Tank and flying device with same

Abstract

Provided are a tank capable of individually accommodating a plurality of substances using a single design, and a flying device with the same.　A tank 10 is mounted on a flying device 30. The tank 10 comprises: a tank main body portion 11; and a protruding portion 12 that protrudes downward from the tank main body portion 11. The protruding portion 12 comprises a cutting portion 13 and discharge portions 14. The cutting portion 13 is defined in an intermediate section of the protruding portion 12, and is a part that allows the protruding part 12 to be cut from the intermediate section. The discharge portions 14 are disposed in the protruding portion 12 below the cutting portion 13, and are configured to allow a substance 15 stored in the tank main body portion 11 to pass to the outside.

Description

Tank and flying device equipped with the same

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

[0002] In recent years, flying devices represented by unmanned aircraft (drones) have rapidly expanded their scope of use along with technological innovation and are being utilized in various fields such as agriculture, logistics, disaster response, surveying, and infrastructure inspection. In particular, flying devices equipped with tanks for transporting liquids or solids are in increasing demand for applications such as pesticide spraying, fire-fighting activities during disasters, environmental surveys, and liquid transportation.

[0003] In particular, when a flying device carries a liquid or the like, a tank is provided in the flying device. By storing a liquid inside the tank, liquids such as pesticides can be stably transported.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-117203

[0005] However, there has been room for improvement in the tanks and flying devices mounted on conventional flying devices from the viewpoints of modularization and flexible operation.

[0006] Specifically, a modular design that enables the replacement of the tank according to the application is important for improving the versatility of the flying device. For example, by enabling easy switching between a liquid tank and a solid tank, a single flying device can be used for a variety of applications. However, there is a problem in that the manufacturing cost of the tank may increase if different tanks are prepared for each object to be stored.

[0007] The present invention has been made for the purpose of solving these problems, and an object thereof is to provide a tank that can individually store a plurality of objects with a single design and a flying device equipped with the same.

[0008] The tank according to an embodiment of the present invention is a tank mounted on an aircraft, comprising a tank body and a projection that protrudes downward from the tank body, wherein the projection has a cutting portion and an outlet portion, the cutting portion is defined in the middle of the projection and is a portion that allows the projection to be cut from the middle, and the outlet portion is disposed in the projection below the cutting portion and is configured to allow objects stored in the tank body to pass to the outside.

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention comprises a fuselage section, an arm section, a motor, a rotor, a tank, and a covering section, wherein the fuselage section is configured to be equipped with each component, the arm section is configured to extend outward from the fuselage section, the motor and rotor are provided at the outer end of the arm section, and the tank protrudes above the covering section.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by defining a cut portion in the middle of a protruding portion that extends from the tank body to the outside, the shape of the protruding portion can be varied depending on the type of object stored in the tank. For example, by not cutting the protruding portion 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 on the tip side of the protruding portion. On the other hand, by cutting the protruding portion at the cut portion, another object stored in the tank body, such as a solid, can be discharged to the outside via the protruding portion.

[0011] An embodiment of the present invention comprises a fuselage section, an arm section, a motor, a rotor, a tank, and a covering section, wherein the fuselage section is configured to house each component, the arm section is configured to extend outward from the fuselage section, the motor and rotor are provided at the outer end of the arm section, and the tank protrudes upward above the covering section. According to the present invention, the tank protruding upward allows for an increase in tank capacity.

[0012] These are perspective views, a bottom view, a side view, and a front view showing a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is an exploded perspective view showing a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a perspective view showing an aircraft equipped with a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a top view showing an aircraft equipped with a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a side view showing an aircraft equipped with a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a front view showing an aircraft equipped with a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a perspective view showing a tank, pipes, and pump 24 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a block diagram showing the connection configuration of an aircraft equipped with a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. These are perspective views, a bottom view, a side view, and a front view showing a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a perspective view showing a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is an exploded perspective view showing a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a perspective view showing an aircraft equipped with a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a front view showing an aircraft equipped with a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a block diagram showing the connection configuration of an aircraft equipped with a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is an exploded perspective view showing an aircraft equipped with a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is an exploded front view showing an aircraft equipped with a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a side view showing the connection configuration between the tank and the aircraft body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the front-rear direction refers to the front-rear direction of the aircraft body 31 of the flight device 30. The left-right direction refers to the left-right direction when the flight device 30 is viewed from the front. Furthermore, the left side is one width direction, and the right side is the other width direction. In the following description, the same reference numerals are generally used for the same components, and repeated explanations are omitted.

[0014] In this embodiment, the tank 10 can store various objects 15. The object 15 can be a liquid 151, as described later, or granular solids 152, as described later. The tank 10 has a different form depending on whether it is storing a liquid 151 or granular solids 152. As described later, when the tank 10 stores a liquid 151, the tank 10 is incorporated into the flight device 30 without being cut at the cut section 13. On the other hand, when the tank 10 stores granular solids 152, the tank 10 is incorporated into the flight device 30 after being cut at the cut section 13. In this way, one tank 10 can store either a liquid or a solid object 15, and a single design can accommodate multiple objects 15. Therefore, the cost of designing and manufacturing the tank 10 can be reduced, and the effort required for operation can be reduced.

