DE102021116937A1 - payload attachment device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device which can preferably be reversibly attached to an unmanned aircraft, preferably a drone. The device allows different payloads to be quickly attached using an adapter, whereby the device does not have to be removed from the drone after the payload has been transported in order to stow it in a space-saving manner. Furthermore, the invention relates to a combination product for attaching a payload to a drone and a method for attaching a payload to a drone using the device according to the invention or the combination product. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the device or the combination product for attaching a payload to a drone.

Description

technical field

The invention relates to a device for preferably reversibly attaching a payload to be transported to an unmanned aircraft, preferably a drone, according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a combination product for attaching a payload to a drone, and a method for Attaching a payload to a drone. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the device or the combination product for attaching a payload to a drone.

State of the art

Various options are known from the prior art for attaching payloads, such as a camera, to a drone. It is attached using a bracket that is mounted on the drone. The brackets are adapted by the drone manufacturers to specific drone types or their housing dimensions. The brackets can, for example, be clamped onto the housing of the drone. Other solutions use screw connections to mount the individual elements of the mount around the drone body. Solutions are also known in which a strap is pulled around the housing of the drone in order to fix the holder to it.

Most of the solutions are limited to attaching the mount to the top of the drone. This makes sense as it allows the drone to transport the payload on top and it doesn't interfere with the landing of the drone, as attaching the payload to the bottom of the drone could result in the drone not landing properly. However, attaching the payload to the top of the drone also has the effect that the center of gravity shifts and thus the flight characteristics of the drone are negatively affected.

In addition, attachment to the top of the drone has the undesirable effect of covering/shielding the electronics, especially the GPS antenna in the upper part of the housing. Shielding often results in GPS degradation. This can have significant consequences for the safety of the drone. It is a known problem that shielding the GPS antenna and flying the drone out of sight can lead to a so-called "fly-away". This poses a significant risk, since uncontrolled flight of the drone, for example in the vicinity of hospital helipads or roads, can affect the safety of road users.

Furthermore, if the bracket is attached to the top of the drone, the sensors (e.g. camera) are also arranged above the drone. This is particularly disadvantageous when the drone is hovering high in the air and areas directly below the drone cannot be observed.

There are also brackets that allow the payload to be attached below the drone, but attaching these and attaching the payload is complex and therefore time-consuming. The mounts that can be used for different types of drones -e.g. the brackets, which are attached to the housing of the drone by means of a strap, are not visually appealing on the one hand and on the other hand a flexible material is often chosen for these brackets, which is also exposed to strong mechanical stress (material stretching).

Another disadvantage is that the brackets, as soon as they are attached to the drone, also affect its external dimensions, which means that the drone then no longer fits in the transport case or the original packaging, for example. In order for it to fit back in, the holder must first be removed again.

Additionally, drone manufacturers' mounts are often limited to using specific payloads that are compatible with them.

In addition, solutions that use a clamping effect of the holder are often unsatisfactory, since they have insufficient stability.

task

The invention is intended to provide a robust mount for drones, which is preferably attached to the drone via a clamping effect and allows different payloads to be connected quickly and easily to the device in order to transport them with the drone an impairment of the electronics, in particular the GPS, can be avoided. In addition, the device according to the invention should be designed in such a way that it has the smallest possible spatial extent and, once it has been attached, does not exceed the dimensions of the drone, so that it can be accommodated in a space-saving manner.

solution

The object is achieved with a payload attachment device according to claim 1. Further advantageous configurations can be found in the dependent claims, the description and the exemplary embodiments.

General Benefits

The invention advantageously enables various payloads to be attached to a drone in such a way that the device does not exceed the dimensions of the drone or increases them insignificantly. In this way, the drone with the attached device can be stored in a space-saving manner, e.g. in the original packaging.

In addition, the device allows different payloads to be attached to it and thus to the drone quickly and easily, without affecting the GPS of the drone.

Other advantages are indicated in the description.

Description of the invention

The present invention relates to a payload attachment device (1.0) for attaching a payload (2.0) to an unmanned aircraft, preferably via a clamping effect on a drone. In this context, the payload attachment device may also be referred to as a clamp mount payload device.

