Mobile

Abstract

To provide a liquid level control device capable of protecting a device from radiation with a lightweight structure, a movable body, a liquid level control method, and a liquid level control program.SOLUTION: A liquid level control device 10 includes: a reception part which receives information about incoming direction of radiation; and a liquid level control part which controls liquid level of a plurality of tanks 20, 22, 24, and 26 so that the liquid level of the tank located in the incoming direction relative to a device 16 increases among the plurality of tanks 20, 22, 24, and 26 provided around the device 16 and capable of storing liquid, based on the received information regarding the incoming direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention provides Mobile Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a radiation-shielding cooling system that protects equipment from radiation in the event of a serious accident at a nuclear power plant. In this radiation-shielding cooling system, the equipment is placed in the internal space of a watertight container. In the event of a serious accident, cooling water is supplied to the watertight container, thereby protecting the equipment from radiation. In this radiation-shielding cooling system, the equipment is surrounded by water on all sides. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-173245 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is known that the amount of radiation from sunlight on the lunar surface is greater than that on Earth, so radiation resistance or protection is required for equipment mounted on rovers that travel on the lunar surface.

[0005] However, a configuration in which a shielding material such as lead is permanently installed around the equipment, or a configuration in which a single container that surrounds the equipment on all sides is filled with water, as in the technology described in Patent Document 1, increases the weight of the rover.Since the mass of a rover that travels on the lunar surface is directly linked to launch costs and mission feasibility, the radiation shielding system described in Patent Document 1 leaves room for improvement in terms of mass.

[0006] In consideration of the above facts, the present invention is a lightweight structure that can protect equipment from radiation. MobileThe purpose is to obtain [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Claim 1 Mobile information on the direction of radiation, Information regarding the liquid levels of a plurality of tanks that are provided around the device, can store liquid, and are connected to each other by piping; and a receiving unit that receives the information about the flying direction and the information about the liquid level. When the liquid level of a tank among the plurality of tanks that is positioned in the flying direction relative to the equipment is equal to or higher than a reference liquid level, the liquid stored in the plurality of tanks is not moved, and when the liquid level of a tank that is positioned in the flying direction relative to the equipment is lower than the reference liquid level, a process is performed to transfer liquid from another tank to the tank among the plurality of tanks that is positioned in the flying direction. A liquid level control unit; Prepared liquid level control device a direction sensor capable of detecting the radiation direction; the equipment; the tanks provided at an end of a room in which the equipment is mounted and which can accommodate a crew member, at least at an end in a direction from which the radiation may arrive with respect to the equipment; a liquid level sensor capable of detecting the liquid levels of the tanks; and a liquid transfer device including the piping and a pump, and capable of transferring the liquid between the tanks, and the rover is configured to travel on the surface of the moon. .

[0008] According to the present invention as defined in claim 1, The direction sensor detects the direction of radiation. The liquid level sensors detect the liquid levels of the multiple tanks. The receiving unit of the liquid level control device receives information about the direction of radiation and information about the liquid levels of the multiple tanks. Then, based on this information about the direction of the incoming liquid, the liquid level control unit controls the liquid levels in a plurality of tanks provided around the device.

[0009] Here, the liquid levels in the multiple tanks are controlled so that the liquid level of the tank located in the direction of radiation from the equipment is raised. Since radiation is shielded by the liquid in the tanks, raising the liquid level of the tank located in the direction of radiation from the equipment increases the radiation shielding ability of the equipment. In this way, by controlling the liquid levels of the multiple tanks provided around the equipment, it is possible to selectively increase the shielding ability against the direction of radiation as needed, so that the equipment can be protected from radiation with a lighter structure than a structure that always shields the equipment in all directions.

[0011] Also, Claim 1 According to the present invention described above, among a plurality of tanks interconnected by pipes, liquid is transferred from one tank to another tank located in the direction of radiation. In other words, because liquid is transferred between a plurality of tanks, it is possible to protect equipment from radiation with a simpler configuration than a configuration in which liquid is supplied from a separate tank to each of a plurality of tanks.

