WO2002028707A1

WO2002028707A1 - Aerostatic assembly comprising a plurality of pressurised balloons

Info

Publication number: WO2002028707A1
Application number: PCT/FR2000/002472
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Regipa; Olivier Regipa
Original assignee: Regipa And Partners Development; Interactive Star
Priority date: 2000-10-03
Filing date: 2000-10-03
Publication date: 2002-04-11
Also published as: AU2000274254A1

Abstract

The invention concerns an aerostatic assembly comprising a plurality of pressurised balloons (102) having each a globally symmetrical rotational shape about a vertical axis, and comprising upper linking beams (112) coupled by upper coupling means (113) between each pair of adjacent upper polar linking devices (108), and a lower linking structure (114) adapted to form a rigid frame forcing beams of the lower linkages (116) coupled between each pair of adjacent lower polar linking devices (109), to maintain a predetermined relative orientation with respect to one another. The upper coupling means (113) are of the articulating type enabling relative pivotal movements at least at a predetermined angular amplitude of the upper linking beam (112) and of the corresponding upper polar linking device (108).

Description

AEROSTATIC ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF PRESSURIZED BALLOONS

The invention relates to an aerostatic assembly comprising a plurality of pressurized balloons assembled to each other.

Patents US-4,420,130, US-4,711,416 and US-4,696,444 describe such large balloons and aerostatic balloon assemblies capable of transporting large loads. However, the production of these aerostatic balloon assemblies poses the problem of the connection of the various balloons together so as to form a homogeneous assembly capable of withstanding atmospheric disturbances and of retaining a shape (in particular with the coplanar balloons extending along a same vertical plane) and stable flight characteristics in all circumstances. In particular, it is desirable to ensure the greatest possible stability of the load transported. In addition, the connection between the balloons also poses the problem of considerable efforts likely to develop at the level of the polar connection devices.

The invention therefore aims to propose an aerostatic set of balloons which can be produced with good stability of the load transported with respect to atmospheric disturbances.

The invention aims in particular to reduce the stresses undergone by the polar connection devices.

The invention further aims to propose an aerostatic assembly of balloons in which the means of connection between the balloons can be produced in a simple, economical and light manner, and ensure the maintenance of the general shape of the aerostatic assembly - in particular a shape single-stage or multi-stage wing in a plane ^'vertical- without breaking the weight of the assembly, even participating in the force of aerostatic ascent.

(Throughout the text, the orientations and relative positions of the different elements with respect to each other in space are defined, unless otherwise indicated, in a traditional way, with reference to their main axes and / or main characteristic points without taking account of their actual volume. Thus, for example, beams or balloons are said to be aligned if their main axes are aligned, or coplanar if their main axes are in the same plane.

To do this, the invention relates to an aerostatic assembly comprising a plurality of pressurized balloons each having a generally symmetrical shape of revolution around a vertical axis defined by at least one envelope having an upper pole where this envelope is anchored to a upper polar connection, and a lower pole where this envelope is anchored to a lower polar connection device, the two upper and lower polar connection devices being connected to each other by means of interpolar connection inside the balloon, upper connecting means connecting together, outside the balloons, the upper polar connecting devices of at least one group of balloons of the aerostatic assembly, a lower connecting structure connecting together, to the outside of the balloons, the lower polar connecting devices of at least one group of balloons of the aerostatic assembly, this lower link structure comprising means for suspending a load to be transported, characterized in that:

- The lower connecting structure comprises, between each pair of adjacent lower polar connecting devices, a lower connecting beam, adapted to be rigid in tension / compression and in bending, and coupled by coupling means, called means of lower couplings, to each of the two lower polar connection devices that it connects,

the lower connecting structure is adapted to form a rigid skeleton imposing on the various lower connecting beams to maintain a predetermined relative orientation with respect to each other,

the upper connection means comprise, between each pair of adjacent upper polar connection devices, an upper connection beam, adapted to be rigid in tension / compression, and coupled by coupling means, called upper coupling means, to each of the two upper polar connecting devices which it connects, - The upper coupling means are of the articulation type allowing relative pivoting, at least according to a predetermined angular amplitude, of the upper connecting beam and of the upper polar connecting device. In the aerostatic assembly according to the invention, the lower connection structure imposes a rigidity in the lower part, while the upper connection means allow relative movements. In this way, the load remains stable and the differential forces undergone by the various balloons due to the disturbances of the atmospheric air are taken into account by relative displacements limited in amplitude at the level of the upper poles of the balloons.

The lower connection structure, the interpolar connection means, the connection beams and the polar connection devices nevertheless form an aerostatic frame under tension that is rigid enough to maintain the general shape of the aerostatic assembly according to the invention. There is also nothing to prevent the possibility of controlled relative movements, for example the pivoting of a balloon or group of balloons relative to another balloon or group of balloons, for example to form a horizontal direction command in the manner of a tail.

In addition, this rigid frame allows not only the coupling of different balloons next to each other in the horizontal direction, but also the coupling of other balloons, devices or accessories to the balloons of the aerostatic assembly - in particular to the devices polar connection-, and / or the coupling of different groups of balloons to each other, one above the other and / or next to each other and / or one behind the other.

The different balloons are recalled in vertical position above the lower connecting structure by the upward aerostatic force. The possibilities of relative movements in the upper part make it possible to reduce, to a certain extent, the stresses undergone by the upper polar connecting devices.

Advantageously and according to the invention, the upper coupling means are adapted to define a point joint central passing through the vertical axis of the balloon. Such a central point joint (of the ball joint type) minimizes the stresses.

