Unmanned aerial vehicle arm locking device, arm and unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

The unmanned aerial vehicle arm locking device, arm and unmanned aerial vehicle relate to the technical field for fastening. In order to solve the technical problems that the existing unmanned aerial vehicle folding arm locking structure is inconvenient to operate in use, and the stability of the locking part cannot reach the best, and the unmanned aerial vehicle is damaged, the technical scheme is provided in the application, which is characterized in that: the unmanned aerial vehicle arm locking device comprises a main body, a trigger, an extension part and a locking part; the main body is movably connected to the arm; the locking part is used for fixing the relative position between the extension part and the main body when locking; the extension part is slidably connected to the arm, and the relative position between the extension part and the main body changes when unlocking, so that the locking part cannot fix the position; the trigger is used for fixing the relative position between the main body and the arm when locking, and releasing the fixed state when triggering. It is suitable for application in the design of the unmanned aerial vehicle arm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This relates to the field of locking components technology, particularly to locking of drone arms. Background Technology

[0002] In today's society, with the application of drones in various industries and fields, people have become more and more aware of drones with increasingly diverse functions. From an overall appearance perspective, multi-rotor agricultural drones are mainly composed of components such as the fuselage, arms, rotors, and landing gear. At the same time, various functional modules are mounted under the fuselage, such as precision direct seeders, broadcasting devices, spraying and fertilizing devices, to meet the various needs of agricultural aviation for seeding, fertilizing, and spraying.

[0003] Currently, in the field of agricultural aviation, larger payload capacity or weight is more favored by users, as increased payload capacity improves the unit efficiency of agricultural operations. However, increasing payload capacity undoubtedly requires corresponding improvements to all aspects of the drone. This includes longer arms, increased battery capacity, more powerful rotor motors, and larger rotor sizes. In essence, the overall drone becomes larger. Given the typical 40-50KG size of current drones, this increased size creates inconvenience in routine operations such as packaging, transportation, operation, and handling.

[0004] The industry generally uses a folding arm mechanism to achieve foldable arms, which reduces the overall size of the drone after folding. In existing technologies, users usually only unfold the drone's arms before use, making it difficult to notice whether the arms are fully unfolded or locked after unfolding. However, starting the propellers when the arms are not fully unfolded or locked after unfolding can easily cause the arms to vibrate, leading to the arms coming loose, or even causing the drone to fall abnormally and be damaged, greatly reducing the safety of drone use.

[0005] A utility model patent with a publication date of May 7, 2021, and application number 202120352005.6, provided by Dongguan XAG UAV Technology Co., Ltd., discloses a UAV arm locking assembly. This assembly includes a locking structure that can lock the UAV arm in an extended state. The locking structure comprises a first locking member and a second locking member that can wrap around each other in a circular ring. The first locking member includes a push rod facing its fixed end. In the engaged state, the push rod pushes towards the connection between the first locking member and the UAV arm. The end of the second locking member has a force-bearing structure. When the second locking member is fully depressed and the first locking member is fully engaged, the push rod, through the force-bearing structure, pushes the end of the second locking member towards the fixed end of the first locking member to its limit, ensuring full wrapping of the first and second locking members. In this state, the UAV arm is locked in place after being extended.

[0006] However, because the first and second locking components need to be operated independently, the actual operation of unfolding and folding the arm is cumbersome. Furthermore, the arm needs to be unfolded manually before locking, and the overall weight of the arm will put a burden on the operator. The cumbersome operation and the weight burden make the locking structure inconvenient to operate.

[0007] The utility model patent with a publication date of November 9, 2021, and application number 202022577797.5, provided by Shenzhen DJI Innovation Technology Co., Ltd., describes a folding arm for a drone. The arm body includes a first body and a second body, which are locked together using a first locking member and a second locking member that cooperate with each other. Based on the images and text, the locking mechanism involves a diagonal bracing structure that works together to restrain the first and second locking members. With the diagonal bracing structure remaining constant in length, when the first locking member is engaged, it pushes the end of the diagonal bracing structure connected to the second locking member towards the fixed end of the first locking member. When the second locking member moves towards the fixed end of the first locking member under the pushing force, it creates a negative angle resistance with the diagonal bracing structure, thus achieving locking.

[0008] Although the technical solution sets the locking component as an integrated structure, its interference fit requires high machining precision. Furthermore, when faced with sudden airflow or large vibrations caused by the drone turning, the interference fit locking component may still loosen, leading to the folding of the arm and damage to the drone. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To address the problems existing in the current technology, such as the cumbersome operation of the locking structure of the folding arm of a drone requiring separate operation of the first and second locking components, the weight burden of the entire drone arm leading to inconvenience, and the inability of the locking components to achieve optimal stability, resulting in loosening of the locking components and damage to the drone due to arm folding, the technical solution provided by this invention is as follows:

[0010] A drone arm locking device, applied to a drone arm, wherein the arm has a foldable structure and includes a movable end and a fixed end, the device comprising:

[0011] Main body, trigger, telescopic component, and locking component;

[0012] The telescopic component is provided with a groove and is disposed on the fixed end;

[0013] The locking member is disposed on the main body, and the main body is movably connected to the movable end. When the main body moves close to the movable end, the locking member is embedded in the groove to fix the position between the telescopic member and the main body.