[0013] moreover, Claim 1 According to the invention described in 、If the liquid level in the tank located in the direction of the equipment is equal to or higher than the reference liquid level, the liquid stored in the multiple tanks will not be moved. On the other hand, if the liquid level in the tank located in the direction of the equipment is lower than the reference liquid level, By a liquid transfer device equipped with piping and a pump Liquid is transferred from another tank through a pipe to a tank located in the direction of the splash. However, the reference liquid level refers to an arbitrary liquid level that is set in advance to obtain a predetermined protective effect, taking into consideration the size of the equipment and the relative positions of the equipment and the tank. According to the present invention, liquid is transferred to this tank only when there is insufficient liquid in the tank located in the direction of the splash to obtain the predetermined protective effect. This reduces the energy consumption required for transfer. Furthermore, according to the present invention as set forth in claim 1, since the multiple tanks are provided at the end of the room in a direction from which radiation may fly, radiation coming from this direction is shielded by the multiple tanks and prevented from entering the room space. Therefore, even if multiple pieces of equipment are installed in the room, for example, there is no need to provide a shielding member or shielding device for each piece of equipment, and multiple pieces of equipment can be protected collectively. Furthermore, crew members inside the room can be protected from radiation. Furthermore, according to the present invention described in claim 1, liquid is stored in multiple tanks mounted on the rover. Because the amount of radiation from sunlight on the lunar surface is greater than that from sunlight on Earth, radiation resistance or protection is required for equipment mounted on a rover traveling on the lunar surface. Furthermore, the mass of a rover traveling on the lunar surface directly affects launch costs and mission feasibility. According to the present invention, by controlling the liquid levels in multiple tanks mounted around the equipment, it is possible to selectively increase radiation shielding against the direction of incoming radiation as needed. Therefore, compared to a structure that always shields the equipment in all directions, it is possible to protect the equipment from radiation with a lightweight structure. Furthermore, if water is stored in the tanks, for example, it can be used as drinking water for the crew. This reduces launch costs and improves mission feasibility for lunar exploration missions.

[0014] Claim 2 relating to Mobile is a claim 1 In the invention described above, when there are multiple tanks located in the direction of the liquid coming from the device, the liquid level control unit performs a process of transferring the liquid to at least one tank located in the direction of the liquid coming from the device.

[0015] Claim 2 According to the present invention described in , liquid is transferred to at least one tank among a plurality of tanks located in the radiation direction, so that even if radiation is coming from a direction that spans the plurality of tanks, the radiation can be attenuated.

[0016] Claim 3 relating to Mobile is a claim 2 In the invention described above, the liquid level control unit performs a process of transferring the liquid preferentially to a tank, among a plurality of tanks located in the direction of radiation, that is capable of shielding the equipment from the radiation over a wider area.

[0017] Claim 3According to the present invention described above, among multiple tanks positioned in the direction of radiation, liquid is transferred preferentially to a tank that can shield equipment from radiation over a wider area. This allows equipment to be protected from radiation quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, even if liquid runs short, equipment can be protected efficiently by optimally arranging the liquid.

[0018] Claim 4 relating to Mobile is a claim 2 In the invention described above, the liquid level control unit performs a process of transferring liquid so that the liquid levels in all of the plurality of tanks located in the direction of the liquid coming are equal to or higher than a reference liquid level.

[0019] Claim 4 According to the present invention, if the liquid levels in the tanks positioned in the direction of the flying liquid are all equal to or greater than a reference level, the liquid is not moved, and if the liquid level in at least one of the tanks positioned in the direction of the flying liquid is lower than the reference level, the tank with the lower liquid level is moved. The liquid is transferred to the tanks, and the liquid levels in all tanks located in the direction of the splash rise to or above the reference water level, thereby further improving the shielding effect for the equipment.

[0031] Claim 5 The moving body according to claim 1 In the invention described above, at least one of the plurality of tanks has a discharge part that can discharge the liquid to the outside of the tank.

[0032] Claim 5 According to the present invention described above, by using a liquid transfer device to transfer liquid to a tank provided with a discharge section, the liquid stored in the multiple tanks can be discharged from the discharge section, thereby enabling the liquid stored in the multiple tanks to be used for purposes other than radiation shielding.

[0035] Claim 6 The moving body according to claim 1In the invention described in the above, the rover is a rover that travels in the lunar polar regions, and the plurality of tanks are configured to include a front tank arranged at the front end of the rover, a rear tank arranged at the rear end of the rover, a left tank arranged at the left end in the width direction of the rover, and a right tank arranged at the right end in the width direction of the rover.

[0036] Claim 6 According to the present invention described above, radiation coming from the front of the rover is shielded by the front tank located at the front end of the rover. Radiation coming from the rear of the rover is shielded by the rear tank located at the rear end of the rover. Furthermore, radiation coming from the left side in the width direction of the rover is shielded by the left tank. Furthermore, radiation coming from the right side in the width direction of the rover is shielded by the right tank.

[0037] In the lunar polar regions, the sun's altitude is low, so radiation always hits the rover from a horizontal direction. Therefore, by placing tanks on the front, back, left, and right sides of the rover and controlling the liquid levels in each tank, radiation will always be shielded by one of the tanks, even if the rover's orientation relative to the sunlight changes. Therefore, compared to a structure where tanks are provided on all sides of the equipment, the equipment can be protected with a lighter structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0042] As described above, the present invention as set forth in claim 1 Mobile has the excellent effect of being able to protect equipment from radiation with a lightweight structure.

