JP2024104636A - Electric device function exhibiting system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electric device function exhibiting system flying an electric device at a position away from a reference position to dispose it and capable of exhibiting a function included in the electric device.

SOLUTION: The electric device function exhibiting system comprises: a first connection; an unmanned aircraft; a second connection; an electric device; and a power reception unit. The first connection is provided at a separated position away from a reference position. The unmanned aircraft flies between the reference position and the reference position, and can move vertically, crossly, and horizontally in a prescribed direction. The second connection is provided on the unmanned aircraft, and flies together with the unmanned aircraft. The second connection is detachably connected to the first connection at the separated position. The electric device is provided on the unmanned aircraft, and flies together with the unmanned aircraft. The electric device exhibits a function at the separated position. The power reception unit receives power used to fly together with the unmanned aircraft and cause the unmanned aircraft and the electric device to exhibit the functions.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an electrical equipment function performance system.

For example, when installing or maintaining electrical equipment such as lighting fixtures at high altitudes, scaffolding may be required. When installing or maintaining electrical equipment using scaffolding, this can take a lot of time and can be expensive.

In recent years, there has been technology that uses unmanned aerial vehicles known as drones and multicopters to transport various types of equipment to locations away from a reference position.

JP 2022-123720 A

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide an electrical device function activation system that can fly and place an electrical device at a position away from a reference position and activate the functions of the electrical device.

According to an embodiment, the electrical device function performance system includes a first connection unit, an unmanned aerial vehicle, a second connection unit, and an electrical device. The first connection unit is provided at a remote position away from a reference position. The unmanned aerial vehicle flies between the reference position and the remote position using remote control flight or automatic driving technology, and is capable of moving up and down, forward and backward, and left and right with respect to a predetermined orientation. The second connection unit is provided on the unmanned aerial vehicle and flies together with the unmanned aerial vehicle. The second connection unit is detachably connected to the first connection unit at the remote position. The electrical device is provided on the unmanned aerial vehicle and flies together with the unmanned aerial vehicle. The electrical device performs its function at the remote position. The power receiving unit flies together with the unmanned aerial vehicle and receives power used to perform the functions of the unmanned aerial vehicle and the electrical device.

The present invention provides an electrical device function performance system that can fly and place an electrical device at a position away from a reference position and enable the electrical device to perform its functions.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an electrical appliance function implementation system according to first to seventh embodiments. A schematic diagram showing the unmanned aircraft assembly of the electrical equipment function performance system of the first embodiment placed in a reference position. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly of the electrical equipment function performance system according to the first embodiment positioned in a separated position. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state in which the second connection portion of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly is connected to the first connection portion in the spaced apart position shown in FIG. 3 . A schematic diagram showing the state in which wireless power transmission is performed between the power transmitting unit of the power supply unit and the power receiving unit of the battery unit of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly. A schematic diagram showing the separated position of the electrical equipment function performance system according to the second embodiment, and the arrangement of the unmanned aircraft and electrical equipment of the unmanned aircraft assembly. A schematic diagram showing the separated position of the electrical equipment function performance system according to the third embodiment, and the arrangement of the unmanned aircraft and electrical equipment of the unmanned aircraft assembly. A schematic diagram showing the separated position of the electrical equipment function performance system in the fourth embodiment, and the arrangement of the unmanned aircraft and electrical equipment of the unmanned aircraft assembly. A schematic diagram showing the unmanned aircraft assembly of the electrical equipment function performance system according to the fourth embodiment positioned in a separated position. A schematic diagram showing the separated position of the electrical equipment function performance system in the fifth embodiment, and the arrangement of the unmanned aircraft and electrical equipment of the unmanned aircraft assembly. A schematic diagram showing the unmanned aircraft assembly of the electrical equipment function performance system according to the sixth embodiment placed in the reference position. A schematic diagram showing the unmanned aircraft assembly of the electrical equipment function performance system according to the sixth embodiment positioned in a separated position. A schematic diagram showing the unmanned aircraft assembly of the electrical equipment function performance system according to the seventh embodiment placed in the reference position. A schematic diagram showing the unmanned aircraft assembly of the electrical equipment function performance system according to the seventh embodiment positioned in a separated position. FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of an electrical appliance function implementation system according to an eighth embodiment. A schematic diagram showing the state in which the first connection portion of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly is connected to the second connection portion at the separated position of the electrical equipment function performance system relating to the eighth embodiment.

The electric device function performance system (10) of the embodiment has a first connection part (16; 36), an unmanned aerial vehicle (32), a second connection part (36; 16), and an electric device (34). The first connection part (16; 36) is provided at a distanced position (P2) away from a reference position (P1). The unmanned aerial vehicle (32) flies between the reference position (P1) and the distanced position (P2) using remote control flight or automatic driving technology, and can move up and down, forward and backward, and left and right with respect to a predetermined direction. The second connection part (36; 16) is provided on the unmanned aerial vehicle (32). The second connection part (36; 16) flies together with the unmanned aerial vehicle (32) and is detachably connected to the first connection part (16; 36) at the distanced position (P2). The electric device (34) is provided on the unmanned aerial vehicle (32). The electric equipment (34) flies together with the unmanned aerial vehicle (32) and functions at the separated position (P2). The power receiving unit (62) flies together with the unmanned aerial vehicle (32) and receives power used to enable the unmanned aerial vehicle (32) and the electric equipment (34) to function.
The electric device function activation system (10) can fly the electric device (34) provided on the unmanned aerial vehicle (32) together with the unmanned aerial vehicle (32) to a remote position (P2) away from the reference position (P1), and connect the unmanned aerial vehicle (32) to the remote position (P2). The electric device function activation system (10) can activate the function of the electric device (34) at the remote position (P2). For this reason, the electric device (34) can be connected to the remote position (P2) away from the reference position (P1), such as a high place, without installing scaffolding or the like. The electric device (34) can also activate its function at the remote position (P2). At this time, the power receiving unit (62) receives electric power, and the electric power can be used to activate the functions of the unmanned aerial vehicle (32) and the electric device (34).

