A flying wing layout folding variable unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a flying wing layout folding type variable unmanned plane and relates to the technical fields of unmanned planes, mechanics and machinery. The unmanned plane can realize free deformation of the wings, change the aerodynamic shape and cope with various task requirements at low cost, convenient installation and smooth connection of the wings. The flying wing layout folding type variable unmanned plane comprises a main body, a pair of inner folding wings and a pair of outer folding wings. The pair of inner folding wings are symmetrically arranged on the two sides of the main body and are hinged to the main body through inner hinges. The pair of outer folding wings are respectively arranged on the outer sides of the pair of inner folding wings and are hinged to each other through outer hinges. The folding driving mechanism comprises a linear driving unit, a main driving rod, an inner driving unit, a sub-driving rod and an outer driving unit. The unmanned plane can realize large-range air deformation, can maintain the symmetry of the unmanned plane in flight while guaranteeing the structural strength, is important for the safety and stability of flight, and thus has wide application prospects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the fields of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), mechanics, and machinery, specifically to a flying-wing folding variant UAV. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, morphing drones require a longer wingspan for stable cruise to achieve lower fuel consumption, while a shorter wingspan is needed for dives and acceleration to achieve higher maximum speeds. Therefore, foldable wings are typically required. However, achieving this morphing capability also introduces the following drawbacks:

[0003] 1. Variant drones require more motion mechanisms and components than conventional drones;

[0004] Second, the modification of the drone may compromise the integrity of the wing structure;

[0005] Third, the internal structure and skin of the vari-wing must have sufficient load-bearing capacity to cope with the aerodynamic forces under different configurations;

[0006] Fourth, during the transformation process, the morphing UAV must ensure the continuity of the wing surface and make the wing joints smooth and with very small gaps to avoid generating additional aerodynamic noise and aerodynamic drag.

[0007] Fifth, and most importantly, the wings on both sides must maintain highly consistent and synchronized movement during folding or unfolding; otherwise, the drone will roll, which will greatly affect its flight.

[0008] Given these complex factors, for a mutator drone to achieve autonomous wing deformation, the wing deformation mechanism must employ a novel, lightweight, distributed drive structure to maximize the performance benefits of the mutator without significantly increasing structural weight.

[0009] Therefore, designing and manufacturing a variant UAV that is feasible in principle, capable of large-scale deformation, highly reliable, and has strong load-bearing capacity has always been a technical problem to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0010] To address the above problems, this invention proposes a flying-wing folding variant UAV that achieves free deformation of the wings while being low-cost, easy to install, and with smooth wing connections, ultimately enabling changes in aerodynamic shape and adaptability to various mission requirements.

[0011] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: the flying wing layout folding variant UAV includes a main body 12, a pair of inner folding wings 14 and an outer folding wing 15. The pair of inner folding wings 14 are symmetrically installed on both sides of the main body 12 and are hinged to the main body 12 through an inner hinge 13. The outer folding wings 15 are respectively installed on the outer side of the pair of inner folding wings 14 and are hinged to each other through an outer hinge 16.

[0012] The folding drive mechanism includes a linear drive unit 1, a main drive beam 2, an inner drive unit, a sub-drive beam 7, and an outer drive unit. The linear drive unit 1 is fixedly installed inside the main body 12 and arranged along the length of the main body 12. The main drive beam 2 is fixedly connected to the output end of the linear drive unit 1 and arranged perpendicular to the main body 12.

[0013] The inner drive unit has two units, which are respectively connected to the two ends of the main drive beam 2, and their centers are coaxial with the rotation center of the inner hinge 13; the two inner folding wings 14 are respectively connected to the two inner drive units through the inner bracket, and the linear reciprocating motion of the main drive beam 2 is converted into the reciprocating flipping motion of the inner bracket and the inner folding wings 14 through the inner drive unit.

[0014] The sub-drive beam 7 has two parts, which are respectively connected to two inner drive units and are slidably housed in the inner folding wing 14. The sub-drive beam 7 performs synchronous linear reciprocating motion with the main drive beam 2 through a synchronization mechanism.

[0015] The external drive unit has two units, which are respectively connected to the outer ends of the two sub-drive beams 7, and their centers are coaxial with the rotation center of the external hinge 16. The two external folding wings 15 are respectively connected to the two external drive units through the external bracket. The external drive units convert the linear reciprocating motion of the sub-drive beams 7 into the reciprocating flipping motion of the bracket and the external folding wings 15.