[0044] Furthermore, the present invention as defined in claim 1 Mobile teeth, This simple structure can efficiently and widely shield the interior to protect equipment and crew from radiation, while also reducing launch costs and improving mission feasibility for lunar exploration missions. This has the excellent effect.

[0045] Claim 2 The present invention is described in Mobile has the excellent effect of attenuating radiation even when radiation comes from a direction spanning multiple tanks.

[0046] Claim 3 The present invention is described in Mobile This has the excellent effect of being able to protect the equipment more efficiently.

[0047] Claim 4 The present invention is described in Mobile has the excellent effect of further improving the shielding properties for the equipment.

[0052] Claim 5 The moving body according to the present invention described above has the excellent effect of being able to utilize the liquid for purposes other than radiation shielding.

[0054] Claim 6 The moving body according to the present invention described above has the excellent effect of further reducing the launch cost in a lunar exploration mission and further improving the feasibility of the mission. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0057] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of tanks and devices inside a rover on which a liquid level control device according to the present embodiment is mounted. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a liquid level control system including the liquid level control device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the liquid level control device shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of radiation suppression processing executed by the CPU shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a case where sunlight is incident from the front side of the rover shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 5(A) is a diagram illustrating the orientation of the rover with respect to sunlight. Fig. 5(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in Fig. 1 as seen from the rear side of the rover, illustrating the transfer of water in the case shown in Fig. 5(A). [Figure 6]Fig. 6(A) is a diagram illustrating the case where sunlight is incident from the left side of the rover shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 6(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in Fig. 1 as seen from the right side of the rover, illustrating the transfer of water in the case shown in Fig. 6(A). [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating a case where sunlight is incident from the front left side of the rover shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 7A is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in Fig. 1, seen from the rear side of the rover. Fig. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in Fig. 1, seen from the right side of the rover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0058] 1 to 7, a rover 14 equipped with a liquid level control system 12 including a liquid level control device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the arrows FR, UP, LH, and RH shown as appropriate in each figure indicate the front side, upper side, left side in the left-right direction (width direction), and right side in the left-right direction (width direction) of the rover 14, respectively. Furthermore, when the directions front-back, up-down, left-right, and inside-outside are used in the following description unless otherwise specified, they refer to front-back in the front-back direction of the rover, up-down in the up-down direction of the rover, left-right in the left-right direction (width direction) of the rover, and the inside and outside of the rover, respectively. Below, the overall configuration of the rover 14 will be described, and then the liquid level control device 10 will be described in detail.

[0059] [Overall configuration of Rover 14] 1 shows a schematic plan view of a rover 14 as a moving body equipped with a liquid level control device 10 according to this embodiment. The rover 14 is a manned lunar pressurized rover used in an exploration mission of the polar region P (hereinafter referred to as "lunar polar region P") of the moon M (see FIG. 5(A)).

[0060] The rover 14 is provided with two semiconductor devices 16 at the center in the width direction and the center in the front-rear direction. Note that the number and arrangement of the semiconductor devices 16 are not limited to those described above.

[0061] The rover 14 has a compartment 18 capable of carrying a crew member (not shown) as an occupant. Inside the compartment 18 of the rover 14, a front tank 20 is disposed at the front end, and a rear tank 22 is disposed at the rear end. Inside the compartment 18, a left tank 24 is disposed at the left end, and a right tank 26 is disposed at the right end.

[0062] The front tank 20, the rear tank 22, the left tank 24, and the right tank 26 are each a substantially rectangular parallelepiped container capable of storing water W (see FIG. 5(B)). At least one of the front tank 20, the rear tank 22, the left tank 24, and the right tank 26 stores water W. The water W is used as drinking water for the crew (not shown) of the rover 14.

[0063] The front tank 20, rear tank 22, left tank 24, and right tank 26 are arranged side by side in a generally rectangular shape in a plan view so as to surround the semiconductor equipment 16. More specifically, the front tank 20 extends in the width direction and up and down directions along the front wall 18A of the chamber 18. The rear tank 22 extends in the width direction and up and down directions along the rear wall 18B of the chamber 18. The left tank 24 extends in the front-rear direction and up and down directions along the left wall 18C of the chamber 18. The right tank 26 extends in the front-rear direction and up and down directions along the right wall 18D of the chamber 18.

[0064] The front tank 20 is provided with a discharge part 30 that can discharge water W (see FIG. 5(B)) from the front tank 20. The discharge part 30 is not limited to being provided in the front tank 20, but may also be provided in the rear tank 22, the left tank 24, or the right tank 26. A plurality of discharge parts 30 may also be provided. For example, a plurality of discharge parts 30 may be provided in the front tank 20. For example, a plurality of discharge parts 30 may also be provided in each of the front tank 20 and the rear tank 22.

