tank

Abstract

To provide a tank capable of individually storing a plurality of objects with a single design, and a flying device equipped with the tank. [Solution] The tank (10) is mounted on a flight device (30). The tank (10) comprises a tank main body (11) and a protruding portion (12) that protrudes downward from the tank main body (11). The protruding portion (12) has a cutting portion (13) and a lead-out portion (14). The cutting portion (13) is defined in the middle of the protruding portion (12) and is a portion that allows the protruding portion (12) to be cut from the middle portion. The lead-out portion (14) is disposed on the protruding portion (12) below the cutting portion (13) and is configured to allow an object (15) stored in the tank main body (11) to pass to the outside.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tank and a flying device equipped with the same. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the range of applications of flying devices, typified by unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), has expanded rapidly alongside technological innovation, and they are now being used in a variety of fields, including agriculture, logistics, disaster response, surveying, and infrastructure inspection. In particular, there is growing demand for flying devices equipped with tanks for transporting liquids and solids, for applications such as spraying pesticides, firefighting during disasters, environmental surveys, and transporting liquids.

[0003] In particular, when a liquid or the like is loaded onto the flight device, the flight device is provided with a tank. By storing the liquid inside the tank, the liquid such as pesticides can be transported stably. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-117203 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, there was room for improvement in the tanks and flight devices mounted on conventional flight devices in terms of modularization and flexible operation.

[0006] Specifically, a modular design that allows tanks to be swapped depending on the application is important for improving the versatility of a flight device. For example, by easily switching between tanks for liquids and tanks for solids, a single flight device can be used for a variety of purposes. However, preparing different tanks for each object to be stored can increase the manufacturing costs of the tanks.

[0007] The present invention has been made with the aim of solving these problems, and aims to provide a tank that can individually accommodate multiple objects with a single design, and a flying device equipped with the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention is a tank mounted on a flight device, comprising a tank main body and a protruding portion protruding downward from the tank main body, the protruding portion having a cutting portion and a lead-out portion, the cutting portion being defined in a middle portion of the protruding portion and being a portion that enables the protruding portion to be cut from the middle portion, the lead-out portion being disposed in the protruding portion below the cutting portion and configured to allow objects stored in the tank main body to pass to the outside, The tank is configured to be capable of containing both liquid and solid, and when the liquid is contained in the tank, the protrusion is not cut at the cutting section, and when the solid is contained in the tank, the protrusion is cut at the cutting section, and a spraying device is connected to the protrusion of the cut part. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The present invention is a tank mounted on a flight device, comprising a tank main body and a protruding portion protruding downward from the tank main body, the protruding portion having a cutting portion and a lead-out portion, the cutting portion being defined in a middle portion of the protruding portion and being a portion that enables the protruding portion to be cut from the middle portion, the lead-out portion being disposed in the protruding portion below the cutting portion and configured to allow objects stored in the tank main body to pass to the outside, The tank is configured to be capable of containing both liquid and solid, and when the liquid is contained in the tank, the protrusion is not cut at the cutting section, and when the solid is contained in the tank, the protrusion is cut at the cutting section, and a spraying device is connected to the protrusion of the cut part. According to the tank of the present invention, by defining a cut portion midway along the protrusion that protrudes from the tank body to the outside, the shape of the protrusion can be varied depending on the type of object stored in the tank. For example, by not cutting the protrusion at the cut portion, an object stored in the tank body, such as a liquid, can be discharged to the outside through a discharge portion formed at the tip of the protrusion. On the other hand, by cutting the protrusion at the cut portion, another object stored in the tank body, such as a solid, can be discharged to the outside via the protrusion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1]1A and 1B are a perspective view, a bottom view, a side view, and a front view showing a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the tank according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a flying device equipped with a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a top view showing a flying device equipped with a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a side view showing a flying device equipped with a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a front view showing a flying device equipped with a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a tank, a pipe, and a pump 24 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a block diagram showing the connection configuration of a flight device equipped with a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9] 1A and 1B are a perspective view, a bottom view, a side view, and a front view showing a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the tank according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective view showing a flying device equipped with a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1 is a front view showing a flying device equipped with a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 14] 1 is a block diagram showing the connection configuration of a flight device equipped with a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 15] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a flying device equipped with a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 1 is an exploded front view showing a flight device equipped with a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a connection configuration between a tank and a fuselage section according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the front-to-rear direction refers to the front-to-rear direction of the fuselage section 31 of the flight device 30. Furthermore, the left-to-right direction refers to the left-to-right direction when the flight device 30 is viewed from the front. Furthermore, the left is one side of the width direction, and the right is the other side of the width direction. In the following description, the same components will generally be given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0028] In this embodiment, the tank 10 can store various objects 15. The object 15 may be a liquid 151 (described later) or granular material 152 (described later) as a solid. The tank 10 has different shapes depending on whether it stores the liquid 151 or the granular material 152. As described later, when the tank 10 stores the liquid 151, the tank 10 is assembled to the flight device 30 without being cut at the cutting unit 13. On the other hand, when the tank 10 stores the granular material 152, the tank 10 is assembled to the flight device 30 after being cut at the cutting unit 13. In this manner, a single tank 10 can store either a liquid or a solid as the object 15, and a single design can accommodate multiple objects 15. This reduces the costs associated with designing and manufacturing the tank 10 and the labor required for operation.

