PARACHUTE, AND SAFETY DEVICE AND FLIGHT VEHICLE PROVIDED WITH PARACHUTE

Provided are a parachute that can be improved in strength as compared with a conventional parachute even though the number of panels is relatively small, and can be increased in size at low cost, a safety device and a flight vehicle provided with the parachute. A parachute 100 includes an umbrella body 11 including an umbrella top portion 14 and an umbrella edge portion 15, and a plurality of lines 12. A portion along a circumferential direction in a range from the umbrella edge portion 14 to a position on the way to the umbrella top portion 15 is folded in a triple fold in the circumferential direction of the umbrella body 11 and fixed by sewing or the like to form a fold portion 17, and one end of one line 12 is connected to the fold portion 17.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a parachute, and a safety device and a flight vehicle provided with the parachute.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, a parachute has been widely used to lower a flight vehicle or a falling object falling from the flight vehicle. Furthermore, the parachute is also used as a safety device for reducing a risk of a drop accident of a drone (flight vehicle). For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a parachute including an umbrella body formed by connecting a plurality of panels (gore) and the same number of lines as the number of panels.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: US 2004/0026568 A

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problems

However, in Patent Literature 1, in a case where the parachute is used for a relatively large flight vehicle, an umbrella body having a size in accordance with the flight vehicle is required. That is, in the parachute of Patent Literature 1, as the umbrella body is increased in size, the number of panels and the number of lines are increased. Therefore, there is a problem that man-hours such as sewing for connecting the adjacent panels and man-hours for connecting the line and the panel increase, leading to an increase in cost. On the other hand, in the parachute in which the number of panels is smaller than the number of lines, in a case where cloth is used for the fabric of the umbrella body, strength enough to withstand a line tension applied to one piece of cloth is required, and there is a problem that it is difficult to increase the size of the umbrella body.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a parachute that can improve the strength as compared with the conventional parachute even though the number of panels is relatively small, and can be increased in size at low cost, and a safety device and a flight vehicle provided with the parachute.

Solutions to Problems

(1) A parachute of the present invention includes: an umbrella body including an umbrella top portion and an umbrella edge portion; and a plurality of lines including one ends connected to the umbrella body, in which the umbrella body is formed of one or more gores, and at least one first fold portion formed with layers by folding and fixing a portion along a circumferential direction in a range from the umbrella edge portion to a position on a way to the umbrella top portion so as to form an odd number of layers in the circumferential direction of the umbrella body is provided.
(2) As another aspect, a parachute of the present invention may include: an umbrella body including an umbrella top portion and an umbrella edge portion; and a plurality of lines including one ends connected to the umbrella body, in which the umbrella body may be formed by connecting lateral side portions of a plurality of gores in a circumferential direction, and at least one of the connection portions between each of the gores and a gore adjacent to the each of the gores (hereinafter, adjacent gore) may be provided with a fold portion formed with layers by fixing in a meshed state: a first hook-shaped portion formed by folding back a portion of a lateral side portion of the gore from the umbrella edge portion to a position on a way to the umbrella top portion in a circumferential direction of the umbrella body; and a second hook-shaped portion formed by folding back a portion of a lateral side portion of the adjacent gore that corresponds to the first hook-shaped portion in a direction opposite to a folding back direction of the gore along the circumferential direction of the umbrella body.
(3) As still another aspect, a parachute of the present invention may include: an umbrella body including an umbrella top portion and an umbrella edge portion; and a plurality of lines including one ends connected to the umbrella body, in which the umbrella body may be formed by connecting lateral side portions of a plurality of gore in a circumferential direction, at least one of the connection portions between each of the gores and a gore adjacent to the each of the gores (hereinafter, adjacent gore) may be provided with: a first fixation portion formed by folding back the gore and the adjacent gore in a circumferential direction of the umbrella body to form a fold-back portion in a state where the gore and the adjacent gore are overlapped and a portion out of each lateral side portion of the gore and the adjacent gore from the umbrella edge portion to a position on a way to the umbrella top portion is fixed, and fixing the gore corresponding to a position of the fold-back portion and the adjacent gore after folding back only the gore or the adjacent gore that is on an inner side in a direction opposite to a folding back direction of the fold-back portion so as to overlap the fold-back portion; and/or a second fixation portion formed by folding back the gore and the adjacent gore in a circumferential direction of the umbrella body to form a fold-back portion in a state where the gore and the adjacent gore are overlapped and a portion out of each lateral side portion of the gore and the adjacent gore from a portion at a position on a way to the umbrella top portion from the umbrella edge portion to the umbrella top portion is fixed, and fixing the gore corresponding to a position of the fold-back portion and the adjacent gore after folding back only the gore or the adjacent gore that is on an inner side in a direction opposite to a folding back direction of the fold-back portion so as to overlap the fold-back portion, and the portion from the umbrella edge portion to a position on a way to the umbrella top portion may be formed so as to be inclined inward in a radial direction of the umbrella body in a case where the umbrella body is opened with respect to the portion from a portion at a position on a way to the umbrella top portion from the umbrella edge portion to the umbrella top portion so that an opening portion on a side of the lines of the umbrella body has a narrowed shape.
(4) In the parachutes of (1) to (3) described above, it is preferable that one end of one line of the plurality of lines is connected to the fold portion.
(5) In the parachutes of (1) to (3) described above, the number of the gores is preferably less than the number of the lines.
(6) In the parachute of (1) to (3) described above, it is preferable that a vent opened at a time of deployment is formed in the umbrella top portion, and a bag-shaped member including an intake port that takes in air through the vent is provided on an outer side of the vent.
(7) In the parachute of (6) described above, it is preferable that the parachute further includes a center cord including one end branched into a plurality of portions from a middle and connected to an edge portion of the vent.
(8) A safety device of the present invention includes: the parachute according to any one of (1) to (3) described above; a container that accommodates the parachute; and an ejection device that is provided in the container and ejects the parachute to an outside of the container.
(9) In the safety device of (8) described above, preferably, the safety device is attachable to a flight vehicle, and further includes an abnormality detection device capable of detecting an abnormality of the flight vehicle or a surrounding environment, in which the abnormality detection device activates the ejection device in a case of detecting the abnormality.
(10) The safety device of (9) described above preferably further includes a flight control unit that stops a propulsion device provided in the flight vehicle in a case where the abnormality detection device detects the abnormality.
(11) A flight vehicle of the present invention includes: an airframe; the safety device according to (8) described above, the safety device being provided in the airframe; and one or more propulsion mechanisms coupled to the airframe to propel the airframe.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a parachute capable of improving the strength as compared with the conventional parachute even though the number of panels is relatively small, and capable of increasing the size at low cost, and a safety device and a flight vehicle provided with the parachute.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a parachute according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