An unmanned aircraft (also: drone) (3.0) is a small aircraft with a weight of preferably up to 20 kg, particularly preferably up to 10 kg and very particularly preferably up to 5 kg, which is able to operate independently and in particular to navigate autonomously within an airspace. Preferably, there is also the option of remotely controlling the drone. As a rule, a drone is connected via a radio connection to radio networks such as the Internet, GPS, or a technical device that can be operated by a user (e.g. controller) and exchanges data with these networks. The data can be checked by at least one information technology unit. It is also conceivable that the drone can be controlled using optoelectronic circuit technology (e.g. using lasers).

Above and below refer to the common idea of objects in space, whereby a lower position is understood to be one that is closer to the earth's surface than the upper position, which is opposite the lower position.

A drone has at least one element that enables it to move in an airspace. This is any position above the earth's surface that is filled with a gas (e.g. air). Alternatively, a drone can also move in a liquid medium (e.g. water).

There are various embodiments of drones, with a drone being constructed similarly to a helicopter, the movement of the drone in an airspace being made possible by at least one and preferably more than one rotor. For example, a drone with three rotors is referred to as a tricopter, with four rotors as a quadrocopter and with six rotors as a hexacopter.

However, an aircraft can also be designed as an airship, i.e. at least one element (e.g. a buoyancy body) of the drone is filled with a light gas (e.g. helium, hydrogen), which allows the drone increased buoyancy in the airspace. As an alternative to this, a drone can also be a mixture of an aircraft that can be moved with at least one rotor and an airship. The rotors of commercially available small drones (weighing less than 5 kg) are usually driven by electric motors.

In the following description, the invention is to be explained using a drone designed as a quadrocopter, although the invention is not limited to quadrocopters with four rotors, but also includes drones with a different number of rotors.

A drone has a body (also: corpus) in which, for example, the control electronics and the accumulators (also: rechargeable batteries) are housed. A total of four rotor arms are arranged on the body (3.4): two front rotor arms (3.6) and two rear rotor arms (3.7), on which the rotors are arranged. As a rule, the rotor arms are connected to the body via a joint so that they can be placed against the body, for example if the drone is to be stowed away.

A rotor arm comprises a distal and a proximal end of the rotor arm (3.5), the latter being connected to the joint and therefore oriented closer to the body, while the distal end of the rotor arm opposite the proximal end of the rotor arm is further away from the body during flight of the drone. When creating and especially when stowing the drone, the distal and the proximal end of the rotor arm must be substantially equidistant from the body.

The payload attachment device according to the invention enables a payload to be attached (also: attached) to a drone in a reversible manner. A payload (2.0) is understood to mean at least one object that can be transported by the drone. A payload includes, for example, electronic devices for optical and/or acoustic recordings (e.g. video cameras, cameras), measuring devices (e.g. gas sensors, thermometers, barometers), weapon systems (e.g. gas grenades), lamps (e.g. searchlights), batteries, accumulators. A payload is not limited to the examples provided here. The user can decide which payload he wants to move with the drone.

The cross-section denotes an imaginary area that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body of the drone.

The body of the aircraft usually comprises a lower housing part (3.1), two side housing parts (3.2) and an upper housing part (3.3), whereby a housing part is essentially to be understood as a surface that extends to the adjacent surface/housing part in the Essentially is oriented at right angles and spatially limits the body. When the drone is used as intended, the lower and upper housing parts are oriented essentially horizontally and the side housing part is oriented vertically to the earth's surface during flight. The device according to the invention is preferably adapted to the outer contours of the drone, in particular the contours of the lower and lateral housing parts, or simulated in a form-fitting manner, with a form-fitting simulation in this sense being understood to mean that the shape of the device, when used as intended, faces the body is, follows the three-dimensional design of the aircraft. There is preferably less than 5 mm play between the device and the body of the drone, particularly preferably less than 2 mm and very particularly preferably less than 1 mm. The device preferably reproduces the shape of the body by at least 2%, preferably by at least 5% and very particularly preferably by at least 10%.

The material thickness (also: material thickness) of the device is preferably less than 10 mm, particularly preferably less than 5 mm and very particularly preferably less than 3 mm. The material thickness can differ from one another at different points of the device. For example, the base plate can have a material thickness that is more than 50% less than that of the holding elements.

In addition, the body is limited by a front and rear housing part. The design of the housing parts can be chosen so that their shape has no right angles. Preferably, at least the lower and the side housing part comprise a substantially flat surface.

The totality of the housing parts specifies the dimensions of the body of the aircraft. For example, the body may have an oblong shape if the area of the top, bottom and side casings is substantially larger than the front and rear casings.

