joint

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a foldable joint.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various joints of this kind have been proposed.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a lock mechanism in which a fixed-side connecting portion and a movable-side connecting portion are configured to be foldable using a hinge and a four-bar link mechanism.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The present invention has been made based on the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a joint capable of eliminating the limitation of the folding angle as much as possible and improving the connection strength.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] ​​​​​To solve the above problems, the joint according to the present invention comprises a first joint portion, a second joint portion connectable to the first joint portion, and a hinge portion that rotatably supports the first joint portion and the second joint portion from an extended state in which the first joint portion and the second joint portion are connected to a bent state in which the first joint portion and the second joint portion are separated, and the first joint portion comprises a stopper member provided to be able to move toward and toward the second joint portion, and an operating member for pressing the stopper member toward the second joint portion to hold the first joint portion and the second joint portion in a connected state, and releasing the pressure of the stopper member toward the second joint portion to release the connected state between the first joint portion and the second joint portion. 、 Equipped with The second joint portion is provided with a connection release indicator portion that shows the state of disconnection from the first joint portion. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The joint according to the present invention has no limitations on the bending angle and can maximize strength. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] The drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the present invention relating to this disclosure, including not only essential components of the invention but also optional and preferred embodiments. [Figure 1] A perspective view showing a drone using a joint according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A perspective view showing the bent state of the drone's arm. [Figure 3] A perspective view showing the extended state of the joint. [Figure 4] This is a front view showing the extended state of the joint from the second joint side. [Figure 5] A perspective view showing the extended state of the joint. [Figure 6] A front view showing the extended state of the joint. [Figure 7] An exploded perspective view showing the same joint. [Figure 8] An exploded perspective view showing the same joint from a different angle. [Figure 9] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view indicated by the line IX-IX. [Figure 10]Cross-sectional view shown by the X-X line in FIG. 4. [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view shown by the XI-XI line in FIG. 6. [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view shown by the XII-XII line in FIG. 6.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

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

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

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

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

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

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the joint 2 includes a first joint part 8 and a second joint part 9 that can be connected to the first joint part 8, and the first joint part 8 and the second joint part 9 are rotatably supported by a hinge part 10.

[0017] The first joint part 8 and the second joint part 9 are configured to be able to assume an extended state in which they face each other and are connected, and a bent state in which the first joint part 8 and the second joint part 9 are separated, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0018] Thereby, the arm 4 can be extended or bent by the joint 2.

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

[0020] A first slit 12 is formed in this first mounting portion 11, cut in from the base end along the axial direction.

[0021] A pair of first clamping portions 13 are provided projecting radially outward from both sides of the first slit 12.

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

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

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

[0025] A second slit 22 is formed in this second mounting portion 21, cut in the axial direction from the tip side.

[0026] A pair of second clamping portions 23 are provided projecting radially outward from both sides of this second slit 22.

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

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

[0029] Furthermore, the second joint portion 9 has a tubular inner fitting portion 31 with a smaller diameter than the second mounting portion 21 formed on the side opposite to the second mounting portion 21, and this inner fitting portion 31 and the second mounting portion 21 are in communication.

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

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

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

[0033] This outer fitting portion 41 is configured to fit onto the inner fitting portion 31 when the first joint portion 8 and the second joint portion 9 are connected.

[0034] Furthermore, the inner circumference of the outer fitting portion 41 is formed in a substantially tapered shape, increasing in diameter towards the tip, and is configured to be in pressure contact with the first O-ring 35 and the second O-ring 36 when the first joint portion 8 and the second joint portion 9 are connected.

[0035] Between the portion of the outer fitting 41 where the first O-ring 35 and the second O-ring 36 are pressed together, a plurality of through holes 42 are formed at circumferential intervals, and elastic balls (stopper members) 43, such as those made of nylon, are loosely fitted (housed) in these through holes 42.

[0036] This through hole 42 is formed so that the inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the outer fitting portion 41. The ball 43 is inserted from the outer diameter of the outer fitting portion 41, and a part of its circumferential surface can protrude to the inner diameter, but it is formed to be too small to pass through completely.

[0037] Furthermore, the ball 43 is configured to press against the second annular groove 33 when it is protruding from the through hole 42, thereby pressing the inner fitting portion 31 from all sides, and thus maintaining the connected state between the first joint portion 8 and the second joint portion 9.

[0038] Furthermore, these through holes 42 and balls 43 are provided in greater numbers on the side opposite the hinge portion 10, allowing for stronger pressure to be applied in the direction of the hinge portion 10.

[0039] Furthermore, an operating member 50 is provided on the outer circumference of the outer fitting portion 41 to hold the first joint portion 8 and the second joint portion 9 in a connected state by bringing the ball 43 into contact with the second joint portion 9, and to release the contact of the ball 43 with the second joint portion 9.

[0040] This operating member 50 has a slider (connecting / separating member) 51 that can move toward and away from the second joint 9, and a compression coil spring (biasing member) 52 that biases the slider 51.