[0065] The front tank 20 and the left tank 24 are connected by a pair of liquid transfer devices 32. Of the pair of liquid transfer devices 32, one liquid transfer device 32 is configured to be able to transfer water W (see FIG. 5(B)) from the front tank 20 to the left tank 24, and the other liquid transfer device 32 is configured to be able to transfer water W from the left tank 24 to the front tank 20.

[0066] Similarly, the front tank 20 and the right tank 26 are connected by a pair of liquid transfer devices 32. Of the pair of liquid transfer devices 32, one liquid transfer device 32 is configured to be able to transfer water W from the front tank 20 to the right tank 26, and the other liquid transfer device 32 is configured to be able to transfer water W from the right tank 26 to the front tank 20.

[0067] Similarly, the rear tank 22 and the left tank 24 are connected by a pair of liquid transfer devices 32. Of the pair of liquid transfer devices 32, one liquid transfer device 32 is configured to be able to transfer water W from the rear tank 22 to the left tank 24, and the other liquid transfer device 32 is configured to be able to transfer water W from the left tank 24 to the rear tank 22.

[0068] Similarly, the rear tank 22 and the right tank 26 are connected by a pair of liquid transfer devices 32. Of the pair of liquid transfer devices 32, one liquid transfer device 32 is configured to be able to transfer water W from the rear tank 22 to the right tank 26, and the other liquid transfer device 32 is configured to be able to transfer water W from the right tank 26 to the rear tank 22. Note that the configuration is not limited to one in which adjacent tanks are connected by a pair of liquid transfer devices 32, and for example, the front tank 20 and the rear tank 22 may be connected by a pair of liquid transfer devices 32. Furthermore, the liquid transfer device 32 is not limited to a pair, and may be configured as a single device that can transfer liquid in both directions, for example.

[0069] Each liquid transfer device 32 includes a pump 34 capable of pumping up water W (see FIG. 5(B)), piping 36 through which the water W circulates, and a valve (not shown). The front tank 20 and the left tank 24, the front tank 20 and the right tank 26, the rear tank 22 and the left tank 24, and the rear tank 22 and the right tank 26 are connected by the respective piping 36. Note that the configuration of the liquid transfer device is not limited to the above.

[0070] Further, the front tank 20, the rear tank 22, the left tank 24 and the right tank 26 are provided with water level sensors 38 as liquid level sensors capable of detecting the water levels of the water W stored therein.

[0071] Furthermore, sun sensors 40 serving as direction sensors are provided on the exterior sides of the front wall 18A, rear wall 18B, left wall 18C, and right wall 18D of the rover 14. The sun sensors 40 are sensors that can detect the intensity and direction of incoming sunlight. The rover 14 is provided with a sun sensor 40 on each of the four exterior sides, which allows it to detect the direction of incoming sunlight. Note that the direction sensor is not limited to the sun sensor 40 described above, and may be any sensor that is capable of detecting the direction of incoming radiation.

[0072] (Liquid level control device 10) The rover 14 is equipped with a liquid level control device 10 that controls the water levels of the front tank 20, rear tank 22, left tank 24, and right tank 26. First, the hardware configuration of the liquid level control system 12 that includes the liquid level control device 10 will be briefly explained using Figure 2.

[0073] The liquid level control device 10 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 42, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 44, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 46, a storage 48, and an input / output I / F (Input / Output Interface) 50. Each component is connected to each other via a bus 52 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0074] The CPU 42 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each part. That is, the CPU 42 reads programs from the ROM 44 or the storage 48 and executes the programs using the RAM 46 as a work area. The CPU 42 controls each of the above components and performs various arithmetic processing in accordance with the programs recorded in the ROM 44 or the storage 48.

[0075] The ROM 44 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 46 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 48 is configured by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs and various data.

[0076] The input / output I / F 50 is electrically connected to the sun sensor 40 , the water level sensor 38 and the liquid transfer device 32 .

[0077] 3, the liquid level control device 10 is configured to include, as functional components, a reception unit 60, a tank identification unit 62, a water level determination unit 64, and a water level control unit 66. Each functional component is realized by the CPU 42 reading and executing the liquid level control program stored in the ROM 44.

[0078] The receiving unit 60 receives information from the four sun sensors 40 regarding the intensity and direction of sunlight measured by each sun sensor 40. The receiving unit 60 also receives information from the four water level sensors 38 regarding the water levels measured by each water level sensor 38 in the front tank 20, rear tank 22, left tank 24, and right tank 26.

[0079] The tank identification unit 62 identifies the tank located in the direction of radiation relative to the semiconductor equipment 16 from among the front tank 20, rear tank 22, left tank 24, and right tank 26 based on information regarding the intensity and direction of sunlight measured by each solar sensor 40.