If the balloons are sufficiently flexible, the lower coupling means can be rigid fixing means preventing any relative movement. However, preferably, advantageously and according to the invention, the lower coupling means are also of the articulation type allowing relative pivoting at least according to a predetermined angular amplitude of the lower connecting beam and the lower polar connecting device. Advantageously and according to the invention, the lower coupling means are adapted to define a central point articulation passing through the vertical axis of the balloon.

Furthermore, advantageously and according to the invention, at least one connecting beam - in particular each connecting beam - is formed by a cylindrical balloon pressurized by a gas lighter than air coupled to the corresponding polar connecting devices by its polar ends . Thus, the connecting beams themselves participate in the aerostatic ascent force, by compensating at least their own weight. Alternatively, this balloon can be pressurized with air.

Advantageously and according to the invention, said balloon comprises at least one gas-tight envelope that it encloses, at least one generally cylindrical external envelope (separate or merged with the sealing envelope), a polar anchoring device from each envelope to each of its poles, provided with means for coupling the balloon to a device for external connection to the balloon, and means for interpolar connection between the polar anchoring devices inside the balloon. Said external balloon connection device is for example a polar connection device for a balloon or a connection device specific to the lower connection structure. In other words, the connecting beams have a structure similar to that of the balloons of the aerostatic assembly. Advantageously and according to the invention, said balloon incorporates a rigid padding material at least in axial compression filling the internal volume of its sealing envelope. Advantageously and according to the invention, the padding material is formed from a single block. It can also be in divided form. Advantageously and according to the invention, this padding material is formed from a rigid foam or having a certain flexibility. Preferably, advantageously and according to the invention, the padding material of the lower connecting beams is adapted to reinforce the bending stiffness of these beams. If it is a foam, then a rigid foam is chosen.

The upper connecting beams can have a certain elastic flexibility in bending. However, preferably, advantageously and according to the invention, each upper connecting beam is also adapted to be rigid in bending. Advantageously and according to the invention, the lower connecting beams and the upper connecting beams have the same structure.

Furthermore, advantageously and according to the invention, each polar connection device comprises means for waterproof anchoring of at least one internal envelope for sealing the balloon, and means for anchoring at least one external envelope resistant to pressure forces and / or defining the shape of the balloon.

Advantageously and according to the invention, each polar connecting device comprises:

- two connection pieces kept apart from each other by a rigid central cylinder at least in axial compression, at the ends of which they are fixed, one of these connection pieces being connected to the means of interpolar connection to the inside the balloon while the other connection part is provided with means for coupling to a corresponding connecting beam,

- annular means for anchoring at least one external envelope of the balloon arranged around the central cylinder,

- A network of cables extending outside the central cylinder between each connection piece and the annular anchoring means. Advantageously and according to the invention, the central cylinder is formed of a pressurized balloon. This balloon can be similar to that forming the connecting beams.

Advantageously and according to the invention, the lower connecting structure is adapted to force the different lower connecting beams to extend in extension of each other aligned along the same lower horizontal axis, the lower polar connecting devices and the beams lower link being aligned along this lower horizontal axis, the upper polar connecting devices and the upper connecting beams being normally contained in a vertical plane passing through this lower horizontal axis. Other configurations are however possible. The upper connecting beams may or may not be aligned along an upper horizontal or inclined axis, depending on the configuration of the lower connecting beams and the heights of each balloon. Advantageously and according to the invention, the lower connection structure comprises a lattice of beams and / or cables rigidly assembled one with the other defining at least one vertical ^' rigid plane containing the lower polar connection devices and the beams lower links. In a variant of the invention, the lower connecting structure comprises at least one rigid wall. Advantageously and according to the invention, such a rigid wall is formed of a pressurized wing.

The lower link structure can also carry propulsion means and / or all the accessories and equipment necessary for the flight of the aerostatic assembly (gas sources, control means, etc.). The rigid skeleton defined by the lower link structure can also incorporate the load itself and its suspension means. In other words, this load and its suspension means can participate in the rigidity of the lower connecting structure. However, preferably and according to the invention, said rigid skeleton is defined by the structure independently of the load and its suspension means. This rigid skeleton is adapted to define by triangulation at least one vertical plane of reference containing the lower connecting beams, this plane being normally undeformable, or defoπnable under the action of a command.

The invention also relates to an aerostatic assembly characterized in combination by all or some of the characteristics mentioned above or below.

Other objects, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description which refers to the appended figures representing preferential embodiments given only by way of nonlimiting examples, and in which: - Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an aerostatic assembly according to the single-stage invention comprising six balloons, the envelopes of a balloon being shown with a tear away for the purpose of illustrating the means of interpolar connection of this balloon,

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic elevation view illustrating an aerostatic assembly according to the multi-stage invention,

FIG. 3 is a schematic view from above of the intermediate connection structure between the two stages of the aerostatic assembly of FIG. 2,

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view partially cut away of an upper polar connection device of one of the balloons of an aerostatic assembly according to the invention,

- Figure 5 is a schematic view in axial section of the upper coupling means of the polar connecting device of Figure 4, along a section plane orthogonal to an upper connecting beam, - Figure 6 is a schematic view in section axial of the upper coupling means of the polar connection device of FIG. 4, along a section plane containing the axis of the upper connection beam,

FIG. 7 is a schematic view in partial perspective of detail illustrating a locking flange of the polar connection device of FIG. 4,

FIG. 8 is a schematic top view illustrating two adjacent locking flanges of the polar connection device of FIG. 4, FIG. 9 is a schematic view in axial section along the line IX-D in FIG. 8,

- Figures 10 and 11 are partial schematic views illustrating two steps of a method of anchoring the outer envelope of a balloon to a polar connection device of an aerostatic assembly according to the invention.

