Deployable airship and airship deployment method

Abstract

To provide a deployable airship and an airship deployment method that can freely change the timing at which a second air bladder is changed from a stored state to a deployed state and can additionally deploy the second air bladder at a timing when it is desired to increase buoyancy. [Solution] The deployable airship 1 comprises a first air bag 4 that is deployed and contains the gas on the ground, a second air bag 6 that is stored on the ground, a first valve 10 that is provided between a first space 4a within the first air bag and a second space within the second air bag, a release valve 50 that releases part of the gas within the first air bag to the outside air, and a gas supply unit 52 that can supply additional gas to the first air bag, and the timing at which the second air bag is changed from the stored state to the deployed state can be freely changed, and the second air bag can be additionally put into the deployed state at a time when it is desired to increase buoyancy.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a deployable airship and a method for deploying the airship. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1, a technique has been known in which an airship is flown into the stratosphere and the stratospheric airship is used to regulate the temperature of the earth's surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2014-523358 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, as shown in Patent Document 1, it is not easy to fly an airship up to the stratosphere, and there are problems such as the airship being blown away by strong winds in the troposphere. Furthermore, in order to maintain the buoyancy of an airship in the stratosphere, the air density is low at high altitudes, so the volume of the airship's air envelope needs to be increased. However, increasing the volume of the airship's air envelope poses the problem of making it more susceptible to the effects of wind, even when it reaches the troposphere. When there is a low pressure system or a cold front, wind speeds in the troposphere can reach 20 m / s to 100 m / s. If the airship is directly affected by the wind, it may be blown far off its intended route, resulting in problems such as having to fly an additional distance of hundreds of kilometers to return to its intended position.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide a deployable airship in which the timing at which the second air bladder is changed from the stored state to the deployed state can be freely changed, and the second air bladder can be additionally changed to the deployed state at a timing when it is desired to increase buoyancy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an deployable airship that changes the shape of a gas sac that contains gas while reaching the stratosphere, and that includes a first gas sac that is in an deployed state containing the gas on the ground, a second gas sac that is in a stored state on the ground, a first valve provided between a first space within the first gas sac and a second space within the second gas sac, a release valve that releases a portion of the gas within the first gas sac into the outside air, and a gas supply unit that can supply additional gas to the first gas sac, and the timing at which the second gas sac is changed from the stored state to the deployed state can be freely changed, and the second gas sac can be additionally changed to the deployed state at a time when it is desired to increase buoyancy. According to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the timing for changing the second air bladder from the stored state to the deployed state can be freely changed, and the second air bladder can be additionally deployed at a timing when it is desired to increase buoyancy. For example, even if the gas pressure in the first space reaches a predetermined pressure, the release valve can release a portion of the gas to the outside air, maintaining the stored state of the second air bladder. Furthermore, for example, if it is desired to deploy the second air bladder relatively quickly, the first valve can be changed from a closed state to an open state while additional gas is being supplied by the gas supply unit, thereby deploying the second air bladder. Furthermore, for example, when the gas pressure in the first space reaches a predetermined pressure, the first valve can be changed from a closed state to an open state, thereby deploying the second air bladder.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for deploying an airship that changes the shape of a gas sac during the process of reaching the stratosphere preferably includes the following steps: a preparation step for preparing a deployable airship including a first gas sac that is deployed on the ground and contains the gas; a second gas sac that is stored on the ground; a first valve provided between a first space within the first gas sac and a second space within the second gas sac; a release valve that releases a portion of the gas within the first gas sac to the outside air; and a gas supply unit that can supply additional gas to the first gas sac; a first deployment step for changing the first gas sac on the ground to a deployed state containing the gas; and a second deployment step in which the timing at which the second gas sac is changed from the stored state to the deployed state can be freely changed and the second gas sac is additionally changed to the deployed state at a timing at which buoyancy is desired to be increased. According to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the second deployment step allows for flexible adjustment of the timing at which the second air bladder is changed from the stored state to the deployed state, allowing the second air bladder to be additionally deployed at a timing when buoyancy is desired. For example, even if the gas pressure in the first space reaches a predetermined pressure, the release valve can release a portion of the gas to the outside air, maintaining the second air bladder in the stored state. Furthermore, for example, if it is desired to deploy the second air bladder relatively quickly, the first valve can be changed from a closed state to an open state while additional gas is being supplied by the gas supply unit, thereby deploying the second air bladder. Furthermore, for example, when the gas pressure in the first space reaches a predetermined pressure, the first valve can be changed from a closed state to an open state, deploying the second air bladder. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the deployable airship and airship deployment method of the present invention, the timing at which the second air sac is changed from a stored state to a deployed state can be freely changed, and the second air sac can be additionally deployed at a timing when it is desired to increase buoyancy. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram showing how a deployable airship according to an embodiment of the present invention changes its configuration as it gains altitude. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a third form of a deployable airship according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a fourth configuration of a deployable airship according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the schematic configuration of a deployable airship according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a part of the control unit may be located remotely via the Internet from the airship-side control unit of the deployable airship according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing modes that can be executed as functional units by a control unit of a deployable airship according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by a deployable airship according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A deployable airship 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The disclosed embodiments are described by way of example, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, changes, and substitutions are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, and various modifications, changes, etc. are possible in form and details without departing from the scope of the claims. Furthermore, the components disclosed in the specification can be freely combined.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the deployable airship 1 is a high-altitude airship that can reach from the ground to the stratosphere, for example, up to an altitude of about 20 km above the ground (height within the stratosphere). Because the deployable airship is capable of reaching the stratosphere, it is also called a stratospheric airship. The deployable airship 1 changes shape as it increases in altitude, and becomes larger as additional air envelopes are deployed.

[0012] The deployable airship 1 is configured so that the shape of the gas envelope that contains the gas changes as it reaches the stratosphere. The deployable airship 1 may be, for example, an unmanned high-altitude airship. The deployable airship 1, as a flying object, can take off from the ground, reach the stratosphere, and return to Earth after performing a predetermined operation under the control of the airship-side control unit 30, control unit 32, or operation of the operation unit 34. The stratosphere often has relatively stable weather and relatively weak winds, providing an environment in which airships can fly with relative stability. Meanwhile, in the troposphere beyond the tropopause, winds are often relatively strong and the weather is relatively unstable. Therefore, there is a need to prevent airships from being blown away or damaged by winds on their way to the lower troposphere.

