Agricultural flying devices

Abstract

To improve the visibility of agricultural aircraft during nighttime flights. [Solution] The agricultural flying device 5 comprises an airframe 50a, a rotor blade device 52 provided on the airframe 50a and having a propeller 54, and an illumination device 55 that irradiates light onto the propeller 54 which is rotated by the rotor blade device 52.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an agricultural flying device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an aircraft (drone) including a plurality of sets (for example, four sets) of a propeller, an arm portion that rotatably supports the propeller, and a light portion provided at the tip of the arm portion, and controls the emission color of the plurality of light portions based on the traveling direction of the aircraft. An aircraft lighting system is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the aircraft (drone) of Patent Document 1 described above, the light portion provided at the tip of the arm portion only emits light by itself, and when viewed from a user monitoring on the ground during night flight, the light portion may appear as a small light-emitting point or may not be visible. Therefore, there is a problem that the visibility of the agricultural flying device during night flight is poor.

[0005] Therefore, in view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to improve the visibility of an agricultural flying device during night flight.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The technical means of the present invention for solving the above technical problems is characterized by the following points. An agricultural flying device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an airframe, a rotor blade device provided on the airframe and having a propeller, and an illumination device that irradiates light onto the propeller, which is rotated by the rotor blade device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the visibility of agricultural aircraft during nighttime flights can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the support system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of the support system of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an overall perspective view of the agricultural flying device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of the agricultural flying device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a front view of the agricultural flying device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing an example of a display unit on a mobile device. [Figure 7A] This is a bottom view of each propeller of the agricultural aircraft according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7B] This is a bottom view of each propeller of the agricultural aircraft in the first modified example. [Figure 8A] This diagram shows how the lights of a conventional drone during nighttime flight appear from the ground. [Figure 8B] This figure shows the lights of the agricultural aircraft of the first embodiment as seen from the ground during nighttime flight. [Figure 8C] This diagram shows the lights of the first modified agricultural aircraft during nighttime flight, as seen from the ground. [Figure 9] This is a front view of the agricultural flying device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10A] This is a front view of the agricultural flying device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10B]It is a diagram showing the lights of the agricultural flying device and the lights of the working device in the third embodiment during night flight as seen from the ground. [Figure 10C] It is a diagram showing the lights of the agricultural flying device and the lights of the working device in the second modification during night flight as seen from the ground. [Figure 11A] It is a front view of the agricultural flying device in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11B] It is a plan view of the working device in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12A] It is a front view of the agricultural flying device in the third modification. [Figure 12B] It is a plan view of the working device in the third modification. [Figure 13A] It is a front view of the agricultural flying device in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 13B] It is a front view of the agricultural flying device in the fourth modification.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0009] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the support system SY in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the support system SY in the first embodiment.

[0010] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the support system SY includes an agricultural flying device 5, a portable terminal 60, and a server 70, and is a system for supporting the flight operation of the agricultural flying device 5.

[0011] The server 70 is, for example, a fixed computer installed in a farmer, a farming company, an agricultural machinery manufacturer, an agricultural service, etc., or a portable computer that can be carried by an administrator, an operator, etc. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the server 70 is a fixed computer.

[0012] As shown in Figure 2, the server 70 is equipped with a communication device 71 capable of communicating with the multicopter 50 and the mobile terminal 60. The communication device 71 is a communication module that performs either direct or indirect communication with the multicopter 50 and the mobile terminal 60, and performs wireless communication using, for example, the IEEE 802.11 series communication standards such as Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity, registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy), LPWA (Low Power, Wide Area), and LPWAN (Low-Power Wide-Area Network). The communication device 71 can also perform wireless communication using, for example, a mobile phone network or a data communication network.

[0013] As shown in Figure 2, the server 70 is equipped with a control device 72. The control device 72 consists of electrical and electronic circuits, a processor, memory, etc. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The server 70 functions as a control device 72 when the processor executes a control program.

[0014] The server 70 is equipped with a storage unit 73. The storage unit 73 is a non-volatile storage device, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 73 stores various data (information). For example, the storage unit 73 stores the pre-set flight path (latitude, longitude, altitude) of the multicopter 50 in the field. The storage unit 73 also stores pre-set work sections set for the flight path and the work content indicated for those work sections. Furthermore, if a non-work section is set for the flight path, the storage unit 73 has pre-set settings to not perform any work in the non-work section.

[0015] Next, the agricultural flying device 5 will be described. Figure 3 is an overall perspective view of the agricultural flying device 5 of the first embodiment. Figure 4 is a plan view of the agricultural flying device 5 of the first embodiment. Figure 5 is a front view of the agricultural flying device 5 of the first embodiment. The agricultural flying device 5 is, for example, a multicopter 50, as shown in Figures 1, 3 to 5. The multicopter 50 is an aircraft (for example, an unmanned aircraft) also known as a drone. In Figures 3 to 5, the left-right direction of the agricultural flying device 5 is designated as the first direction X, the front-back direction of the agricultural flying device 5 is designated as the second direction Y, and the up-down direction of the agricultural flying device 5 is designated as the third direction Z.

[0016] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the multicopter 50 has a body 50a, a plurality (for example, four) of arms 50b provided on the body 50a, a rotor blade device 52 provided on each arm 50b, and a pair of skids 50d provided on the body 50a.

[0017] The rotorcraft 52 is a device that generates lift for flight. The rotorcraft 52 includes an electric motor 53 and a propeller 54 (blade) that rotates driven by the electric motor 53. Each of the multiple (four) electric motors 53 is, for example, a DC (direct current) motor and is powered by a battery 50j housed in the aircraft body 50a. That is, each of the multiple electric motors 53 is electrically connected to the battery 50j in the aircraft body 50a by a power line (wire) inserted through the corresponding arm 50b.

[0018] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the multiple (four) arms 50b are arranged at equal intervals around the side of the aircraft body 50a and are positioned to protrude outward from the side of the aircraft body 50a. For example, the four arms 50b are positioned diagonally forward to the left, diagonally forward to the right, diagonally rear to the left, and diagonally rear to the right from the side of the aircraft body 50a. As shown in Figure 5, the four arms 50b are mounted on the aircraft body 50a in a position that is tilted upward towards the outward end. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the electric motors 53 of the rotor blade device 52 are fixed to the tip of each of the four arms 50b. As shown in Figure 5, the output shaft 53a of the electric motors 53 protrudes upward.

