Unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

An unmanned aerial vehicle having a main body comprising at least an elongate strut (140), said at least one elongate strut (140) having a forward end member (130) and an aft end member (150). The end members are wider than the strut and comprise coupling facilities for respective rotor arms (200), each said rotor arm configured to support a motor and propeller assembly. The unmanned aerial vehicle further comprises a pair of elongate battery cells (500). At least a portion of the end members and the strut form a receptacle on both sides of the strut for releasably receiving a respective power cell (500), wherein the battery cell, the strut and the end members form an elongate and generally rectangular body assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) as described in the preamble of the appended patent claims. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), remotely operated aircraft, or autonomous aircraft have become increasingly popular. These vehicles, commonly referred to as drones, are now widely used by law enforcement agencies and rescue organizations for aerial photography and surveillance, cargo transport, and more. Therefore, there is a need for drones capable of carrying substantial payloads, being transported to the scene in a compact manner, and quickly deploying and ready for flight.

[0003] Prior art includes WO 2008 / 147484 A2, which describes a modular vehicle having an aircraft that can be connected to cargo containers, land vehicles, marine vehicles, medical transport modules, etc. In one embodiment, the aircraft has multiple propellers positioned around a main body, the propellers providing vertical thrust and / or horizontal thrust. One or more propellers may be configured to tilt forward, tilt backward, and / or tilt side-by-side relative to the body.

[0004] Prior art also includes KR 10-1527544 B1, which describes a drone that can reduce its size when not in use. The drone body has a rectangular shape, and the drone arms (which are equipped with rotors) are pivotable to fold along the body. The width of the front portion of the body is greater than the width of the rear portion, thereby allowing the forearms and rear arms to fold side by side without overlapping each other.

[0005] The object of this invention is to provide a highly reliable and long-term stable rotorcraft-type multi-rotor aircraft with multiple motors that can be rapidly deployed. This aircraft is advantageously capable of operating as a drone and is designed to carry heavy cargo loads fixed to the fuselage or connected to the drone by slings. The load can range from approximately 5 kg to approximately 500 kg.

[0006] The inventors have discovered that rapidly deployable aircraft, implemented with an integral main body and advantageously with a swing-arm lift-generating device with a rotating wing as illustrated and described herein, and advantageously rapidly deployable unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as rapidly deployable unmanned multi-rotor aircraft, exhibit advantageous performance and functionality, making them highly suitable for use in applications where manned aircraft, such as manned airplanes or manned helicopters, involve high risks or costs to personnel or equipment, or where the manned aircraft encounters other severe restrictions on its operation that prohibit its use, particularly in emergency situations under adverse operating conditions. The device of the present invention is particularly capable of providing rapid deployment and readiness for action within minutes, and its stability remains substantially unchanged over time. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The invention is set forth and its features are described in the main claims, while the dependent claims describe other features of the invention.

[0008] Therefore, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided having a body comprising at least an elongated main frame (“strut”) having a front end member and a rear end member, characterized in that the end member is wider than the strut and includes connection facilities for respective rotor arms, each rotor arm being configured to support a motor and propeller assembly; the UAV also includes a pair of elongated batteries; at least a portion of the end member and the strut forms reception portions on two sides of the strut for releasably receiving respective batteries, wherein the batteries, the strut, and the end member form an elongated and generally rectangular body assembly.

[0009] In one embodiment, each rotor arm includes: an inner arm portion having a coupling device at one end adapted for connection to an end member, and a first portion of an arm folding hinge at a second end; and an outer arm portion having an adapter for the motor and propeller assembly at one end, and a second portion of an arm folding hinge at a second end; and a displaceable, spring-biased hinge locking device disposed in one of the inner and outer arm portions. The arm may also include a spring-biased cotter pin adapted to enter a hole in the other of the inner and outer arm portions when aligned in the folded position.

[0010] The present invention provides a swingable boom for an aircraft having a lift-generating device, which is advantageously a multi-rotor aircraft.