[0015] The case in which liquid 151 is contained in tank 10 will be explained with reference to Figures 1 to 8. On the other hand, the case in which granular material 152 is contained in tank 10 will be explained with reference to Figures 9 to 14. Figures 15 to 17 detail the related configuration between the machine body 31 and tank 10.

[0016] Figure 1 shows a perspective view, a bottom view, a side view, and a front view of the tank 10 containing liquid 151. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the tank 10.

[0017] The tank 10 is mounted on the flight device 30 and is a container for holding the liquid 151, which will be described later. The tank 10 mainly comprises a tank body 11 and a projection 12 that protrudes downward from the tank body 11. The tank 10 has a shape that allows for the storage of the liquid 151 or granular material 152 as an object 15, and facilitates its transport, replacement, and dispensing.

[0018] The tank body 11 is a container that has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape with a longitudinal direction along the front-to-back direction. More specifically, the length of the tank body 11 along the front-to-back direction is longer than the length along the left-to-right direction. In other words, the tank body 11 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape that is flattened in the left-to-right direction. The material of the tank body 11 can be a synthetic resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyvinyl chloride. The molding method for the tank body 11 can be rotary molding, extrusion molding, vacuum molding, injection molding, etc.

[0019] A cylindrical portion 17 and a handle 19 are formed on the upper surface of the tank body portion 11.

[0020] The cylindrical portion 17 is a substantially cylindrical part located on the upper surface of the tank body portion 11. The cylindrical portion 17 is a substantially cylindrical part with openings on its upper and lower surfaces. The internal space of the cylindrical portion 17 communicates with the internal space of the tank body portion 11. The central axis of the cylindrical portion 17 is inclined forward toward the upward. The upper opening of the cylindrical portion 17 is closed by the lid portion 21. The lid portion 21 will be described later with reference to Figure 2.

[0021] 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 the tank 10 is viewed from the side, the handle 19 has a hook shape. The rear end portion of the handle 19 extends downward and communicates with the upper surface of the tank body 11. The portion of the handle 19 forward of the rear end extends roughly parallel to the upper surface of the tank body 11 and communicates with the rear end portion of the cylindrical portion 17. The handle 19 is a hollow portion. As shown in Figure 2, the front end of the handle 19 communicates with the internal space of the cylindrical portion 17. The rear end of the handle 19 is connected to the upper surface of the tank body 11 and communicates with the internal space of the tank body 11. With this configuration, the internal space of the handle 19 can be easily cleaned. Specifically, when cleaning the handle 19, the inside of the handle 19 can be easily cleaned by circulating cleaning water into the handle 19 from the side of the cylindrical portion 17.

[0022] The lateral projection 26 is a portion formed by making the upper front portion of the tank body 11 protrude forward. As will be described later, the lateral projection 26 is a portion that abuts against or engages with the machine body 31. The lateral projection 26 is also formed on the rear side of the tank body 11 and protrudes backward.

[0023] The engagement receiving portion 22 is a stepped portion on the front side surface of the tank body 11. The engagement receiving portion 22 is formed on the front surface of the lateral projection 26. The engagement receiving portion 22 is a stepped portion in which the lower part protrudes further forward than the upper part. The engagement receiving portion 22 is also formed on the rear side surface of the tank body 11.

[0024] The protruding portion 12 is a portion that protrudes downward in a substantially cylindrical shape from the lower surface of the tank body 11. The protruding portion 12 is located in the center of the lower surface of the tank body 11 in both the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. The lower surface of the tank body 11 is an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the protruding portion 12. The inside of the protruding portion 12 communicates with the internal space of the tank body 11. With this configuration, the object 15 housed inside the tank body 11 flows along the inclined bottom surface of the tank body 11 toward the protruding portion 12 and is efficiently supplied to the outside from the protruding portion 12.

[0025] The protruding portion 12 has a concave portion 16, a cut portion 13, a bulging portion 20, and an outlet portion 14 formed from above.

[0026] The concave portion 16 is a part of the surface of the protruding portion 12 that is recessed inward. Specifically, the concave portion 16 is a part of the protruding portion 12 that is locally recessed radially inward, approximately in the central part in the vertical direction. For example, three concave portions 16 are formed. The concave portions 16 are arranged at equal angular intervals, for example, 120 degrees apart.

[0027] The cutting portion 13 is defined in the middle of the protruding portion 12 and is a part that makes it possible to cut the protruding portion 12 from the middle. Referring to the bottom view shown in the upper right of Figure 1, the cutting portion 13 is a substantially circular part defined on the bottom surface of the protruding portion 12. The cutting portion 13 is defined slightly inward from 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 in the flat part inside the rounded part.