As illustrated inFIG.1, a parachute100according to the present embodiment includes an umbrella body11, a plurality of (six in the present embodiment) lines12, and a center cord13.

As illustrated inFIGS.1and2, the umbrella body11includes an umbrella top portion14constituting a top portion, an umbrella edge portion15constituting an opening, a vent16, and a plurality of (six in the present embodiment) fold portions17(first fold portions). Furthermore, the umbrella body11is formed of one gore18having a substantially donut shape in plan view, and a cloth-like body made of a fiber material is used as a fabric of the gore18. Furthermore, the vent16is provided in the umbrella top portion14, and as illustrated inFIG.3, the center cord13is connected to a peripheral edge portion of the vent16. Note that, when opening of the umbrella body11is started, tension is applied to the center cord13, so that the vent16is easily opened. Furthermore, in a case where the umbrella body11is completely opened, the tension of the center cord13is applied to the peripheral edge portion of the vent16, so that the umbrella body11has a shape in which the umbrella top portion14is recessed as illustrated inFIG.3.

Each of the lines12is a cord-like connection member including one end connected to the fold portion17and the other end connected to the inside of a container201of a safety device200described later. Note that examples of a method of attaching the line12to the fold portion17include welding, sewing, and an adhesive. Furthermore, the one end of the line12may be connected to any position on the outer side, the inner side, or between layers of the fold portion17.

The center cord13is a cable-like connection member including one end branched into a plurality of portions from the middle and connected to the peripheral edge portion of the vent16, and the other end connected to the inside of the container201of the safety device200to be described later. Note that examples of a method of attaching the center cord13to the peripheral edge portion of the vent16include welding, sewing, and an adhesive.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the six fold portions17are disposed at equal intervals in a circumferential direction of the umbrella body11, and are provided so as to be symmetrical with respect to a vertex P of the umbrella body11. Furthermore, as illustrated inFIG.4, the fold portion17is formed in a substantially triangular shape (seeFIG.2) in plan view by being folded in a triple fold in the circumferential direction of the umbrella body11from an opening end15aof the umbrella edge portion15to a position on the way to the umbrella top portion14(for example, to about any degree in a range of ¼ to ¾ in a vertical direction from the opening end15a). That is, the fold portion17includes a front surface-side fold-back portion19aof the gore18and a back surface-side fold-back portion19bof the gore18. The front surface-side fold-back portion19ais sewn to a side of a front surface18aof the gore18using a parachute yarn20(for example, yarn made of polyamide-based fibers, yarn made of high-strength polyethylene fibers, and the like). Furthermore, the back surface-side fold-back portion19bis sewn to a side of a back surface18bof the gore18using a yam21similar to the yarn20. Note thatFIG.4is a diagram in a case where the fold portion17is viewed from a lower portion of the opening end15aof the umbrella edge portion15inFIG.2. Furthermore, a folding direction of the fold portion17may be a direction opposite to a direction illustrated inFIGS.2and4, or the folding directions of all the fold portions17may not be the same. Furthermore, the fold portion17is fixed at two positions using the yarns20and21and formed, but may be fixed at three or more positions and formed, or may be fixed by another method such as welding or an adhesive and formed. Furthermore, the fold portion17has a substantially triangular shape in plan view, but is not limited thereto, and may have, for example, an elongated substantially trapezoidal shape, a substantially quadrangular shape, or the like.

In a case where the umbrella body11is completely opened, the fold portion17according to the present embodiment is curved inward in a radial direction of the umbrella body11as illustrated inFIGS.1and3. Therefore, in the umbrella body11, a shape in which the opening of the umbrella edge portion15is narrowed, that is, a three-dimensional extended skirt shape is formed. Therefore, the parachute100including the umbrella body11having the above-described configuration can improve a drag coefficient by forming the three-dimensional extended skirt shape after deployment. That is, in the parachute100being lowered, swinging is suppressed, and the parachute can be stably lowered.

Furthermore, since the fold portion17is folded in the triple fold, a relatively high strength is secured in the parachute100, so that the parachute has a strength enough to withstand a line tension after the start of deployment. Therefore, a relatively thin cloth-like body can be used as the fabric of the gore18, and the weight of the parachute100can be reduced. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the number of the gores18is smaller than the number of the lines12, it is possible to increase the size and to reduce the cost of the parachute100.

Furthermore, the parachute100according to the embodiment of the present invention may be applied to a safety device for reducing a risk such as a fall accident of a flight vehicle. For example, the parachute100can be used for the safety device200as illustrated inFIG.5. Hereinafter, the safety device200and a flight vehicle300provided with the safety device will be specifically described with reference toFIGS.5to7.

