A quick release device and method for a drone arm

Abstract

This invention relates to a quick-release device and method for drone arms, addressing the technical problems of weak connection strength, low disassembly efficiency, and neglect of wear and tear on the fuselage structure caused by vibrations from the motors on the arms, which affect the drone's lifespan. The device includes a drone fuselage and drone arms, and a quick-release mechanism on the drone fuselage for connecting the drone arms. The invention utilizes a fixing nut and a threaded support column to enable a detachable connection between the drone arms and the fuselage. Reinforcing rods and limiting support rods further strengthen the connection, enhancing the strength between the arms and the fuselage. A buffer spring, a return spring, and a rubber buffer ring work together to cushion the vibrations generated by the motors on the arms, reducing wear and tear on the fuselage and extending the drone's lifespan. Disassembling the drone arms involves only two simple steps, resulting in high disassembly efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, specifically relating to a quick-release device and method for UAV arm. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, the arms and fuselage of a drone are fixedly connected, with the two parts being molded as one piece. This results in a large overall size for the drone, taking up a lot of space and making it inconvenient to carry around. Furthermore, the integrated design of the arms and fuselage makes it difficult to maintain and repair the drone. When disassembling the drone for repairs, the integrated arms and fuselage may cause damage to the fuselage, arms, or other structures.

[0003] To address the aforementioned problems with traditional connection methods between drone arms and fuselages, existing technologies have developed detachable connection methods. However, some of these detachable connection methods use simple snap-fit ​​or plug-in connections, resulting in weak connections between the fuselage and arm. During drone flight, the arm may detach due to airflow or collisions with foreign objects. Other methods, while employing more robust threaded connections, are cumbersome to install and disassemble, leading to low efficiency. Still others only consider the mechanical connection between the arm and fuselage, neglecting the wear and tear on the fuselage structure caused by vibrations from the motors on the arm, thus affecting the drone's lifespan. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a quick-release device and method for drone arms, which solves the technical problems of weak connection strength, low disassembly efficiency and neglect of the wear and tear on the fuselage structure caused by the vibration generated by the motor on the arm during operation, thus affecting the service life of the drone.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A quick-release device for a drone arm includes a drone fuselage and a drone arm, and further includes a quick-release mechanism disposed on the drone fuselage for connecting the drone arm; the quick-release mechanism includes a threaded support column fixedly disposed on the drone fuselage, a mounting block slidably disposed on the drone fuselage and movably sleeved outside the threaded support column for mounting the drone arm, a fixing nut threadedly connected to the top of the threaded support column and fitting against the top of the mounting block, a limiting buffer mechanism disposed on the drone fuselage and adapted to the mounting block, and a reinforcing buffer mechanism disposed on the drone fuselage and adapted to the drone arm; the drone arm is transversely inserted through the mounting block, and the threaded support column extends beyond the top of the mounting block after passing through the mounting block and the drone arm.

[0006] Furthermore, the mounting block has a horizontal mounting through hole adapted to the UAV arm, and the UAV arm passes through the horizontal mounting through hole. The mounting block has a vertical mounting through hole adapted to the threaded support column. The UAV arm has a clearance through hole adapted to the threaded support column and connected to the vertical mounting through hole. The threaded support column passes through the vertical mounting through hole and the clearance through hole. The axis of the vertical mounting through hole and the axis of the clearance through hole coincide. The axis of the horizontal mounting through hole intersects the axis of the vertical mounting through hole perpendicularly and is located in the same plane.

[0007] Furthermore, the drone body is provided with a guide groove adapted to the drone arm, and one end of the drone arm passes through the guide groove; the reinforced buffer mechanism includes a reinforcing rod provided at the bottom of the guide groove, a through hole A provided at one end of the drone arm and adapted to the reinforcing rod, a movable ring movably sleeved outside the reinforcing rod, and a buffer spring provided between the bottom of the guide groove and the movable ring and sleeved outside the reinforcing rod.

[0008] Furthermore, an extension block is provided on the top of the mounting block, the extension block is slidably disposed in the guide groove, and sliders are provided on both sides of the extension block. Slide grooves adapted to the sliders are respectively opened on the two inner side walls of the guide groove, and the sliders are slidably embedded in the slide grooves.

[0009] Furthermore, the drone body is provided with a mounting plate, and the threaded support column is provided on the mounting plate; the limiting buffer mechanism includes several limiting support rods provided on the mounting plate and circumferentially surrounding the threaded support column, several limiting blind holes opened on the mounting block and adapted to the limiting support rods respectively, a limiting ring provided on the outer wall of the limiting support rod, and a rubber buffer ring provided on the outer wall of the limiting support rod and located on the top of the limiting ring.

