Flying body system

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a flying body 1 that has a rotor 3 and flies by using the rotor 3 to generate lift; and an increase mechanism 30 for outputting a secondary airflow DW2 by amplifying a wind force of a primary airflow DW generated when the lift is generated by the rotor 3.

Description

Air Vehicle Systems

[0001] The present invention relates to an air vehicle system that includes an air vehicle that flies by using lift generated by a rotor.

[0002] An aircraft generates upward lift (against gravity) using its rotor, which generates a downward airflow (in the direction of gravity) called downwash. The aircraft may use the downwash to perform a specific task. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an aircraft (unmanned aerial vehicle) that uses the downwash to spray a liquid.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-089775

[0004] However, the flow rate of downwash generated by an aircraft during flight may not be constant. Also, depending on the task, the amount of downwash required to perform the task may not be sufficient. Furthermore, downwash is an airflow that flows over a wide area below the rotor, and only a portion of the generated downwash may be usable for the task. As a result, the downwash may not be utilized effectively.

[0005] The present invention aims to make effective use of downwash.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, an aircraft system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an aircraft having a rotor and flying by generating lift using the rotor, and an increase mechanism that amplifies the wind force of the primary airflow generated when the rotor generates the lift, thereby outputting a secondary airflow.

[0007] This configuration allows the primary airflow (downwash) generated by the aircraft to be amplified and utilized effectively.

[0008] The apparatus may further include a work device for performing a predetermined task.

[0009] With this configuration, the primary airflow (downwash) can be amplified and effectively utilized in the work implement.

[0010] The working device may be attached to the flying vehicle, and the increasing mechanism may be attached to the flying vehicle.

[0011] With this configuration, the primary airflow (downwash) can be amplified and effectively utilized by the work device attached to the flying vehicle.

[0012] The system may further include a work machine that is equipped with the work device and performs the work apart from the aircraft, the aircraft flying above the work machine to assist in the work, and the increase mechanism may be attached to the work machine.

[0013] Since the flying vehicle flies above the work machine, the work machine can easily receive the primary airflow (downwash) generated by the flying vehicle. By attaching the amplification mechanism to the work machine, the amplifier can efficiently amplify the downwash, allowing the work machine to effectively utilize the amplified secondary airflow.

[0014] The working device may also be operated using the secondary airflow.

[0015] With this configuration, the work machine can use the secondary airflow to perform work efficiently.

[0016] The apparatus may further include a power source that receives the secondary airflow and generates power, and the working device may be operated by the power.

[0017] With this configuration, the power source can generate power using the secondary airflow, and the work implement can operate using the generated power, thereby efficiently performing work using the secondary airflow.

[0018] The increasing mechanism may be capable of changing the rate of increase of the air volume.

[0019] The magnitude of the airflow required by a work tool varies depending on the type of work being done. By changing the amplification factor of the wind power (air volume) in the increase mechanism, the magnitude of the output secondary airflow can be changed. Therefore, the secondary airflow of the magnitude required by the work tool is supplied to the work tool, allowing the secondary airflow to be used effectively and efficiently.

[0020] Furthermore, the lift required for an aircraft to fly may change during flight, and the downwash generated by the aircraft changes with the change in lift. For example, the fuel and materials carried by a work device decrease as the work progresses. The size of the airflow required by the work device is fixed, and if the work device can receive sufficient downwash, there is no need to use an amplified secondary airflow. With the above configuration, the amplification factor can be changed, including whether or not to generate a secondary airflow. Therefore, when sufficient downwash is generated, the work device uses the generated downwash as is without amplifying it, and when there is insufficient downwash, it can use a secondary airflow amplified to the required extent.

[0021] The air conditioner may further include an operating mechanism that receives the secondary airflow and performs a predetermined operation.

[0022] This configuration allows the aircraft system to amplify and effectively utilize the primary airflow (downwash).

[0023] The operating machine may be a generator that receives the secondary airflow and generates electricity.

