JP2003329400A - Lightning rocket - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To provide a lightning rocket that facilitates recovery of a flying object and greatly reduces the use conditions of a launch site. Furthermore, a lightning rocket with few legal restrictions on handling is provided. SOLUTION: A lightning rocket including a flying body accommodating a propulsion means and an ignition means for igniting the propulsion means, and a conductive wire having one end connected to the flying body, further provided with a function of recovering the flying body. In particular, a lightning-triggered rocket characterized in that the recovery function is a device having a winding mechanism or a device having a reverse injection mechanism incorporated in a flying object.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a lightning-initiated rocket suitable for protecting a power plant or a substation from a lightning strike.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a lightning rocket has been used on a trial basis for the purpose of artificially causing a lightning strike at a desired location. This is a thin wire cable attached to a small rocket. It launches the rocket toward a thundercloud to exert a lightning rod effect, and the wire cable induces lightning to reduce or eliminate the electric charge in the thundercloud. Met. Specifically, referring to FIG. 5, the conventional lightning-initiating rocket 24 launches the projectile 1 with the wire cable 2 toward a thundercloud to cause the wire cable 2 to induce lightning. Further, as a method of guiding lightning to the ground without using a wire cable, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-167493 discloses a method of utilizing plasma generated by intense laser irradiation. However, since the lightning strike rocket needs to be raised at a high speed of 50 m / sec or more at an altitude of about 200 m that causes lightning strike, the result is that the lightning strike rocket flies even further to the sky after the end of combustion. Therefore, a wide launch space was required from the viewpoint of preventing the danger of the lightning rocket falling. Also, when a lightning strike rocket strikes, the wire cable evaporates and disappears, but when there is no lightning strike on the lightning rocket, it falls with a wire attached, so there is a danger of short circuits near power lines. It could not be used from the viewpoint of sexual avoidance. Furthermore, since conventional lightning rockets use explosives as a constituent of propellant, they must be handled rigorously in accordance with the Explosives Control Law, and there are many restrictions on use and storage and flexible operation. Was difficult. Further, the laser-induced lightning method disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-167493 has a problem in that the equipment is large and enormous cost is required.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a lightning-initiated rocket in which the flying object can be easily recovered, the conditions of use at the launch site can be significantly eased, and the launch vehicle can be launched safely. .

[0004]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION As a result of intensive studies made by the present inventors in view of the above-mentioned problems, it is possible to easily collect a flying object by adding a device having a specific winding mechanism or a device having a reverse injection mechanism. The inventors have obtained the following knowledge and completed the present invention.
A first aspect of the present invention is a lightning-initiated rocket including a propelling body containing a propulsion unit and an ignition unit for igniting the propulsion unit, and a conductive wire whose one end is connected to the propelling unit. It is a lightning-triggered rocket equipped with. A second invention is a lightning-initiated rocket according to the first invention, wherein the recovery function is a device having a string-shaped body having one end connected to a flying body and a mechanism for winding the string-shaped body from the other end. is there. A third aspect of the invention is the lightning-initiated rocket of the first aspect of the invention, in which the recovery function is based on a device that has a reverse injection mechanism that is incorporated in a flying object and injects in a direction opposite to the propulsion direction.
A fourth invention is the induction device according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the propelling means is a propellant, the ignition means is an igniting agent, and the propellant and the igniting agent are non-explosive components. It is a lightning rocket. A fifth invention is a lightning-initiated rocket according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, in which the projectile member is a material that decomposes naturally.

