 may be equipped with a clock device (or a clock function of the control unit 46), in which case the parachute 50 may be configured to automatically open when a predetermined time has passed since the start of the drop, regardless of values ​​such as altitude.

[0039] The inertial measurement unit (IMU) 52 includes a three-axis angular velocity (gyro) sensor, a three-axis acceleration sensor, and the like. The inertial measurement unit 52 can measure angular velocity and acceleration, and can detect translational and rotational movements in three orthogonal axial directions. The inertial measurement unit 52 can calculate the position and attitude of the drop control mechanism 14. The inertial measurement unit 52 may be provided in the capsule device main body 10.

[0040] The GPS device 54 is configured to use satellites to identify the current position of the drop control mechanism 14. The GPS device 54 may be provided in the capsule device main body 10.

[0041] The control unit 46 is configured to control the rotation speed of the motor 44. The control unit 46 is configured to control each rudder blade of the directional control rudder 48. The control unit 46 is electrically connected to the motor 44. The control unit 46 incorporates a CPU 47 and a storage device 51 such as a memory, and controls connected devices based on a predetermined control program recorded in the memory or the like. The control unit 46 functions as a computer. The electrical connection between the control unit 46 and other devices may be entirely or partially connected via wireless communication such as infrared communication or other methods. The control unit 46 may be electrically connected to an external control unit of the drop control mechanism 14 via the Internet. A portion of the control unit 46 may be located physically separate from the drop control mechanism 14, or may be provided in the form of a program on a server via the Internet. The storage device 51 stores a predetermined program, but it is not necessarily required to store all of the program; some or all of the program may be stored on another server or the like via the Internet.

[0042] The control unit 46 controls the fall control mechanism 14 and controls the devices necessary for carrying out the low-gravity experiment within the internal space 10d. More specifically, the control unit 46 estimates the attitude, position, motion state, etc. of the fall control mechanism 14 using the inertial measurement unit 52 and the GPS device 54, estimates the attitude, position, motion state, etc. of the capsule device main body 10, and controls the attitude, position, motion state, etc. of the fall control mechanism 14 if necessary, thereby executing the control of the fall control mechanism 14 necessary to indirectly control the attitude, position, and motion state of the capsule device main body 10. The control unit 46 monitors the actual acceleration of the fall using the inertial measurement unit 52, and can control the operation and rotation speed of the propeller 42 so as to achieve the target acceleration a. For example, since the acceleration of the fall of the low-gravity experimental device 4 gradually changes depending on the air resistance and speed, the control unit 46 controls the operation and rotation speed of the propeller 42 to maintain the acceleration a of the capsule device main body 10 for a predetermined period from the start of the fall, for example, several seconds to several tens of seconds. When correcting the drop point, the control unit 46 moves the drop control mechanism 14 in the forward, backward, leftward, and rightward directions using the directional control rudder 48. This allows the landing point or water landing point of the low-gravity experimental device 4 to be moved. When the drop control mechanism 14 moves, as indicated by arrow J, the position of the capsule device main body 10 is also moved by being pulled by the drop control mechanism 14. However, because the capsule device main body 10 is connected to the drop control mechanism 14 via the wire 12, the capsule device main body 10 is likely to move while maintaining its vertically downward orientation, as indicated by arrow J. This suppresses lateral rotation of the capsule device main body 10 relative to the vertical direction, thereby suppressing rotational acceleration from being applied to objects within the internal space 10d. This suppresses rotation from causing a rotational acceleration reaction in the semicircular canals of the living body. The control unit 46 may also control the equipment necessary for carrying out the low gravity experiment, for example, by storing animal experiments using the camera 41 or transmitting the data to an operating unit of another electronic device on the ground.

[0043] The control unit 46 is electrically connected to the inertial measurement unit 52, the GPS device 54, the motor 44, the directional control rudder 48, the operation unit 39, the camera 41, etc. These electrical connections may be made via wireless communication or the like.

[0044] The low-gravity experimental device 4 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 46. Furthermore, 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 46. The operation unit 39 may directly operate a device connected to the control unit 46. Furthermore, 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.