[0016] Furthermore, the main body 12 has a plurality of first elongated holes parallel to the length direction of the main body 12, the first elongated holes being adapted to the thickness of the main drive beam 2, and the main drive beam 2 being slidably accommodated in the plurality of first elongated holes;

[0017] The inner folding wing 14 has multiple frames parallel to the length direction of the main body 12. The frames are provided with second elongated holes that are adapted to the thickness of the sub-drive beam 7. The sub-drive beam 7 is slidably accommodated in the multiple second elongated holes.

[0018] Furthermore, the linear drive unit 1 includes a lead screw, a lead screw nut, a motor, and a lead screw mounting base. The lead screw mounting base is fixedly installed in the main body 12 along the length direction of the main body 12. The housing of the motor is fixedly installed on the lead screw mounting base, and the output shaft of the motor is fixedly connected to one end of the lead screw. The other end of the lead screw is rotatably connected to the lead screw mounting base. The lead screw nut is fitted on the lead screw and threadedly connected to it. The lead screw nut is fixedly connected to the middle part of the main drive beam.

[0019] Furthermore, the inner drive unit includes an inner drive shaft 4, an inner sleeve 3, an inner drive slider 5, and an inner fixing ring 6. The inner drive shaft 4 has at least one first spiral groove. The inner drive slider 5 is arc-shaped and corresponds to the first spiral groove. The inner sleeve 3 is slidably fitted on the inner drive shaft 4, and its surface has a receiving hole for accommodating the inner drive slider 5. The inner drive slider 5 is installed in the receiving hole and extends into the first spiral groove. The inner fixing ring 6 is fitted on the inner sleeve 3 and is fixedly connected to the inner drive slider 5.

[0020] The end of the main drive beam 2 is fixedly connected to the inner sleeve 3, and the two ends of the inner drive shaft 4 are fixedly connected to the inner folding wing 14 through the inner bracket.

[0021] Furthermore, the synchronization mechanism is:

[0022] The outer end of the main drive beam 2 is fixedly connected to the inner sleeve 3, and the inner end of the sub-drive beam 7 is rotatably connected to the inner sleeve 3.

[0023] Furthermore, the external drive unit includes an external drive shaft 8, an outer sleeve, and an external drive slider 9. The external drive shaft 8 has at least one second spiral groove. The external drive slider 9 is arc-shaped and corresponds to the second spiral groove. The outer sleeve is slidably fitted on the external drive shaft 8. The external drive slider 9 is fixedly installed in the outer sleeve and extends into the second spiral groove.

[0024] The end of the drive beam 7 is fixedly connected to the outer sleeve, and the two ends of the outer drive shaft 8 are fixedly connected to the outer folding wing 15 through the outer bracket.

[0025] Furthermore, the first spiral groove and the second spiral groove have opposite directions of rotation.

[0026] Furthermore, a hinge cover is provided between the main body 12 and the inner folding wing 14, and between the inner folding wing 14 and the outer folding wing 15, to cover the inner hinge 13 and the outer hinge 16.

[0027] Considering that the internal structure and skin of the variant wing must have sufficient load-bearing capacity to cope with the aerodynamic forces under different configurations, the distribution density of the skeleton is significantly increased in this design. More importantly, since there is only one power source in this design, the main beam and fuselage are slidably connected, which serves as a torsional limit. Furthermore, the two ends of the main beam are fitted with the hinged shaft system, ensuring synchronous movement. This allows the wings on both sides to maintain highly consistent synchronous movement during folding or unfolding, effectively preventing the drone from rolling.

[0028] Compared with existing morphing drone concepts and devices, the flying-wing folding morphing drone proposed in this invention is feasible in principle, enabling large-scale aerial morphing of the drone. It is also feasible in terms of manufacturing technology, as existing assembly and manufacturing methods can fully realize the mass production of morphing drones. Secondly, through the single-degree-of-freedom property of the hinge structure, the symmetry of the drone during flight can be well maintained while ensuring structural strength, which is crucial for flight safety and stability. Therefore, this invention has broad application prospects. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram showing the unfolded state of this case.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the case in its folded state.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the hinge guard in this case.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram showing the unfolded state of the hinge guard after installation.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the case after the hinge guard is installed and the structure is folded.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of the folding drive mechanism in this case.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the internal drive unit.

[0036] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The bottom view,

[0037] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 Exploded view.

