Motors for drones

Abstract

To lighten a drone motor.SOLUTION: A drone motor 100 includes a housing 10, a punching plate 5, a rotor 7, and a stator 8. The housing 10 includes a top plate 2 including an opening. The punching plate 5 is attached to the top plate 2 so as to cover the opening. The rotor 7 is rotatably arranged within the housing. The stator is non-rotatably disposed within the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drone motor.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, drones have begun to spread. Generally, a drone has a main body, a plurality of arms radially extending from the main body, and motors attached to the tips of the respective arms. The motors rotate the propellers. This drone motor has a housing, and accommodates a rotor and a stator therein (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the drone motor configured as described above, weight reduction and dust resistance that can withstand outdoor use are desired. However, weight reduction and a dustproof structure are in an antagonistic relationship. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a drone motor capable of weight reduction while maintaining dust resistance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A drone motor according to an aspect of the present invention includes a housing, a punching plate, a rotor, and a stator. The housing has a top plate including an opening. The punching plate has a plurality of through holes. The punching plate is attached to the top plate so as to cover the opening. The rotor is disposed rotatably within the housing. The stator is disposed non-rotatably within the housing.

[0006] This configuration allows for a lighter drone motor because an opening is formed in the top panel. Furthermore, since the opening is covered by a perforated plate, it prevents foreign objects from entering the housing.

[0007] Preferably, the perforated plate is attached to the inner surface of the top panel.

[0008] Preferably, the top plate has multiple crimping points for securing the perforated plate.

[0009] Preferably, the top plate has a plurality of arm sections. The arm sections extend radially. Each arm section is spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The opening is located between adjacent arm sections in the circumferential direction. Each crimped section is located at the same position as each arm section in the circumferential direction.

[0010] Preferably, the punching plate has multiple crimping regions. A crimping region is a region where the crimping portion is in contact and punching is not formed.

[0011] Preferably, the top plate has a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion. The first cylindrical portion extends in the axial direction. The second cylindrical portion extends in the axial direction. The second cylindrical portion is positioned radially outward relative to the first cylindrical portion. The punching plate is positioned between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion.

[0012] Preferably, the crimped portion is formed by bending a part of at least one of the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion.

[0013] Preferably, the top plate has a top plate body and an outer cylindrical portion. The top plate body includes an opening. The outer cylindrical portion extends axially from the outer peripheral end of the top plate body.

[0014] Preferably, the outer cylindrical portion has a tapered shape.

[0015] Preferably, the rotor has an annular yoke and a plurality of magnets. The yoke is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical portion. The yoke projects axially from the outer cylindrical portion. The magnets are attached to the inner peripheral surface of the yoke.

[0016] Preferably, the punching plate is thinner than the top plate.

[0017] Preferably, the top plate is arranged to be rotatable together with the rotor.

[0018] The maximum dimension of the through hole of the punching plate can be made equal to or less than the dimension of the gap between the rotor and the stator. Preferably, the maximum dimension of the through hole of the punching plate is equal to or less than the dimension at which foreign matter does not enter the housing.

[0019] Preferably, the drone motor further includes a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft penetrates the top plate and extends axially from the inside of the housing to the outside.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, the weight of the drone motor can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] Cross-sectional view of the drone motor. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of the top plate. [Figure 3] Plan view of the top plate. <0X00088> [Figure 4] Plan view of the punching plate.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] <000X095>Hereinafter, a drone motor according to an embodiment (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "motor") will be described while referring to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the motor. In the following description, the axial direction means the direction in which the rotation axis O of the motor 100 extends. The first side in the axial direction means the upper side in FIG. 1, and the second side in the axial direction means the lower side in FIG. 1. The circumferential direction means the circumferential direction of a circle centered on the rotation axis, and the radial direction means the radial direction of a circle centered on the rotation axis.

[0023] [Overall Structure] As shown in FIG. 1, the motor 100 has a housing 10, a support frame 4, a punching plate 5, a rotating shaft 6, a rotor 7, and a stator 8. This motor 100 is configured to rotate the propeller of the drone. The rotation axis O of the motor 100 extends in the vertical direction. That is, in this embodiment, the axial direction means the vertical direction. This motor 100 is a drone motor. Specifically, this motor 100 is used in an industrial drone.

[0024] The propeller of the drone (not shown) is arranged on the upper side (the first side in the axial direction) of the motor 100. The drone includes a plurality of such motors 100. Generally, the drone includes four such motors 100. Each motor 100 is attached to the main body part of the drone via an arm or the like. A battery, a control unit, and the like are housed in the main body part of the drone.

