Drones and remote controls

Abstract

The application provides a kind of unmanned plane, including flight component, the flight component includes main body, paddle unit and protective frame body. Wherein, main body is equipped with receiving cavity;Paddle unit is used to provide lift for unmanned plane;Protective frame body is connected with main body, and has two kinds of morphologies of unfolding and folding.When the unmanned plane flies, protective frame body is in the unfolded morphology, and paddle unit is arranged in protective frame body.When the unmanned plane needs to be stored, protective frame body can be deformed into the folded morphology to reduce the volume of protective frame body, and also enables protective frame body and paddle unit to be at least partially stored in the receiving cavity of main body, thereby reducing the overall volume of flight component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and more specifically, relates to UAVs and remote controllers. Background Technology

[0002] Drones are now widely used in aerial photography, but existing drones cannot simultaneously ensure safety and portability while maintaining image quality. For example, DJI's Mavic drone can improve portability by folding its arms, but the high-speed rotating propellers are exposed during actual flight, which can easily injure people around it. Zero Zero Robotics' Hover drone, although it has a protective frame to surround the high-speed rotating propellers to prevent injury to people around it, has a fixed shape and size of the protective frame, which makes the drone still relatively large when folded, and cannot further improve its portability. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a drone to address the problem that existing drones cannot simultaneously achieve both safety and portability. This drone includes a flight assembly comprising a main body, propeller units, and a protective frame. The main body has a receiving cavity; the propeller units provide lift for the drone; the protective frame is connected to the main body and has both unfolded and folded configurations. When the drone is in flight, the protective frame is in the unfolded configuration, with the propeller units housed within it. When the drone needs to be stored, the protective frame can deform into a folded configuration to reduce its volume, and also allows the protective frame and propeller units to be at least partially housed within the receiving cavity of the main body, thereby reducing the overall volume of the flight assembly.

[0004] In addition, a remote control for wirelessly controlling a drone is also provided. The surface of the remote control has input components for user operation.

[0005] Details of one or more embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the following drawings and description. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the specification, drawings, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0006] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0007] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a drone provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the protective frame is in an unfolded state;

[0008] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a drone provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the protective frame is deforming from an unfolded form to a folded form;

[0009] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a drone provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the protective frame is in a folded state;

[0010] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The diagram shown illustrates the explosion of the drone.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a remote control provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the second component overlaps with the first group;

[0012] Figure 6 for Figure 5 The diagram shows a three-dimensional representation of the remote control mounted on the functional components.

[0013] Figure 7 for Figure 5 The diagram shown is a 3D representation of the remote controller mounted on the drone for easy storage.

[0014] Figure 8 for Figure 7 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the combination of the remote controller and the drone.

[0015] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a remote control mounted on a mobile phone according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the second component moves to the second stroke.

[0016] Figure 10 for Figure 9 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional representation of the remote control mounted on the mobile phone from another angle.

[0017] Figure 11 for Figure 9 The diagram shown is a 3D representation of the remote control, in which the mobile phone is omitted;

[0018] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of a remote control mounted on a mobile phone according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the second component moves to the first stroke.

[0019] Figure 13 for Figure 9 The diagram shows a three-dimensional representation of the combination of the remote control and mobile phone mounted on the functional components.

[0020] Figure 14 for Figure 9 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional representation of the combination of remote control and mobile phone, separated from its functional components.

[0021] Figure 15This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the combination of a remote control and functional components provided in an embodiment of the present invention when used as a desktop stand for a mobile phone. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0023] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly or indirectly attached to that other component. When a component is referred to as "connected to" another component, it can be directly or indirectly connected to that other component. Terms such as "length," "width," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are used only for ease of description. They 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 this patent. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0024] The UAV 1 provided by the present invention will now be described; please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1 to 3The drone 1 includes a flight assembly 10, which comprises a main body 101, a propeller unit 102, and a protective frame 103. The main body 101 has a receiving cavity; the propeller unit 102 provides lift for the drone 1; and the protective frame 103 is connected to the main body 101 and has both unfolded and folded forms. When the drone 1 is in flight, the protective frame 103 is in the unfolded form, and the propeller unit 102 is housed within the protective frame 103 for operation. When the drone 1 needs to be stored, the protective frame 103 can be deformed into a folded form to reduce its volume. This also allows the protective frame 103 and the propeller unit 102 to be at least partially housed within the receiving cavity of the main body 101, thereby reducing the overall volume of the flight assembly 10 and improving the portability of the drone 1, allowing users to carry it in their pockets. Specifically, each propeller unit 102 includes a motor and a propeller 1021 driven by the motor to rotate. The protective frame 103 in the unfolded form can be a cage-like frame, in which the propeller unit 102 can be placed and operate. That is, the rotation areas of the propeller unit 102 and the propeller 1021 are both located in the cage-like frame, so as to reduce the risk of the propeller unit 102 being damaged by collisions with external objects or the propeller unit 102 injuring personnel. This helps to improve the safety of the use of the UAV 1 and expand its application scope.

[0025] In one embodiment, the flight assembly 10 has two protective frames 103, which are located on opposite sides of the main body 101 in the deployed state. Each protective frame 103 is capable of elongating in a direction away from the main body 101 and shortening in a direction close to the main body 101 to switch between deployed and folded states. Correspondingly, the main body 101 has two connected or separated receiving cavities 1011, each corresponding to one of the two protective frames 103. Each receiving cavity 1011 is used to receive at least a portion of the corresponding protective frame 103. In the deployed state, each protective frame 103 is opposite to or partially located at the opening of the corresponding receiving cavity 1011. Additionally, when the two protective frames 103 are in the deployed state, at least two propeller units 102 are disposed in different protective frames 103. In the illustrated embodiment, when the two protective frames 103 are in the deployed state, each protective frame 103 is provided with two blade units 102 so that the flight assembly 10 forms a conventional quadcopter layout. Of course, each protective frame 103 may also be provided with one or other numbers of blade units 102, which is not limited here.

