Foldable vertical take-off and landing type fire-fighting unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides a foldable vertical take-off and landing type fire-fighting unmanned aerial vehicle. The foldable vertical take-off and landing type fire-fighting unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a vehicle body, ducted propellers, a ducted assembly, a folding mechanism and an undercarriage mechanism. Wherein folding mechanisms are connected to the two sides of the aircraft body correspondingly, each folding mechanism is connected with a set of duct assembly, and three duct type propellers are connected into each set of duct assembly; the bottom of the aircraft body is connected with an undercarriage mechanism; an avionics system is further installed at the front end of the aircraft body, and a flight control system and an energy system which are used in a matched mode are further arranged in the aircraft body. Lift force in a hovering state is provided through the ducted fan, forward flight thrust and lift force requirements are provided through the tilting duct during forward flight, the flight energy consumption is effectively reduced, the endurance time is prolonged, and the unmanned aerial vehicle can carry heavier fire extinguishing equipment and relief goods or carry loads to transport trapped persons.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of fire-fighting drones, and particularly relates to a foldable vertical take-off and landing fire-fighting drone. Background Art

[0002] With the frequent occurrence of disasters such as high-rise building fires and forest fires, higher requirements are put forward for fire safety. Traditional fire-fighting methods have problems such as slow response, difficult operation, and high risks in complex airspace environments, long-distance fire sources, and extreme conditions. The rapid development of drone technology provides a new solution for fire-fighting and rescue. It has the capabilities of rapid deployment, remote reconnaissance, high-altitude fire extinguishing, and complex environment adaptation, improving the rescue efficiency and safety. Fire-fighting drones, as a new type of industrial technology, have been widely used in various fields. Currently, a large number of enterprises are engaged in the research, development, and production of fire-fighting drones. However, according to the known information, no product has achieved significant applications and basically remains in stages such as conceptual design, prototypes, sporadic production, and demonstration. The main reason is that there are still many drawbacks in current fire-fighting drones.

[0003] Firstly, most of the existing fire-fighting drones are mainly used for fire scene reconnaissance and monitoring, and it is difficult to undertake high-intensity fire-fighting tasks. These drones are usually equipped with infrared cameras and gas sensors, which can be used to detect the location of the fire source, smoke concentration, and harmful gases. However, due to limited load capacity, it is difficult to carry enough fire extinguishing agents or fire-fighting equipment, and it is impossible to carry out tasks such as fire extinguishing or even rescuing trapped people. Secondly, the existing drones with higher load-bearing capacities usually have larger structural sizes, are inconvenient to carry, and the propellers are prone to breakage during transportation.

[0004] Secondly, the short endurance time is also a major limitation of fire-fighting drones. Currently, the endurance time of many electric fire-fighting drones cannot support long-term and high-intensity fire-fighting and rescue tasks. They may have to return midway due to battery depletion, which will seriously affect the fire-fighting efficiency of the drones.

[0005] Furthermore, in the fire-fighting and rescue of high-rise buildings in cities, the flight stability of fire-fighting drones is easily affected by complex airspace environments. Factors such as strong wind effects between high-rise buildings, GPS signal interference in narrow spaces, dense wires, and obstacles will all affect the flight path and task execution of the drones. Especially in the fire of super-high-rise buildings, the turbulent flow between buildings may cause the drones to fly unstably, and weak or lost GPS signals may affect their navigation systems, making it difficult for them to accurately reach the fire source location.

[0006] Therefore, there are still large limitations in the fire-fighting ability, portability, endurance time, and urban environment adaptability of existing fire-fighting drones, and the technology needs to be further optimized.

[0007] Based on this, a foldable vertical take-off and landing fire-fighting drone is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a foldable vertical take-off and landing fire-fighting drone in view of the deficiencies of the above-mentioned prior art, so as to solve the problems of fire-fighting ability, portability, endurance time, and environmental adaptability commonly existing in current fire-fighting drones as mentioned in the above background art.