[0011] Therefore, it is conceivable that the present invention can provide an unmanned multi-rotor aircraft having a main body, the main body comprising:

[0012] - An elongated "support" (central body / body) made of a single piece of lightweight metal extruded profile, having a first end and a second end, and having four elongated cavities therein and at least one external "support" long side and other profile features such as, for example, a mounting rail for attaching equipment such as a camera base to the mounting rail.

[0013] - A front end component for mounting on a first end of a "strut", and the front end component having a width at which it is mounted to the "strut", the width being wider than the strut, and the front end component providing at least a first front shoulder and a second front shoulder, each of the first front shoulder and the second front shoulder including a coupling means for a rotor arm, and optionally also including a front mounting means for a landing gear (at least one leg);

[0014] - A rear end component for mounting on the second end of a "strut", and the rear end component having a width at which it is mounted to the "strut", the width being wider than the strut, and the rear end component providing at least a first rear shoulder and a second rear shoulder, each of the first rear shoulder and the second rear shoulder including a coupling means for a rotor arm, and optionally also including a rear mounting means for a landing gear (at least one leg);

[0015] - Front cover, rear cover;

[0016] - Optional front adapter plate, which provides front mounting facilities and provides an adapter between the front end component and the front end cover;

[0017] - An optional rear adapter plate that provides front mounting facilities and provides an adapter between the rear end component and the rear end cover; and

[0018] - Four foldable rotor arms, each of the four foldable rotor arms comprising: an inner arm portion having a coupling device at one end adapted for coupling to an end member, and the inner arm portion having a first portion of an arm folding hinge at a second end; and an outer arm portion having an adapter for a motor assembly at one end, and the outer arm portion having a second portion of an arm folding hinge at a second end; and a displaceable and spring-biased hinge locking device disposed in one of the inner arm portion and the outer arm portion, and the four foldable rotor arms comprising a spring-biased cotter pin and four rotor assemblies, the spring-biased cotter pin being adapted to enter a hole in the other of the inner arm portion and the outer arm portion when aligned in the folded position, each of the four rotor assemblies comprising at least one propeller on a motor located on a rotor frame attached to a corresponding adapter in the adapter for the rotor assembly.

[0019] Preferably, the present invention can provide an unmanned multi-rotor aircraft having at least one elongated energy container, preferably an electric battery, the at least one elongated energy container having a first end, a second end, and an external battery long side, the external battery long side being adapted to be positioned adjacent to at least one long side of a "pillar", and the unmanned multi-rotor aircraft having an attachment device on at least one of the first end and the second end, the attachment device being adapted to be securely engaged with at least one mating attachment device, the at least one mating attachment device being arranged on at least one of a front end component and a rear end component. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The above and other features of the invention will become clear from the description of preferred forms of embodiments given as non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying schematic diagrams, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a first perspective view illustrating a complete and ready-to-fly embodiment of a multi-rotor type unmanned aerial vehicle according to the present invention, as viewed from above;

[0022] Figure 2 The illustration shows the view from below. Figure 1 The figure shows a second perspective view of an embodiment of a multi-rotor type unmanned aerial vehicle according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 The illustration shows the view from above. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The third perspective view of the embodiment of the multi-rotor type unmanned aerial vehicle according to the present invention is shown in the figure, which is modified so that the battery is removed from the body of the unmanned aerial vehicle and raised above the body of the unmanned aerial vehicle.

[0024] Figure 4 The illustration shows the view from below. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The fourth perspective view of the embodiment of the multi-rotor type unmanned aerial vehicle according to the present invention is shown in the figure, which is modified so that the battery is removed from the body of the unmanned aerial vehicle and raised above the body of the unmanned aerial vehicle.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a first perspective view illustrating a complete embodiment of a multi-rotor type unmanned aerial vehicle according to the invention, folded for storage or transport, as viewed from above.

[0026] Figure 6 The illustration shows the view from below. Figure 5 The figure shows a second perspective view of an embodiment of a multi-rotor type unmanned aerial vehicle according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 The illustration shows the view from above. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The third perspective view of the embodiment of the multi-rotor type unmanned aerial vehicle according to the present invention is shown in the figure, which is modified to remove the battery from the body of the unmanned aerial vehicle.