[0010] Furthermore, a return spring is provided between the bottom of the mounting block and the top of the mounting plate, which is sleeved on the threaded support column.

[0011] Furthermore, the drone arm is equipped with a positioning block, and the top of the mounting block has a positioning slot that matches the positioning block.

[0012] A quick-release method for a drone arm quick-release device includes the following steps: Step 1: Unscrew the fixing nut on the top of the threaded support column. The reset spring will restore its deformation and push the mounting block to move vertically upward along the threaded support column. The mounting block will drive the drone arm to move synchronously until the drone arm slides off the threaded support column and the top of the threaded support column is below the horizontal mounting through hole. Step 2: Pull the drone arm away from the drone body until the drone arm is completely removed from the mounting block. This will quickly detach the drone arm from the drone body.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention utilizes a fixing nut and a threaded support column to detachably connect the drone arm to the fuselage. A reinforcing rod and a limiting support rod further strengthen the connection, enhancing the strength of the connection between the arm and fuselage compared to existing snap-fit ​​or plug-in connections. The invention's buffer spring, return spring, and rubber buffer ring work together to cushion vibrations generated by the motor on the arm, reducing wear and tear on the fuselage and extending the drone's lifespan. Disassembling the drone arm requires only two steps: unscrewing the fixing nut and pulling the arm away from the fuselage until it is completely removed from the mounting block. This allows for quick and efficient disassembly. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the device of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates how, after the fixing nut is unscrewed, the mounting block and the drone arm move upwards under the action of the return spring until the drone arm slides off the threaded support column.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the device of the present invention after the drone arm has been removed.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5 In the image, the left side is a bottom view of the mounting block, and the right side is a top view of the mounting block.

[0019] Figure 6 In the image, the left side shows a partial front view of the drone's arm, and the right side shows a partial top view of the drone's arm.

[0020] The names corresponding to the reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows: 1-UAV fuselage, 2-UAV arm, 3-Threaded support column, 4-Mounting block, 5-Fixing nut, 6-Limiting support rod, 7-Limiting ring, 8-Rubber buffer ring, 9-Limiting blind hole, 10-Horizontal mounting through hole, 11-Vertical mounting through hole, 12-Leaving through hole, 13-Reset spring, 14-Guide groove, 15-Extension block, 16-Slider, 17-Slide groove, 18-Reinforcing rod, 19-Moving ring, 20-Buffer spring, 21-Through hole A, 22-Positioning block, 23-Positioning slot, 24-Mounting plate. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0022] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0023] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; of course, they can also refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; furthermore, they can refer to a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0024] like Figure 1-6 As shown, the present invention provides a quick-release device and method for drone arms, which solves the technical problems of weak connection strength, low disassembly efficiency, and neglect of the wear and tear on the fuselage structure caused by the vibration generated by the motor on the arm during operation, thus affecting the service life of the drone.

[0025] The device of the present invention includes a drone fuselage 1 and a drone arm 2, and further includes a quick-release mechanism disposed on the drone fuselage 1 for connecting the drone arm 2; the quick-release mechanism includes a threaded support column 3 fixedly disposed on the drone fuselage 1, a mounting block 4 slidably disposed on the drone fuselage 1 and movably sleeved outside the threaded support column 3 for mounting the drone arm 2, a fixing nut 5 threadedly connected to the top of the threaded support column 3 and fitting against the top of the mounting block 4, a limiting buffer mechanism disposed on the drone fuselage 1 and adapted to the mounting block 4, and a reinforcing buffer mechanism disposed on the drone fuselage 1 and adapted to the drone arm 2; the drone arm 2 is transversely inserted through the mounting block 4, and the threaded support column 3 extends beyond the top of the mounting block 4 after passing through the mounting block 4 and the drone arm 2.