[0026] Optionally, the end of the receiving cavity 1011 located at the head of the main body 101 may not be closed, meaning the receiving cavity 1011 communicates with the front region of the main body 101. This allows the protective frame 103 in its folded state to extend from the receiving cavity 1011 to the front region of the main body 101, helping to reduce the length of the receiving cavity 1011 and thus the length of the main body 101. The end of the receiving cavity 1011 located at the tail of the main body 101 may be closed. Correspondingly, the protective frame 103 is also provided with a first baffle 104. This first baffle 104 can move relative to the main body 101 to the end of the receiving cavity 1011 located at the head of the main body 101 as the protective frame 103 unfolds, and is used to block incoming flow from entering the receiving cavity 1011 when the UAV 1 is flying forward. In the illustrated embodiment, two first baffles 104 are respectively provided on the two protective frames 103.

[0027] Furthermore, each protective frame 103 includes a first support 1031 and a second support. When the two protective frames 103 are in the unfolded state, the plurality of first supports 1031 of each protective frame 103 are arranged at intervals along the direction away from the opening of the corresponding receiving cavity 1011 of the protective frame 103. Adjacent first supports 1031 are movably connected to each other through the second support, and at least one first support 1031 is also movably connected to the main body 101 through the second support. The second support can be deformed or movable relative to the first support 1031 to change the spacing of the plurality of first supports 1031 and thus change the volume of the protective frame 103, and also to allow at least a portion of the protective frame 103 to be received in the corresponding receiving cavity 1011. The blade unit 102 may be disposed on the first support 1031 and / or the second support.

[0028] Furthermore, the second support is provided with multiple support units 1032. In the illustrated embodiment, two adjacent first supports 1031 can be rotatably connected by multiple support units 1032. If the support unit 1032 adopts a rod-like structure, these multiple support units 1032 can be arranged in parallel pairs to form a parallel linkage mechanism together with the two rotatably connected adjacent first supports 1031, thereby changing the distance between the two adjacent first supports 1031 through the deformation of the parallel linkage mechanism. In addition, the innermost first support 1031 of each protective frame 103 can also be rotatably connected to the main body 101 by multiple support units 1032 to change the position of the innermost first support 1031 relative to the main body 101. In this structure, each protective frame 103 can be provided with an even number of first supports 1031, and the adjacent support units 1032 are distributed along the direction away from or close to the main body 101 with opposite rotation directions, so that the outermost first support 1031 can move away from or close to the main body 101 along a straight path. It should be noted that when the protective frame 103 is in the unfolded state, the first support 1031 closest to the main body 101 is the innermost first support 1031, and the first support 1031 farthest from the main body 101 is the outermost first support 1031. When the protective frame 103 is in the folded state, the outermost first support 1031 can be located at the opening of the receiving cavity 1011. In another embodiment, two adjacent support units 1032 distributed along the direction away from or close to the main body 101 can be rotatably or slidably connected to allow the second support to deform. In this structure, different first supports 1031 can be respectively set on different support units 1032 that can move with each other, so as to change the spacing between different first supports 1031.

[0029] Optionally, each first support 1031 is an annular frame, and each protective frame 103 is provided with upper and lower second supports. The upper and lower edges of each first support 1031 are respectively connected to the second supports of different layers. When the protective frame 103 is in the unfolded state, the blades 1021 of the blade unit 102 in the protective frame 103 can pass through the area enclosed by at least part of the first supports 1031 in the same protective frame 103.

[0030] Optionally, the first baffle 104 is disposed on the support unit 1032 for connecting the innermost first support 1031 and the main body 101 so that it can rotate relative to the main body 101 with the support unit 1032 to the end of the receiving cavity 1011 located at the head of the main body 101, wherein the upper and lower edges of the first baffle 104 can be connected to the second supports of different layers respectively.

[0031] Optionally, the outermost first bracket 1031 is provided with a first locking structure 1033. ；When the protective frame 103 is in the unfolded state, the first locking structure 1033 is used to lock the deformation of the second bracket or the movement of the second bracket relative to the first bracket 1031, so as to improve the structural stability of the protective frame 103. When the protective frame 103 is in the folded state, the first locking structure 1033 is used to lock the movement of the outermost first bracket 1031 relative to the main body 101, so as to prevent the protective frame 103 from unfolding. In one embodiment, the first locking structure 1033 is an elastic latch. Correspondingly, both the second bracket and the main body 101 are provided with matching locking holes. When the protective frame 103 needs to be deformed into an unfolded state, the user operates the elastic latch to unlock it from the main body 101. Then, the user pulls the outermost first bracket 1031 to move the remaining first brackets 1031 of the same protective frame 103 away from the main body 101. During this process, the second brackets of the same protective frame 103 deform or move relative to the first brackets 1031, so that the protective frame 103 can extend and unfold in the direction away from the main body 101. After the protective frame 103 is deformed into an unfolded state, the user releases the elastic latch to lock the deformation of the second bracket or the movement of the second bracket relative to the first bracket 1031. In another embodiment, the first locking structure 1033 can also be a snap-fit. Correspondingly, both the second bracket and the main body 101 are provided with matching slots.