[0005]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The lightning-initiated rocket of the present invention is characterized by having a flying body, a conductive wire for inducing lightning, and a flying body recovery function. Examples of the flying body collection function include (1) a device having a winding mechanism and (2) a device having a reverse injection mechanism. When the flying object recovery function is a device having a winding mechanism, one end of the string-shaped body is attached to the lightning-initiating rocket and the other end is fixed to the ground, or one end of the string-shaped body is attached to the rocket. , And the other end is fixed to the winder. Here, examples of the winding machine include an electric automatic winding machine and a manual winding machine. The length of the string is approximately equal to the target altitude of the lightning rocket. Therefore, as a result of the lightning rocket rising to the target altitude being stopped by the string-shaped body, it is possible to drop the lightning rocket near the launch point without unnecessarily flying to a long distance. The string-like body is not limited in shape as long as its cross-section is a circle, an ellipse, a quadrangle, a triangle, or the like and has the above-mentioned action. In addition, since the string-shaped body is easily burned by the high-temperature gas injected from about 2 m from the rear part of the projectile, the string-shaped body is made of a heat-resistant material, or the string-shaped body is attached to the tip of the wing of the projectile. It is necessary to attach it so that the string-shaped body does not burn out. Further, when the flying object is being held up, a large tensile force is applied to the string-shaped body, so the string-shaped body should be selected so as to have the strength to withstand the force.

However, since it is necessary to make the rocket large if an unnecessarily thick string-like body is used, a light, strong and heat-resistant material such as aramid fiber is preferable as the material of the string-like body. Further, it is more preferable to connect a cushioning device such as a rubber cord or a brake drum to the tip end or the end of the string-like body because the tensile strength required for the string-like body can be significantly reduced.

When the flying object recovery function is performed by a device having a reverse injection mechanism, a small rocket for reverse injection is attached to the tip of the flying object. When the rocket reaches the required altitude, the propellant of the reverse injection mechanism is automatically ignited, and it is possible to reduce the speed of the rocket by injecting it in the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the rocket. As an example of the ignition method, for example,
After the propellant of the rocket is burned, a flame such as a delay agent flows into the reverse injection mechanism and ignites the propellant of the reverse injection mechanism. As an example, when a rocket with a mass of 400 g rises at 100 m / sec, the rocket can be almost stopped by a reverse injection mechanism that burns about 30 g of propellant in 0.5 seconds. In addition, the flame of the reverse injection mechanism that ejects at a speed of 1000 m / sec or more becomes a conductive high-temperature plasma column, so it breaks the corona sheath that occurs in front of the projectile and blocks lightning strikes, and the precursor heads from the lightning rocket to the thundercloud. Since it has a high ability to generate an electric discharge (leader), it can be expected that the ejected flame itself exerts a lightning rod effect.

If the device having the winding mechanism and the device having the reverse injection mechanism are used together, the flight distance can be further reduced, and a thinner string-like body can be used due to the deceleration action of the reverse injection mechanism. , It is also possible to reduce the size of the lightning rocket. Also, in the case of a lightning-initiated rocket equipped with a reverse injection mechanism, the flight distance of the rocket can be suppressed even if the string-shaped object for recovery is spoiled, further improving safety when launching in a narrow space. You can

As the propellant used for the rocket propelling means and the reverse injection mechanism, a commonly used propellant can be used. However, from the viewpoint of handleability, a propellant containing a non-explosive component is preferable. As the propellant of the non-explosive, a non-explosive molded body obtained by mixing an oxidizer component and a fuel component and molding the mixture can be used. Examples of the oxidant component include nitroguanidine,
Known nitro compounds such as nitromethane and dinitrotoluene containing up to two nitro groups, metal oxides such as copper oxide and manganese dioxide, organic peroxides, etc. that are not classified as explosives even when mixed with fuel components Everything can be used. In addition, examples of the fuel component include metals having large combustion heat, such as aluminum, magnesium, magnalium (alloy of magnesium and aluminum), boron, and zirconium. These components can be used in the form of powder, foil or fine wire.

Further, in order to bond the oxidizer component and the fuel component, a synthetic resin binder which itself serves as a fuel component can be used. Specific examples of synthetic resin binders include:
For example, those with excellent mechanical strength and elasticity such as polybutadiene rubber and polyurethane rubber,
High energy polymers such as glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) are preferred.