[0024] This configuration allows the secondary airflow to be used to generate power, and the generated power can be used effectively. Therefore, the secondary airflow generated from the primary airflow (downwash) can be used effectively.

[0025] The operating machine may also be a compressor that receives the secondary airflow and generates compressed air.

[0026] With this configuration, compressed air can be generated using the secondary airflow, and the generated compressed air can be effectively utilized, thereby enabling the secondary airflow generated from the primary airflow (downwash) to be effectively utilized.

[0027] The device may further include a removable tank for storing the compressed air.

[0028] This configuration allows the compressed air stored in the tank to be used by other work equipment, etc., away from the aircraft system, making it possible to effectively utilize the secondary airflow generated from the primary airflow (downwash).

[0029] FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating the configuration of an air vehicle system. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an augmentation mechanism. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an augmentation mechanism including an augmentation tube. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an augmentation mechanism including wings. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an air vehicle system including a drone and a work machine. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration for generating compressed air using a secondary airflow. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration for generating electricity using a secondary airflow.

[0030] Below, an air vehicle system that amplifies downwash DW, which is a primary airflow generated by an air vehicle, will be described using the drawings. In the following description, the direction of arrow U shown in the drawings is the upward direction (the direction opposite to the direction of gravity), and the direction of arrow D is the downward direction (the direction of gravity). In addition, the following description will be given using an example of an air vehicle system that includes a drone 1 as the air vehicle.

[0031] [Overall Configuration] As shown in FIG. 1 , the aircraft system includes a drone 1, an augmentation mechanism 30, and a work device 32.

[0032] The drone 1 includes a main body 2 and a plurality of rotors 3 supported by the main body 2. The rotors 3 include propellers 3C, and the rotation of the propellers 3C generates upward lift, allowing the drone to fly. When the rotors 3 generate lift, a downward downwash (DW) (primary airflow) is generated.

[0033] The increasing mechanism 30 is supported by the main body 2. The increasing mechanism 30 is disposed below the rotor 3 in a position where it receives the downwash DW. The increasing mechanism 30 amplifies the downwash DW and outputs a secondary airflow DW2. The increasing mechanism 30 increases at least one of the air volume and air speed of the downwash DW and outputs the secondary airflow DW2.

[0034] The working device 32 performs a predetermined task by utilizing the secondary airflow DW2 generated by amplifying the downwash DW using the amplification mechanism 30. For example, the working device 32 may be a chemical spraying device 32A. The chemical spraying device 32A sprays a chemical using the secondary airflow DW2. The chemical spraying device 32A can spray the chemical over a wide area by using the powerful secondary airflow DW2. This allows the chemical to be sprayed efficiently.

[0035] [Increase Mechanism] Next, referring to FIG. 1, an example of the configuration of the increase mechanism 30 will be described using FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG.

[0036] The increasing mechanism 30 shown in Figure 2 includes a wind collector 30A. The wind collector 30A is a tubular member having an inlet 30a with an opening on the side closer to the rotor 3 (upper side) and an outlet 30b with an opening on the side farther from the rotor 3 (lower side). In other words, the wind collector 30A is a tubular member extending vertically, with a cavity extending from the inlet 30a to the outlet 30b. The wind collector 30A is arranged so that the inlet 30a is located directly below the rotor 3, and is configured to take in the downwash DW generated by the rotor 3 from the inlet 30a into the wind collector 30A.

[0037] The wind collection section 30A slopes inward from the wind inlet section 30a to the wind outlet section 30b so that the opening area of ​​the wind inlet section 30a is larger than the opening area of ​​the wind outlet section 30b. Note that in the range from the wind inlet section 30a to the wind outlet section 30b, there may be a range in which the slope becomes steeper as one approaches the wind outlet section 30b. In addition, in the vicinity of the wind outlet section 30b, the slope may be gentler, or the opening area may be approximately the same.