[0045] Examples of an embodiment of the present invention may be provided in each aspect as described below.

[0046] (1) A low-gravity experimental device for conducting low-gravity experiments while falling from a flying object, the low-gravity experimental device comprising: a capsule device main body that forms an internal space in which an apparatus for conducting low-gravity experiments is placed; a wire extending from the capsule device main body; and a fall control mechanism that is connected to the wire and controls the upward propulsion force. According to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the upward propulsive force acting on the capsule device main body 10 can be controlled by the drop control mechanism 14 connected to a wire extending from the capsule device main body 10, and the gravitational acceleration of a low-gravity experiment in the low-gravity experimental device 4 can be controlled to a predetermined gravitational acceleration. The low-gravity experimental device 4 makes it easy to conduct a low-gravity experiment at a predetermined gravitational acceleration. Furthermore, because the capsule device main body 10 and the drop control mechanism 14 are connected via a wire, the attitude of the capsule device main body 10 can be easily stabilized with respect to the control of the propulsive force of the drop control mechanism 14. Therefore, the propulsive force of the drop control mechanism 14 can be easily controlled while the capsule device main body 10 maintains its attitude facing downward in the vertical direction. Therefore, the effects on the experiment, for example, in a low-gravity experiment on a living organism, can be suppressed.

[0047] (2) The low-gravity experimental device described in (1), wherein the drop control mechanism includes a propeller that generates upward thrust by rotation, a motor that rotates the propeller, and a control unit that controls the rotation speed of the motor. According to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the drop control mechanism 14 can rotate the propeller 42 to generate an upward thrust, and can also control the thrust of the propeller 42 by controlling the rotation speed of the propeller 42. As a result, the low-gravity experimental device 4 can control the gravitational acceleration of a low-gravity experiment in the low-gravity experimental device 4 to a predetermined gravitational acceleration.

[0048] (3) The low-gravity experimental device described in (2), wherein the drop control mechanism further includes a direction control unit that controls the lateral position of the drop destination. According to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the drop control mechanism 14 is provided with a directional control rudder 48 that controls the lateral position of the drop destination, thereby enabling the drop control mechanism 14 to control the lateral position of the drop destination of the low-gravity experimental device 4. Furthermore, since the capsule device main body 10 and the fall control mechanism 14 are connected via a wire 12, when the fall control mechanism 14 controls the fall position of the fall control mechanism 14 and the capsule device main body 10, the capsule device main body 10 can easily maintain a vertically downward posture. This prevents the low-gravity experimental device 4 from rotating sideways when controlling the lateral position of the drop destination as in the conventional method, which would otherwise have an effect on the semicircular canals of the living body during biological experiments within the low-gravity experimental device 4, thereby providing a low-gravity experimental device in which the effect on the semicircular canals of the living body is reduced.

[0049] (4) The low-gravity experimental device described in (1), wherein the wire is formed to a predetermined length. According to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the capsule device main body 10 and the drop control mechanism 14 are connected via the wire 12 of a predetermined length, which makes it easier to stabilize the attitude of the capsule device main body 10 with respect to the control of the propulsive force of the drop control mechanism 14. Therefore, the capsule device main body 10 can easily control the propulsive force of the drop control mechanism 14 while maintaining its attitude facing downward in the vertical direction. Therefore, the influence on the experiment can be further suppressed, for example, even in a low-gravity experiment on a living organism.

[0050] (5) The low gravity experimental device described in (1), wherein the fall control mechanism is equipped with a parachute that reduces the fall speed. According to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the drop control mechanism 14 is provided with a parachute 50 that reduces the drop speed. This allows the drop control mechanism 14 and the capsule device main body 10 to be decelerated and recovered on land or sea while still connected by the wire 12.