FIG. 1 represents an aerostatic assembly according to the single-stage invention comprising six balloons 102 which adjoin two by two in the horizontal direction by extending along the same vertical plane, thus defining a general shape of vertical wing. Each of the balloons 102 has a generally symmetrical shape of revolution around a vertical axis. Balloons of generally symmetrical shape of revolution or cylindrical are well known (US-4,420,130 or US-4,711,416).

The general shape of the balloon 102 is defined by an external envelope 104 and by a circumferential and / or longitudinal reinforcing mesh forming lobes on the external surface of the balloon 102. In the figures, these lobes are shown only schematically, and any another similar shape or constitution of a balloon can be used to form an aerostatic assembly according to the invention. Each balloon 102 comprises an upper pole provided with an upper polar connection device 108 and a lower pole provided with a lower polar connection device 109, the two upper and lower polar connection devices 108, 109 being connected one to the other. the other by interpolar connection means 103 extending inside the balloon 102. The inteipolar connection means 103 are formed by an inextensible interpolar connector (cable and or tube) extending along the axis of symmetry of the outer casing 104, and whose length is less than the total height of the outer casing 104 and is adjusted as a function of the various parameters of the balloon 102 to obtain the desired external shape (for example as indicated by US-4,420 130). The radial dimension of each of the balloons 102 is also adapted to give the aerostatic assembly a shape aerodynamic in the horizontal direction, having a balloon forming leading edge 110 and a balloon forming trailing edge 111.

The different upper polar connecting devices 108 of the balloons 102 are interconnected, outside the balloons 102, by upper connecting means 112 formed by upper connecting beams 112 between each pair of upper polar connecting devices 108. Each upper connecting beam 112 connects, in the upper part, two adjacent balloons 102. Its length is adapted so that the two balloons it connects do not touch. It is therefore greater than the sum of the radii of the balloons. Each upper connecting beam 112 is adapted to be rigid in tension / compression and in bending. It is coupled, at each of its ends, by coupling means 113 greater than each of the upper polar connecting devices 108 that it connects.

The lower pole connecting devices 109 are also interconnected, outside of the balloons 102, by a bottom connecting structure 114 comprising means for suspending a load 115 to be transported. This lower connecting structure 114 comprises, between each pair of adjacent lower polar connecting devices 109, a lower connecting beam 116. Each lower connecting beam 116 is adapted to be rigid in tension / compression and in bending and is coupled by coupling means 117 lower than each of the two polar connecting devices 109 which it connects. The lower connecting structure 114 is adapted to form a rigid skeleton imposing on the various lower connecting beams 116 to keep a relative orientation with respect to each other predetermined which defines the general shape of the aerostatic assembly according to the invention. In the most common example shown, the lower connecting beams 116 are aligned along the same lower horizontal axis 147.

The upper polar connecting devices 108 and the lower polar connecting devices 109 may be similar, and differ only in that the lower polar connecting devices 109 incorporate means for connection to sources of pressurized gas carried by the structure. lower link 114 for inflating the balloons 102. The lower coupling means 117 and the upper coupling means il3 may be identical. The upper connecting beams 112 and the lower connecting beams 116 can also be identical.

Each of the envelopes constituting the balloon 102 is anchored to each of the polar connecting devices 108, 109 of the balloon 102. In the following, only an upper polar connecting device 108 is described with reference to the figures. This polar connection device comprises an anchoring device 10 used in particular for anchoring the external envelope 104 to the polar connection device. This outer casing 104 has the function of resisting the pressure forces developed by the gases. pressurized contained in the sealed internal envelopes of the balloon 102, and define the general shape (generally cylindrical) of the balloon 102. At the level of the polar connection devices 108, 109, the tension forces supported at the end of the external envelope 104 are considerable, generally greater than several million Newtons. Each polar connection device 108, 109 (FIG. 4) has a generally biconical shape with two opposite vertices. This general shape is obtained from a central cylinder 5, rigid at least in axial compression, now separated from one another two connecting pieces 6, 7, forming the tops of the bicone, and which are fixed at the ends of the central cylinder 5. One 6 of the two connection pieces allows the connection with a neighboring balloon (with the coupling means 113, 117 and a connecting beam 112, 116), while the other 7 allows the connection inside the balloon 102 at the interpolar link 103, and the fixing of each internal envelope. The central cylinder 5 is advantageously formed of a cylindrical balloon pressurized by air, or a gas lighter than air (for example helium) and / or filled with a rigid cushioning material in compression such than a foam in a block or in divided form. The cushioning material can be placed in a balloon envelope prior to inflation.

The anchoring device 10 is connected to each end connection piece 6, 7, at least substantially in the middle part of the central cylinder 5, on each side, by a conical network 8, 9 of cables extending uniformly to the outside the central cylinder 5 between each connecting piece 6, 7 and the anchoring device according to the invention of generally annular shape around the central cylinder 5.

The two networks 8, 9 stretched by the central cylinder 5 make it possible to hold the anchoring device 10 in place at least substantially halfway between the connection pieces 6, 7.