[0032] It should be noted that the multiple support units 1032 can be mechanically linked, enabling them to move synchronously and be locked synchronously. Accordingly, the movement of only the support unit 1032 closest to the first locking structure 1033 needs to be directly locked by the first locking structure 1033. Preferably, adjacent support units 1032 distributed along directions away from or close to the main body 101 are interlocked by gears, achieving not only mechanical linkage but also opposite rotational directions.

[0033] Optionally, a second baffle 1034 is provided on the innermost first bracket 1031 of the protective frame 103. If the first bracket 1031 is an annular frame, the second baffle 1034 partially or completely fills the area enclosed by the innermost first bracket 1031. When the protective frame 103 is in the folded state, the second baffle 1034 is at least partially located within the receiving cavity 1011 corresponding to the protective frame 103. During the transformation of the protective frame 103 from the folded state to the unfolded state, the second baffle 1034 moves along with the innermost first bracket 1031 to the opening or vicinity of the receiving cavity 1011 corresponding to the protective frame 103 to block at least a portion of the opening, i.e., moving between the receiving cavity 1011 corresponding to the protective frame 103 and the propeller unit 102 within the same protective frame 103. This blocks the airflow generated when the propeller unit 102 operates within the same protective frame 103 from entering the receiving cavity 1011, thereby reducing lift loss and contributing to improved flight efficiency of the flight assembly 10. When the protective frame 103 is in the unfolded state, the first baffle 104 and the second baffle 1034 can jointly block the opening of the receiving cavity 1011, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the first baffle 104 is located at one end of the receiving cavity 1011 at the head of the main body 101 to block the portion of the opening of the receiving cavity 1011 facing the front of the main body 101. The second baffle 1034 is used to block the portion of the opening of the receiving cavity 1011 facing the side of the main body 101. It should be noted that the front and side of the main body 101 can be aligned with the front and side of the UAV 1, respectively. In addition, during the process of the protective frame 103 changing from the unfolded form to the folded form, the second baffle 1034 can also contact the blade 1021 of the blade unit 102 in the same protective frame 103 and push the blade 1021 to rotate to a posture that is easier to be received in the receiving cavity 1011. For example, if the blade 1021 is a two-bladed blade, the blade 1021 can be pushed by the second baffle 1034 to rotate to a posture in which the blade 1021 is aligned with or close to the length direction of the receiving cavity 1011. Additionally, the rotation center of the blade 1021 can be set to be at the same or similar distance from the outer side of the same protective frame 103 and the second baffle 1034. Thus, during the process of the protective frame 103 changing from an unfolded state to a folded state, the blade 1021 is pushed to rotate by the second baffle 1034, preventing the blade 1021 from extending beyond the outer side of the same protective frame 103. The outer side of the protective frame 103 can be the plane where the outermost first support 1031 of the protective frame 103 is located.

[0034] Please refer to the following: Figure 4The drone 1 also includes a functional component 11, which includes a main housing 111, a main control board (not shown) located inside the main housing 111, a battery (not shown) located inside or outside the main housing 111, a gimbal 112 located outside the main housing 111, and a camera component 113 mounted on the gimbal 112. The gimbal 112 is a mechanical gimbal and provides image stabilization for the camera component 113. The functional component 11 is combined with the flight component 10 to enable the drone 1 to fly, perform aerial photography, and be stored. The gimbal 112 can also be omitted; in this case, the camera component 113 can have electronic gimbal stabilization.

[0035] Optionally, the functional component 11 and the flight component 10 can also be separated. When the functional component 11 and the flight component 10 are combined, the battery of the functional component 11 is used to power the propeller unit 102, and / or the main control board of the functional component 11 is used to control the operation of the propeller unit 102 to achieve normal flight of the UAV 1. After the functional component 11 is separated from the flight component 10, the functional component 11 can be used as a handheld camera. Accordingly, at least a portion of the main housing 111 can also be used as a handle for the handheld camera, that is, the user holds the functional component 11 and takes pictures using the camera component 113. At this time, if the functional component 11 is equipped with a gimbal 112, the gimbal 112 can still provide image stabilization for the camera component 113. Specifically, the functional component 11 and the flight component 10 are provided with interfaces for mutual electrical connection (not shown) and fixing structures for mutual fixed connection (not shown). Optionally, a first operating component 114 is provided on the functional component 11 or the flight component 10 for the user to release the mutual fixed connection between the functional component 11 and the flight component 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the functional component 11 has first operating components 114 on opposite sides for the user to press. The user can release the mutual fixed connection between the functional component 11 and the flight component 10 by pressing the first operating components 114 on both sides simultaneously with their fingers while holding the functional component 11. The fixing structure can be a quick-release structure such as a buckle, latch, or pin that is linked to the first operating component 114, and is not limited to a single structure.

[0036] It should be noted that, in another embodiment, the functional component 11 and the flight component 10 are configured to be inseparable; or, the functional component 11 may not have the functions and corresponding structures to be combined with the flight component 10, that is, it may only be used as a handheld camera.

[0037] Optionally, the flight assembly 10 also includes sensor components 105 for obstacle avoidance of the drone 1, such as a binocular camera, a laser rangefinder, etc. When the functional component 11 is combined with the flight assembly 10, the main control board can be electrically connected to the sensor components 105 to enable obstacle detection via the sensor components 105. Figure 1As shown, a sensor component 105 can be installed on the first baffle 104. When the protective frame 103 is in the unfolded state, the sensor component 105 is located on the side of the first baffle 104 facing the front of the main body 101, so that the detection direction of the sensor component 105 can point to the front of the UAV 1 in flight.

[0038] Optionally, the propeller unit 102 includes an electronic speed controller (ESC) (not shown), and when the functional component 11 is combined with the flight component 10, the main control board can also be electrically connected to the ESC; or, the ESC can also be disposed in the functional component 11, and when the functional component 11 is combined with the flight component 10, the ESC can be electrically connected to the propeller unit 102.

