drones

Abstract

The present invention discloses an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprising a frame with a fuselage and an arm, the arm being provided with a first receiving portion, and a power assembly being rotatably connected to the arm. When the UAV is in flight, the power assembly is arranged at an angle to the arm in a first state. When the UAV is in a non-flying state, the power assembly is at least partially received in the first receiving portion in a second state. Due to the rotatable connection between the power assembly and the arm, when the UAV is in the first state, the power assembly is arranged at an angle relative to the arm, thereby enhancing the overall stability of the power assembly and the frame. When the UAV is in the second state, the power assembly is at least partially received in the first receiving portion, thereby reducing the overall space occupied by the UAV and making it convenient to store or carry.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), in particular to a UAV. Background Art

[0002] With the advancement of technology, aerial photography is gaining popularity. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photography is gaining popularity among photographers due to its lower cost and greater safety compared to manned aerial photography. UAV aerial photography typically uses an aircraft equipped with a camera or other imaging device. A UAV typically consists of a frame and a power unit mounted on the frame. Traditional UAVs, whether in flight or in an idle state, maintain the same relative position between the frame and power unit. This leaves the drone in an extended position, taking up a large amount of space and making it difficult to store or carry. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a drone, which aims to reduce the space occupied by the drone and improve the convenience of storage or carrying.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned object, the drone proposed in the present invention comprises:

[0005] A frame, the frame comprising a body and an arm fixedly connected to the body, the arm being provided with a first accommodating portion;

[0006] a power assembly, the power assembly being rotatably connected to the machine arm;

[0007] When the UAV is in a flying state, the power assembly is arranged at an angle to the arm in a first state; when the UAV is in a non-flying state, the power assembly is at least partially accommodated in the first accommodation portion in a second state.

[0008] Optionally, the fuselage is provided with a second accommodating portion connected to the first accommodating portion, and when the UAV is in a non-flying state, the power assembly is accommodated in the first accommodating portion and the second accommodating portion.

[0009] Optionally, the power assembly includes:

[0010] paddle blades;

[0011] A motor, one end of the motor is rotatably connected to the blade, and the other end of the motor is rotatably connected to the arm. When the drone is in a first state, the motor and the arm are arranged at an angle. When the drone is in a second state, the motor is accommodated in the first accommodating portion, and the blade is accommodated in the second accommodating portion.

[0012] Optionally, the power assembly further includes a casing, the casing is provided with a receiving slot for receiving the motor, and the casing is rotatably connected to the frame.

[0013] Optionally, a groove wall of the accommodating groove is provided with a heat dissipation hole, and the heat dissipation hole is communicated with the accommodating groove.

[0014] Optionally, one of the machine arm and the power assembly is provided with a rotating shaft, and the other one is provided with a shaft hole, and the machine arm and the power assembly are rotatably connected through the cooperation of the rotating shaft and the shaft hole.

[0015] Optionally, the arm includes two oppositely arranged connecting plates, each of the connecting plates is provided with a rotating shaft, the power assembly is located between the two connecting plates, and an axial hole is opened on opposite sides of the power assembly, and the two connecting plates are rotatably connected to the power assembly through the cooperation of the rotating shaft and the axial hole.

[0016] Optionally, a connecting piece is protruding from one side of the power component, the connecting piece is provided with the axial hole, and an elastic piece is sleeved on the outer surface of the connecting piece. One end of the elastic piece is connected to the power component, and the other end thereof is abutted against a connecting plate. When the drone is in the first state, the elastic piece is in the expanded state, and when the drone is in the second state, the elastic piece is in the compressed state.

[0017] Optionally, snap-fit ​​portions are protruding from opposite sides of the power assembly, the snap-fit ​​portions are spaced apart from the shaft hole, each connecting plate is provided with a stop portion, and one snap-fit ​​portion is slidably connected to another stop portion.

[0018] Optionally, both ends of each of the stop portions are provided with stop blocks, the two stop blocks are arranged at an angle, and the buckle portion abuts against a stop block.