[0080] As an example, as shown in Figure 5(A), when the sun S is located in front of the rover 14 traveling in the lunar polar region P, the sunlight comes from the front of the rover 14. In this case, the tank identification unit 62 identifies the front tank 20 (see Figure 1) as the tank located in the direction of the incoming sunlight.

[0081] As another example, as shown in Fig. 6(A), when the sun S is located to the left of the rover 14 traveling in the lunar polar region P, the sunlight comes from the left side of the rover 14. In this case, the tank identification unit 62 identifies the left tank 24 (see Fig. 1) as the tank located in the direction of the incoming sunlight.

[0082] Furthermore, as another example, if radiation is coming from the left front of the rover 14 (from the direction of arrow T in FIG. 1), the tank identification unit 62 identifies the front tank 20 and the left tank 24 as tanks located in the direction of the radiation.

[0083] The water level determination unit 64 determines whether the water level of the tank located in the direction of flight identified by the tank identification unit 62 is above the reference water level based on information regarding the water levels of the front tank 20, rear tank 22, left tank 24, and right tank 26 received by the reception unit 60.

[0084] The reference water levels of the front tank 20, rear tank 22, left tank 24 and right tank 26 are set to arbitrary water levels that are preset to be capable of shielding the entire two pieces of semiconductor equipment 16, taking into consideration the relative positions of each tank and the two pieces of semiconductor equipment 16, the direction of radiation, the size of the semiconductor equipment 16, etc.

[0085] Based on the result of the determination by the water level determination unit 64, the water level control unit 66 does not move the water W if the water level in the tank located in the direction of the water flying is equal to or higher than the reference water level.

[0086] On the other hand, when the water level of the tank located in the radiation direction is lower than the reference water level, the water level control unit 66 controls the pump 34 and valve (not shown) of the liquid transfer device 32 to control the water levels of the front tank 20, the rear tank 22, the left tank 24, and the right tank 26 so that the water levels of the tanks located in the radiation direction increase. As an example, when radiation is coming from the front side of the rover 14, the water level control unit 66 operates the liquid transfer device 32 capable of transferring water W from the left tank 24 to the front tank 20 and the liquid transfer device 32 capable of transferring water W from the right tank 26 to the front tank 20 so that the water level of the front tank 20 located in the radiation direction increases, as shown in FIG. 5(B). Note that water W may be transferred from only the left tank 24 or only the right tank 26 to the front tank 20.

[0087] The water level control unit 66 transfers the water W until the water level in the tank located in the direction of arrival reaches the target water level. This target water level is set, for example, higher than the reference water level, and is an arbitrary water level that is preset so that the entire two semiconductor devices 16 can be sufficiently shielded even if the water surface is disturbed by the movement of the rover 14, etc.

[0088] Here, if there are multiple tanks located in the radiation direction relative to the semiconductor equipment 16, the water level control unit 66 performs a process of transferring water W so that the water levels of all of the multiple tanks located in the radiation direction are equal to or higher than the reference water level, as long as there is a sufficient amount of water. In addition, the water level control unit 66 performs a process of transferring liquid preferentially to a tank that can shield the semiconductor equipment 16 from radiation over a wider area.

[0089] For example, when radiation is coming from the front left of the rover 14 (from the direction of arrow T in FIG. 1), the water level control unit 66 performs a process to transfer water W to the front tank 20 and the left tank 24 so that the water levels in both the front tank 20 and the left tank 24 are equal to or higher than the reference water level, as shown in FIG. 7(A) and FIG. 7(B). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7(A), a process is performed to transfer water W from the right tank 26 to the front tank 20, and as shown in FIG. 7(B), a process is performed to transfer water W from the rear tank 22 to the left tank 24.

[0090] Here, when radiation is coming from the direction of arrow T in FIG. 1 , the front tank 20 can shield the semiconductor equipment 16 from the radiation over a wider area than the left tank 24. Therefore, when radiation is coming from the direction of arrow T in FIG. 1 , the water level control unit 66 performs a process of transferring water to the front tank 20 with priority. However, the term "transfer with priority" as used here refers to transferring water W to the front tank 20 first or increasing the amount of water sent to the front tank 20 when the total amount of water W stored in the front tank 20, rear tank 22, left tank 24, and right tank 26 is insufficient to raise the water levels of both the front tank 20 and the left tank 24, which are located in the radiation direction, to a reference water level or higher. Note that the water level control unit 66 may perform a process of transferring water W simultaneously or equally to multiple tanks located in the radiation direction, regardless of the total amount of water W.