[0039] Optionally, functional component 11 also includes a communication component (not shown). When functional component 11 is combined with or separated from flight component 10, the communication component can wirelessly connect to the user's remote controller or mobile phone to transmit data.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, when the drone 1 is flying normally, the functional component 11 is located above the flight component 10, and the gimbal 112 and camera component 113 are located at the nose of the drone 1, as shown. Figure 1 As shown. In another embodiment, when the drone 1 is flying normally, the functional component 11 may also be located below the flight component 10.

[0041] Furthermore, the UAV 1 also includes a protective cover 12 disposed on the flight component 10 and / or the functional component 11. The protective cover 12 has a first panel 121 and a second panel 122 connected to the first panel 121. The second panel 122 is disposed on opposite sides of the first panel 121 to form a semi-enclosed receiving space, such as a U-shaped groove, together with the first panel 121. The second panel 122 can be movably or detachably connected to the flight component 10 and / or the functional component 11 so that the protective cover 12 can switch between a first position and a second position. In the illustrated embodiment, the second panel 122 is rotatably connected to the body 101 of the flight component 10 and / or the main housing 111 of the functional component 11, so that the protective cover 12 can rotate relative to the body 101 of the flight component 10 and / or the main housing 111 of the functional component 11 to switch between the first position and the second position. Alternatively, the protective cover 12 can be detached from the flight component 10 and / or the functional component 11 and reinstalled to switch between the first position and the second position.

[0042] Specifically, when drone 1 is in its stowed state, please refer to [the documentation / reference] again. Figure 3With the protective frame 103 in a folded state and the protective cover 12 in a first position, the camera component 113 and / or gimbal 112 can be housed within the receiving space of the protective cover 12. The opening of this receiving space opposite the first panel 121 can be jointly shielded by the main housing 111 of the functional component 11 and the flight component 10, thus providing protection for the camera component 113 and / or gimbal 112. Additionally, the portion of the protective frame 103 in the folded state extending from the receiving cavity 1011 to the front area of ​​the main body 101 can also be housed within the receiving space of the protective cover 12, achieving both protection and aesthetic enhancement. When the drone 1 is flying normally, please refer again... Figure 1 The protective cover 12 is in the second position. The first panel 121 is located above the camera component 113 and / or the gimbal 112 to avoid obstructing the camera component 113's view of the front and bottom of the drone 1. It also serves to protect the camera component 113 from rain and / or light. At least a portion of the first panel 121 protrudes further from the main housing 111 of the functional component 11 in the forward flight direction of the drone 1 than the camera component 113 and / or the gimbal 112, so as to effectively protect the camera component 113 and / or the gimbal 112 when the drone 1 collides with an obstacle in the forward flight direction. It should be noted that if the protective cover 12 obstructs the unfolding of the protective frame 103 before it is transformed from a folded state to an unfolded state, the protective cover 12 can be moved from the first position to the second position first. The protective cover 12 is provided with a buckle (not shown in the figure), and correspondingly, the flight component 10 and / or the functional component 11 are provided with at least two cooperating slots (not shown in the figure). The buckle can engage with the two slots respectively when the protective cover 12 is in the first position and the second position. Alternatively, the protective cover 12 is provided with a latch (not shown in the figure), and correspondingly, the flight component 10 and / or the functional component 11 are provided with at least two cooperating locking holes (not shown in the figure). The latch can lock with the two locking holes respectively when the protective cover 12 is in the first position and the second position.

[0043] Optionally, the protective cover 12 is divided into a first part and a second part (not shown). When the flight component 10 or the functional component 11 needs to be stored separately, one of the first part and the second part is connected to the flight component 10 or the functional component 11 that needs to be stored, and can move relative to the other to achieve mutual overlap. For example, one part can slide onto the other to reduce the size of the protective cover 12.

[0044] Please see Figures 5 to 8 The present invention also provides a remote controller 2 for wirelessly controlling a drone 1 or other drones of different structures. The surface of the remote controller 2 is provided with an input component 20 for user operation. The input component 20 is at least one of a joystick, scroll wheel, button, touchpad, knob, lever, and slider. Optionally, the surface of the remote controller 2 may also be provided with a small-sized display screen (not shown).

[0045] Optionally, such as Figure 6 As shown, when the functional component 11 is used alone as a handheld camera, the remote controller 2 can be mounted on the functional component 11 so that the user can operate the handheld camera via the remote controller 2. For example, the user can operate the camera component 113 and / or gimbal 112 of the functional component 11 through the input component 20 of the remote controller 2. At this time, the remote controller 2 can be electrically connected to the functional component 11 to enable the functional component 11 to supply power to the remote controller 2 and / or transmit data with the remote controller 2. Accordingly, the remote controller 2 may not have a battery. Specifically, the functional component 11 and the remote controller 2 are provided with an interface for mutual electrical connection (not shown) and a fixing structure for mutual fixed connection, such as a quick-release structure such as a buckle, a lock, or a magnetic attachment. Optionally, a second operating component (not shown) is also provided on the functional component 11 or the remote controller 2 for the user to release the mutual fixed connection between the functional component 11 and the remote controller 2. When the functional component 11 is combined with the flight component 10, such as Figure 7 As shown, the remote controller 2 can also be mounted on the functional component 11 for integrated storage with the drone 1, making it convenient for users to carry with them when traveling. Compared with existing drones, drone remote controllers and handheld cameras, this eliminates the hassle of carrying and charging them separately.