An imaginary longitudinal axis of the body is oriented substantially perpendicular to the surfaces of the lower, upper and side housing parts. A forward or backward flight of the drone takes place in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the body.

Before the device is manufactured, a three-dimensional image of the drone, in particular the body, can be generated. This can be done, for example, by taking a mold with a deformable impression material or by using optical scanning methods (e.g. laser scan). The device can thus advantageously be adapted to different drone types.

The dimensions of the body increase when an object such as a holder known from the prior art is attached to it. As long as this is connected to the body, the drone can no longer be stowed away in the original packaging to save space. The device according to the invention can be attached to the drone in such a way that the material of the device only slightly increases the dimensions of the body, which means that the drone with the device according to the invention attached to it can be advantageously stowed away in a space-saving manner (e.g. in the original packaging), whereby furthermore there is a saving of time, since the device does not have to be detached before storage. The dimensions of the body, including the device attached to it, preferably increase by less than 30%, particularly preferably less than 20% and very particularly preferably less than 10%.

In one embodiment, the device is designed in such a way that the rotor arms can be folded in when the device is attached to the drone as intended, without the device limiting the degrees of freedom of the rotor arms.

The device can comprise a base plate (1.1) on which at least one vertical holding element (1.2) (also: holding bracket) is arranged. In a preferred embodiment, the base plate bears against the lower housing part, while preferably two vertical holding elements oriented essentially at right angles to the base plate bear against the lateral housing parts. The base plate may have a curved shape that follows the shape of the lower housing part.

A holding element has two areas: a lower area, which is arranged proximally to the base plate, and an upper area, which is positioned closer to the upper housing part than the lower area.

In a preferred embodiment, the holding elements form a continuity with the base plate, i.e. the surfaces of the base plate and the holding elements merge directly into one another without being separated from one another by a further element, with the holding elements or their inner surfaces being arranged opposite one another. Such continuity is achieved, for example, when the device is manufactured in one piece (e.g. by means of an injection molding process).

The device is preferably attached to the drone by means of a clamping effect. The clamping effect can come about if the distance between the opposing holding elements is selected to be smaller than the distance between the lateral housing parts/surfaces.

In addition, the clamping effect can be achieved by using a plastic with a suitable flexibility and rigidity, whereby the person skilled in the art can choose a plastic that on the one hand allows a form-fitting clamping effect and at the same time is stable enough to withstand mechanical stress (e.g. frequent attachment and removing the device on or from the drone). A selection of materials used for the device is given below in the description. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the device comprises ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PC (polycarbonate) and PPA (aliphatic polyamide).

The clamping effect results in a form-fitting connection of the device to the body, since the device cannot be easily moved or displaced on the body after it has been fastened. At the same time, a non-positive connection can also occur, in particular when the inner surfaces of the holding elements, i.e. the surfaces which face the lateral surfaces of the body directly, comprise, for example, an adhesion-increasing material (e.g. rubber). Preferably, the clamp mount payload device is connected to the bottom and side housings. The arrangement of the device can also take place in recesses of the body or its interstices.

The side of the payload attachment device which faces the body preferably has an inlay or a coating with an elastomer or rubber, with the person skilled in the art being able to select from suitable elastomers. Possible elastomers are listed below. This advantageously results in a non-positive and thus improved hold of the device on the body. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the body of the drone is not scratched by the device.

In an alternative embodiment, the vertical holding elements can also be connected to the base plate via a hinge, which advantageously results in an increased degree of freedom for the vertical holding elements. In this embodiment the clamping effect can be achieved in that the hinge comprises a spring mechanism which moves the vertical holding elements towards one another.

In a preferred embodiment, a vertical holding element comprises a horizontal extension (1.3) which, starting from the upper area of the holding element, extends along the longitudinal axis of the body. The horizontal spur can include an extension (1.13) which preferably rests in a form-fitting manner on the upper front housing part of the body in order to advantageously prevent the device from slipping along the longitudinal axis of the body.

A preferred embodiment of the device comprises at least one quick-release fastener (1.4), which allows a non-positive and/or positive connection with an element that can be fastened to it. A quick-release fastener includes fasteners that use a plug-in connection (e.g. click fasteners, buckles, rail system), screw connection or magnetic connection to connect at least two parts with each other. A quick-release fastener can also include a ball joint as a plug-in fastener, in which case a spherical joint head engages in a joint socket and can be reversibly connected to it in a form-fitting manner.