The electric device function performance system (10) of the embodiment includes a first connection part (16; 36), an unmanned aerial vehicle (32), a battery unit (59), a second connection part (36; 16), and an electric device (34). The first connection part (16; 36) is provided at a remote position (P2) away from a reference position (P1), and includes a power transmission part (24) connected to a power source (22). The unmanned aerial vehicle (32) flies between the reference position (P1) and the remote position (P2) using remote control flight or automatic driving technology, and can move up and down, forward and backward, and left and right with respect to a predetermined direction. The battery unit (59) flies together with the unmanned aerial vehicle (32). The battery unit (59) has a power receiving unit (62) that wirelessly receives power transmitted from the power transmitting unit (24), and a battery (64) that charges and discharges the power received by the power receiving unit (62) to operate the unmanned aerial vehicle (32). The second connection unit (36; 16) is provided on the unmanned aerial vehicle (32) and flies together with the unmanned aerial vehicle (32). The second connection unit (36; 16) is detachably connected to the first connection unit (16; 36) at the separated position (P2). The electric device (34) is provided on the unmanned aerial vehicle (32) and flies together with the unmanned aerial vehicle (32). The electric device (34) performs its function by power transmission in which the power receiving unit (62) wirelessly receives power from the power transmitting unit (24) at the separated position (P2).
The electric device function performance system (10) can fly and place an electric device (34) provided on an unmanned aerial vehicle (32) at a remote position (P2) away from a reference position (P1). The electric device function performance system (10) can perform the function of the electric device (34) by wireless power transmission from a power transmission unit (24) provided at the remote position (P2) and connected to a power source (22). For this reason, the electric device (34) can be connected to a remote position (P2) away from the reference position (P1), such as a high place, without installing scaffolding, and further, the electric device (34) can be continuously supplied with power from the power transmission unit (24), so that the function of the electric device (34) can be continuously performed. In addition, since the electric device (34) receives power from the power transmission unit (24) at the remote position (P2) by wireless power transmission, there is no need to perform wiring connection.

The electrical equipment (34) of the embodiment is provided on the underside of the unmanned aerial vehicle (32).
Therefore, the electric equipment (34) is unlikely to interfere with the flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle (32). By providing the electric equipment (34) on the underside of the unmanned aerial vehicle (32), the center of gravity of the assembly (12) of the electric equipment (34) and the unmanned aerial vehicle (32) can be made lower. Therefore, when the assembly (12) is flown, the flight can be easily stabilized.

The electric device (34) of the embodiment has at least one of an electromagnetic wave generating unit that generates electromagnetic waves and a sound wave generating unit that generates sound waves.
For example, by emitting light (illumination light) as part of the electromagnetic waves, it is possible to illuminate an appropriate area, such as the area below the electrical device (34) connected to the separated position (P2). Also, at the separated position (P2), it is possible to relay or generate radio waves as part of the electromagnetic waves. Also, by using a speaker as the sound wave generator, it is possible to deliver audio information to a wider area.

The system (10) of the embodiment includes a camera (48) mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle (32) for monitoring the connection status between the first connection portion (16; 36) and the second connection portion (36; 16).
Therefore, when the unmanned aerial vehicle (32) is connected to, for example, the separated position (P2) or disconnected from the separated position (P2), the connection can be performed based on information from the camera (48). Therefore, when the unmanned aerial vehicle (32) is operated by remote control, the image of the camera (48) can be obtained in real time, and the operability can be improved when the unmanned aerial vehicle (32) is connected to, for example, the separated position (P2) or disconnected from the separated position (P2) based on the image. Furthermore, when the unmanned aerial vehicle (32) is connected to, for example, the separated position (P2) using an automatic driving technology or disconnected from the separated position (P2), the camera (48) can be used as one of the sensors to assist in connecting the unmanned aerial vehicle (32) to, for example, the separated position (P2) or disconnecting from the separated position (P2) based on the image acquired by the camera (48).

Some embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment
An electric appliance function enabling system 10 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5 .

Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of the electrical equipment function performance system 10. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the reference position P1 and the separated position P2 according to this embodiment, and the position of the unmanned aircraft assembly 12 before movement. Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the reference position P1 and the separated position P2 according to this embodiment, and the position of the unmanned aircraft assembly 12 after movement. Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram showing the connection state of the unmanned aircraft assembly 12 to the separated position P2 according to this embodiment. Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram showing the state in which wireless power is transmitted from the power transmission section 24 of the power supply unit 14 of the electrical equipment function performance system 10 to the power receiving section of the battery unit 59 of the unmanned aircraft assembly 12.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electrical equipment function performance system 10 includes a main controller 100, an unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12, a power supply unit 14, and a first connection portion 16.

The main controller 100 is a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a server. The main controller 100 is composed of one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The main controller 100 performs various processes based on programs stored in a memory or storage. In other words, the main controller 100 executes various programs as a software function unit. The main controller 100 may use an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) as a hardware function unit instead of a CPU. The program executed by the processor of the main controller 100 may be stored in a computer (server) connected to the main controller 100 via a network 100a such as the Internet, or in a server in a cloud environment.

The main controller 100 can communicate with the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 and the power unit 14 via the network 100a, and controls the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 and the power unit 14.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 flies and moves between a reference position P1 and a separated position (movement position) P2 away from the reference position P1, and between the separated position P2 and the reference position P1, respectively.

In this embodiment, the reference position P1 refers to an area that serves as a base for the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12. It is preferable that the reference position P1 refers to an area that can support the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 from below, such as a road surface, ground surface, or floor surface. In other words, the reference position P1 is the area where the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 is placed.

It is preferable that the reference position P1 is defined within a certain area. In the case of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 according to this embodiment, it is preferable that the range of the reference position P1 is within a predetermined range, for example, within a radius of several tens of meters from a certain center when the center is specified. The predetermined range varies depending on the size of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 and the position where the reference position P1 is set.

Note that in FIG. 2, one unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 is shown at reference position P1, but it is preferable that multiple unmanned aerial vehicle assemblies 12 are placed thereon.

In this embodiment, the separated position P2 refers to an area separated upward from the reference position P1. The separated position P2 is, for example, fixed above the reference position P1, which is, for example, the road surface, the ground surface, or the floor surface, and is provided at a high position above the road surface, the ground surface, or the floor surface that cannot be reached by, for example, a human being.