[0028] When the tank 10 contains liquid 151, the protruding portion 12 is not cut at the cutting portion 13. On the other hand, as will be described later with reference to Figure 9, etc., when the tank 10 contains an object 15, such as granules 152 or powder, the protruding portion 12 is cut at the cutting portion 13, and the dispensing device 50, which will be described later, is connected to the cut portion of the protruding portion 12. In this way, if the protruding portion 12 is not cut at the cutting portion 13, the tank 10 can be used for liquid 151. On the other hand, if the protruding portion 12 is cut at the cutting portion 13, the tank 10 can be used for solids. Thus, one tank 10 can be used for either liquid 151 or solids, and the design of the tank 10 can be simplified. Consequently, the design of the aircraft 30 on which the tank 10 is mounted can also be simplified.

[0029] The bulge portion 20 is a part that protrudes downward from the portion of the protruding portion 12 below the cut portion 13. The bulge portion 20 is approximately hemispherical in shape. The internal space of the bulge portion 20 communicates with the internal spaces of the protruding portion 12 and the tank body portion 11. Because the bulge portion 20 is approximately spherical, the liquid 151 stored inside the tank body portion 11 and passing through the protruding portion 12 can be effectively guided through the bulge portion 20 to the outlet portion 14, which will be described later.

[0030] The outlet section 14 is located on the protruding section 12 below the cutting section 13 and is configured to allow the object 15 stored in the tank body 11 to pass to the outside. The outlet section 14 is a substantially pipe-shaped section that extends in a substantially straight line forward and backward from the bulging section 20. The outlet section 14 is a substantially pipe-shaped section with both ends open. Referring to the side view shown on the lower left of Figure 1, the outlet section 14 extends forward and backward from the bottom of the bulging section 20. With this configuration, the liquid 151 stored in the tank body 11 can be effectively guided to the outside. The end of the pipe 35, which will be described later, is connected to the outlet section 14.

[0031] Referring to Figure 2, the outer circumference of the upper end of the cylindrical portion 17 is made uneven along the circumferential direction to form a fitting portion on the main body side. In addition, a fitting portion on the inner surface of the lid portion 21 is formed along the circumferential direction to fit with the fitting portion on the main body side of the cylindrical portion 17. Therefore, by fitting the lid portion 21 into the opening of the cylindrical portion 17 and rotating the lid portion 21, the fitting portion on the main body side and the fitting portion on the lid side are fitted together. Thus, the lid portion 21 seals the upper end opening of the cylindrical portion 17, and the liquid 151 stored in the tank body portion 11 does not leak out from the connection between the cylindrical portion 17 and the lid portion 21.

[0032] The filtration section 23 is fitted into the upper end opening of the cylindrical section 17 and is the part that captures impurities contained in the liquid 151 when the liquid 151 is supplied from the cylindrical section 17 to the tank body section 11. The filtration section 23 is a part that has a substantially cylindrical shape. The upper end of the filtration section 23 protrudes radially outward in a flange shape, and this protruding part 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.

[0033] According to the tank 10 of this embodiment, by defining a cut portion 13 in the middle of the protruding portion 12 that protrudes from the tank body 11 to the outside, the shape of the protruding portion 12 can be made different depending on the type of object 15 stored in the tank 10. For example, by not cutting the protruding portion 12 with the cut portion 13, the liquid 151 stored in the tank body 11 can be discharged to the outside through the outlet portion 14 formed on the tip side of the protruding portion 12. On the other hand, as will be described later, by cutting the protruding portion 12 with the cut portion 13, another object 15 stored in the tank body 11, such as granular material 152, can be discharged to the outside via the protruding portion 12.

[0034] Furthermore, since a concave portion 16 is formed on the protruding portion 12, when the protruding portion 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 concave portion 16 of the protruding portion 12, thereby firmly connecting the connecting member 18 to the protruding portion 12.

[0035] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the flying device 30 equipped with the tank 10. Figure 4 is a top view showing the flying device 30 equipped with the tank 10. Figure 5 is a side view showing the flying device 30 equipped with the tank 10. Figure 6 is a front view showing the flying device 30 equipped with the tank 10.

[0036] Referring to Figures 3 to 6, the flight device 30 is a device commonly referred to as a drone. Specifically, the flight device 30 is either an electric drone or an engine-powered drone. In an electric drone, a motor 33, which will be described later, powered by a battery 42, rotates a rotor 34, thereby obtaining thrust for the flight device 30 to float. In an engine-powered drone, the energy generated by the engine's operation provides thrust for the flight device 30 to float. As an engine-powered drone, the flight device 30 is either a series hybrid drone or a parallel hybrid drone. In a series hybrid drone, the engine drives a generator, which will be described later, and the motor 33, which will be described later, powered by the generator, rotates a rotor 34, which will be described later. In a parallel hybrid drone, in addition to the electrical drive system in which the motor 33 rotates the rotor 34, the engine mechanically rotates another large rotor. In this embodiment, an electric drone is used as an example.