[0028] Figure 8 The illustration shows the view from below. Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The fourth perspective view of the embodiment of the multi-rotor type unmanned aerial vehicle according to the present invention is shown in the figure, which is modified to remove the battery from the body of the unmanned aerial vehicle.

[0029] Figure 9 The illustration shows a three-dimensional view from above. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The figure shows a first exploded view of the main components of an embodiment of a multi-rotor type unmanned aerial vehicle according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 10 The illustration shows a three-dimensional view from below. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 9 The figure shows a second exploded view of the main components of an embodiment of a multi-rotor type unmanned aerial vehicle according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 11 This is a first perspective detail view illustrating a battery holding and locking device in a released state of a multi-rotor type unmanned aerial vehicle according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 12 It's shown in the diagram. Figure 11 The figure shows a second perspective detail of the battery holding and locking device of a multi-rotor type unmanned aerial vehicle according to the present invention in a locked state.

[0033] Figure 13 This is a first perspective detail view of the components of a battery locking device on the end portion of a battery for a multi-rotor type unmanned aerial vehicle according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 14 This is a first perspective detail of the forearm folding hinge portion of the rotor arm of a multi-rotor type unmanned aerial vehicle according to the present invention in an unfolded state.

[0035] Figure 15 This is a first perspective detail of the rear arm folding hinge portion of the rotor arm of a multi-rotor type UAV according to the invention in an unfolded state.

[0036] Figure 16 This is a first perspective detail of the forearm folding hinge portion of the rotor arm of a multi-rotor type unmanned aerial vehicle according to the present invention in a folded state.

[0037] Figure 17 This is a first perspective detail of the rear arm folding hinge portion of the rotor arm of a multi-rotor type unmanned aerial vehicle according to the present invention in a folded state.

[0038] Figure 18 This is a first cross-sectional detail view of the forearm folding hinge portion of the rotor arm of a multi-rotor type unmanned aerial vehicle according to the invention, viewed from above in a first stereoscopic view in an unfolded state.

[0039] Figure 19 The illustration shows the unfolded state as viewed from above in a second-dimensional perspective. Figure 17 The figure shows a second cross-sectional detail of the rear arm folding hinge portion of the rotor arm for a multi-rotor type unmanned aerial vehicle according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The following description may use terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “lateral,” “front and rear,” “top and bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “forward,” and “backward.” These terms generally refer to views and orientations as shown in the accompanying drawings, and these terms are used in connection with the normal use of the invention. The terms are for convenience only and should not be considered limiting.

[0041] For the sake of simplicity in the following description, the assembly including the complete rotor arm and the rotor assembly including the motor mount, motor, and propeller are generally referred to as the "arm". The drone body including the main frame (which is generally referred to as the "strut"), end pieces, end caps, and components mounted thereon, but excluding the battery, arm, and landing gear, is generally referred to as the "body".

[0042] First refer to Figures 1 to 4 The attached diagram, Figures 1 to 4 The illustration shows a complete rotorcraft according to an embodiment of the invention, in which the rotorcraft is in a configuration in which the middle arm 200 is deployed and extends from the body 100 and is locked in a fully deployed state in preparation for flight. Figure 1 The main components and parts are shown, such as the body 100, which has a pair of batteries 500 mounted thereon to form an elongated and generally rectangular body assembly. The body 100 is equipped with a plurality of rotor arms 200 having rotor assemblies 400 and a landing gear including a plurality of legs 600.

[0043] Figure 2 The following are shown: components and sub-assemblies of the body 100, such as a front cover 110 with a sensor window 111, an optional front adapter plate 120, a front end component 130, a support 140, a rear end component 150, an optional rear adapter plate 160, a rear end cover 170, and a battery locking device 190; components and sub-assemblies of the arm 200, such as an inner arm portion 210, an outer arm portion 220, and an arm folding hinge locking device 230; and components and sub-assemblies of the rotor assembly 400, such as a rotor frame 410, an upper motor and propeller assembly 420A, and a lower motor and propeller assembly 420B.

[0044] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The diagram shows a body strut 140 and front shoulders 131 and 132, each including an adapter disposed on a front end member 130, which is configured to provide a secure attachment of the forearm 200 to the body 100. Correspondingly, a rear end member 150 includes rear shoulders 151 and 152, each including an adapter disposed on a rear end member 150, which is also configured to provide a secure attachment of the rear arm 200 to the body 100.