[0025] [Housing] The housing 10 has a top plate 2 and a bottom plate 3. In this embodiment, the top plate 2 is arranged rotatably, and the bottom plate 3 is arranged non-rotatably. The top plate 2 rotates together with the rotating shaft 6 and the rotor 7. The material of the top plate 2 is, for example, metal. Specifically, the material of the top plate 2 can be an aluminum alloy, a magnesium alloy, or the like. Note that the material of the bottom plate 3 can also be the same as those exemplified for the material of the top plate 2.

[0026] [Top Plate] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the tabletop, and Figure 3 is a plan view of the tabletop. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the tabletop 2 has a tabletop body portion 21 and an outer cylindrical portion 22. The tabletop body portion 21 has a central portion 23, an outer peripheral portion 24, a plurality of openings 25, and a plurality of arm portions 26.

[0027] The central portion 23 is disc-shaped and has a through hole 23a in the center. The rotating shaft 6 penetrates the top plate 2 through this through hole 23a. The outer peripheral portion 24 is annular and is positioned radially apart from the central portion 23. That is, the outer peripheral portion 24 is positioned to surround the central portion 23.

[0028] Multiple arm sections 26 extend radially from the central section 23. More specifically, the arm sections 26 extend radially. The arm sections 26 connect the central section 23 and the outer peripheral section 24. Each arm section 26 is spaced apart from the others in the circumferential direction.

[0029] The opening 25 is configured to connect the inside and outside of the housing 10. Therefore, air inside the housing 10 can be exhausted to the outside through the opening 25. The opening 25 is located between adjacent arm portions 26 in the circumferential direction. That is, the opening 25 is defined by a pair of arm portions 26, a central portion 23, and an outer peripheral portion 24.

[0030] The outer cylindrical portion 22 extends from the outer circumference 24 of the top plate body portion 21 to the second axial direction. The outer cylindrical portion 22 is composed of the top plate body portion 21 and a single component. The outer cylindrical portion 22 has a tapered shape. Specifically, the outer cylindrical portion 22 is configured so that its diameter gradually increases toward the second axial direction.

[0031] The top plate 2 has a first cylindrical portion 27 and a second cylindrical portion 28. The first and second cylindrical portions 27 and 28 extend from the top plate body portion 21 to the second axial direction. The first cylindrical portion 27 extends from the central portion 23 to the second axial direction. The second cylindrical portion 28 extends from the outer peripheral portion 24 to the second axial direction.

[0032] The second cylindrical portion 28 is positioned radially outward relative to the first cylindrical portion. That is, the second cylindrical portion 28 is positioned to surround the first cylindrical portion 27.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, the top plate 2 has a plurality of crimping portions 29a and 29b. More specifically, the top plate 2 has a plurality of first crimping portions 29a and a plurality of second crimping portions 29b. The first and second crimping portions 29a and 29b are configured to fix the punching plate 5.

[0034] Each first crimping portion 29a is spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Similarly, each second crimping portion 29b is spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The first and second crimping portions 29a and 29b are positioned in the same location as each arm portion 26 in the circumferential direction. That is, the number of first crimping portions 29a, the number of second crimping portions 29b, and the number of arm portions 26 are the same. In an axial view, the first and second crimping portions 29a and 29b overlap with the arm portions 26.

[0035] The first crimped portion 29a is formed by bending a part of the first cylindrical portion 27 radially outward. The second crimped portion 29b is formed by bending a part of the second cylindrical portion 28 radially inward.

[0036] [Bottom plate] The base plate 3 is positioned at a distance from the top plate 2 in the axial direction. More specifically, the base plate 3 is positioned on the second axial side relative to the top plate 2. The base plate 3 is annular. The base plate 3 is fixed to the support frame 4 at its inner circumference. The base plate 3 may be made of a perforated plate or a regular plate.

[0037] [Support frame] The support frame 4 is positioned so as not to rotate. The support frame 4 is fixed, for example, to the arm of the drone's main body. The support frame 4 supports the stator 8. The support frame 4 also rotatably supports the rotating shaft 6.

[0038] The support frame 4 has a through hole 41 extending axially in its central portion. The support frame 4 also has a projection 42 that protrudes radially inward from the inner wall surface defining the through hole 41.

[0039] Multiple bearing members 43a and 43b are arranged within the through-hole 41 of the support frame 4. In this embodiment, a first bearing member 43a and a second bearing member 43b are arranged. The first bearing member 43a and the second bearing member 43b are spaced apart in the axial direction. The first bearing member 43a is positioned on the first axial side relative to the second bearing member 43b.