[0019] As shown in Figure 3, the propeller 54 has a central portion 541 containing the center of rotation and two blades 542 extending from the central portion 541. The two blades 542 extend symmetrically from the central portion 541. The propeller 54 may also have three or more blades arranged at equal intervals around the center of rotation (for example, a three-bladed, four-bladed, etc.).

[0020] As shown in Figure 4, the propeller 54 located diagonally forward to the left of the rotor blade device 52 is sometimes called the left front propeller 54FL. The propeller 54 located diagonally forward to the right of the rotor blade device 52 is sometimes called the right front propeller 54FR. The propeller 54 located diagonally rear to the left of the rotor blade device 52 is sometimes called the left rear propeller 54BL. The propeller 54 located diagonally rear to the right of the rotor blade device 52 is sometimes called the right rear propeller 54BR.

[0021] In this embodiment, the rotorcraft 52 has four (even) propellers 54. Therefore, the electric motor 53 is driven to rotate adjacent propellers 54 in opposite directions in the circumferential direction of a virtual circle VC centered on the center of gravity CG1 of the aircraft 50a shown in Figure 4. As a result, the rotorcraft 52 generates flight thrust (lift) for the aircraft 50a to fly through the rotation of each of the multiple propellers 54.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the multicopter 50 has an imaging device 50e. The imaging device 50e is, for example, an infrared camera, a visible light camera, etc., and is capable of imaging the area around the multicopter 50.

[0023] The multicopter 50 may be equipped with at least one of the following: an angular velocity (gyro) sensor for detecting the attitude and movement of the aircraft 50a; an acceleration sensor for detecting the speed of the aircraft 50a; an inertial measurement unit (IMU) for detecting the attitude and speed of the aircraft 50a; a barometric pressure sensor for detecting the altitude of the multicopter 50; an ultrasonic sonar (or ultrasonic sensor) for detecting the position of surrounding objects; and a magnetic compass sensor for detecting direction. In this embodiment, the multicopter 50 is equipped with, for example, an inertial measurement unit and a magnetic compass sensor.

[0024] The multicopter 50 has a position detection device 50g (e.g., a positioning device) that detects its own position. The position detection device 50g is a device that detects its own flight position (latitude, longitude, altitude), that is, the flight position (latitude, longitude, altitude) of the multicopter 50 (aircraft 50a), based on data from positioning satellites such as GPS and Michibiki (positioning satellite system). Its own position includes the flight position during flight and the landing position during landing. The position detection device 50g may also use various sensors such as an altimeter, ultrasonic sonar, and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) alone or in conjunction with it to detect the altitude of the multicopter 50 (aircraft 50a).

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the multicopter 50 is equipped with a work device 51. Figure 1 shows a suspended type work device 51A. Figure 3 shows a non-suspended type work device 51B. The work device 51 can be classified into, for example, the suspended type work device 51A shown in Figure 1 or the non-suspended type work device 51B shown in Figure 3.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the suspended type work device 51A is a work device 51 that is suspended from the multicopter 50 by a rope HS. The rope HS is, for example, a wire rope, and is called a suspension wire or suspension thread. Examples of work devices 51A include a grass cutting device that is suspended from the multicopter 50 and is pulled in contact with the ground, or a seeding device that is suspended from the multicopter 50 and floats in the air without touching the ground.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the non-suspended type work device 51B is a work device 51 that is fixed to the multicopter 50. Examples of work devices 51B include a seedling holding device that holds seedling mats and drops them into a rice transplanter (see Figure 3), or a spraying device that sprays chemical solutions onto the field.

[0028] Figure 3 shows that the non-suspending type work device 51B is a seedling holding device and has a pair of clamping members 511 and 512 capable of gripping seedlings in a seedling mat. The seedling holding device brings the pair of clamping members 511 and 512 closer together when seedlings are present between them, creating a holding state in which the pair of clamping members 511 and 512 hold the seedlings in the seedling mat. On the other hand, the seedling holding device separates the pair of clamping members 511 and 512 to release the holding of the seedlings in the seedling mat by the pair of clamping members 511 and 512.

[0029] The multicopter 50 is equipped with a memory unit 50h for storing various data, programs, etc. The memory unit 50h is, for example, a non-volatile storage device, such as an HDD or SSD. The memory unit 50h receives and stores, for example, the planned flight path (latitude, longitude, altitude), the work section of the planned flight path, and the work content in the work section from the server 70, but it may also acquire and store this information from an external storage device such as a mobile terminal 60 or a USB memory.

[0030] The memory unit 50h periodically (every few seconds, every few hundred milliseconds) stores information about the multicopter 50. and is stored each time an event occurs. Information regarding the multicopter 50 includes the flight position (latitude, longitude, altitude) of the multicopter 50 (aircraft 50a), time information indicating the time at that flight position, and flight information of the multicopter 50 for each flight position (flight direction, flight speed, etc.). The flight direction is detected by a magnetic direction sensor, and the flight speed is detected by an inertial measuring device. The position detection device 50g may calculate the flight direction and flight speed based on multiple detected flight positions. Furthermore, information regarding the multicopter 50 may include at least one of the following: status information (described later), work device information indicating the type of work device 51 equipped on the multicopter 50, work status information indicating the working state of the work device 51, the rotation speed of the rotor blade device 52 (rotation speed of the propeller 54) detected by the rotation speed detection sensor, and status information such as captured images taken by the imaging device 50e.

[0031] The type of work device 51 may be classified as either a suspended type or a non-suspended type, and may also be a grass cutting device, a seeding device, a seedling holding device, or a spraying device.

[0032] The working state of the work device 51 can be, in the case of a suspended type, simply being suspended and not performing tasks such as mowing or sowing, or performing tasks such as mowing or sowing. Furthermore, the working state of the work device 51 can be, in the case of a non-suspended type, not performing tasks such as not holding seedlings or not spraying chemicals, or performing tasks such as holding seedlings or spraying chemicals.

[0033] The multicopter 50 has a communication device 50i that communicates with a mobile terminal 60 and / or a server 70. The communication device 50i is a communication module that performs either direct or indirect communication and can perform wireless communication using, for example, the IEEE 802.11 series communication standard Wi-Fi (registered trademark), BLE, LPWA, LPWAN, etc. The communication device 50i can also perform wireless communication using, for example, a mobile phone network or a data communication network. The communication device 50i transmits information about the multicopter 50 to the mobile terminal 60 and / or the server 70.