[0019] The technical solution of the present invention is to provide a drone frame with a fuselage and an arm, the arm being provided with a first receiving portion, and a power assembly being rotatably connected to the arm. When the drone is in flight, the power assembly is arranged at an angle to the arm in a first state. When the drone is in a non-flying state, the power assembly is at least partially contained in the first receiving portion in a second state. Because the power assembly is rotatably connected to the arm, when the drone is in the first state, the power assembly is arranged at an angle to the arm, thereby enhancing the overall stability of the power assembly and the frame. When the drone is in the second state, the power assembly is at least partially contained in the first receiving portion, thereby reducing the overall space occupied by the drone and making it easier to store or carry. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a drone in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of part of the explosion structure of the UAV;

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of part of the explosion structure from another perspective of the drone;

[0024] Figure 4 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a drone in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of part of the explosion structure of the UAV;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of a power assembly in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the power component;

[0028] Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of a power assembly in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the power component.

[0030] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0031] Label name Label name 100 drones 31 paddle 10 frame 33 motor 11 body 35 chassis 111 Second accommodating portion 351 Receiving slot 13 Arm 353 heat dissipation holes 131 First accommodation portion 37 Connectors 133 Connecting plate 371 shaft hole 135 shaft 38 Buckle 137 reinforcement plate 39 elastic parts 139 Stopper 50 Battery 139a stopper 70 Heading indicator light 30 Power components 90 Camera

[0032] The purpose, features and advantages of the present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with the embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] It should be noted that all directional indications in the embodiments of the present invention (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the various components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0035] In addition, the terms "first," "second," and so on, used in this disclosure are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referenced. Thus, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the description of this disclosure, "plurality" means at least two, such as two or three, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0036] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connection" and "fixation" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "fixation" can mean fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two elements or interaction between two elements, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will be able to understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0037] In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the fact that ordinary technicians in this field can implement it. When the combination of technical solutions is mutually contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0038] The present invention provides a drone 100, which is mainly used for consumer / toy purposes, but is not limited to the above purposes. It can also be used for mapping, disaster investigation and rescue, aerial monitoring, power line inspection, etc.

[0039] See also Figure 1 and Figure 4 In one embodiment of the present invention, the drone 100 includes:

[0040] A frame 10, comprising a body 11 and an arm 13 fixedly connected to the body 11, wherein the arm 13 is provided with a first receiving portion 131;

[0041] A power assembly 30, the power assembly 30 being rotatably connected to the machine arm 13;

[0042] When the drone 100 is in flight, the power assembly 30 is arranged at an angle to the arm 13 in a first state. When the drone 100 is in non-flight, the power assembly 30 is at least partially accommodated in the first accommodation portion 131 in a second state.

[0043] In this embodiment, the fuselage 11 and the arm 13 are fixedly connected, and are arranged in an integral molding manner or a split arrangement. In order to facilitate installation, an integral molding manner is preferably adopted. There are various integral molding methods, such as integral molding by stretching, integral molding by cold rolling, integral molding by injection molding and other common integral molding methods. In view of the comprehensive consideration of processing convenience and economy, in this embodiment, the fuselage 11 and the arm 13 are formed by an integral stretching molding method.

[0044] The power assemblies 30 provide flight propulsion for the drone 100. Four power assemblies 30 are symmetrically distributed around the perimeter of the frame 10 to maintain force balance. The power assemblies 30 are pivotally connected to the arms 13. Under external force, the power assemblies 30 rotate relative to the arms 13 to form an angle. Preferably, the power assemblies 30 and the arms 13 are perpendicular to each other. Due to the influence of gravity, all the power generated by the power assemblies 30 is used to propel the frame 10 in flight, ensuring maximum flight stability for the frame 10. Furthermore, the drone 100 exhibits a highly aesthetically pleasing design. When the drone 100 needs to be recalled, the power assembly 30 is rotated relative to the arm 13 by external force until the power assembly 30 is accommodated in the first accommodating portion 131. Here, the power assembly 30 is at least partially accommodated in the first accommodating portion 131. It is understood that the power assembly 30 can be partially accommodated in the first accommodating portion 131 and the other portion can be accommodated in the fuselage 11 or exposed on the frame 10, or the power assembly 30 can be completely accommodated in the first accommodating portion 131, without limitation. In this case, the volume of the entire drone is greatly reduced, making it easier to carry and store. In addition, the provision of the first accommodating portion 131 on the arm 13 increases the overall support surface of the frame 10, making the structure more stable.