The anchoring device 10 makes it possible to anchor the external envelope 104 to an element, called mooring element 11, formed of an O-ring surrounding the central cylinder 5, coaxial with the central cylinder 5, but spaced from this central cylinder . The mooring element 11 extends with a diameter greater than that of the central cylinder 5 and that of the connecting parts 6, 7. In the example shown, the cross-section (radial) of the element mooring 11 is circular, but could as well have any other non-circular shape, since this section is curved free of sharp edges on at least one angular sector greater than 180 ° opposite to a direction in which the outer casing 104 is destined to expand. Indeed, a section having sharp edges would inevitably cause damage to the loops of the envelope passed around the mooring element 11.

The outer envelope 104 of the balloon is of generally cylindrical shape, the end edges of which must be anchored to the mooring element 11 by the anchoring device 10. To do this, the outer envelope 104 is cut longitudinally. a plurality of longitudinal strips 12 parallel to each other (before anchoring) perpendicular to its end edge, over a length sufficient to allow to form, with each strip 12, a loop 18 around the mooring element 11, and to block this loop by means of a blocking flange 13 as described below.

To allow the diameter of the outer casing 104 to be reduced to the diameter of the mooring element 11 (which is less than that of the current diameter of the outer casing 104), a longitudinal gathering of each front strip is carried out to form the loop 18 around the mooring element 11 and to block this loop. By "longitudinal gathering" is meant a gathering formed by folds of the strip 12 placed one on top of the other and formed according to longitudinal fold lines (parallel to the main direction of the bandaged). Consequently, each of the bands 12 is formed in practice of several layers of the ply of flexible material forming the outer envelope 4. Furthermore, each band 12 has a free end 14, to which a hem 15 is produced by folding and gluing and / or welding. Each strip 12 is passed around the mooring element

11 to form a loop 18, thereby defining a portion, called the forward portion 16, extending to the mooring element 11, then, after passing around the mooring element 11, a portion, said portion end return 17, extending to free end 14 of the strip 12. Each locking flange 13 has the function of blocking the end return portion 17 relative to the outward portion 16, so that the loop 18 thus formed around the mooring element 11 cannot slide.

Each locking flange 13 comprises two rigid metal side plates 19 spaced from each other by a distance corresponding to the width of the strip 12 to allow the passage of the strip

12 between them. These plates 19 are plates of rigid material, in particular of thin steel - in particular of the order of less than 2 mm -. The blocking flanges 13 succeed one after the other along the mooring element 11 to block the different loops 18 formed by the different bands 12 of the outer casing 104.

In the embodiment shown, advantageously and according to the invention, a side plate 19 is interposed between each pair of adjacent strips 12, so that the same side plate 19 is used for two blocking flanges 13 located on either side 'other of this side plate 19. The different side plates 19 are identical and provided with three openings crossed by beams of rods 20, 21, 22, the cross sections of which are shown in FIGS. 7 and 9.

A first bundle of rods, called upper distal bundle of rods 20, receives the outward portion 16 of the strip 12 at its entry into the blocking flange 13 and has a convex curved surface oriented downwards coming into contact with the strip 12. A second bundle of rods, called upper proximal rod bundle 21, receives and guides the forward portion 16 of the strip 12 at its output of the locking flange 13 in the direction of the mooring element 11 in order to form the loop 18. Also, this upper proximal rod bundle 21 defines a convex curved contact surface generally oriented downwards towards the forward portion 16. The bundles of upper distal 20 and proximal upper 21 rods have a cross section which is preferably curved convex, for example in the form of a semi-disc, with median axes of symmetry of these two transverse cross sections which are inclined l 'relative to each other at an angle of around 90 °.

Between the two upper distal and proximal rod bundles 20, 21, a third rod bundle, called the intermediate rod bundle 32, has a generally rectangular section. The intermediate rod bundle 22 is slightly offset downward relative to the two upper distal and proximal rod bundles 20, 21.

The distal end 23 (i.e. the end remote from the mooring element 11) of the intermediate rod bundle 22 extends opposite the upper distal rod bundle 20, so that this end distal 23 and a portion 33 facing this upper distal bundle 20 define a pair of stops, called distal stops 23, 33 spaced from one another by a distance allowing the passage between them of a thickness of the strip 12 at least. Similarly, the proximal end 24 of the intermediate rod bundle 22 extends opposite the upper proximal rod bundle 21, so that this proximal end 24 and a portion 34 opposite this upper proximal rod bundle 21 define a pair of stops, called proximal stops 24, 34, spaced from one another by a distance allowing the passage between them of at least two thicknesses of the strip 12 forming the loop 18, these proximal stops 24, 34 being closer to the docking element 11 than the distal stops 23, 33.

Between its two distal 23 and proximal 24 ends, the intermediate rod bundle 22 defines a stop, called an intermediate stop 32, against which an end winding 25 of the strip 12 is applied. This end winding 25 is formed with the return end portion 17 of the strip 12 and is wedged between the upper face 36 of the bundle of rods intermediate 22 forming the intermediate stop 32, and the outward portion 16 extending between the upper distal rod bundle 20 and the upper proximal rod bundle 21. The end winding 25 is applied against the intermediate stop 32 under the effect of the longitudinal tension of the strip 12. The rod bundles 20, 21, 22 are adapted so that the spaces between the distal stops 23, 33, and the proximal stops 24, 34, allow the passage of the outward portion 16 and of the return end portion 17 of the strip 12, but prohibit the passage of the end winding 25 between these distal stops 23, 33, and proximal 24, 34. The bundles of rods 20, 21, 22, and therefore the distal stops 23, 33, proximal 24, 34, and intermediate 32, extend between the two side plates 19 crossed by these beams 20 to 22, the side plates 19 holding the various beams in position relative to each other , and therefore l are different stops relative to each other, at least in the longitudinal direction of the strip 12. The side plates 19 are provided with reinforcements 26a, 26b,