Examples of the separated position P2 are, if outdoors, positions such as the installation positions of street lamps and road lighting, the installation positions of lighting provided near the ceiling of a tunnel, the installation positions of wireless relay stations such as mobile phone base stations, base stations, etc., the installation positions of surveillance cameras, etc., which are positions that are separated, for example, upward from the ground or road surface and can secure the power source 22 described below. Also, examples of the separated position P2 are, if indoors, positions such as the installation positions of lighting fixtures in various halls and the installation positions of audio equipment such as speakers, which are positions that are separated, for example, upward from the floor surface and can secure the power source 22.
Note that separated position P2 may be fixed or movable. If movable, the orientation of unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12, i.e., the orientation in which functional element 58 of electrical equipment 34 performs its function, may be adjusted appropriately with unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 connected to separated position P2.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the separated position P2 is equipped with a power supply unit 14. The power supply unit 14 has a power supply 22 and a power transmission unit 24 electrically connected to the power supply 22. The power supply 22 is an AC power supply or a DC power supply. The power transmission unit 24 is, for example, a power transmission coil used for wireless power transmission.

In this embodiment, the power supply unit 14 further includes a control unit 26 and a communication unit 28.

The control unit 26 controls the supply (transmission) of power from the power source 22 to the power transmission unit 24. The control unit 26 is composed of one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The main control unit 42 performs various processes based on programs stored in a memory or storage. In other words, the control unit 26 executes various programs as a software function unit. For example, instead of a CPU, the control unit 26 may use an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) as a hardware function unit. The program executed by the processor of the control unit 26 may be stored in a computer (server) connected to the control unit 26 via a network 100a such as the Internet, or a server in a cloud environment.
In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the main control unit 42 is provided in the unmanned aerial vehicle 32.

The communication unit 28 transmits and receives signals to and from the control unit 26, and also communicates with the main control unit 42 of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12, which will be described later.

The unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 includes an unmanned aerial vehicle 32, electrical equipment 34, and a second connection portion 36.

The unmanned aerial vehicle 32 in this embodiment is preferably a drone or multicopter that flies by remote control or using autonomous driving technology, maintains a stationary attitude in the air, and can move up and down, forward and backward, and left and right.

When flying by remote control, the unmanned aerial vehicle 32 may be remotely controlled by wire or wirelessly. The unmanned aerial vehicle 32 using autonomous driving technology may be capable of flying, for example, between a reference position P1 and a separation position P2 along an appropriate flight path based on control instructions from the main controller 100, for example.

The electrical equipment 34 is fixed, for example, to the underside of the unmanned aerial vehicle 32. The electrical equipment 34 may be detachable from the unmanned aerial vehicle 32. It is preferable that the electrical equipment 34 is within a predetermined weight range for a given unmanned aerial vehicle 32. When fixing the electrical equipment 34 to the unmanned aerial vehicle 32, for example, magnets (see FIG. 6) or bolts can be used.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the electrical device 34 has a functional element 58.

The functional element 58 operates to perform a function using power received by a power receiving unit 62, which will be described later. For example, the functional element 58 is an illumination light generating unit (light source) that generates illumination light in the case of lighting, or a radio wave generating unit that generates radio waves in the case of radio waves. Since light is a part of electromagnetic waves and radio waves are also a part of electromagnetic waves, the functional element 58 that emits light and/or radio waves can be said to be an electromagnetic wave generating unit that generates electromagnetic waves.
The functional element 58 may be an acoustic wave generating unit that generates acoustic waves.
The functional element 58 may be both an electromagnetic wave generating unit and a sound wave generating unit. Furthermore, the functional element 58 may be at least one of a plurality of electromagnetic wave generating units and a plurality of sound wave generating units.

The connector of the electrical device 34 and the connector of the functional element 58 may be standardized. In this case, the function to be performed using the functional element 58 of the electrical device 34 can be appropriately selected from multiple functions. In addition, in this case, the unmanned aerial vehicle 32 and the electrical device 34 excluding the functional element 58 can be manufactured as a single unit.

In this way, the electrical device 34 may be one in which the functional element 58 is specified, such as a lighting fixture, or one in which the functional element 58 is selectable.

In this embodiment, an example is described in which the functional element 58 is an illumination light generating unit (light source) provided on the underside of the unmanned aerial vehicle 32, and illumination light is emitted downward from the illumination light generating unit.

The second connection portion 36 has a pair of arms 36a, 36b that rotate within a predetermined range by a drive source 52 described below. The drive source 52 is, for example, an actuator such as a motor. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the pair of arms 36a, 36b are rotated using a motor as the drive source 52, but various mechanical elements such as gears and springs can be used in appropriate combination.

Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12. As shown in Figure 1, the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 includes a main control unit 42, a communication unit 44, various sensors 46, a camera 48, a drive unit 50, a drive source 52, a memory unit 56, functional elements 58 of the electrical equipment 34, and a battery unit 59.

The main control unit 42 controls the communication unit 44, the various sensors 46, the camera 48, the drive unit 50, the drive source 52, the memory unit 56, and the functional elements 58 and battery unit 59 of the electrical device 34.

The main control unit 42 controls the operation of the entire unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12. The main control unit 42 is composed of one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The main control unit 42 performs various processes based on programs stored in memory or storage. In other words, the main control unit 42 executes various programs as a software function unit. For example, instead of a CPU, the main control unit 42 may use an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) as a hardware function unit. The programs executed by the processor of the main control unit 42 may be stored in a computer (server) connected to the main control unit 42 via a network 100a such as the Internet, or in a server in a cloud environment.

The communication unit 44 includes one or more communication interfaces that connect to a network. In this embodiment, the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 communicates with the main controller 100 via the communication unit 44. The main controller 100 calculates optimal route information, including information on climate, weather, etc., between the reference position P1 and the separation position P2 along which the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 flies and moves, and inputs the information to the main control unit 42 via the communication unit 44 of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12. Based on the information, the main control unit 42 determines whether the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 can fly between the reference position P1 and the separation position P2. In addition, when the main control unit 42 determines that the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 can fly, it flies the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 based on the optimal route information while performing control such as feedback control based on information detected by various sensors 46 from the reference position P1 to the separation position P2.

The various sensors 46 include a receiver that corresponds to a positioning system that uses, for example, satellites to measure the position, attitude, etc. of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12. The receiver may use, for example, a Global Positioning System (GPS). The receiver may use any positioning system using satellites together with or instead of the GPS. The various sensors 46 also include, for example, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a wind speed sensor, and an air pressure sensor. In this embodiment, the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 can obtain its own position information, the direction in which the unmanned aerial vehicle is facing, and its own inclination using the various sensors 46. The position information of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 obtained by the sensor 46 includes three-dimensional coordinate data including latitude, longitude, and altitude.