In an alternative embodiment, the device can also include more than one quick-release fastener. For example, it is conceivable that at least three joint sockets are arranged on the device, in which the joint heads of the means to be connected (e.g. payload, adapter) form intervene decisively. This advantageously results in a stable connection between the payload and the device. It is irrelevant which part of a quick-release fastener (e.g. joint head, joint socket) is arranged on the device or on the payload/the adapter.

In a further embodiment, a quick-release fastener can comprise at least one magnetic element, with a magnetic ball joint engaging, for example, in a joint socket which comprises a ferromagnetic metal (e.g. iron, nickel, cobalt). As an alternative to this, a magnetic connection can also be established via two permanent magnets arranged with opposite polarity to one another. In terms of the invention, a non-positive connection includes a magnetic connection.

A payload can be attached to the device via an adapter. An adapter (4.0) includes an element that is set up to create a mechanical connection (form fit, force fit) between the device and the payload. Preferably, the adapter can be positively connected to the device, with the adapter engaging in an adapter counterpart (1.10) included in the device, which can be identical to the quick-release fastener. The part of the adapter that makes contact with the adapter piece can also comprise a magnetic element which, together with the adapter counterpart, enables a magnetic or non-positive and positive connection. An adapter represents an indirect connection of the payload to the device, since the payload can be attached to the adapter and this can be attached to the device. This advantageously results in the fact that different payloads can be attached to the device via the adapter. For example, a camera may have a connector that is not itself compatible with the device, but is compatible with the adapter, which in turn is connectable to the device.

A preferred embodiment allows an accumulator to be attached to the device, which comprises electrically conductive elements (e.g. cables) which can be connected to the circuit of the drone. The conductive elements attached to the device that are not connected to the circuit of the drone can be designed in such a way that they are designed as slight elevations on the underside of the device (1.11) of the base plate. An accumulator, or a housing containing it, can be attached to the underside of the device using one of the above-mentioned types of connection, preferably a magnetic connection are in direct contact with the bumps on the bottom of the device, completing the circuit. As an alternative to this, the accumulator can be attached to the device in a form-fitting manner via a rail system. Advantageously, these configurations allow the drone to remain in flight for a longer period of time and allow accumulators to be replaced quickly.

A reversible connection of the payload and/or the adapter to the device, and of the device to the drone, is preferred, with positive or non-positive connections being used. However, the invention is not limited to these, so that materially bonded connections are also possible. For example, a user may wish to glue the device to a payload, with such a materially bonded connection not being reversible within the meaning of the invention as long as the connection cannot be released again easily and with little effort.

In order to connect a payload to the base plate, the device can be designed in such a way that the payload can be connected directly to it in a non-positive and/or positive manner. A rail system can thus be arranged within the device and the payload, with the payload being suspended in the device via the rail system. Alternatively, the payload can also be attached to the device via a magnetic connection. Also, the payload can be connected to the adapter in the same way. Combinations of a rail system with magnetic elements are also conceivable.

A retaining element may comprise a lateral groove (1.5), this being located within the surface of the retaining element which is opposite to the surface of the retaining element which contacts the lateral housing part of the body. The lateral groove preferably has a horizontal alignment, so that a proximal rotor arm end of a front and/or rear rotor arm can be arranged in it with a precise fit. That is to say, the pivotable rotor arms of the drone, which can be folded over, for example for stowage of the drone, so that the drone has a more compact shape, can engage in the groove and be positioned in it. The width of the groove in the vertical direction essentially corresponds to the width of the proximal ends of the rotor arm that can be positioned therein, with the groove being able to have a slightly larger width of preferably 0.1 to 5% for easier movement between the groove and the proximal end of the rotor arm. In one embodiment, the groove is more than 5% wider than the rotor arm proximal end, but additionally comprises a material of preferably plastic, particularly preferably a thermoplastic and most preferably an elastomer. According to the invention, synthetic or semi-synthetic materials (eg rubber) are encompassed by plastics. Mechanical stabilization of the rotor arms can advantageously be achieved by positioning a proximal arm of a front and/or rear rotor arm within the lateral groove.

The horizontal extension can include at least one upper groove (1.6). This is designed in such a way that an element can be reversibly connected to the groove in a positive and/or non-positive manner. For example, the element can be connected to the groove via a snap mechanism. As an alternative to this, the upper groove can also be designed as a plug-in connection, into which the element engages. Alternatively, the upper groove and the element can also be non-positively connected via a magnetic connection. A horizontal extension preferably comprises at least two upper grooves, so that a total of four fastening points result with the grooves of a second extension.