[0046] Optionally, please refer to the following as well. Figures 9 to 14 Remote control 2 is used in conjunction with mobile phone 3. Remote control 2 includes a first component 21, a second component 22, and a connector 23. Please refer again for details. Figure 5The first component 21 is provided with a connector 210 for electrical connection with the data port of the mobile phone 3 to realize data transmission with the mobile phone 3. Preferably, the mobile phone 3 is a large-screen candybar phone, and the data port is a USB Type-C port. The second component 22 can be arranged overlapping the first component 21, and at least a portion of the input component 20 is disposed on the second component 22. The fixing structure 24 of the remote control 2 for fixing in cooperation with the functional component 11 can also be disposed on the second component 22, and at least a portion of the input component 20 can be disposed on two opposite surfaces of the second component 22. When connector 210 is electrically connected to the data port of mobile phone 3, the second component 22 can move relative to the first component 21 to reduce the overlap area between the first component 21 and the second component 22, and at least a portion of the input component 20 can move from one side of mobile phone 3 to the screen 30 area of ​​mobile phone 3 and / or the lower or middle part of mobile phone 3. At this time, at least a portion of the input component 20 is located on the front of mobile phone 3, which is convenient for the user to operate when holding mobile phone 3. At the same time, it allows the second component 22 to be more securely mounted on mobile phone 3, for example, the second component 22 is more securely mounted on mobile phone 3 by clamping mobile phone 3. Preferably, when connector 210 is electrically connected to mobile phone 3, the second component 22 can be sleeved on mobile phone 3 and moved along the length direction of mobile phone 3 by moving relative to the first component 21. Connector 23 is used to maintain the electrical connection between the second component 22 and the first component 21 before and after the movement of the second component 22 relative to the first component 21. Preferably, connector 23 can be a flexible ribbon cable or a telescopic structure. It should be noted that when the connector 210 is electrically connected to the mobile phone 3, the remote control 2 can also be powered by the mobile phone 3. In addition, by moving the second component 22 relative to the first component 21, the screen 30 of the mobile phone 3 can be partially covered by the second component 22 or fully exposed to facilitate the user's use of other functions of the mobile phone 3.

[0047] Optionally, when the drone 1 and remote controller 2 are close, remote controller 2 can wirelessly control the drone 1 via a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication, such as Wi-Fi, between the mobile phone 3 and the drone 1. Alternatively, remote controller 2 can also directly communicate wirelessly with the drone 1 or functional component 11, and correspondingly, data can be transmitted between the mobile phone 3 and the drone 1 via remote controller 2. When the drone 1 and remote controller 2 are far apart, remote controller 2 can wirelessly control the drone 1 via a cellular network communication, such as 4G or 5G, between the mobile phone 3 and the drone 1. Furthermore, in response to the electrical connection between the connector 210 of remote controller 2 and the mobile phone 3, the application software on the mobile phone 3 that is compatible with remote controller 2 can automatically open and initiate data communication with the drone 1 or functional component 11.

[0048] Optionally, the remote controller 2 also has a beacon function to assist the drone 1 or functional component 11 in tracking the moving object where the remote controller 2 is located, and / or to assist the drone 1 in updating its return point position. The remote controller 2 may have a built-in satellite positioning hardware module, and / or may use the satellite positioning hardware module built into a mobile phone 3 connected electrically for assisted positioning.

[0049] Optionally, the functional component 11 also includes data memory (not shown), such as flash memory or a micro hard drive, for storing photos or video data captured by the camera component 113. The connector 210 of the remote control 2 can also be directly electrically connected to a computer or NAS (Network Attached Storage) for data transfer. Specifically, when the remote control 2 is attached to and electrically connected to the functional component 11, or when the remote control 2 is detached from and wirelessly connected to the functional component 11, the data memory of the functional component 11 can be imported or exported via the remote control 2 to a mobile phone 3, computer, or NAS, for example, importing or exporting photo or video data. Alternatively, the data memory of the functional component 11 can be transferred to the remote control 2. Accordingly, both the functional component 11 and the remote control 2 are equipped with data memory read / write components, such as SD card or TF card read / write slots. The mobile phone 3, computer, or NAS can import or export data from the data memory transferred from the functional component 11 to the remote control 2 via an electrical connection to the connector 210 of the remote control 2. Therefore, when it is necessary to import the photos or videos taken by the functional component 11 into the target device such as mobile phone 3, computer or NAS, the user only needs to transfer the data memory from the functional component 11 to the remote control 2, and electrically connect the connector 210 of the remote control 2, which is separate from the functional component 11, to the target device. No data cable is required, which is more convenient.

[0050] Furthermore, the second component 22 is also provided with a second locking structure. After the second component 22 moves relative to the first component 21 to move at least a portion of the input component 20 to the screen 30 area of ​​the mobile phone 3 and / or the lower or middle part of the mobile phone 3, the second locking structure is used to lock the movement of the second component 22 relative to the mobile phone 3, so as to achieve a fixed setting of the second component 22 relative to the mobile phone 3. When the second component 22 is overlapped with the first group, the second locking structure is also used to lock the movement of the second component 22 relative to the first component 21, which facilitates the storage or carrying of the remote control 2. Preferably, the second locking structure includes a pressure block (not shown), a first elastic element (not shown), and a third operating component 220 linked to the pressure block. The first elastic element can be a spring. The pressure block can press the mobile phone 3 or the first component 21 tightly under the action of the first elastic element to lock the movement of the second component 22 relative to the mobile phone 3 or the movement of the second component 22 relative to the first component 21 by utilizing the friction between the pressure block and the mobile phone 3 or the first component 21. An adhesive strip can be provided on the contact surface between the pressure block and the mobile phone 3 or the first component 21 to reduce the damage of the pressure block to the mobile phone 3 or the first component 21 and increase the friction between the pressure block and the mobile phone 3 or the first component 21. Under the operation of the user, the third operating component 220 can drive the pressure block to disengage from the mobile phone 3 or the first component 21, so that the second component 22 can resume its movement relative to the mobile phone 3 or its movement relative to the first component 21. Preferably, the third operating component 220 is one of a lever, a button, and a slider, and is provided on the surface of the second component 22. Alternatively, the mobile phone 3 or the first component 21 may be provided with a mating structure corresponding to the second locking structure, such as anti-slip texture, fixing holes, fixing grooves, etc. If the mobile phone 3 includes a protective case, the protective case may also be provided with a mating structure corresponding to the second locking structure, so that the second locking structure can more securely lock the movement of the second component 22 relative to the mobile phone 3 or the movement of the second component 21 relative to the first component 21.