As illustrated inFIG.5, the safety device200according to the present embodiment includes the parachute100, a bottomed cylindrical container201that accommodates the parachute100, and an ejection device202that is provided in the container201and ejects the parachute100to the outside of the container201. Here, the ejection device202includes a gas generator203including a cup-shaped case that accommodates an ignition charge (not illustrated), and a piston206including a recess204and a piston head205integrally formed with the recess204. Furthermore, the parachute100is placed on the piston head205in a folded state. Note that, in the safety device200before activation, the parachute100is connected to the inside of the container201via the line12and the center cord13, and the line12and the center cord13are folded and accommodated in the container201so as not to hinder the movement of the piston206at the time of activation. Furthermore, an opening end of the container201is closed by a lid207in an initial state, and is detached from the opening end by extrusion of the parachute100.

FIG.6is a diagram illustrating an example of the flight vehicle300to which the safety device200is applied. The flight vehicle300includes an airframe301, the safety device200provided in an upper portion of the airframe301, one or more propulsion mechanisms (for example, propellers or the like)302that are coupled to the airframe301and propel the airframe301, and a plurality of legs303provided in a lower portion of the airframe301. Furthermore, the flight vehicle300according to the present embodiment is not limited to an unmanned or manned aircraft such as a drone, and also includes an aircraft such as a passenger aircraft and a helicopter.

In such a configuration, when an abnormality is detected by an abnormality detection device400to be described later, the piston206is propelled by a gas pressure generated based on an ignition operation of the gas generator203. As a result, the parachute100can be directly pushed out and deployed by a propulsive force of the piston206. Therefore, the parachute100after the deployment can suspend the flight vehicle300via the line12and the center cord13.

Furthermore, the safety device200includes the abnormality detection device400including an acceleration sensor or the like that detects an abnormality of the flight vehicle300.

Here, a functional configuration of the abnormality detection device400will be described. As illustrated inFIG.7, the abnormality detection device400includes a sensor (detection unit)410and a control unit (computer including CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like)420, and is electrically connected to an igniter in the gas generator203of the ejection device202, a storage unit401, a flight control unit402, and an information unit403.

The sensor410detects a flight state (including collision, crash, etc.) of the flight vehicle300. Specifically, the sensor410is, for example, one or more sensors selected from an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a laser sensor, an infrared sensor, a vision sensor of a monocular/compound eye, an ultrasonic sensor, and the like, and can acquire data of a flight state of the flight vehicle300, such as a speed, acceleration, inclination, altitude, and position of the flight vehicle300, and an obstacle that may be a flight obstacle of the flight vehicle300, data of a surrounding environment (obstacle, topography, shape of building, etc.), and the like.

The control unit420includes an abnormality detection unit421, a calculation unit422, and a notification unit423as a functional configuration. The abnormality detection unit421, the calculation unit422, and the notification unit423are functionally implemented by the control unit420executing a predetermined program.

The abnormality detection unit421not only detects an abnormal state related to the surrounding environment on the basis of information received from the sensor410but also detects a flight state of the flight vehicle (whether the flight vehicle300is in an abnormal state such as falling during flight). That is, the abnormality detection unit421detects whether or not the sensor410and the flight vehicle300are normally operable. For example, the abnormality detection unit421can detect an emergency state of a person inside the flight vehicle300, a fatal failure of a device inside the flight vehicle300, a power supply of the flight vehicle300being less than or equal to a preset predetermined value, a fuel amount of the flight vehicle300being less than or equal to a preset predetermined value, an acceleration or an angular velocity of the flight vehicle300being greater than or equal to a predetermined value or less than or equal to a predetermined value, an attitude angle of the flight vehicle300being greater than or equal to a predetermined value, a descent speed of the flight vehicle300being greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and the like. Furthermore, in a case where the flight vehicle300is operated by an operator using a controller, the abnormality detection unit421can detect disappearance of an operation signal or reception of an abnormality signal from the controller. Furthermore, the abnormality detection unit421can detect disappearance of a signal or reception of an abnormal signal from a ground station.

The calculation unit422determines whether or not the flight state of the flight vehicle300is abnormal on the basis of each data obtained by actual measurement by the sensor410. Specifically, the calculation unit422determines an abnormality by comparing each data acquired by the sensor410with each preset threshold. Furthermore, the calculation unit422receives an obstacle detection signal, a distance detection signal, an altitude detection signal, and the like from the sensor410in real time, and determines an abnormality on the basis of each of these received signals. Furthermore, the calculation unit422determines whether the flight vehicle approaches a prohibited area, enters the prohibited area, or deviates from a planned route on the basis of the position information of the flight vehicle300.

Furthermore, the calculation unit422receives a signal (a periodic digital signal (rectangular wave) or a signal always in a high voltage state) from the flight control unit402at a constant cycle, and determines an abnormality on the basis of disappearance of this signal or disappearance/change of periodicity. Furthermore, the calculation unit422detects a battery voltage of the flight vehicle300, and determines that there is an abnormality in a case where the battery voltage is less than or equal to a preset threshold.

Furthermore, in the case of determining that the flight state of the flight vehicle300is abnormal, the calculation unit422outputs an abnormality signal (which may include a command signal for starting or activating another device) to the outside. Note that an abnormality signal output unit may be provided separately from the calculation unit422, and the abnormality signal output unit may output an abnormality signal according to a command of the calculation unit422.

In a case where the abnormality detection unit421detects an abnormality in the sensor410and the flight vehicle300, the notification unit423notifies an administrator or the like that the abnormality has been detected.

The storage unit401can store various data such as each data acquired by the sensor410and determination data in a case where an abnormality is determined by the calculation unit422.