[0013] FIG. 1 shows the deployable airship 1 gradually deploying from the first configuration to the fourth configuration depending on the altitude. Configuration transitions, such as from the third configuration back to the second configuration, are also possible, and the timing of such transitions can be freely changed. For example, in areas up to the troposphere where winds are relatively strong or weather is rough, the deployable airship 1 can fly while maintaining a relatively small volume, making it less susceptible to wind. Furthermore, if it is determined that the weather is relatively favorable, the second air sac 6 or the third air sac 8 can be added to increase buoyancy and speed the airship as it ascends to higher altitudes. Furthermore, even if the second air sac 6 or the third air sac 8 has been deployed, if it is desired to return to a configuration less susceptible to wind, the second air sac 6 or the third air sac 8 can be changed from the deployed state to the retracted state. For example, the second air sac 6 or the third air sac 8 can be freely changed between the deployed and retracted states, regardless of altitude alone. This improves the flexibility of the configuration and operation of the deployable airship 1 when reaching high altitudes.

[0014] 1 to 3, the deployable airship 1 includes a first air envelope 4 that is in a deployed state containing the gas on the ground, a second air envelope 6 that is in a stored state on the ground, a third air envelope 8, a first valve 10, a second valve 12, a release valve 50 that serves as a first release valve, a gas supply unit 52, a pressure sensor 14, an airframe 2, an altitude measurement device 15, a GPS device 16, a camera 29, an operation unit 34, a monitor unit 35, and an airship-side control unit 30. The airframe 2 also includes a communication unit (not shown) that performs wireless communication with the operation unit 34, the system control unit 9, etc.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the first air envelope 4 is provided at the center of the upper part of the deployable airship 1. The first air envelope 4 is configured to form a rugby ball shape when deployed alone. For example, the first air envelope 4 is already deployed in the first form. The first air envelope 4 may be configured in other shapes such as an oblong or circular shape. The vertical length of the first air envelope 4 may be a value within a range of 10 meters to 30 meters, for example, 12 meters. The horizontal width of the first air envelope 4 may be a value within a range of 5 meters to 12 meters, for example, 8 meters. The first air envelope 4 may be configured to have a width of, for example, 300 meters at a predetermined pressure. 3 ~1000m 3 Volume of a value in the range of, for example, 600m 3 The airship is configured so that the volume (volume of the air envelope) of the towed configuration, for example the first configuration, is less than half the volume (volume of the air envelope) of the deployed configuration in the stratosphere. The first air envelope 4 is already deployed before departure from the ground G. The first space 4a inside the first air envelope 4 normally forms a space independent of the outside atmosphere and other air envelopes such as the second air envelope. The deployed state of the first air envelope 4 refers to a state in which the first space 4a inside the first air envelope 4 is filled with a relatively light gas such as helium gas. Because the weight of the first air envelope 4, the airframe body 2, etc., and the helium gas is lighter than the weight of the air displaced by the first air envelope 4, the deployable airship 1 floats due to the buoyancy of the outside air. In the deployed state in which the first air envelope 4 is filled with helium gas, the first air envelope 4 generates an upward lifting force. The first air envelope 4 is filled with helium gas at a predetermined pressure on the ground, but as the altitude increases, the helium gas expands and the pressure inside the first air envelope 4 increases.

[0016] The first air bladder 4 is strong enough to withstand external forces such as air pressure fluctuations and wind resistance during flight. The outer skin material of the first air bladder 4 is formed, for example, with a three-layer structure, with a polyurethane film layer formed as the inner first layer, a high-strength nylon ripstop fiber layer formed as the middle layer of the second layer, and a silicone coating layer formed as the third layer. The first air bladder 4 may be entirely or partially made of a thermoplastic fabric having shape memory properties. By making the first air bladder 4 made of a thermoplastic fabric having shape memory properties, the shape of the first air bladder 4 can be easily changed to the intended shape, for example, in the third or fourth configuration.

[0017] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, an upper vertical tail 22 is provided above and behind the first air envelope 4. The airship's yaw direction of travel can be changed by moving the upper vertical tail 22 left and right. The upper vertical tail 22 is electrically connected to the airship controller 30 and the controller 32, and is controlled by the airship controller 30. For ease of explanation, the upper vertical tail 22, lower vertical tail 23, right horizontal tail 24 (see Figure 4), and left horizontal tail 25 are illustrated only in Figures 2 and 3, and are omitted in Figure 1, etc. The upper vertical tail 22, lower vertical tail 23, right horizontal tail 24 (see Figure 4), and left horizontal tail 25 are included in, for example, the airframe body 2. A lower vertical tail 23 is provided at the lower rear of the first air envelope 4. The airship's yaw direction can be changed by moving the lower vertical tail 23 left and right. The lower vertical tail 23 is electrically connected to the airship control unit 30 and control unit 32, and is controlled by the airship control unit 30. A right horizontal stabilizer 24 is provided on the right side behind the first air envelope 4. The pitch of the aircraft can be adjusted by moving the right horizontal stabilizer 24 up and down. The right horizontal stabilizer 24 is electrically connected to the airship control unit 30 and the control unit 32, and is controlled by the airship control unit 30. A left horizontal stabilizer 25 is provided on the left side behind the first air envelope 4. The pitch of the aircraft can be adjusted by moving the left horizontal stabilizer 25 up and down. The left horizontal stabilizer 25 is electrically connected to the airship control unit 30 and the control unit 32, and is controlled by the airship control unit 30.