[0034] The multicopter 50 is equipped with a control device 50f that controls various operations of the multicopter 50. The control device 50f is connected to an imaging device 50e, a communication device 50i, a memory unit 50h, a position detection device 50g, and a work device 51. The control device 50f controls the imaging device 50e, the communication device 50i, the memory unit 50h, and the work device 51. The control device 50f is composed of electrical and electronic circuits, a processor, memory, etc. The processor is, for example, a CPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, and ASIC. The multicopter 50 functions as the control device 50f when the processor executes a control program.

[0035] The multicopter 50 is capable of a series of flight operations, in which it flies along a planned flight path in the field, and the work device 51 performs the work specified for each work section along the planned flight path. For example, the control device 50f controls the multicopter 50 to perform the aforementioned series of flight operations.

[0036] Specifically, the control device 50f controls the rotation speed of the electric motor 53 (i.e., the rotation speed of the propeller 54) to fly the multicopter 50 so that its own flight position (latitude, longitude, altitude) detected by the position detection device 50g matches the planned flight path (latitude, longitude, altitude) stored in the memory unit 50h. The control device 50f also associates its own flight position (latitude, longitude, altitude) detected by the position detection device 50g with the time information at that time and stores this as flight performance information in the memory unit 50h.

[0037] Furthermore, the control device 50f controls the work device 51 to perform the work specified in the work section of the planned flight path. For example, if the work device 51 is a spraying device, it will perform spraying work in the work section of the planned flight path, and will not perform spraying work in any non-work sections. If the work device 51 is a grass cutting device, it will perform grass cutting work using the grass cutting device in the work section of the planned flight path, and will not perform grass cutting work in any non-work sections. The control device 50f also associates the work and non-work performed by the work device 51 in the work sections and non-work sections of the planned flight path with the corresponding time information and stores it in the storage unit 50h as work performance information.

[0038] The control device 50f transmits status information of the multicopter 50 to the mobile terminal 60 via the communication device 50i. The status information includes whether the multicopter 50 is flying along the planned flight path, whether the work device 51 is working or not, whether the multicopter 50 is on standby, or whether an error is being detected.

[0039] Next, the portable terminal 60 will be described. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the portable terminal 60 is a terminal device that can be carried by the user. The portable terminal 60 can transmit various commands to the server 70 and / or the multicopter 50 in response to user operations. These commands include commands for starting and ending flight operations of the multicopter 50 (first command, second command), etc.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, the mobile terminal 60 has a communication device 61 that communicates with the server 70 and / or the multicopter 50. The communication device 61 is a communication module that performs either direct or indirect communication, and can perform wireless communication using, for example, the IEEE 802.11 series communication standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), BLE, LPWA, LPWAN, etc. The communication device 61 can also perform wireless communication using, for example, a mobile phone network or a data communication network.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the mobile terminal 60 is equipped with a display unit 66. The display unit 66 is composed of a liquid crystal monitor, liquid crystal panel, etc. The display unit 66 displays various information related to the multicopter 50. Since the display unit 66 has a touch panel, it can be operated by the user via touch.

[0042] Figure 6 shows an example of the display unit 66 of the mobile terminal 60. As shown in Figure 6, the various displays on the display unit 66 include a selection display 66A for selecting commands for the multicopter 50, and a status display 67 for displaying the status of the multicopter 50.

[0043] As shown in Figure 6, the mobile terminal 60 displays a selection display 66A on the display unit 66 based on a predetermined operation by the user. The selection display 66A includes displays for a number of buttons 66a to 66c corresponding to the first command and the second command, respectively. Button 66a is touch-operated to instruct the multicopter 50 to prepare for flight operations (first command). Button 66b is touch-operated to instruct the multicopter 50 to begin flight operations (second command). Button 66c is touch-operated to instruct the multicopter 50 to end flight operations (third command).

[0044] As shown in Figure 6, the mobile terminal 60 displays the status of the multicopter 50 (indicator 67) and the status of the work device 51 (indicator 68) on the display unit 66 based on the status information received from the multicopter 50. The status of the multicopter 50 (indicator 67) includes a display field 67a that indicates whether the multicopter 50 is in flight or not. In Figure 6, display field 67a indicates that the multicopter 50 is in flight. The status of the work device 51 (indicator 68) includes display fields 68a to 68d, etc. Display field 68a displays the classification of the work device 51. Display field 68b displays the type of work device 51. Display field 68c indicates whether the work device 51 is working or not. Display field 68d indicates whether the work of the work device 51 is an error or not. In Figure 6, display area 68a indicates that the work device 51 is of the hanging type, display area 68b indicates that the type of work device 51 is a grass cutting device, display area 68c indicates that the work device 51 is in operation, and display area 68d indicates that there are no errors in the operation of the work device 51.

[0045] When the user touches button 66a on the display unit 66, the mobile terminal 60 transmits a first command to the server 70 via the communication device 61. The communication device 71 of the server 70 receives the first command. Upon receiving the first command, the server 70 identifies the field map showing the field corresponding to the field information instructed by the mobile terminal 60 and the planned flight path for that field, and reads them from the storage unit 73. The server 70 transmits the field map and the planned flight path to the mobile terminal 60 via the communication device 71.

[0046] The mobile terminal 60 displays the received field map and planned flight path on the display unit 66.

[0047] If the multicopter 50 does not have a planned flight path stored, the server 70 transmits the planned flight path to the multicopter 50 via the communication device 71. The communication device 50i of the multicopter 50 receives the planned flight path. The control device 50f of the multicopter 50 stores the received planned flight path in the storage unit 50h.

[0048] When the user touches button 66b on the display unit 66 (i.e., gives an instruction to start flight work), the mobile terminal 60 transmits a second command to the server 70 and the multicopter 50 via the communication device 61. Upon receiving the second command, the multicopter 50 begins flight work along the planned flight path in the field. The server 70 monitors the flight work performed by the multicopter 50 in the field based on the flight position information and work information transmitted from the multicopter 50.

[0049] The multicopter 50 performs flight operations from the starting point to the end point of the planned flight path in the field. Upon reaching the end point of the planned flight path, it completes its flight operations and returns to its designated waiting position.

[0050] Furthermore, when the user touches button 66c on the display unit 66 (i.e., instructs the end of the flight operation), the mobile terminal 60 transmits a third command to the server 70 and the multicopter 50 via the communication device 61. Upon receiving the third command, the multicopter 50 ceases its flight operation along the planned flight path in the field and returns to its designated standby position. The server 70 monitors that the multicopter 50 has ceased its flight operation in the field and returned to its standby position.