The flight control unit402controls a flight attitude of the flight vehicle300, and can stop a propulsion device (such as a motor) provided in the flight vehicle300in a case where the calculation unit422determines an abnormality.

In a case where the calculation unit422determines an abnormality, the information unit403can inform the surroundings of the abnormality. For example, the information unit403activates a voice generation device (such as an alarm) and/or a lighting device (such as an LED) to inform the surroundings of the abnormality. Furthermore, in a case where the abnormality detection device400includes a wireless communication unit capable of communicating with the controller of the operator of the flight vehicle300or the ground station, when the abnormality detection unit421detects an abnormality of the sensor410and the flight vehicle300, the information unit403informs the controller of the operator or the ground station of the abnormality via the wireless communication unit. Furthermore, when the abnormality detection unit421detects an abnormality in the sensor410and the flight vehicle300, the information unit403may transmit an abnormality signal to the flight control unit402and inform the operator's controller or the ground station of the abnormality via the wireless communication unit.

Next, an operation of the safety device200will be described.

First, in a case where the flight vehicle300is in an abnormal situation during flight, when the abnormality detection unit421detects an abnormal state, detects disappearance of an operation signal from the controller, or the operator operates the controller to transmit an abnormality signal to the safety device200, the abnormality detection unit421transmits an abnormality signal to the calculation unit422. Upon receiving the abnormality signal, the calculation unit422transmits an operation signal to the gas generator203of the ejection device202. Upon receipt of this operation signal, the gas generator203starts the igniter and propels the piston206with a generated gas pressure. With this propulsion force, the umbrella body11of the parachute100is ejected to the outside of the container201. Then, the plurality of lines12and the center cord13connected to the ejected umbrella body11extend, the umbrella body11starts to deploy, and the inflow of air to the inside of the umbrella body11starts. Thereafter, after the lines12and the center cord13are fully extended and stretched, that is, after the lines12and the center cord13are tensioned, the fold portion17is curved inward in the radial direction of the umbrella body11, a three-dimensional extended skirt shape is formed, and the umbrella body11is fully opened (seeFIG.1).

Therefore, according to the safety device200, since the three-dimensional extended skirt shape is formed in the parachute100after deployment, the drag coefficient can be improved, and the swing of the flight vehicle300hung on the parachute100is suppressed. That is, the flight vehicle300can be stably lowered.

Second Embodiment

Next, a parachute according to a second embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.8and9. Note that, in the present embodiment, reference signs having the same numbers in the last two digits as those in the first embodiment are similar, and thus the description thereof may be omitted. Furthermore, portions that are not particularly described are similar to those of the first embodiment, and thus description and illustration thereof may be omitted.

As illustrated inFIG.8, a parachute500according to the second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that an umbrella body511is configured using two gores518aand518b.

The umbrella body511includes an umbrella top portion514constituting a top portion, an umbrella edge portion515constituting an opening, a vent516, four first fold portions517a, and two second fold portions517b. Note that a line512is connected to each of the first fold portions517aand each of the second fold portions517b. Furthermore, a center cord513is connected to a peripheral edge portion of the vent516.

As illustrated inFIG.8, the umbrella body511includes the two gores518aand518bhaving a substantially half donut shape in plan view. Note that the linear portions of the respective gores518aand518bare joined together by welding, sewing, an adhesive, or the like in a state of being simply superimposed, for example, to form a connection portion517c.

The four first fold portions517aare disposed at predetermined intervals in a circumferential direction of the umbrella body511, and are provided so as to be symmetrical with respect to a vertex P of the umbrella body511. Note that each of the first fold portions517ais folded in a triple fold in the circumferential direction of the umbrella body511, similarly to the fold portion17of the first embodiment.

The second fold portions517bare provided so as to face each other with the vertex P of the umbrella body511as a center. Furthermore, the second fold portion517bis a connection portion formed with layers by fixing in a meshed state a portion (first hook-shaped portion) formed by folding back a lateral side portion523aof the gore518afrom an opening end515aof the umbrella edge portion515to a position on the way to the umbrella top portion514(for example, to about any degree in a range of ¼ to ¾ in a vertical direction from the opening end515a) in the circumferential direction of the umbrella body511and a portion (second hook-shaped portion) formed by folding back a lateral side portion523bof the gore518bcorresponding to (adjacent to) the lateral side portion523aof the gore518ain a direction opposite to a folding back direction of the gore518aalong the circumferential direction of the umbrella body511. Furthermore, as illustrated inFIG.9, the second fold portion517bis formed in a substantially triangular shape (seeFIG.8) in plan view from the opening end515aof the umbrella edge portion515to a position on the way to the umbrella top portion514. Note that, by using yarns520and521similar to the yarn20of the first embodiment, the lateral side portions523aand523bare sewn to the gores518aand518b, so that the four-layer structure of a main body of the gore518b, the lateral side portion523a, the lateral side portion523b, and a main body of the gore518ais formed and fixed from the lower part of the paper surface ofFIG.9. Note thatFIG.9is a diagram in a case where the second fold portion517bis viewed from the opening end515aof the umbrella edge portion515on the lower side ofFIG.8. Furthermore, the second fold portion517bis fixed and formed at two positions using the yarns520and521, but may be fixed and formed at three or more positions, or may be fixed and formed by another method such as welding or an adhesive.

The first fold portion517aand the second fold portion517baccording to the second embodiment are curved inward in the radial direction of the umbrella body511in a case where the umbrella body511is completely opened. Thus, in the umbrella body511, a shape in which the opening of the umbrella edge portion515is narrowed, that is, a three-dimensional extended skirt shape is formed. Therefore, the parachute500including the umbrella body511having the above configuration can improve the drag coefficient by forming the three-dimensional extended skirt shape after deployment. That is, in the parachute500being lowered, swinging is suppressed, and the parachute can be stably lowered.