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

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

[0043] Furthermore, the inner circumference of the slider 51 is formed with a protrusion 53 that holds the ball 43 in a state where it protrudes from the through hole 42 to the inner circumference of the outer fitting portion 41, and a recess 54 that retracts the ball 43 from the inner circumference of the outer fitting portion 41 when the slider 51 is slid against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 52.

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

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

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

[0047] Furthermore, a fitting projection 58 is formed on the side of the second joint 9 opposite to the hinge portion 10, projecting toward the first joint 8.

[0048] On the other hand, the first joint portion 8 has a fitting recess 59 into which the fitting projection 58 fits when the first joint portion 8 and the second joint portion 9 are connected.

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

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

[0051] Furthermore, a protrusion 66 is provided on the circumferential surface 65 of the slider 51. When the first joint 8 and the second joint 9 are separated and the connection is released, this protrusion 66 abuts against the circumferential surface (regulating portion) 67 of the second hinge piece 62, holding the slider 51 in a displaced state against the biasing force of the compression coil spring 52.

[0052] Furthermore, a recess 68 is formed on the circumferential surface 67 of the second hinge piece 62, allowing the protrusion 66 to retract while the first joint 8 and the second joint 9 are connected. By retracting the protrusion 66 into this recess 68, the slider 51 can move to a position where it presses against the ball 43.

[0053] In this configuration, as shown in Figure 1, when the arm 4 of the drone 1 is extended, the joint 2 is connected to the first joint 8 and the second joint 9, as shown in Figure 3.

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

[0055] Furthermore, the slider 51 is biased toward the second joint by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 52, and as the protrusion 66 retracts into the recess 68 of the second hinge piece 62, the protrusion 53 of the slider 51 presses against the ball 43, causing it to press against the second annular groove 33 of the inner fitting portion 31.

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

[0057] This prevents the inner fitting portion 31 from coming loose from the outer fitting portion 41, and ensures a strong connection between the first joint portion 8 and the second joint portion 9.

[0058] In this case, since the balls 43 are arranged in large numbers on the opposite side of the hinge portion 10, the inner fitting portion 31 can be pressed down more effectively.

[0059] Furthermore, at this time, the third O-ring 56 is not covered by the slider 51 and is exposed, so the third O-ring 56 can be visually confirmed, and it can be seen that the first joint 8 and the second joint 9 are connected.

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

[0061] To fold the arm 4 from its extended state to the bent state shown in Figure 2, the pair of handles 57 are operated with the fingers of one hand, and the slider 51 is slid against the compression coil spring 52. This causes the convex portion 53 of the slider 51 to separate from the ball 43, and the ball 43 to retract into the concave portion 54 of the slider 51.

[0062] As a result, the pressure contact of the ball 43 with the inner fitting portion 31 is released, and the connection between the first joint portion 8 and the second joint portion 9 is released, as shown in Figures 5 and 11.

[0063] At this time, the protrusion 66 of the slider 51 separates from the recess 68 of the second hinge piece 62 and comes into contact with the circumferential surface 67 of the second hinge piece 62, so that the slider 51 covers the third O-ring 56, and the third O-ring 56 cannot be visually confirmed.

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

[0065] To extend the arm 4 from the folded state, the first joint 8 and the second joint 9 can be connected simply by rotating the second joint 9 relative to the first joint 8 and fitting the inner fitting portion 31 of the second joint 9 into the outer fitting portion 41 of the first joint 8.

[0066] At this time, the slider 51 returns to a state where the protrusion 66 fits into the recess 68 of the second hinge piece 62, and the biasing force of the compression coil spring 52 presses against the ball 43.

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

[0068] Furthermore, in the connected state (extended state) of the first joint 8 and the second joint 9, the ball 43 on the first joint 8 side presses against and clamps the inner fitting 31 on the second joint 9 side, thereby improving the connection strength between the first joint 8 and the second joint 9.

[0069] Furthermore, the connection between the first joint 8 and the second joint 9 can be released by simply operating the handle 57 with one hand, and the connection between the first joint 8 and the second joint 9 can be reconnected by rotating the second joint 9. Thus, the connection and disconnection of the first joint 8 and the second joint 9 of the joint 2 can be performed with a single touch.

[0070] In other words, it is easy to switch between a bent state and an extended state for arm 4.

[0071] Furthermore, since the third O-ring 56 is exposed when the device is connected and the first O-ring 35 is exposed when the device is unlocked, it is easy to determine whether the device is connected or unlocked.