The camera 48 can capture images of the surroundings of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12. The camera 48 can be directed toward the first connection portion 16 and used as a sensor capable of monitoring the connection state between the first connection portion 16 and the second connection portion 36. The camera 48 here outputs the distance and orientation between the first connection portion 16 and the second connection portion 36. The camera 48 is used as a sensor for determining whether or not the arms 36a, 36b of the second connection portion 36 can hold the first connection portion 16. When the camera 48 is in a state in which the arms 36a, 36b of the second connection portion 36 can hold the first connection portion 16 with the arms 36a, 36b of the second connection portion 36, the main control portion 42 drives the drive source 52 to hold the first connection portion 16 with the arms 36a, 36b of the second connection portion 36.

The camera 48 may be capable of capturing images of the surroundings of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12. The camera 48 can generate aerial images of a desired position while the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 is flying. The camera 48 can capture images of obstacles and the like present around the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12, and is also used as a sensor for detecting obstacles and the like present around the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12. The image of the obstacle can be used, for example, to allow the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 to fly around the obstacle autonomously. The main control unit 42 can also fly around the obstacle autonomously using one or more of the various sensors 46 described above and the image of the camera 48.

The drive units 50 are motors for driving the propellers 32a of the unmanned aerial vehicle 32 of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12, for example, three or more propellers 32a in a number sufficient to stabilize the flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle 32. The drive units 50 control and operate the rotation direction and rotation speed of the propellers 32a of the unmanned aerial vehicle 32, for example, three or more, based on the control of the main control unit 42. The drive units 50 are controlled when the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 maintains its posture in the air, moves upward, moves downward, moves forward, moves backward, moves left, or moves right.

The driving source 52 is a motor that operates the second connection part 36 to connect or disconnect the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 to the first connection part 16. In this embodiment, an example in which the driving source 52 is provided in the unmanned aerial vehicle 32 will be described.

The second connection portion 36 has a pair of equal arms 36a, 36b that are provided, for example, on the top surface of the unmanned aerial vehicle 32. The arms 36a, 36b are rotatably operated by a drive source 52.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the first connection portion 16 is a protruding member that is provided at the separated position P2 and is held by the second connection portion 36. In this embodiment, the first connection portion 16 has a substantially T-shaped cross section. As an example, the first connection portion 16 is formed as an extension member of an appropriate length in one direction (the direction penetrating the paper in FIG. 4). In this case, the orientation in which the second connection portion 36 of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 is connected to the first connection portion 16 is set.

It is preferable that the driving source 52 is provided on the unmanned aerial vehicle 32 so as to maintain the state in which the arms 36a, 36b of the second connection part 36 hold the first connection part 16 without consuming power or while minimizing power consumption when the arms 36a, 36b of the second connection part 36 hold the first connection part 16.

In this embodiment, the electrical device 34 has a battery unit 59 as shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 5, the battery unit 59 has a power receiving unit 62 that receives the power transmitted from the power transmitting unit 24, for example wirelessly, and a battery 64 that charges and discharges the power received by the power receiving unit 62 and supplies power to operate the unmanned aerial vehicle 32 and/or the electrical device 34.

For example, when the power receiving unit 62 faces the power transmitting unit 24, which is supplied with power from the power source 22, within an appropriate distance, the power receiving unit 62 receives the power transmitted from the power transmitting unit 24. In this embodiment, connector-less wireless power transmission is performed between the power transmitting unit 24 and the power receiving unit 62. The power receiving unit 62 can distribute power directly or indirectly via the battery 64 to various devices that require power, such as the unmanned aerial vehicle 32 and the functional elements 58 of the electrical device 34, so as to perform various functions, such as the functional elements 58 of the unmanned aerial vehicle 32 and the electrical device 34.

The battery 64 stores the power received by the power receiving unit 62. The battery 64 uses the stored power to operate the main control unit 42, the communication unit 44, the various sensors 46, the camera 48, the drive unit 50, the drive source 52, the memory unit 56, and the functional elements 58 of the electrical device 34. At this time, the main control unit 42 can supply the power charged in the battery 64 while controlling it to operate the communication unit 44, the various sensors 46, the camera 48, the drive unit 50, the drive source 52, the memory unit 56, and the functional elements 58 of the electrical device 34. In this embodiment, an example in which the electrical device 34 has the battery 64 will be described, but the unmanned aerial vehicle 32 may have the battery 64. In this embodiment, an example in which the electrical device 34 has the battery 64 will be described, but the unmanned aerial vehicle 32 may have the battery 64. In other words, the power receiving unit 62 of the battery unit 59 may be owned by the unmanned aerial vehicle 32 or the electrical device 34. Furthermore, the battery 64 of the battery unit 59 may be included in the unmanned aerial vehicle 32 or may be included in the electrical device 34. Therefore, the power receiving unit 62 and the battery 64 of the battery unit 59 may be provided in different positions, i.e., different placement positions. It is also preferable that the power receiving unit 62 be provided, for example, on one of the arms 36a, 36b of the second connection portion 36. When the power receiving unit 62 is provided in the unmanned aerial vehicle 32, it is preferable that the power receiving unit 62 be provided, for example, on the upper part of the unmanned aerial vehicle 32.

The main control unit 42 controls the control unit 26 via the communication unit 28 of the power supply unit 14, and can appropriately turn on/off the operation of transmitting power from the power transmitting unit 24 to the power receiving unit 62. Therefore, the main control unit 42 prevents the battery 64 from being burdened by transmitting more power than necessary from the power transmitting unit 24 to the power receiving unit 62.

The battery 64 can be charged (store electricity) and discharged (supply power) simultaneously.

Various power transmission methods can be used between the power transmitting unit 24 and the power receiving unit 62, including non-radiative and radiative methods.

The storage unit 56 includes one or more memories. Each memory included in the storage unit 56 may function, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 56 stores any information used in the operation of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12. For example, the storage unit 56 may store system programs, application programs, embedded software, and the like. The information stored in the storage unit 56 may be updatable, for example, with information obtained through the network 100a via the communication unit 44.

The operation of the electrical device function activation system 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

Let us assume that one unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 is placed at the reference position P1. For example, let us assume that the first connection part 16 at the separation position P2 is at an appropriate height, such as 5 m or more above the reference position P1. Then, let us assume that one unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 at the reference position P1 is flown to a specific first connection part 16 at the separation position P2 and connected to the first connection part 16 at the separation position P2.

