Multi-spiral-arm foldable portable agricultural unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses a multi-spiral-arm foldable portable agricultural unmanned aerial vehicle, and relates to the technical field of agricultural unmanned aerial vehicles. The rotating arms are distributed around the peripheral side of the machine body and are divided into an upper layer and a lower layer through two folding assemblies, and the projections of the rotating arms on the upper layer and the lower layer on the horizontal plane are arranged in a staggered mode; the folding assembly comprises a first gear and a plurality of second gears meshed with the first gear, and the second gears are in one-to-one correspondence with the rotating arms on the corresponding layers and are in transmission connection with the rotating arms on the corresponding layers; and an upper output shaft and a lower output shaft of the double-shaft motor are in transmission connection with the first gears of the folding assemblies on the upper layer and the lower layer respectively. The multiple rotary arms are folded through the upper-layer folding assembly and the lower-layer folding assembly, the size of the unmanned aerial vehicle when the unmanned aerial vehicle is not used is reduced, convenience is improved, and the transportation and storage difficulty is lowered; the multiple second gears are driven by one first gear, so that the multiple rotating arms are driven to be folded and unfolded synchronously, the complexity of manual operation one by one is avoided, and the deployment speed is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of agricultural drone technology, specifically to a multi-rotor foldable portable agricultural drone. Background Technology

[0002] Agricultural drones have been widely used in plant protection spraying, farmland monitoring, and other operations, significantly improving operational efficiency. However, traditional agricultural drones mostly use fixed frames, resulting in large overall sizes, inconvenient transportation and storage, and poor portability.

[0003] To improve portability, existing technologies have developed drones that use manual folding or simple hinge folding. While these solutions can reduce size, they usually require operating each rotor individually, which is cumbersome. This is especially true for multi-rotor models (such as hexacopter and octopus drones), where the operation is inefficient and it is difficult to ensure that all rotors are folded properly. This is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive, but also easily leads to a chaotic layout of the rotor arms after folding.

[0004] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the overall background of the invention and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that the information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned defects and provide a multi-rotor foldable portable agricultural drone.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution provided by the present invention is as follows: a multi-rotor foldable portable agricultural drone, comprising a body; multiple rotors distributed around the periphery of the body and divided into upper and lower layers by two folding components, wherein the projections of the upper and lower rotors on the horizontal plane are staggered; each folding component includes a first gear and multiple second gears meshing with it, the second gears corresponding to and drivingly connected to the rotors of the corresponding layers; and a dual-axis motor, the upper and lower output shafts of which are respectively drivingly connected to the first gears of the upper and lower folding components.

[0007] Furthermore, the folding assembly also includes a first fixing plate and a second fixing plate arranged vertically, the first gear and the second gear are rotatably connected to the first fixing plate, and a plurality of the second gears are evenly distributed along the outer periphery of the first gear.

[0008] Furthermore, a first protective box is provided on the outer periphery of the first gear, and the upper and lower ends of the first protective box are fixedly connected to the first fixing plate and the second fixing plate, respectively. A second protective box is provided on the outer periphery of each second gear and fixed to the first fixing plate. The first protective box and the second protective box are connected in the meshing area, so that the first gear and the second gear are kept meshed.

[0009] Furthermore, the root of the rotating arm is located above the outside of the corresponding second protective box, and a rotating shaft is fixedly connected to the middle of the second gear. The rotating shaft passes upward through the second protective box and is coaxially fixed with the root of the rotating arm. The second protective box and the rotating shaft are rotatably connected.

[0010] Furthermore, the second fixing plate of the upper folding assembly and the first fixing plate of the lower folding assembly are fixedly connected by a connecting cylinder, and the dual-axis motor is coaxially fixed inside the connecting cylinder. The upper and lower output shafts of the dual-axis motor are respectively connected to the first gear of the upper and lower layers.

[0011] Furthermore, the body is fixedly mounted on the upper end of the first fixing plate of the upper folding assembly.

[0012] Furthermore, a bird deterrent device is installed on the machine body.

[0013] Furthermore, landing gears are fixedly connected to both sides of the lower end of the second fixing plate of the lower layer folding assembly.