27 in excess thickness adapted to not prevent the passage of the strip 12 through the locking flange 13 and to reinforce the inertia and the resistance of the side plate in the longitudinal direction of the strip 12 in order to avoid any bending, buckling , tearing, of the side plate 19. These reinforcements 26a, 26b, 27 are provided on each of the faces of the plates 19. Two upper reinforcements 26a, 26b, namely a distal upper reinforcement 26a and a proximal upper reinforcement 26b- s' extend in the upper part of the side plate 19 and are spaced from each other so as to provide a cavity allowing the insertion of the end winding 25 between them. A lower reinforcement 27 is provided under the intermediate rod bundle 22. Each of the reinforcements 26a, 26b, 27 is fixed to the plate 19 according to a plurality of fixing points by bolts, rivets or studs 28, 29.

Each bundle of rods 20 to 22 may be formed from a winding of a plurality of turns of a wire of material with high shear resistance, in particular of a steel wire of the piano string type. The different rods forming a same bundle at the level of a blocking flange 13 thus extend at least substantially parallel to one another. Such bundle of rods follows the shape of the slots in the side plates 19 in which they are engaged, but this shape may undergo some modifications or variants depending on the relative forces applied in torsion to the bundle. To manufacture each of these bundles 20 to 21, one can proceed as follows. From a coil of metal wire, the free end of the wire is passed through the openings opposite the different side plates 19, then, after passing around idler rollers, this free end is brought back to join it to the wire in exit of the coil so as to form a starting loop forming the first turn. The side plates 19 of the anchoring device are brought together in group (s) against each other upstream of the deflection rollers. The deflection rollers being motorized, the reel is unwound by winding the wire progressively around the deflection rollers and through the slots in the plates 19 until a suitable number of turns is obtained. The wire is then cut to length and dissociated from the deflection rollers to obtain annular bundles. The different beams 20 to 22 are thus produced, then the different side plates 19 are distributed on the periphery of the different annular beams.

It should be noted that in place of the different bundles of rods 20 to 22, the distal, proximal and intermediate stops can be formed by simple rigid metal bars.

The mooring element 11 can also be formed in a similar manner by resistant wires, in particular metallic wires or any other very high tenacity synthetic material (KENLAR®, DYΝEEMA®, NECTRAΝ® ...), with a sleeve. of external protection which is gathered axially to allow the production of the different turns forming this mooring element 11, then deployed around the turns, over the entire periphery of the mooring element 11.

The distal 23, 33, proximal 24, 34, and intermediate 32 stops thus have a generally curved transverse cross section free of sharp edges at least in the sector intended to come into contact with the strip 12. The intermediate stop 32 has a contact face 36 with the end winding 25, and this contact face 36 is located wholly or at least in part (in a variant not shown where it would be curved convex), on the same side as the outward portion 16 of the strip 12 relative to a plane 37 tangent to the two distal 33 and proximal 34 stops in contact with the outward portion 16. In this way, the tension exerted on the strip 12 applies the end winding 25 against this intermediate stop 32.

The annular anchoring element 11, and the annular beams or bars forming the distal 23, 33, proximal 24, 34, and intermediate 32 annular stops are of the same axis of symmetry, and this axis of symmetry corresponding to the axis of symmetry of the central cylinder 5 and of the balloon 102.

The various locking flanges 13 are applied against the mooring element 11 by means of a protective pad 38 made of damping material, in particular rubber. This pad 38 can be formed by an annular pad provided with slots for the insertion of the proximal edges of the different side plates 19. It therefore has not only the function of forming a contact stop for each blocking flange 13 against the element. mooring 11, but also to keep the different side plates 19 at a distance from each other, the proximal edge 39 of each side plate 19 being engaged in one of the slots of the annular pad 38. Each locking flange 13 comprises a rigid core 40 adapted to receive the end winding 25. This rigid core 40 extends along the width of the strip 12, and preferably has a transverse cross section of oblong shape, with a convex curved outline free of sharp edges. The rigid core 40 also has a recess 41 formed hollow in its lower face 42 oriented towards the contact face 36 of the intermediate stop 32, to receive the end hem 15 of the strip 12. This recess 41 is offset on the proximal side, that is to say on the side of the proximal stops 24, 34. In addition, the rigid core 40 has a thickness greater than the distance separating the two distal stops 23, 33 from one another. , and also greater than the distance separating the two proximal stops 24, 34 from one another. In this way, it is ensured that the end winding 25 cannot pass through the space separating the distal stops 23, 33, nor in the space separating the proximal stops 24, 34.

To set up and anchor the outer casing 4 with an anchoring device 10 according to the invention, the procedure is as follows. First of all, the different bands 12 are cut at the end of the envelope 4. The different bands 12 are gathered and the hems 15 are produced. Furthermore, the anchoring device 10 itself is produced. , that is to say the mooring element 11 and the various locking flanges 13 with their distal, proximal and intermediate stops as described above.