[0037] Specifically, the flight device 30 includes an airframe 31, a tank 10, an arm 32, a motor 33, and a transceiver 64.

[0038] The main body 31 is the main body of the tank 10 and is the part that supports each component of the tank 10. When viewed from above, the main body 31 is a part made up of hollow rectangular prism members combined in a roughly square shape.

[0039] Tank 10 is a container for holding the substance 15 to be sprayed. The configuration of tank 10 is as described above, with reference to Figure 1, etc.

[0040] Referring to Figure 4, the arm portion 32 is a roughly rod-shaped part that extends outward from the main body portion 31. The arm portion 32 is configured to extend outward from the corner of the main body portion 31. Each arm portion 32 extends toward the front left, rear left, rear right, and front right. A motor 33 and rotor 34, which will be described later, are arranged at the outer ends of the arm portions 32.

[0041] The motors 33 are disposed at the outer ends of the respective arm portions 32. The motors 33 receive power supply from a battery 42, which will be described later, and rotate the rotors 34.

[0042] The rotors 34 are disposed at the outer ends of the respective arm portions 32. When the rotors 34 are rotated by the motors 33, they generate a vertically upward thrust.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 5, the extension portion 38 is a substantially rod-shaped portion extending downward from the outer end of each pipe 36. The extension portion 38 is a substantially cylindrical portion, to which the pipe 36 is connected on the upper end side, and a nozzle 37 is disposed on the lower end side. The nozzle 37 has a function of uniformly dispersing the liquid 151 toward the surroundings.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 4, when the flying device 30 is viewed from above, inside the body portion 31, a first covering portion 39, a tank 10, and a second covering portion 40 are disposed from the left. The first covering portion 39 is a cover that covers the left portion of the upper surface opening of the body portion 31. The tank 10 is as described above. The second covering portion 40 is a cover that covers the right portion of the upper surface opening of the body portion 31. The upper surface of the battery 42 is exposed from the middle portion of the second covering portion 40. The first covering portion 39 and the second covering portion 40 are members made of a synthetic resin having a substantially plate shape. In other words, various electrical components disposed on the right and left sides of the body portion 31 are covered from above by the first covering portion 39 and the second covering portion 40.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 5, the handle 19 and the lid portion 21 of the tank 10 are disposed above the upper surface of the body portion 31. Since the lid portion 21 is disposed above the upper surface of the body portion 31, the user can attach and detach the lid portion 21 and supply an object 15 to the inside of the tank 10 while the tank 10 is incorporated in the body portion 31. Since the handle 19 is disposed above the upper surface of the body portion 31, the user can easily grasp the handle 19 and take out the tank 10 from the body portion 31.

[0046] Further, the tank body portion 11 of the tank 10 protrudes upward beyond the upper surface of the airframe portion 31. With such a configuration, the volume of the liquid 151 stored in the tank body portion 11 can be increased. Also, the pump 24 is connected to the pipe 36 shown in FIG. 5 and the like.

[0047] The pipes 36 connect the respective extension portions 38 and nozzles 37 to the pump 24. The pipes 36 are disposed along the lower surfaces of the respective arm portions 32. Due to the driving force of the pump 24, the liquid 151 stored inside the tank body portion 11 is sucked out, and then is sprayed downward of the flying device 30 via the pipes 36, the extension portions 38, and the nozzles 37.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the tank 10, the pipe 35, and the pump 24.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 7, as described above, the bulging portion 20 is formed at the lower end of the tank 10, and the leading portions 14 lead forward and backward from the bulging portion 20. The pipes 35 are connected to the respective leading portions 14. Also, the pumps 24 are connected to the respective pipes 35.

[0050] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the connection configuration of the tank 10.

[0051] The flying device 30 mainly includes an arithmetic control unit 60, a battery 42, a sensor 61, a communication unit 62, a motor 33, a storage unit 63, and a pump 24. Further, the flying device 30 has a transceiver 64 as something not mounted on the flying device 30. The flying device 30 can employ the liquid 151, more specifically, the liquid pesticide, as the object 15 described above. By doing so, the flying device 30 can be used as a pesticide spraying machine for spraying the liquid pesticide on the farm.

[0052] The arithmetic control unit 60 is, for example, a CPU and is configured to perform information processing and give instructions for the flight device 30 to fly and spray pesticides. Specifically, the arithmetic control unit 60 processes data from 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. In addition, if the arithmetic control unit 60 has an autopilot function, it adjusts the drone's flight based on a control algorithm. Furthermore, the arithmetic control unit 60 manages data communication between the flight device 30 and the transceiver 64. For example, it receives commands from the operator via the transceiver 64 and applies them to the motors 33 and rudders of the flight device 30, and transmits status information of the flight device 30 (battery level, liquid 151 level, flight status, etc.) to the transceiver 64. Furthermore, the arithmetic control unit 60 monitors the status of the battery 42 and performs appropriate battery management, such as issuing warnings based on flight time and remaining charge. In this embodiment, the arithmetic control unit 60 also controls pesticide spraying, for example, by controlling the pump 24.