An element engaging in the upper groove comprises, for example, a rotor protection element (5.0). This can be designed, for example, as a flattened, possibly arched, round wire mesh, which has four plug-in connections that engage in the upper grooves, as a result of which the rotor protection element can be fastened to the device and thus to the drone. As an alternative to this, the rotor protection element can be non-positively connected to the groove or the upper extension via a magnetic connection. An upper groove can also be designed in such a way that at least one magnetic element is arranged in it, with which the rotor protection element can be connected. Advantageously, the possibility of protecting the rotors from mechanical damage results from a reversible attachment of a rotor protection element to the device.

A closed surface can also be used instead of a wire mesh rotor guard. For example, this could be formed from a light plastic, or formed from a wire frame which is covered with a light plastic, in particular a plastic film. This has the advantage that the drone can be provided with a rain protection element, which is particularly advantageous if the drone is to transport payloads that are sensitive to rain.

Instead of a rotor protection element, a payload can also be attached to or within the upper groove described above using the same means.

The base of the device comprises a front end of the base (1.7), a middle part of the base (1.8) and a rear end of the base (1.9), the middle part of the base not being clearly distinguishable from the two ends, but rather an area of the Base plate describes, which is oriented closer to its center than the two ends, which are arranged opposite. The edges of the front and rear ends of the base plate are oriented perpendicularly to the edge of the vertical support element. A front end (of the device as well as the drone) is considered that which is oriented in the forward movement of the drone.

A front end, the middle part, and/or the rear end of the base plate can comprise an adapter counterpart, which can be identical to, or is comprised by or comprises, a quick-release fastener. The front end of the base plate preferably comprises an adapter counterpart.

The base plate can comprise a magnetic element (6.0), or an element (e.g. a metal) interacting with a magnetic element. For example, permanent magnets (e.g. neodymium-iron-boron magnets, also: neodymium magnets) could be embedded in recesses within the base plate. An attachable payload or adapter may also include a magnetic or metallic element to attach it, or the adapter, to the device. In one embodiment, magnetic or metallic strips are bonded to the underside of the device. A magnetic or metallic element can be arranged on the payload in order to allow a magnetic and non-positive connection with the element located on the underside of the device.

Magnetic elements within the meaning of the invention include components that enable magnetic interaction. Magnetic elements include, for example, permanent magnets made of neodymium-iron-boron or others, but also elements that interact with a magnetic element (e.g. metals such as iron, nickel, cobalt). The person skilled in the art can decide how to arrange the magnets or the elements interacting with the magnets on the device, the payload or the adapter. In particular, it is important to ensure that the compass function of the drone is not disturbed. Instead of pure metals that interact with a magnetic element, metal-plastic compounds can also be used.

In one embodiment, the device is essentially as at least one at the bottom Housing part arranged flat, magnetic element formed. In this case, the vertical holding elements can be dispensed with. A device designed in this way can be connected to the lower housing part of the drone via a material connection. The advantage of this is that the device can be attached to different types of drones of different designs and dimensions. In particular, the vertical holding elements can thus be dispensed with, which otherwise have to be designed in such a way that—as described above—they enable a form-fitting connection of the device (e.g. via a clamping effect) to the body.

In an alternative embodiment, the device can be materially connected to the lower housing part of the drone, with the device comprising at least one quick-release fastener or adapter counterpart described above. The quick-release fastener or the adapter counterpart can be designed as an integral part of the device, i.e. the material of the different components (base plate, vertical support elements, horizontal extensions, quick-release fastener, adapter counterpart) form a continuity. This is the case, for example, if the device is produced in one piece, for example using an injection molding process.

In one configuration, the device comprises at least one reflective element (6.1). This is understood to mean an element which is set up to reflect parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, in particular visible light, or infrared light. In an alternative embodiment, the underside of the device comprises a light source (6.2) (e.g. a lamp, LED), which can preferably be controlled by electronics. This has the advantage that the drone can be located quickly with the device attached to it, even in the dark.

The underside of the device can include at least one anti-slip means (6.3). The material of an anti-slip means includes, for example, a synthetic or semi-synthetic plastic (e.g. rubber). The anti-slip means can be materially bonded to the underside of the device. The advantage of the anti-slip means is that the drone does not slip on a smooth surface that has a slope.