Furthermore, since the parachute500is formed such that the first fold portion517aand the second fold portion517bare partially overlapped with each other, a relatively high strength is secured, and thus the parachute has a strength enough to withstand the line tension after the start of deployment. Therefore, a relatively thin cloth-like body can be used as the fabric of the gore518aand518b, and the weight of the parachute500can be reduced. Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, since the number of the gores518is smaller than the number of the lines512, it is possible to increase the size and to reduce the cost of the parachute500. Furthermore, the parachute500according to the second embodiment can be applied to a safety device (similar to the safety device200of the first embodiment) for reducing a risk such as a falling accident of a flight vehicle.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is merely an example, and the present invention is not particularly limited, and the specific configuration and the like can be modified in design as appropriate. Furthermore, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the present invention merely enumerate the most suitable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

In each of the above embodiments, the case where the center cord is connected to the peripheral edge portion of the vent of the umbrella body has been described, but the center cord may not necessarily be provided in the parachute.

Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the description has been given of the case where the six fold portions are provided so as to be positioned on a side of the opening end of the umbrella edge portion in the circumferential direction of the umbrella body, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and at least one fold portion may be provided at a position including the umbrella edge portion and not in contact with the vent of the umbrella top portion. Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the case where the first fold portion is folded in the triple fold in the circumferential direction of the umbrella body has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the fold portion may be formed by folding so as to form an odd number of layers such as a five-fold or a seven-fold in the circumferential direction of the umbrella body.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the parachute500is provided with the pair of second fold portions517b, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, only one of the second fold portions517bmay be provided, and the other may be a connection by simple overlapping.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the parachute500including the two gores518aand518bis shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, three or more gores may be connected. At this time, at least one of connection portions between the lateral side portions of the gores may be similar to the second fold portion517b.

Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, each line is connected one by one to a portion having a relatively high strength such as the first fold portion and the second fold portion, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in a case where the strength of the gore itself is sufficiently high, the line may be connected to a portion other than the first fold portion and the second fold portion without necessarily connecting the line to the first fold portion and the second fold portion.

Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the parachute may include a float (bag-shaped member) that functions as a floating member when landing on water. For example, the following modifications of the parachute are also conceivable. Note that, in the following modification, reference signs having the same numbers in the last two digits as those of the first embodiment are similar, and thus the description thereof may be omitted. Furthermore, portions that are not particularly described are similar to those of the first embodiment, and thus description and illustration thereof may be omitted.

As illustrated inFIG.10, a parachute600according to a first modification includes an umbrella body611, a plurality of lines612, a center cord613, and a bag-shaped member630. Note that the bag-shaped member630including an intake port631connected to a vent616is provided outside an umbrella top portion614of the umbrella body611, and the center cord613is connected to a peripheral edge portion of the vent616or the intake port631. Furthermore, each of the lines612is connected to a fold portion617.

Furthermore, when the parachute600is deployed, air flows into the inside of the bag-shaped member630from the intake port631, the bag-shaped member630expands in a substantially spherical shape. Furthermore, the bag-shaped member630is configured by joining at least three or more polygonal (triangular, trapezoidal, etc.) or at least three or more ship-bottom shaped waterproof panel members by welding, sewing, an adhesive, or the like. Here, examples of the fabric of the waterproof panel member include a cloth-like body formed using a fiber material, a film-like body formed using a resin film and a rubber film, and the like. Note that, as a method of attaching the bag-shaped member630to the umbrella body611, any one of welding, sewing, and an adhesive can be used.

Furthermore, as illustrated inFIG.10, the intake port631of the bag-shaped member630is provided with a check valve640including a hinge portion641and a plate member642. The plate member642is rotatably provided in an inner peripheral edge portion of the intake port631via the hinge portion641as indicated by an arrow inFIG.10. Note that a rotation angle of the plate member642is limited so as to freely open in an internal direction of the bag-shaped member630via the hinge portion641but not to open in an external direction (not to rotate to the inside of the umbrella body611). Note that examples of the material of the plate member642include cloth, resin, rubber, and metal.

In such a bag-shaped member630, when the parachute600is deployed, the edge portions of the vent616and the intake port631are pulled to the lower side ofFIG.10by the center cord613and are pulled radially outward from a center by the line612, so that the check valve640provided in the intake port631can be opened and closed. Then, the plate member642is pushed toward the inside of the bag-shaped member630by further inflow of air into the umbrella body611, the intake port631is opened, the air naturally flows into the bag-shaped member630, and the bag-shaped member630expands and deploys in a substantially spherical shape.

Therefore, in the parachute600, the bag-shaped member630can be rapidly expanded, and the descent speed of the flight vehicle can be decelerated to reduce the impact on the flight vehicle at the time of landing on water. Furthermore, at the time of water landing, the inflow of air into the inside of the umbrella body611is stopped, and the intake port631is closed by the weight of the check valve640(in particular, the plate member642). Therefore, the air inside the bag-shaped member630stays inside the bag-shaped member630, and it is possible to suppress water from entering the bag-shaped member630. As a result, since the bag-shaped member630exerts sufficient buoyancy at the time of landing on water, it is possible to prevent the flight vehicle from sinking in the water.

Note that, in the present modification, the center cord613is provided at the vent616of the umbrella body611or the peripheral edge portion of the intake port631of the bag-shaped member630, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the center cord613may not be provided. That is, as illustrated inFIG.11, the parachute600of the present modification may have a configuration in which the bag-shaped member630functioning as a floating member at the time of landing on water is attached to the outside of the vent616of the umbrella body611.