[0053] The battery 42 is a rechargeable secondary battery mounted on the aircraft body 31, and is a lithium-ion battery, for example. The battery 42 supplies power for the operation of each component mounted on the flight device 30. The battery 42 also supplies power for the motor 33 to rotate.

[0054] Sensor 61 is used to control the position and attitude of the flight device 30. Data indicating each physical quantity detected by sensor 61 is transmitted to the arithmetic control unit 60. Examples of sensors 61 include an accelerometer, gyroscope, GPS sensor, and barometric pressure sensor. The accelerometer detects the acceleration acting on the flight device 30. This information is used to measure the movement and vibration of the flight device 30 in real time and to control it to ensure stability during flight. The gyroscope 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 the 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.

[0055] The communication unit 62 is the part that performs wireless or wired communication with the transceiver 64. The information that the user instructs the transceiver 64, such as information regarding the flight mode of the flying device 30, or information regarding the spraying of pesticides by the pump 24, is input to the calculation control unit 60 via the communication unit 62.

[0056] The motor 33 rotates the rotor 34 described above. The motor 33 rotates the rotor 34, causing the flying device 30 to float in the air. While the flying 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 flying device 30.

[0057] The memory unit 63 is, for example, a semiconductor memory device such as RAM or ROM. The memory unit 63 stores the programs and parameters required for the flight device 30 to fly. The memory unit 63 also stores the programs and parameters required for the flight device 30 to spray pesticides.

[0058] The transceiver 64, also called a proportional transmitter, is a device used by 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. The transceiver 64 also transmits signals to the flight device 30 to operate the pump 24 in order to spray pesticides, based on the pilot's input.

[0059] Referring to the figures mentioned above, an example of the operation of the flying device 30 will be described, specifically the operation when the flying device 30 sprays liquid 151.

[0060] First, prepare the flying device 30. That is, referring to Figure 3, remove the lid 21 and introduce liquid 151, such as liquid pesticide, into the tank 10, then close the lid 21.

[0061] Subsequently, the pilot operates the transceiver 64 to make the flight device 30 float in the air. After that, the flight device 30 continues flying along a predetermined path, either by the pilot operating the transceiver 64 or according to a program stored in the memory unit 63.

[0062] The flying device 30 moves through the air at a predetermined altitude while spraying liquid 151. Referring specifically to Figure 5, the pump 24 is operated according to the instructions of the calculation control unit 60, so that the liquid 151 inside the tank body 11 can be sprayed downwards from the flying device 30 via pipe 35, pump 24, pipe 36, extension unit 38, and nozzle 37. The sprayed liquid 151 is then applied to crops such as rice.

[0063] Next, referring to Figures 9 to 14, the configuration of the tank 10 when containing solid granular material 152 will be explained. The configuration of the tank 10 and the flight device 30 described below is, in principle, the same as that described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. Therefore, the following explanation will focus only on the differences, and the explanation of overlapping parts will be omitted.

[0064] Figure 9 shows a perspective view, a bottom view, a side view, and a front view of the tank 10 containing the granular material 152.

[0065] The configuration of the tank 10 shown in Figure 9 and other figures is substantially the same as that described with reference to Figure 1. In this tank 10, an opening 25 is formed on 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 Figure 1. The tank 10 shown here contains granular material 152 as an object 15. The granular material 152 is, for example, granular pesticide. The granular material 152 is put into the tank body 11 from the cylindrical portion 17 with the lid portion 21 removed. As will be described later, the granular material 152 is scattered downwards from the opening 25.

[0066] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the tank body 11 to which the spraying device 50 is attached. Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the tank 10 and the spraying device 50 in a disassembled state.

[0067] Referring to Figure 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 the granular material 152 stored inside the tank body 11 downwards. The spraying device 50 has a main body 51 and a rotating part 52.

[0068] The main body portion 51 is a roughly cylindrical part that widens towards the bottom. The upper end of the rotating portion 52 is fixed to the protruding portion 12 of the tank main body portion 11 by a connecting member 18. The fixing structure by the connecting member 18 will be described later with reference to Figure 11. The lower surface of the main body portion 51 is an open lower opening 512.

[0069] The rotating part 52 is a roughly circular disc-shaped portion that is positioned to close the lower opening 512 of the main body 51.

[0070] A shutter (not shown) is provided inside the main body 51 to restrict the downward movement of the granules 152. When the shutter is open, the granules 152 can move downward inside the main body 51. When the shutter is closed, the granules 152 cannot move downward inside the main body 51.

[0071] Furthermore, the main body 51 contains an actuator (not shown) that controls the vertical movement and rotation of the rotating part 52. The actuator allows the rotating part 52 to move vertically. When the rotating part 52 is positioned on the upper side, it closes the lower opening of the main body 51, preventing the granular material 152 from being scattered downwards. On the other hand, when the rotating part 52 is positioned on the lower side, a gap is formed between the periphery of the lower opening 512 of the main body 51 and the rotating part 52, allowing the granular material 152 to be scattered 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 aforementioned shutter is open, the rotation of the rotating part 52 causes the granular material 152 to be scattered downwards through the gap.