[0051] Now, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the multicopter 50 is equipped with an illumination device 55 that irradiates light onto the propeller 54 rotated by the rotor blade device 52. An illumination device 55 is provided for each rotor blade device 52. That is, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, there are four rotor blade devices 52, so there are also four illumination devices 55. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the illumination device 55 irradiates light onto the underside of the propeller 54 while it is rotating. The illumination device 55 is, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED) capable of emitting monochromatic light, or an LED capable of emitting light of a specified color from among multiple colors. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the illumination device 55 includes an LED 551 located at the tip of the arm 50b, and an LED 552 located at a predetermined location between the base end of the arm 50b and the location of the electric motor 53.

[0052] As shown in Figure 5, LEDs 551 and 552 emit light that spreads in an inverted cone shape toward the underside of the propeller 54. The light from LEDs 551 and 552 illuminates approximately the entire rotation range PA of the propeller 54, as shown in Figure 4. Specifically, LED 551 illuminates a circular illumination range RA1, indicated by a dashed line, within the rotation range PA of the propeller 54. LED 552 illuminates a circular illumination range RA2, indicated by a dashed line, within the rotation range PA of the propeller 54. Note that the illumination ranges RA1 and RA2 shown in Figure 4 represent the size at the position of the propeller 54, and are circular areas that expand as they move away from the top surface of the propeller 54. In other words, the light from LEDs 551 and 552 illuminates approximately the entire rotation range PA of the propeller 54. LED 551 illuminates approximately one of the two semicircular areas obtained by dividing the rotation range PA of the propeller 54 in a direction perpendicular to the arm 50b with its center, including the tip of the arm 50b. LED 552 illuminates approximately the other semicircular area, excluding the tip of the arm 50b.

[0053] Furthermore, the light from LEDs 551 and 552 may be directed over the entire rotation range PA of the propeller 54. For example, LED 551 may illuminate the entirety of one of the semicircular ranges described above, and LED 552 may illuminate the entirety of the other semicircular range described above.

[0054] The rotor blade device 52 includes a front rotor blade device 521 located on the front side of the aircraft body 50a when the aircraft body 50a is viewed from above, and a rear rotor blade device 522 located on the rear side of the aircraft body 50a. The illumination device 55 illuminates the front rotor blade device 521 with a first color (e.g., red) of light and illuminates the rear rotor blade device 522 with a second color (e.g., green) of light different from the first color (e.g., red).

[0055] Specifically, the illumination device 55 that irradiates the front rotor unit 521 (i.e., LEDs 551 and 552 of the front rotor unit 521) emits red light. LEDs 551 and 552 of the front rotor unit 521 may be single-color or multi-color types, as long as they are capable of emitting red light. The illumination device 55 that irradiates the rear rotor unit 522 (i.e., LEDs 551 and 552 of the rear rotor unit 522) emits green light. LEDs 551 and 552 of the rear rotor unit 522 may be single-color or multi-color types, as long as they are capable of emitting green light. Note that although the illumination device 55 is said to emit red or green light, it is not limited to these two colors. Also, the illumination device 55 may emit one color or three or more colors.

[0056] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, two front rotor units 521 are located on the front side of the aircraft body 50a. Two rear rotor units 522 are located on the rear side of the aircraft body 50a. Alternatively, three or more front rotor units 521 may be located on the front side of the aircraft body 50a, and three or more rear rotor units 522 may be located on the rear side of the aircraft body 50a.

[0057] As shown in Figure 5, the illumination device 55 irradiates light onto the underside of the propeller 54 while the propeller 54 is rotating. LED 551 irradiates light onto one half of the underside of the rotating propeller 54, creating an inverted cone-shaped illumination range RA1 from LED 551. In Figure 5, the two inverted cone-shaped generatrixes are shown as dashed lines. LED 552 irradiates light onto the other half of the underside of the rotating propeller 54, creating an inverted cone-shaped illumination range RA2 from LED 552. In Figure 5, the two inverted cone-shaped generatrixes are shown as dashed lines.

[0058] Figure 7A is a bottom view of each propeller 54 of the agricultural aircraft 5 of the first embodiment. The left side of Figure 7A shows the bottom side of the right front propeller 54FR and the left rear propeller 54BL. The right side of Figure 7A shows the bottom side of the left front propeller 54FL and the right rear propeller BR. As shown in Figure 7A, the bottom side of the propeller 54 is provided with a light reflecting part 543 that reflects light from the illumination device 55. The light reflecting parts 543 are provided on the bottom side of the right front propeller 54FR and the left rear propeller 54BL shown on the left side of Figure 7A, and on the bottom side of the left front propeller 54FL and the right rear propeller BR shown on the right side of Figure 7A, with similar shapes and sizes.

[0059] The light-reflecting portion 543 diffusely reflects light from the irradiation device 55, for example. For example, the light-reflecting portion 543 is formed by applying a light-reflecting paint (light-diffuse reflective paint) to a predetermined location on the underside of the propeller 54. Alternatively, the light-reflecting portion 543 may be formed by attaching a light-reflecting sheet (light-diffuse reflective sheet) to a predetermined location on the underside of the propeller 54. Furthermore, the light-reflecting portion 543 may be made of a material that provides specular reflection (light-specular reflective paint, light-specular reflective sheet, etc.) or retroreflectance (light-retroreflective paint, light-retroreflective sheet, etc.).

[0060] As shown in Figure 7A, the light-reflecting portion 543 is provided on the two blades 542 of the propeller 54, but not on the central portion 541 of the propeller 54. For example, the light-reflecting portion 543 is provided on the lower surface side of the two blades 542 of the propeller 54, along the longitudinal direction of the propeller 54, for a predetermined length. The blade 542 has a base portion 542a that tapers towards the central portion 541, an extension portion 542b that extends from the base portion 542a towards the tip, and a tip portion 542c located on the tip side of the extension portion 542b. The light-reflecting portion 543 is provided along the longitudinal direction of the extension portion 542b.

[0061] The light-reflecting portion 543 may be provided over substantially the entire longitudinal direction of the blade 542 (i.e., the entire longitudinal direction of the base end portion 542a and the extension portion 542b), or over the entire longitudinal direction of the blade 542 (i.e., the entire longitudinal direction of the base end portion 542a, the extension portion 542b and the tip portion 542c).

[0062] Furthermore, the irradiation device 55 is not limited to being composed of two LEDs (i.e., LED 551 and LED 552). For example, the irradiation device 55 may be composed of one LED or three or more LEDs, as long as it can irradiate light over the entire area (e.g., a circular area or a hollow circular area) occupied by the light reflecting part 543 within the rotation range PA of the propeller 54.

