Arm for unmanned aerial vehicle and unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

Provided is a drone arm having improved rigidity. An arm attached to a housing of a drone includes a main body portion disposed on an outer side of the housing, and a flange disposed on a lateral outer side of the main body portion. The main body and the flange are made of a fiber-reinforced resin, and the fiber-reinforced resin contains reinforcing fibers and a thermoplastic resin.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an arm for a drone and a drone. BACKGROUND

[0002] A drone having a housing in which a battery or the like is disposed, a plurality of rotors for causing the drone to fly, and an arm for holding the rotors at a position outside the housing and separated from the housing is known. In Patent Literature 1, an arm for such a drone is described using an example of a cylindrical body obtained by molding a laminate structure body obtained by laminating a plurality of fiber-reinforced resin sheets in which fibers are incorporated as a material into a cylindrical shape. It is described in Patent Literature 1 that the arm obtained by molding the laminate structure body is lightweight and also has high rigidity.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS PATENT LITERATURE Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-118530 SUMMARY

[0004] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION As described in Patent Literature 1, by using a fiber-reinforced resin as a material, it is possible to make the arm lightweight while also improving the rigidity. However, along with diversification of the uses of drones in recent years, there is a gradual demand for higher strength of drones than in the past. Therefore, there is also a demand for each component that constitutes a drone, such as an arm, to have higher rigidity than in the past.

[0005] The present application was made in view of the above-described demand, and an object thereof is to provide an arm for a drone that has improved rigidity and a drone having the arm for a drone.

[0006] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS One mode of the present application for solving the above-described problems relates to an arm for a drone described in [1] to [9] below.

[0007] [1] An arm for a drone that is an arm mounted to a housing of a drone, the arm comprising: a main body portion disposed outside the housing; and a flange disposed outside the main body portion in a lateral direction, wherein the main body portion and the flange are made of a fiber-reinforced resin that includes a reinforcing fiber and a thermoplastic resin.

[0008] [2] The arm for a drone described in [1], wherein the arm has a fastening hole for fastening the arm to the housing, the fastening hole being disposed at the flange.

[0009] [3] The arm for a drone according to any one of [1] or [2], wherein the main body portion has a root portion fastened to the housing, and an extension portion extending outside the root portion, The flange is provided at the root portion.

[0010] [4] The arm for a drone according to [3], wherein the flange is provided at the root portion and the extension portion, The flange at the root portion has a larger width than the flange at the extension portion.

[0011] [5] The arm for a drone according to [4], wherein the main body portion has a front end portion provided at a front end of the extension portion, for mounting of other components, The front end portion has the flange.

[0012] [6] The arm for a drone according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the flange is integrally formed with the main body portion.

[0013] [7] The arm for a drone according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the main body portion has a reinforcing rib inside.

[0014] [8] The arm for a drone according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the main body portion is in a bar shape with at least one of the faces in the length direction being open.

[0015] [9] The arm for a drone according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the main body portion and the flange include a unidirectional layer, and the unidirectional layer includes carbon fibers oriented and arranged in a unidirectional manner, and a thermoplastic resin.

[0016] Another aspect of the present application for solving the above problem relates to the drones according to

[10] to

[11] below.

[0017]

[10] A drone having: The arm for a drone according to any one of [1] to [9]; and A housing having the arm for a drone fastened thereto.

[0018]

[11] The drone according to

[10] , wherein the arm for a drone is fastened to the housing via a hinge, The arm for a drone is foldable by bending of the hinge.

[0019] Effects of the Invention According to the present application, it is possible to provide an arm for a drone with improved rigidity, and a drone having the same. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] [Figure 1 ] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the appearance of the drone related to one embodiment of the present application.

[0021] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 A perspective view showing the appearance when the arm is viewed from the obliquely upper side.

[0022] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 A perspective view showing the appearance when the arm is viewed from the obliquely lower side.

[0023] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 An exploded perspective view showing the case where the arm is fastened to the housing.

[0024] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 A bottom view showing the overall configuration of the arm.

[0025] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 The same perspective view as that showing the appearance when the arm is viewed from the obliquely lower side, showing the arrangement of the ribs. Figure 3

[0026] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 A partial enlarged view of one of the portions shown in broken lines in Figure 6 .

[0027] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 A bottom view showing the case where the wiring is held by the holding portion.

[0028] [ Figure 9 ] Figure 9 A perspective view showing the appearance when the periphery of the opening is viewed from the obliquely lower side, showing an exemplary configuration of the extended portion.

[0029] [ Figure 10 ] Figure 10 A bottom view showing the appearance when the periphery of the opening is viewed from the lower side, showing the case where the wiring is taken out from the opening.

[0030] [ Figure 11 ] Figure 11 A side view of the arm showing the case where the wiring taken out from the opening is connected to the motor.

[0031] [ Figure 12 ] Figure 12 A perspective view showing the appearance when the periphery of the opening is viewed from the obliquely lower side, showing another exemplary configuration of the extended portion.

[0032] [ Figure 13 ]​Figure 13 A side view showing the overall configuration of the arm. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] [First Embodiment] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 A diagram showing the appearance of a drone related to one embodiment of the present application. The drone 100 has a housing 110, a rotor unit 120, and a plurality of arms 130 (four in this embodiment).