[0072] The shutter and actuator are connected to the aforementioned calculation control unit 60 via a harness (not shown). The spraying device 50 can start and stop the spraying of granular material 152 based on instructions from the operator via the aforementioned transceiver 64.

[0073] Referring to Figure 11, the upper end portion of the main body 51 is a substantially cylindrical upper cylindrical portion 511. The upper cylindrical portion 511 is provided with through portions 513. The through portions 513 are substantially cylindrical parts that penetrate the upper cylindrical portion 511, and screw grooves are formed on their inner surface. The through portions 513 are arranged at substantially equal intervals along the circumference of the upper cylindrical portion 511. The positions of the through portions 513 in the circumferential direction correspond to the positions of the aforementioned concave portions 16. The connecting members 18 are parts that have a substantially screw shape. The connecting members 18 are screwed into each of the through portions 513. The tip of the connecting member 18 is inserted into and contacts the concave portion 16. With this configuration, the upper end portion of the main body 51 is fixed to the protruding portion 12 of the tank main body 11.

[0074] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the flying device 30 equipped with a spraying device 50 and a tank 10. Figure 13 is a front view showing the flying device 30 equipped with a spraying device 50 and a tank 10.

[0075] The configuration of the flying device 30 shown in Figures 12 and 13 is, in principle, the same as that described with reference to Figure 3, etc. Here, a spraying device 50 is provided below the tank 10, allowing for the spraying of, for example, granular pesticides, such as granular pesticides, granular material 152. As shown in Figure 13, the spraying device 50 is positioned inside the skid 41. Furthermore, the lower end of the spraying device 50 is positioned above the lower end of the main body 51. With this configuration, when the flying device 30 lands or is placed on a surface, the lower surface of the spraying device 50 can be lifted above the surface.

[0076] Figure 14 shows the connection configuration of the flying device 30. The connection configuration and operation of the flying device 30 shown in Figure 14 are the same as those shown in Figure 8, except that it has a spraying device 50 instead of a pump 24.

[0077] Referring to the figures mentioned above, an example of the operation of the flying device 30 will be described, specifically the operation when the flying device 30 scatters the granular material 152.

[0078] First, prepare the flying device 30. That is, referring to Figure 10, remove the lid 21 and introduce the granular material 152, for example, granular pesticide, into the tank 10, then close the lid 21.

[0079] Subsequently, the pilot operates the transceiver 64 to make the flight device 30 float in the air. After that, the flight device 30 continues flying along a predetermined path, either by the pilot operating the transceiver 64 or according to a program stored in the memory unit 63.

[0080] The flying device 30 moves through the air at a predetermined altitude while scattering the granular material 152. That is, it causes the main body 51 to perform a scattering operation according to the instructions of the calculation control unit 60. Specifically, the shutter located inside the main body 51 shown in Figure 10 is opened, allowing the granular material 152 stored inside the tank main body 11 to move downward. Next, the actuator moves the rotating part 52 downward and then rotates it. As a result, the granular material 152 is scattered downward from the gap between the main body 51 and the rotating part 52. The scattered granular material 152 is then scattered onto crops such as rice.

[0081] The configuration of the flight device 30, which allows the tank 10 to be attached and detached, will be explained with reference to Figures 15 to 17. Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of the flight device 30 showing the configuration for attaching and detaching the tank 10. Figure 16 is an exploded side view of the flight device 30 showing the configuration for attaching and detaching the tank 10. Figure 17 is a side view of the portion of the flight device 30 into which the tank 10 is incorporated.

[0082] Referring to Figures 15 and 16, the tank 10 is detachable in the flying device 30. That is, when liquid 151 is used as the object 15 to be sprayed by the flying device 30, the tank 10 with the protruding portion 12 not cut off is installed on the aircraft body 31, as shown in Figure 3. On the other hand, when granular material 152 is used as the object 15 to be sprayed by the flying device 30, the tank 10 with the protruding portion 12 cut off and the spraying device 50 attached is installed on the aircraft body 31, as shown in Figure 10. It is easy to switch between the tank 10 that sprays liquid 151 and the tank 10 that sprays granular material 152. Therefore, the flying device 30 according to this embodiment can handle the spraying of both liquid 151 and granular material 152 by preparing these tanks 10.

[0083] Referring to Figure 15, when the flight device 30 is viewed from above, the airframe 31 is composed of square-shaped pipe members arranged in a roughly square shape. The various components that make up the flight device 30 are housed in the area enclosed by the airframe 31. For example, the tank 10, battery 42, first electrical box 43, second electrical box 44, etc., are housed inside the airframe 31.

[0084] The battery 42 and the first electrical box 43 are located inside the aircraft body 31, on the right side which is the first end. The battery 42 and the first electrical box 43 are covered from above by the second covering portion 40. Here, as shown in Figure 4, the upper surface of the battery 42 is not covered by the second covering portion 40 and is exposed upwards.