[0063] Figure 8A shows how the lights LG11 and LG12 of a conventional drone appear from the ground during nighttime flight. In conventional drones, during nighttime flight, the lights themselves, located at the tips of the arms, emit light. Therefore, when viewed by a user monitoring from the ground during nighttime flight, the lights (lights LG11 and LG12) appear as small points of light, as shown in Figure 8A. Alternatively, the user may not be able to see the lights (lights LG11 and LG12). Furthermore, even if light LG11 lights up red and light LG12 lights up green in the conventional drone shown in Figure 8A, distinguishing between the colors is difficult or impossible. Therefore, it is difficult or impossible to confirm the drone's direction of travel and attitude.

[0064] In contrast, the agricultural flying device 5 of the first embodiment can significantly improve the visibility of the lights LG21 and LG22, as shown in Figure 8B. Figure 8B shows the lights LG21 and LG22 of the agricultural flying device 5 of the first embodiment as seen from the ground during nighttime flight. In the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the rotating propeller 54 is illuminated by the light from the illumination device 55, so as shown in Figure 8B, the rotating propeller 54 itself can be used as the lights LG21 and LG22. That is, as shown in Figure 8B, the rotating propeller 54 itself functions as the lights LG21 and LG22. For this reason, the lights LG21 and LG22 (approximately circular or donut-shaped light sources) can be larger than the typical small lights (point light sources) equipped on the agricultural flying device 5 (lights the size of the rotation range PA of the propeller 54), and the visibility of the lights LG21 and LG22 can be significantly improved. Therefore, the visibility of the agricultural flying device 5 during nighttime flights can be improved.

[0065] Although the rotating propeller 54 is illuminated by light from the illumination device 55, as shown in Figure 7A, the light reflecting portion 543 is provided on the extension portion 542b of the propeller 54, and not on the central portion 541 or the base portion 542a of the propeller 54. Therefore, the rotating propeller 54 itself becomes a donut-shaped light source LG21, LG22, as shown in Figure 8B.

[0066] Furthermore, the agricultural flying device 5 of the first embodiment reduces the burden on the user in terms of visually monitoring the agricultural flying device 5. In addition, since the user can see the large light (circular light source), unstable or abnormal behavior of the agricultural flying device 5 can be detected early.

[0067] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8B, in the agricultural flying device 5 of the first embodiment, the rotating left front propeller 54FL and right front propeller 54FR are illuminated by red lights LG21, and the rotating left rear propeller 54BL and right rear propeller 54BR are illuminated by green lights LG22. The lights LG21 and LG22 shown in Figure 8B appear significantly larger than those in Figure 8A. That is, the lights LG21 and LG22 are significantly larger because they represent the size of the rotation range PA of the propeller 54. As a result, the user can clearly perceive the colors of the lights LG21 and LG22 and understand the direction of travel of the agricultural flying device 5 (the direction of the arrow in Figure 8B).

[0068] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8B, the user can clearly perceive the shapes of the lights LG21 and LG22 and understand the attitude of the agricultural aircraft 5. For example, when the agricultural aircraft 5 is positioned directly above the user and in a horizontal position, the lights LG21 and LG22 appear to be perfectly circular. As the agricultural aircraft 5 moves away from the user in a horizontal position, the flattening of the lights LG21 and LG22 increases (the degree of elliptical shape). Also, the shape of the lights LG21 and LG22 changes when the agricultural aircraft 5 is in an inclined position. In Figure 8B, the user can perceive that the agricultural aircraft 5 is in an inclined position and is moving in the direction from the green light LG22 towards the red light LG21.

[0069] <First variation> Figure 7B is a bottom view of each propeller 54 of the first modified agricultural aircraft 5. As shown in Figure 7B, the light-reflecting portion 543 may be provided over substantially the entire longitudinal direction of the propeller 54. Specifically, the light-reflecting portion 543 may be provided over the entire longitudinal direction of the central portion 541 of the propeller 54 and over substantially the entire longitudinal direction of the blades 542 of the propeller 54 (only the base portion 542a and the extension portion 542b, excluding the tip portion 542c). Alternatively, the light-reflecting portion 543 may be provided over the entire longitudinal direction of the propeller 54. Specifically, the light-reflecting portion 543 may be provided over the entire longitudinal direction of the central portion 541 of the propeller 54 and over the entire longitudinal direction of the blades 542 of the propeller 54 (the base portion 542a, the extension portion 542b, and the tip portion 542c).

[0070] Figure 8C shows the lights of the first modified agricultural aircraft 5 as seen from the ground during nighttime flight. In the first modified example, as shown in Figure 7B, the light reflecting part 543 of the propeller 54 is provided including the central part 541, and the rotating propeller 54 is illuminated by the light from the illumination device 55. Therefore, as shown in Figure 8C, the rotating propeller 54 itself becomes a circular light LG21, LG22 (circular light source). This allows the rotating propeller 54 itself to be used as the lights LG21, LG22. That is, as shown in Figure 8C, the rotating propeller 54 itself functions as the lights LG21, LG22 as a whole. Therefore, the lights LG21, LG22 (circular light source) can be made larger than the typical small lights (point light sources) equipped on the agricultural aircraft 5, and the visibility of the lights LG21, LG22 can be significantly improved. Therefore, the visibility of the agricultural aircraft 5 during nighttime flight can be improved.

[0071] In Figures 7A and 7B, the light-reflecting portion 543 is provided along the longitudinal direction on the underside of each propeller 54 (the area indicated by hatching is the area of ​​the light-reflecting portion 543), and there is an area in the short direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction where it is not provided (the area indicated by white). However, the light-reflecting portion 543 may also be provided in the area indicated by white. In other words, the light-reflecting portion 543 may be provided over the entire propeller 54.

[0072] According to the first embodiment of the agricultural flying device 5, the rotating propeller 54 is illuminated by the light from the illumination device 55, so the rotating propeller 54 itself can be used as a light source. In this way, since the rotating propeller 54 itself functions as a light source, it is possible to make it a larger light source (circular light source) than the typical small lights (point light source) equipped on the agricultural flying device 5, and the visibility of the light can be significantly improved. Therefore, the visibility of the agricultural flying device 5 during nighttime flight can be improved.

[0073] <Second Embodiment> Figure 9 is a front view of the agricultural flying device 5 according to the second embodiment. The agricultural flying device 5 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the work device 51 is equipped with a light-emitting device 56. In the second embodiment, a configuration different from the first embodiment will be described, and the same configuration will not be described here.