Each of the bands 12 is then associated with a corresponding locking flange 13. To do this, the free end 14 of the strip 12 is passed successively between the distal stops 23, 33, then between the proximal stops 24, 34, then around the mooring element 11, then again between the stops proximals 24, 34, and the free end 14 of the strip 12 emerges from the strip 12 (FIG. 10) to produce the end winding 25 around the core 40. Once this winding 25 has been produced around the core 40 (FIG. 11), insert the core 40 and the winding 25 between the distal and proximal stops, and between the intermediate stop 32 and the outward portion 16 of the strip 12 previously passed through the locking flange 13. The strip 12 and its outward portion are made to slide 16 until the blocking flange 13 comes into contact with the securing element 11 via the buffer 38. The networks 8, 9 are then connected to the blocking flange 13. It should be noted at this regard that the upper reinforcements 26a, 26b of the side plates 19 pr feel anchor points 43, 44 for network cables 8, 9, upper and lower.

The end winding 25 having a total thickness greater than the distance separating the two distal stops 23, 33, and also greater than the distance separating the two proximal stops 24, 34, this winding 25 cannot escape when a traction, even of very significant value, is exerted on the strip 12. The end winding 25 is more preferably carried out in a winding direction adapted so that the tension of the outward portion 16 of the strip 12 tends to wind this end winding 25 on himself. In other words, if we follow the return end portion 17 from the mooring element 11, this return end portion 17 comes into contact with the outward portion 16 before coming into contact with the face 36 of the intermediate stop 32. Advantageously, each strip 12 has a width of between 1 cm and 10 cm, and the same applies to the locking flanges 13. Each strip 12 is also produced so that it comprises longitudinal fibers having a rate elasticity before rupture of less than 3%.

The lower polar connection device 109 is similar to the above described upper polar connection device 108, except for the connecting pole piece 7 which is extended inside the lower cable network 9 so as to present connecting means for supplying pressurized gas to each of the envelopes of the tank 102.

The connecting piece 6 allows the coupling of the polar connecting device to a connecting beam 112, 116, by means of the coupling means 113, 117,

The connection piece 6 is screwed by 'screws 118 to a plate 119 fixed to a pole piece 120 of the central cylinder 5.

The pole piece 120 at one end of the central cylinder 5 is connected to an opposite pole piece similar to the other end of the central cylinder 5, by means of inextensible interpolar connecting means 121.

The outer casing 122 of the central cylinder 5 is fixed to the pole piece 120 by a flange 123 in the form of a crown screwed by screws 127 on the pole piece

120, and blocking a toric mooring element 124 around which loops 125 of bands of the external envelope 122 are formed and blocked by blocking flanges 126, in a similar manner to the anchoring device 10 described above for the anchoring of the external envelope 104 of the balloon 102. Preferably, the central cylinder 5 is formed of a pressurized balloon comprising a single envelope 122 which acts simultaneously as an external envelope and an internal sealing envelope. The pole piece 120 is symmetrical in revolution about the main axis of the central cylinder 5 and has a flared shape narrowing towards the inside of the central cylinder 5 as shown in FIG. 5. A sealing skirt 128 is bonded to the internal face of the pole piece 120 and to the internal face of the external casing 122 so as to seal the interior of the pole piece 120 with the casing 122.

The connecting piece 6 is of generally frustoconical shape and has, at its axial end, a sphere 129 pierced diametrically to receive a mounting pin 130. The sphere 129 of the connecting piece 6 is also pierced axially (along the axis of the central cylinder 5) by a bore 131. The sphere 129 is covered with a bell 132 having a spherical internal bearing adapted to cooperate with the sphere 129. The bell 132 has openings 133 opposite the mounting axis 130.

The bell 132 is also pierced axially by a bore 134 in extension of the axial bore 131 of the sphere 129. The bell

132 is also surmounted by a locking sphere 135, itself provided with an axial bore 136 and a bore perpendicular to the axial bore 136 to receive a mounting pin 137.

The two mounting axes 130 of the sphere 129 and 137 of the sphere 135 are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the main axis of the central cylinder 5. They are connected by at least one inextensible cable loop 138 passing in the axial bores 131, 134, 136 and around the mounting axes 130, 137. The length of the mounting axis 130 of the sphere 129 is less than or equal to the diameter of this sphere 129, so that the axis of mounting

130 does not project into the lateral openings 133 of the bell 132. In this way, a ball joint is formed by the sphere 129 and the bell 132. Nevertheless, the angular amplitude of movement of this ball joint is limited by the cables 138 in its rotations around the main axis of the central cylinder 5. It is also limited in its rotations in the plane containing the two mounting axes 130, 137 (FIG. 5), so that the mounting axes 130, 137 remain at less substantially parallel. Similarly, the possibilities of pivoting of the bell 132 around the mounting axis 130 are possible but limited angularly.

This assembly therefore constitutes coupling means adapted to define a central point articulation passing through the vertical axis of the central cylinder 5, and therefore by the vertical axis of the balloon 102 allowing relative pivoting according to a certain predetermined angular amplitude.

The bell 132 carries a plate 139 for connection to the pole piece 140 of an upper connecting beam 112, or lower 116, as the case may be.

In Figure 6, there is shown a bell 132 having a single plate 139, but it is understood that several plates 139 may be provided around the bell 132 so as to allow the connection of different connecting beams 112, 116. The beams 112 upper link or lower 116 are formed of cylindrical balloons pressurized by a gas lighter than air (for example helium), similarly to the central cylinder 5 described above. Thus, each connecting beam 112, 116 comprises two pole pieces 140, an envelope 143 acting as an external envelope and a sealing envelope anchored to the two pole pieces 140 by an annular flange 141 tightening a mooring element 142 around which loops are formed by bands of the casing 143, these loops being blocked by blocking flanges 144. The pole piece 140 also has a plate 145 screwed onto the plate 139 of the bell 132. Inexpensible interpolar connection means 146 connect the two pole pieces 140 at the end inside the connecting beam 112, 116.