[0029] The case where a liquid 151 is stored in the tank 10 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. On the other hand, the case where granular material 152 is stored in the tank 10 will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 14. Figures 15 to 17 show in detail the relative configuration between the machine body 31 and the tank 10.

[0030] 1 is a perspective view, a bottom view, a side view, and a front view showing a state in which a liquid 151 is contained in the tank 10. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the tank 10.

[0031] The tank 10 is a container mounted on the flight device 30 and stores a liquid 151, which will be described later. The tank 10 mainly comprises a tank main body 11 and a protrusion 12 that protrudes downward from the tank main body 11. The tank 10 stores the liquid 151 or granular material 152 as an object 15 and has a shape that allows it to be easily carried, replaced, and poured out.

[0032] The tank main body 11 is a container having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with its longitudinal direction along the front-to-rear direction. Specifically, the length of the tank main body 11 along the front-to-rear direction is longer than the length along the left-to-right direction. In other words, the tank main body 11 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is flattened in the left-to-right direction. The tank main body 11 may be made of a synthetic resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyvinyl chloride. The tank main body 11 may be formed by rotary molding, extrusion molding, vacuum molding, injection molding, or the like.

[0033] A cylindrical portion 17 and a handle 19 are formed on the upper surface of the tank body 11.

[0034] The tubular portion 17 is a generally tubular portion disposed on the upper surface of the tank main body 11. The tubular portion 17 is a generally cylindrical portion with openings on the upper and lower surfaces. The internal space of the tubular portion 17 communicates with the internal space of the tank main body 11. The central axis of the tubular portion 17 is inclined upward and forward. The upper opening of the tubular portion 17 is closed by the lid portion 21. The lid portion 21 will be described later with reference to FIG. 2.

[0035] The handle 19 is a roughly handle-shaped portion formed on the upper surface of the tank body 11. When a user transports or replaces the tank 10, the user grasps the handle 19. When viewing the tank 10 from the side, the handle 19 is hook-shaped. The rear end portion of the handle 19 extends downward and communicates with the upper surface of the tank body 11. The portion forward of the rear end of the handle 19 extends roughly parallel to the upper surface of the tank body 11 and communicates with the rear end portion of the tubular portion 17. The handle 19 is a hollow portion. As shown in FIG. 2 , the front end of the handle 19 communicates with the internal space of the tubular portion 17. Furthermore, the rear end of the handle 19 connects to the upper surface of the tank body 11 and communicates with the internal space of the tank body 11. This configuration allows the internal space of the handle 19 to be easily cleaned. Specifically, when cleaning the handle 19, cleaning water is circulated into the handle 19 from the cylindrical portion 17 side, so that the inside of the handle 19 can be easily cleaned.

[0036] The lateral protrusions 26 are formed by protruding forward from the upper portion of the front surface of the tank main body 11. As will be described later, the lateral protrusions 26 are portions that abut or engage with the aircraft body 31. The lateral protrusions 26 are also formed on the rear side surfaces of the tank main body 11 and protrude rearward.

[0037] The engagement receiving portion 22 is a portion where the front side surface of the tank main body 11 is formed in a stepped shape. The engagement receiving portion 22 is formed on the front surface of the lateral protrusion 26. The engagement receiving portion 22 is a stepped portion where the lower portion protrudes further forward than the upper portion. The engagement receiving portion 22 is also formed on the rear side surface of the tank main body 11.

[0038] The protrusion 12 is a portion that protrudes downward in a generally cylindrical shape from the underside of the tank main body 11. The protrusion 12 is disposed in the center of the underside of the tank main body 11 in the front-to-rear and left-to-right directions. The underside of the tank main body 11 is an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the protrusion 12. The interior of the protrusion 12 communicates with the internal space of the tank main body 11. With this configuration, the object 15 stored inside the tank main body 11 flows along the inclined bottom surface of the tank main body 11 toward the protrusion 12 and is efficiently supplied from the protrusion 12 to the outside.

[0039] The protruding portion 12 has a recessed portion 16, a cut portion 13, a bulging portion 20, and a lead-out portion 14 formed in that order from above.

[0040] The recessed portions 16 are portions where the surface of the protruding portion 12 is recessed inward. Specifically, the recessed portions 16 are portions where the approximate center portion of the protruding portion 12 in the up-down direction is locally recessed radially inward. For example, three recessed portions 16 are formed. The recessed portions 16 are arranged at equal angular intervals, for example, 120 degrees apart.