[0018] The second air bladder 6 is provided at the upper rear of the deployable airship 1. The second air bladder 6 forms an inflatable compartment smaller than the first air bladder 4. When deployed, for example in the fourth configuration, the second air bladder 6, together with the first air bladder 4, forms a rugby ball shape. The second air bladder 6, together with the first air bladder 4, may have other shapes, such as an oblong or circular shape. The second air bladder 6 may be formed, for example, in a spherical shape and connected to the first air bladder 4 by a connecting portion. The vertical length of the second air bladder 6 may be, for example, a length in the range of 5 meters to 20 meters, for example, 10 meters. The horizontal width of the second air bladder 6 may be, for example, a width in the range of 3 meters to 10 meters, for example, 6 meters. The second air bladder 6 may have a length of, for example, 150 meters at a predetermined pressure. 3 ~500m 3 Volume of a value in the range of, for example, 350m 3The second air bag 6 has a volume of 1000 psi. Before taking off from the ground G, the second air bag 6 is in a stowed state, as shown in the first form, for example. In the stowed state, the fabric of the second air bag 6 is, for example, folded and attached to the first air bag 4. When the first valve 10 is opened and helium gas in the first space 4a of the first air bag 4 begins to flow into the second space 6a within the second air bag 6, the second air bag 6 expands and disengages from its attachment, changing from the stowed state to the deployed state. The second space 6a inside the second air bag 6 is normally independent from the outside atmosphere and other air bags, such as the first air bag 4. The deployed state of the second air bag 6 refers to a state in which the second space 6a inside the second air bag 6 is filled with a relatively light gas, such as helium gas. Helium gas also flows into the second air bag 6, and because the weight of the helium gas is lighter than the air displaced by the second air bag 6, the deployable airship 1 receives buoyancy from the outside air. When the second air envelope 6 is filled with helium gas and in the deployed state, the second air envelope 6 generates an upward lifting force. By deploying the second air envelope 6 at a certain altitude, as in the second and third configurations, the volume of the entire airship can be gradually increased, thereby increasing the buoyancy of the deployable airship 1. For example, when the deployable airship 1 attempts to reach an altitude of 15 to 20 km in the stratosphere, the air is thin and low in density at such altitudes. Therefore, the volume of the deployable airship 1 must be increased to ensure sufficient buoyancy of the deployable airship 1. By gradually deploying the second air envelope 6 and the third air envelope 8, the overall size of the air envelopes can be increased. For example, with the configuration of this embodiment, the timing at which the second air envelope 6 is deployed from the stored state to the deployed state can be freely changed, allowing the second air envelope 6 to be additionally deployed at a timing when increased buoyancy is desired.

[0019] The second air bladder 6 is also basically formed of a relatively strong material similar to the first air bladder 4, and is strong enough to withstand external forces such as air pressure fluctuations and wind resistance during flight. The outer skin material of the second air bladder 6 is formed, for example, with a three-layer structure, with a polyurethane film layer formed as the inner first layer, a high-strength nylon ripstop fiber layer formed as the middle layer of the second layer, and a silicone coating layer formed as the third layer. The second air bladder 6 may be entirely or partially formed with a thermoplastic fabric having shape memory properties. By forming the second air bladder 6 with a thermoplastic fabric having shape memory properties, the shape of the second air bladder 6 can be easily changed to the intended shape, for example, in the third or fourth configuration.

[0020] The second air bag 6 includes a second release valve 6b. The second release valve 6b is located near the first valve 10 on the fabric of the second air bag 6. The second release valve 6b is provided between the second space 6a and the external space outside the second air bag 6. When the second release valve 6b is in an open state, the second space 6a communicates with the atmosphere in the external space, and when in a closed state, the second space 6a is separated from the atmosphere in the external space. By changing the second release valve 6b from a closed state to an open state while keeping the first valve 10 closed, the second air bag 6 can release a portion of the helium gas into the external atmosphere, changing the second air bag 6 from an expanded state to a contracted state. The contracted state is a state in which the second air bag is not yet fully expanded, as shown in the second form of FIG. 1, for example.

[0021] As shown in the fourth embodiment in Figures 1 and 3, the size of the second air bag 6 when deployed at a constant pressure, a hypothetical constant pressure, is smaller than the size of the first air bag 4 when deployed at a constant pressure, for example, the same pressure. For example, the size of the second air bag 6 at a constant pressure is about half the size of the first air bag 4 at a constant pressure. The second air bag 6 additionally increases the overall volume of the air bag, increasing buoyancy and increasing the ascent speed of the deployable airship 1. The second air bag 6 is located rearward of the first air bag 4. First, this is to prevent the additional deployment of the second air bag 6 from affecting flight, such as increasing air turbulence along the airship.

[0022] The third air bladder 8 is provided at the upper front of the deployable airship 1. The third air bladder 8 forms an inflatable compartment smaller than the first air bladder 4. In the deployed state, for example, in the fourth configuration, the third air bladder 8, together with the first air bladder 4, forms a rugby ball shape. The third air bladder 8, together with the first air bladder 4, may also be formed into other shapes, such as an oblong or circular shape. The third air bladder 8 may be formed, for example, into a spherical shape and connected to the first air bladder 4 by a connecting portion. The vertical length of the third gas envelope 8 can be, for example, a value within the range of 5 meters to 20 meters, for example, 8 meters. The horizontal width of the third gas envelope 8 can be, for example, a value within the range of 3 meters to 10 meters, for example, 5 meters. The third gas envelope 8 can be, for example, 150 meters at a predetermined pressure. 3 ~500m 3 Volume of a value within the range of, for example, 250m 3 It has a volume of

[0023] Before taking off from the ground G, the third air bag 8 is in a stowed state, as shown in the first form, for example. In the stowed state, the fabric of the third air bag 8 is, for example, folded and attached to the first air bag 4. When the second valve 12 is opened and helium gas in the first space 4a of the first air bag 4 begins to flow into the third space 8a within the third air bag 8, the third air bag 8 detaches from its attachment as it expands, changing from the stowed state to the deployed state. The third space 8a inside the third air bag 8 is normally independent of the outside atmosphere and other air bags, such as the first air bag 4. The deployed state of the third air bag 8 refers to a state in which the third space 8a inside the third air bag 8 is filled with a relatively light gas, such as helium gas. Helium gas also flows into the third air bag 8, and because the weight of the helium gas is lighter than the air displaced by the third air bag 8, the deployable airship 1 receives buoyancy from the outside air, generating buoyancy. When the third air envelope 8 is filled with helium gas and in the deployed state, the third air envelope 8 generates an upward lifting force. By deploying the third air envelope 8 at a certain altitude, as in the third and fourth configurations, the volume of the entire airship is gradually increased, increasing the buoyancy of the deployable airship 1, allowing it to ascend at a faster speed and to even higher altitudes. For example, if the deployable airship 1 is to reach an altitude of 15 to 20 km in the stratosphere, the air is thin and low in density at altitudes of 15 to 20 km in the stratosphere, so the volume of the entire air envelope of the deployable airship 1 must be increased to ensure sufficient buoyancy of the deployable airship 1. By deploying the second air envelope 6 and the third air envelope 8 in stages, the size of the entire air envelope can be increased.