[0026] The mounting block 4 has a horizontal mounting through hole 10 adapted to the drone arm 2, and the drone arm 2 passes through the horizontal mounting through hole 10. The mounting block 4 has a vertical mounting through hole 11 adapted to the threaded support column 3. The drone arm 2 has a clearance through hole 12 adapted to the threaded support column 3 and connected to the vertical mounting through hole 11. The threaded support column 3 passes through the vertical mounting through hole 11 and the clearance through hole 12. The top of the threaded support column 3 passes through the vertical mounting through hole 11 and the clearance through hole 12 and extends out to the top of the mounting block. The axis of the vertical mounting through hole 11 and the axis of the clearance through hole 12 coincide. The axis of the horizontal mounting through hole 10 intersects the axis of the vertical mounting through hole 11 perpendicularly and is located in the same plane. The threaded support column 3 supports the drone arm and mounting block, and cooperates with the fixing nut 5 to make the drone arm and the fuselage detachable. Compared with the existing snap-fit ​​and plug-in connection between the drone arm and the fuselage, it enhances the connection strength between the arm and the fuselage.

[0027] The drone arm is connected to the drone body by passing through the mounting block 4. This avoids a direct mechanical connection between the drone arm and the drone body, preventing the vibration generated by the motor on the arm from directly causing wear and tear on the drone body.

[0028] The drone fuselage 1 has a guide groove 14 that is adapted to the drone arm 2. One end of the drone arm 2 passes through the guide groove 14. There is a gap between the end of one end of the drone arm 2 and the inner wall of the guide groove 14 to prevent the vibration generated by the motor on the arm from being transmitted to the fuselage through one end of the arm.

[0029] The reinforced buffer mechanism includes a reinforcing rod 18 located at the bottom of the guide groove 14, a through hole A21 on one end of the drone arm 2 and adapted to the reinforcing rod 18, a movable ring 19 movably sleeved outside the reinforcing rod 18, and a buffer spring 20 located between the bottom of the guide groove 14 and the movable ring 19 and sleeved outside the reinforcing rod 18. After the drone arm 2 is installed on the fuselage, the reinforcing rod 18 passes through the through hole A21, and the bottom of one end of the drone arm 2 is in contact with the movable ring 19, causing a certain compression to the movable ring 19 and the buffer spring 20. The buffer spring 20 can buffer the vibration generated by the motor operation on the drone arm 2, reduce the impact of motor vibration on the fuselage structure, and extend the service life of the drone. The reinforcing rod 18 further strengthens the connection between the drone arm 2 and the fuselage, improving the connection strength between the drone arm 2 and the fuselage.

[0030] An extension block 15 is provided on the top of the mounting block 4. The extension block 15 is slidably disposed within the guide groove 14. Slider blocks 16 are respectively provided on both sides of the extension block 15. Slide grooves 17 adapted to the sliders 16 are respectively opened on the two inner side walls of the guide groove 14. The sliders 16 are slidably embedded in the slide grooves 17. Both ends of the guide groove 14 and the slide grooves 17 are closed. The extension block 15 is clearance-fitted with the guide groove 14. Under the action of external force, the extension block 15 can slide within the guide groove 14. The extension block 15 is limited to the drone body by slidingly embedding itself in the slide grooves 17 through the sliders 16. The extension block 15 is fixedly connected to the mounting block 4. In this way, the extension block 15 can limit the highest position of the mounting block 4 on the drone body, preventing the mounting block 4 from slipping off the threaded support column 3 after the drone arm 2 is removed.

[0031] The drone fuselage 1 is equipped with a mounting plate 24, and threaded support columns 3 are mounted on the mounting plate 24. The limiting and buffering mechanism includes several limiting support rods 6 mounted on the mounting plate 24 and circumferentially surrounding the threaded support columns 3, several limiting blind holes 9 opened on the mounting block 4 and adapted to the limiting support rods 6, limiting rings 7 on the outer wall of the limiting support rods 6, and rubber buffer rings 8 on the outer wall of the limiting support rods 6 and located on top of the limiting rings 7. After the drone arm 2 is mounted on the fuselage, the limiting support rods 6 pass through the limiting blind holes 9, and the bottom of the mounting block 4 is fitted with the rubber buffer rings 8. The rubber buffer rings 8 can buffer the vibration generated by the motor running on the arm, reduce the impact of motor vibration on the fuselage structure, and extend the service life of the drone. The limiting support rods 6 further strengthen the connection between the drone arm 2 and the fuselage, improving the connection strength between the drone arm 2 and the fuselage. A return spring 13, sleeved on the threaded support column 3, is provided between the bottom of the mounting block 4 and the top of the mounting plate 24. After the drone arm 2 is mounted on the fuselage, the mounting block 4 compresses the return spring 13, increasing its elastic potential energy. When the drone wall needs to be disassembled and the fixing nut on the top of the threaded support column is unscrewed, the elastic potential energy of the return spring 13 is released, and the return spring 13 returns to its original deformation. The mounting block can then move upward along the threaded support column under the action of the return spring 13, and thus drive the drone wall to move upward synchronously, so as to facilitate the removal of the drone wall.