[0041] The cutting portion 13 is defined in the middle of the protruding portion 12 and is a portion that allows the protruding portion 12 to be cut from the middle portion. Referring to the bottom view shown in the upper right of Fig. 1, the cutting portion 13 is a substantially circular portion defined on the bottom surface of the protruding portion 12. The cutting portion 13 is defined slightly inside the outer edge of the protruding portion 12. Considering that the bottom corners of the protruding portion 12 are rounded, the cutting portion 13 is defined on a flat portion inside the rounded portion.

[0042] When the tank 10 contains a liquid 151, the protruding portion 12 is not cut off at the cutting portion 13. On the other hand, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 9 and other figures, when the tank 10 contains, for example, granules 152 or powder as the object 15, the protruding portion 12 is cut off at the cutting portion 13, and a spraying device 50, described later, is connected to the cut portion of the protruding portion 12. In this manner, when the protruding portion 12 is not cut off at the cutting portion 13, the tank 10 can be used for the liquid 151. On the other hand, when the protruding portion 12 is cut off at the cutting portion 13, the tank 10 can be used for solids. Therefore, one tank 10 can be used for both the liquid 151 and the solid, which simplifies the design of the tank 10. This in turn simplifies the design of the flight device 30 on which the tank 10 is mounted.

[0043] The bulging portion 20 is a portion that protrudes downward from a portion of the protruding portion 12 below the cut portion 13. The bulging portion 20 is approximately hemispherical. The internal space of the bulging portion 20 is in communication with the internal spaces of the protruding portion 12 and the tank main body 11. Because the bulging portion 20 is approximately spherical, the liquid 151 that is stored inside the tank main body 11 and passes through the protruding portion 12 can be effectively guided via the bulging portion 20 to the outlet portion 14, which will be described later.

[0044] The outlet portion 14 is disposed in the protruding portion 12 below the cutting portion 13, and is configured to allow objects 15 stored in the tank main body 11 to pass to the outside. The outlet portion 14 is a generally pipe-shaped portion that leads out in a generally straight line from the bulging portion 20 toward the front and rear. The outlet portion 14 is a generally pipe-shaped portion with both ends open. Referring to the side view shown on the lower left of Figure 1, the outlet portion 14 leads out from the bottom of the bulging portion 20 toward the front and rear. With this configuration, the liquid 151 stored in the tank main body 11 can be effectively led out to the outside. An end of a pipe 35, which will be described later, is connected to the outlet portion 14.

[0045] 2, the outer periphery of the upper end of the cylindrical portion 17 is made uneven along the circumferential direction to form a body-side fitting portion. Furthermore, a lid-side fitting portion that fits with the body-side fitting portion of the cylindrical portion 17 is formed on the inner surface of the lid portion 21 along the circumferential direction. Therefore, by fitting the lid portion 21 into the opening of the cylindrical portion 17 and rotating the lid portion 21, the body-side fitting portion and the lid-side fitting portion fit together. Therefore, the lid portion 21 seals the upper end opening of the cylindrical portion 17, and the liquid 151 stored in the tank body 11 does not leak from the connection portion between the cylindrical portion 17 and the lid portion 21.

[0046] The filtration section 23 is fitted into the upper end opening of the cylindrical section 17 and is a section that captures impurities contained in the liquid 151 when the liquid 151 is supplied from the cylindrical section 17 to the tank main body 11. The filtration section 23 is a section that has a substantially cylindrical shape. The upper end of the filtration section 23 protrudes radially outward like a flange, and this protruding portion engages with the upper end of the cylindrical section 17. The upper end of the filtration section 23 is open, and the lower end of the filtration section 23 has a mesh shape that can capture impurities.

[0047] According to the tank 10 of this embodiment, by defining a cut portion 13 in the middle portion of the protrusion 12 that protrudes from the tank main body 11 to the outside, the shape of the protrusion 12 can be varied depending on the type of object 15 stored in the tank 10. For example, by not cutting the protrusion 12 at the cut portion 13, a liquid 151 stored in the tank main body 11 can be discharged to the outside from a discharge portion 14 formed on the tip side of the protrusion 12. On the other hand, as will be described later, by cutting the protrusion 12 at the cut portion 13, another object 15 stored in the tank main body 11, such as granular material 152, can be discharged to the outside via the protrusion 12.

[0048] Furthermore, by forming the recessed portion 16 in the protrusion 12, when the protrusion 12 is cut at the cutting portion 13, the convex portion of the connecting member 18 shown in Figure 10 can be fitted into the recessed portion 16 of the protrusion 12, thereby firmly connecting the connecting member 18 to the protrusion 12.