If necessary, the connecting beams 112, 116 can be filled with a rigid padding material in compression such as a foam formed in one piece, or in divided form. As a variant, the different connecting beams 112, 116 and the central cylinders 5 can be formed from several envelopes, including an external envelope and an internal sealing envelope. These balloons have a network of circumferential and / or longitudinal reinforcements to give them their elongated cylindrical shape.

The internal sealing envelope of the balloon 102 is tightly anchored to the connection piece 7 of the polar connecting device 108,

109 which is connected to the interpolar connecting means 103, in a known manner. The internal envelope covers the network of cables 9 leaving this connection part.

The lower connecting structure 114 is adapted to force the different lower connecting beams 116 to extend in extension of each other aligned along the same lower horizontal axis 147. The lower polar connecting devices 109 and the lower connecting beams 116 are aligned along this lower horizontal axis 147. The upper polar connecting devices 108 and the upper connecting beams 112 are contained in a vertical plane passing through this lower horizontal axis 147. The lower connecting structure 114 comprises a lattice of assembled beams rigidly to each other by coupling means and / or by means of inextensible cables under tension defining at least one rigid vertical plane containing the lower pole connecting devices 109 and the bottom connecting beams 116. An example of such lower link structure 114 is shown in Figure 1. This The structure defines a horizontal floor 148 containing the lower ends (coupling means 117) of the lower polar connecting devices 109. This floor 148 is formed of beams and or cables. The floor 148 can be covered with a solid wall, preferably also formed by a wing pressurized by air or a gas lighter than air, or left in the open as in the example shown in Figure 1 .

The connecting structure 114 is stiffened in a vertical median plane by a vertical structure formed by a lattice of beams and / or cables extending under the floor 148 and in the vertical median plane. A rigid wall (not shown) formed of a wing pressurized by air, or a gas lighter than air, can also be inserted in the vertical structure 149. In the variant shown, the vertical structure 149 is left openwork.

Other alternative embodiments of the lower connecting structure 114 are possible as soon as this structure keeps the various lower connecting beams 116 in alignment with one another while allowing the load 115 to be suspended. This structure 114 is triangulated so as to be rigid and normally undeformable. The coupling means 113, 117 allow the coupling to each balloon 102, not only of the connecting beams 112, 116, but also of any other additional device, namely of cable (s), of one or more beam ( s) of structure 114, or of another balloon. To couple another beam or another balloon in the vertical direction, it suffices to provide another bell associated with the locking sphere 135 in the axial extension opposite to the bell 132 as shown in dotted lines in FIGS. 5 and 6, and to connect the pole end of the beam, or of the balloon to be coupled, to this other bell by means similar to the coupling means 113, 117 described above.

The invention thus allows the assembly of several groups of balloons to each other to form a multi-stage aerostatic assembly, an exemplary embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 2. In this example, the aerostatic assembly comprises a lower stage 150 carrying the load 115 similar to the aerostatic assembly shown in FIG. 1 but whose balloons are all the same height. This lower stage 150 is extended upwards by an upper stage 151 by means of an intermediate structure 152. The upper pole connecting devices 108 of the upper stage 151 are connected by upper connecting beams 112 as described below. -above. The lower polar connecting devices 109 of the lower stage 150 are associated with the lower connecting structure 114 carrying the load 115, and which is only shown schematically in FIG. 2. The two main stages 150, 151 of the aerostatic assembly are towed by a two-stage traction assembly 153 comprising a lower stage 154, an upper stage 155 and an intermediate structure 156. A lower connecting structure 157 carries a cabin 158 for piloting. Propulsion means 159 are associated with the intermediate structure 156 and / or with the lower structure 157. The traction assembly 153 is similar to the assembly formed by the two main stages 150, 151. The upper connecting beams 112 of the traction assembly 153 are connected by a cable 160 to the upper connection beams 112 of the main upper stage 151. The lower connection structure 157 of the traction assembly 153 is connected by a cable 161 to the connection structure lower 114 hanging from the floor main lower 150. The two intermediate structures 152, 156 are connected to each other in the same horizontal plane by a central connecting beam 162 and lateral cables 163 under tension (FIG. 3). Each intermediate structure 152, 156 is formed of a rigid lattice of inextensible beams and / or cables defining a rigid horizontal structure and an intermediate horizontal axis 164. FIG. 3 gives an exemplary embodiment of such an intermediate structure 152, 156 The beams of the lower structures 114, 157 and intermediate structures 152, 156 can all be similar to the connecting beams 112, 116 described above, that is to say formed from pressurized cylindrical balloons. The same applies to the central beam 162.

It should be noted that in an aerostatic assembly according to the invention, the lower connecting structures, the intermediate connecting structures and the connecting beams formed by balloons pressurized by a gas lighter than air contribute to the general lift of the 'together. These different structures and beams form, with the upper and lower connecting devices of the different balloons and with the internal interpolar links to the different balloons, a rigid aerostatic frame maintaining the general shape of the aerostatic assembly.

An aerostatic assembly according to the invention can also be provided with any additional means improving its aerodynamic performance (for example envelopes, surrounding each group of balloons, one or more wings acting as a kite or fixed bearing wing (s) to one or more superior polar connecting devices ...).