[0009] To solve the above technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a foldable vertical take-off and landing fire-fighting drone, including a fuselage, ducted propellers, duct assemblies, folding mechanisms, and landing gear mechanisms; Among them, folding mechanisms are respectively connected to both sides of the fuselage, and a set of duct assemblies are respectively connected to each folding mechanism, and three ducted propellers are respectively connected inside each set of duct assemblies; The bottom of the fuselage is connected with a landing gear mechanism; An avionics system is also installed at the front end of the fuselage, and a flight control system and an energy system for supporting use are also arranged inside the fuselage.

[0010] As a further description of the present invention, the duct assembly includes a duct support beam and three single-group ducts installed on the duct support beam. The single-group ducts are assembled with the duct support beam by using carbon fiber connectors. The carbon fiber connectors are riveted and bonded to the duct support beam by using blind rivets. The carbon fiber connectors are screwed and bonded to the side wall of the single-group duct by using countersunk head screws; aluminum alloy inserts are arranged inside the side wall of the single-group duct for making threaded connection holes.

[0011] As a further description of the present invention, the folding mechanism is hinge-connected to the side of the fuselage, and the duct support beam is connected to the folding mechanism. The folding and unfolding state adjustment of the duct assembly on the side of the fuselage is completed through the folding mechanism.

[0012] As a further description of the present invention, the ducted propellers are driven by independent motors installed on the duct support beam.

[0013] As a further description of the present invention, the landing gear mechanism is composed of a skid-type landing gear and a micro-wheel. The skid-type landing gear is connected to the main load-bearing frame of the fuselage through a connecting component and a hydraulic shock absorber, and the micro-wheel is movably installed at the bottom end of the skid-type landing gear.

[0014] As a further description of the present invention, the skid-type landing gear is made of high-strength carbon fiber composite material.

[0015] As a further description of the present invention, a mounting structure is also provided at the bottom of the fuselage. The mounting mechanism is mounted through a standardized task interface and is used to complete the mode switching operation of fire bomb throwing or water spraying for fire extinguishing.

[0016] As a further description of the present invention, the avionics system includes an integrated multi-source sensor, a lidar, an infrared thermal imager, and an optical camera.

[0017] Among them, the integrated multi-source sensor is used to achieve environmental perception, target recognition, and path optimization; the lidar, infrared thermal imager, and optical camera are used to identify the fire source location, evaluate the fire range, and plan the best fire extinguishing path.

[0018] As a further description of the present invention, the flight control system is installed inside the fuselage, has anti-interference ability, can maintain stable flight in complex environments, and supports intelligent navigation and automatic obstacle avoidance; the flight control system works in coordination with the avionics system to achieve flight attitude adjustment and ensure the stable operation of the UAV in high-rise buildings or complex airspace environments.

[0019] As a further description of the present invention, the energy system is composed of high-energy density lithium batteries installed inside the fuselage, and the power output stability is optimized through a supporting high-voltage box.

[0020] The present invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art: The foldable structure designed by the present invention enables the UAV to occupy less space during storage and transportation, facilitating rapid carrying and deployment by firefighters. The folded fuselage structure is compact, facilitating transportation, storage, and carrying, and can effectively protect key components such as propellers and ducted fans, avoiding mission failures caused by transportation damage. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 is a top view of the overall unfolded state of the present invention; Figure 3 is a front view of the overall unfolded state of the present invention; Figure 4 is a side view of the overall unfolded state of the present invention; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the overall folded and stored state of the present invention; Figure 6 is a top view of the overall folded and stored state of the present invention.

[0022] Description of the Reference Numerals: 1 - Body; 2 - Ducted propeller; 3 - Ducted component; 31 - Ducted support beam; 32 - Single - group duct; 4 - Folding mechanism; 5 - Landing gear mechanism; 51 - Skid - type landing gear; 52 - Micro - wheel; 6 - Avionics system; 7 - Connecting component; 8 - Mounting structure. Detailed implementation mode

[0023] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0024] As Figures 1 - 6 shown, the present invention provides a technical solution: a foldable vertical take - off and landing fire - fighting UAV, including a body 1, a ducted propeller 2, a ducted component 3, a folding mechanism 4 and a landing gear mechanism 5; Among them, folding mechanisms 4 are respectively connected to both sides of the body 1, and the folding mechanisms 4 are hinged to the side of the body 1.