[0051] Optionally, the second component 22 has a channel through which the mobile phone 3 passes, and the first component 21 can be at least partially accommodated in the channel and overlapped with the second component 22. When the connector 210 is electrically connected to the mobile phone 3, the second component 22 can move relative to the first component 21 so that the first component 21 extends at least partially from one side of the channel, while the mobile phone 3 extends into the channel from the other side, thereby allowing the second component 22 to be fitted onto the mobile phone 3. Preferably, the pressure block of the second locking structure can be disposed in the channel, with a pair of pressure blocks respectively disposed on opposite inner walls of the channel to jointly clamp the mobile phone 3, or the pressure block located in the channel cooperates with the opposite inner wall to jointly clamp the mobile phone 3.

[0052] Furthermore, the openings on opposite sides of the channel are a first opening 221 and a second opening, respectively. The first opening 221 allows the mobile phone 3 to extend into the channel along its length, and the second opening allows the first component 21 to partially or completely extend out of the channel. Preferably, the width of the channel can be set to 8 cm to accommodate the width of most mobile phones on the market, which is between 7 cm and 8 cm, and the height of the channel is slightly greater than the thickness of the mobile phone 3.

[0053] Optionally, the second component 22 is further provided with a limiting structure 222, which is used to prevent the first component 21 from partially or completely extending out of the channel from the first opening 221. Preferably, the limiting structure 222 can be provided at or near the first opening 221.

[0054] Optionally, the remote controller 2 further includes a second elastic element (not shown) for providing a restoring force to the first component 21 so that at least a portion of the first component 21 can automatically retract from the second opening into the channel, and / or for providing a restoring force to the connector 23 so that the connector 23 can automatically be received in the first component 21 and / or the second component 22. Additionally, after the second locking structure locks the movement of the second component 22 relative to the mobile phone 3, the restoring force provided by the second elastic element can also cause the first component 21 to drive the connector 210 to connect tightly to the mobile phone, preventing the electrical connection between the two from becoming loose or interrupted.

[0055] One method for combining the remote control 2 with the mobile phone 3 is as follows:

[0056] The user brings the remote control 2 and the mobile phone 3 close together, making the connector 210 of the first component 21 electrically connected to the mobile phone 3. During this process, the second component 22 overlaps with the first component 21 and is fixed to each other by the second locking structure. Therefore, the user can hold the second component 22 with one hand and the mobile phone 3 with the other hand to perform the above operation. Then, the user keeps holding the second component 22 with one hand and operates the second locking structure to release the fixed setting of the second component 22 relative to the first component 21. The user's two hands continue to move closer together and push the mobile phone 3 held in the other hand from one side of the channel of the first component 21, i.e., the first opening 221. At the same time, the mobile phone 3 pushes the first component 21 to move relative to the second component 22 and extends partly or completely from the other side of the channel, i.e., the second opening, so that the second component 21 is fitted on the mobile phone 3 and moves along the length of the mobile phone 3 to the designated position. Finally, the user releases the second locking structure to lock the movement of the second component 22 relative to the mobile phone 3.

[0057] Another method to separate remote control 2 from mobile phone 3 is:

[0058] The user holds the second component 22 with one hand and operates the second locking structure to release the lock and restore the movement of the second component 22 relative to the mobile phone 3, while holding the mobile phone 3 with the other hand. The user's two hands move away from each other, causing the mobile phone 3 to move relative to the second component 22 and causing the first component 21 to partially or completely retract into the channel of the second component 22. Due to the action of the limiting structure 222, the first component 21 is ultimately partially or completely left in the channel of the second component 22, while the mobile phone 3 completely exits from the channel of the second component 22 and separates from the connector 210 of the first component 21. The user releases the second locking structure to lock the movement of the second component 22 relative to the first component 21.

[0059] Optionally, the movement of the second component 22 relative to the mobile phone 3 has two stages. When the second component 22 moves to the first stage, such as Figure 12 As shown, the second component 22 is close to or partially overlaps with the first component 21. The entire exposed area of ​​the phone screen 30 is located on one side of the second component 22, so that the user can use the input component 20 in conjunction with the landscape mode of the phone 3 to wirelessly control the drone 1. At this time, the user can hold the combination of the phone 3 and the remote control 2 with both hands. When the second component 22 moves to the second stroke, as... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the second component 22 is away from the first component 21, and the exposed areas of the screen 30 of the mobile phone 3 are located on opposite sides of the second component 22, so that the user can use the input component 20 in conjunction with the portrait mode of the mobile phone 3 to wirelessly control the drone 1. At this time, the user can hold the combination of the mobile phone 3 and the remote control 2 with one hand.