[0091] (Actions and Effects of This Embodiment) Next, the liquid level control process according to this embodiment executed by the CPU 42 will be described using the flowchart in Figure 4, and the operation and effect of this embodiment will be described through this explanation. This flowchart is executed as needed, for example, when the rover 14 changes its direction of travel, when water is discharged from the discharge section 30, and at other predetermined time intervals. However, the execution timing is not limited to the above.

[0092] In step S100, the CPU 42 receives information from the four sun sensors 40 regarding the intensity and direction of sunlight measured by each sun sensor 40.

[0093] In step S102, the CPU 42 identifies a tank located in the radiation incident direction relative to the semiconductor equipment 16 based on information about the intensity and incident direction of sunlight.

[0094] In step S104, the CPU 42 receives information about the water levels measured by the water level sensors 38 in the front tank 20, rear tank 22, left tank 24, and right tank 26 from the four water level sensors 38.

[0095] In step S106, the CPU 42 determines whether the water level in the tank located in the direction of the incoming water is equal to or higher than the reference water level based on information regarding the water levels in the front tank 20, rear tank 22, left tank 24, and right tank 26.

[0096] In step S106, if it is determined that the water level in the tank located in the direction of the water flying is equal to or higher than the reference water level, the CPU 42 ends the process without moving the water W.

[0097] If it is determined in step S106 that the water level in the tank located in the flying direction is lower than the reference water level, the CPU 42 proceeds to step S108.

[0098] In step S108, the CPU 42 controls the pump 34 and valves (not shown) of the liquid transfer device 32, and controls the water levels in the front tank 20, rear tank 22, left tank 24, and right tank 26 so that the water levels in the tanks located in the flying direction rise. In other words, water W is poured into the tanks located in the flying direction from the other tanks.

[0099] For example, when radiation is coming from the front side of the rover 14, the CPU 42 transfers water from the left tank 24 and the right tank 26 to the front tank 20, as shown in Fig. 5(B). At this time, the CPU 42 transfers water to the target water level based on information about the water level in the front tank 20, and then ends the process.

[0100] Since the amount of radiation from sunlight on the lunar surface is greater than that on Earth, radiation resistance or protection is required for semiconductor equipment 16 mounted on a rover 14 that travels on the lunar surface. Furthermore, the mass of the rover 14 that travels on the lunar surface is directly related to the launch cost and mission feasibility.

[0101] With the liquid level control device 10 and rover 14 according to this embodiment, when radiation comes from the front of the rover 14, as shown in Fig. 5(A), for example, the water level of the front tank 20, which is located in the direction of the radiation relative to the two semiconductor devices 16, is raised. Specifically, the water level control unit 66 controls the pump 34 and valves (not shown) of the liquid transfer device 32, and water W is transferred from the left tank 24 and the right tank 26 to the front tank 20. Therefore, the radiation coming from the front of the rover 14 is shielded by the water W stored in the front tank 20.

[0102] 6(A), when radiation comes from the left side of the rover 14, the radiation coming from the left side of the rover 14 is shielded by the water W stored in the left tank 24. Similarly, radiation coming from the rear of the rover 14 is sufficiently shielded by setting the water level in the rear tank 22 to a reference water level or higher, and radiation coming from the right side of the rover 14 is sufficiently shielded by setting the water level in the right tank 26 to a reference water level or higher.

[0103] In the lunar polar regions P, the sun is low in the sky, so radiation always strikes the rover 14 from a horizontal direction. Therefore, by arranging the front tank 20, rear tank 22, left tank 24, and right tank 26 in the front, rear, left, and right directions of the rover 14 and controlling the water levels of each tank, radiation is always shielded by at least one of the front tank 20, rear tank 22, left tank 24, and right tank 26, even if the orientation of the rover 14 relative to the sunlight changes.

[0104] In this way, by controlling the water levels of the front tank 20, rear tank 22, left tank 24, and right tank 26 provided around the semiconductor equipment 16, it is possible to selectively increase the shielding performance against the direction of incoming radiation at any time. Therefore, compared to a structure that always shields the semiconductor equipment 16 in all directions, it is possible to protect the semiconductor equipment 16 from radiation with a lighter structure. This reduces the risk of equipment deterioration and failure due to the total dose effect. Therefore, the rover 14 according to this embodiment can reduce launch costs and improve mission feasibility for lunar exploration missions.

[0105] Furthermore, as long as the total amount of water W stored in the front tank 20, rear tank 22, left tank 24, and right tank 26 does not fall below the reference water level of any of the tanks, a protective wall can be formed that suppresses deterioration of the semiconductor equipment 16. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which water W is placed on all sides of the semiconductor equipment 16, a small amount of water W can be used to maintain the radiation suppression function.

[0106] Furthermore, even if the total amount of water W stored in the front tank 20, rear tank 22, left tank 24, and right tank 26 falls below the standard water level of one tank, the water W can be transferred to a tank located in the direction of radiation, thereby providing maximum protection using this water W. In other words, even if a sufficient amount of water W cannot be secured due to an emergency or the like, the semiconductor equipment 16 can be effectively protected.