[0024] The third air bladder 8 is also basically formed of a relatively strong material similar to the first air bladder 4, and is strong enough to withstand external forces such as air pressure fluctuations and wind resistance during flight. The outer skin material of the third air bladder 8 is formed, for example, with a three-layer structure, with a polyurethane film layer formed as the inner first layer, a high-strength nylon ripstop fiber layer formed as the middle layer of the second layer, and a silicone coating layer formed as the third layer. The third air bladder 8 may be entirely or partially formed with a thermoplastic fabric having shape memory properties. By forming the third air bladder 8 with a thermoplastic fabric having shape memory properties, the shape of the third air bladder 8 can be easily changed to the intended shape, for example, in the third or fourth configuration.

[0025] The third air bag 8 includes a third release valve 8b. The third release valve 8b is located near the second valve 12 on the fabric of the third air bag 8. The third release valve 8b is provided between the third space 8a and the external space outside the third air bag 8. When the third release valve 8b is in an open state, the third space 8a communicates with the atmosphere in the external space, and when the third release valve 8b is in a closed state, the third space 8a and the atmosphere in the external space are separated from each other. By changing the third release valve 8b from a closed state to an open state while keeping the second valve 12 closed, the third air bag 8 can release a portion of the helium gas into the outside air, changing the third air bag 8 from an expanded state to a contracted state. The contracted state is illustrated, for example, as the state in the third embodiment of FIG. 1 where the third air bag is not yet fully expanded. For example, even after the third air bladder 8 is deployed, it is possible to return to the first configuration with only the first air bladder 4 by returning the second air bladder 6 and the third air bladder 8 to their contracted states. Therefore, the configuration can be freely enlarged or contracted depending on the surrounding weather and environment.

[0026] As shown in the fourth embodiment, such as in Figures 1 and 3, the size of the third air bag 8 when deployed at a constant pressure, e.g., a certain constant pressure, is smaller than the size of the first air bag 4 when deployed at a constant pressure, e.g., the same constant pressure. For example, the size of the third air bag 8 at a constant pressure is approximately half the size of the first air bag 4 at a constant pressure. The third air bag 8 additionally increases the overall volume of the air bag, increasing buoyancy and increasing the ascent speed of the deployable airship 1. The third air bag 8 is positioned forward of the first air bag 4. At altitudes where the third air bag 8 is additionally deployed, the altitude is close to the stratosphere, and ambient winds are often relatively calm, so forward deployment is less likely to affect flight. The size of the second air bag 6 when deployed at a constant pressure is the same as the size of the third air bag 8 when deployed at a constant pressure. The height of the third air bag 8 is the same as the height of the second air bag 6. This makes it easier to achieve a relatively equal balance between the front and rear of the airship, making it easier to fly. Furthermore, it becomes easier to achieve an equal balance between the front and rear sides, making it easier to calculate the pressure in the deployed state. The height of the third air bladder 8 may be higher than the height of the second air bladder 6. By making the height of the third air bladder 8 higher, the front side tends to be higher, making it easier to rise.

[0027] The first valve 10 is provided between the first space 4a in the first air bag 4 and the second space 6a in the second air bag 6. When the first valve 10 is in an open state, the first space 4a and the second space 6a can communicate with each other, and when the first valve 10 is in a closed state, the first space 4a and the second space 6a can be separated from each other. The first valve 10 is provided at the connection between the first air bag 4 and the second air bag 6. The first valve 10 is connected to the fabric of the first air bag 4 and the fabric of the second air bag 6. The first valve 10 is electrically connected to the airship-side control unit 30 and the control unit 32, and the opening and closing of the first valve 10 can be controlled by commands from the airship-side control unit 30 or the control unit 32.

[0028] The second valve 12 is provided between the first space 4a in the first air bag 4 and the third space 8a in the third air bag 8. When the second valve 12 is in an open state, it communicates with the third space 8a, and when it is in a closed state, it separates the first space 4a and the third space 8a. The second valve 12 is provided at the connection between the first air bag 4 and the third air bag 8. The second valve 12 is connected to the fabric of the first air bag 4 and the fabric of the third air bag 8. The second valve 12 is electrically connected to the airship-side control unit 30 and the control unit 32, and the opening and closing of the second valve 12 can be controlled by commands from the airship-side control unit 30.

[0029] The release valve 50 releases a portion of the helium gas in the first gas bag 4 to the outside air. The release valve 50 is provided on the side of the first gas bag 4. The release valve 50 is electrically connected to the airship control unit 30 or the control unit 32, and is controlled by the airship control unit 30 or the control unit 32. For example, with the configuration of this embodiment, even if the pressure of the gas in the first space 4a reaches a predetermined pressure, it is possible to select whether to open the first valve 10 to place the second gas bag 6 in the deployed state, or to release a portion of the helium gas into the outside air using the release valve 50 and maintain the second gas bag 6 in the stored state.

[0030] The gas supply unit 52 can additionally supply helium gas to the first gas envelope 4. The gas supply unit 52 is disposed, for example, inside the airframe main body 2. The gas supply unit 52 is, for example, a gas cylinder capable of supplying gas. The gas supply unit 52 includes an electromagnetic valve, a control structure, etc. that can supply gas, for example, helium gas, from the gas cylinder in a timely manner. The gas supply unit 52 can supply helium gas to the first gas envelope 4 upon receiving a command from the airship control unit 30, etc. Therefore, the gas supply unit 52 can add helium ion gas to the first gas envelope 4 at any time.

[0031] The pressure sensor 14 is provided in the first space 4a of the first air sac 4. The pressure sensor 14 measures the pressure of the gas in the first space 4a of the first air sac 4. For example, it is desirable that the gas pressure in the first space 4a does not exceed a predetermined pressure that increases the possibility of damaging the air sac. The pressure sensor 14 is electrically connected to the airship control unit 30 and the control unit 32, and the airship control unit 30 can grasp the pressure in the first space 4a using the pressure sensor 14. The pressure sensor 14 can control the deployment of the second air sac 6 and the third air sac 8 while checking the gas pressure in the first space 4a, which is effective in improving controllability and the safety of the deployable airship 1.