In this embodiment, the main controller 100 shown in FIG. 1 acquires forecast information on weather, climate, wind and rain during the time it takes to move from the reference position P1 to the separation position P2. Then, the main controller 100 determines that it is possible to fly the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 from the reference position P1 to the separation position P2.

At this time, for example, the main controller 100 calculates a flight path for moving one unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 at the reference position P1 to the first connection part 16 at the separation position P2 via the network 100a, for example, at the time of moving the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 from the reference position P1 to the first connection part 16 at the separation position P2 designated by the main controller 100. The main controller 100 then controls the drive part 50 of the propeller 32a while performing, for example, feedback control using detection signals acquired by various sensors 46 of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 to be moved, information obtained using the camera 48, etc., to move the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 along the above-mentioned flight path toward the designated first connection part 16.

The main control unit 42 determines whether or not it is possible to hold the first connection part 16 with the arms 36a, 36b of the second connection part 36 based on the image captured by the camera 48.

The main control unit 42 outputs that the arms 36a, 36b of the second connection unit 36 are too far away from the first connection unit 16 based on the image acquired by the camera 48. In this case, the main control unit 42 controls the drive unit 50 to raise the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 so as to bring the arms 36a, 36b of the second connection unit 36 closer to the first connection unit 16. The main control unit 42 also outputs that the first connection unit 16 cannot hold the arms 36a, 36b of the second connection unit 36 based on the image acquired by the camera 48. In this case, the main control unit 42 controls the drive unit 50 to rotate the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 while maintaining a horizontal attitude so that the arms 36a, 36b of the second connection unit 36 can hold the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 relative to the first connection unit 16.

The main control unit 42 outputs that it is now possible to hold the first connection part 16 with the arms 36a, 36b of the second connection part 36 based on the image captured by the camera 48. In this case, the main control unit 42 drives the drive source 52 while maintaining the position and attitude of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12, and holds the first connection part 16 with the arms 36a, 36b of the second connection part 36.

The main control unit 42 outputs that the arms 36a, 36b of the second connection unit 36 are holding the first connection unit 16 based on the image captured by the camera 48. In this case, the main control unit 42 stops the output of the drive unit 50 and stops the output of the drive source 52.

The unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 including the unmanned aerial vehicle 32 and electrical equipment 34 of this embodiment can fly to a high altitude and connect the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 to the designated first connection part 16 at the separation position P2 without setting up scaffolding or using a stepladder or ladder.

The unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 connected to the specified first connection part 16 at the separation position P2 has an electrical device 34. At this time, the power transmission part 24 of the power supply unit 14 and the power receiving part 62 of the battery unit 59 of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 shown in Figures 4 and 5 are at a distance that allows wireless power transmission.

In this embodiment, the separated position P2 can secure power from the power source 22 of the power source unit 14. The main control unit 42 of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 shown in FIG. 1 transmits and receives signals to and from the control unit 26 via the communication unit 44 and the communication unit 28 of the power source unit 14. The control unit 26 transmits power from the power source 22 via the power transmission unit 24 to the power receiving unit 62 of the battery unit 59 of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12. Therefore, the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 uses the power received by the power receiving unit 62 to perform the function of the functional element 58 of the electrical device 34. The main control unit 42, for example, emits illumination light as a function of the functional element 58 of the electrical device 34.

Therefore, the electrical equipment function activation system 10 according to this embodiment can fly an unmanned aircraft assembly 12 having electrical equipment 34 to an appropriately elevated separation position P2 from a reference position P1, connect the unmanned aircraft assembly 12 to the separation position P2, and then activate the function of the functional element 58 of the electrical equipment 34. At this time, the unmanned aircraft assembly 12 and the power supply unit 14 are not connected by wire, and the power of the power supply 22 of the power supply unit 14 can be transmitted to the power receiving unit 62 of the battery unit 59 of the unmanned aircraft assembly 12 via the power transmitting unit 24.

Therefore, power is seamlessly supplied to the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 connected to the first connection part 16 by wireless power transmission. Therefore, the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 continues to perform the function of the functional element 58 using the power received by the power receiving part 62, for example, to continue emitting illumination light.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, an example is illustrated in which the functional element 58 of the electrical device 34 emits illumination light. As described above, the functional element 58 can continue to perform various functions, such as emitting illumination light, relaying and/or emitting radio waves, and emitting sound waves, by seamlessly supplying power from the separated position P2. These functions are not limited to one, and multiple functions may be combined. In other words, the functional elements 58 possessed by the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 are not limited to one type, and may be multiple types.

In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the unmanned aircraft assembly 12 located at the reference position P1 is flown to the separation position P2 under the control of the main controller 100, and the second connection part 36 is connected to the first connection part 16 at the separation position P2. For example, it is also preferable that the unmanned aircraft assembly 12 is controlled by the operator of the unmanned aircraft assembly 12 via wired or wireless control to operate the drive part 50, drive source 52, etc., and connect the arm 36a of the second connection part 36 to the first connection part 16.

According to this embodiment, the functional element 58 of the electrical device 34, such as a lighting fixture, can be connected to a higher, separated position P2 relative to the reference position P1 without the need for scaffolding. In this case, the functional element 58 of the electrical device 34 does not require wiring to the power supply unit 14. This makes installation easy. The functional element 58 of the electrical device 34 can continue to perform a specified function by receiving power from the power supply 22 of the power supply unit 14.

When returning the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 from the separation position P2 to the reference position P1, the main controller 100 calculates the flight path as described above. The main control unit 42 of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 drives the drive unit 50 to rotate the propeller 32a appropriately to maintain the position and attitude of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12. Then, the main control unit 42 releases the connection state of the arms 36a, 36b of the second connection unit 36 to the first connection unit 16 at the separation position P2 by controlling the drive source 52. Then, the main control unit 42 moves the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 to the reference position P1. At this time, the main control unit 42 of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 releases the connection of the second connection unit 36 to the first connection unit 16 while maintaining the position and attitude of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12. When releasing the connection of the second connection unit 36 to the first connection unit 16, the main control unit 42 does not need to rotate the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 around the axis of the virtual axis up and down. Therefore, while the position and attitude of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 are kept constant, it is relatively easy to move the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 along the flight path calculated by the main controller 100 and place it at the reference position P1.