[0060] Furthermore, when the second component 22 moves to the second stroke, the area exposed on the screen 30 of the mobile phone 3 is divided into two parts by the second component 22. The application software on the mobile phone 3 that is paired with the remote control 2 is adapted accordingly to display different content in the two screen 30 areas respectively. For example, one screen 30 area displays the real-time shooting image of the camera component 113, and the other screen 30 area displays at least one of the following: the status of the drone 1, the map, and virtual buttons; or, the smaller screen 30 area displays several small sections with different functions side by side, corresponding to some or all of the functions such as the real-time shooting image of the camera component 113, the map, the status of the drone 1, virtual buttons, music playback, bicycle riding speed, temperature and humidity, and human health parameters. The user can click on different small sections to make the function corresponding to the clicked small section display more information on the larger screen 30 area. The smaller screen 30 area can be located on the same side of the second component 22 as the first component 21. In addition, the remote control 2 can also send the travel status to the mobile phone 3. When the second component 22 moves to different travel positions relative to the mobile phone 3, the application software on the mobile phone 3 that is compatible with the remote control 2 can display different interfaces accordingly. For example, when the second component 22 moves to the first travel position, the application software will automatically display in landscape mode; when the second component 22 moves to the second travel position, the application software will automatically display in portrait mode.

[0061] Furthermore, such as Figure 10 As shown, when the second component 22 moves to the second stroke, the connector 23 is exposed and located between the first component 21 and the second component 22. At this time, the connector 23 can be located on the back 31 of the mobile phone 3 to avoid obstructing the screen 30 of the mobile phone 3.

[0062] Furthermore, such as Figure 13 As shown, when the second component 22 moves to the second travel position, the remote control 2 can be mounted on the functional component 11 used as a handheld camera, so that the mobile phone 3, which is electrically connected to the remote control 2, is also mounted on the functional component 11. This allows the user to view and / or operate the functional component 11 through the screen 30 of the mobile phone 3. At this time, the mobile phone 3 can transmit data with the functional component 11 through the remote control 2. Preferably, when the functional component 11 is used normally as a handheld camera, the camera component 113 is located at the top of the functional component 11, the remote control 2 and / or the mobile phone 3 are mounted on the upper part of the functional component 11 and below the camera component 113, and the lower part of the functional component 11 is for the user to hold. It should be noted that when the second component 22 is in the second travel position, the center of gravity of the mobile phone 3, which is fixed on the functional component 11, is closer to the functional component 11, and / or closer to the functional component 11 than when the second component 22 is in the first travel position, which helps to improve the user's grip.

[0063] Optionally, such as Figure 14As shown, when the functional component 11 is used as a handheld camera, the remote control 2, which is electrically connected to the mobile phone 3, can also be separated from the functional component 11 and wirelessly control the handheld camera in conjunction with the mobile phone 3. At this time, the user can still wirelessly operate the functional component 11 through the input component 20 of the remote control 2. The mobile phone 3 is used in portrait or landscape mode, and data communication with the functional component 11 can be performed through the remote control 2.

[0064] Optionally, the fixing structure 24 for the remote controller 2, which is used to fix the functional component 11, can also fix the remote controller 2 to other objects, such as vehicles or backpacks. Specifically, a mounting base is provided on the other object, and the mounting base fixes the remote controller 2 through the fixing structure 24. Correspondingly, the mobile phone 3, which is electrically connected to the remote controller 2, can be set on other objects through the remote controller 2. At this time, the second component 22 can move to the second stroke, and the mobile phone 3 can be used in portrait or landscape mode. The remote controller 2, together with the mobile phone 3, is used to wirelessly control the drone 1 or as a handheld camera for the functional component 11.

[0065] Optionally, such as Figure 15 As shown, when the second component 22 moves to the first stroke, the remote control 2 can also be set on the functional component 11. At this time, the combination of the functional component 11 and the remote control 2 can be used as a desktop stand for the mobile phone 3. Specifically, the side of the functional component 11 is opposite to the desktop 4, that is, the functional component 11 is placed horizontally on the desktop 4. The first component 21 is at least partially stuck between the second component 22 and the desktop 4 to raise one side of the functional component 11 so that the mobile phone 3 is tilted relatively vertically, making it easier for the user to view the screen 30 of the mobile phone 3. In addition, the functional component 11 can also be electrically connected to the mobile phone 3 through the connector 210 of the remote control 2 to realize charging and / or data transmission of the mobile phone 3.

[0066] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0067] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), characterized in that, The system includes a flight assembly comprising a main body, a propeller unit, and a protective frame. The main body has a receiving cavity. The propeller unit provides lift for the drone. The protective frame is connected to the main body and has both unfolded and folded forms. When the drone is in flight, the protective frame is in the unfolded form, and the propeller unit is housed within the protective frame. When the drone needs to be stored, the protective frame can be deformed into a folded form to reduce its volume, and also allows the protective frame and the propeller unit to be at least partially housed within the receiving cavity of the main body, thereby reducing the overall volume of the flight assembly.

2. The drone as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The two protective frames are located on opposite sides of the main body in the unfolded state; each of the protective frames can be extended or shortened in the direction away from or towards the main body so as to be able to switch between the unfolded and folded states. The main body has two connected or separated receiving cavities, which correspond one-to-one with the two protective frames. Each receiving cavity is used to receive at least a portion of the corresponding protective frame. In the unfolded state, each protective frame is opposite to or partially located at the opening of the corresponding receiving cavity. When the two protective frames are in the deployed state, at least two of the blade units are disposed in different protective frames.