[0032] The main body 2 is provided, for example, in the first air envelope 4 of the deployable airship 1. The main body 2 below the first air envelope 4 forms a box-shaped room in which measuring equipment and the like are arranged. The main body 2 is equipped, for example, with an altitude measuring device 15, a GPS device 16, a camera 29, an airship-side control unit 30, and the like.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, the altitude measurement device 15 can measure the altitude (distance) of the deployable airship 1 relative to the ground G (the ground that serves as the reference for altitude measurement). The altitude measurement device 15 is, for example, a barometric altimeter. The altitude measurement device 15 may be a GPS altimeter or a combination of a GPS altimeter and a barometric altimeter. The altitude measurement device 15 can measure the altitude (distance) of the deployable airship 1. While the altitude measurement device 15 recognizes the altitude (distance) to the ground, for example, the airship control unit 30 or the control unit 32 can control the deployment of the second air envelope 6 and the third air envelope 8.

[0034] The GPS device 16 is capable of identifying the current position of the deployable airship 1 using satellites.

[0035] The camera 29 can photograph and visually confirm the surrounding conditions from the deployable airship 1. The camera 29 can be used to check the surrounding conditions of the deployable airship 1 from a remote location. The camera 29 can also be used to check the surrounding conditions, such as the weather, and to determine whether or not to control the deployment of the second air envelope 6 and the third air envelope 8.

[0036] The operation unit 34 (see FIG. 2 ) can issue operation commands such as flight operations of the deployable airship 1, opening and closing of the first valve 10 and the second valve 12 of the deployable airship 1, and opening and closing of the release valve 50, the second release valve 6b, and the third release valve 8b. The operation unit 34 is provided at a location separate from the airframe main body 2 of the deployable airship 1 and is electrically connected via wireless communication to the airship-side control unit 30 and the control unit 32 (described later). The operation unit 34 can be remotely operated by, for example, a user. The flight of the deployable airship 1 can also be controlled by the user's operation of the operation unit 34. Furthermore, the second deployment step and the like of the deployable airship 1 may be controlled by the system control unit 9 (described later), but the second deployment step and the like may also be instructed and controlled by the user's operation of the operation unit 34. The operation unit 34 can also operate only any part of the flight and operation commands of the deployable airship 1. For example, flight control may be performed by the operation unit 34, while other operations may be automatically controlled by the airship-side control unit 30. The operation unit 34 may be displayed within the monitor unit 35 that displays the image from the camera. In this way, the operation unit 34 may be, for example, an information terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. As another example, the operation unit 34 may be an operation device such as a dedicated controller, such as a radio-controlled car controller.

[0037] The monitor unit 35 has a screen on which images from the camera and the contents of the control unit can be confirmed.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 4 , the airship-side control unit 30 is provided on the main body 2 of the deployable airship 1. The airship-side control unit 30 may also be provided in a control unit 32 or the like that is separate from the deployable airship 1. The airship-side control unit 30 controls the flight of the deployable airship 1 and transmits operation commands to various devices. More specifically, the airship-side control unit 30 can control the opening of the first valve 10 and the second valve 12, and can also control the opening of the release valve 50. The airship-side control unit 30 can also control the flight altitude, flight route, etc. of the deployable airship 1. The airship-side control unit 30 incorporates a CPU 17 and a storage device 19 such as memory, and controls connected devices to perform predetermined control based on a predetermined control program recorded in the memory or the like. The airship-side control unit 30 is electrically connected to the first valve 10, the second valve 12, the pressure sensor 14, the airframe body 2, the altitude measuring device 15, the GPS device 16, the camera 29, the operation unit 34, the monitor unit 35, the control unit 32, etc. These electrical connections may be made via wireless communication or the like.

[0039] 2 and 3, the control unit 32 is provided at a position separate from the deployable airship 1. In this embodiment, the control unit 32 is provided separately from the airship-side control unit 30, but the control unit 32 may also be integrated with the airship-side control unit 30 to form a single control unit. When functioning as a single control unit, the control unit 32 may be formed integrally on either the airship-side control unit 30 or the control unit 32 side. As shown in FIG. 5 , the control unit 32 is electrically connected to the deployable airship 1 and other devices via the Internet 3. The control unit 32 may be provided in an electronic device that functions as a computer, such as a smartphone or tablet. The control unit 32 has a built-in CPU 63 and a storage device 65, such as a memory, and controls connected devices based on a predetermined control program stored in the memory. Thus, the control unit 32 functions as a computer. The electrical connection between the control unit 32 and other devices may be entirely or partially established via wireless communication, such as infrared communication or other methods. The control unit 32 has a predetermined program for executing a predetermined control function. The control unit 32 may also be composed of multiple devices. The storage device 65 of the control unit 32 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 separately in multiple devices or on a server via the Internet. For example, the airship-side control unit 30 mounted on the deployable airship 1 may be configured to execute some or all of the control functions. The control unit 32 is provided with an output device 68 such as a monitor and an input device 67 that can be operated to input data, and is capable of setting various modes and the like.

[0040] The control unit 32, using the respective programs stored in the storage device 65, controls the following modes: a first deployment mode 71 in which the first gas bag 4 is deployed on the ground and filled with helium gas; a second deployment mode 72 in which the timing at which the second gas bag 6 is changed from a stored state to a deployed state can be freely changed and the second gas bag 6 is additionally deployed at a timing when it is desired to increase buoyancy; a second gas bag selection mode 75 in which, even when the gas pressure in the first space 4a reaches a predetermined pressure, it is possible to select whether to open the first valve 10 to deploy the second gas bag 6 or to release part of the helium gas into the outside air using the release valve 50 to maintain the second gas bag 6 in a stored state; The airship 1 further includes a third air sac selection mode 76, which allows the user to select whether to open the second valve 12 to deploy the third air sac 8 or to release a portion of the helium gas into the atmosphere via the release valve 50 to maintain the retracted state of the third air sac 8, even when the pressure of the gas within the first space 4a reaches a predetermined pressure; a third deployment mode 73, which operates the second valve 12, located between the first space 4a and the third space 8a within the third air sac 8, from a closed state to an open state at a timing different from that at which the second air sac 6 is deployed, thereby gradually deploying the third air sac 8; and a return mode 74, which opens the release valve 50 to reduce the buoyancy of the deployable airship 1 to a certain level and return it to the ground. The control unit 32 may execute control according to a program for setting the modes in this manner. Alternatively, the user may cause each device to execute control corresponding to each mode.