[0025] Each folding mechanism 4 is respectively connected with a group of ducted components 3. The ducted component 3 is composed of a ducted support beam 31 and three single - group ducts 32 installed on the ducted support beam 31. The single - group duct 32 and the ducted support beam 31 are assembled by using carbon fiber connecting parts. The carbon fiber connecting part and the ducted support beam 31 are riveted and bonded by blind rivets, and the carbon fiber connecting part and the side wall of the single - group duct 32 are screwed and bonded by countersunk head screws; an aluminum alloy embedment is arranged inside the side wall of the single - group duct 32 for making threaded connection holes.

[0026] The ducted support beam 31 is connected to the folding mechanism 4, and the folding and storage and unfolding state adjustment of the ducted component 3 on the side of the body 1 are completed through the folding mechanism 4.

[0027] Each group of ducted components 3 is respectively connected with three ducted propellers 2. The ducted propellers 2 are driven by independent motors 21 installed on the ducted support beam 31 to form a stable lift system, improve the wind resistance and reduce the noise.

[0028] The bottom of the body 1 is connected with a landing gear mechanism 5. The landing gear mechanism 5 is composed of a skid - type landing gear 51 and a micro - wheel 52. The skid - type landing gear 51 is connected to the main load - bearing frame of the body 1 through a connecting component 7 and a hydraulic shock absorber. The micro - wheel 52 is movably installed at the bottom end of the skid - type landing gear 51 to form a stable support structure after the UAV lands, facilitating the operation of the fire - fighting device and the replacement of equipment.

[0029] The skid-type landing gear 51 is made of high-strength carbon fiber composite material.

[0030] An avionics system 6 is also installed at the front end of the fuselage 1, and a flight control system and an energy system for supporting use are also arranged inside the fuselage 1.

[0031] The avionics system 6 includes an integrated multi-source sensor, a lidar, an infrared thermal imager, and an optical camera.

[0032] Among them, the integrated multi-source sensor is used to realize environmental perception, target recognition, and path optimization; the lidar, the infrared thermal imager, and the optical camera are used to identify the position of the fire source, evaluate the scope of the fire, and plan the best fire-fighting path.

[0033] The flight control system is installed inside the fuselage 1, has anti-interference ability, can maintain stable flight in a complex environment, and supports intelligent navigation and automatic obstacle avoidance; the flight control system works in coordination with the avionics system 6 to realize flight attitude adjustment and ensure the stable operation of the drone in high-rise buildings or complex airspace environments.

[0034] The energy system consists of high-energy density lithium batteries arranged inside the fuselage 1, and the stability of the power output is optimized through a supporting high-voltage box.

[0035] A mounting structure 8 is also arranged at the bottom of the fuselage 1. The mounting mechanism 8 is mounted through a standardized task interface and is used to complete the mode switching operation of fire bomb throwing or water spraying for fire fighting. When spraying water for fire fighting, the ground water supply method is adopted. The mounting structure 8 adopts a modular design and can externally mount different types of task devices, such as a fire fighting monitoring module, a communication relay module, or a rescue delivery module, to expand the application range of the drone.

[0036] The present invention effectively reduces the flight energy consumption and improves the endurance time. The compound lift body configuration combines the aerodynamic layout of the ducted fan and the wing fusion, enabling the drone to rely on the ducted fan to provide lift when hovering, effectively reducing the energy consumption and improving the endurance time. At the same time, the payload capacity is improved, enabling it to carry heavier fire fighting equipment, rescue supplies, or carry trapped persons for weight transportation.

[0037] The folding structure 4 designed by the present invention enables the drone to occupy less space during storage and transportation, facilitating the rapid carrying and deployment by fire fighting personnel. The folded fuselage structure is compact, which can reduce the risk of external force damage during transportation. Especially during long-distance transportation or emergency dispatch, it can effectively protect key components such as propellers and ducted fans, avoiding mission failure caused by transportation damage. At the same time, the folding structure enables the drone to adapt to a variety of operation scenarios, and can be deployed and used in narrow gaps between high-rise buildings or complex airspace environments, improving the flexibility and adaptability.