[0014] Furthermore, a connection module for mounting agricultural equipment is provided between the two landing gears. The connection module includes a connection plate that is threadedly connected to the second fixed plate. Multiple connecting blocks with open lower ends are fixed to the lower end of the connection plate. Each connecting block is threadedly connected to a threaded rod. The agricultural equipment has a hole that mates with the threaded rod.

[0015] Furthermore, a knob is fixed to one end of the threaded insert located on the outside of the connecting block.

[0016] The advantages of this invention compared to the prior art are: 1. By folding multiple rotors using a double-layered folding assembly, the size of the drone when not in use is reduced, which not only improves convenience but also reduces the difficulty of transportation and storage.

[0017] 2. By using a first gear to drive multiple second gears, multiple rotating arms can be folded and unfolded synchronously, avoiding the tedious manual operation one by one, resulting in fast deployment and a good user experience.

[0018] 3. The connection module enables the installation and replacement of agricultural equipment, thus improving its practicality. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0020] Figure 1 This is an overall three-dimensional schematic diagram provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is provided by the embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 Enlarged view of area A in the image; Figure 4 This is provided by the embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 Enlarged view of area B in the image; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the folded state of the rotary arm provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the interior of the folding component provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the interior of the folding component provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 8 This is an overall three-dimensional schematic diagram provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 9 This is provided by the embodiments of the present invention. Figure 8 Enlarged view of area C; As shown in the figure: 1. Body; 2. Rotary arm; 3. Folding assembly; 31. First gear; 32. Second gear; 33. First fixing plate; 34. Second fixing plate; 35. First protective box; 36. Second protective box; 4. Dual-axis motor; 5. Rotating shaft; 6. Connecting cylinder; 7. Bird deterrent; 8. Landing gear; 9. Connecting module; 91. Connecting plate; 92. Connecting block; 93. Threaded rod; 94. Knob. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] like Figures 1 to 9As shown, the present invention provides a multi-rotor foldable portable agricultural drone, the main components of which include: a body 1, multiple rotors 2, two folding components with the same structure 3, a dual-axis motor 4, a connecting cylinder 6, a landing gear 8, and a connecting module 9.

[0023] Specifically, the body 1 is equipped with a flight control unit and a power supply. Multiple rotating arms 2 are arranged in upper and lower layers. Each folding assembly 3 includes a first gear 31, a second gear 32, a first fixing plate 33, and a second fixing plate 34. A dual-axis motor 4 serves as a drive component and is installed between the upper and lower folding assemblies 3 via a connecting cylinder 6. The landing gear 8 is installed at the bottom of the lower folding assembly 3, and the connecting module 9 is used to quickly attach agricultural operation equipment, such as a medicine box or a spreader.

[0024] Overall, the working principle of this invention is as follows: When the drone needs to be folded or unfolded, the dual-axis motor 4 is started, and its upper and lower output shafts rotate synchronously, respectively driving the first gear 31 in the upper and lower folding components 3. The first gear 31 drives multiple second gears 32 to rotate synchronously through meshing. The second gear 32 drives the corresponding rotating arm 2 to rotate through the rotating shaft 5 fixedly connected to it. By controlling the direction of the dual-axis motor 4, all rotating arms 2 can be folded inward to fit tightly against the fuselage, or unfolded outward to a horizontal working position. When the upper and lower rotating arms 2 are unfolded, their horizontal projections are staggered, so that the horizontal projection angle interval between each rotating arm 2 is the same, ensuring stability during flight.

[0025] Example 1: First, the folding assembly 3 is the actuator for folding and unfolding the rotating arm 2. Each folding assembly 3 includes a first fixing plate 33 and a second fixing plate 34 arranged parallel to each other. The two are fixed by threaded connectors to form a stable installation frame.

[0026] Secondly, the transmission part is located within the frame. A first gear 31 is rotatably connected to the center of the first fixed plate 33 via a bearing. Multiple second gears 32 (four in this embodiment) are also rotatably connected to the first fixed plate 33 via bearings and are evenly distributed around the first gear 31, while simultaneously meshing with the first gear 31.