[0074] As shown in Figure 9, the agricultural flying device 5 of the second embodiment is capable of flying with the work device 51 suspended from it. The light-emitting device 56 is, for example, an LED or a lamp, and functions as a light source. Multiple light-emitting devices 56 are arranged on the outer edge of the work device 51. For example, the light-emitting devices 56 are arranged in four locations on the front, rear, left, and right sides of the housing 51a of the work device 51.

[0075] Furthermore, the light-emitting devices 56 may be positioned at the corners of the housing 51a of the work device 51 (for example, the left front corner, the right front corner, the right rear corner, and the left rear corner).

[0076] According to the second embodiment of the agricultural flying device 5, the light-emitting device 56 of the work device 51 suspended from the agricultural flying device 5 emits light, so the light-emitting device 56 of the suspended work device 51 can be used as a light source. Therefore, when the agricultural flying device 5 flies with the work device 51 suspended from it, the suspended work device 51 can be visually confirmed by a person or other person.

[0077] Furthermore, since the multiple light-emitting devices 56 located on the outer edge of the work device 51 suspended from the agricultural flying device 5 emit light, the multiple light-emitting devices 56 on the suspended work device 51 can be used as a light source. Therefore, when the agricultural flying device 5 flies with the work device 51 suspended from it, the suspended work device 51 can be visually confirmed by people or others.

[0078] <Third Embodiment> Figure 10A is a front view of the agricultural flying device 5 according to the third embodiment. The agricultural flying device 5 of the third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the working device 51 includes a driven propeller 57 that can be rotated by downwash from the rotor blade device 52, and a second illumination device 58 that irradiates the driven propeller 57 with light. In the third embodiment, a configuration different from that of the second embodiment will be described, and the same configuration will not be described here.

[0079] As shown in Figure 10A, the agricultural flying device 5 of the third embodiment is capable of flying with the work device 51 suspended from it, similar to the second embodiment.

[0080] As shown in Figure 10A, the driven propeller 57 is rotatably supported by support parts 57A located on the left and right sides of the housing 51a of the working device 51. The shaft of the support part 57A is inserted into the longitudinal center of the driven propeller 57, allowing the driven propeller 57 to rotate relative to the support part 57A. The driven propeller 57 is also positioned to receive downwash from the rotor blade device 52 of the agricultural flying device 5. The direction of the downwash from the rotor blade device 52 is direction D1 as shown in Figure 10A. Therefore, the driven propeller 57 rotates due to the downwash from the rotor blade device 52.

[0081] The driven propeller 57 is provided with a light-reflecting portion 543A on its lower surface. In the third embodiment, the light-reflecting portion 543A is provided on the lower surface of the driven propeller 57 along the longitudinal direction of the driven propeller 57 over a predetermined range (excluding the central part). The light-reflecting portion 543A diffusely reflects light from the second irradiation device 58, for example. For example, the light-reflecting portion 543A is formed by applying a light-reflecting paint (light-diffuse reflective paint) to a predetermined location on the lower surface of the driven propeller 57. Alternatively, the light-reflecting portion 543A may be formed by attaching a light-reflecting sheet (light-diffuse reflective sheet) to a predetermined location on the lower surface of the driven propeller 57. Furthermore, the light-reflecting portion 543A may be specular reflecting (light specular reflective paint, light specular reflective sheet, etc.) or retroreflective (light retroreflective paint, light retroreflective sheet, etc.).

[0082] As shown in Figure 10A, the work device 51 is equipped with a second illumination device 58 that irradiates light onto the underside of the driven propeller 57. The second illumination device 58 is positioned, for example, at two locations on the left and right sides of the housing 51a of the work device 51, and is located below the driven propeller 57. The second illumination device 58 irradiates light onto the underside of the driven propeller 57 while the driven propeller 57 is rotating. The light irradiated from the second illumination device 58 is directed onto the underside of the driven propeller 57 and reflected by the light reflecting portion 543A on the underside of the driven propeller 57.

[0083] In the third embodiment of the agricultural flying device 5, as shown in Figure 10B, the visibility of the lights LG21 and LG22 is excellent, similar to the first embodiment, and the visibility of the light LG3 of the work device 51 can be significantly improved. Figure 10B shows the lights LG21 and LG22 of the agricultural flying device 5 of the third embodiment and the light LG3 of the work device 51 as seen from the ground during nighttime flight.

[0084] In the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 10B, the rotating propeller 54 of the agricultural aircraft 5 can be used as lights LG21 and LG22, and furthermore, the driven propeller 57 of the work device 51, which rotates due to the downwash caused by the propeller 54 of the agricultural aircraft 5, can be used as a light LG3. That is, as shown in Figure 10B, the rotating propeller 54 of the agricultural aircraft 5 can be made into larger lights LG21 and LG22 (approximately circular or donut-shaped light sources) than the typical small lights (point light sources) equipped on the agricultural aircraft 5, and the visibility of the lights LG21 and LG22 can be significantly improved. Furthermore, since the driven propeller 57 of the work device 51 itself functions as a light LG3, the driven propeller 57 of the work device 51 can be made into a large light LG3 (approximately circular or donut-shaped light source). Therefore, the visibility of the agricultural flying device 5 and the work device 51 during nighttime flight can be improved. In this case, since there is no light reflecting part 543A in the center of the driven propeller 57, the rotating propeller 54 becomes a donut-shaped light LG3 (donut-shaped light source), as shown in Figure 10B.

[0085] <Second variation> Figure 10C shows the lights of the agricultural aircraft 5 and the work equipment 51 of the second modified example as seen from the ground during nighttime flight. In the agricultural aircraft 5 of the second modified example, a light reflecting part 543 is provided over substantially the entire length of each propeller 54 (see Figure 7B).

[0086] Furthermore, in the second modified agricultural aircraft 5, the driven propeller 57 is provided with a light-reflecting portion 543A along its entire longitudinal direction. In other words, the central part of the driven propeller 57 in the second modified version is also provided with a light-reflecting portion 543A. As a result, as shown in Figure 10C, the rotating driven propeller 57 itself becomes a circular light LG3 (circular light source).

[0087] <Fourth Embodiment> Figure 11A is a front view of the agricultural flying device 5 according to the fourth embodiment. The agricultural flying device 5 of the fourth embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the work device 51 is equipped with a third illumination device 59 that illuminates the rope HS from which the work device 51 is suspended. In the fourth embodiment, a configuration different from that of the second embodiment will be described, and the same configuration will not be described here.