[0038] It should be noted that in this document, relational terms such as first and second are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the term "comprising", "including" or any other variant thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article or device comprising a series of elements not only includes those elements but also includes other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article or device.

[0039] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A foldable vertical take-off and landing fire-fighting drone, characterized in that: It includes a fuselage (1), a ducted propeller (2), a duct assembly (3), a folding mechanism (4), and a landing gear mechanism (5); Among them, folding mechanisms (4) are respectively connected to both sides of the fuselage (1), and a set of duct assemblies (3) are respectively connected to each folding mechanism (4), and three ducted propellers (2) are respectively connected inside each set of duct assemblies (3); The bottom of the fuselage (1) is connected with a landing gear mechanism (5); An avionics system (6) is also installed at the front end of the fuselage (1), and a flight control system and an energy system for supporting use are also arranged inside the fuselage (1); A mounting structure (8) is also arranged at the bottom of the fuselage (1), and the mounting mechanism (8) is mounted through a standardized task interface and is used to complete the mode switching operation of throwing fire extinguishing bombs or spraying water for fire extinguishing.

2. The foldable vertical take-off and landing fire-fighting drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, The duct assembly (3) is composed of a duct support beam (31) and three single-group ducts (32) installed on the duct support beam (31). The single-group ducts (32) and the duct support beam (31) are assembled by using carbon fiber connectors. The carbon fiber connectors and the duct support beam (31) are riveted and bonded by blind rivets, and the carbon fiber connectors and the side wall of the single-group duct (32) are screwed and bonded by countersunk head screws; aluminum alloy inserts are arranged inside the side wall of the single-group duct (32) for making threaded connection holes.

3. The foldable vertical take-off and landing fire-fighting drone according to claim 2, wherein, The folding mechanism (4) is hinged to the side of the fuselage (1), and the duct support beam (31) is connected to the folding mechanism (4). The folding and unfolding state adjustment of the duct assembly (3) on the side of the fuselage (1) is completed through the folding mechanism (4).

4. The foldable vertical takeoff and landing fire-fighting drone according to claim 2, wherein, The ducted propeller (2) is driven by an independent motor (21) installed on the duct support beam (31).

5. A foldable vertical takeoff and landing fire-fighting drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, The avionics system (6) includes an integrated multi-source sensor, a lidar, an infrared thermal imager, and an optical camera. Among them, the integrated multi-source sensor is used to realize environmental perception, target recognition, and path optimization; the lidar, the infrared thermal imager, and the optical camera are used to identify the fire source position, evaluate the fire range, and plan the best fire extinguishing path.

6. The foldable vertical take-off and landing fire-fighting drone according to claim 1, wherein, The flight control system is installed inside the fuselage (1), has anti-interference ability, can maintain stable flight in a complex environment, and supports intelligent navigation and automatic obstacle avoidance; the flight control system works in coordination with the avionics system (6) to realize flight attitude adjustment and ensure the stable operation of the unmanned aerial vehicle in high-rise buildings or complex airspace environments.

7. A foldable vertical take-off and landing fire-fighting drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy system is composed of high-energy density lithium batteries arranged inside the fuselage (1). The lithium batteries are powered by the ground and the power output stability is optimized through a supporting high-voltage box.

8. A foldable vertical take-off and landing type fire-fighting drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, The landing gear mechanism (5) is composed of a skid-type landing gear (51) and a micro-wheel (52). The skid-type landing gear (51) is connected to the main load-bearing frame of the fuselage (1) through a connecting component (7) and a hydraulic shock absorber, and the micro-wheel (52) is movably installed at the bottom end of the skid-type landing gear (51).

9. The foldable vertical take-off and landing fire-fighting drone according to claim 8, characterized in that, The skid-type landing gear (51) is made of high-strength carbon fiber composite material.

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