[0041] Next, as shown in FIG. 7, a series of operations for expanding or contracting the air envelope by the deployable airship 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, in S1, the deployable airship 1 executes a preparation step on the ground to prepare each piece of equipment of the deployable airship 1, such as the first air envelope 4, the second air envelope 6, the third air envelope 8, the airframe body 2, the first valve 10, the release valve 50, the gas supply unit 52, the airship-side control unit 30, and the control unit 32. Helium gas to be injected into the first air envelope 4 is also prepared. The second air envelope 6 and the third air envelope 8 are in a stored state. In the prepared state, the deployable airship 1 is fixed to the ground by a wire or the like. When step S1 is completed, the control unit 32 (or the airship-side control unit 30) proceeds to S2.

[0042] In step S2, a first deployment step is executed on the ground, in which the first air envelope 4 is placed in a deployed state containing gas, such as helium gas. Helium gas is filled into the first space 4a within the first air envelope 4 to a predetermined pressure. The helium gas filled in the first air envelope 4 creates buoyancy in the first air envelope 4, enabling the deployable airship 1 to fly. Once the first air envelope 4 has been filled with helium gas and preparations are complete, the airship-side control unit 30 causes the deployable airship 1 to take off. The buoyancy of the first air envelope 4 causes the deployable airship 1 to rise and increase in altitude. At a relatively low altitude, for example, up to about 5 km above the ground, the deployable airship 1 flies using only the volume of the first air envelope 4 to minimize the effects of wind. The control unit 32 monitors the pressure in the first space 4a using the pressure sensor 14. When step S2 is complete, the process proceeds to S3.

[0043] In step S3, the timing for changing the second gas bag 6 from the stored state to the deployed state can be freely changed, and a second deployment step is executed to additionally change the second gas bag 6 to the deployed state at a timing when it is desired to increase buoyancy. For example, even if the pressure of the gas in the first space 4a reaches a predetermined pressure, the release valve 50 can be used to release some of the helium gas to the outside air, thereby maintaining the stored state of the second gas bag 6. Also, for example, if it is desired to change the second gas bag 6 to the deployed state relatively quickly, the first valve 10 can be changed from the closed state to the open state while additional gas is supplied by the gas supply unit 52, thereby changing the second gas bag 6 to the deployed state. Also, for example, when the deployable airship 1 rises to an altitude of 5 to 10 km, the helium gas in the first gas bag 4 gradually expands, increasing the pressure in the first space 4a. For example, when the pressure of the gas in the first space 4a of the first air bag 4 reaches a predetermined pressure, the first valve 10, located between the first space 4a of the first air bag 4 and the second space 6a of the second air bag 6, may be opened from its closed state to allow the gas in the first space 4a to flow into the second space 6a of the second air bag 6, thereby executing a second deployment step in which the second air bag 6 is gradually deployed. The control unit 32 keeps the first valve 10 open for a while, and as the helium gas expands, the pressure in the first space 4a and the second space 6a gradually increases, and the second air bag 6 also expands to its fully deployed state. The control unit 32 appropriately opens and closes the valve 10 to prevent the pressure in the first space 4a from dropping too much. During this time, the deployable airship 1 continues to increase in altitude due to its own buoyancy. After step S3 is completed, the process proceeds to S4.

[0044] Although the second deployment step has been described as an example, the timing of deploying the second bladder 6 can be freely changed in this embodiment. For example, even if the gas pressure in the first space 4a reaches a predetermined pressure, it is possible to select whether to open the first valve 10 to deploy the second bladder 6 or to release a portion of the helium gas into the outside air using the release valve 50 to maintain the second bladder 6 in its retracted state. Alternatively, for example, by opening the second release valve 6b from its closed state while keeping the first valve 10 closed, the second bladder 6 can release a portion of the helium gas into the outside air and change from the deployed state to its contracted state. For example, when the weather is worsening or when descending, the volume of the second bladder 6 can be reduced to make it less susceptible to wind.

[0045] In step S4, as shown in FIG. 2, the timing for changing the third gas envelope 8 from the stored state to the deployed state can be freely changed, and a third deployment step is executed to additionally change the third gas envelope 8 to the deployed state at a timing when it is desired to increase buoyancy. For example, even if the gas pressure in the first space 4a reaches a predetermined pressure, the release valve 50 can release some of the helium gas to the outside air, maintaining the stored state of the third gas envelope 8. Also, for example, if it is desired to change the third gas envelope 8 to the deployed state relatively quickly, the second valve 12 can be changed from a closed state to an open state while additional gas is supplied to the first gas envelope 4 by the gas supply unit 52. Also, for example, when the deployable airship 1 rises to an altitude of 5 to 10 km, the helium gas in the first gas envelope 4 gradually expands, increasing the pressure in the first space 4a. For example, when the pressure of the gas in the first space 4a of the first gas bag 4 reaches a predetermined pressure, the second valve 12 provided between the first space 4a in the first gas bag 4 and the third space 8a in the third gas bag 8 may be changed from a closed state to an open state, allowing the gas in the third space 8a to flow out into the second space 6a of the third gas bag 8, thereby executing a third deployment step in which the third gas bag 8 is gradually deployed.