[0088] As shown in Figure 11A, the third irradiation device 59 is, for example, an LED, which irradiates light onto the rope HS that suspends the work device 51. The rope HS may be, for example, a wire rope woven with a light-reflective material, or a wire rope with at least its surface coated with a light-reflective paint that reflects light.

[0089] Figure 11B is a plan view of the work device 51 of the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 11B, four ropes HS from the agricultural flying device 5 are connected to the four corners of the upper surface of the housing 51a of the work device 51. For example, hooks are provided at the lower ends of the four ropes HS, and eye bolts are provided at the four corners of the upper surface of the housing 51a of the work device 51. By hooking the hooks of the ropes HS onto the eye bolts of the work device 51, the ropes HS are connected to the work device 51. As shown in Figure 11A, the agricultural flying device 5 can suspend the work device 51 by the ropes HS.

[0090] As shown in Figure 11B, third irradiation devices 59 are provided near the four corners of the upper surface of the housing 51a of the work device 51. As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the third irradiation devices 59 irradiate light onto the rope HS that suspends the work device 51.

[0091] According to the fourth embodiment, the rope HS that suspends the work device 51 is illuminated by the light from the third illumination device 59 of the work device 51. This improves the visibility of the rope HS that suspends the work device 51.

[0092] <Third variation> Figure 12A is a front view of the agricultural flying device 5 of the third modified example. Figure 12B is a plan view of the work device 51 of the third modified example. The third illumination device 59 of the third modified example differs from the third illumination device 59 of the fourth embodiment in its arrangement and configuration. In the third modified example, a configuration different from that of the fourth embodiment will be described, and the same configuration will not be described here.

[0093] As shown in Figure 12B, four ropes HS from the agricultural flying device 5 are connected to the four corners of the upper surface of the housing 51a of the work device 51. Light emitting units 59A are provided around the ropes HS at the four corners of the upper surface of the housing 51a of the work device 51. A third irradiation device 59 is provided below the light emitting units 59A.

[0094] The light-emitting section 59A is, for example, a light guide made of resin, which allows light incident from the incident surface to pass through its interior and be emitted from the emission surface. Light from the third irradiation device 59 is incident on the lower surface of the light-emitting section 59A, and the light incident on the light-emitting section 59A is emitted from the upper surface of the light-emitting section 59A. As shown in Figure 12A, the third irradiation device 59 irradiates light onto the rope HS that suspends the work device 51.

[0095] According to the third modified example, the rope HS that suspends the work device 51 is illuminated by the light from the third illumination device 59 of the work device 51. This improves the visibility of the rope HS that suspends the work device 51.

[0096] <Fifth Embodiment> Figure 13A is a front view of the agricultural flying device 5 according to the fifth embodiment. The agricultural flying device 5 of the fifth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that it is equipped with a fourth illumination device 41, and the working device 51 is not equipped with a third illumination device 59. In the fifth embodiment, a configuration different from the fourth embodiment will be described, and the same configuration will not be described here.

[0097] As shown in Figure 13A, through holes 32 are provided at the four corners of the lower surface 31a of the housing 31 of the suspension device 30, which is located below the agricultural flying device 5, into which four ropes HS from the agricultural flying device 5 are inserted. The four ropes HS hang down through the through holes 32. Fourth illumination devices 41 are provided at the four corners of the lower surface 31a of the housing 31 of the suspension device 30, around the ropes HS. As shown in Figure 13A, the fourth illumination device 41 is, for example, an LED, which illuminates the ropes HS from the agricultural flying device 5 with light.

[0098] According to the fifth embodiment, the rope HS that suspends the work device 51 is illuminated by light from the fourth illumination device 41 of the agricultural flying device 5. This improves the visibility of the rope HS that suspends the work device 51.

[0099] <Fourth variation> Figure 13B is a front view of the agricultural flying device 5 of the fourth modified example. The fourth illumination device 41 of the fourth modified example differs from the fourth illumination device 41 of the fifth embodiment in its arrangement and configuration. In the fourth modified example, a configuration different from that of the fifth embodiment will be described, and the same configuration will not be described here.

[0100] As shown in Figure 13B, light-emitting sections 41A are provided at the four corners of the lower surface 31a of the housing 31 of the suspension device 30, around the rope HS. Above the light-emitting sections 41A, a fourth irradiation device 41 is provided.

[0101] The light-emitting section 41A is, for example, a light guide made of resin, which allows light incident from the incident surface to pass through its interior and be emitted from the emission surface. Light from the fourth irradiation device 41 is incident on the upper surface of the light-emitting section 41A, and the light incident on the light-emitting section 41A is emitted from the lower surface of the light-emitting section 41A. As shown in Figure 13A, the fourth irradiation device 41 irradiates light onto the rope HS that suspends the work device 51.

[0102] According to the fourth modified example, the rope HS that suspends the work device 51 is illuminated by light from the fourth illumination device 41 of the agricultural flying device 5. This improves the visibility of the rope HS that suspends the work device 51.

[0103] Furthermore, a configuration combining the fourth and fifth embodiments is also possible. That is, the third irradiation device 59 of the work device 51 and the fourth irradiation device 41 of the agricultural flying device 5 may irradiate the rope HS with light. Also, a configuration combining the third modified example and the fourth modified example is also possible. That is, the light emitting unit 59A of the work device 51 and the light emitting unit 41A of the agricultural flying device 5 may irradiate the rope HS with light.

[0104] In each of the embodiments and modifications described above, the suspended work device 51A is suspended by four ropes HS, but it can also be suspended by one or more ropes HS than four. That's good too.

[0105] The main characteristic features and effects of the agricultural flying device 5 in the embodiments described above are as follows:

[0106] (Item A1) An agricultural flying device 5 comprising an airframe 50a, a rotor blade device 52 provided on the airframe 50a and having a propeller 54, and an illumination device 55 that irradiates light onto the propeller 54 which is rotated by the rotor blade device 52.

[0107] With this configuration, the rotating propeller 54 is illuminated by the light from the illumination device 55, so the rotating propeller 54 itself can be used as a light source. In this way, since the rotating propeller 54 itself functions as a light source, it can be made into a larger light source (circular light source) than the typical small lights (point light source) equipped on agricultural aircraft 5, and the visibility of the light can be significantly improved. Therefore, the visibility of agricultural aircraft 5 during nighttime flight can be improved.

[0108] (Item A2) The agricultural flying device 5 described in Item A1, wherein the irradiation device 55 irradiates light to the lower surface of the propeller 54 while the propeller 54 is rotating.