[0049] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a flight device 30 equipped with a tank 10. Fig. 4 is a top view showing a flight device 30 equipped with a tank 10. Fig. 5 is a side view showing a flight device 30 equipped with a tank 10. Fig. 6 is a front view showing a flight device 30 equipped with a tank 10.

[0050] 3 to 6, the flight device 30 is a device known as a drone. Specifically, the flight device 30 is an electric drone or an engine-powered drone. In an electric drone, a motor 33 (described later) receives power from a battery 42 and rotates a rotor 34, thereby generating thrust for the flight device 30 to fly. In an engine-powered drone, the engine generates energy to generate thrust for the flight device 30 to fly. As an engine-powered drone, the flight device 30 may be a series hybrid drone or a parallel hybrid drone. In a series hybrid drone, an engine drives a generator (described later), and the motor 33, powered by the generator, rotates the rotor 34 (described later). In a parallel hybrid drone, an engine-powered drive system rotates a separate large rotor mechanically, in addition to an electrical drive system that rotates the rotor 34 using the motor 33. In this embodiment, an electric drone is exemplified.

[0051] Specifically, the flight device 30 has a body section 31, a tank 10, an arm section 32, a motor 33, and a transceiver 64.

[0052] The body section 31 is the main body of the tank 10 and is a section that supports each device that constitutes the tank 10. When viewed from above, the body section 31 is a section in which hollow prismatic members are combined in a roughly square shape.

[0053] The tank 10 is a container that stores the object 15 to be sprayed. The configuration of the tank 10 is as described above with reference to FIG.

[0054] 4, the arm portion 32 is a generally rod-shaped portion extending outward from the body portion 31. The arm portion 32 is configured to extend outward from a corner of the body portion 31. The arm portions 32 extend toward the front left, rear left, rear right, and front right, respectively. A motor 33 and a rotor 34, which will be described later, are disposed on the outer ends of the arm portions 32.

[0055] The motor 33 is disposed at the outer end of each arm portion 32. The motor 33 receives power from a battery 42 (described later) to rotate the rotor 34.

[0056] The rotors 34 are disposed at the outer ends of the respective arm portions 32. The rotors 34 are rotated by the motors 33 to generate a vertically upward thrust.

[0057] 5, the extension portions 38 are generally rod-shaped portions extending downward from the outer ends of the respective pipes 36. The extension portions 38 are generally cylindrical portions, with the pipes 36 connected to their upper ends and nozzles 37 disposed at their lower ends. The nozzles 37 have the function of dispersing the liquid 151 uniformly around them.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 4, when the flight device 30 is viewed from above, the first covering section 39, the tank 10, and the second covering section 40 are arranged inside the fuselage section 31 from left to right. The first covering section 39 is a cover that covers the left portion of the top opening of the fuselage section 31. The tank 10 is as described above. The second covering section 40 is a cover that covers the right portion of the top opening of the fuselage section 31. The top surface of the battery 42 is exposed from the middle portion of the second covering section 40. The first covering section 39 and the second covering section 40 are members made of synthetic resin and have a substantially plate shape. In other words, the various electrical components arranged on the right and left sides of the fuselage section 31 are covered from above by the first covering section 39 and the second covering section 40.

[0059] 5, the handle 19 and lid 21 of the tank 10 are disposed above the top surface of the body 31. By disposing the lid 21 above the top surface of the body 31, a user can attach or detach the lid 21 and replenish the object 15 inside the tank 10 while the tank 10 remains assembled in the body 31. By disposing the handle 19 above the top surface of the body 31, a user can easily place their hand on the handle 19 and remove the tank 10 from the body 31.

[0060] Furthermore, the tank main body 11 of the tank 10 protrudes upward beyond the upper surface of the body 31. This configuration increases the volume of the liquid 151 stored in the tank main body 11. The pump 24 is connected to a pipe 36 shown in FIG. 5 and other figures.

[0061] The pipes 36 connect each of the extensions 38 and the nozzles 37 to the pump 24. The pipes 36 are arranged along the underside of each of the arms 32. The driving force of the pump 24 sucks out the liquid 151 stored inside the tank main body 11, and then passes through the pipes 36, the extensions 38, and the nozzles 37 to be sprayed onto the lower side of the flight device 30.

[0062] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the tank 10, the pipe 35 and the pump 24.

[0063] 7, as described above, the tank 10 has a bulging portion 20 formed at its lower end, and the outlet portions 14 extend forward and rearward from the bulging portion 20. A pipe 35 is connected to each outlet portion 14. A pump 24 is also connected to each pipe 35.

[0064] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the connection configuration of the tank 10.

[0065] The flying device 30 mainly comprises an arithmetic and control unit 60, a battery 42, a sensor 61, a communication unit 62, a motor 33, a memory unit 63, and a pump 24. Furthermore, the flying device 30 also comprises a transceiver 64 that is not mounted on the flying device 30. The flying device 30 can employ a liquid 151, more specifically, a liquid pesticide, as the object 15 described above. In this way, the flying device 30 can be used as a pesticide sprayer that sprays liquid pesticide on farms.