[0034] The housing 110 has a lower body 112 which is a box type with an upper surface opening, and an upper body 114 which is a box type with a lower surface opening. The lower body 112 and the upper body 114 are arranged with the respective opening surfaces facing each other, and are fastened to each other by a plurality of fastening bolts 116. Further, a space inside the housing 110 formed by the fastening (a space between the lower body 112 and the upper body 114) is provided with a battery not shown. The housing 110 is a monocoque structure which maintains strength by a wall surface, thereby reducing unnecessary components and being lightened.

[0035] In this embodiment, the housing 110 is a hollow box-shaped member which is a substantially square shape in plan view with a curved shape protruding outward at the four sides. At the four ends of the substantially square shape, mounting portions 118 for mounting the arms 130 are provided. The mounting portions 118 are portions which are box-shaped protruding in the extending direction of the arms 130, and at the outer side thereof, guide entrances 1182 for guiding wiring 410 from the battery to the arms are formed. The arms 130 are mounted to the mounting portions 118 via hinges 420, and by bending of the hinges 420, can be folded downward of the housing 110.

[0036] The rotor units 120 are provided at the front ends of the four arms 130. Each rotor unit 120 has a plurality of (two in this embodiment) rotors 122, and a motor 124 for rotating the rotors 122. The motor 124 is provided at the front end portion of the arm 130. In addition, the motor 124 is connected to the wiring 410 from the battery provided at the housing 110. The motor 124 rotates the rotors 122 using power supplied via the wiring 410.

[0037] Arm 130 is a rod-shaped member having a shape that extends linearly outward from housing 110. Arm 130 holds rotor unit 120 at its front end. Arm 130 creates a predetermined distance between rotor 122 and housing 110, and between rotors 122 disposed on each arm 130. Thus, arm 130 prevents the rotating rotor 122 from colliding with housing 110 and with each other. It should be noted that arm 130 may have a shape that is bent or folded midway. In addition, in this embodiment, arm 130 extends outward from the center of gravity of housing 110, but it may also extend in a direction having a predetermined angle relative to the aforementioned outward direction.

[0038] Figure 2 A perspective view showing the appearance of arm 130 when viewed from an obliquely upward side. Figure 3 A perspective view showing the appearance of arm 130 when viewed from a slightly lower angle. (See image below.) Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the arm 130 has a main body 210 mounted on the outside of the housing 110 and a flange 220 disposed on the outer side of the main body 210. The main body 210 has a semi-cylindrical shape with an open lower surface. Furthermore, at the lower end of the side of the semi-cylindrical main body 210, a flange 220 in the side direction of the main body 210 is disposed along the extending direction of the main body 210.

[0039] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the main body 210 has a root 212 for mounting the arm 130 to the housing 110, an extension 214 extending outward from the root, and a front end 216 connected to the front end of the extension 214 for mounting the rotor unit 120.

[0040] The root portion 212 is used to mount the arm 130 to the housing 110. In this embodiment, the root portion 212 is fastened to the hinge 420 by inserting a fastening bolt 222b into the fastening hole 222a formed in the flange 222, thereby being mounted to the housing 110 via the hinge. It should be noted that a root wall 211 is formed on the side of the root portion 212 that contacts the housing 110. Furthermore, an opening 211a is formed in the root wall 211, which is used to introduce wiring from the mounting portion 118 into the housing of the root portion 212.

[0041] The extension 214 is a connecting portion that connects the root 212 and the front end 216 in a straight line, and has a shape that narrows towards the front end 216. Furthermore, the extension 214 has a shape that increases in height relative to the base housing 110 as it extends from the root 212 towards the front end 216. It should be noted that the extension 214 may have a shape that is bent or folded midway.

[0042] The front end portion 216 has: a retaining portion 2161 for retaining the rotor unit 120, which is circular in plan view; and a connecting portion 2162 for connecting with the extension portion 214. The circular surface of the retaining portion 2161 of the front end portion 216 is horizontal relative to the housing 110 and the hinge 420. A plurality of (four in this embodiment) fastening holes 2161a are formed in the retaining portion 2161 for fastening the rotor unit 120. In addition, an opening 216a is formed in the connecting portion 2162 for removing the wiring 410 from the inside to the outside of the arm 130.

[0043] In this embodiment, the flange 220 is disposed in the root portion 212, the extension portion 214 and the front portion 216 respectively.

[0044] In this embodiment, the flange 222 disposed at the root 212 has a greater outward extension width toward the main body 210 compared to the flanges 224 and 226 disposed at the extension 214 and the front end 216, respectively. Furthermore, the flange 222 disposed at the root 212 has a fastening bolt 222b (shown in…) for mounting the arm 130 to the housing 110 via the hinge 420. Figure 2 The fastening hole 222a (shown in) is inserted. Figure 3 The fastening hole 222a is a nut component located at the front and rear of the flanges 222 on both sides.