In addition, the main control unit 42 may stop the function of the functional element 58 of the electrical equipment 34 and then return the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 from the separated position P2 to the reference position P1, or may return the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 from the separated position P2 to the reference position P1 while allowing the function of the functional element 58 of the electrical equipment 34 to be performed.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an electrical device function performance system 10 that can fly and place an electrical device 34 at a distanced position P2 away from a reference position P1, and cause the electrical device 34 to perform its function.

In this embodiment, an example of providing a power supply unit 14 having a power transmission unit 24 at the separation position P2 has been described. Depending on the capacity of the battery 64 of the battery unit 59 of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12, the content and time for which the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 is connected to the separation position P2 and the functional elements 58 of the electrical equipment 34 are functioning, etc., the separation position P2 may not require power to be transmitted from the power transmission unit 24 to the power receiving unit 62 of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12. In other words, if the battery 64 of the aircraft assembly 12 can cover the power for the unmanned aerial vehicle 32 and the electrical equipment 34, there may be cases where the power supply unit 14 is not present at the separation position P2. In addition, the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 may have another power receiving unit that receives power transmitted from the power transmission unit 24 in addition to the power receiving unit 62.

Second Embodiment
The unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 of the electrical device function activation system 10 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. This embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, and the same components as those described in the first embodiment or those having the same functions are designated by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

A magnet 33 is fixed to the unmanned aerial vehicle 32 shown in FIG. 6. A magnetic body 35 is fixed to the electrical device 34. The magnetic body 35 is preferably a ferromagnetic body, and may be a magnet that is oriented in such a way that an attractive force acts on the magnet 33.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, when the unmanned aerial vehicle 32 and the electrical equipment 34 face each other, an attractive force acts between the magnet 33 and the magnetic body 35. Therefore, the electrical equipment 34 is fixed to the unmanned aerial vehicle 32. The arrangement of the magnet 33 and the magnetic body 35 may be reversed. In this way, the combination of the magnet 33 and the magnetic body 35 allows the unmanned aerial vehicle 32 and the electrical equipment 34 to be fixed/unfixed, so that the electrical equipment 34 that performs an appropriate function can be easily attached and detached from the unmanned aerial vehicle 32. Therefore, for example, the electrical equipment 34 having the functional element 58 that performs the function required at the site can be selected and fixed to the unmanned aerial vehicle 32, and used as the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12.

In this embodiment, the electrical device 34 is provided with a power receiving unit 62 of the battery unit 59 and a main control unit 42 that controls the power receiving unit 62. Therefore, the main control unit 42 may be disposed in the unmanned aerial vehicle 32 or in the electrical device 34. Note that, in this embodiment, an example in which the power receiving unit 62 is disposed in the electrical device 34 is described, but as described above, the power receiving unit 62 may also be disposed in the unmanned aerial vehicle 32.

The functional elements 58 of the electrical equipment 34 function using the power received by the power receiving unit 62. The camera 48, which is provided on the unmanned aerial vehicle 32 and can be used as a sensor to monitor the connection state between the first connection unit 16 and the second connection unit 36, can function using the power received by the power receiving unit 62, for example, while the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 is connected to the separated position P2. Alternatively, the camera 48 can function using the power supplied from the battery 64.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an electrical device function performance system 10 that can fly and place an electrical device 34 at a distanced position P2 away from a reference position P1, and cause the electrical device 34 to perform its function.

Third Embodiment
The unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 of the electrical device function activation system 10 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. This embodiment is a modification of the first and second embodiments, and the same components as those described in the first and second embodiments or those having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The unmanned aerial vehicle 32 is provided with a first power receiving unit (auxiliary power receiving unit) 62a and a first power transmitting unit (auxiliary power transmitting unit) 66a. The electrical device 34 is equipped with a power receiving unit 62.

Power is transmitted from the power transmission unit 24 of the power supply unit 14 to the first power receiving unit 62a, and the power is transmitted from the first power transmission unit 66a electrically connected to the first power receiving unit 62a to the power receiving unit 62 of the electrical device 34. Therefore, the functional element 58 of the electrical device 34 performs its function by the power received by the power receiving unit 62. Therefore, when the power receiving unit 62 receives power, the power received by the first power receiving unit 62a of the unmanned aerial vehicle 32 can be transmitted to the power receiving unit 62 using the first power transmission unit 66a. Therefore, for example, even if the distance from the power transmission unit 24 to the power receiving unit 62 is relatively long, the power transmission can be relayed by the first power receiving unit 62a and the first power transmission unit 66a. Therefore, according to the electrical device function activation system 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to supply power to the unmanned aerial vehicle 32 using the first power receiving unit 62a, which is relatively close to the power transmitting unit 24, and to transmit power to the power receiving unit 62 using the first power receiving unit 62a and the first power transmitting unit 66a, so that power can be supplied from the power receiving unit 62 to the functional element 58 of the electrical device 34, which is located relatively far from the power transmitting unit 24.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an electrical device function performance system 10 that can fly and place an electrical device 34 at a distanced position P2 away from a reference position P1, and cause the electrical device 34 to perform its function.

Therefore, it is also preferable that the power receiving unit 62 of the electrical device 34 receives power directly from the power transmitting unit 24, and for example, it is also preferable that the power receiving unit 62 receives power via a pair of the first power receiving unit 62a and the first power transmitting unit 66a of the unmanned aerial vehicle 32. That is, the power receiving unit 62 may receive power directly or indirectly from the power transmitting unit 24.

Fourth Embodiment
The unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 of the electrical device function activation system 10 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. This embodiment is a modification of the first to third embodiments, and the same components or components having the same functions as those described in the first to third embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

This embodiment will be described as a further modification of the third embodiment.

The electrical equipment function performance system 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to an example in which two unmanned aerial vehicle assemblies 12 are used simultaneously. One is a first unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12a, and the other is a second unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12b. The shape and size of the unmanned aerial vehicle 32 of the unmanned aerial vehicle assemblies 12a and 12b are, for example, the same as the shape and size of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12. The functional elements 58 of the electrical equipment 34 of the unmanned aerial vehicle assemblies 12a and 12b are selected as appropriate and may be the same or different. In FIG. 9, the functional elements 58 of the electrical equipment 34 of the unmanned aerial vehicle assemblies 12a and 12b are illustrated as using the same lighting fixture.