[0045] A battery connector 180 for electrical connection is provided on at least one side of the support column 140, the battery connector 180 being adapted to provide electrical connection with a mating electrical connector 580 on the battery. A first portion 190 of the battery holding and locking device is disposed on a corresponding side of the front end member 130 and the rear end member 150, the front end member 130 and the rear end member 150 being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body 100 and facing each other. A second portion 514 of the battery holding and locking device, designed to mate and engage with the first portion 190 of the battery holding and locking device, is disposed on a corresponding end of each battery 500. (Refer to...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 It should be noted that the lever of the battery holding and locking device 190 is shown in a position for unlocking and releasing the battery, and the lever of the battery holding and locking device 190 is regarded as an L-shaped element protruding from the lower edge of the sides of the front end part 130 and the rear end part 150 facing each other, and the lever of the battery holding and locking device 190 can be seen when the battery 500 is not installed between these sides on the body.

[0046] Reference Figures 5 to 8 The illustration shows a rotorcraft multi-rotor according to the invention, in which the middle arm 200 is folded against the body 100 and locked in a folded state for storage or transport. Figures 5 to 8 The following are identified: a locking slider 231 and a locking pin 232 of the arm folding hinge locking device 230; an end portion 218 of the inner arm portion 210 and an end portion 225 of the outer arm portion 220, both of which are shaped to correspond to the segments of the annular member; and a portion 215 of the inner arm portion 210 and a portion 228 of the outer arm portion 220, which are hollow annular segments and are shaped to match the end portions 225 and 218 so as to receive the corresponding end portions of the end portions 225 and 218 respectively when the arm rotates from the folded state to the unfolded state around the folding hinge. Therefore, forces such as torque and shear force acting around and intersecting the longitudinal axis of the arm are directly coupled between the inner arm portion 210 and the outer arm portion 220 without stressing the hinge pin, which the outer arm portion rotates about when moving between the folded and unfolded positions.

[0047] Figure 8 The mounting rail 145 within the integral support 140 is also identified, into which auxiliary equipment, such as camera mounts, can be installed. It should be noted that... Figures 5 to 8 as well as Figure 1 and Figure 2In the middle, the lever of the battery holding and locking device 190 is in a position for locking and holding the battery on the body, and Figure 3 and Figure 4 The L-shaped rod element shown protruding from the lower edge of the side portion of the front end member 130 and the lower edge of the side portion of the rear end member 150 is in... Figure 5 and Figure 6 as well as Figure 1 and Figure 2 The L-shaped rod element is positioned in the recesses in the front end part 130 and the rear end part 150, and is substantially hidden between these end sides 514 of the battery and the corresponding adjacent end sides 514 when the battery 500 is fully mounted on the body.

[0048] Now refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 ,exist Figure 9 and Figure 10 The diagram illustrates and identifies the main elements and sub-components of a multi-rotor aircraft embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 The following are shown: elements and subassemblies of the body 100, such as front cover 110, optional front adapter plate 120, front end part 130, body support 140 having an electrical connector 180 connected to the battery, rear end part 150 having a portion of a battery holding and locking device 190, optional rear adapter plate 160, and rear end cover 170; elements and subassemblies of the rotor arm 200, such as inner arm portion 210, arm folding hinge device 230, and outer arm portion 220; and elements and subassemblies of the rotor 400, such as rotor frame 410, upper rotor assembly 420A, and lower rotor assembly 420B. Figure 10 The following are illustrated and labeled: the end portion 218 of the inner arm portion 210 and the end portion 225 of the outer arm portion 220, both of which are shaped to correspond to the partial segments of the annular member; and the portion 215 of the inner arm portion 210 and the portion 228 of the outer arm portion 220, which are partially hollow annular segments and are formed in a matching manner as complementary members to the end portions 225 and 218 so that they can respectively receive the corresponding end portions of the end portions 225 and 218 when the arm is rotated from the folded state to the unfolded state around the folding hinge.