[0038] The wind collection section 30A takes in the downwash DW through the wind inlet section 30a, which has a large opening area, and outputs the taken-in downwash DW from the wind outlet section 30b, which has a smaller opening area than the wind inlet section 30a. Therefore, the wind speed of the downwash DW output from the wind outlet section 30b is faster than the wind speed when it was taken in by the wind inlet section 30a.

[0039] The downwash DW also draws in surrounding air as it flows. The flow of the drawn-in air is illustrated as airflow AF. The surrounding air is drawn in as the downwash DW flows to the wind inlet section 30a. The surrounding air is also drawn in after the downwash DW is output from the wind outlet section 30b. In particular, because the wind speed is faster when the downwash DW is output from the wind outlet section 30b, the downwash DW draws in more air after it is output from the wind outlet section 30b than before it reaches the wind inlet section 30a.

[0040] As described above, the wind collecting section 30A increases the wind speed of the taken-in downwash DW and draws in the surrounding air to increase the air volume, which is then output as the secondary airflow DW2. This allows the wind collecting section 30A to amplify the downwash DW.

[0041] 3 includes an augmented tube 30B in addition to an air collection section 30A. The augmented tube 30B is a cylindrical member and is disposed so as to cover the air outlet section 30b of the air collection section 30A.

[0042] Augmented tube 30B is supported by air collection section 30A with at least a portion thereof open, so that outside air is introduced into augmented tube 30B through a gap (opening) between augmented tube 30B and air collection section 30A.

[0043] By providing the augmented tube 30B in the air outlet section 30b, downwash DW is blown out from the air outlet section 30b at a high wind speed inside the augmented tube 30B, so that more air (airflow AF) is entrained in the downwash DW. At this time, the air (airflow AF) inside the augmented tube 30B is entrained, but because outside air is introduced through the gap between the augmented tube 30B and the air collection section 30A, the air (airflow AF) outside the augmented tube 30B is also entrained in the downwash DW.

[0044] As described above, the air collection section 30A increases the wind speed of the taken-in downwash DW, and the provision of the augmented tube 30B draws in even more air, increasing the air volume and outputting it as the secondary airflow DW2. As a result, the amplifying mechanism 30 equipped with the air collection section 30A and the augmented tube 30B can further amplify the downwash DW.

[0045] 4 includes a blade 30C. The blade 30C is disposed below the rotor 3 and can receive the downwash DW generated by the rotor 3.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, the blade 30C has a Coanda surface 30c on one surface. The Coanda surface 30c has a convex curved surface in a region close to the rotor 3 that is directed away from the blade 30C. The side below the convex curved surface of the Coanda surface 30c (the side away from the rotor 3) is a surface that gradually approaches the back surface of the blade 30C relative to the Coanda surface 30c. In other words, the cross section of the blade 30C initially becomes thicker the further away from the rotor 3 it is, and then becomes thinner the further away from the rotor 3 it is. In addition, the end of the blade 30C on the rotor 3 side is provided with a curved surface that connects to the Coanda surface 30c.

[0047] The downwash DW flowing from the rotor 3 is attracted to the Coanda surface 30c and accelerates as it flows along the Coanda surface 30c. Furthermore, when the downwash DW is attracted to the Coanda surface 30c, when it flows along the Coanda surface 30c, and when it flows out from the lower end of the wing 30C, it draws in surrounding air (airflow AF).

[0048] As described above, the vanes 30C increase the wind speed of the downwash DW flowing along the Coanda surface 30c, and by drawing more air towards the Coanda surface 30c, they draw in more air, increasing the air volume and outputting it as the secondary airflow DW2. This allows the amplifying mechanism 30 equipped with the vanes 30C to further amplify the downwash DW.

[0049] Other Embodiments (1) In the above embodiment, the secondary airflow DW2 may be used for work performed by the work device 32, but the aircraft system may not include the work device 32, and the secondary airflow DW2 may be used for any purpose. For example, the secondary airflow DW2 may be simply blown downward from the drone 1, and may be used to clean equipment such as a vehicle, the ground, etc. by blowing the powerful secondary airflow DW2.