[0107] Furthermore, with the liquid level control device 10 according to this embodiment, when the water level in a tank located in the radiation direction relative to the semiconductor equipment 16 is equal to or higher than the reference water level, the water W stored in the front tank 20, rear tank 22, left tank 24, and right tank 26 is not transferred. Therefore, water W is transferred to a tank located in the radiation direction only when the water level in that tank is insufficient to achieve a predetermined level of protection. This reduces the energy consumption required for transfer. Furthermore, because water W is transferred between the front tank 20, rear tank 22, left tank 24, and right tank 26, the equipment can be protected from radiation with a simpler configuration than a configuration in which water W is supplied from a separate tank to the front tank 20, rear tank 22, left tank 24, and right tank 26.

[0108] Furthermore, according to the liquid level control device 10 of this embodiment, radiation can be attenuated even when radiation comes from a direction spanning multiple tanks, including the front tank 20, the rear tank 22, the left tank 24, and the right tank 26.

[0109] Furthermore, among the multiple tanks located in the direction of radiation, the water W is transferred preferentially to the tank that can shield the equipment from radiation over a wider area, so the semiconductor equipment 16 can be protected from radiation quickly and efficiently. Even if there is insufficient water W to raise the water levels of all of the front tank 20, rear tank 22, left tank 24, and right tank 26 to the reference water level or higher, the semiconductor equipment 16 can be protected efficiently by optimally arranging the water W.

[0110] Furthermore, if the water level in at least one of the tanks located in the direction of the water droplets is lower than the reference water level, the water W is transferred to the tank with the lower water level, and the water levels in all the tanks located in the direction of the water droplets become equal to or higher than the reference water level. This further improves the shielding effect against the semiconductor equipment 16.

[0111] Furthermore, the front tank 20, the rear tank 22, the left tank 24, and the right tank 26 are respectively provided at the ends of the chamber 18 in the front-to-rear and left-to-right directions from which radiation may arrive. Therefore, radiation is shielded by at least one of the front tank 20, the rear tank 22, the left tank 24, and the right tank 26 located in the direction of radiation arrival, thereby preventing radiation from entering the interior space of the chamber 18. Therefore, the two pieces of semiconductor equipment 16 mounted inside the chamber 18 are protected collectively without the need to provide shielding members or shielding devices for each piece of semiconductor equipment 16. Furthermore, the crew (not shown) inside the chamber 18 can be protected from radiation.

[0112] Furthermore, by using the liquid transfer device 32 to transfer the water W to a tank provided with the discharge section 30, the water W stored in the front tank 20, the rear tank 22, the left tank 24, and the right tank 26 can be discharged from the discharge section 30. This allows the water W stored in the front tank 20, the rear tank 22, the left tank 24, and the right tank 26 to be used as water for daily use by the crew.

[0113] Furthermore, the four tanks, the front tank 20, the rear tank 22, the left tank 24, and the right tank 26, each having a substantially rectangular shape, are arranged side by side in a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. Therefore, compared to a case in which multiple arc-shaped tanks are arranged side by side in a circular shape in a plan view, the tank walls can be made thinner, resulting in further weight reduction. Also, the cost of the tanks themselves can be reduced. Furthermore, the tanks can be arranged efficiently inside the rover 14, which is formed in a substantially rectangular shape.

[0114] Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which three approximately rectangular parallelepiped tanks surround the semiconductor equipment 16 in a generally triangular shape in plan view, the equipment can be protected more efficiently in space and with a small amount of water W. Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which five or more tanks are provided, the semiconductor equipment 16 can be protected with a simpler configuration.

[0115] Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which, for example, multiple tanks are fixed on a turntable and rotated around the semiconductor equipment 16, with the tank with a larger amount of remaining water being positioned in the direction of radiation, this configuration does not require a rotation mechanism. Therefore, even if the total amount of water is reduced, the equipment can be effectively protected. Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which a single tank is fixed on a turntable and rotated around the semiconductor equipment 16, with the tank positioned in the direction of radiation, the amount of water W sufficient for the mission can be distributed among the front tank 20, rear tank 22, left tank 24, and right tank 26 and efficiently loaded onto the rover 14.

[0116] [Supplementary explanation of the above embodiment] In the above embodiment, the liquid level control device 10 is described as being mounted on a rover 14 traveling in the lunar polar region P, but this is not limiting. For example, the liquid level control device 10 may be mounted on a rover traveling in other regions of the moon, or on a vehicle traveling on Earth. Furthermore, the liquid level control device 10 may be mounted on a moving object used in, for example, a nuclear power plant.