[0049] Now refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 The illustration shows and identifies the components and sub-assemblies of the battery locking device 190, which is arranged on the sides of the front end member 130 and the rear end member 150 of the multi-rotor embodiment of the aircraft of the present invention, and refers to... Figure 13,exist Figure 13 The diagram illustrates and identifies the components and subassemblies of the battery holding and locking device located on the short side 514 at the end of the elongated battery 500.

[0050] Figure 11 and Figure 12 The diagram illustrates and identifies the guide rail 191, the lever 192 with a finger gripping opening 196, the lever rotation axis and bearing 195, the support post 193, the lever latch cam 194, and the lever latch pin and release button assembly 198. For convenience, refer to the following... Figure 13 , Figure 13 The illustration shows and identifies the features of a battery 500 including: a top long side 510, an inner long side 511, an outer long side 512, a bottom long side 513, and an end short side 514. The end short side 514 includes a portion of a battery holding and locking device comprising a straight first recessed track 515 and an L-shaped second recessed track 516, both tracks having end openings at the edge of the bottom long side 513. The straight first recessed track 515 is sized to receive a guide rail 191 at its opening to control the sliding of the battery 500 onto the body 100, and the straight first recessed track 515 is positioned on the end short side 514 of the battery to position the battery close to the long side of the support 140 and to align the battery's electrical connector 580 with the electrical connector 180 of the body 100.

[0051] The opening of the L-shaped second recessed track 516 is positioned on the short side 514 at the end of the battery so as to receive a battery positioned as such. Figure 11 The diagram shows the support post 193 on the lever 192 in the unlocked and released position. The corner of the L-shaped second recessed track 516 is positioned such that when the battery has slid along the guide rail 191 until it reaches the point where the electrical connector 580 is about to contact the electrical connector 180, it encounters the support post 193, at which point the support post 193 stops further movement of the battery before the lever rotates about the axis of rotation of the lever and the bearing 195. Then, the rotation of the lever toward the battery locked position of the lever causes the support post 193 to follow a circular path and be restricted by the horizontal portion of the L-shaped second recessed track 516. The support post 193 drives the battery 500 and uses leverage to further move the battery 500 to the point where the top long side 510 and bottom long side 513 of the battery are substantially flush with the corresponding top long side and bottom long side of the support post 140, and the battery's electrical connector 580 fully engages with and connects to the electrical connector 180 of the body.

[0052] Conversely, for the battery 500 mounted on the body 100 in the holding and locked position, by rotating the lever toward the unlocked and released position, the support column 193 follows a circular path in the opposite direction and is restricted by the horizontal portion of the L-shaped second recessed track 516. The support column 193 drives the battery 500 and uses leverage to further move the battery 500 to the point where the top long side 510 and bottom long side 513 of the battery are raised relative to the corresponding top long side and bottom long side of the support column 140, and the battery's electrical connector 580 is fully raised and disconnected from the electrical connector 180 of the body. When the lever latch cam 194 is engaged with the spring-biased lever latch pin of the lever latch pin and release button assembly 198, and the lever latch cam 194 displaces the lever latch pin until the lever rotates to a point where the lever latch pin falls into a recess at the root of the cam, thereby latching the lever 192, which is fixed in position, to hold and lock the battery 500 in place on the body 100. The displacement of the lever latch pin by the cam also displaces the release button of the lever latch pin and release button assembly 198, causing the release button to retract into the corresponding end members 130, 150. The side of the release body that is concealed as the release button retracts due to the cam is advantageously painted with a signal color, thus providing a clear signal that the lever is not properly positioned and not latched when it is not retracted into the corresponding end member.

[0053] Now refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 The layout of the arm 200, the arm 200, and the arm folding hinge device 230 are illustrated and marked in more detail when the arm 200 is fully unfolded and ready for flight, and is suitable for receiving and securing to the body 100, the front shoulder portion 131 of the front end part 130 and the rear shoulder portion 151 of the rear end part 150 of the arm 210, the arm 220 and the arm folding hinge device 230.