[0027] Furthermore, to protect the transmission components, an integrated first protective box 35 is provided around the outer periphery of the first gear 31, with its upper and lower ends sealed and fixed to the first fixing plate 33 and the second fixing plate 34, respectively. Each second gear 32 is separately covered by a second protective box 36, which is fixed to the first fixing plate 33. It should be noted that the first protective box 35 and each second protective box 36 are provided with a communication port at the position corresponding to the meshing of the first gear 31 and the second gear 32, so as to achieve physical isolation and dust prevention without affecting the normal meshing transmission of the first gear 31 and the second gear 32. As a further preferred solution, grease can be pre-filled or oil injection holes can be provided in the first protective box 35 and the second protective box 36 to facilitate long-term lubrication of the gears.

[0028] Specifically, each second gear 32 is fixedly connected to a vertical shaft 5 at its center. The shaft 5 passes upward through the through hole at the top of the second protective box 36 and is coaxially fixedly connected to the root of a rotating arm 2. The top of the second protective box 36 is provided with a bearing to achieve a rotational sealed connection with the shaft 5.

[0029] Example 2: In order to drive the two folding components 3 synchronously, the second fixing plate 34 of the upper folding component 3 and the first fixing plate 33 of the lower folding component 3 are fixedly connected by a cylindrical connecting tube 6. The connecting tube 6 not only serves as a structural support but also forms a sealed installation chamber.

[0030] The dual-axis motor 4 is coaxially fixedly installed in the internal cavity of the connecting cylinder 6. Its upper and lower output shafts extend from both ends of the motor housing and pass through the upper and lower end covers of the connecting cylinder 6, respectively, and are finally connected to the upper first gear 31 and the lower first gear 31 for transmission. Preferably, the dual-axis motor 4 is a servo motor with a self-locking function so that it can maintain the current position of the rotating arm 2 when the power is off or the operation stops, and prevent it from rotating accidentally due to external force or vibration.

[0031] Therefore, when the dual-axis motor 4 receives a control signal, the synchronous rotation of its upper and lower output shafts is transmitted to all the second gears 32 of this layer through the first gear 31, and then drives all the rotating arms 2 through the rotating shaft 5. Thus, the unfolding or folding actions of all the rotating arms 2 are synchronous.

[0032] Example 3: The body 1 (containing flight control, GPS module, battery compartment, etc.) is fixedly mounted on the upper surface of the first fixing plate 33 of the upper folding assembly 3 by bolts. In addition, to expand the practicality of the drone in the farmland environment, a bird deterrent 7 is installed on the body 1. The bird deterrent 7 is threadedly connected to the top of the body 1 and is used to drive away birds that may interfere with the operation of the drone or damage crops.

[0033] Example 4: Finally, two landing gears 8 are symmetrically fixed to both sides of the lower end of the second fixing plate 34 of the lower folding assembly 3 by bolts, providing stable support for the drone on the ground. In the space between the two landing gears 8, a modular connection module 9 is set for quickly mounting and replacing different agricultural operation equipment (such as spray tanks, solid fertilizer spreaders, etc.). The connection module 9 includes a connection plate 91, which is connected to the lower surface of the second fixing plate 34 by bolts. Multiple (four in this embodiment) open-ended connection blocks 92 are fixed below the connection plate 91.

[0034] A threaded rod 93 is screwed horizontally into each connecting block 92. The inner end of the threaded rod 93 can extend into the opening of the connecting block 92. On the top of the agricultural equipment, a mounting boss corresponding to the position of the connecting block 92 is pre-set. The boss has a positioning hole that matches the end of the threaded rod 93. During installation, the equipment boss is inserted into the opening of the connecting block 92, and then each threaded rod 93 is tightened in sequence so that its end is inserted into the positioning hole of the equipment boss, thus achieving a firm lock of the equipment. To facilitate manual operation, a knob part 94 with anti-slip texture is fixed to one end of each threaded rod 93 located on the outside of the connecting block 92.