As the ignition charge as the ignition means, a commonly used ignition charge can be used, but a non-explosive charge is preferable from the viewpoint of handleability and the like. As the non-explosive igniter, for example, a mixture of an oxidizer component such as a thermite agent and a Schmitt gold agent and a fuel component can be used. Specifically, JP-A-9-124388 and JP-A-9-12
As disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4387, a non-explosive igniter such as a mixture of copper oxide and aluminum powder, a mixture of copper oxide and boron powder, a mixture of Teflon (registered trademark) powder and magnesium powder, etc. The composition may be granulated to have an appropriate particle size or molded into pellets. The non-explosive igniter is stored in a polyethylene bag, etc., and the nichrome wire is inserted and sealed.The igniter is used as a remote igniter because it easily ignites and burns by passing an electric current through the nichrome wire to cause it to glow red. it can.

When the flying member is made of a material that is naturally degradable, it can be decomposed and disappeared naturally when the flying object falls in the mountains or the surface of seawater and cannot be recovered, which is preferable from the environmental aspect. If the material is lightweight, it is possible to reduce damage to property and the like due to dropping of the flying object. For example, the case part which is a flying body can be made into a paper cylinder, the upper and lower pressure-resistant partition parts can be made of wood or biodegradable resin, and the stabilizing wings can be made of veneer plate or the like. By assembling these parts with an iron nail or an adhesive, most of the flying body can be made of a material that is naturally degradable. The conductive wire used in the present invention requires a length of about 200 m, which is an altitude at which a lightning strike rocket induces lightning, and the mechanical strength of the conductive wire of the lightning strike rocket is such a strength as not to be cut. Must have. As the conductive wire, a wire made of metal is usually used in order to exert a lightning rod effect in which charges in the thundercloud are flown to the ground.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 4 show an example of an embodiment of a lightning strike rocket of the present invention, and FIG. 5 shows a form of a conventional lightning strike rocket.

(Embodiment 1) In the lightning strike rocket 20 shown in FIG. 1, one end of a string-like body 3 is further attached to the flying body 1 having a conductive wire (wire cable) 2 attached thereto as a recovery function, and the other end is electrically driven. The automatic winding machine 4 has a winding mechanism. When the lightning strike rocket is launched, the string-like body 3 stops the rocket at a required altitude, and as a result, the lightning strike rocket falls near the launch point. Therefore, it is possible to use the lightning rocket even in a relatively narrow place. The arrows in the figure indicate the flight direction and the recovery direction.

(Embodiment 2) A lightning-initiated rocket 21 shown in FIG. 2 has a structure in which a projectile 1 having conductive wires 2 attached thereto and a reverse injection mechanism 11 attached to the tip of the projectile. Like a conventional lightning rocket, a flying body 1 with a conductive wire 2 attached
It is launched toward the thundercloud, but by assuring reverse injection at a predetermined altitude, the rising speed of the lightning-initiated rocket can be greatly reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the flight distance of the lightning-initiated rocket without using a string-shaped body. The arrows in the figure indicate the flight direction and the recovery direction.

FIG. 3 shows the lightning-initiated rocket 2 with the reverse injection mechanism.
It is a conceptual diagram which showed 1 (22) in more detail. The ignition device 5 as an ignition means stores an ignition charge and a heater with a lead wire in a container. Further, the propellant 6, the prolonging agent 14, and the propellant 15 of the reverse injection mechanism as propelling means are all the same composition of non-explosive (GAP 20-60% by weight, nitromethane 5-20% by weight, nitroguanidine 20-60% by weight). % And magnarium (magnesium: aluminum 50:50 alloy) powder 10 to 20% by weight), and the non-explosive composition (mixture of copper oxide and aluminum powder) is also used as the igniter. . First, when the propellant 6 as a propelling means is ignited by the ignition of the ignition device 5, combustion gas is ejected from the nozzle 7 and the rocket is launched. When the combustion of the propellant 6 as the propelling means is completed, the prolonging agent 14 in the pressure partition wall 13 is ignited, and the propellant 15 of the reverse injection mechanism is ignited after a predetermined time. Nose cap 17
Is separated from the lightning strike rocket by the flame of reverse injection. The combustion gas of the propellant 15 of the reverse injection mechanism is ejected from the nozzle 16 of the reverse injection mechanism in the direction opposite to the propelling direction, thereby reducing the velocity of the flying object.