The device can include at least one weight reduction recess (1.12). This includes an area of the device that is not filled with material. A weight reduction recess can be milled out of the device, for example. The weight reduction cutout is preferably already produced during the manufacturing process of the device by not filling the area of the weight reduction cutout with a material. Several weight reduction recesses can also be arranged next to one another. For example, the device according to the invention can be formed from a material which is provided with many holes arranged next to one another. A weight reduction cutout, preferably a plurality of cutouts, advantageously results in a lighter weight and a longer flight time for the drone.

The material from which the device is formed or the material from which the components comprised by the device are formed includes light metals (e.g. magnesium, aluminum, titanium), metals (copper, iron) and their alloys and connections with other materials. Furthermore, the material of the device includes cellulose-based materials (e.g. cardboard), plastics such as duroplastics (e.g. polyester, epoxy resins, formaldehyde resins, polyurethanes, casting resins, glass fiber reinforced plastics), thermoplastics (e.g. polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyacrylonitrile, polyethylene terephthalate, polymethyl methacrylate , polyurethanes) and elastomers (e.g. polybutadiene, butadiene rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene propylene diene rubber, fluorine rubber, natural rubber, polyurethane, chloroprene rubber, acrylonitrile/chlorinated polyethylene/styrene, ethylene ethyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene propylene copolymer, acrylonitrile butadiene acrylate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer, acrylonitrile methyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, isoprene rubber, polyisobutylene, polyvinyl butyral, styrene butadiene rubber, vinyl chloride/ethylene, vinyl chloride/ethylene/methacrylate) . In addition, the material of the device or parts thereof includes polylactic acid, glycolized polyester, polycarbonate, polyaryletherketones, polyetherimides. Any mixtures of the plastics mentioned are also included. In addition, materials for moldings include organic materials (e.g. wood) and composites (e.g. carbon fiber composites).

The device can be manufactured by means of an injection molding process. This is particularly useful when using a thermoplastic as the material. The use of an injection molding process advantageously results in high productivity and good integrability in automated manufacturing processes. Furthermore, a deep-drawing process can also be considered as a production process for a device according to the invention. Manufacturing using a 3D printing process advantageously allows the device to be adapted, especially the vertical mounting elements, to different types of drones.

exemplary embodiments

The present invention is explained in more detail on the basis of the following figures and exemplary embodiments, without restricting the invention to these.

• 1: eine perspektivische Ansicht der Nutzlastbefestigungsvorrichtung (1.0)
• 2: die Nutzlastbefestigungsvorrichtung (1.0) in Draufsicht (DS), Seitenansicht (SA) und Vorderansicht (VA)
• 3: die Anbringung der Nutzlastbefestigungsvorrichtung (1.0) an der Unterseite der Drohne (3.0)
• 4: eine Drohne mit daran befestigter Nutzlastbefestigungsvorrichtung (1.0)
• 5: eine Nutzlastbefestigungsvorrichtung (1.0) mit formschlüssig verbindbarem Adapter (4.0) und Nutzlast (2.0)
• 6: eine Nutzlastbefestigungsvorrichtung (1.0) in Draufsicht (DS) und Seitenansicht (SA)
• 7: eine Nutzlastbefestigungsvorrichtung (1.0) in Seitenansicht mit daran befestigtem Rotorschutzelement (5.0)
• 8: eine Nutzlastbefestigungsvorrichtung (1.0) in Seitenansicht mit daran befestigtem elektronischem Modul (5.1)

while showing

• 1 : a perspective view of the payload attachment device (1.0)
• 2 : the payload attachment device (1.0) in top view (DS), side view (SA) and front view (VA)
• 3 : attaching the payload attachment device (1.0) to the underside of the drone (3.0)
• 4 : a drone with payload attachment device attached (1.0)
• 5 : a payload attachment device (1.0) with a positively connectable adapter (4.0) and payload (2.0)
• 6 : a payload attachment device (1.0) in top view (DS) and side view (SA)
• 7 : a payload attachment device (1.0) in side view with attached rotor protection element (5.0)
• 8th : a payload attachment device (1.0) in side view with an electronic module (5.1) attached to it

In the different figures, parts that are equivalent in terms of their function are always provided with the same reference symbols, so that they are usually only described once.