[0050] (2) In each of the above embodiments, the work device 32 is not limited to being provided on the drone 1, but may also be provided on a work machine that performs work apart from the drone 1.

[0051] For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the work machine is a rice transplanter 34 that performs rice planting with the support of a drone 1. The drone 1 flies directly above the rice transplanter 34 while the rice transplanter 34 is working, and supports the work of the rice transplanter 34 by checking the remaining number of seedlings loaded on it, for example.

[0052] The work device 32 is provided on the rice transplanter 34. The work device 32 performs work by receiving the secondary airflow DW2 output from the drone 1. For example, the work device 32 is a chemical spraying device 32A, which sprays a chemical using the secondary airflow DW2.

[0053] In this way, the work device 32 provided on the work machine operates using the secondary airflow DW2 output from the drone 1, and therefore the configuration of the work device 32 provided on the work machine can be simplified.

[0054] In this case, not only the working device 32 but also the amplifying mechanism 30 may be provided on the working machine. The amplifying mechanism 30 provided on the working machine receives the downwash DW output from the drone 1, amplifies the downwash DW, and outputs the secondary airflow DW2. The working device 32 provided on the working machine performs work using the amplified secondary airflow DW2.

[0055] With this configuration, the configuration of the drone 1 can be simplified, while the work device 32 can perform work by utilizing the secondary airflow DW2 generated by amplifying the downwash DW.

[0056] (3) In each of the above embodiments, the working device 32 is not limited to the chemical spraying device 32A, but may be any device that performs work using wind (secondary airflow DW2). For example, the working device 32 may be a fertilizer applicator that uses the secondary airflow DW2 to spray fertilizer, a windmill, an air curtain, a pest control device that uses wind to exterminate pests, or the like. This allows various types of work to be performed using the powerful secondary airflow DW2.

[0057] (4) In each of the above embodiments, the working device 32 is not limited to a device that directly performs work, but may be an operating machine 37 that performs a predetermined operation (job). This amplifies the downwash DW, and the amplified secondary airflow DW2 can be used for various tasks and operations.

[0058] (5) As shown in FIG. 5 , the operating mechanism 37 can be a power source 37A. The power source 37A is connected to a propeller 36 provided on the working machine. The propeller 36 rotates upon receiving the secondary airflow DW2, and the power source 37A receives rotational force from the propeller 36 to generate power. The chemical spraying device 32A is then operated by the power generated by the power source 37A. This allows the working device 32 to be operated by effectively utilizing the secondary airflow DW2, which is an amplified version of the downwash DW.

[0059] (6) As shown in FIG. 6 , the operating device 37 may be a compressor 37B that generates compressed air. The compressor 37B is connected to a propeller 36 provided on the work machine. The propeller 36 receives the secondary airflow DW2 and rotates, and the compressor 37B receives the rotational force from the propeller 36 and generates compressed air. The generated compressed air may be used by the work machine or may be stored in a tank 38. The compressed air stored in the tank 38 may be used by the work machine, or the tank 38 may be removed and used by another device. In this way, compressed air is generated using the secondary airflow DW2 in which the downwash DW is amplified, and the generated compressed air can be effectively utilized.

[0060] (7) As shown in FIG. 7 , the operating mechanism 37 may be a generator 37C. The generator 37C is connected to a propeller 36 provided on the work machine. The propeller 36 rotates upon receiving the secondary airflow DW2, and the generator 37C generates electricity upon receiving rotational force from the propeller 36. The work device 32, such as the chemical spraying device 32A, may be operated using the power generated by the generator 37C, and the generated power may be stored in a battery 39 or the like. The battery 39 may be detached from the work machine, and the power may be used by other equipment. In this way, power is generated using the secondary airflow DW2, which is amplified by the downwash DW, and the generated power can be effectively utilized.