[0040] The first bearing member 43a is restricted from axial movement by being sandwiched between the protrusion 42 and the top plate 2. Similarly, the second bearing member 43b is restricted from axial movement by being sandwiched between the protrusion 42 and the nut 44. The nut 44 is screwed onto the rotating shaft 6. The support frame 4 rotatably supports the rotating shaft 6 via these first and second bearing members 43a and 43b.

[0041] The material of the support frame 4 is, for example, metal. More specifically, the material of the support frame 4 can be an aluminum alloy or a magnesium alloy, etc.

[0042] [Perforated Plate] The perforated plate 5 has multiple through holes (hereinafter also referred to as "perforations"). The perforated plate 5 is attached to the top plate 2 so as to cover the opening 25 of the top plate 2. The perforated plate 5 is attached to the inside of the top plate 2. That is, the perforated plate 5 is positioned on the second axial side with respect to the top plate 2. By positioning the perforated plate 5 in this way, it is possible to suppress the entry of foreign matter into the housing 10. In addition, air can be introduced into the housing 10 through the multiple perforations of the perforated plate 5 to cool it, or hot air inside the housing 10 can be exhausted to the outside.

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, the perforated plate 5 is annular. The perforated plate 5 is thinner than the top plate 2. The perforated plate 5 is made of, for example, metal or resin. If the perforated plate 5 is made of metal, specifically, it is made of stainless steel (SUS) or aluminum alloy. If the perforated plate 5 is made of resin, specifically, it is made of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).

[0044] The maximum dimension of each punched hole in the punching plate 5 is less than or equal to the gap between the rotor 7 and the stator 8. If the punched hole is polygonal, such as a square or hexagon, the maximum dimension of the punched hole is the length of its longest diagonal. If the punched hole is circular, the maximum dimension of the punched hole is its diameter. The gap between the rotor 7 and the stator 8 refers to the gap in the radial direction. This dimensional relationship prevents foreign objects large enough to get stuck in the gap between the rotor 7 and the stator 8 and obstruct the rotation of the rotor 7 from entering the housing 10 through the punched holes.

[0045] The punching plate 5 has a plurality of crimping regions 51a, 51b. More specifically, the punching plate 5 has a plurality of first crimping regions 51a and a plurality of second crimping regions 51b.

[0046] The first crimping regions 51a are formed at the inner circumferential end of the punching plate 5. Each of the first crimping regions 51a is spaced apart from the others in the circumferential direction.

[0047] The second crimping regions 51b are formed at the outer peripheral end of the punching plate 5. Each second crimping region 51b is spaced apart from the others in the circumferential direction.

[0048] The first and second crimping regions 51a and 51b are regions where no punching holes are formed. The first crimping region 51a is the region to which the first crimping portion 29a abuts. The second crimping region 51b is the region to which the second crimping portion 29b abuts.

[0049] The number of first crimping regions 51a is the same as the number of first crimping parts 29a. Also, the number of second crimping regions 51b is the same as the number of second crimping parts 29 The number of b is the same. In this embodiment, the punching plate 5 has six first crimping regions 51a and six second crimping regions 51b.

[0050] As shown in Figure 1, the punching plate 5 is positioned radially between the first cylindrical portion 27 and the second cylindrical portion 28. The punching plate 5 is radially positioned by the first and second cylindrical portions 27 and 28. The punching plate 5 is sandwiched between each first crimping portion 29a and each second crimping portion 29b and each arm portion 26.

[0051] [Rotating shaft] The rotating shaft 6 penetrates the top plate 2 and extends axially from inside to outside the housing 10. The rotating shaft 6 is rotatably supported on the support frame 4 via first and second bearing members 43a and 43b.

[0052] A propeller is attached to the upper end of the rotating shaft 6. The rotating shaft 6 is fixed to the top plate 2 and rotates integrally with the top plate 2.

[0053] [Rotor] The rotor 7 is configured to rotate the rotating shaft 6. The rotor 7 is located inside the housing 10. A portion of the rotor 7 is exposed from the housing 10. In the radial direction, the rotor 7 is located outside the stator 8. In other words, the motor 100 is an outer rotor type.

[0054] The rotor 7 is attached to the top plate 2. In other words, the rotor 7 rotates integrally with the top plate 2.