[0054] Now refer to Figure 16 and Figure 17 , Figure 16 and Figure 17The illustrations and markings in more detail depict the layout of the arm 200, when fully folded and ready for storage or transport, suitable for receiving and securing to the body 100, the front shoulder portion 131 of the front end member 130 and the rear shoulder portion 151 of the rear end member 150, the arm interior portion 210, the arm exterior portion 220, and the arm folding hinge device 230. In this layout, a locking device slider 231 is also shown, operable to engage the arm locking pin 232 from its idle position, in which the arm locking pin 232 protrudes from the outer end of the arm interior portion 210 and the arm locking pin receiving opening 221 on the arm exterior portion 220, into which the arm locking pin 232 protrudes to secure the arm 200 in a fully folded and unfolded position ready for flight. Figure 16 and Figure 17 The illustration also shows the release button fully retracted into the corresponding end components 130, 150, indicating that the lever 192 of the corresponding battery holding and locking device 190 is correctly positioned to hold and lock the battery 500.

[0055] Now refer to Figure 18 and Figure 19 , Figure 18 and Figure 19 The arm folding hinge and locking mechanism are illustrated and labeled in more detail, wherein the rotor arm is fully folded and deployed and locked in the position for flight preparation. The axis of rotation for folding the arm 200 is defined by a hinge ring 235, which is attached to the inner arm portion 210 via a ring mount 235A positioned within the outer arm portion 220. An annular cavity in the inner arm portion 210 forms a seat for the hinge ring 235, thereby providing a hinge that allows the inner arm portion 210 and the outer arm portion 220 to remain connected to each other and rotatable relative to each other in all positions from fully folded to fully folded and deployed. An arm locking pin 232 is connected to a slider 231, and a spring 233 biases the arm locking slider 231 to hold the arm locking slider 231 in an idle position in which the arm locking pin 232 protrudes into an arm locking opening 221 arranged in the outer arm portion 220.

[0056] An interlock button 231A is provided in the arm locking slider 231 to prevent any unintentional movement of the slider 231 until it is released by the push of the interlock button 231A. A locking cam 234 is connected to the slider 231 and is positioned to engage in one of a plurality of locking slots 236 provided on the hinge ring 235. Thus, the locking cam 234 and the locking slot 236 serve as additional means for holding the arm portion locked in a fully folded and unfolded position. At least one locking slot 236 is provided at an angular position on the hinge ring to allow the locking cam to engage in the locking slot when the arm is fully folded, thus demonstrating that the locking of the outer portion of the arm relative to the corresponding inner portion of the arm is also in a folded position, preventing the arm from being accidentally unfolded, for example, during transport, maintenance, storage, or other handling. Figure 18 and Figure 19 The inner portion 211 of the inner arm portion 210 is also shown. This inner portion 211 is formed by a tapering cross-section, which is shaped to mate with tapering openings in the end parts of the body, such as shoulders 131, 132, and 151. Advantageously, the end portion 211 of the inner arm portion 210 has a cross-sectional profile corresponding to a trapezoidal shape, wherein the cross-section at the tip of the end portion 211 is smaller than the cross-section further away from the tip.

[0057] It should be understood that the invention has been explained by way of example and with reference to embodiments thereof, and other embodiments of the inventive principles and aspects thereof may be contemplated within the scope of the claims. As an example, a UAV implementing the invention may be implemented only in an embodiment that includes the upper motor and propeller assembly 420A or only in an embodiment that includes the lower motor and propeller assembly 420B. Similarly, although only one design is shown to illustrate and explain the invention, the motor support may be oriented in a different manner than that disclosed herein, and the arm portion may have a different design.

Claims

1. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having a main body (100), the main body including at least a support column (140), the support column (140) having a front end component (130) and a rear end component (150), characterized in that, The front end component (130) and the rear end component (150) are wider than the strut, and the front end component (130) and the rear end component (150) include connection facilities for corresponding rotor arms (200), each rotor arm being configured to support a motor and propeller assembly; The unmanned aerial vehicle also includes a pair of elongated power batteries (500). The front end component (130) and the rear end component (150), as well as at least a portion of the support column, form receiving portions on two sides of the support column for releasably receiving corresponding power batteries (500). The power battery, the support column, the front end component (130), and the rear end component (150) form an elongated and generally rectangular body assembly. The unmanned aerial vehicle also includes a battery locking device (190) portion disposed on the side of the front end member (130) and the side of the rear end member (150) for releasably locking engagement with a corresponding battery holding and locking device portion located on the short end side (514) at the end of the power battery (500). The battery locking device (190) is partially arranged on the corresponding sides of the front end part (130) and the rear end part (150), which are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body (100) and face each other.

2. The unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, Each rotor arm (200) includes: an inner arm portion (210) having a coupling device at one end adapted to be connected to one of the front end member (130) and the rear end member (150), and the inner arm portion (210) having a first portion of an arm folding hinge at a second end; and an outer arm portion (220) having an adapter for the motor and propeller assembly at one end, and the outer arm portion (220) having a second portion of the arm folding hinge at a second end; and a displaceable and spring-biased hinge locking device disposed in one of the inner arm portion and the outer arm portion.

3. The unmanned aerial vehicle of claim 2 further includes a spring-biased cotter pin adapted to enter a hole in the other of the inner portion and the outer portion of the arm when aligned in the folded position.

4. The unmanned aerial vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3 further includes an attachment device adapted to be securely engaged with at least one mating attachment device disposed on at least one of the front end part (130) and the rear end part (150).

5. The unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 1 further includes a guide rail (191), a rod (192) having a finger gripping opening (196), a rod rotation axis and bearing (195), a support column (193), a rod latch cam (194), and a rod latch pin and release button assembly (198).

6. The unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 5, wherein, The power battery (500) includes a top long side (510), an inner long side (511), an outer long side (512), a bottom long side (513), and an end short side (514), wherein the end short side (514) includes a portion of the battery holding and locking device, the portion of the battery holding and locking device including a straight first recessed track (515) and an L-shaped second recessed track (516), both tracks having end openings at the edges of the bottom long side (513).

7. The unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 6, wherein, The straight first recessed track (515) is sized to receive the guide rail (191) at the end opening of the straight first recessed track (515) to control the power battery (500) to slide onto the body (100), and the straight first recessed track (515) is positioned on the short side (514) of the end of the power battery to position the power battery close to the long side of the support (140) and to align the electrical connector (580) of the power battery with the electrical connector (180) of the body (100).

8. The unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 7, wherein, The opening of the L-shaped second recessed track (516) is positioned on the short side (514) of the end of the power battery so as to receive the support post (193) on the rod (192) positioned in the unlocked and released position.

9. The unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 8, wherein, The corner of the L-shaped second recessed track (516) is positioned such that when the power battery has slid along the guide rail (191) until it reaches the point where the electrical connector (580) is about to contact the electrical connector (180), the support post (193) meets the support post (193) at the point where the support post (193) stops the further movement of the power battery before the rod rotates about the axis of rotation of the rod and the bearing (195).

10. The unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 9, wherein, The rotation of the rod toward its battery locking position causes the support column (193) to follow a circular path, and the support column (193) is restricted by the horizontal portion of the L-shaped second recessed track (516). The support column (193) drives the power battery (500) and uses leverage to drive the power battery (500) to move further until the top long side (510) and bottom long side (513) of the power battery are substantially flush with the corresponding top long side and bottom long side of the support column (140) and the electrical connector (580) of the power battery fully engages with and connects to the electrical connector (180) of the body (100).

11. The unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 10, wherein, When the power battery (500) is installed on the body (100) and in the holding and locked position, by rotating the rod toward the unlocked and released position, the support column (193) follows the circular path in the opposite direction and is restricted by the horizontal portion of the L-shaped second recessed track (516). The support column (193) drives the power battery (500) and uses leverage to drive the power battery (500) to move further to the point where the top long side (510) and the bottom long side (513) of the power battery are raised relative to the corresponding top long side and bottom long side of the support column (140) and the electrical connector (580) of the power battery is fully raised and disconnected from the electrical connector (180) of the body (100).

12. The unmanned aerial vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The pillar has four elongated cavities and at least one external pillar long side and contour features.

13. The unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 12, wherein, The contour feature includes a mounting rail for attaching a camera base to the mounting rail.

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