the 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the payload attachment device (1.0). This comprises a base plate (1.1), two vertical holding elements (1.2) with horizontal extensions (1.3) and extensions (1.13) arranged thereon. The base plate (1.1) is curved upwards here in order to fit the shape of the lower housing part (3.1) of the aircraft (3.0) in a form-fitting manner. The base plate (1.1) also has a weight reduction recess (1.12), which reduces the weight of the device (1.0), but can also be provided to compensate for elevations within the surface of the body (3.4) of the drone or to lie against these elevations in a form-fitting manner. The base plate (1.1) includes a quick-release fastener (1.4), which is also referred to as an adapter counterpart (1.10).

the 2 shows the in 1 illustrated embodiment of the payload attachment device (1.0) in plan view (DS), side view (SA) and front view (VA).

the 3 shows how the in 1 and 2 illustrated embodiment of the payload attachment device (1.0) is attached to the body (3.4) of the aircraft (3.0). Here a drone (3.0) without rotors is shown. The body (3.4) comprises a lower housing part (3.1), two side housing parts (3.2) and an upper housing part (3.3). The payload attachment device (1.0) is attached to the drone (3.0) from below via a clamping effect. In addition, the extensions (1.13) are designed in such a way that they engage positively within the upper housing part (3.3) and ensure further attachment.

the 4 shows the in 3 illustrated embodiment of a payload attachment device (1.0) shows its attachment to the underside of a drone (3.0). For the sake of clarity, the right front rotor arm is not shown. Here the vertical holding element (1.2) is arranged behind the proximal rotor arm end (3.5) of the rear rotor arm (3.7). However, it can also be arranged between the proximal rotor arm ends (3.5) of a rear rotor arm (3.7) and a front rotor arm (3.6).

the 5 shows the payload attachment device (1.0) shown in the previous figures and a payload (2.0) that can be attached to it. This can be attached to the payload attachment device (1.0) via an adapter (4.0) on the quick-release fastener (1.4) / the adapter counterpart (1.10). The adapter (4.0) engages in the adapter counterpart (1.10). To enable attachment, a bolt (not shown) is inserted into the bolt recess (4.1) provided for this purpose.

the 6 shows a schematic representation of the payload attachment device (1.0) in top view (DS) and side view (SA). Here the horizontal extensions (1.3) include upper grooves (1.6) into which, for example, a rotor protection element (5.0) or an electronic module (5.1) can be inserted. Furthermore, the embodiment shown here comprises a lateral groove (1.5) into which at least one proximal end of the rotor arm can be positioned when it is folded over in order to make the drone (3.0) more compact. In addition, a magnetic element (6.0), a reflective element (6.1), a light source (6.2) and/or an anti-slip device (6.3) are optionally arranged on the underside (1.11) of the device.

the 7 shows a schematic representation of the payload attachment device (1.0) in a side end view with a rotor protection element (5.0) attached. This is inserted into the upper grooves (1.6) of the horizontal extensions (1.3) and thus positively connected to the payload attachment device (1.0). The rotor protection element (5.0) is designed as a round grid, which is positioned above the drone and the rotors.

the 8th shows a schematic representation of the payload attachment device (1.0) in a side view with an electronic module (5.1) attached to it. This is inserted into the upper grooves (1.6) of the horizontal extensions (1.3) and thus positively connected to the payload attachment device (1.0).

Reference List

(1.0)

payload attachment device

(1.1)

base plate

(1.2)

vertical support

(1.3)

horizontal spur

(1.4)

quick release

(1.5)

lateral groove

(1.6)

upper groove

(1.7)

front end of the base plate

(1.8)

center part of the base plate

(1.9)

rear end of the base plate

(1.10)

adapter counterpart

(1.11)

device bottom

(1.12)

weight reduction recess

(1.13)

extension

(2.0)

payload

(3.0)

aircraft

(3.1)

lower housing part

(3.2)

lateral housing part

(3.3)

upper housing part

(3.4)

body of the aircraft

(3.5)

rotor arm proximal end

(3.6)

front rotor arm

(3.7)

rear rotor arm

(4.0)

adapter

(4.1)

bolt recess

(5.0)

rotor protection element

(5.1)

electronic module

(6.0)

magnetic element

(6.1)

reflective element

(6.2)

bulbs

(6.3)

anti-slip agent

Claims (25)