[0085] The second electrical box 44 is located inside the aircraft body 31, on the left side which is the second end. The second electrical box 44 is covered from above by the first covering portion 39, which serves as a covering portion.

[0086] Inside the main body 31, a mounting area 45 is provided in the center in the left-right direction. An engaging portion 46 is provided in the part of the main body 31 where the mounting area 45 is defined. The engaging portion 46 is a jig for fixing the tank 10.

[0087] Referring further to Figure 15, the skid 41 has a first skid portion 411 and a second skid portion 412. The skid 41 is generally a frame structure that has a roughly flat rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0088] Each first skid section 411 is positioned at a corner of the aircraft body 31. Each first skid section 411 is a roughly rod-shaped member extending downward from the corner of the aircraft body 31. Each first skid section 411 slopes outward downward, that is, forward, backward, left, or right. Therefore, the width L11 between the lower ends of the front left first skid section 411 and the front right first skid section 411 is greater than the width L10 between the upper ends. Furthermore, the width L11 between the lower ends of the first skid sections 411 is greater than the width of the aircraft body 31 in the left-right direction. The same applies in the front-rear direction. In this way, the skids 41 can be made to flare downward, allowing the aircraft 30 to land stably using the skids 41.

[0089] Furthermore, the lower ends of each skid 41 are connected by a second skid section 412. This configuration allows for reinforcement of the first skid section 411.

[0090] Referring to Figure 16, a mounting area 45 is defined in the center of the interior of the machine body 31 in the left-right direction. The mounting area 45 is a cavity approximately the same size as the tank 10. By defining the mounting area 45 inside the machine body 31, the tank 10 can be easily replaced.

[0091] Referring to Figure 17, the configuration in which the tank 10 is fixed to the aircraft body 31 will be explained.

[0092] An engaging portion 46 is provided at the outer end of the aircraft body 31. The engaging portion 46 is, for example, made of an elastically deformable metal wire with both ends fixed to the outer surface of the aircraft body 31. The middle portion of the engaging claw portion 461 has an engaging claw portion 461 that is convex inward in the front-rear direction.

[0093] The lateral projections 26 of the tank body 11 abut against and engage with the aircraft body 31 from above. This configuration allows the position of the tank 10 relative to the aircraft body 31 to be defined in the vertical direction. The front and rear surfaces of the tank body 11 abut against the inner surfaces of the aircraft body 31. Furthermore, the engaging claws 461 of the engaging portion 46 engage with the engaging receiving portion 22 of the tank body 11. In this way, the tank 10 can be firmly fixed to the aircraft body 31. Here, since the engaging portion 46 is made of an elastic metal, the tank 10 can be easily removed from the aircraft body 31 and replaced by elastically deforming the engaging claws 461 outward in the front-rear direction.

[0094] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0095] The inventions that can be understood from the embodiments described above, along with their effects, are described below.

[0096] The tank according to an embodiment of the present invention is a tank mounted on an aircraft, comprising a tank body and a projection that protrudes downward from the tank body, wherein the projection has a cut portion and an outlet portion, the cut portion is defined in the middle of the projection and is a portion that allows the projection to be cut from the middle, and the outlet portion is disposed on the projection below the cut portion and is configured to allow an object stored in the tank body to pass to the outside. According to the tank of the present invention, by defining a cut portion in the middle of the projection that protrudes from the tank body to the outside, the shape of the projection can be made different depending on the type of object stored in the tank. For example, by not cutting the projection with the cut portion, an object stored in the tank body, such as a liquid, can be led out to the outside through the outlet portion formed on the tip side of the projection. On the other hand, by cutting the projection with the cut portion, another object stored in the tank body, such as a solid, can be led out to the outside via the projection.

[0097] Furthermore, in the tank according to the embodiment of the present invention, a concave portion is formed by indenting the surface of the protruding portion inward. According to the tank of the present invention, since a concave portion is formed on the protruding portion, when the protruding portion is cut at the cutting portion, the convex portion of the connecting member can be fitted into the concave portion of the protruding portion, thereby firmly connecting the connecting member to the protruding portion.

[0098] Furthermore, the tank according to the embodiment of the present invention is further provided with a bulge, the bulge being characterized by protruding downward from the portion of the protruding part below the cut portion. According to the tank of the present invention, the liquid stored in the tank body can be effectively guided to the outside via the bulge.

[0099] Furthermore, in the tank according to the embodiment of the present invention, the tank is configured to be able to contain both a liquid and a solid. When the tank contains a liquid, the protruding portion is not cut at the cut portion. When the tank contains a solid, the protruding portion is cut at the cut portion, and a spraying device is connected to the cut portion of the protruding portion. According to the tank of the present invention, if the protruding portion is not cut at the cut portion, the tank can be used for liquids, and if the protruding portion is cut at the cut portion, the tank can be used for solids. Therefore, one tank can be used for either liquids or solids, and the design of the tank can be simplified. Consequently, the design of the aircraft on which the tank is mounted can also be simplified.