[0066] The arithmetic and control unit 60 is, for example, a CPU, and is configured to process information and provide instructions for the flight device 30 to fly and spray pesticides. Specifically, the arithmetic and control unit 60 processes data from the sensors 61 mounted on the flight device 30 in real time, calculates the position, attitude, speed, etc. of the flight device 30, and ensures stable flight. Furthermore, if the flight device 30 is equipped with an autopilot function, the arithmetic and control unit 60 adjusts the drone's flight based on a control algorithm. Furthermore, the arithmetic and control unit 60 manages data communication between the flight device 30 and the transceiver 64. For example, it receives commands from the pilot via the transceiver 64 and applies them to the motor 33 and rudder of the flight device 30, and transmits status information of the flight device 30 (e.g., remaining battery charge, remaining amount of liquid 151, flight status, etc.) to the transceiver 64. Furthermore, the arithmetic and control unit 60 performs appropriate battery management, such as monitoring the status of the battery 42 and issuing warnings based on flight time and remaining charge. In some embodiments, the arithmetic and control unit 60 also controls the pump 24, thereby controlling, for example, pesticide spraying.

[0067] The battery 42 is a rechargeable secondary battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, mounted on the aircraft body 31. The battery 42 supplies power for operating each component mounted on the flight device 30. The battery 42 also supplies power for rotating the motor 33.

[0068] The sensor 61 controls the position and attitude of the flight device 30. Data indicating each physical quantity detected by the sensor 61 is transmitted to the calculation control unit 60. Examples of sensors 61 include an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a GPS sensor, and a barometric pressure sensor. The acceleration sensor detects the acceleration acting on the flight device 30. This information is used to measure the movement and shaking of the flight device 30 in real time and control stability during flight. The gyro sensor measures the rotational angular velocity of the aircraft. This information is used to accurately grasp the attitude of the flight device 30 and maintain balance. The GPS sensor acquires position information of the flight device 30. This information is used for autonomous flight, hovering, and navigation to follow a specified route. The barometric pressure sensor is used to measure altitude. This information is used to maintain a constant altitude and avoid collisions with the ground or obstacles.

[0069] The communication unit 62 is a part that performs wireless or wired communication with the transceiver 64. Instructions given by the user to the transceiver 64, such as instructions regarding the flight mode of the flight device 30 or instructions regarding pesticide spraying by the pump 24, are input to the calculation control unit 60 via the communication unit 62.

[0070] The motor 33 rotates the rotor 34. The motor 33 rotates the rotor 34, causing the flight device 30 to float in the air. When the flight device 30 is floating in the air, the rotation of the motor 33 can be adjusted to control, i.e., change or maintain, the position, attitude, and movement of the flight device 30.

[0071] The memory unit 63 is, for example, a semiconductor memory device such as RAM or ROM. The memory unit 63 stores programs and parameters required for the flight device 30 to fly. The memory unit 63 also stores programs and parameters required for the flight device 30 to spray pesticides.

[0072] The transceiver 64, also called a proportional transmitter (proportional transmitter), is a device that allows the user to control the operation of the flight device 30. The transceiver 64 converts the pilot's hand movements into electrical signals and transmits them to the flight device 30 via the communication unit 62. In addition, based on the pilot's operation, the transceiver 64 transmits a signal to the flight device 30 to operate the pump 24 to perform pesticide spraying.

[0073] As an example of the operation of the flight device 30, the operation when the flight device 30 sprays the liquid 151 will be described with reference to the aforementioned drawings.

[0074] First, prepare the flight device 30. That is, referring to Fig. 3, remove the lid 21, introduce a liquid 151, for example, a liquid pesticide, into the tank 10, and then close the lid 21.

[0075] The pilot then operates the transceiver 64 to cause the flight device 30 to float in the air. The flight device 30 then continues flying along a predetermined route, either by the pilot operating the transceiver 64 or in accordance with the program stored in the memory unit 63.

[0076] Flight device 30 sprays liquid 151 while moving through the air at a predetermined altitude. Specifically, referring to Figure 5, pump 24 is operated in accordance with instructions from calculation control unit 60, so that liquid 151 inside tank main body 11 can be sprayed below flight device 30 via pipe 35, pump 24, pipe 36, extension 38, and nozzle 37. Sprayed liquid 151 is sprayed onto agricultural crops such as rice.

[0077] Next, the configuration when solid particles 152 are stored in the tank 10 will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 14. The configurations of the tank 10 and flight device 30 described below are essentially the same as those described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. Therefore, the following description will focus on the differences, and overlapping portions will be omitted.

[0078] 9A to 9C are a perspective view, a bottom view, a side view, and a front view showing the state in which the granular material 152 is contained in the tank 10. FIG.