[0032] The return spring 13 can buffer the vibration generated by the motor running on the arm, reduce the impact of motor vibration on the fuselage structure, and extend the service life of the drone.

[0033] This invention utilizes a buffer spring 20, a rubber buffer ring 8, and a return spring 13 to provide multiple buffers for the vibrations generated by the motor operation on the arm, thereby reducing the negative effects of vibration on the fuselage, protecting the fuselage structure, and improving the service life of the drone.

[0034] The threaded support column 3 of this invention cooperates with the fixing nut to make the drone arm and the fuselage detachably connected. This facilitates the disassembly of the drone arm and improves the connection strength between the drone arm and the fuselage. At the same time, the reinforcing rod and the limiting support rod 6 work together to further strengthen the connection strength between the drone arm and the fuselage, ensuring the safety of the drone in use.

[0035] The drone arm 2 is equipped with a positioning block 22, and the top of the mounting block 4 is provided with a positioning slot 23 that is compatible with the positioning block 22.

[0036] The quick-release method of the UAV arm quick-release device of the present invention includes the following steps: Step 1: Unscrew the fixing nut on the top of the threaded support column. The reset spring will restore its deformation and push the mounting block to move vertically upward along the threaded support column. The mounting block will drive the drone arm to move synchronously until the drone arm slides off the threaded support column and the top of the threaded support column is below the horizontal mounting through hole. Step 2: Pull the drone arm away from the drone body until the drone arm is completely removed from the mounting block. This will quickly detach the drone arm from the drone body.

[0037] The present invention only requires two simple steps, steps 1 and 2, to remove the drone arm, resulting in high disassembly efficiency.

[0038] After the drone arm 2 is removed from the drone body 1, the bottom end of the mounting block is fitted onto the top of the threaded support column 3. Inside the mounting block, the top of the threaded support column 3 is located below the horizontal mounting through hole 10, which can prevent the threaded support column 3 from obstructing the installation process of the drone arm 2 when it is reinstalled. The return spring 13 supports the mounting block 4 from below, raising the position of the mounting block 4 and ensuring that the top of the threaded support column 3 is located below the horizontal mounting through hole 10, ensuring that the installation process of the drone arm 2 can be carried out smoothly when it is reinstalled. The extension block 15 on the mounting block 4 is limited to the guide groove 14, preventing the mounting block 4 from slipping off the threaded support column 3 under the action of external force, ensuring the stability of the connection between the mounting block 4 and the body when the drone arm is not installed.

[0039] When the drone arm needs to be reinstalled, the installation steps are as follows: Step 11: Align one end of the drone arm with the port of the horizontal mounting through hole on the mounting block, insert the drone arm into the horizontal mounting through hole, and push the drone arm toward the drone body until the positioning block on the drone arm is engaged in the positioning slot. Step 22: Press the mounting block toward the mounting plate so that the mounting block drives the drone arm to move vertically downward along the threaded support column until the bottom of the mounting block touches the rubber buffer ring, the threaded support column passes through the mounting block and the drone arm extends to the top of the mounting block, and one end of the drone arm 2 is inserted into the reinforcing rod. Step 33: Tighten the fixing nut onto the threaded support post that extends beyond the top of the mounting block. This completes the installation of the drone arm.

[0040] In step 11, during the process of inserting the drone arm into the horizontal mounting through hole, when the positioning block on the drone arm is engaged in the positioning slot, the clearance through hole 12 on the drone arm aligns with the threaded support column 3. In this way, the positioning block and the positioning slot cooperate, which improves the speed and accuracy of the alignment between the clearance through hole 12 and the threaded support column 3 when the drone arm is inserted into the horizontal mounting through hole, thereby improving the installation speed of the drone arm.

[0041] In step 22, while pressing the mounting block towards the mounting plate, the mounting block compresses the return spring 13 downward, increasing the elastic potential energy of the return spring 13. Thus, when the drone wall needs to be disassembled and the fixing nut on the top of the threaded support column is unscrewed, the elastic potential energy of the return spring 13 is released, the return spring 13 returns to its deformation, and the mounting block can move upward along the threaded support column under the action of the return spring 13, thereby driving the drone wall to move upward synchronously, so as to facilitate the removal of the drone wall.