[0100] Furthermore, in the tank according to the embodiment of the present invention, the solid is characterized in that it is in granular form. According to the tank of the present invention, a fluid such as a granular pesticide can be sprayed.

[0101] An embodiment of the present invention comprises a fuselage section, an arm section, a motor, a rotor, a tank, and a covering section, wherein the fuselage section is configured to house each component, the arm section is configured to extend outward from the fuselage section, the motor and rotor are provided at the outer end of the arm section, and the tank protrudes upward above the covering section. According to the present invention, the tank protruding upward allows for an increase in tank capacity.

[0102] Furthermore, in the flying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the covering portion comprises a first covering portion and a second covering portion, wherein the first covering portion covers the first end side of the aircraft body, the second covering portion covers the second end side opposite to the first end side, and the tank is disposed between the first covering portion and the second covering portion. According to the flying device of the present invention, the first covering portion and the second covering portion can cover components such as electrical equipment housed in the aircraft body. Furthermore, the capacity of the tank can be increased.

[0103] Furthermore, in the flying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the tank has a lateral projection, and the lateral projection is configured to abut against the aircraft body. According to the flying device of the present invention, the tank can be easily positioned relative to the aircraft body by the lateral projection abutting against the aircraft body.

[0104] Furthermore, in the flying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, an engaging portion made of an elastically deformable material is attached to the airframe, an engaging receiving portion is formed on the side surface of the tank, and the engaging portion engages with the engaging receiving portion. According to the flying device of the present invention, since the engaging portion that engages with the tank is elastically deformable, the tank can be easily replaced.

[0105] 10 Tank 11 Tank body 12 Protruding part 13 Cutting part 14 Outlet part 15 Object 151 Liquid 152 Granules 16 Concave part 17 Cylindrical part 18 Connecting member 19 Handle 20 Bulging part 21 Lid part 22 Engaging receiving part 23 Filtration part 24 Pump 25 Opening 26 Lateral protrusion 30 Flying device 31 Airframe part 32 Arm part 33 Motor 34 Rotor 35 Pipe 36 Pipe 37 Nozzle 38 Extension part 39 First covering part 40 Second covering part 41 Skid 411 First skid part 412 Second skid part 42 Battery 43 First electrical box 44 Second electrical box 45 Mounting area 46 Engaging part 461 Engaging claw portion 50 Spraying device 51 Main body portion 511 Upper cylindrical portion 512 Lower opening 513 Through portion 52 Rotating portion 60 Calculation control unit 61 Sensor 62 Communication unit 63 Memory unit 64 Transmitter / receiver

Claims

1. A tank mounted on an aircraft, comprising a tank body and a projection extending downward from the tank body, wherein the projection has a cutting portion and an outlet portion, the cutting portion is defined in the middle of the projection and is a portion that allows the projection to be cut from the middle, and the outlet portion is disposed on the projection below the cutting portion and is configured to allow objects stored in the tank body to pass to the outside.

2. The tank according to claim 1, characterized in that a concave portion is formed by indenting the surface of the protruding portion inward.

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

4. The tank according to claim 1, wherein the tank is configured to contain a liquid and a solid, and when the tank contains the liquid, the protruding portion is not cut at the cut portion, and when the tank contains the solid, the protruding portion is cut at the cut portion, and a spraying device is connected to the protruding portion of the cut portion.

5. The tank according to claim 4, characterized in that the solid is in granular form.

6. A tank mounted on an aircraft, comprising a tank body and a projection extending downward from the tank body, wherein the projection has a cutting portion and an outlet portion, the cutting portion is defined in the middle of the projection and is a portion that allows the projection to be cut from the middle, the outlet portion is disposed on the projection below the cutting portion and is configured to allow an object stored in the tank body to pass to the outside, the tank is configured to be able to contain a liquid and a solid, when the tank contains a liquid, the projection is not cut at the cutting portion, when the tank contains a solid, the projection is cut at the cutting portion and a spraying device is connected to the cut portion of the projection.

7. An aircraft comprising a body section, an arm section, a motor, a rotor, a tank, and a covering section, wherein the body section is configured to accommodate each component, the arm section is configured to extend outward from the body section, the motor and rotor are provided at the outer end of the arm section, and the tank protrudes above the covering section.

8. The aircraft according to claim 7, wherein the covering portion comprises a first covering portion and a second covering portion, the first covering portion covers the first end side of the aircraft body portion, the second covering portion covers the second end side opposite to the first end side, and the tank is disposed between the first covering portion and the second covering portion.

9. The aircraft according to claim 7, characterized in that the tank has a lateral projection, and the lateral projection is configured to abut against the aircraft body.

10. The aircraft device according to claim 7, characterized in that an engaging portion made of an elastically deformable material is attached to the aircraft body, an engaging receiving portion is formed on the side of the tank, and the engaging portion engages with the engaging receiving portion.

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