Payload attachment device (1.0) for attaching a payload (2.0) to an unmanned aircraft (3.0), characterized in that the device (1.0) can be positively arranged on a lower housing part (3.1) of a body of the aircraft (3.0), the device ( 1.0) is designed in such a way that the dimensions of the body (3.4) of the aircraft (3.0), including the device (1.0) attached to it, increase by less than 10% at the thickest point of the cross-section of the body. device after claim 1 , wherein the device (1.0) comprises at least one base plate (1.1) and at least one vertical holding element (1.2). device after claim 2 , wherein the holding elements (1.2) of the device (1.0) are set up to produce a reversible positive and/or non-positive connection with a lateral housing part (3.2) and/or an upper housing part (3.3) of the aircraft (3.0). device after claim 2 or 3 , wherein the vertical holding element (1.2) comprises a horizontal extension (1.3) with an engaging extension (1.13). device after claim 2 , wherein the base plate (1.1) comprises at least one quick-release fastener (1.4). device after claim 2 or 5 , wherein an adapter (4.0) with the base plate (1.1) or the quick release (1.4) can be connected. device after claim 6 , wherein the adapter (4.0) is reversibly non-positively and/or positively connected to the base plate (1.1) or the quick-release fastener (1.4). device after claim 2 , The payload (2.0) being non-positively and/or positively connected to the base plate (1.1) or the quick-release fastener (1.4). device after claim 6 or 7 , The payload (2.0) being non-positively and/or positively connected to the adapter (4.0). device after claim 2 or 4 , wherein the vertical retaining element (1.2) comprises at least one lateral groove (1.5), which is designed in such a way that a rotor arm end (3.5) of a front rotor arm (3.6) that is proximal to the body (3.4) of the aircraft (3.0) and/or a rear rotor arm (3.7) can be arranged in it with a precise fit. device after claim 4 , wherein the horizontal extension (1.3) comprises at least one upper groove (1.6). device after claim 11 , wherein a rotor protection element (5.0) or a payload (2.0) can be attached in the upper groove (1.6) with a force fit and/or with a form fit. device after claim 2 , wherein at least one adapter counterpart (1.10) is arranged at a front end of the base plate (1.7) and/or in a central part of the base plate (1.8) and/or at a rear end of the base plate (1.9), which is force-fit and/or form-fit with the adapter (4.0) can be connected. device after claim 2 , wherein the base plate (1.1) comprises at least one magnetic element (6.0). device after claim 1 , wherein the device (1.0) is formed essentially from at least one magnetic element (6.0) which is cohesively connected to the lower housing part (3.1) of the aircraft (3.0). device after Claim 14 or 15 , wherein the payload (2.0) and/or the adapter (4.0) can be non-positively connected to the magnetic element (6.0) via magnetic interactions. device after claim 5 or Claim 14 , the quick-release fastener (1.4) and/or the magnetic element (6.0) being an integral part of the lower housing part (3.1), and/or the lateral housing part (3.2), and/or the upper housing part (3.3) of the aircraft (3.0 ) is trained. device after claim 1 , wherein the device bottom (1.11) comprises at least one reflective element (6.1) and / or a light source (6.2). device after claim 1 or 18 , wherein the device underside (1.11) comprises at least one anti-slip means (6.3). device after claim 1 , wherein the device (1.0) comprises at least one weight reduction recess (1.12). device after claim 1 , wherein the material of the device (1.0) comprises a metal and/or a plastic and/or a composite material and/or an organic material. Device according to one of Claims 1 until 21 , wherein the device (1.0) is formed entirely or partially from components that are suitable for being produced by means of an injection molding process and/or a deep-drawing process and/or a 3D printing process. Combination product for attaching a payload (2.0) to an unmanned aircraft (3.0) comprising a) a device (1.0) according to one of Claims 1 until 22 , b) an aircraft (3.0) c) a payload (2.0), the device (1.0) being arranged on a lower housing part (3.1) of the aircraft (3.0), the device (1.0) being designed in such a way that the dimensions of the Aircraft (3.0) including the attached device (1.0) is increased slightly. Method for attaching a payload (2.0) to an aircraft (3.0) comprising the following steps: a) providing a device according to one of Claims 1 until 22 or after Claim 23 , b) providing an aircraft (3.0), c) providing a payload (2.0), d) attaching the device to the aircraft (3.0), the dimensions of the aircraft (3.0) including the device (1.0) attached to it being increased insignificantly . e) Attaching the payload (2.0) to the device (1.0) Use of the device according to a he Claims 1 until 22 , or a combination product Claim 23 for attaching a payload (2.0) to an aircraft (3.0).

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