[0061] (8) In each of the above embodiments, the increasing mechanism 30 may be configured to change the rate of increase in the air volume of the secondary airflow DW2 relative to the downwash DW (wind force amplification rate).

[0062] For example, the main body 2 is provided with a control unit 31, and the increasing mechanism 30 is equipped with an increase rate change unit 33. The control unit 31 controls the increase rate change unit 33 in accordance with the wind speed and air volume of the secondary airflow DW2 required by the chemical spraying device 32A, which is the working device 32. The increase rate change unit 33 changes the wind speed and air volume of the secondary airflow DW2 output from the increasing mechanism 30 in accordance with the control of the control unit 31.

[0063] Specifically, the air outlet section 30b of the air collection section 30A, which is the increasing mechanism 30, is provided with a mechanism for changing the opening area of ​​the air outlet section 30b as the increase rate change section 33. By changing the opening area of ​​the air outlet section 30b, the wind speed and volume of the air output from the air outlet section 30b change, and the wind speed and volume of the secondary airflow DW2 are changed.

[0064] Furthermore, blade 30C, which is increasing mechanism 30, is provided with a mechanism that changes the curvature of the curved surface of Coanda surface 30c as increase rate changer 33. By changing the curvature of the curved surface of Coanda surface 30c, the amount of air drawn to Coanda surface 30c changes, and the wind speed of the air flowing along Coanda surface 30c changes. This changes the wind speed and volume of secondary airflow DW2.

[0065] In this way, the wind speed and air volume of the secondary airflow DW2 are changed according to the needs of the work device 32, so that the work device 32 can perform work by receiving the secondary airflow DW2 at the required wind speed and air volume. Also, even when the secondary airflow DW2 is not used by the work device 32, the wind speed and air volume of the secondary airflow DW2 are changed to generate the secondary airflow DW2 according to the intended use.

[0066] (9) In each of the above embodiments, the aircraft is not limited to the drone 1, but can be any aircraft equipped with a rotor 3.

[0067] The present invention can be applied to an aircraft system that includes an aircraft that flies by using lift generated by a rotor.

[0068] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Drone (air vehicle) 3 Rotor DW Downwash (primary airflow) DW2 Secondary airflow 30 Augmentation mechanism 30A Wind collection section (augmentation mechanism) 30B Augmented tube 30C Wing (augmentation mechanism) 32 Work device 37 Operating mechanism 37A Power source (operating mechanism) 37B Compressor (operating mechanism) 37C Generator (operating mechanism) 38 Tank

Claims

1. An aircraft having a rotor that generates lift to fly, and An aircraft system comprising an increasing mechanism that amplifies the wind force of a primary air flow generated when the rotor generates the lift to output a secondary air flow.

2. The aircraft system according to claim 1, further comprising a working device that performs a predetermined operation.

3. The working device is mounted on the aircraft, The aircraft system according to claim 2, wherein the increasing mechanism is mounted on the aircraft.

4. Further comprising a working machine that mounts the working device and performs the operation away from the aircraft, The aircraft flies above the working machine to assist the operation, The aircraft system according to claim 2, wherein the increasing mechanism is mounted on the working machine.

5. The aircraft system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the working device operates using the secondary air flow.

6. Further comprising a power source that receives the secondary air flow to generate power, The aircraft system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the working device operates by the power.

7. The aircraft system according to claim 1, wherein the increasing mechanism can change the amplification rate of the wind force.

8. The aircraft system according to claim 1, further comprising an operating machine that receives the secondary air flow to perform a predetermined operation.

9. The aircraft system according to claim 8, wherein the operating machine is a generator that receives the secondary air flow to generate electricity.

10. The aircraft system according to claim 8, wherein the operating machine is a compressor that receives the secondary air flow to generate compressed air.

11. The aircraft system according to claim 10, further comprising a detachable tank that stores the compressed air.