(Embodiment 3) The lightning strike rocket 23 shown in FIG. 4 is different from the lightning strike rocket of the second embodiment in that one end of the string 3 is attached to the flying body 1 and the other end is fixed to the ground. It is a structure. Similar to the second embodiment, the lightning-initiated rocket 23 is launched toward the thundercloud, but the rising speed of the lightning-initiated rocket can be significantly reduced by performing reverse injection at a predetermined altitude. Further, the string-shaped body can surely limit the flight range. That is, it is easy to collect the flying object, and it is possible to launch it safely in a very narrow space. In the figure, 2 indicates a conductive wire, 11 indicates a reverse injection mechanism, 12 indicates a flame at the time of reverse injection, and arrows indicate a flight direction and a recovery direction of a lightning-initiated rocket.

[0018]

EFFECT OF THE INVENTION Since the flight range of the flying object can be limited by adding the collecting function, it is easy to collect the flying object. In addition, since the flight range of the flying object can be limited, it is possible to greatly relax the conditions of use at the launch location and launch safely. In particular, it can be used in places near power plants and substations. Also, by using a non-explosive propellant that is not subject to the Explosives Control Law, there are no legal restrictions, so handling and storage are easy. As a result, when a thundercloud approaches, it can be used quickly. Further, when a naturally decomposable lightweight material is used for the flying object, it is possible to stop the collecting work after use and reduce the risk of damage to the property due to the dropping of the flying object.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a lightning-initiated rocket equipped with a string and an automatic winder.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a lightning-initiated rocket in which a reverse injection mechanism is attached to the tip of a projectile.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of a lightning protection rocket with a reverse injection mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a lightning-initiated rocket in which a reverse injection mechanism is attached to the tip of a projectile, and one end of a string-like body is attached to the projectile and the other end is attached to a winder on the ground.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a launching state of a conventional lightning strike rocket.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Flying body, 2 ... Conductive wire (wire cable), 3 ... String-shaped body, 4 ... Electric automatic winder, 5
... Ignition means (device), 6 ... Propulsion means (propellant), 7 ... Rocket nozzle, 11 ... Reverse injection mechanism, 12 ... Reverse injection flame, 13 ... Pressure barrier,
14 ... prolongation agent, 15 ... propellant of reverse injection mechanism, 1
6 ... Nozzle of reverse injection mechanism, 17 ... Nose cap, 20 ... Lightning-initiated rocket of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, 2
1, 22 ... the lightning strike rocket of the second embodiment of the present invention, 2
3 ... Lightning-initiated rocket of Embodiment 3 of the present invention, 24 ...
・ Conventional lightning strike rocket.

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Hirokazu Takuma             1-11-2 Yoshida-cho, Handa City, Aichi Prefecture (72) Inventor Masaru Oda             2-8 Kasuga Town, Handa City, Aichi Prefecture F-term (reference) 5G067 DA31

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A lightning-initiated rocket comprising a flying body containing a propulsion means and an ignition means for igniting the propulsion means, and a conductive wire whose one end is connected to the flying body, further having a flying body recovery function. A lightning-triggered rocket characterized by having it. 2. The lightning-initiated rocket according to claim 1, wherein the recovery function is performed by a device having a string-shaped body having one end connected to a flying body and a mechanism for winding the string-shaped body from the other end. 3. The lightning-initiated rocket according to claim 1, wherein the recovery function is provided by a device having a reverse injection mechanism which is incorporated in a flying object and injects in a direction opposite to a propelling direction. 4. The propellant means is made of propellant, the igniter means is made of igniter, and the propellant and igniter are non-explosive components. Lightning rocket. 5. The lightning-initiated rocket according to claim 1, wherein the projectile member is a material that decomposes naturally.