[0046] The control unit 32 executes a third deployment step in which the second valve 12, which is provided between the first space 4a and the third space 8a in the third gas envelope 8, is opened from a closed state at a timing different from that of the second deployment step, thereby gradually deploying the third gas envelope 8. For example, after the first valve 10 is opened in S3, the pressure in the first space 4a and the second space 6a temporarily drops. When the altitude of the deployable airship 1 further increases to an altitude of 10 to 15 km, the pressure in the first space 4a increases again to a predetermined pressure due to the expansion of the helium gas in the first gas envelope 4. For example, when the pressure of the helium gas in the first space 4a exceeds the predetermined pressure, the control unit 32 opens the second valve 12 from a closed state. Therefore, the control unit 32 opens the second valve 12 at a timing different from that of the second deployment step S3. Of course, the timing at which the third air bag 8 is changed from the stored state to the deployed state can be freely changed, and a third deployment step can be executed to additionally change the third air bag 8 to the deployed state at a timing when it is desired to increase buoyancy.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, helium gas begins to flow into the third space 8a of the third air bag 8, causing the third air bag 8 to deploy and generate buoyancy. The control unit 32 keeps the second valve 12 open for a while. As the helium gas expands, the pressure in the first space 4a and the third space 8a gradually increases, and the third air bag 8 also expands to its fully deployed state. The control unit 32 appropriately opens and closes the second valve 12 to prevent the pressure in the first space 4a from dropping too much. During this time, the deployable airship 1 continues to ascend in altitude due to its own buoyancy. After the third deployment step S4 is executed, the deployable airship 1 continues to ascend in altitude due to its own buoyancy. At altitudes of 15 to 20 km in the stratosphere, for example, the deployable airship 1 reaches the deployed state shown in the fourth configuration. Compared to the deployable airship 1 of the first configuration, the deployable airship 1 of the fourth configuration has the second air bag 6 and the third air bag 8 added, generating greater buoyancy and making it easier to operate at high altitudes. When step S4 is completed, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0048] Although the second deployment step is described in the order of the third deployment step after the second deployment step as an example, the timing of deploying the second and third sacs 6 and 8 can be freely changed in this embodiment. For example, even if the gas pressure in the first space 4a reaches a predetermined pressure, it is possible to select whether to open the second valve 12 to deploy the third sac 8 or to release a portion of the helium gas into the outside air using the release valve 50 to maintain the third sac 8 in its retracted state. Alternatively, for example, by opening the third release valve 8b from its closed state while keeping the second valve 12 closed, a portion of the helium gas can be released into the outside air, thereby changing the third sac 8 from its deployed state to its contracted state. In other words, for example, when the weather is worsening or when descending, the volume of the third sac 8 may be reduced to make it less susceptible to wind. In this way, the second and third sacs 6 and 8 can be deployed or contracted.

[0049] When the deployable airship 1 reaches a high altitude, such as the stratosphere, both the second air bag 6 and the third air bag 8 are deployed. At high altitudes such as the stratosphere, the air is thin and has a low density, so the volume of the deployable airship 1 is increased to ensure sufficient buoyancy for the deployable airship 1. The deployable airship 1 can perform predetermined observations, experiments, etc. at high altitudes such as the stratosphere. After completing predetermined activities at high altitudes such as the stratosphere, the deployable airship 1 can return safely. For return, the control unit 32 executes a return step in step S5, which returns the deployable airship 1 to the ground. The control unit 32 gradually opens the release valve 50 to release helium gas from the first gas bag 4 into the atmosphere. Similarly, the control unit 32 gradually opens the second release valve 6b as needed to release helium gas from the second gas bag 6 into the atmosphere. Similarly, the control unit 32 gradually opens the third release valve 8b as needed to release helium gas from the third gas bag 8 into the atmosphere. This reduces the buoyancy of the deployable airship 1 to a certain level, allowing it to lower its altitude. Once the altitude has lowered to near the landing point, the control unit 32 makes fine adjustments to the direction and other factors to land the airship. When the return step S5 is completed, the control unit 32 proceeds to the end.

[0050] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention are not limited to the 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 one embodiment, the deployable airship 1 additionally deploys the second air envelope 6 and the third air envelope 8. However, in a modified example, the number of additional air envelopes can be changed to any number. For example, the airship may be equipped with four air envelopes that can be deployed in mid-air after the fact. Increasing the number of air envelopes allows for more precise deployment control. For example, only one air envelope may be deployed until the airship escapes clouds due to bad weather, and then multiple air envelopes may be deployed once the weather improves to increase buoyancy. For example, in relatively poor weather, only a small number of air envelopes may be deployed, and then, once the weather improves, multiple air envelopes may be deployed all at once to increase buoyancy.

[0051] Examples of an embodiment of the present invention may be provided in each aspect as described below.

[0052] (1) A deployable airship that changes the shape of the gas envelope during the process of reaching the stratosphere, a first air envelope that is in an expanded state on the ground and contains the gas; The second air bladder is stored on the ground, a first valve provided between a first space in the first air bag and a second space in the second air bag; a release valve that releases a portion of the gas in the first gas bag to the outside air; a gas supply unit capable of additionally supplying the gas to the first gas bag, The deployable airship is capable of freely changing the timing at which the second air sac is changed from the stored state to the deployed state, and the second air sac can be additionally changed to the deployed state at a timing when it is desired to increase buoyancy.

[0053] (2) The deployable airship described in (1) can choose to open the first valve to deploy the second air sac even when the pressure of the gas in the first space reaches a predetermined pressure, or to release a portion of the gas into the outside air using the release valve to maintain the second air sac in the stored state.

[0054] (3) The deployable airship described in (1), wherein the first valve is changed from a closed state to an open state, causing the gas in the first space to flow into the second space of the second air bag, thereby putting the second air bag into an deployed state.

[0055] (4) The deployable airship described in (3), wherein the second air bag is provided with a second release valve that releases a portion of the gas in the second air bag to the outside air, and the second air bag can be changed from the deployed state to the contracted state by changing the second release valve from the closed state to the open state while keeping the first valve closed.

[0056] (5) The deployable airship described in (1) further comprises a third air sac that is stored on the ground, and a second valve provided between the first space and a third space within the third air sac, and the second valve can be operated from a closed state to an open state at a timing different from that of the first valve, thereby putting the third air sac into a deployed state.

[0057] (6) The deployable airship described in (5) can choose to open the second valve to deploy the third air sac even when the pressure of the gas in the first space reaches a predetermined pressure, or to release a portion of the gas into the outside air using the release valve to maintain the third air sac in the stored state.