As illustrated inFIG.12, a parachute700according to the second modification includes an umbrella body711, a plurality of lines712, a center cord713, and a bag-shaped member730. Note that the bag-shaped member730including an intake port731connected to a vent716is provided outside an umbrella top portion714of the umbrella body711, and the center cord713is connected to a peripheral edge portion of the vent716or the intake port731. Furthermore, each of the lines712is connected to a fold portion717.

Furthermore, a check valve740including a net member743and a truncated cone portion744having a truncated cone shape when air flows in from the intake port731is provided in the vent716of the umbrella body711or the intake port731of the bag-shaped member730. The net member743is formed in a mesh shape having air permeability, and is provided so as to cover the intake port731. The truncated cone portion744includes an opening in each of an upper portion and a lower portion, and an opening end portion of the lower portion is attached to an edge portion of the vent716or the intake port731, so that air flowing in from the vent716and the intake port731passes through the inside. Note that examples of the fabric of the truncated cone portion744include a cloth-like body formed using a fiber material, a film-like body formed using a resin film, and the like.

In the bag-shaped member730including such a check valve740, when the parachute700is deployed, first, the air flowing into the umbrella body711flows into the truncated cone portion744via the vent716, the intake port731, and the net member743to form a truncated cone shape. Subsequently, the introduced air passes through the truncated cone portion744and is taken into the bag-shaped member730. That is, as illustrated inFIG.12, the bag-shaped member730is in an expanded state. At the time of water landing, the inflow of air into the umbrella body711is stopped, and as illustrated inFIG.13, the truncated cone shape of the truncated cone portion744collapses and collapses due to its own weight, whereby the vent716and the intake port731are closed. As a result, the air inside the expanded bag-shaped member730can be prevented from easily coming out to the outside. Therefore, according to the parachute700, since the bag-shaped member730exhibits sufficient buoyancy at the time of landing on water, it is possible to prevent the flight vehicle from sinking in the water. Note that, in the parachute700of the present modification, the center cord713may not necessarily be provided similarly to the first modification.

As illustrated inFIG.14, a parachute800according to the third modification includes an umbrella body811, a plurality of lines812, a center cord813, and a bag-shaped member830. Note that the bag-shaped member830including an intake port831connected to a vent816is provided outside an umbrella top portion814of the umbrella body811, and the center cord813is connected to a peripheral edge portion of the vent816or the intake port831. Furthermore, each of the lines812is connected to a fold portion817.

Furthermore, a check valve840is provided in the vent816of the umbrella body811or the intake port831of the bag-shaped member830. The check valve840includes a net member843, an inverted truncated cone portion845having an inverted truncated cone shape when air flows in from the intake port831, and a plastic hollow relatively light ball846. The net member843is formed in a mesh shape having air permeability, and is provided so as to cover an upper opening of the inverted truncated cone portion845. The inverted truncated cone portion845includes an opening in each of an upper portion and a lower portion, and an opening end portion of the lower portion is attached to an edge portion of the vent816or the intake port831, so that the air flowing in from the intake port831passes through the inside. Furthermore, the ball846is provided inside the inverted truncated cone portion845so as to be movable between the net member843, and the vent816and the intake port831. Note that a diameter of the ball846is set to be larger than a diameters of the vent816and the intake port831. Furthermore, examples of the fabric of the inverted truncated cone portion845include a cloth-like body formed using a fiber material and a film-like body formed using a resin film.

In the bag-shaped member830including such a check valve840, when the parachute800is deployed, first, the ball846blown by the air flowing into the umbrella body811moves toward the net member843. Subsequently, air flows into the inverted truncated cone portion845from the vent816and the intake port831, forms the inverted truncated cone shape and passes through the inverted truncated cone portion, and is taken into the bag-shaped member830. That is, as illustrated inFIG.14, the bag-shaped member830is in an expanded state. Then, at the time of water landing, the inflow of air into the umbrella body811is stopped, and as illustrated inFIG.15, the inverted truncated cone shape of the inverted truncated cone portion845and the net member843collapses and collapses due to its own weight, and the ball846closes the vent816and the intake port831. As a result, the air inside the expanded bag-shaped member830can be prevented from easily coming out to the outside. Therefore, according to the parachute800, since the bag-shaped member830exhibits sufficient buoyancy at the time of landing on water, it is possible to prevent the flight vehicle from sinking in the water. Note that, in the parachute800of the present modification, the center cord813may not necessarily be provided as in the first modification.

Furthermore, in each of the above modifications, the vent of the umbrella body and the intake port of the bag-shaped member are formed in the same portion, but may not necessarily be formed in the same portion. For example, the intake port may be attached so as to cover the outside periphery of the vent in a sealed manner, and the check valve may be attached to either the vent or the intake port.

Furthermore, in the above embodiments and modifications, the flight vehicle may include an airbag device that inflates the airbag. For example, the airbag device can be provided at the lower portion of the airframe in a normal attitude so as to face a main body of the safety device provided at the upper portion of the airframe in the normal attitude with the airframe interposed therebetween. In this case, the impact on the flight vehicle at the time of landing on the water can be further reduced.

Furthermore, in the above embodiments and modifications, the flight vehicle may include a float disposed separately from the parachute. For example, the float can be provided at the lower portion of the airframe in the normal attitude so as to face the main body of the safety device provided at the upper portion of the airframe in the normal attitude with the airframe interposed therebetween. In this case, it is possible to further prevent the flight vehicle from sinking in the water.

Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments and modifications, a knot generally called a cow-hitch (Hibari knot) may be used as a method of attaching the line to the fold portion. In this knotting method, for example, as illustrated in a partially enlarged view of a fold portion917inFIG.16(a), first, a line912folded back to form an annular portion951is passed through a hole952provided on the lower end side of the fold portion917from above, and the annular portion951is pulled out from the lower end of the fold portion917. Next, the two other ends of the line912are passed through the drawn annular portion951from above and pulled downward as they are, whereby a cow-hitch portion950is formed as illustrated in a partially enlarged view of the fold portion917inFIG.16(b). Therefore, the line912is reliably connected to the fold portion917via the cow-hitch portion950. Note that, instead of the hole952, an annular string member or a metal member may be provided at the lower end of the fold portion917, and the line912may be tied to the string member or the metal member in the same procedure as described above.

Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments and modifications, in a case where the flight vehicle can carry a person inside, an impact-absorbing member may be adopted for the seat. For example, as illustrated inFIG.17, an impact-absorbing seat1000provided with an impact-absorbing mechanism1002between a seat1001and a floor surface inside the flight vehicle can be used. The impact-absorbing mechanism1002includes a damper member1003and a spring member1004. Furthermore, the seat1001is connected to a floor surface in the flight body via a damper member1003and a spring member1004. In such an impact-absorbing seat1000, an impact on the occupant at the time of landing can be reduced.

Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments and modifications, the gas generator is adopted as the drive source of the ejection device, but the drive source is not limited thereto, and for example, an elastic body type using an elastic body such as a spring, a gas cylinder type using a gas pressure confined in a container, a chemical reaction type (non-gunpowder) in which two or more substances are mixed and chemically reacted to generate a gas pressure, or the like may be adopted. Furthermore, a pull-out type ejection device may be used instead of the ejection device of each of the embodiments and each of the modifications. Examples of the pull-out type ejection device include a method in which a weight is flicked by an actuator and then an object to be deployed is pulled out, a method in which a rocket is launched and an object to be deployed is pulled out, and a method in which a pilot chute is first ejected and an object to be deployed is pulled out by the pilot chute.

Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments and modifications, the case where the ejection device includes the gas generator and the piston having the recess and the piston head integrally formed with the recess has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the ejection device may include a piston member (sliding member), a cylinder that accommodates the piston member and is provided with a hole for the piston member to protrude outward at the time of activation, a pushing member (hat-shaped member like a hat) pushed up in one direction by the piston member, and a gas generator as a power source for moving the piston member in the cylinder. Note that, in this ejection device, the gas generator is press-fitted into the lower opening end of the cylinder, and the lower portion of the cylinder is fixed to the bottom portion of the container.

In the safety device including the ejection device having such a configuration, when the gas generator is activated when the abnormality is detected, the piston member is propelled upward in the cylinder by the pressure of the gas generated by the activation, and the pushing member connected to the piston member is propelled upward in the container. As a result, the lid is pushed up by the upper portion of the push-up member and removed from the opening end of the container, and the parachute placed on the flange-shaped portion of the push-up member is ejected to the outside of the container.

Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments and modifications, the case where the safety device includes the bottomed cylindrical container that accommodates the parachute and the ejection device, and the lid that closes the opening end of the container has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the safety device may include a bottomed cylindrical accommodation lid (bottomed cylindrical member) that accommodates the parachute and the ejection device, and a substantially disk-shaped bottom portion that closes an opening end portion of the accommodation lid. Note that the ejection device of the safety device includes a piston member (sliding member), a cylinder that accommodates the piston member and is provided with a hole through which the piston member protrudes outward at the time of activation, a base (squib holder) to which one end portion of the cylinder is caulked and fixed and which is attached via a central hole of a bottom portion, and a gas generator as a power source for moving the piston member in the cylinder. Furthermore, the accommodation lid includes a breakable portion in the vicinity of the opening end portion. Furthermore, the bottom portion includes a cylindrical protrusion extending from the edge toward the accommodation lid, and the protrusion and the side wall portion of the opening end portion of the accommodation lid can be engaged with each other using a pin member such as a brush clip pin. Furthermore, the parachute is accommodated between the inner surface of the accommodation lid and the inner surface of the bottom portion so as to surround the outer surface of the cylinder, for example. Furthermore, one end of a connection member is connected to a part of the parachute, and the other end of the connection member is connected to the inside of the accommodation lid.

In the safety device having such a configuration, when the gas generator is activated when an abnormality is detected, the piston member is propelled upward in the cylinder by the pressure of the gas generated by the activation, and the piston member abuts on the accommodation lid. The breakable portion of the accommodation lid is broken by the impact at the time of abutment, the opening end portion of the accommodation lid is opened, the accommodation lid is detached from the bottom portion, and the accommodation lid is ejected upward while pulling up one end of the connection member. Then, when tension is applied to the connection member, the parachute is pulled up and ejected to a side of the accommodation lid.

Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments and modifications, the case where the other ends of the line and the center cord are connected to the inside of the container has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, the line and the center cord may be connected to the outside of the container or an airframe of the flight vehicle.

In each of the above embodiments and modifications, an example in which the safety device is attached to the flight vehicle has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in a case where a cargo is dropped from a flight vehicle onto water, it is also possible to attach the safety device according to the present invention to the cargo before being dropped for use.

Furthermore, as a modification of the parachute600of the first modification, as illustrated inFIGS.18and19, a parachute1100called a disk band gap type parachute can also be exemplified. The parachute1100is mainly different in that an umbrella body1111is used instead of the umbrella body611in the parachute600. Hereinafter, the parachute1100will be described focusing on differences from the parachute600of the first modification. Note that, in the present modification, reference signs of the same numbers in the last two digits as those in the first embodiment or the first modification are similar to those in the first embodiment or the first modification, and thus description thereof may be omitted. Portions that are not particularly described are the same as those in the first embodiment or the first modification, and thus description and illustration thereof may be omitted.