[0042] When installing or removing the drone arm, the guide groove guides the movement of the drone arm and extension block; the threaded support column 3 guides the movement of the mounting block and the drone arm.

[0043] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the invention, nor are they intended to limit the patent scope of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention. That is to say, any changes or refinements made to the main design concept and spirit of the present invention that are not of substantial significance, but whose technical problems are still consistent with the present invention, should be included within the protection scope of the present invention. In addition, the direct or indirect application of the technical solutions of the present invention to other related technical fields are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A quick-release device for a drone arm, comprising a drone fuselage (1) and a drone arm (2), characterized in that, It also includes a quick-release mechanism for connecting the drone arm (2) on the drone fuselage (1); the quick-release mechanism includes a threaded support column (3) fixed on the drone fuselage (1), an mounting block (4) slidably mounted on the drone fuselage (1) and movably sleeved outside the threaded support column (3) for mounting the drone arm (2), a fixing nut (5) threadedly connected to the top of the threaded support column (3) and fitting the top of the mounting block (4), a limiting buffer mechanism mounted on the drone fuselage (1) and adapted to the mounting block (4), and a reinforcing buffer mechanism mounted on the drone fuselage (1) and adapted to the drone arm (2); the drone arm (2) is transversely mounted on the mounting block (4), and the threaded support column (3) extends out to the top of the mounting block (4) after passing through the mounting block (4) and the drone arm (2).

2. The quick-release device for a drone arm according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting block (4) has a horizontal mounting through hole (10) adapted to the UAV arm (2). The UAV arm (2) passes through the horizontal mounting through hole (10). The mounting block (4) has a vertical mounting through hole (11) adapted to the threaded support column (3). The UAV arm (2) has a clearance through hole (12) adapted to the threaded support column (3) and connected to the vertical mounting through hole (11). The threaded support column (3) passes through the vertical mounting through hole (11) and the clearance through hole (12). The axis of the vertical mounting through hole (11) and the axis of the clearance through hole (12) coincide. The axis of the horizontal mounting through hole (10) intersects the axis of the vertical mounting through hole (11) perpendicularly and is located in the same plane.

3. The quick-release device for a drone arm according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drone fuselage (1) is provided with a guide groove (14) adapted to the drone arm (2), and one end of the drone arm (2) passes through the guide groove (14); the reinforced buffer mechanism includes a reinforcing rod (18) provided at the bottom of the guide groove (14), a through hole A (21) provided at one end of the drone arm (2) and adapted to the reinforcing rod (18), a movable ring (19) movably sleeved outside the reinforcing rod (18), and a buffer spring (20) provided between the bottom of the guide groove (14) and the movable ring (19) and sleeved outside the reinforcing rod (18).

4. The quick-release device for a drone arm according to claim 3, characterized in that, The top of the mounting block (4) is provided with an extension block (15), which is slidably disposed in the guide groove (14). The extension block (15) is provided with sliders (16) on both sides. The guide groove (14) is provided with grooves (17) that are compatible with the sliders (16) on both inner sidewalls. The sliders (16) are slidably embedded in the grooves (17).

5. A quick-release device for a drone arm according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drone fuselage (1) is provided with a mounting plate (24) and a threaded support column (3) is provided on the mounting plate (24); the limiting buffer mechanism includes several limiting support rods (6) provided on the mounting plate (24) and circumferentially surrounding the threaded support column (3), several limiting blind holes (9) opened on the mounting block (4) and adapted to the limiting support rods (6), a limiting ring (7) provided on the outer wall of the limiting support rod (6), and a rubber buffer ring (8) provided on the outer wall of the limiting support rod (6) and located on the top of the limiting ring (7).

6. A quick-release device for a drone arm according to claim 5, characterized in that, A return spring (13) is provided between the bottom of the mounting block (4) and the top of the mounting plate (24) and sleeved on the threaded support column (3).

7. A quick-release device for a drone arm according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drone arm (2) is provided with a positioning block (22), and the top of the mounting block (4) is provided with a positioning slot (23) that is compatible with the positioning block (22).

8. A quick-release method for a UAV arm quick-release device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Unscrew the fixing nut on the top of the threaded support column. The reset spring will restore its deformation and push the mounting block to move vertically upward along the threaded support column. The mounting block will drive the drone arm to move synchronously. The drone arm will slide out from the threaded support column and the top of the threaded support column will be located below the horizontal mounting through hole. Step 2: Pull the drone arm away from the drone body until the drone arm is completely removed from the mounting block. This will quickly detach the drone arm from the drone body.

Images