[0117] In addition, in the above embodiment, the front tank 20, the rear tank 22, the left tank 24, and the right tank 26 are described as storing water W for the crew's daily use (not shown), but this is not limited to this, and other liquids containing hydrogen atoms may also be stored.

[0118] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the water W is transferred between the front tank 20, the rear tank 22, the left tank 24, and the right tank 26, but this is not limited to this. For example, a separate tank may be provided, and the separate tank may be connected to the front tank 20, the rear tank 22, the left tank 24, and the right tank 26 by the liquid transfer device 32, respectively.

[0119] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control is described as transferring the water W from another adjacent tank to the tank located in the direction of radiation arrival, but this is not limited to this. For example, when radiation is arriving from the front of the rover 14, the control may be such that the water W is transferred from the rear tank 22 to the front tank 20 via the left tank 24 or the right tank 26.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the four tanks, the front tank 20, the rear tank 22, the left tank 24, and the right tank 26, each having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, are arranged side by side in a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. However, the shape, number, and arrangement of the tanks are not limited to this. For example, the tanks may be formed in a substantially L-shape or an arc shape in a plan view. The rover 14 may be configured to include two or more tanks. By providing three or more tanks, depending on the design, it is possible to reliably protect the semiconductor equipment 16 even when radiation enters from a direction spanning multiple tanks. Furthermore, for example, in a rover traveling outside the lunar polar region P or a vehicle traveling on Earth, the tanks may be arranged on the roof at the upper end or on the floor at the lower end.

[0121] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it has been described that the water level control unit 66 does not move the water W when the water level in the tank located in the direction of arrival of the semiconductor equipment 16 is equal to or higher than the reference water level. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the water level control unit 66 may control the water W to be transported to, for example, a target water level even when the water level in the tank located in the direction of arrival of the water is equal to or higher than the reference water level.

[0122] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the water W is transferred so that the water levels of all tanks located in the direction of water arrival are equal to or higher than the reference water level, but this is not limited to this. For example, if there are multiple tanks located in the direction of water arrival, it is sufficient that the water W is transferred to at least one of the tanks. This allows a predetermined protective effect to be obtained, for example, even when there is a shortage of water W or when it is desired to save on transfer energy. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 10 Liquid level control device 14 Rover 16 Semiconductor equipment (equipment) 18 rooms 20 Front tank 22 Rear tank 24 Left Tank 26 Right Tank 30 Discharge section 32 Liquid transfer device 34 Pump 36 Piping 38 Water level sensor (liquid level sensor) 40 Sun sensor (direction sensor) 60 Reception 66 Water level control section (liquid level control section) P Lunar polar region T Flight direction W Water (liquid)

Claims

1. a liquid level control device comprising: a receiving unit that receives information about the radiation's incoming direction and information about liquid levels in a plurality of tanks that are provided around the equipment, can store liquid, and are interconnected by piping; and a liquid level control unit that, based on the received information about the incoming direction and information about the liquid levels, does not move the liquid stored in the plurality of tanks if the liquid level in a tank that is located in the incoming direction relative to the equipment is equal to or higher than a reference liquid level, and transfers liquid from another tank to the tank that is located in the incoming direction relative to the equipment if the liquid level in the tank that is located in the incoming direction relative to the equipment is lower than the reference liquid level; a direction sensor capable of detecting the direction of the incoming flight; The device; In a room in which a plurality of the devices are mounted and a crew member can be mounted, the plurality of tanks are provided at an end portion in a direction from which the radiation may fly toward at least the plurality of devices; a liquid level sensor capable of detecting the liquid levels of each of the plurality of tanks; a liquid transfer device including the pipe and a pump, and capable of transferring the liquid between the plurality of tanks; and It was intended to be a rover that would travel on the surface of the moon. Mobile object.

2. When there are a plurality of tanks positioned in the flying direction relative to the device, the liquid level control unit performs a process of transferring liquid to at least one tank positioned in the flying direction. The moving body according to claim 1 .

3. the liquid level control unit performs a process of transferring the liquid preferentially to a tank that can shield the equipment from the radiation over a wider range among a plurality of tanks located in the radiation direction. The moving body according to claim 2 .

4. the liquid level control unit performs a process of transferring liquid so that all liquid levels in the plurality of tanks located in the flying direction are equal to or higher than a reference liquid level. The moving body according to claim 2 .

5. At least one of the plurality of tanks has a discharge part that can discharge the liquid to the outside of the tank. The moving body according to claim 1 .

6. It is a rover that travels in the lunar polar regions, the plurality of tanks are configured to include a front tank disposed at a front end of the rover, a rear tank disposed at a rear end of the rover, a left tank disposed at a left end in the width direction of the rover, and a right tank disposed at a right end in the width direction of the rover; The moving body according to claim 1 .

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