[0051] (6) The drop control mechanism is designed to achieve a drop speed of 9.8 m / s in a low-gravity experimental device.2 to 4.9 m / s 2 2. The low-gravity experimental device according to claim 1, wherein the upward thrust can be controlled so as to enable a low-gravity experiment that generates a gravitational acceleration within a range of 0.1 to 0.2. According to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the fall control mechanism 14 is configured to set the fall speed at 9.8 m / s in the low gravity experimental device 4. 2 to 4.9 m / s 2 The upward thrust can be controlled so that low-gravity experiments can be performed that generate gravitational acceleration within a range from 0.01 to 0.01. As a result, for example, the low-gravity experimental device 4 can perform low-gravity experiments that simulate the gravity of the moon, which is about one-sixth of Earth's gravity. Also, for example, the low-gravity experimental device 4 can perform low-gravity experiments that simulate the gravity of Mars, which is about one-third of Earth's gravity.

[0052] (7) The low-gravity experimental device described in (1), wherein the capsule device body is formed so that an animal experimental device can be placed inside. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the capsule device body 10 is configured to accommodate an animal experiment device therein, so that low-gravity experiments on living organisms can be carried out at a predetermined gravitational acceleration.

[0053] (8) A low-gravity experimental system equipped with the low-gravity experimental device that conducts low-gravity experiments inside while falling from a flying body, the low-gravity experimental system comprising the low-gravity experimental device described in any one of (1) to (7) and the flying body that flies with the low-gravity experimental device suspended from it. According to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the low-gravity experimental system 1 includes a low-gravity experimental device 4 and a flying object. This allows the low-gravity experimental system 1 to control the upward propulsive force acting on the capsule device main body 10 using a drop control mechanism 14 connected to a wire 12 extending from the capsule device main body 10, thereby controlling the gravitational acceleration of the low-gravity experiment within the low-gravity experimental device 4 to a predetermined gravitational acceleration. The low-gravity experimental device 4 facilitates the implementation of low-gravity experiments at a predetermined gravitational acceleration. Furthermore, because the capsule device main body 10 and the drop control mechanism 14 are connected via the wire 12, the posture of the capsule device main body 10 can be easily stabilized with respect to the control of the propulsive force of the drop control mechanism 14. Therefore, the propulsive force of the drop control mechanism 14 can be easily controlled while the capsule device main body 10 maintains its posture facing downward in the vertical direction. This allows the effects of low-gravity experiments, such as those on living organisms, to be minimized. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1: Low gravity experiment system 2: Flying object 4: Low gravity experimental equipment 10: Capsule device body 10d: Internal space 12: Wire 14: Fall control mechanism 40: Animal experiment equipment 42: Propeller 44: Motor 46: Control section F: Propulsive force

Claims

1. A low-gravity experimental device for performing a low-gravity experiment inside 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; a wire extending from the capsule device body; a drop control mechanism connected to the wire and controlling upward thrust during the low-gravity experiment; The fall control mechanism is configured to control the upward thrust during the low-gravity experiment to provide a low-gravity experiment with a predetermined gravity, and the fall control mechanism is connected to the wire extending from the capsule device main body and is positioned away from the capsule device main body, making it easy to provide an experimental environment for the experimental subject that is quiet and has excellent vibration suppression.

2. 2. The low-gravity experimental device according to claim 1, wherein the drop control mechanism comprises a propeller that generates an upward thrust by rotation, a motor that rotates the propeller, and a control unit that controls the rotation speed of the motor.

3. 2. The low gravity experimental apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drop control mechanism further comprises a direction control unit for controlling the lateral position of the drop destination.

4. 2. The low gravity experimental apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wire is formed to a predetermined length.

5. The drop control mechanism is designed to achieve a drop rate of 9.8 m / s in a low gravity experimental device. ２ to 4.9 m / s ２ 2. The low-gravity experimental device according to claim 1, wherein the upward thrust can be controlled so as to perform a low-gravity experiment that generates a gravitational acceleration within a range of 0.1 to 0.

2.

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

7. A low-gravity experiment system including a low-gravity experiment device for performing a low-gravity experiment inside the device while the device is falling from a flying object, The low gravity experimental apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and a flying object that flies while the low-gravity experimental device is suspended from the flying object.

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