[0014] The telescopic component is slidably connected to the fixed end, and its relative position with the main body changes when unlocked, preventing the locking component from being inserted into the groove.

[0015] The trigger is used to fix the relative position between the body and the arm when locked, and to release the fixed state when triggered.

[0016] Furthermore, a preferred implementation method is provided.

[0017] The main body is elongated and has a torsion spring along the axis of the connection between the main body and the arm. One end of the main body is movably connected to the arm through the fixed end of the torsion spring. The outer side of the movable end of the torsion spring contacts the locking member. The main body has an elongated, arc-shaped through hole for accommodating the locking member and providing a space for its movement.

[0018] Furthermore, a preferred implementation method is provided.

[0019] The trigger is located at the end of the main body away from the torsion spring;

[0020] The locking end of the trigger has a hook-shaped structure that hooks onto the arm when locked.

[0021] Furthermore, a preferred implementation method is provided.

[0022] The trigger includes a trigger end, and a small spring is provided between the trigger end and the main body so that the trigger end is away from the main body when it is not triggered.

[0023] Furthermore, a preferred implementation method is provided.

[0024] The trigger has a T-shaped structure, with three ends: a locking end, a triggering end, and a fixing end.

[0025] The fixed end is used to movably connect the trigger to the main body.

[0026] Furthermore, a preferred implementation method is provided.

[0027] The main body has a through hole at the end away from the torsion spring, and the trigger end is located inside the through hole.

[0028] Furthermore, a preferred implementation method is provided.

[0029] The telescopic component is equipped with a large spring. One end of the large spring is connected to the main body, and the other end is used to push the telescopic component when unlocking, so that the groove is away from the locking component.

[0030] Furthermore, a preferred implementation method is provided.

[0031] The locking element is a roller.

[0032] Based on the same inventive concept, the present invention also provides a foldable drone arm, which is locked in place by the drone arm locking device when unfolded.

[0033] Based on the same inventive concept, the present invention also provides a drone, wherein the drone's arm is the aforementioned foldable drone arm.

[0034] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the technical solution provided by the present invention are as follows:

[0035] The UAV arm locking device provided by this invention provides an easy-to-operate locking method through an integrated locking wrench design. Furthermore, through the trigger structure on the wrench, when the wrench falls to its extreme position, the wrench position can be self-locked by the trigger latch, achieving a stable locking state.

[0036] The drone arm locking device provided by the present invention has a trigger for achieving a stable locking state located inside the wrench surround, which avoids the problem of the locking structure becoming unstable due to impact with the trigger, causing the locking parts to loosen and resulting in damage to the drone.

[0037] The UAV arm locking device provided by this invention sets the inherent fixed clamping component as a rotatable roller, transforming sliding friction into rolling friction, which improves the smoothness of the clamping process, reduces the resistance of the clamping process and the wear of the clamping component caused by friction, and increases the service life of the clamping component. Moreover, the smooth transition makes the clamping component easier to operate.

[0038] The drone arm locking device provided by the present invention, through the movement of the locking slider, ensures that the wrench cannot fall to the extreme position when the arm is folded. Therefore, the trigger latch cannot be engaged in the slot that provides the self-locking function. During the process of unfolding the folded arm, the impact between the arm and the fixed roller caused by the locking wrench will not cause damage to the roller.

[0039] Suitable for use in the design of drone arms. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the locked state of the UAV arm locking device mentioned in Implementation Method 1;

[0041] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Side view;

[0042] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Cross-sectional view;

[0043] Figure 4 This is a side view of the drone arm locking device mentioned in Implementation Method 1 in the unlocked state;

[0044] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Cross-sectional view;

[0045] Figure 6 This is a side view of the drone arm locking device mentioned in Implementation Method 1 when it is raised;

[0046] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Cross-sectional view;

[0047] In this diagram, 1 represents the main body, 11 represents the torsion spring, 2 represents the trigger, 21 represents the small spring, 22 represents the trigger end, 23 represents the locking end, 3 represents the telescopic component, 31 represents the large spring, 4 represents the locking component, and 5 represents the recess. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To make the advantages and benefits of the technical solution provided by the present invention more concrete, the technical solution provided by the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, specifically:

[0049] Implementation Method 1: This implementation method provides a drone arm locking device, applied to a drone arm. The arm has a foldable structure, including a movable end and a fixed end. The device includes:

[0050] Main body 1, trigger 2, telescopic component 3, and locking component 4;

[0051] The telescopic component 3 is provided with a groove and is disposed on the fixed end;

[0052] The locking member 4 is disposed on the main body 1, and the main body 1 is movably connected to the movable end. When the main body 1 moves close to the movable end, the locking member 4 is embedded in the groove to fix the position between the telescopic member 3 and the main body 1.