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

[0073] The disclosure relating to the present invention described above can be summarized to at least the following:

[0074] In other words, the joint according to the present invention comprises a first joint portion, a second joint portion connectable to the first joint portion, and a hinge portion that rotatably supports the first joint portion and the second joint portion from an extended state in which the first joint portion and the second joint portion are connected to a bent state in which the first joint portion and the second joint portion are separated, and the first joint portion comprises a stopper member provided to be able to move toward and toward the second joint portion, and an operating member for pressing the stopper member toward the second joint portion to hold the first joint portion and the second joint portion in a connected state, and releasing the pressure of the stopper member toward the second joint portion to release the connected state between the first joint portion and the second joint portion. 、 Equipped with The second joint portion is provided with a connection release indicator portion that shows the state of disconnection from the first joint portion. It is characterized by the following:

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

[0076] (1) The operating member is provided so as to be able to move toward and toward the second joint, and includes a moving-away member that presses the stopper member toward the second joint when it is close to the second joint, and releases the pressure of the stopper member toward the second joint when it is separated from the second joint, and a biasing member that biases the moving-away member toward the second joint.

[0077] (2) The hinge portion includes a restricting portion that restricts the approach of the connecting / separating member to the second joint portion against the biasing force of the biasing member when the hinge is bent.

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

[0080] (5) Multiple stopper members are provided.

[0081] (6) Stopper members are mostly placed on the side opposite the hinge.

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

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

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

[0085] (10) The outer fitting portion is provided with a through hole for housing the stopper member.

[0086] (11) A drone comprising a body, a plurality of arms extending radially from the body, and propellers provided at the ends of the arms, wherein the arms are divided into a base-end arm member on the body side and a tip-end arm member on the propeller side, and one of the first joint portion and the second joint portion is provided on the base-end arm member and the other of the first joint portion and the second joint portion is provided on the tip-end arm member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1. Drone 2 joints 3 Torso 4 Arms 5 propellers 6. Base end arm member 7. Tip-side arm member 8. First joint section 9. Second joint section 10. Hinge section 31 Inner fitting part 33 Recess (Second annular groove) 35 Elastic member, link release indicator (first O-ring) 36 Elastic member (second O-ring) 41 External fitting part 42 through holes 43 Stopper component (ball) 50 Operating member 51 Contact / separation member (slider) 52. Biasing member (compression coil spring) 56. Link Display Section (3rd Ring) 67. Regulation Department (Surroundings)

Claims

1. The first joint section and A second joint that can be connected to the first joint, A hinge portion that rotatably supports the first joint portion and the second joint portion from an extended state in which the first joint portion and the second joint portion are connected to a bent state in which the first joint portion and the second joint portion are separated, It is equipped with, The first joint portion is, A stopper member is provided to be movable toward and away from the second joint portion, An operating member for pressing the stopper member against the second joint to maintain the connection between the first and second joints, and for releasing the stopper member from pressing against the second joint to release the connection between the first and second joints, Equipped with, The joint is characterized in that the second joint portion is provided with a disconnection indicator portion that indicates the disconnection state with the first joint portion.

2. The operating member is A connecting / separating member is provided so as to be able to move toward and away from the second joint portion, and when it is close to the second joint portion, it presses the stopper member against the second joint portion, and when it is separated from the second joint portion, it releases the pressure of the stopper member against the second joint portion. A biasing member that biases the connecting / separating member in the direction that brings it closer to the second joint portion, The joint according to claim 1, characterized by comprising the features.

3. The joint according to claim 2, characterized in that the hinge portion is provided with a restricting portion that restricts the approach of the connecting / separating member to the second joint portion against the biasing force of the biasing member when the hinge portion is bent.

4. The first joint portion is provided with a connection indicator portion that shows the connection state with the second joint portion, The joint according to claim 3, characterized in that the connecting / separating member is configured to conceal the connecting indicator portion while its approach to the second joint portion is restricted by the restricting portion.

5. The joint according to claim 1, characterized in that the stopper member is provided in multiple quantities.

6. The joint according to claim 5, characterized in that the stopper members are arranged in large numbers on the side opposite to the hinge portion.

7. The joint according to claim 1, characterized in that the second joint portion has a recess into which the stopper member presses.

8. The joint according to claim 1, characterized in that the first joint portion and the second joint portion are formed in a cylindrical shape, and at least one of the first joint portion and the second joint portion is provided with an annular elastic member interposed between the first joint portion and the second joint portion when the first joint portion and the second joint portion are connected.

9. The joint according to claim 1, characterized in that the first joint portion has an outer fitting portion, the second joint portion has an inner fitting portion for fitting inside the outer fitting portion, and the operating member is configured to press the stopper member against the inner fitting portion when the first joint portion and the second joint portion are connected.

10. The joint according to claim 9, characterized in that the outer fitting portion has a through hole for accommodating the stopper member.

11. The joint according to claim 1, comprising a body, a plurality of arms extending radially from the body, and propellers provided at the ends of the arms, wherein the arms are divided into a base-end arm member on the body side and a tip-end arm member on the propeller side, and one of the first joint portion and the second joint portion is provided on the base-end arm member, and the other of the first joint portion and the second joint portion is provided on the tip-end arm member.

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