[0045] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The arm 130 shown has a main body 210 with a top surface and side surfaces, and a flange 220 extending laterally from its lower end, the lower surface being an open, cap-shaped section. For the arm 130, the sectional moment of inertia is increased by the flange 220 extending laterally relative to the main body 210, thereby improving rigidity. However, the shape of the arm 130 is not limited to this shape; the flange can also be configured for, for example, a cylindrical main body.

[0046] The extension length of flange 220 can be set to balance the effect of improving rigidity with the aerodynamic changes caused by flange 220. For example, the extension lengths of flange 224 disposed in extension 214 and flange 226 disposed in front end 216 can be set to be 0% to 10% or less relative to the width of the main body 210 at their respective positions (the width in the direction in which the sides of the main body 210 are connected to each other), preferably greater than 0% and less than 10%, more preferably 2% to 6% or less. In addition, the extension length of flange 222 disposed in root 212 can be set to be 8% to 20% or less relative to the width of root 212 (the width in the direction in which the sides of root 212 are connected to each other), preferably 10% to 15% or less.

[0047] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view showing the arm 130 fastened to the housing 110. The mounting portion 118 of the housing 110 has fastening holes 118a on its lower surface for inserting fastening bolts 118b. The fastening holes 118a are through holes formed in the lower surface of the mounting portion 118 at two locations corresponding to the front and rear positions of the flanges 222 of the arm 130.

[0048] Each arm 130 is mounted to the mounting portion 118 via a pair of freely bending hinges 420. Specifically, one end of each hinge 420 is mounted to the mounting portion 118 by fastening bolts 118b, and the other end of each hinge 420 is mounted to the flange 222 by fastening bolts 222b. Thus, the arms 130 can be folded downward relative to the housing 110 when the drone 100 is being stored.

[0049] It should be noted that an annular protrusion 118c is formed on the upper surface of the mounting portion 118, protruding towards the arm 130. Furthermore, a nut portion 212c is formed on the upper surface of the root portion 212 at a position corresponding to the protrusion 118c. When the arm 130 is extended (when the drone 100 is in flight), inserting the mounting bolt 118d into the protrusion 118c and the nut portion 212c can restrict the bending of the arm 130.

[0050] Traditionally, drones mounted a cylindrical armholder by covering the shell side of the arm. This armholder was then attached to a hinge, thus securing the arm to the shell. In this mounting method, to insert bolts for the armholder, holes needed to be machined into a portion of the cylindrical arm body after it was formed. Furthermore, this opening reduced the strength of the shell side of the arm. To mitigate this strength reduction, adhesives were used to bond the armholder and other mounting components to the arm. However, the bonding strength provided by adhesives has its limits, making it unsuitable for the increasing size of drones or for improving durability.

[0051] In contrast, in this embodiment, a fastening hole 222a is formed in the flange 222, through which the arm 130 is mounted to the housing 110. Therefore, there is no need to make a hole in the main body 210, and the strength of the arm 130 is not reduced due to the opening. In addition, since the arm 130 can be mounted to the housing 110 by fastening with the fastening bolt 222b, the fastening strength can be improved, and the durability of the fastening part can also be improved.

[0052] Figure 5 A bottom view showing the overall configuration of arm 130. (See attached image.) Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, the arm 130 has ribs 320 (ribs 322, ribs 324, and ribs 326) extending toward the open surface (lower surface) on the inner side of the outer shell 310 constituting the upper surface and side surface of the main body 210 (root 212, extension 214, and front end 216). In this embodiment, the ribs 320 are reinforcing ribs provided to improve the rigidity of the main body 210 (especially the rigidity against stress in the torsional direction). The shape of the ribs 320 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the ribs 320 have a shape formed by two plate-shaped ribs 320a and 320b arranged in a cross configuration. Each plate-shaped rib is arranged obliquely relative to the extension direction of the arm 130 in a manner that connects the outer shell 310 constituting one side surface with the outer shell 310 constituting the other side surface in a straight line, and crosses at the central axis of the arm 130.

[0053] In the extension 214, the angles formed by each plate-shaped rib 320a and 320b relative to the extending direction of the arm 130 vary along the extending direction of the extension 214. Specifically, on the root portion 212 side of the extension 214, which is wider, the angles formed by the plate-shaped ribs relative to the extending direction of the arm 130 (the acute angle among the angles) are larger. On the other hand, on the front portion 216 side of the extension 214, which is narrower, the angles formed by the plate-shaped ribs relative to the extending direction of the arm 130 (the acute angle among the angles) are smaller. In this way, the ribs 320 are densely arranged on the root portion 212 side of the arm 130, where higher rigidity is required, and on the other hand, the ribs 320 are densely arranged on the front portion 216 side, thereby making the main body 210 lighter.

[0054] The height of each plate-shaped rib (the length from the contact point between the outer shell 310 constituting the top surface and the plate-shaped rib to the lower end of the plate-shaped rib) is not particularly limited, but is preferably less than the height of the outer shell 310 constituting the side surface (the length along the straight line of the plate-shaped rib from the contact point between the outer shell 310 constituting the top surface and the plate-shaped rib to the lower end of the outer shell 310 constituting the side surface).

[0055] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, regarding the arm 130, the main body 210 (root 212, extension 214 and front end 216), flange 220 (flange 222, flange 224 and flange 226), and rib 320 (rib 322, rib 324 and rib 326) are all integrally formed.