At the spaced position P2, for example, a plurality of first connection parts 16a, 16b are provided. In this case, it is preferable that the shape and size of the plurality of first connection parts 16a, 16b are the same as the first connection part 16 described in the first embodiment, and that the structure is the same.

The power transmission section 24 of the power supply unit 14 is assumed to be located in the selected first connection section 16a and not present in the remaining first connection sections 16b.

The first unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12a is provided with a second power transmission unit 66b in the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 described in the third embodiment. The first power receiving unit 62a and the first power transmission unit 66a are electrically connected to each other, and the first power receiving unit 62a and the second power transmission unit 66b are electrically connected to each other. The first power receiving unit 62a is used as a power source for wirelessly transmitting power from the first power transmission unit 66a to the power receiving unit 62, and is also used as a power source for wirelessly transmitting power from the second power transmission unit 66b to the second power receiving unit 62b described later.
Furthermore, it is preferable that the second power transmitting unit 66b be provided in a position facing the second power receiving unit 62b (described later) of the adjacent second unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12b.

The unmanned aerial vehicle 32 of the second unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12b is provided with a second power receiving unit 62b and a third power transmitting unit 66c. The second power receiving unit 62b is used as a power source for the third power transmitting unit 66c.

The electrical equipment 34 of the second unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12b is provided with a third power receiving unit 62c and a main control unit 42a. The main control unit 42a controls the second unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12b appropriately, for example, while communicating with the main control unit 42 described above.

Therefore, the power from the power transmission unit 24 of the power supply unit 14 is transmitted to the power receiving unit 62 of the electrical equipment 34 of the first unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12a via the first power receiving unit 62a and the first power transmitting unit 66a of the first unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12a. In addition, the power from the power transmission unit 24 of the power supply unit 14 is transmitted to the second power receiving unit 62b of the second unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12b via the first power receiving unit 62a and the second power transmitting unit 66b of the first unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12a. Then, the power received by the second power receiving unit 62b is transmitted to the third power receiving unit 62c of the electrical equipment 34 of the second unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12b by the third power transmitting unit 66c.

Therefore, when power is wirelessly transmitted from the power transmission section 24 of the power supply unit 14 to the first unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12a, the functional elements 58 of the electrical equipment 34 of the first unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12a perform their functions using the power received at the power receiving section 62, and the functional elements 58 of the electrical equipment 34 of the second unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12b perform their functions using the power received at the third power receiving section 62c.

As shown in FIG. 8, the unmanned aircraft 32 of the second unmanned aircraft assembly 12b is provided with a fourth power transmission unit 66d. The fourth power transmission unit 66d is provided in a position where it can transmit power to a power receiving unit of another unmanned aircraft assembly (not shown). Therefore, when three or more unmanned aircraft assemblies 12 are arranged side by side, for example in one direction, at the separation position P2, the electrical equipment function performance system 10 of this embodiment not only transmits power to the electrical equipment 34 of the unmanned aircraft assembly 12 that is close to the power transmission unit 24 of the power supply unit 14, but also transmits power in sequence to the electrical equipment 34 of the unmanned aircraft assembly 12 that is away from the unmanned aircraft assembly 12 that is close to the power transmission unit 24 of the power supply unit 14.

Although not shown, for example, three unmanned aerial vehicle assemblies 12 can be arranged side by side at the separation position P2. In this case, one functional element 58 of the electrical equipment 34 is a lamp for a green light, one is a lamp for a red light, and the remaining are lamps for a yellow light. In this case, it can be used simply as a traffic light for a road. In this case, if there is one power transmission section 24 of the power supply unit 14 at the separation position P2, power can be continuously supplied to each of the functional elements 58 of the electrical equipment 34 of the three unmanned aerial vehicle assemblies 12.

When two or more unmanned aerial vehicle assemblies 12 are arranged side by side, one unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 may be placed on the first connection portion 16a, and the remaining unmanned aerial vehicle assemblies 12 may be connected to the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 connected to the first connection portion 16a.

The positions of the first unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12a and the second unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12b may be swapped with respect to the position of the power transmission unit 24. Even in this case, the power from the power transmission unit 24 can be received by the power receiving unit of the second unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12b and used to exercise the function of the functional element 58 of the second unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12b. In addition, the second unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12b can transmit a portion of the power from the power transmission unit 24 to the power receiving unit of the first unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12a and can be used to exercise the function of the functional element 58 of the first unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12a.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an electrical device function performance system 10 that can fly and place an electrical device 34 at a distanced position P2 away from a reference position P1, and cause the electrical device 34 to perform its function.

Fifth Embodiment
The unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 of the electrical device function activation system 10 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. This embodiment is a modification of the first to fourth embodiments, and the same components or components having the same functions as those described in the first to fourth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The unmanned aerial vehicle 32 is provided with a first power receiving unit 62a, a first power transmitting unit 66a, and a battery 64. The electrical device 34 is provided with a main control unit 42.

Power is transmitted from the power transmission section 24 of the power supply unit 14 to the first power receiving section 62a, and then from the first power transmission section 66a electrically connected to the first power receiving section 62a to the power receiving section 62. Therefore, the functional element 58 of the electrical device 34 performs its function using the power received by the power receiving section 62.

In addition, the power received by the first power receiving unit 62a from the power transmitting unit 24 of the power supply unit 14 is stored in the battery 64. For example, even if the transmission of power from the power transmitting unit 24 of the power supply unit 14 to the first power receiving unit 62a is stopped, power is transmitted wirelessly from the first power transmitting unit 66a to the second power receiving unit 62b using the battery 64 as a power source. Therefore, even if the supply of power from the power source 22 of the power supply unit 14 via the power transmitting unit 24 is cut off, the function of the functional element 58 of the electrical device 34 can be exerted by the output of power from the battery 64.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an electrical device function performance system 10 that can fly and place an electrical device 34 at a distanced position P2 away from a reference position P1, and cause the electrical device 34 to perform its function.

Sixth Embodiment
The electric appliance function activation system 10 according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. This embodiment is a modification of the first to fifth embodiments, and the same members or members having the same functions as those described in the first to fifth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in Figures 11 and 12, an example of the separated position P2 is a position that is separated downward, such as an underground cavity such as an underground tunnel, when the ground is taken as the reference position P1, and where the power source 22 can be secured.
The main control unit 42 of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 moves the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 to the first connection part 16 at the separated position P2, for example, through an opening H provided in the ground that serves as the reference position P1. Then, as described in the first embodiment, the main control unit 42 drives the drive source 52 to rotate the arms 36a, 36b of the second connection part 36 to the first connection part 16, thereby connecting the second connection part 36 to the first connection part 16.