[0038] In the figure, 1 is the linear drive unit, 2 is the main drive beam, 3 is the inner sleeve, 4 is the inner drive shaft, 5 is the inner drive slider, 6 is the inner fixed ring, 7 is the sub-drive beam, 8 is the outer drive shaft, and 9 is the outer drive slider.

[0039] 12 is the main body, 13 is the inner hinge, 14 is the inner folding wing, 15 is the outer folding wing, and 16 is the outer hinge.

[0040] 21 is hinge guard one, 22 is hinge guard two, 23 is hinge guard three, 24 is hinge guard four, 25 is hinge guard five, 26 is hinge guard six, 27 is hinge guard seven, and 28 is hinge guard eight. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To clearly illustrate the technical features of this patent, the following detailed description is provided through specific embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0042] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the flying-wing folding variant UAV can easily switch between an unfolded state and a folded state, thus adapting to various different flight scenarios. To achieve this switching between unfolded and folded states, its structure is as follows:

[0043] The flying wing folding variant drone includes a main body 12, a pair of inner folding wings 14, and an outer folding wing 15. The pair of inner folding wings 14 are symmetrically mounted on both sides of the main body 12 and are hinged to the main body 12 via inner hinges 13. The outer folding wings 15 are respectively mounted on the outer sides of the pair of inner folding wings 14 and are hinged to each other via outer hinges 16. The pair of inner folding wings 14 rotate synchronously, and the outer folding wings 15 rotate synchronously, so that the drone as a whole can be unfolded or folded.

[0044] To achieve the aforementioned unfolding and folding actions, a folding drive mechanism is also provided inside the flying wing folding variant UAV. The folding drive mechanism includes a linear drive unit 1, a main drive beam 2, an inner drive unit, a sub-drive beam 7, and an outer drive unit. The linear drive unit 1 is fixedly installed inside the main body 12 and arranged along the length direction of the main body 12. The main drive beam 2 is fixedly connected to the output end of the linear drive unit 1 and arranged perpendicular to the main body 12. Thus, the linear drive unit 1 can drive the main drive beam 2 to reciprocate and translate along the length direction of the main body 12.

[0045] The inner drive unit has two units, which are respectively connected to the two ends of the main drive beam 2, and their centers are coaxial with the rotation center of the inner hinge 13; the two inner folding wings 14 are respectively connected to the two inner drive units through the inner bracket, and the linear reciprocating motion of the main drive beam 2 is converted into the reciprocating flipping motion of the inner bracket and the inner folding wings 14 through the inner drive unit.

[0046] The sub-drive beam 7 has two parts, which are respectively connected to two inner drive units and are slidably housed in the inner folding wing 14. The sub-drive beam 7 performs synchronous linear reciprocating motion with the main drive beam 2 through a synchronization mechanism.

[0047] The external drive unit has two units, which are respectively connected to the outer ends of the two sub-drive beams 7, and their centers are coaxial with the rotation center of the external hinge 16. The two external folding wings 15 are respectively connected to the two external drive units through the external bracket. The external drive units convert the linear reciprocating motion of the sub-drive beams 7 into the reciprocating flipping motion of the bracket and the external folding wings 15.

[0048] Regarding the forward and backward translation space of the main drive beam and the secondary drive beam:

[0049] The main body 12 has a plurality of first elongated holes parallel to the length direction of the main body 12. The first elongated holes are adapted to the thickness of the main drive beam 2. The main drive beam 2 is slidably accommodated in the plurality of first elongated holes.

[0050] The inner folding wing 14 has multiple frames parallel to the length direction of the main body 12. The frames are provided with second elongated holes that are adapted to the thickness of the sub-drive beam 7. The sub-drive beam 7 is slidably accommodated in the multiple second elongated holes.

[0051] Regarding the linear drive unit:

[0052] The linear drive unit 1 includes a lead screw, a lead screw nut, a motor, and a lead screw mounting base. The lead screw mounting base is fixedly installed in the main body 12 along its length. The motor housing is fixedly installed on the lead screw mounting base, and the motor output shaft is fixedly connected to one end of the lead screw. The other end of the lead screw is rotatably connected to the lead screw mounting base. The lead screw nut is fitted onto the lead screw and threadedly connected to it. The lead screw nut is fixedly connected to the middle of the main drive beam. Thus, when the motor is turned on, it drives the main drive beam 2 to reciprocate along the length of the main body 12.