[0045] Based on the above structure, it should be noted that the number of power assemblies 30 is not limited to four; it can also be a single, two, or more power assemblies, without limitation. The power assembly 30 can also be configured as a hexarotor, an octarotor, a twelve-rotor, or even a single rotor. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the power assembly 30 can be a fixed-wing, or a hybrid fixed-wing-rotor combination. In this embodiment of the present invention, four power assemblies 30 are used to carry cameras, video cameras, and other imaging devices for aerial photography.

[0046] Therefore, it can be understood that the technical solution of the present invention is that since the power component 30 is rotatably connected to the arm 13, when the drone 100 is in the first state, the power component 30 is set at an angle to the arm 13. At this time, the power component 30 and the frame 10 are highly stable as a whole. When the drone 100 is in the second state, the power component 30 is at least partially accommodated in the first accommodating portion 131, so that the overall space occupied by the drone 100 is reduced, and it is convenient to store or carry.

[0047] Furthermore, the fuselage 11 is provided with a second accommodating portion 111 communicating with the first accommodating portion 131 . When the drone 100 is in a non-flying state, the power assembly 30 is accommodated in the first accommodating portion 131 and the second accommodating portion 111 .

[0048] In this embodiment, since the fuselage 11 has a large amount of unused space, in order to maximize the use of the space of the fuselage 11, a portion of the power assembly 30 is accommodated in the second accommodating portion 111 of the fuselage 11, and the other portion is accommodated in the first accommodating portion 131 of the arm 13. The spatial shapes of the second accommodating portion 111 and the first accommodating portion 131 match the periphery of the power assembly 30 to minimize the volume of the entire machine for easy storage and carrying.

[0049] See also Figures 6 to 9 , the power assembly 30 includes:

[0050] Paddle 31;

[0051] The motor 33 has one end rotatably connected to the propeller 31 and the other end rotatably connected to the arm 13. When the drone 100 is in the first state, the motor 33 is arranged at an angle to the arm 13. When the drone 100 is in the second state, the motor 33 is accommodated in the first accommodating portion 131 and the propeller 31 is accommodated in the second accommodating portion 111.

[0052] In this embodiment, the propeller 31 includes two blades arranged in a straight line. The two blades are fixedly connected or detachably connected, without limitation. Each blade is rotatably connected to the motor 33 to drive the frame 10 to ascend or descend. Of course, the number of blades 31 is not limited to that of the propeller 31. Multiple blades can also be provided. The multiple blades can be folded and stored to be accommodated in the second receiving portion 111, or unfolded to rotate with the motor 33 to achieve flight. Here, the motor 33 is preferably arranged at a 90-degree angle to the arm 13 to improve the operating efficiency of the motor 33.

[0053] Furthermore, the power assembly 30 further includes a housing 35 , which is provided with a receiving slot 351 for receiving the motor 33 and is rotatably connected to the frame 10 .

[0054] It can be understood that the purpose of setting up the casing 35 is to facilitate the installation between the motor 33 and the arm 13, and at the same time protect the motor 33 to prevent damage. In this embodiment, the motor 33 and the casing 35 can be fixedly connected or detachably connected, which is not limited here. In order to facilitate installation, a detachable connection is preferably used, such as a snap connection or a screw connection.

[0055] Furthermore, a heat dissipation hole 353 is provided on the wall of the receiving groove 351 , and the heat dissipation hole 353 is communicated with the receiving groove 351 .

[0056] Since the motor 33 generates heat during operation, in order to improve efficiency and protect the motor 33 from overheating and reducing working efficiency, the housing 35 is provided with a receiving groove 351, and the groove wall of the receiving groove 351 is provided with a heat dissipation hole 353. There are multiple heat dissipation holes 351 to dissipate the heat generated by the motor 33 as quickly as possible.