When returning the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 from the separated position P2 to the reference position P1, the main control unit 42 of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 controls the drive source 52 to release the arms 36a, 36b of the second connection part 36 from their connected state to the first connection part 16 at the separated position P2, while driving the drive unit 50 to rotate the propeller 32a appropriately. Then, the main control unit 42 moves the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 through the opening H to the reference position P1.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an electrical device function performance system 10 that can fly and place an electrical device 34 at a distanced position P2 away from a reference position P1, and cause the electrical device 34 to perform its function.

Seventh Embodiment
The electric appliance function activation system 10 according to the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. This embodiment is a modified example of the first to sixth embodiments, and the same members or members having the same functions as those described in the first to sixth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

As shown in Figures 13 and 14, an example of the separated position P2 is, for example, a position that is separated horizontally from a reference position P1 when a certain reference position P1 is set, and at which the power source 22 can be secured.

The main control unit 42 of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 moves the first connection part 16 from, for example, the reference position P1 to the separated position P2, which is separated horizontally. Then, as described in the first embodiment, the main control unit 42 drives the drive source 52 to rotate the arms 36a, 36b of the second connection part 36 with respect to the first connection part 16, thereby connecting the second connection part 36 to the first connection part 16.

When returning the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 from the separated position P2 to the reference position P1, the main control unit 42 of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 controls the drive source 52 to release the arms 36a, 36b of the second connection part 36 from their connected state to the first connection part 16 at the separated position P2, while driving the drive unit 50 to appropriately rotate the propeller 32a. Then, the main control unit 42 moves the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 to the reference position P1.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an electrical device function performance system 10 that can fly and place an electrical device 34 at a distanced position P2 away from a reference position P1, and cause the electrical device 34 to perform its function.

Therefore, the separated position P2 may be an area separated from the reference position P1 in various directions, such as upward, downward, or horizontally.

Eighth embodiment
An electric appliance function activation system 10 according to an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15 and Fig. 16. This embodiment is a modified example of the first to seventh embodiments, and the same members or members having the same functions as those described in the first to seventh embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the separation position P2 of the electrical equipment function activation system 10 according to this embodiment has a second connection part 36 and a driving source 52. On the other hand, the unmanned aircraft 32 of the unmanned aircraft assembly 12 does not have a driving source 52 or an arm 36a. The first connection part 16 described in the first embodiment is provided on the upper surface of the unmanned aircraft 32 of the unmanned aircraft assembly 12. That is, in this embodiment, the first connection part 16 described in the first embodiment and the second connection part 36 are swapped.

The control unit 26 of the power supply unit 14 at the separated position P2 can control the driving source 52. That is, the control unit 26 can control the driving source 52 to appropriately rotate the arms 36a and 36b of the second connection portion 36.

In the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 according to this embodiment, the number of moving parts such as the second connection part 36 can be reduced, and the second connection part 36 can be positioned at the separated position P2. This allows the weight of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 to be reduced. In addition, the structure of the unmanned aerial vehicle assembly 12 and the control using the main control part 42 can be simplified. In other words, the control of the arms 36a, 36b of the second connection part 36 can be mainly carried out by the control part 26 of the power supply unit 14.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an electrical device function performance system 10 that can fly and place an electrical device 34 at a distanced position P2 away from a reference position P1, and cause the electrical device 34 to perform its function.

According to at least one embodiment of the electrical device function activation system 10 described above, the electrical device 34 can be flown and placed at a distanced position P2 away from the reference position P1, and the function of the electrical device 34 can be activated.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

10...Electrical equipment function performance system, 12...Unmanned aerial vehicle assembly, 14...Power supply unit, 16...First connection portion, 22...Power supply, 24...Power transmission portion, 26...Control portion, 32...Unmanned aerial vehicle, 32a...Propeller, 34...Electrical equipment, 36...Second connection portion, 36a, 36b...Arm, 42...Main control portion, 44...Communication portion, 46...Various sensors, 48...Camera, 50...Drive portion, 52...Drive source, 56...Memory portion, 58...Functional element, 59...Battery unit, 62...Power receiving portion, 64...Battery, 100...Main controller, 100a...Network, P1...Reference position, P2...Separated position.

Claims (5)

A first connection portion provided at a position spaced apart from a reference position;
An unmanned aerial vehicle that flies between the reference position and the separated position using remote-controlled flight or automatic driving technology and is capable of moving up and down, forward and backward, and left and right with respect to a predetermined direction;
a second connection part provided on the unmanned aerial vehicle, flying together with the unmanned aerial vehicle, and removably connected to the first connection part at the separated position;
an electrical device provided on the unmanned aerial vehicle, flying together with the unmanned aerial vehicle, and functioning at the separated position;
an electrical equipment function performance system having a power receiving unit that flies together with the unmanned aerial vehicle and receives power used to perform the functions of the unmanned aerial vehicle and the electrical equipment. A first connection portion is provided at a position separated from the reference position and has a power transmission portion connected to a power source;
An unmanned aerial vehicle that flies between the reference position and the separated position using remote-controlled flight or automatic driving technology and is capable of moving up and down, forward and backward, and left and right with respect to a predetermined direction;
a battery unit including a power receiving unit that flies together with the unmanned aerial vehicle and wirelessly receives power transmitted from the power transmitting unit, and a battery that charges and discharges the power received by the power receiving unit to power the unmanned aerial vehicle;
a second connection part provided on the unmanned aerial vehicle, flying together with the unmanned aerial vehicle, and removably connected to the first connection part at the separated position;
an electrical equipment function performance system comprising: an electrical equipment that is provided on the unmanned aerial vehicle, flies together with the unmanned aerial vehicle, and performs its function by receiving power wirelessly from the power transmitting unit at the power receiving unit at the separated position. The electrical equipment is provided on the underside of the unmanned aerial vehicle.
A system according to claim 1 or claim 2. The electrical device has at least one of an electromagnetic wave generating unit that generates electromagnetic waves and a sound wave generating unit that generates sound waves.
A system according to claim 1 or claim 2. a camera provided on the unmanned aerial vehicle for monitoring a connection state between the first connection portion and the second connection portion;
A system according to claim 1 or claim 2.