[0053] Regarding the internal drive unit:

[0054] The inner drive unit includes an inner drive shaft 4, an inner sleeve 3, an inner drive slider 5, and an inner fixing ring 6. The inner drive shaft 4 has at least one first spiral groove. The inner drive slider 5 is arc-shaped and corresponds to the first spiral groove. The inner sleeve 3 is slidably fitted on the inner drive shaft 4, and its surface has a receiving hole for accommodating the inner drive slider 5. The inner drive slider 5 is installed in the receiving hole and extends into the first spiral groove. The inner fixing ring 6 is fitted on the inner sleeve 3 and is fixedly connected to the inner drive slider 5.

[0055] The end of the main drive beam 2 is fixedly connected to the inner sleeve 3, and the two ends of the inner drive shaft 4 are fixedly connected to the inner folding wing 14 through the inner bracket. In this way, the linear reciprocating motion of the main drive beam 2 will drive the inner sleeve 3 and the inner drive slider 5 to reciprocate and translate, thereby forcing the inner drive shaft 4 to rotate under the influence of the first spiral groove, and then driving the inner folding wing 14 to make a reciprocating flipping motion through the inner bracket.

[0056] The synchronization mechanism is:

[0057] The outer end of the main drive beam 2 is fixedly connected to the inner sleeve 3, and the inner end of the sub-drive beam 7 is rotatably connected to the inner sleeve 3. Thus, the linear reciprocating motion of the main drive beam 2 is transmitted to the sub-drive beam 7 through the inner sleeve, but the sub-drive beam 7 can rotate freely relative to the inner sleeve 3.

[0058] Regarding the external drive unit:

[0059] The external drive unit includes an external drive shaft 8, an outer sleeve, and an external drive slider 9. The external drive shaft 8 has at least one second spiral groove. The external drive slider 9 is arc-shaped and corresponds to the second spiral groove. The outer sleeve is slidably fitted on the external drive shaft 8. The external drive slider 9 is fixedly installed in the outer sleeve and extends into the second spiral groove.

[0060] The end of the sub-drive beam 7 is fixedly connected to the outer sleeve, and the two ends of the outer drive shaft 8 are fixedly connected to the outer folding wing 15 through the outer bracket. In this way, the linear reciprocating motion of the main drive beam 2 and the sub-drive beam 7 will drive the outer and outer drive sliders to reciprocate and translate, thereby forcing the outer drive shaft 8 to rotate under the influence of the second spiral groove, and then driving the outer folding wing 15 to make a reciprocating flipping motion through the outer bracket.

[0061] In the above:

[0062] The first spiral groove and the second spiral groove have opposite directions of rotation, which allows the inner folding wing and the outer folding wing to flip in opposite directions, thereby achieving the following: Figure 1 , 2 The diagram shows the convenient switching between the unfolded and folded states. Through the movement of the drive unit inside the fuselage, in conjunction with the single-degree-of-freedom deformable hinge, the inner folding wings can move symmetrically towards each other, with a range of motion from 0 degrees to 130 degrees. During this process, the outer folding wings on both sides remain basically horizontal.

[0063] Between the main body 12 and the inner folding wing 14, and between the inner folding wing 14 and the outer folding wing 15, hinge covers are provided to cover the inner hinge 13 and the outer hinge 16, including hinge cover one 21, hinge cover two 22, hinge cover three 23, hinge cover four 24, hinge cover five 25, hinge cover six 26, hinge cover seven 27, and hinge cover eight 28 assembled from each other.