[0055] The rotor 7 has a yoke 71 and a plurality of permanent magnets 72. The yoke 71 is cylindrical. The yoke 71 is fixed to the top plate 2. More specifically, the yoke 71 is attached to the outer cylindrical portion 22 of the top plate 2. The outer circumferential surface of the yoke 71 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical portion 22.

[0056] The yoke 71 has a first end 71a on its first axial side that is attached to the outer cylindrical portion 22. The yoke 71 protrudes from the outer cylindrical portion 22 on a second axial side. That is, the portion of the yoke 71 excluding the first end 71a is exposed from the housing 10. The yoke 71 functions as part of the housing 10.

[0057] The permanent magnets 72 are attached to the inner circumferential surface of the yoke 71. Each permanent magnet 72 is spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The permanent magnets 72 are positioned radially outward from the stator 8. That is, the permanent magnets 72 are arranged to surround the stator 8. The permanent magnets 72 are spaced apart from the stator 8 in the radial direction.

[0058] [Stata] The stator 8 is positioned non-rotatably within the housing 10. The stator 8 is supported by the support frame 4. The stator 8 is positioned radially outward relative to the support frame 4; that is, the stator 8 is positioned to surround the support frame 4.

[0059] The stator 8 has a stator core 81 and a plurality of coil sections 82. The stator core 81 is constructed by laminating a plurality of electromagnetic steel sheets.

[0060] The coil section 82 is wound around the stator core 81. More specifically, the coil section 82 is wound around the teeth of the stator core 81. An insulating layer 83 is interposed between the coil section 82 and the stator core 81.

[0061] [Differentiation] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0062] (a) In the above embodiment, the motor 100 was an outer rotor type, but it may also be an inner rotor type. In this case, the top plate 2 is positioned so as not to rotate. The stator 8 is supported by the top plate 2. The support frame 4 is positioned so as to rotate together with the rotating shaft 6. The rotor 7 is supported by the support frame 4.

[0063] (b) In the above embodiment, the perforated plate 5 was located inside the top plate 2, but it may also be located outside the top plate 2.

[0064] (c) In the above embodiment, the rotating shaft 6 was made of a separate component from the top plate 2, but the configuration of the rotating shaft 6 is not limited thereto. For example, the rotating shaft 6 may be made of the top plate 2 and a single component. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 2: Top plate 21: Main body of the top panel 22: Outer cylindrical part 25: Opening 26: Arm section 27: First cylindrical section 28: Second cylindrical section 29a, 29b: Crimping part 5: Perforated plate 51a, 51b: Crimping area 6: Rotating shaft 7: Rotor 71: York 72: Permanent magnet 8: Status 10: Housing 100: Motor for drones

Claims

1. A housing having a top plate having a top plate body portion including an opening and an outer cylindrical portion extending axially from the outer peripheral end of the top plate body portion, A perforated plate having multiple through holes and attached to the top plate so as to cover the opening, A rotor having an annular yoke fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical portion and a plurality of magnets attached to the inner circumferential surface of the yoke, and being rotatably arranged within the housing, A stator is positioned within the housing in a manner that prevents rotation, Equipped with, The top plate has a plurality of crimping parts for fixing the punching plate. Motors for drones.

2. The punching plate is attached to the inner surface of the top plate. A motor for a drone according to claim 1.

3. The top plate has a plurality of arm portions that extend radially and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The opening is located between adjacent arm portions in the circumferential direction. Each of the crimping portions is positioned in the same location as each of the arm portions in the circumferential direction. A motor for a drone according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The punching plate has a plurality of crimping regions in which each crimping portion is in contact and where no punching is formed. A motor for a drone according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The top plate has a first cylindrical portion extending in the axial direction and a second cylindrical portion extending in the axial direction and positioned radially outward from the first cylindrical portion. The punching plate is positioned between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion. A motor for a drone according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The top plate has a first cylindrical portion extending in the axial direction and a second cylindrical portion extending in the axial direction and positioned radially outward from the first cylindrical portion. The punching plate is positioned between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion. The crimped portion is formed by bending a part of at least one of the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion. A motor for a drone according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The outer cylindrical portion is tapered. A motor for a drone according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The yoke protrudes axially from the outer cylindrical portion, A motor for a drone according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The aforementioned perforated plate is thinner than the aforementioned top plate. A motor for a drone according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The top plate is rotatably arranged together with the rotor. A motor for a drone according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The maximum dimension of the through-hole in the punching plate is less than or equal to the dimension of the gap between the rotor and the stator. A motor for a drone according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The housing further comprises a rotating shaft that penetrates the top plate and extends axially from inside to outside the housing, A motor for a drone according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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