[0056] like Figure 5As shown, in this embodiment, all of the root portion 212, the extension portion 214, and the front portion 216 have flanges 220 (flanges 222, 224, and 226), and all of them have ribs 320 (ribs 322, 324, and 326). However, depending on the characteristics of these portions, the flanges 220 and ribs 320 may be formed only in any one of the portions.

[0057] For example, the root portion 212 is used for fastening to the housing 110. Additionally, the root portion 212 also requires rigidity to support the weight of the arm 130 and the rotor unit 120. Therefore, the root portion 212 preferably has a flange 222. The flange 222 of the root portion 212 can serve as a fastening part and also improves the rigidity of the root portion 212. Furthermore, by using the flange 222 as a fastening part, there is no need for an opening in the main body portion 210, and the reduction in rigidity of the main body portion 210 caused by an opening can be suppressed. On the other hand, if the rigidity can be sufficiently improved by the flange 222, the root portion 212 may not have ribs 322 in order to reduce the weight of the arm 130.

[0058] Furthermore, the extension 214 is required to withstand stresses in the torsional direction that occur during the flight of the UAV 100. Therefore, the extension 214 preferably has ribs 324. The ribs 324 provided by the extension 214 can improve the rigidity of the extension 214, thereby suppressing damage caused by stresses in the torsional direction. On the other hand, depending on aerodynamic characteristics, the extension 214 may or may not have flanges 224.

[0059] Additionally, the front end portion 216 is the part that holds the rotor unit 120. The front end portion 216 may or may not have a flange 226 and a rib 326, as long as it can obtain the strength to hold the rotor unit 120.

[0060] It should be noted that the presence or absence of flange 220 and rib 320 described above is merely an example. The configuration of flange 220 and rib 320 can be changed according to the required characteristics (e.g., rigidity and aerodynamic characteristics) of each part of the arm 130. For example, flange 222 may not be provided at the root 212, while flange 224 or flange 226 may be provided at the extension 214 or the front end 216. Similarly, rib 324 may not be provided at the extension 214, while rib 322 or rib 326 may be provided at the root 212 or the front end 216.

[0061] Figure 6 To illustrate the configuration of the ribs, and to show the appearance of arm 130 when viewed from a slightly lower angle. Figure 3 The same 3D image. Figure 7 In order to be in Figure 6 A magnified view of one of the parts shown by the dashed line. (See image.)Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the height of each plate-shaped rib is not constant. In other words, each plate-shaped rib has multiple heights. Specifically, for each plate-shaped rib, the height at the intersection is lower than the height at the position where it connects with the outer shell 310 forming the side. Furthermore, the lower-height portion 328a of the rib formed at the aforementioned intersection is formed continuously in a straight line along the central axis of the arm 130 on the inner side of the outer shell 310 at the root 212, extension 214, and front end 216. In this embodiment, the lower-height portion 328a of the rib serves as a holding portion for holding wiring.

[0062] Figure 8 This is a bottom view showing the wiring held in place by the retaining unit. It should be noted that... Figure 8 Motor 124 is also shown in the image.

[0063] The wiring 410, introduced into the inner side of the root portion 212 through the opening 211a of the root wall 211, is held by the lower portion 328a at the intersection of the two plate-like ribs formed at the root portion 212. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the height of the opening 211a is the same as the height of the lower portion 328a. Furthermore, when viewed from above, the opening 211a is positioned on the central axis of the arm 130. Therefore, the wiring 410 introduced into the inner side of the root portion 212 is held directly (still in a straight line) by the lower portion 328a without bending.

[0064] The wiring 410, held by the lower height portion 328a, is held directly (still straight) by the lower height portion 328a at the intersection of the two plate-like ribs formed at the extension 214 without bending. The wiring 410 is then held directly (still straight) by a plurality of lower height portions 328a continuously formed in the extension 214.

[0065] It should be noted that the width of each lower portion at the root 212 and the extension 214 (the width in the direction that connects the sides of the housing to each other) is constant and consistent with the width of the wiring 410. Therefore, the upper surface of the wiring 410 is connected to the lower portion of the rib, and the side is connected to the higher portions 328b on both sides, in the retaining portion (lower portion 328a of the rib).

[0066] An opening 216a for taking the wiring 410 out to the outside is formed in the housing 310 at the connecting portion 2162 of the front end 216. The wiring 410 is bent at the opening 216a and taken out to the outside of the housing 310.

[0067] In the case of the arm 130 of this embodiment with such a configuration, the wiring 410 is fixed to the inside. Therefore, when an impact is applied to the drone 100, the wiring 410 is not easily misaligned or stretched, nor is it easy for the wiring 410 to be cut due to these reasons.

[0068] Furthermore, the main body 210 of the arm 130 has a semi-cylindrical shape with an open lower surface. Additionally, portions of varying heights are formed on a portion of the rib 320 to serve as wiring holders. For an arm 130 with a rod-like shape and at least one open surface along its length, fixing the wiring 410 from the open surface side (the lower side in this embodiment) (embedding it into the lower portion 328a) is easy after the arm 130 is formed. Furthermore, this also facilitates easy connection of the wiring between the battery in the housing 110 and the motor 124 disposed at the front end 216.

[0069] It should be noted that the configuration of the retaining part is not limited to the above-described manner. For example, the lower part of the rib can be formed along the wiring path of the wiring 410. It can be formed at a position away from the central axis of the arm 130 (e.g., along the side of the arm 130), or a hole can be made in the rib so that the wiring 410 passes through the hole and retains the wiring.

[0070] Alternatively, other retaining members for holding the wiring 410 can be disposed inside the arm 130, and the wiring 410 can be held by these retaining members. These retaining members can be fixed to the housing 310 by, for example, adhesive or fasteners. By using such retaining members, wiring can also be held inside the cylindrical arm. In this case, the retaining member can be inserted from the end of the cylindrical arm and fixed in a predetermined position, or an opening can be partially provided on the side of the cylindrical arm to insert the retaining member.

[0071] In this embodiment, at the bend in the wiring 410, the periphery of the opening 216a extends inward toward the inner side of the outer casing 310, forming an extension portion 330. The extension portion 330 is a cylindrical member consisting of a vertical wall formed perpendicularly to the outer casing 310 constituting the top surface.

[0072] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the periphery of the opening 216a when viewed from the obliquely lower side, illustrating an exemplary configuration of the extension 330. Figure 10 This is a bottom view showing the appearance of the periphery of the opening 216a when viewed from below, to illustrate the situation where the wiring 410 is removed from the opening 216a. Figure 11 A side view of arm 130 showing the connection of the wiring 410, which is taken out from opening 216a, to motor 124.

[0073] like Figure 10As shown, the wiring 410, extending along the bottom surface of the rib 320 on the inner side of the housing 310, bends along the vertical wall of the housing 110 side of the extension 330. Furthermore, the bent wiring 410 extends upward along the vertical wall and is taken out from the opening 216a to the outer side of the housing 310. Figure 11 As shown, a wiring port for the motor 124 is provided at the upper part of the opening 216a, and the removed wiring 410 is directly connected to the motor 124 without bending.

[0074] The height of the extension 330 (the length from the intersection of the outer shell 310 constituting the top surface and the extension 330 to the lower end of the extension 330) is not particularly limited, but is preferably set to a height corresponding to the height of the wiring 410 disposed inside the outer shell 310. Figures 8-10 In the example shown, the height of the extension 330 is the same as the height of the wiring 410. Therefore, by making the wiring bend at a gentle angle of approximately 90° along the extension 330, damage to the wiring caused by bending can be suppressed.

[0075] For example, by setting the height of the opening 211a for introducing the wiring 410 in the root wall 211 and the height of the extension 330 (more specifically, the height at which the wiring bends in the extension 330) to be the same, it is possible to make the height of the wiring 410 and the height of the extension 330 the same. Furthermore, in this embodiment, regarding the rib 320, a portion 322a is formed at the intersection of the plate-shaped rib 320a and the plate-shaped rib 320b, which lowers the height of the rib. The wiring 410 is held in place by embedding it into this lower-height portion 328a (see [link]). Figures 6-8 The height of the retaining portion of the retaining portion 410 (the length from the intersection of the housing 310 constituting the top surface and the plate-like rib to the portion where the retaining portion 328a holds the retaining portion) and the height of the extension portion 330 (more specifically, the height at which the retaining portion bends the retaining portion) can be set to the same height, so that the height of the retaining portion 410 and the height of the extension portion 330 are the same. It should be noted that the height of the extension portion 330 does not need to be the same as the height of the opening 211a or the height of the lower portion 328a. For example, when the height of the opening 211a is different from the height of the lower portion 328a, the height of the extension portion 330 can be set such that the position where the retaining portion bends the retaining portion 330 is located on the straight line connecting them.

[0076] It should be noted that the opening width of the cylindrical extension 330 in the longitudinal direction (the extension direction of the extension 214) is constant and matches the width of the wiring 410 in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the opening width of the extension 330 in the lateral direction (the direction in which the sides of the housing connect to each other) is constant and matches the width of the wiring 410 in the lateral direction. Thus, the wiring 410 is held by the extension 330 in a manner that it connects to the vertical wall of the extension 330 in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. Therefore, when an impact is applied to the drone 100, the wiring 410 is less likely to become misaligned or stretched, and it is less likely to be cut due to these reasons.

[0077] Figure 12 A perspective view showing the appearance of the periphery of the opening 216a when viewed from the obliquely lower side, illustrating other exemplary configurations of the extension 330. Figure 12 The extension 330 shown has a lowered cutout 332 on the side of the housing 110 where a portion of the vertical wall is located. Figure 12 In the example shown, the wiring 410 bends along the vertical wall of the cut-out portion 332.

[0078] It should be noted that the width of the cutout 332 in the lateral direction (the direction in which the sides of the housing are connected to each other) is the same as the width of the wiring 410 in the lateral direction. Therefore, the wiring 410 is embedded in the cutout 332 and held in place by the upper surface of the wiring 410 being in contact with the vertical wall of the cutout 332 and the side surface being in contact with the higher longitudinal walls at both ends of the cutout 332.

[0079] in this way, Figure 12 The cut portion 332 of the extension portion 330 shown in the figure holds the wiring 410. Therefore, when an impact is applied to the drone 100, the wiring 410 is less likely to be misaligned or stretched, and it is less likely to be cut due to these reasons.

[0080] In addition, if Figure 12 As shown in the figure, if the extension portion 330 is disposed in contact with the rib 320, the reinforcement effect based on the rib 320 can be improved by the extension portion 330, and the strength of the extension portion 330 can also be improved by the rib 320.

[0081] It should be noted that, regarding Figures 9-12 Regarding the extension 330 shown, the vertical wall that connects to the curved wiring 410 ( Figures 9-11 The middle part is the vertical wall on the side of the inner shell 110 of the extended portion 330. Figure 12The lower end of the cut portion 332 (the front end of the extension portion 330 in the extension direction) is curved. Furthermore, the curved end has a curvature R corresponding to the curvature of the wiring 410. By providing such a curved end, wear caused by friction on the wiring 410 that contacts the extension portion 330 can be suppressed.

[0082] With respect to the arm 130 of this embodiment, which has such a configuration, the wiring 410 can be taken out perpendicularly relative to the housing 310 via the extension 330 and the opening 216a. Therefore, the taken-out wiring can be easily connected to the motor 124.

[0083] Furthermore, regarding the aforementioned arm, the wiring 410 is held and secured by the extension portion 330 (and the cut portion 332). Therefore, when an impact is applied to the drone 100, the wiring 410 is less likely to become misaligned or stretched, and it is also less likely to be cut due to these reasons.

[0084] Figure 13 A side view showing the overall configuration of arm 130. (See attached image.) Figures 2-6 and Figure 13 As shown, the extension 214 has a cross-sectional area that decreases from the root 212 side to the front end 216 side (towards the front end of the arm 130). Specifically, the extension 214 has a width (width in the direction connecting the sides of the extension 214 to each other) that decreases from the root 212 side to the front end 216 side. Furthermore, the extension 214 has a height (vertical length between the top and bottom surfaces of the extension) that decreases from the root 212 side to the front end 216 side. This allows for both lightweighting of the arm 130 and increased rigidity of the extension 214. It should be noted that the extension 214 can have either a width or a height that decreases from the root 212 side to the front end 216 side.

[0085] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, the front end 216 is positioned at a higher position, above the root 212. This allows the arm 130 to more reliably prevent the rotating rotor 122 from colliding with the housing 110, and also allows the arm 130 to be shortened, further reducing the weight of the drone 100.

[0086] In addition, such as Figure 13As shown, the angle of the upper end of the arm 130 differs at the extension 214 and the front end 216. Specifically, the extension 214 is shaped with its upper end tilted upwards to raise the position of the front end 216. On the other hand, the front end 216 is arranged parallel to the housing 110 and the hinge 420, with its upper end mounting surface 2161b (where the rotor unit 120 is mounted) parallel to the housing 110. As a result, the rotor 122 can rotate horizontally relative to the housing 110, thereby stabilizing the flight of the UAV 100.

[0087] Regarding arm 130, the main body 210 (root 212, extension 214, and front end 216), flange 220 (flange 222, flange 224, and flange 226), and rib 320 are all integrally molded using fiber-reinforced resin comprising thermoplastic resin and reinforcing fibers. By using fiber-reinforced resin as the material, the rigidity of arm 130 can be improved while making it lightweight. By using thermoplastic resin, arm 130 can be manufactured by methods such as pressure molding and injection molding, significantly improving manufacturing efficiency. It should be noted that the aforementioned thermoplastic resin can be derived from fossil fuels, biomass raw materials, or mixtures thereof.

[0088] Examples of the aforementioned thermoplastic resins include: polyolefin resins containing polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, and poly4-methyl-1-pentene, polyamide resins, polyester resins, polystyrene resins, thermoplastic polyimide resins, polyamide-imide resins, polycarbonate resins, polyphenylene ether resins, polyphenylene sulfide resins, polyacetal resins, acrylic resins, polyetherimide resins, polysulfone resins, polyetherketone resins, polyetheretherketone resins, polyarylate resins, polyether nitrile resins, vinyl chloride resins, ABS resins, and fluoropolymers, etc.

[0089] Of the above, polyamide resin and polyolefin resin are preferred because they are less prone to breakage even when impacted by flying objects such as gravel, thus improving the reliability of arm 130. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing the decrease in mechanical properties when arm 130 absorbs water, polyolefin resin is more preferred, and polypropylene resin is even more preferred.

[0090] The aforementioned thermoplastic resin can be a resin composition containing additives. Examples of additives include known fillers (inorganic fillers, organic fillers), pigments, dyes, weather stabilizers, heat stabilizers, antistatic agents, antislip agents, antioxidants, mildew inhibitors, antibacterial agents, flame retardants, and softeners, etc.

[0091] Examples of the aforementioned reinforcing fibers include carbon fiber, glass fiber, aramid fiber, alumina fiber, silicon carbide fiber, boron fiber, and metal fiber. Among these, from the viewpoint of low density, lightweight arm 130, and further improvement of its specific stiffness, carbon fiber and aramid fiber are preferred, with carbon fiber being more preferred.

[0092] From the viewpoint of improving the rigidity of arm 130, the aforementioned fiber-reinforced resin preferably has a unidirectional layer formed from a unidirectional sheet (UD sheet), which is formed by impregnating thermoplastic resin into reinforcing fibers (preferably carbon fibers) arranged in a unidirectional orientation. Arm 130 can be a laminate of multiple unidirectional layers having different orientations of the reinforcing fibers. Alternatively, arm 130 can be a laminate of a random layer obtained from a random sheet, which is obtained by randomly close-laying UD sheets cut into thin sheets, wherein multiple reinforcing fibers are arranged in unidirectional orientations in the random layer, and the orientations of the reinforcing fibers in each of the multiple locations are different. Arm 130 is preferably a laminate of two types of unidirectional layers: an oriented layer in which the reinforcing fibers within the layer are entirely unidirectionally oriented, and a random layer.

[0093] Arm 130 can be manufactured by hot pressing a UD sheet or random sheet pre-shaped into the shape of arm 130 onto a mold. According to the inventors of this application, by hot pressing a random sheet on the side opposite to the rib, the reinforcing fibers of the random sheet can be incorporated into the rib, thus enabling the manufacture of an integrally molded body in which the rib 320 also contains reinforcing fibers.

[0094] [Other Implementation Methods] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Of course, the present invention can be implemented by making various modifications within the scope of the technical concepts disclosed in this specification.

[0095] In addition, in the above embodiment, the arm is designed with an open lower surface, but the cover for protecting the wiring can also be placed on the open surface of the main body. The cover can be flat or a semi-cylindrical shape protruding downwards. Regarding the installation of the cover, an opening can be formed in the flange, and a fastening bolt can be inserted into the opening for installation, or it can be installed using adhesive.

[0096] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the main body is designed as a semi-cylindrical shape with a curved surface, but it can also be a rod-shaped object of any shape, such as a triangular prism, a square prism, a hexagonal prism, a cylinder, or an elliptical cylinder. In any of the above shapes, at least one of the faces along the length direction can be open. On the other hand, the main body may also not have any open faces along the length direction.

[0097] In addition, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following drone arm and drone are also disclosed in this specification.

[0098] [1] A drone arm, which is an arm mounted on the shell of a drone. The drone arm has the following features: The main body, disposed on the outside of the aforementioned housing, has a front end for mounting other components; and A retaining part, which is disposed in the aforementioned main body, retains the wiring that connects the aforementioned housing to the aforementioned other components.

[0099] [2] As described in [1], the unmanned aerial vehicle arm, wherein the aforementioned main body has a shell and reinforcing ribs disposed inside the aforementioned shell, The aforementioned retaining portion is formed on a part of the aforementioned reinforcing rib.

[0100] [3] As described in [2], the UAV arm has multiple heights and continuously forms lower height sections. The aforementioned retaining portion is formed by arranging the lower part of the aforementioned reinforcing rib along the wiring path.

[0101] [4] As described in [3], the UAV arm has multiple plate-shaped ribs arranged in a cross pattern. The aforementioned lower height portion is formed at the intersection of the aforementioned plate-like ribs.

[0102] [5] The UAV arm as described in any one of [2] to [4], wherein the aforementioned reinforcing rib is integrally formed with the aforementioned outer shell.

[0103] [6] The unmanned aerial vehicle arm as described in any one of [1] to [5], wherein the aforementioned main body is a rod-shaped part with at least one of its faces open along the length direction.

[0104] [7] The unmanned aerial vehicle arm as described in any one of [1] to [7], wherein the aforementioned main body is made of fiber-reinforced resin, the fiber-reinforced resin comprising reinforcing fibers and thermoplastic resin.

[0105] [8] The unmanned aerial vehicle arm as described in any one of [1] to [7], wherein the aforementioned main body comprises a unidirectional layer, the aforementioned unidirectional layer comprising carbon fibers and thermoplastic resin arranged in a unidirectional orientation.

[0106] [9] Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which have the following characteristics: The drone arm as described in any one of [1] to [8]; Other components installed at the aforementioned front end; The housing containing the aforementioned drone arm; and Wiring, which is configured inside the aforementioned drone arm and held in the aforementioned holding part, connects the aforementioned housing to the aforementioned other components.

[0107] In addition, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) arm and UAV are also disclosed in this specification.

[0108] [1] A drone arm, which is an arm mounted on the shell of a drone and with other components mounted at its front end. The drone arm has the following features: The housing has an opening for removing wiring toward the other aforementioned components from the inside of the aforementioned arm; and The extension portion is formed by extending the periphery of the aforementioned opening towards the inside of the aforementioned outer shell. The wiring disposed inside the aforementioned housing is bent at the aforementioned extension and taken out from the aforementioned opening.

[0109] [2] The UAV arm as described in [1], wherein the aforementioned extension has a height corresponding to the height at which the aforementioned wiring is disposed on the inner side of the aforementioned housing.

[0110] [3] The UAV arm as described in [1] or [2], wherein the aforementioned extension has a cutout for holding the aforementioned bent wiring.

[0111] [4] The UAV arm as described in any one of [1] to [3], wherein the aforementioned extension portion has a curved end at the front end in the extension direction that corresponds to the curvature of the aforementioned wiring.

[0112] [5] The UAV arm as described in any one of [1] to [4], wherein the aforementioned extension is integrally formed with the aforementioned outer shell.

[0113] [6] The UAV arm as described in any one of [1] to [5], wherein a reinforcing rib is provided on the inner side of the aforementioned outer shell. The aforementioned extension portion is grounded in conjunction with the aforementioned reinforcing rib.

[0114] [7] The unmanned aerial vehicle arm as described in any one of [1] to [6], wherein the aforementioned outer shell is a rod-shaped structure with at least one of its faces open along the length direction.

[0115] [8] The unmanned aerial vehicle arm as described in any one of [1] to [7], wherein the aforementioned outer shell and the aforementioned extension are made of fiber-reinforced resin, the fiber-reinforced resin comprising reinforcing fibers and thermoplastic resin.

[0116] [9] The drone arm as described in any one of [1] to [8], wherein the aforementioned outer shell comprises a unidirectional layer comprising carbon fibers and thermoplastic resin arranged in a unidirectional orientation.

[0117]

[10] A drone, which has the following characteristics: The drone arm as described in any one of [1] to [9]; Other components installed at the front end of the aforementioned drone arm; The housing containing the aforementioned drone arm; and Wiring, which is disposed inside the aforementioned housing and removed from the aforementioned opening to the outside, connects the aforementioned housing to the aforementioned other components.

[0118] Furthermore, the above embodiment describes an arm that holds the rotor unit at the front end, but the arm can also hold other components besides the rotor unit at the front end. For example, the arm can hold a robotic arm, a camera, a light-emitting component (LED, etc.) at the front end.

[0119] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-119340, filed on July 21, 2023. The matters set forth in the specification, claims and drawings of that application at the time of filing are incorporated herein by reference.

[0120] Industrial availability The drone arm related to this invention has high rigidity. Therefore, it is easy to increase the size and durability of drones. In addition, the drone arm related to this invention is made of thermoplastic resin, so it is easy to mass-produce.

[0121] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 100 drones 110 Casing 112 Lower fuselage 114 Upper fuselage 116 Fastening bolts 118 Installation Department 118a Fastening Hole 118b Fastening Bolt 118c protrusion 118d mounting bolt 1182 Inlet Port 120 rotor units 122 rotors 124 motors 130 arms 210 Main Body 211 root wall 211a Opening 212 Root 212c Nut section 214 Extension 216 Front end 216a Opening 2161 Maintenance Department 2161a Fastening Hole 2161b Configuration Surface 2162 Connecting part Flanges 220, 222, 224, and 226 222a Fastening hole 222b Fastening bolt 310 casing 320, 322, 324, 326 ribs 320a, 320b plate ribs 328a Lower height section 328b Higher elevation section 330 Extension Section 332 Incision site 410 Wiring 420 hinge

Claims

1. An arm for a drone, which is an arm mounted to a housing of a drone, comprising: a main body portion configured outside the housing; and a flange portion configured outside a side of the main body portion, the main body portion and the flange portion being made of a fiber-reinforced resin including reinforcing fibers and a thermoplastic resin. the arm has a fastening hole for fastening the arm to the housing, the fastening hole is provided to the flange portion. wherein the main body portion has a root portion fastened to the housing, and an extension portion extending outside the root portion, 2. The arm for drones according to claim 1, wherein, the flange portion is provided to the root portion. the flange portion is provided to the root portion and the extension portion, and an overhanging width of the flange portion at the root portion is greater than an overhanging width of the flange portion at the extension portion.

3. The arm for drones according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the main body portion has a front end portion provided to a front end of the extension portion for mounting of another member, the front end portion has the flange portion.

4. The arm for drones according to claim 3, wherein, the flange portion is integrally formed with the main body portion.

5. The arm for drones according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, the main body portion has a rib for reinforcement inside. the main body portion has a bar shape with at least one of faces in a length direction open.

6. The arm for a drone according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, the main body portion and the flange portion include a unidirectional layer including carbon fibers aligned in a unidirectional orientation and a thermoplastic resin.

7. The arm for a drone according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, another member is mounted to a front end portion of the main body portion, 8. The arm for a drone according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, the arm for a drone has a holding portion provided to the main body portion, which holds a wiring connecting the housing and the other member.

9. The arm for a drone according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, another member is mounted to a front end portion of the main body portion, 10. The arm for a drone according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, the arm for a drone has: a housing having an opening for taking out a wiring to the other member from inside the arm; and 11. The arm for a drone according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein, an extension portion which is formed by extending a peripheral edge of the opening to inside the housing, the wiring provided inside the housing is bent at the extension portion to be taken out from the opening.

12. A drone having: the arm for a drone according to any one of claims 1 to 11; and a housing to which the arm for a drone is fastened. the arm for a drone is fastened to the housing via a hinge, the arm for a drone is foldable by bending of the hinge. ​ 13. The drone of claim 12, wherein, ​ ​

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