[0064] There are many specific ways to implement this invention. The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements can be made without departing from the principle of this invention, and these improvements should also be considered within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A flying wing layout folding morphing unmanned aerial vehicle characterized by, The flying wing folding variant UAV includes a main body (12), a pair of inner folding wings (14) and an outer folding wing (15). The pair of inner folding wings (14) are symmetrically mounted on both sides of the main body (12) and are hinged to the main body (12) through an inner hinge (13). The outer folding wings (15) are respectively mounted on the outer side of the pair of inner folding wings (14) and are hinged to each other through an outer hinge (16). The folding variant UAV with flying wing layout is also provided with a folding drive mechanism. The folding drive mechanism includes a linear drive unit (1), a main drive beam (2), an inner drive unit, a sub-drive beam (7) and an outer drive unit. The linear drive unit (1) is fixedly installed inside the main body (12) and arranged along the length direction of the main body (12). The main drive beam (2) is fixedly connected to the output end of the linear drive unit (1) and arranged perpendicular to the main body (12). The inner drive unit has two units, which are respectively connected to the two ends of the main drive beam (2), and their center is coaxial with the rotation center of the inner hinge (13); the two inner folding wings (14) are respectively connected to the two inner drive units through the inner bracket, and the linear reciprocating motion of the main drive beam (2) is converted into the reciprocating flipping motion of the inner bracket and the inner folding wings (14) through the inner drive unit. The sub-drive beam (7) has two parts, which are respectively connected to two inner drive units and are slidably housed in the inner folding wing (14). The sub-drive beam (7) performs synchronous linear reciprocating motion with the main drive beam (2) through a synchronization mechanism. The external drive unit has two units, which are respectively connected to the outer ends of the two sub-drive beams (7), and their centers are coaxial with the rotation center of the external hinge (16); the two external folding wings (15) are respectively connected to the two external drive units through the external bracket, and the linear reciprocating motion of the sub-drive beams (7) is converted into the reciprocating flipping motion of the external bracket and the external folding wings (15) through the external drive units.

2. The flying wing layout folding morphing UAV of claim 1, wherein, The main body (12) has a plurality of first elongated holes parallel to the length direction of the main body (12), the first elongated holes being adapted to the thickness of the main drive beam (2), and the main drive beam (2) being slidably accommodated in the plurality of first elongated holes; The inner folding wing (14) has multiple skeletons parallel to the length direction of the main body (12). The skeletons are provided with second elongated holes that are adapted to the thickness of the sub-drive beam (7). The sub-drive beam (7) is slidably accommodated in the multiple second elongated holes.

3. The flying wing layout folding morphing UAV of claim 1, wherein, The linear drive unit (1) includes a lead screw, a lead screw nut, a motor, and a lead screw mounting base. The lead screw mounting base is fixedly installed in the main body (12) along the length direction of the main body (12). The housing of the motor is fixedly installed on the lead screw mounting base, and the output shaft of the motor is fixedly connected to one end of the lead screw. The other end of the lead screw is rotatably connected to the lead screw mounting base. The lead screw nut is fitted on the lead screw and threadedly connected to it. The middle part of the main drive beam is fixedly connected to the lead screw nut.

4. The flying wing layout folding morphing UAV of claim 1, wherein, The inner drive unit includes an inner drive shaft (4), an inner sleeve (3), an inner drive slider (5), and an inner fixing ring (6). The inner drive shaft (4) has at least one first spiral groove. The inner drive slider (5) is arc-shaped and corresponds to the first spiral groove. The inner sleeve (3) is slidably fitted on the inner drive shaft (4), and its surface has a receiving hole for accommodating the inner drive slider (5). The inner drive slider (5) is installed in the receiving hole and extends into the first spiral groove. The inner fixing ring (6) is fitted on the inner sleeve (3) and is fixedly connected to the inner drive slider (5). The end of the main drive beam (2) is fixedly connected to the inner sleeve (3), and the two ends of the inner drive shaft (4) are fixedly connected to the inner folding wing (14) through the inner bracket.

5. A flying wing layout folding morphing UAV according to claim 4, characterized in that, The synchronization mechanism is: The outer end of the main drive beam (2) is fixedly connected to the inner sleeve (3), and the inner end of the sub-drive beam (7) is rotatably connected to the inner sleeve (3).

6. The flying wing layout folding morphing UAV of claim 4, wherein, The external drive unit includes an external drive shaft (8), an outer sleeve, and an external drive slider (9). The external drive shaft (8) has at least one second spiral groove. The external drive slider (9) is arc-shaped and corresponds to the second spiral groove. The outer sleeve is slidably fitted on the external drive shaft (8). The external drive slider (9) is fixedly installed in the outer sleeve and extends into the second spiral groove. The end of the drive beam (7) is fixedly connected to the outer sleeve, and the two ends of the outer drive shaft (8) are fixedly connected to the outer folding wing (15) through the outer bracket.

7. The flying wing layout folding morphing UAV of claim 6, wherein, The first spiral groove and the second spiral groove have opposite directions of rotation.

8. The flying wing layout folding morphing UAV of any one of claims 1-7, wherein, A hinge cover is provided between the main body (12) and the inner folding wing (14) and between the inner folding wing (14) and the outer folding wing (15), covering the inner hinge (13) and the outer hinge (16).

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