[0079] The configuration of the tank 10 shown in each figure, such as FIG. 9, is substantially the same as that described with reference to FIG. 1. In this tank 10, an opening 25 is formed in the bottom surface of the protruding portion 12. That is, the opening 25 is a substantially circular opening formed by cutting the bottom of the protruding portion 12 with the cutting portion 13 shown in FIG. 1. The tank 10 shown here stores solid granules 152 as the object 15. The granules 152 are, for example, granular pesticides. The granules 152 are introduced into the tank main body 11 from the cylindrical portion 17 with the lid portion 21 removed. As will be described later, the granules 152 are dispersed downward from the opening 25.

[0080] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the tank main body 11 to which the sprinkling device 50 is attached. Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the tank 10 and the sprinkling device 50 disassembled.

[0081] 10, a spraying device 50 is attached to the protruding portion 12 of the tank 10. The spraying device 50 is a device that sprays granular material 152 stored inside the tank main body 11 downward. The spraying device 50 has a main body 51 and a rotating portion 52.

[0082] The main body 51 is a generally cylindrical portion that widens downward. The upper end of the rotating portion 52 is fixed to the protruding portion 12 of the tank main body 11 by a connecting member 18. The fixing structure using the connecting member 18 will be described later with reference to Figure 11. The lower surface of the main body 51 forms a lower opening 512.

[0083] The rotating portion 52 is a generally disk-shaped portion disposed so as to close the lower opening 512 of the main body portion 51 .

[0084] A shutter (not shown) that restricts the downward movement of the granules 152 is disposed inside the main body 51. When the shutter is in the open state, the granules 152 can move downward inside the main body 51. When the shutter is in the closed state, the granules 152 cannot move downward inside the main body 51.

[0085] Furthermore, an actuator (not shown) is built into the main body 51, which controls the vertical movement and rotation of the rotating part 52. The actuator is capable of moving the rotating part 52 in the vertical direction. When the rotating part 52 is disposed on the upper side, the rotating part 52 closes the lower opening of the main body 51, and the granules 152 are not dispersed downward. On the other hand, when the rotating part 52 is disposed on the lower side, a gap is formed between the rotating part 52 and the peripheral edge of the lower opening 512 of the main body 51, and the granules 152 can be dispersed through this gap. The actuator also rotates the rotating part 52. When a gap is formed between the rotating part 52 and the main body 51 and the shutter is in the open state, the rotating part 52 rotates, and the granules 152 are dispersed downward through the gap.

[0086] The shutter and actuator are connected to the aforementioned arithmetic and control unit 60 via a harness (not shown). The spraying device 50 can start and stop spraying of the granules 152 based on instructions from the operator via the aforementioned transceiver 64.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 11 , the upper end portion of the main body 51 is an upper tubular portion 511 having a substantially cylindrical shape. The upper tubular portion 511 is provided with through-holes 513. The through-holes 513 are substantially cylindrical portions that penetrate the upper tubular portion 511, and have thread grooves formed on their inner surfaces. The through-holes 513 are arranged at substantially equal intervals along the circumference of the upper tubular portion 511. The positions of the through-holes 513 in the circumferential direction correspond to the positions of the recessed portions 16 described above. The connecting members 18 are components having a substantially screw shape. The connecting members 18 are threaded into the respective through-holes 513. The tip ends of the connecting members 18 are inserted into and abut against the recessed portions 16. With this configuration, the upper end of the main body 51 is fixed to the protruding portion 12 of the tank main body 11.

[0088] 12 is a perspective view showing the flying device 30 equipped with the spraying device 50 and the tank 10. FIG. 13 is a front view showing the flying device 30 equipped with the spraying device 50 and the tank 10.

[0089] The configuration of the flying device 30 shown in Figures 12 and 13 is essentially the same as that described with reference to Figure 3 and other figures. Here, a spraying device 50 is provided below the tank 10, making it possible to spray granules 152, such as granular pesticides. As shown in Figure 13, the spraying device 50 is disposed inside the skid 41. The lower end of the spraying device 50 is disposed above the lower end of the main body 51. With this configuration, when the flying device 30 lands or is placed on an installation surface, the underside of the spraying device 50 can be lifted off the installation surface.

[0090] Figure 14 is a diagram showing the connection configuration of the flight device 30. The connection configuration and operation of the flight device 30 shown in Figure 14 are similar to those shown in Figure 8, except that it has a spray device 50 instead of the pump 24.

[0091] As an example of the operation of the flying device 30, the operation when scattering granules 152 by the flying device 30 will be described with reference to the aforementioned drawings.

[0092] First, prepare the flight device 30. That is, referring to Fig. 10, remove the lid 21, introduce granules 152, for example, granular agricultural chemicals, into the tank 10, and then close the lid 21.