[0035] In summary, the workflow of this invention is as follows: When folding, the dual-axis motor 4 drives the power through the connecting cylinder 6 to the gear transmission components of the upper and lower layers, causing all the rotating arms 2 to rotate inward synchronously and retract; when unfolding, the dual-axis motor 4 drives in the opposite direction, and all the rotating arms 2 rotate outward synchronously to the horizontal working position. The whole process is fast, synchronous, and reliable.

[0036] The present invention and its embodiments have been described above. This description is not restrictive, and the accompanying drawings are only one embodiment of the present invention; the actual structure is not limited thereto. In conclusion, if those skilled in the art are inspired by this description and design similar structures and embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention, such designs should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-arm foldable portable agricultural unmanned aerial vehicle, comprising a body (1), characterized in that: a plurality of arms (2) are distributed around the body (1) and are divided into upper and lower layers by two folding assemblies (3), wherein the projections of the arms (2) on the horizontal plane are staggered; the folding assembly (3) comprises a first gear (31) and a plurality of second gears (32) engaged with the first gear (31), the second gears (32) are in one-to-one correspondence with the arms (2) of the corresponding layer and are drivingly connected; a double-shaft motor (4) is provided, and the upper and lower output shafts of the double-shaft motor (4) are drivingly connected with the first gears (31) of the upper and lower folding assemblies (3), respectively. The folding assembly (3) further comprises first and second fixed plates (33) and (34) arranged above and below, the first gear (31) and the second gears (32) are rotatably connected to the first fixed plate (33), and a plurality of the second gears (32) are uniformly distributed along the outer periphery of the first gear (31). The outer periphery of the first gear (31) is provided with a first protective box (35), the upper and lower ends of the first protective box (35) are fixedly connected with the first and second fixed plates (33) and (34), respectively, and the outer periphery of each second gear (32) is provided with a second protective box (36) fixed to the first fixed plate (33), the first protective box (35) and the second protective box (36) are in communication in the meshing area, so that the first gear (31) and the second gears (32) are kept in engagement. The root of the arm (2) is located above the outer periphery of the corresponding second protective box (36), the middle of the second gear (32) is fixedly connected with a rotating shaft (5), the rotating shaft (5) penetrates upwardly out of the second protective box (36) and is fixed coaxially with the root of the arm (2), and the second protective box (36) and the rotating shaft (5) are rotatably connected.

2. The multi-arm foldable portable agricultural drone according to claim 1, wherein: The second fixed plate (34) of the upper folding assembly (3) and the first fixed plate (33) of the lower folding assembly (3) are fixedly connected by a connecting cylinder (6), the double-shaft motor (4) is coaxially fixedly arranged in the connecting cylinder (6), and the upper and lower output shafts of the double-shaft motor (4) are drivingly connected with the first gears (31) of the upper and lower layers, respectively.

3. The multi-arm foldable portable agricultural drone of claim 2, wherein: The body (1) is fixedly mounted on the upper end of the first fixed plate (33) of the upper folding assembly (3).

4. The multi-arm foldable portable agricultural drone of claim 3, wherein: A bird repeller (7) is mounted on the body (1).

5. The multi-arm foldable portable agricultural drone of claim 2, wherein: The lower end of the second fixed plate (34) of the lower folding assembly (3) is fixedly connected with landing gears (8) on both sides.

6. The multi-arm foldable portable agricultural drone of claim 2, wherein: A connecting module (9) for mounting agricultural operation equipment is arranged between the landing gears (8) on both sides, the connecting module (9) comprises a connecting plate (91) threadedly connected with the second fixed plate (34), a plurality of connecting blocks (92) with open lower ends are fixedly arranged on the lower end of the connecting plate (91), a threaded insertion rod (93) is threadedly connected with each connecting block (92), and an insertion hole matched with the threaded insertion rod (93) is arranged on the agricultural operation equipment.

7. The multi-arm foldable portable agricultural drone according to claim 6, wherein: ​ 8. The multi-arm foldable portable agricultural drone of claim 2, wherein: ​ 9. The multi-arm foldable portable agricultural drone of claim 8, wherein: ​ 10. The multi-arm foldable portable agricultural drone according to claim 9, wherein: The threaded plug (93) is fixed with a knob (94) at one end outside the connecting block (92).

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