[0109] With this configuration, the underside of the rotating propeller 54 lights up, allowing people below the agricultural flying device 5 to see the rotating propeller 54 itself as a light. This improves the visibility of the agricultural flying device 5 during nighttime flight for people on the ground to visually confirm its presence.

[0110] (Item A3) The agricultural flying device 5 described in Item A2, wherein a light reflecting part 543 is provided on the lower surface side of the propeller 54.

[0111] With this configuration, the light reflection efficiency is increased by the light reflecting part 543 provided on the underside of the propeller 54, thereby further improving the visibility of the lights.

[0112] (Item A4) The rotary-wing device 52 includes a front rotary-wing device 521 located in front of the aircraft 50a when the aircraft 50a is viewed from above, and a rear rotary-wing device 522 located behind the aircraft 50a, and the illumination device 55 illuminates the front rotary-wing device 521 with light of a first color and illuminates the rear rotary-wing device 522 with light of a second color different from the first color, as described in any one of Items A1 to A3.

[0113] With this configuration, the front rotor 521 lights up in a first color (e.g., red) and the rear rotor 522 lights up in a second color (e.g., green), thus indicating the direction of travel of the agricultural aircraft 5. Furthermore, the front rotor 521 and the rear rotor 522 can be used as aircraft lights or navigation lights.

[0114] (Item A5) The agricultural flying device 5 as described in Item A4, wherein two or more front rotor devices 521 are located on the front side of the aircraft body 50a, and two or more rear rotor devices 522 are located on the rear side of the aircraft body 50a.

[0115] With this configuration, two or more forward rotor units 521 light up in a first color (e.g., red), and two or more rear rotor units 522 light up in a second color (e.g., green), making it easier to indicate the direction of travel of the agricultural aircraft 5. In addition, the two or more forward rotor units 521 and the two or more rear rotor units 522 can be used as aircraft lights or navigation lights.

[0116] (Item A6) The agricultural flying device 5 described in any one of items A1 to A5, wherein the agricultural flying device 5 is capable of flying with a work device 51 suspended from it, and the work device 51 comprises a light-emitting device 56.

[0117] With this configuration, the light-emitting device 56 of the work device 51 suspended from the agricultural flying device 5 emits light, so the light-emitting device 56 of the suspended work device 51 can be used as a light source. Therefore, when the agricultural flying device 5 flies with the work device 51 suspended from it, the suspended work device 51 can be visually confirmed by a person or other person.

[0118] (Item A7) The light-emitting device 56 is an agricultural flying device 5 as described in Item A6, with multiple devices arranged on the outer edge of the work device 51.

[0119] With this configuration, multiple light-emitting devices 56 are arranged on the outer edge of the work device 51 suspended from the agricultural flying device 5, so that the multiple light-emitting devices 56 on the suspended work device 51 can be used as lights. Therefore, when the agricultural flying device 5 flies with the work device 51 suspended from it, the suspended work device 51 can be visually confirmed by people or others.

[0120] (Item A8) The agricultural flying device 5 according to Item A6 or A7, wherein the working device 51 comprises a driven propeller 57 that can be rotated by downwash from the rotor blade device 52, and a second illumination device 58 that illuminates the driven propeller 57 with light.

[0121] With this configuration, the driven propeller 57 of the work device 51 rotates due to the downwash from the rotor blade device 52 of the agricultural aircraft 5, and is illuminated by the second illumination device 58. Therefore, the driven propeller 57 of the work device 51 can be used as a light source while it is rotating. This improves the visibility of the work device 51 suspended from the agricultural aircraft 5 during nighttime flights.

[0122] (Item A9) The agricultural flying device 5 according to Item A8, wherein the working device 51 is further equipped with a third illuminating device 59 that irradiates light onto the rope HS from which the working device 51 is suspended.

[0123] With this configuration, the rope HS that suspends the work device 51 is illuminated by the light from the third illumination device 59 of the work device 51, thereby improving the visibility of the rope HS that suspends the work device 51.

[0124] (Item A10) An agricultural flying device 5 according to any one of items A6 to A9, comprising a fourth irradiating device 41 for irradiating light onto a rope HS that suspends the work device 51.

[0125] With this configuration, the rope HS that suspends the work device 51 is illuminated by the light from the fourth illumination device 41 of the agricultural flying device 5, thereby improving the visibility of the rope HS that suspends the work device 51.

[0126] Although the present invention has been described above, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0127] 5 Agricultural flight equipment 41 4th irradiation device 50a aircraft 51 Working equipment 52 Rotary-wing devices 54 Propellers 55 Irradiation device 56 Light-emitting device 57 Driven propeller 58 Second irradiation device 59 Third irradiation device 521 Front rotor unit 522 Rear rotor unit 543 Light reflecting part

Claims

1. The aircraft and, A rotor blade device provided on the aforementioned aircraft and having a propeller, An agricultural flying device comprising: an illumination device that irradiates light onto the propeller which is rotated by the rotor blade device.

2. The agricultural flying device according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation device irradiates light onto the lower surface of the propeller while the propeller is rotating.

3. The agricultural flying device according to claim 2, wherein a light-reflecting portion is provided on the lower surface side of the propeller.

4. The rotor blade apparatus includes a front rotor blade apparatus located on the front side of the aircraft when viewed in plan, and a rear rotor blade apparatus located on the rear side of the aircraft. The agricultural flying device according to claim 3, wherein the illumination device illuminates the front rotor blade device with light of a first color and illuminates the rear rotor blade device with light of a second color different from the first color.

5. The agricultural flying device according to claim 4, wherein two or more of the front rotor blade devices are located on the front side of the aircraft, and two or more of the rear rotor blade devices are located on the rear side of the aircraft.

6. The aforementioned agricultural flying device is capable of flying with a work device suspended from it. The aforementioned work device is an agricultural flying device according to claim 1, further comprising a light-emitting device.

7. The agricultural flying device according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of the light-emitting devices are arranged on the outer edge of the work device.

8. The agricultural flying device according to claim 6, further comprising: a driven propeller that can be rotated by downwash from the rotor blade device; and a second illumination device that irradiates the driven propeller with light.

9. The agricultural flying device according to claim 8, wherein the work device is further comprising a third illumination device that irradiates light onto a rope from which the work device is suspended.

10. The agricultural flying device according to claim 6, further comprising a fourth illumination device for irradiating light onto a rope that suspends the aforementioned work device.

Images