[0093] The pilot then operates the transceiver 64 to cause the flight device 30 to float in the air. The flight device 30 then continues flying along a predetermined route, either by the pilot operating the transceiver 64 or in accordance with the program stored in the memory unit 63.

[0094] The flight device 30 scatters granules 152 while moving through the air at a predetermined altitude. That is, the calculation control unit 60 causes the main body 51 to perform a scattering operation in accordance with instructions. Specifically, the shutter disposed inside the main body 51 shown in FIG. 10 is opened, allowing the granules 152 stored inside the tank main body 11 to move downward. Next, the actuator moves the rotating unit 52 downward and then rotates it. This causes the granules 152 to be scattered downward from the gap between the main body 51 and the rotating unit 52. The scattered granules 152 are then applied to agricultural crops such as rice.

[0095] The configuration of the flight device 30 to which the tank 10 is detachable will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 17. Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of the flight device 30 showing the detachable configuration of the tank 10. Figure 16 is an exploded side view of the flight device 30 showing the detachable configuration of the tank 10. Figure 17 is a side view showing the portion of the flight device 30 into which the tank 10 is incorporated.

[0096] 15 and 16, the tank 10 is detachable from the flight device 30. That is, when a liquid 151 is used as the object 15 to be sprayed by the flight device 30, the tank 10 with the protruding portion 12 intact is installed in the aircraft body 31, as shown in FIG. 3. On the other hand, when granular material 152 is used as the object 15 to be sprayed by the flight device 30, the tank 10 with the protruding portion 12 cut off and the spraying device 50 attached is installed in the aircraft body 31, as shown in FIG. 10. The tank 10 that sprays the liquid 151 and the tank 10 that sprays the granular material 152 can be easily replaced. Therefore, by providing these tanks 10, the flight device 30 according to this embodiment can be adapted to spray both the liquid 151 and the granular material 152.

[0097] 15, when the flight device 30 is viewed from above, the airframe 31 is composed of rectangular pipe-like members arranged in a generally square shape. The area surrounded by the airframe 31 houses the various devices that make up the flight device 30. For example, the tank 10, battery 42, first electrical box 43, second electrical box 44, etc. are housed inside the airframe 31.

[0098] The battery 42 and the first electrical box 43 are disposed on the right side, which is the first end, inside the body 31. The battery 42 and the first electrical box 43 are covered from above by the second covering part 40. Here, as shown in FIG. 4 , the upper surface of the battery 42 is not covered by the second covering part 40 and is exposed upward.

[0099] The second electrical box 44 is disposed on the left side, which is the second end, inside the body 31. The second electrical box 44 is covered from above by a first covering portion 39 serving as a covering portion.

[0100] A mounting area 45 is provided in the center in the left-right direction inside the body section 31. An engagement section 46 is provided in the body section 31 in the portion defining the mounting area 45. The engagement section 46 is a jig for fixing the tank 10.

[0101] 16, a mounting area 45 is defined in the center of the interior of the body 31 in the left-right direction. The mounting area 45 is a cavity having approximately the same size as the tank 10. By defining the mounting area 45 inside the body 31, the tank 10 can be easily replaced.

[0102] The structure for fixing the tank 10 to the body 31 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0103] An engagement portion 46 is disposed on the outer end of the body 31. The engagement portion 46 is made of, for example, an elastically deformable metal wire rod with both ends fixed to the outer surface of the body 31. A middle portion of the engagement claw 461 has an engagement claw 461 that is convex inward in the front-to-rear direction.

[0104] The lateral protrusions 26 of the tank main body 11 abut against and engage with the machine body 31 from above. This configuration allows the position of the tank 10 relative to the machine body 31 to be determined in the up-down direction. The front and rear sides of the tank main body 11 abut against the inner surfaces of the machine body 31. Furthermore, the engagement claws 461 of the engagement parts 46 engage with the engagement receiving parts 22 of the tank main body 11. This allows the tank 10 to be firmly fixed to the machine body 31. Here, because the engagement parts 46 are made of an elastic metal, the tank 10 can be easily removed from the machine body 31 and replaced by elastically deforming the engagement claws 461 outward in the front-to-rear direction.