[0058] (7) The deployable airship described in (5) is provided with a third release valve that releases a portion of the gas in the third gas bag into the outside air, and the third gas bag can release a portion of the gas into the outside air by changing the third release valve from a closed state to an open state while keeping the second valve closed, thereby changing the third gas bag from the deployed state to a contracted state.

[0059] (8) Furthermore, the size of the second air bag when deployed at a constant pressure is smaller than the size of the first air bag when deployed at the constant pressure.

[0060] (9) The deployable airship described in (1), wherein the size of the second air bag when deployed at a constant pressure is the same as the size of the third air bag when deployed at a constant pressure.

[0061] (10) The deployable airship described in (1), wherein the second air bag is positioned rearward of the first air bag.

[0062] (11) The deployable airship described in (1), wherein the height of the third air envelope is the same as the height of the second air envelope.

[0063] (12) The deployable airship described in (1), wherein the height of the third air envelope is greater than the height of the second air envelope.

[0064] (13) The deployable airship described in (1), further comprising a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the gas in the first space in the first air envelope.

[0065] (14) A method for deploying an airship that changes the shape of a gas envelope during the process of reaching the stratosphere, a first air envelope that is in an expanded state on the ground and contains the gas; The second air bladder is stored on the ground, a first valve provided between a first space in the first air bag and a second space in the second air bag; a release valve that releases a portion of the gas in the first gas bag to the outside air; a preparation step of preparing a deployable airship including a gas supply unit capable of additionally supplying the gas to the first air envelope; a first deployment step of deploying the first envelope on the ground to a deployed state containing the gas; a second deployment step in which the timing at which the second air sac is changed from the stored state to the deployed state can be freely changed and the second air sac is additionally changed to the deployed state at a timing at which it is desired to increase buoyancy.

[0066] (15) A method for deploying an airship, comprising a third deployment step of operating a second valve provided between the first space and a third space within the third air bag from a closed state to an open state at a timing different from that of the second deployment step, thereby placing the third air bag in a deployed state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1: Deployable airship 4: First air sac 4a: 1st space 6: Second air sac 6a: 2nd space 6b: Second release valve 8: Third air sac 8a: 3rd space 8b: Third release valve 10: First valve 12: Second valve 14: Pressure sensor 50: Release valve 52: Gas supply unit

Claims

1. A deployable airship that changes the shape of a gas envelope during the process of reaching the stratosphere, a first air envelope that is in an expanded state containing the gas on the ground; The second air bag is stored on the ground, a first valve provided between a first space in the first air bag and a second space in the second air bag; a release valve that releases a portion of the gas in the first gas bag to the outside air; a gas supply unit capable of additionally supplying the gas to the first gas bag, The deployable airship is capable of freely changing the timing at which the second air bag is changed from the stored state to the deployed state, and the second air bag can be additionally changed to the deployed state at a timing at which it is desired to increase buoyancy.

2. 2. The deployable airship according to claim 1, wherein even when the pressure of the gas in the first space reaches a predetermined pressure, it is possible to select whether to open the first valve to put the second air bag into the deployed state, or to release a portion of the gas into the outside air using the release valve to maintain the second air bag in the stored state.

3. 2. The deployable airship according to claim 1, wherein the first valve is changed from a closed state to an open state, causing gas in the first space to flow into the second space of the second air bag, thereby putting the second air bag into the deployed state.

4. the second gas bag includes a second release valve that releases a portion of the gas in the second gas bag to the outside air; 4. The deployable airship according to claim 3, wherein the second air bag can be changed from the deployed state to a contracted state by releasing a portion of the gas into the outside air and changing a second release valve from a closed state to an open state while keeping the first valve in a closed state.

5. 2. The deployable airship according to claim 1, further comprising a third air sac that is stored on the ground, and a second valve provided between the first space and a third space within the third air sac, wherein the second valve can be actuated from a closed state to an open state at a timing different from that of the first valve to place the third air sac in a deployed state.

6. 6. The deployable airship according to claim 5, wherein even when the pressure of the gas in the first space reaches a predetermined pressure, it is possible to select whether to open the second valve to put the third air bag into the deployed state, or to release a portion of the gas into the outside air using the release valve to maintain the third air bag in the stored state.

7. the third gas bag includes a third release valve that releases a portion of the gas in the third gas bag to the outside air; 6. The deployable airship according to claim 5, wherein the third air sac can be changed from the deployed state to the contracted state by releasing a portion of the gas into the outside air and changing the third release valve from the closed state to the open state while keeping the second valve in the closed state.

8. 2. The deployable airship according to claim 1, wherein the size of the second air bag when deployed at a constant pressure is smaller than the size of the first air bag when deployed at the constant pressure.

9. 6. The deployable airship according to claim 5, wherein the size of the second air bladder when deployed at a constant pressure is the same as the size of the third air bladder when deployed at a constant pressure.

10. 2. The deployable airship according to claim 1, wherein the second air envelope is disposed rearward of the first air envelope.

11. 6. The deployable airship according to claim 5, wherein the height of the third air envelope is the same as the height of the second air envelope.

12. 6. The deployable airship according to claim 5, wherein the height of the third air envelope is greater than the height of the second air envelope.

13. 2. The deployable airship according to claim 1, further comprising: a pressure sensor that measures the pressure of the gas in the first space in the first gas envelope.

14. A method for deploying an airship that changes the shape of a gas envelope during the process of reaching the stratosphere, comprising: a first air envelope that is in an expanded state containing the gas on the ground; The second air bag is stored on the ground, a first valve provided between a first space in the first air bag and a second space in the second air bag; a release valve that releases a portion of the gas in the first gas bag to the outside air; a preparation step of preparing a deployable airship including a gas supply unit capable of additionally supplying the gas to the first air envelope; a first deployment step of deploying the first envelope on the ground to a deployed state containing the gas; a second deployment step in which the timing at which the second air sac is changed from the stored state to the deployed state can be freely changed and the second air sac is additionally changed to the deployed state at a timing at which it is desired to increase buoyancy.

15. The deployable airship prepared in the preparation step includes a third air envelope that is stored on the ground, 15. The airship deployment method according to claim 14, further comprising a third deployment step of operating a second valve provided between the first space and a third space within the third air bag from a closed state to an open state at a timing different from that of the second deployment step, thereby placing the third air bag in a deployed state.

Images