3. The drone as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the protective frames includes a first bracket and a second bracket; When the two protective frames are in the unfolded state, a plurality of first supports of each protective frame are arranged at intervals along the direction away from the opening of the corresponding receiving cavity of the protective frame. Two adjacent first supports are movably connected to each other through second supports, and at least one first support is also movably connected to the main body through the second support. The second support can be deformed or moved relative to the first support to change the spacing of the plurality of first supports and thus change the volume of the protective frame, and also to allow at least a portion of the protective frame to be received in the corresponding receiving cavity. The blade unit is disposed on the first bracket and / or the second bracket; and / or, when the protective frame is in the unfolded state, the first bracket closest to the main body is the innermost first bracket, and the first bracket farthest from the main body is the outermost first bracket.

4. The UAV as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Also includes functional components The functional components include a main housing, a main control board located inside the main housing, a battery located inside or outside the main housing, and a camera component located outside the main housing. The functional components also include the gimbal located on the outside of the main housing, the camera component being mounted on the gimbal and capable of providing image stabilization by the gimbal; and / or, the camera component having electronic gimbal stabilization.

5. The drone as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The functional components and the flight components are combined to enable the drone to fly, take aerial photos, and be stored as a whole; the functional components and the flight components can also be separated. When the functional components are combined with the flight components, the battery is used to power the propeller unit, and / or the main control board is used to control the operation of the propeller unit to achieve normal flight of the UAV; After the functional component is separated from the flight component, the functional component can be used independently as a handheld camera, and at least a portion of the main housing can also be used as a handle for the handheld camera; The functional components and the flight components are provided with interfaces for mutual electrical connection and fixed structures for mutual fixed connection.

6. The drone as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The drone also includes a protective cover disposed on the flight component and / or the functional component. The protective cover has a first panel and a second panel connected to the first panel. The second panel is disposed on opposite sides of the first panel to form a semi-enclosed receiving space together with the first panel. The second panel can be movably connected or detachably connected to the flight component and / or the functional component so that the protective cover can be switched between a first position and a second position. When the drone is in its stowed state, the protective frame is in a folded state, the protective cover is in a first position, and the camera component and / or the gimbal can be located in the receiving space of the protective cover. The opening of this receiving space opposite to the first panel can be jointly shielded by the main housing of the functional component and the flight component, thereby protecting the camera component and / or the gimbal. The portion of the protective frame extending from the receiving cavity to the front area of ​​the main body in the folded state can also be received by the receiving space of the protective cover. When the drone is in normal flight, the protective cover is in a second position, and the first panel is located above the camera component and the gimbal to avoid obstructing the camera component's view of the front and bottom of the drone. At least a portion of the first panel protrudes further from the main housing of the functional component than the camera component and / or the gimbal in the forward flight direction of the drone, so as to protect the camera component and / or the gimbal when the drone collides with an obstacle in the forward flight direction.

7. A remote control, characterized in that, For wireless control of the drone as described in any one of claims 1 to 6 The remote control has input components on its surface for user operation.

8. The remote control as described in claim 7, characterized in that, When the functional component is used alone as a handheld camera, the remote controller can be mounted on the functional component so that the user can operate the handheld camera through the remote controller; when the functional component is combined with the flight component, the remote controller can also be mounted on the functional component so that it can be integrated with the drone for storage or carrying. and / or The remote controller can be electrically connected to the functional component to enable the functional component to supply power to the remote controller and / or transmit data with the remote controller; the functional component and the remote controller are provided with interfaces for mutual electrical connection and fixed structures for mutual fixed connection.

9. The remote control as described in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The remote control, designed for use with a mobile phone, includes: The first component is provided with a connector for electrical connection to the data port of a mobile phone to realize data transmission with the mobile phone, and / or to realize power supply from the mobile phone to the remote control. The second component is configured to overlap with the first component, and at least a portion of the input component is disposed on the second component. When the connector of the first component is electrically connected to the mobile phone, the second component is movable relative to the first component to reduce the overlap area between the first component and the second component, and to move at least a portion of the input component from one side of the mobile phone to the screen area of ​​the mobile phone and / or the lower or middle part of the mobile phone. A connector for maintaining an electrical connection between the second component and the first component before and after movement of the second component relative to the first component; The second component further includes a second locking structure; after the second component moves relative to the first component to move at least a portion of the input component to the screen area of ​​the mobile phone and / or the lower or middle part of the mobile phone, the second locking structure is used to lock the movement of the second component relative to the mobile phone, thereby fixing the second component relative to the mobile phone; when the second component overlaps with the first component, the second locking structure is also used to lock the movement of the second component relative to the first component; and / or By moving the second component relative to the first component, the phone screen can be partially obscured by the second component or completely exposed.

10. The remote control as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The second component has a channel for a mobile phone to pass through, and the first component can be at least partially received in the channel and overlapped with the second component; when the connector is electrically connected to the mobile phone, the second component can move relative to the first component so that the first component at least partially extends out from one side of the channel, while the mobile phone extends into the channel from the other side, thereby allowing the second component to be fitted onto the mobile phone; the openings on opposite sides of the channel are a first opening and a second opening, respectively, the first opening allowing the mobile phone to extend into the channel along the length of the mobile phone, and the second opening allowing the first component to partially or completely extend out of the channel; the second component also has a limiting structure for preventing the first component from partially or completely extending out of the channel from the first opening; and / or The second component has two travel distances relative to the mobile phone. When the second component moves to the first travel distance, it is close to or partially overlaps with the first component, and the entire exposed area of ​​the mobile phone screen is located on one side of the second component, so that the user can use the input device in the landscape mode of the mobile phone to wirelessly control the drone. When the second component moves to the second travel distance, it moves away from the first component, and the exposed area of ​​the mobile phone screen is divided into two parts by the second component, so that the user can use the input device in the portrait mode of the mobile phone to wirelessly control the drone.

Images