[0105] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these and can be modified within the scope of the present invention. In addition, the above-described embodiments can be combined with each other. The invention that can be understood from the above-described embodiment will be described below together with its effects. A tank according to an embodiment of the present invention is a tank mounted on a flight device, and comprises a tank main body and a protrusion protruding downward from the tank main body. The protrusion has a cutting portion and an outlet portion. The cutting portion is defined in a middle portion of the protrusion, allowing the protrusion to be cut from the middle portion. The outlet portion is disposed on the protrusion below the cutting portion, allowing objects stored in the tank main body to pass to the outside. According to the tank of the present invention, by defining a cutting portion in a middle portion of the protrusion protruding from the tank main body to the outside, the shape of the protrusion can be varied depending on the type of object stored in the tank. For example, by not cutting the protrusion with the cutting portion, an object stored in the tank main body, such as a liquid, can be discharged to the outside through an outlet portion formed at the tip of the protrusion. On the other hand, by cutting the protrusion with the cutting portion, another object stored in the tank main body, such as a solid, can be discharged to the outside via the protrusion. In addition, in the tank according to the embodiment of the present invention, the concave portion is formed by recessing the surface of the protrusion inward. According to the tank of the present invention, since the concave portion is formed in the protrusion, when the protrusion is cut at the cutting portion, the convex portion of the connecting member can be fitted into the concave portion of the protrusion, thereby firmly connecting the connecting member to the protrusion. In addition, the tank according to the embodiment of the present invention further includes a bulging portion that protrudes downward from a portion of the protruding portion below the cut portion. According to the tank of the present invention, the liquid stored in the tank body can be effectively discharged to the outside via the bulging portion. Furthermore, in a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention, the tank is configured to be capable of containing both liquids and solids, and when the liquid is contained in the tank, the protrusion is not cut at the cutting portion, and when the solid is contained in the tank, the protrusion is cut at the cutting portion, and a spraying device is connected to the cut portion of the protrusion. According to the tank of the present invention, when the protrusion is not cut at the cutting portion, the tank can be used for liquids, and when the protrusion is cut at the cutting portion, the tank can be used for solids. Therefore, a single tank can be used for both liquids and solids, simplifying the design of the tank. This in turn simplifies the design of a flying device on which the tank is mounted. In the tank according to the embodiment of the present invention, the solid is a granular material. The tank of the present invention can spray a fluid that is, for example, a granular pesticide. A flying device according to an embodiment of the present invention has a body, an arm, a motor, a rotor, a tank, and a covering, the body being configured to accommodate each component, the arm being configured to extend outward from the body, the motor and the rotor being provided at the outer end of the arm, and the tank protruding upward beyond the covering. According to the flying device of the present invention, the tank protruding upward allows for a larger tank capacity. In a flying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the covering includes a first covering and a second covering, the first covering covering a first end of the fuselage, the second covering covering a second end opposite the first end, and the tank disposed between the first covering and the second covering. According to the flying device of the present invention, the first covering and the second covering can cover components such as electrical equipment housed in the fuselage. Furthermore, a large tank capacity can be ensured. In addition, in a flying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the tank has lateral protrusions that are configured to abut against the fuselage section. With the flying device of the present invention, the lateral protrusions abut against the fuselage section, making it easy to position the tank relative to the fuselage section. In addition, in a flying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, an engaging portion made of an elastically deformable material is attached to the fuselage portion, and an engaging receiving portion is formed on the side of the tank, and the engaging portion engages with the engaging receiving portion. According to the flying device of the present invention, the engaging portion that engages with the tank is elastically deformable, making it easy to replace the tank. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 10 Tank 11 Tank body 12 Protrusion 13 Cut section 14 Derivation part 15 Object 151 Liquid 152 Granules 16 Concave part 17 Cylindrical part 18 Connecting member 19 Handle 20 Bulge 21 Lid 22 engagement receiving portion 23 Filtration section 24 Pump 25 Opening 26 Lateral projection 30 Flight equipment 31 Aircraft section 32 Arm section 33 Motor 34 rotor 35 Pipe 36 Pipe 37 nozzle 38 Stretching section 39 First coating section 40 Second coating section 41 Skid 42 Battery 43 First electrical box 44 Second electrical box 45 Loading area 46 Engagement part 461 Engagement claw 50 Spraying equipment 51 Main body 511 Upper cylindrical part 512 Lower opening 513 Penetration 52 Rotating part 60 Calculation control unit 61 Sensors 62 Communications Department 63 Memory section 64 Transceiver

Claims

1. It is a tank mounted on a flight device, The tank includes a tank main body and a protruding portion protruding downward from the tank main body, The protrusion has a cutting portion and a lead-out portion, the cutting portion is a portion defined in a middle portion of the protrusion, and allows the protrusion to be cut from the middle portion, the outlet portion is disposed on the protruding portion below the cutting portion and is configured to allow objects stored in the tank main body to pass to the outside, The tank is configured to be able to contain a liquid and a solid, When the liquid is contained in the tank, the protrusion is not cut at the cutting portion, A tank characterized in that, when the solid is contained in the tank, the protrusion is cut at the cutting portion, and a spraying device is connected to the protrusion in the cut portion.

2. The tank according to claim 1, wherein the recessed portion is formed by recessing the surface of the protruding portion inward.

3. Further comprising a bulge portion, 2. The tank according to claim 1, wherein the bulging portion protrudes downward from a portion of the protruding portion below the cut portion.

4. 2. The tank of claim 1, wherein the solid is a granular material.

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