The invention can be the subject of numerous variants with respect to the embodiments shown and described. It allows aerostatic assemblies that can carry very heavy loads with great stability in the atmosphere, at low cost and under great safety conditions. It should be noted in particular that in the event of a leak in one of the sealing envelopes of one of the balloons, the other balloons may be sufficient to provide lift. The various balloons 102 can be inflated with helium and / or air in a manner known per se. The assembly of the different balloons and the different elements of the aerostatic assembly according to the invention can be carried out on the ground before inflation, or in flight, progressively, element by element. In the latter case, it suffices to provide an installation for launching and mounting in space which may itself include aerostatic balloons of the captive type for raising the elements to be mounted.

Claims

. CLAIMS 1 / - Aerostatic assembly comprising:

- A plurality of pressurized balloons (102) each having a generally symmetrical shape of revolution around a vertical axis defined by at least one envelope (104) having an upper pole where this envelope (104) is anchored to a polar connection device upper (108), and a lower pole where this envelope (104) is anchored to a lower polar connecting device (109), the two upper (108) and lower (109) polar connecting devices being connected to each other. 'other by means of interpolar connection (103) inside the balloon (102),

- upper connecting means (112) connecting between them, outside the balloons (102), the upper polar connecting devices (108) of at least one group of balloons (102) of the aerostatic assembly, Said upper connecting means (112) being coupled by coupling means, called upper coupling means (113), to each of the upper polar connecting devices (108) which they connect,

- a lower connecting structure (114, 157) connecting together, outside the balloons (102), the lower polar connecting devices (109) of at least one group of balloons (102) of the aerostatic assembly , coupled by coupling means, called lower coupling means (117), to each of the lower polar connection devices (109) which it connects, this lower connection structure (114, 157) comprising suspension means of a load (115, 158) to be transported, characterized in that: - the lower connecting structure (114, 157) comprises, between each pair of adjacent lower polar connecting devices (109), a lower connecting beam ( 116) adapted to be rigid in tension / compression and in bending,

- the lower connecting structure (114, 157) is adapted to form a rigid skeleton imposing on the different connecting beams lower (116) to maintain a relative orientation with respect to each other predetermined,

the upper connecting means (112) comprise, between each pair of adjacent upper polar connecting devices (108), an upper connecting beam (112) adapted to be rigid in tension / compression,

- The upper coupling means (113) are of the articulation type allowing relative pivoting, at least according to a predetermined angular amplitude, of the upper connecting beam (112) and of the upper polar connecting device (108).

2 / - An assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper coupling means (113) are adapted to define a center point articulation passing through the vertical axis of the balloon (102).

3 / - Assembly according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the lower coupling means (117) are of the type

, articulation allowing relative pivoting at least according to a predetermined angular amplitude of the lower connecting beam (116) and the lower pole connecting device (109).

4 / - An assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that the lower coupling means (117) are adapted to define a center point articulation passing through the vertical axis of the balloon (102).

51 - assembly according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one connecting beam (112, 116) is formed by a cylindrical balloon pressurized by air or a gas lighter than air coupled to the corresponding polar connection devices (108, 109) by its polar ends.

6 / - An assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that each connecting beam (112, 116) is formed by a cylindrical balloon pressurized by air or a gas lighter than air coupled to the polar connecting devices ( 108, 109) corresponding by its polar ends. 11 - assembly according to one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the balloon comprises at least one envelope (143) gas tightness that it contains, at least one outer envelope (143) generally cylindrical, a device polar (140, 141, 142, 144) for anchoring each envelope to each of its poles, provided with means for coupling (145) of the balloon to a connecting device (112, 116) external to the balloon, and means (146) of inteipolar connection, between the polar anchoring devices inside the balloon.

8 / - An assembly according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the balloon incorporates a rigid padding material at least in axial compression filling the internal volume of its internal envelope.

9 / - An assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the padding material is formed of a block in one piece. 10 / - Assembly according to one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the padding material is formed of a foam.

11 / - An assembly according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that each upper connecting beam (112) is adapted to be rigid in bending. 12 / - Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that each polar connection device (108, 109) comprises means for sealing anchor of at least one internal sealing envelope of the balloon (102) , and means (10) for anchoring at least one external envelope (104) resistant to pressure forces and / or defining the shape of the balloon (102). 13 / - Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that each polar connecting device (108, 109) comprises:

- two connection pieces (6, 7) kept apart from one another by a central cylinder (5) rigid at least in axial compression, at the ends of which they are fixed, one (7) of these pieces connection being connected to the interpolar connection means (103) inside the balloon (102) while that the other (6) connecting piece is provided with means (113, 117) for coupling to a corresponding connecting beam (112, 116),

- annular means (11) for anchoring at least one external envelope (104) of the balloon (102) arranged around the central cylinder (5), - a network (8, 9) of cables extending to the outside of the central cylinder (5) between each connection piece (6, 7) and the annular anchoring means (11).

14 / - An assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that the central cylinder (5) is formed of a pressurized balloon. 15 / - An assembly according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the lower connecting structure (114, 157) is adapted to force the different lower connecting beams (116) to extend in extension of one of the others aligned along the same lower horizontal axis (147), the lower polar connecting devices (109) and the lower connecting beams (116) being aligned along this lower horizontal axis (147), the upper polar connecting devices (108) and the upper connecting beams (112) normally being contained in a vertical plane passing through this lower horizontal axis (147).

16 / - Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the lower connecting structure (114, 157) comprises a lattice of beams and / or cables rigidly assembled one (s) to the others defining at at least one rigid vertical plane containing the lower polar connecting devices (109) and the lower connecting beams (116).

17 / - An assembly according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the lower connecting structure (114, 157) comprises at least one rigid wall.