[0053] The telescopic component 3 is slidably connected to the fixed end, and its relative position with the main body 1 changes when unlocked, so that the locking component 4 cannot be inserted into the groove.

[0054] The trigger 2 is used to fix the relative position between the main body 1 and the arm when locked, and to release the fixed state when triggered.

[0055] Specifically,

[0056] The main body 1 is movably connected to the movable end of the machine arm. A locking member 4 is provided on the main body 1, and when it is moved close to the movable end, the locking member 4 is inserted into the groove of the telescopic member 3, thereby fixing the position between the telescopic member 3 and the main body 1, and thus fixing the position between the movable end and the fixed end of the machine arm.

[0057] The telescopic component 3 is slidably connected to the fixed end. The telescopic component 3 has a groove for engaging with the locking component 4 on the main body 1. When locked, the telescopic component 3 and the main body 1 are secured by the locking component 4 to prevent any change in position.

[0058] The locking component 4 is located on the main body 1 and locks the position of the telescopic component 3 by embedding it into the groove of the telescopic component 3. When the locking component 4 is embedded in the groove, it fixes the relative position of the telescopic component 3 and the main body 1, ensuring that the arm is locked in the extended state.

[0059] Trigger 2: Trigger 2 is an operating element used to control the locked and unlocked states. When locked, trigger 2 fixes the relative position between the main body 1 and the arm, maintaining a locked state. When trigger 2 is activated, it releases the locked state, allowing relative movement between the main body 1 and the arm.

[0060] Implementation Method Two: This implementation method further defines the UAV arm locking device provided in Implementation Method One.

[0061] The main body 1 is elongated and has a torsion spring 11 on the axis of the connection between the main body 1 and the arm. One end of the main body 1 is movably connected to the arm through the fixed end of the torsion spring 11. The outer side of the movable end of the torsion spring 11 contacts the locking member 4. The main body 1 has an elongated, arc-shaped through hole for accommodating the locking member 4 and serving as the moving space for the locking member 4.

[0062] Specifically,

[0063] The main body 1 is fastened to the movable end of the arm. The fixed end of the arm is provided with a recess 5. When the arm is extended, the recess 5 on the fixed end corresponds to the locking position of the locking member 4. The locking of the arm in the extended state is achieved by pressing the locking member 4. The integrated design of the main body 1 provides an easy-to-operate locking method. Furthermore, through the trigger 2 structure on the main body 1, when the wrench is lowered to the limit position, the trigger 2 can lock the position of the main body 1, achieving a stable locking state.

[0064] When the movable end is extended and coaxial with the fixed end (arm extended), the telescopic member 3 is pushed by the fixed end and moves towards the trigger 2. The groove on it corresponds to the locking member 4, and the locking member 4 can fall into the groove, so that the main body 1 can descend to the lowest point. The locking end 23 can only hook on the arm when the main body 1 descends to the lowest point, so that the locking member 4 is pressed tightly and does not loosen. At this time, the part pressed by the locking member 4 includes the groove on the telescopic member 3 and the recess 5 on the fixed end.

[0065] When the movable end is in a free state (arm folded), the telescopic member 3 loses the push of the fixed end and is displaced by the thrust of the large spring 31, causing the groove on it to move away from the locking member 4. The locking member 4 cannot fall into the groove, the main body 1 cannot descend to the lowest point, and the locking end 23 of the wrench cannot hook onto the arm. Its advantage is that the main body 1, which is not fixed by the locking end 23, can move arbitrarily. Therefore, in the process of moving the movable end in the free state to a position coaxial with the fixed end, because the two sides of the recess 5 are protruding structures, the main body 1 will be lifted to a certain height before the locking member 4 falls into the recess 5. The main body 1, which is not fixed by the locking end 23, can be lifted directly without any burden and then fall down.

[0066] However, without this function, when the main body 1 is lifted to a certain height before the locking part 4 falls into the recess 5, the main body 1 will not be lifted because the locking end 23 is fixed, which makes it impossible to extend the arm in a portable manner or damages the drone locking part 4 due to conflicting forces.

[0067] In this embodiment, providing the locking member 4 with a space to move is to make the device operate more smoothly and reduce resistance. With the cooperation of the torsion spring 11, the locking member 4 is always kept in a pressed state to avoid loosening due to improper position of the locking member 4.