The umbrella body1111includes a lower-side gore1118a1that forms a lower portion of the umbrella body1111, an upper-side gore1118a2that forms an upper portion of the umbrella body1111, a line1124that connects the lower-side gore1118a1and the upper-side gore1118a2, and a ventilation portion1125(six places at equal intervals in the present modification) that is surrounded between the adjacent lines1124and between the upper-side gore1118a2and the lower-side gore1118a1and becomes a vent hole for air after deployment. That is, the umbrella body1111is different from the umbrella body611in the parachute600in that the line1124and the ventilation portion1125are provided.

One end portion of the line1124is fixed to a fold portion1117by sewing or the like, and the other end portion is fixed to the upper-side gore1118a2by sewing or the like. Six lines1124of the present modification are disposed side by side at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

Since the ventilation portion1125is provided in the umbrella body1111, the air flowing into the inside of the umbrella body1111after the deployment passes through the ventilation portion1125, it is possible to suppress the pendulum motion (oscillation) of the parachute1100.

Note that, in the second modification and the third modification, similarly to the modification of the first modification illustrated inFIGS.18and19, by providing a ventilation portion similar to the ventilation portion1125, it is possible to suppress the pendulum motion (oscillation) of the parachute.

Furthermore, as a modification of the second embodiment, a parachute1200illustrated inFIGS.20to22can also be exemplified. The parachute1200of the present modification is different from the parachute500of the second embodiment mainly in that the first fold portion517a, the second fold portion517b, and the connection portion517cin the parachute of the second embodiment are a connection portion1217a, a connection portion1217b(first fixation portion), and a connection portion1217c(second fixation portion). Hereinafter, the parachute1200will be described focusing on differences from the parachute500of the second embodiment. Note that, in the present modification, reference signs having the same numbers in the last two digits as those of the second embodiment are similar, and thus the description thereof may be omitted. Furthermore, portions that are not particularly described are similar to those of the first or second embodiment, and thus description and illustration thereof may be omitted.

The connection portions1217a,1217b, and1217care different from the first fold portion517a, the second fold portion517b, and the connection portion517cin this order in the parachute500of the second embodiment in the connection method and the connection structure.

As illustrated inFIG.20, the connection portion1217ais formed in a portion (including a portion where the lateral side portions1218a2and1218a2are overlapped (seeFIG.21)) from the umbrella edge portion1215of the umbrella body1211to a position on the way to the umbrella top portion1214. Furthermore, as illustrated inFIG.20, the connection portion1217bis formed in a portion (including a portion where the lateral side portions1218a2and1218b2are overlapped (seeFIG.21)) from the umbrella edge portion1215of the umbrella body1211to a position on the way to the umbrella top portion1214. Furthermore, as illustrated inFIG.20, the connection portion1217cis formed in a portion (including a portion where the lateral side portions1218a1and1218b1are overlapped (seeFIG.21)) from a portion from the umbrella edge portion1215up to a position on the way to the umbrella top portion1214to the umbrella top portion1214.

Note that the opening of the umbrella body1211is formed such that a portion (portion including connection portions1217aand1217b) from the umbrella edge portion1215to a position on the way to the umbrella top portion1214is inclined inward in the radial direction of the umbrella body1211in a case where the umbrella body1211is opened with respect to a portion (a portion including the connection portion1217c) from the position on the way to the umbrella top portion1214to the umbrella top portion1214so as to form a recessed shape, that is, a three-dimensional extended skirt shape.

Hereinafter, a connection step of the connection portion1217cwill be described. Note that the step of connecting the connection portions1217aand1217bis substantially the same as the step of connecting the connection portion1217c, and thus the description thereof will be omitted. First, two gores1218aand1218bhaving the same shape are cut out from a sheet (cloth or the like) for parachute, and then a reinforcement tape1224is attached to an end of each gore to reinforce the end (seeFIG.21). Next, the gores1218aand1218bare overlapped so that the positions of the lateral side portions1218a1and1218b1of the gores1218aand1218bcoincide with each other (seeFIG.22(a)). Thereafter, the gores1218aand1218bis sewn and fixed using yarns1226and1227. Note that this fixing may be performed using another fixing method such as welding or an adhesive. Subsequently, the lateral side portions1218a1and1218b1of the gores1218aand1218bare folded back in the circumferential direction of the umbrella body1211so that the gore1218ais on the inner side to form a back surface-side fold-back portion1222b(seeFIG.22(b)). At this time, since the gores1218aand1218bhas already been sewn and fixed using the yarns1226and1227, the gores1218aand1218bis less likely to be displaced. Subsequently, only the gore1218ais folded back in a direction opposite to the folding direction in which the back surface-side fold-back portion1222bis formed, and a front surface-side fold-back portion1222ais formed while the gore1218aoverlaps the back surface-side fold-back portion1222b(seeFIG.22(c)). Then, the gores1218aand1218bare entirely sewn and fixed again using a yarn1228at a position corresponding to the sewing position of the yarn1226(seeFIG.22(d)). Similarly, the gores1218aand1218bare again sewn and fixed using a yarn1229at a position corresponding to the sewing position of the yarn1227(seeFIG.22(d)). As a result, the five-layer connection portion1217cis formed.

The reinforcement tape1224is a reinforcement member that is appropriately provided in a portion requiring reinforcement, such as a portion to which a load is applied by a line (not illustrated) connected to the annular member1225. The annular member1225has an annular portion such that a cow-hitch can be attached to a line (not illustrated), and a part thereof is fixed to the connection portions1217aand1217bby sewing or an adhesive.

According to such a parachute1200, when the connection portions1217aand1217b, and1217cof the gore1218aand1218bare formed, the gore can be sewn so as not to be displaced from each other. That is, since the parachute1200can be easily manufactured, the manufacturing cost can be suppressed as compared with other parachutes.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST