Joint

Abstract

To provide a joint by which restrictions in bending angles are eliminated as much as possible, and furthermore, coupling strength is improved.SOLUTION: A joint comprises: a first joint part 8; a second joint part 9 which can be coupled to the first joint part 8; and a hinge part 10 which rotatably supports the first joint part 8 and the second joint part 9, from an extended state where the first joint part 8 and the second joint part 9 are coupled, to a bent state where the first joint part 8 and the second joint part 9 are separated. The first joint part 8 comprises a ball 43 provided such that it can come into contact with and separate from the second joint part 9; and an operation member 50 for holding the first joint part 8 and the second joint part 9 in a coupled state by causing the ball 43 to be in pressure-contact with the second joint part 9, and for cancelling the coupled state of the first joint part 8 and the second joint part 9 by releasing the pressure-contact of the ball 43 with the second joint part 9.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bendable joint. [Background technology]

[0002] Various types of joints of this kind have been proposed in the past.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a lock mechanism in which a fixed connecting portion and a movable connecting portion are configured to be bendable by using a hinge and a four-joint link mechanism. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6952383 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, since one side of the fixed side connecting part and the movable side connecting part are connected by a hinge and the four-bar link mechanism is composed of the fixed side connecting part, the movable side connecting part, and the other two links, there is a problem that the bending angle is limited because the two links are located on the opposite side of the hinge between the fixed side connecting part and the movable side connecting part.

[0006] Furthermore, when the fixed connecting portion and the movable connecting portion are connected to each other, they are connected by a hinge and two links, which poses a problem in terms of strength.

[0007] The present invention has been made based on the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a joint which can eliminate restrictions on the bending angle as much as possible and at the same time improve the connecting strength. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the joint of the present invention comprises a first joint part, a second joint part connectable to the first joint part, and a hinge part that rotatably supports the first joint part and the second joint part from an extended state in which the first joint part and the second joint part are connected to a bent state in which the first joint part and the second joint part are separated, and the first joint part comprises a stopper member that is provided so as to be able to come into contact with and be separated from the second joint part, and an operating member that presses the stopper member against the second joint part to hold the first joint part and the second joint part in a connected state, and releases the pressure of the stopper member against the second joint part to release the connected state of the first joint part and the second joint part. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the joint of the present invention, there is no limit to the bending angle, and the strength can be improved as much as possible. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] The drawings show specific embodiments of the invention according to the present disclosure, including essential features of the invention as well as alternative and preferred embodiments. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a drone using a joint according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the folded state of the drone's arm. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the extended state of the joint from the second joint portion side. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the joint from another direction. [Figure 9] A cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. [Figure 10] A cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. [Figure 11] A cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in Figure 6. [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in Figure 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a drone using a joint 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] The drone 1 has a fuselage 3 from which, for example, four cylindrical arms 4 extend radially, and a propeller 5 is attached to the tip of each arm 4.

[0014] In addition, each arm 4 is divided into a base-end arm member 6 on the fuselage 3 side and a tip-end arm member 7 on the propeller 5 side, and the base-end arm member 6 and the tip-end arm member 7 are connected by a joint 2.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the arm 4 can be bent (folded) by the joint 2, for example, in the horizontal direction.

[0016] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the joint 2 has a first joint portion 8 and a second joint portion 9 connectable to the first joint portion 8, and the first joint portion 8 and the second joint portion 9 are rotatably supported by a hinge portion 10.

[0017] The connector is configured to be capable of assuming an extended state in which the first joint portion 8 and the second joint portion 9 are connected facing each other, and a bent state in which the first joint portion 8 and the second joint portion 9 are separated, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0018] This allows the arm 4 to be extended or bent by the joint 2.

[0019] The first joint portion 8 has a cylindrical first attachment portion 11 that fits onto the tip of the base end arm member 6 .

[0020] The first attachment portion 11 is formed with a first slit 12 cut along the axial direction from the base end side.

[0021] On both sides of the first slit 12, a pair of first fastening portions 13 are provided so as to protrude radially outward.

[0022] These first fastening portions 13 are formed with through holes 14, and as shown in Figures 7 and 8, by inserting a bolt 15 into this through hole 14 and tightening it with a nut 16, the first slit 12 is narrowed and the diameter of the first mounting portion 11 is reduced, so that the first mounting portion 11 is fitted onto the base-end arm member 6.

[0023] Furthermore, a hole 17 is formed in the side of the first mounting portion 11, and the first mounting portion 11 is fixed to the base end arm member 6 by inserting a rivet 18 into this hole 17 and crimping it.

[0024] The second joint portion 9 has a cylindrical second attachment portion 21 that fits onto the base end of the tip side arm member 7 .

[0025] The second attachment portion 21 is formed with a second slit 22 cut in along the axial direction from the tip side.

[0026] On both sides of the second slit 22, a pair of second fastening portions 23 are provided so as to protrude radially outward.

[0027] These second fastening portions 23 have through holes 24 formed therein, and by inserting a bolt 25 into this through hole 24 and tightening it with a nut 26, the second slit 22 is narrowed and the diameter of the second mounting portion 21 is reduced, thereby allowing the second mounting portion 21 to be fitted onto the tip arm member 7.

[0028] Furthermore, a hole 27 is formed in the side of the second mounting portion 21, and the second mounting portion 21 is fixed to the tip side arm member 7 by inserting a rivet 28 into this hole 27 and crimping it.

[0029] In addition, the second joint portion 9 is formed on the opposite side to the second mounting portion 21 with a tubular inner fitting portion 31 having a smaller diameter than the second mounting portion 21, and this inner fitting portion 31 and the second mounting portion 21 are connected to each other.

[0030] As shown in Figures 9 to 12, the outer periphery of this inner fitting portion 31 is formed in a generally tapered shape that reduces in diameter toward the tip side, and is formed, in order from the second mounting portion 21 side, with a large-diameter first annular groove 32, a medium-diameter second annular groove (recess) 33, and a small-diameter third annular groove 34.

[0031] A large-diameter elastic first O-ring (disconnection indicator) 35 is fitted into the first annular groove 32 to indicate that the connection between the first joint part 8 and the second joint part 9 has been released (separated state of the first joint part 8 and the second joint part 9), and a small-diameter elastic second O-ring 36 is fitted into the third annular groove 34.

[0032] On the other hand, the first joint portion 8 is formed on the opposite side to the first mounting portion 11 with a tubular outer fitting portion 41 having a smaller diameter than the first mounting portion 11, and this outer fitting portion 41 and the first mounting portion 11 are connected to each other.

[0033] The outer fitting portion 41 is configured to be fitted onto the inner fitting portion 31 when the first joint portion 8 and the second joint portion 9 are in a connected state.

[0034] The inner periphery of the outer fitting portion 41 is formed in a generally tapered shape that expands in diameter toward the tip side, and is configured to be pressed against the first O-ring 35 and the second O-ring 36 when the first joint portion 8 and the second joint portion 9 are in a connected state.

[0035] A plurality of through holes 42 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction between the portions of this outer fitting portion 41 where the first O-ring 35 and the second O-ring 36 are pressed against each other, and elastic balls (stopper members) 43 made of, for example, nylon are loosely fitted (housed) in these through holes 42.

[0036] This through hole 42 is formed with a smaller diameter on the inner periphery side than on the outer periphery side of the outer fitting portion 41, and the ball 43 is fitted from the outer periphery side of the outer fitting portion 41, and a part of the peripheral surface can protrude to the inner periphery side, but it is formed in a size that does not allow it to pass through.

[0037] The ball 43 is configured so that when protruding from the through hole 42, it is pressed into the second annular groove 33 and presses the inner fitting portion 31 from the surroundings, thereby maintaining the connection between the first joint portion 8 and the second joint portion 9.

[0038] Furthermore, many of the through holes 42 and balls 43 are provided on the side opposite the hinge portion 10, so that they can be pressed more firmly toward the hinge portion 10.

[0039] Furthermore, an operating member 50 is provided on the outer circumferential side of the outer fitting portion 41 for abutting the ball 43 against the second joint portion 9 to maintain the first joint portion 8 and the second joint portion 9 in a connected state and for releasing the abutment of the ball 43 against the second joint portion 9.

[0040] The operation member 50 has a slider (contact and separation member) 51 which can be brought into contact with and separated from the second joint portion 9, and a compression coil spring (biasing member) 52 which biases the slider 51.

[0041] The slider 51 is formed in an annular shape and fitted onto the outer fitting portion 41 so as to be slidable in the axial direction.

[0042] The compression coil spring 52 is fitted between the slider 51 and the outer fitting portion 41 and configured to bias the slider 51 in the opposite direction to the first attachment portion 11.

[0043] In addition, on the inner side of the slider 51, there are formed a convex portion 53 for holding the ball 43 protruding from the through hole 42 toward the inner side of the outer fitting portion 41, and a concave portion 54 for retracting the ball 43 from the inner side of the outer fitting portion 41 when the slider 51 is slid against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 52.

[0044] Furthermore, a fourth annular groove 55 is formed on the first mounting portion 11 side of the outer fitting portion 41, and a third O-ring (connection indicating portion) 56 having elasticity is fitted into this fourth annular groove 55 to indicate that the first joint portion 8 and the second joint portion 9 are in a connected state.

[0045] The third O-ring 56 is configured to be covered and hidden by the slider 51 when the slider 51 slides against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 52 .

[0046] The slider 51 is also provided with a pair of handles 57 that protrude radially outward, allowing the slider 51 to be operated with one hand.

[0047] Furthermore, a fitting protrusion 58 that protrudes toward the first joint part 8 is formed on the side of the second joint part 9 opposite the hinge part 10 .

[0048] On the other hand, the first joint part 8 is formed with a fitting recess 59 into which the fitting protrusion 58 fits when the first joint part 8 and the second joint part 9 are connected.

[0049] The hinge portion 10 includes a first hinge piece 61 fixed to the first joint portion 8, a second hinge piece 62 fixed to the second joint portion 9, and an axis 63 that rotatably connects the first hinge piece 61 and the second hinge piece 62.

[0050] The shaft 63 is attached to the second joint portion 9 via a pair of collars 64 .

[0051] In addition, a convex portion 66 is provided on the peripheral portion 65 of the slider 51, and when the first joint portion 8 and the second joint portion 9 are separated and the connection is released, this convex portion 66 abuts against a peripheral portion (regulating portion) 67 of the second hinge piece 62, thereby maintaining the slider 51 in a displaced state against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 52.

[0052] Furthermore, a recess 68 is formed on the peripheral surface 67 of the second hinge piece 62 into which the protrusion 66 can retreat when the first joint part 8 and the second joint part 9 are connected, and the recess 68 allows the protrusion 66 to retreat, thereby allowing the slider 51 to move to a position where it presses the ball 43.

[0053] In such a configuration, when the arm 4 of the drone 1 is in an extended state as shown in FIG. 1, the joint 2 is in a connected state between the first joint portion 8 and the second joint portion 9 as shown in FIG. 3.

[0054] That is, as shown in Figures 3 and 9, the inner fitting portion 31 of the second joint part 9 is fitted into the outer fitting portion 41 of the first joint part 8, and the inner surface of the outer fitting portion 41 is pressed against the first O-ring 35 and the second O-ring 36.

[0055] In addition, the slider 51 is biased toward the second joint by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 52, and as the convex portion 66 retreats into the concave portion 68 of the second hinge piece 62, the convex portion 53 of the slider 51 presses the ball 43, bringing it into pressure contact with the second annular groove 33 of the inner fitting portion 31.

[0056] The ball 43 presses the second annular groove 33 of the inner fitting portion 31 radially inward.

[0057] This prevents the inner fitting portion 31 from slipping off from the outer fitting portion 41, and the first joint portion 8 and the second joint portion 9 are firmly connected to each other.

[0058] At this time, since many balls 43 are arranged on the opposite side of the hinge portion 10, the inner fitting portion 31 can be pressed more effectively.

[0059] At this time, since the third O-ring 56 is exposed and not covered by the slider 51, the third O-ring 56 can be visually confirmed, which indicates that the first joint portion 8 and the second joint portion 9 are in a connected state.

[0060] At this time, the first O-ring 35 cannot be seen.

[0061] When arm 4 is to be bent from the extended state as shown in FIG. 2, a pair of handles 57 is operated with the fingers of one hand to slide slider 51 against compression coil spring 52, whereby convex portion 53 of slider 51 separates from ball 43 and ball 43 retreats to concave portion 54 of slider 51.

[0062] As a result, the ball 43 is released from the pressure contact with the inner fitting portion 31, and the connection between the first joint portion 8 and the second joint portion 9 is released, as shown in Figs.

[0063] At this time, the convex portion 66 of the slider 51 moves away from the concave portion 68 of the second hinge piece 62 and abuts against the peripheral portion 67 of the second hinge piece 62, so that the slider 51 covers the third O-ring 56 and the third O-ring 56 cannot be visually confirmed.

[0064] On the other hand, the first O-ring 35 is exposed and can be visually confirmed, so that it is clear that the connection between the first joint portion 8 and the second joint portion 9 has been released.

[0065] When changing the arm 4 from a folded state to an extended state, the first joint part 8 and the second joint part 9 can be connected simply by rotating the second joint part 9 relative to the first joint part 8 and fitting the inner fitting part 31 of the second joint part 9 into the outer fitting part 41 of the first joint part 8.

[0066] At this time, the slider 51 returns to a state in which the convex portion 66 fits into the concave portion 68 of the second hinge piece 62 and presses the ball 43 by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 52.

[0067] According to the above configuration, when the first joint portion 8 and the second joint portion 9 are separated (bent), the first joint portion 8 and the second joint portion 9 are supported only by the hinge portion 10, so that restrictions on the bending angle can be eliminated as much as possible.

[0068] Furthermore, when the first joint part 8 and the second joint part 9 are connected (extended), the ball 43 on the first joint part 8 presses and clamps the inner fitting part 31 on the second joint part 9, thereby improving the connection strength between the first joint part 8 and the second joint part 9.

[0069] Furthermore, the connection between the first joint part 8 and the second joint part 9 can be released by simply operating the handle 57 with one hand, and the first joint part 8 and the second joint part 9 can be connected by rotating the second joint part 9, so that the first joint part 8 and the second joint part 9 of the joint 2 can be connected and disconnected with a single touch.

[0070] That is, the arm 4 can be easily put into a bent state and an extended state.

[0071] Moreover, since the third O-ring 56 is exposed in the connected state and the first O-ring 35 is exposed in the connected / unlocked state, it is easy to know whether the vehicle is in the connected state or the disconnected state.

[0072] Furthermore, since the first joint portion 8 and the second joint portion 9 are formed in a tubular shape, wiring from the fuselage 3 to the drive portion of the propeller 5 and the like can be accommodated therein.

[0073] The disclosure regarding the present invention described above can be summarized at least as follows.

[0074] That is, the joint according to the present invention comprises a first joint part, a second joint part connectable to the first joint part, and a hinge part that rotatably supports the first joint part and the second joint part from an extended state in which the first joint part and the second joint part are connected to a bent state in which the first joint part and the second joint part are separated, and the first joint part is characterized by comprising a stopper member that is provided so as to be able to come into contact with and be separated from the second joint part, and an operating member that presses the stopper member against the second joint part to hold the first joint part and the second joint part in a connected state, and that releases the pressure of the stopper member against the second joint part to release the connected state of the first joint part and the second joint part.

[0075] The above invention can include at least the following embodiments, which can be adopted separately or in combination with each other.

[0076] (1) The operating member is provided so as to be freely movable toward and away from the second joint portion, and includes a moving-away member that presses the stopper member against the second joint portion when it is close to the second joint portion and releases the pressurized contact of the stopper member against the second joint portion when it is away from the second joint portion, and a biasing member that biases the moving-away member in a direction toward the second joint portion.

[0077] (2) The hinge portion includes the restricting portion that restricts the approach of the moving member to the second joint portion against the biasing force of the biasing member in the bent state.

[0078] (3) The first joint portion is provided with a connection indicator portion that indicates the connection state with the second joint portion, and the approaching / separating member is configured to hide the connection indicator portion when approach to the second joint portion is restricted by the restricting portion.

[0079] (4) The second joint part is provided with a connection release indicator part that indicates a disconnected state from the first joint part.

[0080] (5) The stopper member is provided in plurality.

[0081] (6) The stopper members are arranged in large numbers on the side opposite the hinge portion.

[0082] (7) The second joint portion has a recess with which the stopper member is pressed into contact.

[0083] (8) The first joint part and the second joint part are formed in a cylindrical shape, and at least one of the first joint part and the second joint part has an annular elastic member interposed between the first joint part and the second joint part when the first joint part and the second joint part are in a connected state.

[0084] (9) The first joint part has an outer fitting portion, the second joint part has an inner fitting portion for fitting into the outer fitting portion, and the operating member is configured to press the stopper member against the inner fitting portion when the first joint part and the second joint part are connected.

[0085] (10) The outer fitting portion has a through hole that accommodates the stopper member.

[0086] (11) A drone is provided with a fuselage, a plurality of arms extending radially from the fuselage, and propellers attached to the tips of the arms, with the arms divided into a base-end arm member on the fuselage side and a tip-end arm member on the propeller side. One of a first joint portion and a second joint portion is provided on the base-end arm member, and the other of the first joint portion and the second joint portion is provided on the tip-end arm member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1. Drone 2. Joint 3. Torso 4 Arm 5 Propeller 6 Base end arm member 7 End arm member 8 First joint 9 Second joint 10 Hinge part 31 Inner fitting part 33 Recess (second annular groove) 35 Elastic member, disconnection indicator (first O-ring) 36 Elastic member (second O-ring) 41 External fitting part 42 Through hole 43 Stopper member (ball) 50 Operation member 51 Contact member (slider) 52 Pressurizing member (compression coil spring) 56 Connection indicator (third O-ring) 67 Regulation part (peripheral part)

Claims

1. A first joint portion; a second joint portion connectable to the first joint portion; a hinge portion that rotatably supports the first joint portion and the second joint portion from an extended state in which the first joint portion and the second joint portion are connected to a bent state in which the first joint portion and the second joint portion are separated; Equipped with The first joint portion is a stopper member provided so as to be capable of being brought into contact with and separated from the second joint portion; an operating member for pressing the stopper member against the second joint portion to maintain the first joint portion and the second joint portion in a connected state, and for releasing the pressure contact of the stopper member against the second joint portion to release the connected state of the first joint portion and the second joint portion; A joint comprising:

2. The operating member is a contact-and-separation member that is provided so as to be capable of being brought into contact with and separated from the second joint portion, and that presses the stopper member against the second joint portion when it approaches the second joint portion and releases the pressure contact of the stopper member against the second joint portion when it is separated from the second joint portion; a biasing member that biases the contact member in a direction to approach the second joint portion; 2. The joint according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. 3. The joint according to claim 2, wherein the hinge portion includes a restricting portion that, in a bent state, restricts the approach of the moving member to the second joint portion against the biasing force of the biasing member.

4. The first joint part includes a connection indicator part that indicates a connection state with the second joint part, The joint according to claim 3, wherein the approaching and separating member is configured to hide the connection indicating portion when the approaching and separating member is restricted by the restricting portion from approaching the second joint portion.

5. The joint according to claim 1, wherein the second joint part is provided with a connection release indicator that indicates a connection release state between the second joint part and the first joint part.

6. The joint according to claim 1, wherein the stopper member is provided in a plurality.

7. 7. The joint according to claim 6, wherein the stopper members are arranged in greater numbers on a side opposite to the hinge portion.

8. The joint according to claim 1 , wherein the second joint portion has a recess into which the stopper member is pressed.

9. 2. The joint according to claim 1, wherein the first joint portion and the second joint portion are formed in a cylindrical shape, and at least one of the first joint portion and the second joint portion includes an annular elastic member interposed between the first joint portion and the second joint portion when the first joint portion and the second joint portion are in a connected state.

10. 2. The joint according to claim 1, wherein the first joint portion has an outer fitting portion, the second joint portion has an inner fitting portion for fitting into the outer fitting portion, and the operating member is configured to press the stopper member against the inner fitting portion when the first joint portion and the second joint portion are connected to each other.

11. The joint according to claim 10, wherein the outer fitting portion is provided with a through hole for receiving the stopper member.

12. 2. The joint according to claim 1, wherein a drone is configured by comprising a fuselage, a plurality of arms extending radially from the fuselage, and propellers provided at the tips of the arms, the arms being divided into a base-end arm member on the fuselage side and a tip-end arm member on the propeller side, wherein one of the first joint portion and the second joint portion is provided on the base-end arm member, and the other of the first joint portion and the second joint portion is provided on the tip-end arm member.

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