[0068] Implementation Method 3: This implementation method further defines the UAV arm locking device provided in Implementation Method 2.

[0069] The trigger 2 is located at the end of the main body 1 away from the torsion spring 11;

[0070] The locking end 23 of the trigger 2 has a hook-shaped structure, which hooks onto the arm when locked.

[0071] Implementation Method Four: This implementation method further defines the UAV arm locking device provided in Implementation Method Three.

[0072] The trigger 2 includes a trigger end 22, and a small spring 21 is provided between the trigger end 22 and the main body 1 so that the trigger end 22 is away from the main body 1 when it is not triggered.

[0073] Implementation Method 5: This implementation method further defines the UAV arm locking device provided in Implementation Method 4.

[0074] The trigger 2 has a T-shaped structure, with three ends: a locking end 23, a trigger end 22, and a fixing end;

[0075] The fixed end is used to movably connect the trigger 2 to the main body 1.

[0076] Implementation Method Six: This implementation method further defines the UAV arm locking device provided in Implementation Method Four.

[0077] The main body 1 has a through hole at the end away from the torsion spring 11, and the trigger end 22 is disposed inside the through hole.

[0078] A ring is provided to surround the trigger end 22 to prevent accidental activation of the trigger end 22. The trigger end 22 is placed inside the wrench surround to prevent the locking structure from becoming unstable due to impact with the trigger end 22, which could cause the locking part 4 to loosen and damage the drone.

[0079] Implementation Method Seven: This implementation method further defines the UAV arm locking device provided in Implementation Method Two.

[0080] The telescopic member 3 is provided with a large spring 31. One end of the large spring 31 is connected to the main body 1, and the other end is used to push the telescopic member 3 when unlocking, so that the groove is away from the locking member 4.

[0081] Implementation Method Eight: This implementation method further defines the UAV arm locking device provided in any one of Implementation Methods One through Seven.

[0082] The locking component 4 is a roller.

[0083] By setting the inherent fixed clamping component as a rotatable roller, sliding friction is converted into rolling friction, which improves the smoothness of the clamping process of the locking component 4, reduces the resistance of the clamping process and the wear of the locking component 4 caused by friction, increases the service life of the locking component 4, and makes it easier to operate.

[0084] Implementation Method Nine: This implementation method provides a foldable drone arm, which is locked in place by the drone arm locking device provided in Implementation Method One when unfolded.

[0085] Implementation Method 10: This implementation method provides a drone, wherein the drone's arm is the foldable drone arm provided in Implementation Method 9.

[0086] The above description of several specific embodiments further illustrates the technical solution provided by the present invention in order to highlight the advantages and benefits of the technical solution provided by the present invention. However, the above-described specific embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention. Any reasonable modifications and improvements to the present invention, reasonable combinations and equivalent substitutions of the embodiments based on the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A drone arm locking device, applied to a drone arm, wherein the arm has a foldable structure, including a movable end and a fixed end, characterized in that, The device includes: Main body, trigger, telescopic component, and locking component; The telescopic component is provided with a groove and is disposed on the fixed end; The locking member is disposed on the main body, and the main body is movably connected to the movable end. When the main body moves close to the movable end, the locking member is embedded in the groove to fix the position between the telescopic member and the main body. The telescopic component is slidably connected to the fixed end, and its relative position with the main body changes when unlocked, preventing the locking component from being inserted into the groove. The trigger is used to fix the relative position between the main body and the arm when locked, and to release the fixed state when triggered; The main body is elongated and has a torsion spring on the axis of the connection between the main body and the arm. One end of the main body is movably connected to the arm through the fixed end of the torsion spring. The outer side of the movable end of the torsion spring contacts the locking member. The main body has an elongated arc-shaped through hole for accommodating the locking member and serving as a moving space for the locking member. The trigger is located at the end of the main body away from the torsion spring; The locking end of the trigger has a hook-shaped structure, which hooks onto the arm when locked; The telescopic component is equipped with a large spring. One end of the large spring is connected to the main body, and the other end is used to push the telescopic component when unlocking, so that the groove is away from the locking component.

2. The UAV arm locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The trigger includes a trigger end, and a small spring is provided between the trigger end and the main body so that the trigger end is away from the main body when it is not triggered.

3. The UAV arm locking device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The trigger has a T-shaped structure, with three ends: a locking end, a triggering end, and a fixing end. The fixed end is used to movably connect the trigger to the main body.

4. The UAV arm locking device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The main body has a through hole at the end away from the torsion spring, and the trigger end is located inside the through hole.

5. The UAV arm locking device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The locking element is a roller.

6. A foldable drone arm, characterized in that, When the arm is deployed, it is locked by the UAV arm locking device as described in claim 1.

7. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), characterized in that, The drone's arm is the foldable drone arm as described in claim 6.

Images