[0057] See also Figures 1 to 5 One of the arm 13 and the power assembly 30 is provided with a rotating shaft 135, and the other one is provided with a shaft hole 371. The arm 13 and the power assembly 30 are rotatably connected through the cooperation of the rotating shaft 135 and the shaft hole 371.

[0058] It can be understood that the power assembly 30 and the arm 13 are connected to each other through the cooperation of the rotating shaft 135 and the shaft hole 371 to enable the drone 100 to switch between the first state and the second state. The power assembly 30 and the arm 13 only need to apply force to one of them to rotate. The force driving the power assembly 30 can be an external driving device or a manually applied force to rotate the power assembly 30.

[0059] Furthermore, the arm 13 includes two oppositely arranged connecting plates 133, each of which is provided with a rotating shaft 135. The power assembly 30 is located between the two connecting plates 133, and an axial hole 371 is opened on the opposite sides of the power assembly 30. The two connecting plates 133 are rotatably connected to the power assembly 30 through the cooperation of the rotating shaft 135 and the axial hole 371.

[0060] It can be understood that the power component 30 is located between the two connecting plates 133, which enhances the firmness of the connection between the two. In order to improve the user experience, the connecting plates 133 are preferably made of plastic with a certain elasticity to facilitate the installation of the power component 30 between the connecting plates 133. In addition, it reduces the weight of the entire machine and reduces the energy consumption of the entire machine.

[0061] Based on the above structure, the arm 13 further includes a reinforcing plate 137 disposed between the two connecting plates 133 .

[0062] It can be understood that the reinforcing plate 137 is used to strengthen the overall structural strength between the two connecting plates 133 and extend the service life of the rack 10.

[0063] Furthermore, a connecting member 37 is protruded from one side of the power component 30, and the connecting member 37 is provided with the shaft hole 371. The outer surface of the connecting member 37 is sleeved with an elastic member 39, and one end of the elastic member 39 is connected to the power component 30, and the other end thereof is in contact with a connecting plate 133. When the drone 100 is in the first state, the elastic member 39 is in the expanded state, and when the drone 100 is in the second state, the elastic member 39 is in the compressed state.

[0064] In this embodiment, since the power assembly 30 and the frame 10 are in the first state after rotation, positioning is required to prevent the two from rotating relative to each other and affecting the flight effect. In addition, when the power assembly 30 and the frame 10 are in the second state after rotation, the elastic member 39 has a reaction force when the power assembly 30 is rotated to the first state next time, and the user can easily rotate the power assembly 30 out of the first accommodating portion 131, which is more labor-saving.

[0065] Here, the elastic member 39 is preferably a helical spring, with both ends of the spring provided with an extension end, one extension end being fixedly connected to the power assembly, and the other extension end being in contact with the connecting plate 133. Of course, the elastic member 39 can also be an elastic sheet or other component with elastic expansion and contraction function, which is not limited here.

[0066] Furthermore, a snap-fit ​​portion 38 is protruded from opposite sides of the power assembly 30 , and the snap-fit ​​portion 38 is spaced apart from the shaft hole 371 . Each connecting plate 133 is provided with a stop portion 139 , and one snap-fit ​​portion 38 is slidably connected to one stop portion 139 .

[0067] It can be understood that since the rotation angle between the power component 30 and the arm 13 is limited, in order to enable the power component 30 to quickly switch between the first state and the second state, the rotation angle of the power component 30 and the arm 13 is limited, and a stop portion 139 is provided for limiting. The buckle portion 38 is slidably connected to the stop portion 139 to reduce the wear on the buckle portion 38 or the stop portion 139 during rotation.

[0068] Based on the above structure, the buckle portion 38 is formed with an arcuate surface on the surface opposite to the stop portion 139 , and the stop portion 139 has an arcuate sliding groove, and the arcuate surface cooperates with the arcuate sliding groove.

[0069] Based on the structure of the above-mentioned buckle portion 38 and the stop portion 139, in order to further reduce the friction between the two, the buckle portion 38 is formed with an arcuate surface and the stop portion 139 has an arcuate groove, which is beneficial to prolonging the service life of both.

[0070] Furthermore, each of the two ends of the stopper portion 139 is provided with a stopper 139 a , the two stoppers 139 a are arranged at an angle, and the buckle portion 38 abuts against one of the stoppers 139 a .

[0071] It can be understood that the stop block 139a is set to limit the rotation angle of the power component 30. In this embodiment, it is preferably set at 90 degrees between the two 139a to ensure that the rotation angle range between the power component 30 and the arm 13 is 90 degrees, and quickly switch between the first state and the second state.

[0072] Specifically, the drone 100 further includes a battery 50 disposed on the frame 10 , and the battery 50 is detachably connected to the frame 10 .

[0073] As will be appreciated, the battery 50 is preferably a rechargeable battery, and the battery 50 is detachably connected to the frame 10, such as by snap-fitting, screwing, or adhesive connection, without limitation. Furthermore, the frame 10 is provided with a charging port (not shown), allowing the drone 100 to be charged directly without removing the battery 50.

[0074] Furthermore, the drone 100 further includes a circuit board, a direction indicator light 70 and a camera 90 which are arranged on the frame 10 , and the direction indicator light 70 and the camera 90 are electrically connected to the circuit board.

[0075] It can be understood that the drone 100 is provided with a heading indicator light 70 for detecting the running direction, and a camera 90 for capturing and filming. Preferably, the heading indicator light 70 and the camera 90 are arranged on the side of the frame 10 to best meet user needs.

[0076] Based on the above structure, the drone 100 can be controlled by a remote controller to achieve functions such as flight or recall.

[0077] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made by using the contents of the present invention description and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect application in other related technical fields are included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A drone, characterized in that: include: A frame, the frame comprising a body and an arm fixedly connected to the body, the arm having a first receiving portion, and the body having a second receiving portion communicating with the first receiving portion; A power assembly, the power assembly comprising a blade and a motor, one end of the motor being rotatably connected to the blade, and the other end of the motor being rotatably connected to the machine arm; When the drone is in a flying state, the motor is set at an angle to the arm in a first state; when the drone is in a non-flying state, the motor is accommodated in the first accommodation portion, and the blades are accommodated in the second accommodation portion in a second state; the spatial shapes of the first accommodation portion and the second accommodation portion match the periphery of the power component.

2. The drone according to claim 1, wherein: The power assembly further includes a casing, wherein the casing is provided with a receiving slot for receiving the motor, and the casing is rotatably connected to the frame.

3. The drone according to claim 2, wherein: The groove wall of the accommodating groove is provided with a heat dissipation hole, and the heat dissipation hole is communicated with the accommodating groove.

4. The drone according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: One of the machine arm and the power assembly is provided with a rotating shaft, and the other one is provided with a shaft hole. The machine arm and the power assembly are rotatably connected through the cooperation of the rotating shaft and the shaft hole.

5. The drone according to claim 4, wherein: The machine arm includes two connecting plates arranged opposite to each other, each of which is provided with a rotating shaft. The power assembly is located between the two connecting plates, and shaft holes are opened on opposite sides of the power assembly. The two connecting plates are rotatably connected to the power assembly through the cooperation of the rotating shaft and the shaft holes.

6. The drone according to claim 5, wherein: A connecting piece is protruding from one side of the power component, and the connecting piece is provided with the axial hole. An elastic piece is sleeved on the outer surface of the connecting piece. One end of the elastic piece is connected to the power component, and the other end thereof is in contact with a connecting plate. When the drone is in the first state, the elastic piece is in an expanded state, and when the drone is in the second state, the elastic piece is in a compressed state.

7. The drone according to claim 5, wherein: Buckle parts are protruded from opposite sides of the power assembly, and the buckle parts are spaced apart from the shaft hole. Each connecting plate is provided with a stop part, and one buckle part is slidably connected to one stop part.

8. The drone according to claim 7, wherein: Both ends of each stop portion are provided with a stop block, the two stop blocks are arranged at an angle, and the buckle portion abuts against a stop block.

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