Unmanned aerial vehicle arm connecting device, unmanned aerial vehicle arm and unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of aircrafts, in particular to an unmanned aerial vehicle arm connecting device, an unmanned aerial vehicle arm and an unmanned aerial vehicle, the unmanned aerial vehicle arm connecting device comprises a first connecting piece, a second connecting piece, a spiral sleeve and a stopping part, the stop part comprises a convex part arranged on the first connecting piece and a concave part arranged on the second connecting piece, and when the first connecting piece and the second connecting piece are unfolded and connected, the convex part and the concave part are arranged on the first connecting piece and the second connecting piece. The convex part falls into the concave part to keep the first connecting piece and the second connecting piece stably connected in the longitudinal direction, and the spiral sleeve is arranged on the first connecting piece and the second connecting piece in a sleeving mode, so that when the unmanned aerial vehicle arm is in an unfolded state, the unmanned aerial vehicle arm can be stably connected in the longitudinal direction; when the unmanned aerial vehicle does not need to be folded, the unmanned aerial vehicle arm cannot generate folding potential energy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of aircraft, in particular to an arm connection device for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), an arm of the UAV, and the UAV. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of the development and application of aircraft, people are designing, manufacturing, and applying more and more UAVs, and currently UAVs are widely used in various fields.

[0003] Currently, most of the applied UAVs adopt multi-rotors. The multi-rotor UAVs have greatly broadened the scope of human operations, such as various applications like UAV formation flight, tracking, and target striking. Therefore, the folding and storage of UAVs are particularly important to facilitate the transportation of UAVs in various scenarios.

[0004] For example, the invention patent with the publication number of CN106347631A describes such a patented technology. Its arm realizes the folding connection of the arm through a foldable connecting piece. The foldable connecting piece includes a first sub-connecting piece, a second sub-connecting piece, and a sleeve. The second sub-connecting piece can rotate and fold relative to the first sub-connecting piece. At least one of the outer side surfaces of the outer walls of the first sub-connecting piece and the second sub-connecting piece is provided with a plurality of circumferential ribs. The sleeve can be sleeved on the first sub-connecting piece and the second sub-connecting piece. An axial chute for the ribs to slide into and a circumferential groove for cooperating and fixing with the axial ribs are provided on the inner wall of the sleeve. The ribs slide into the sleeve through the chute and can be rotationally received in the groove to fixedly connect the sleeve with the first sub-connecting piece and the second sub-connecting piece, and the first sub-connecting piece and the second sub-connecting piece are respectively connected to the sub-arms of the UAV.

[0005] The above technology realizes the folding function of the UAV arm. The second sub-connecting piece can rotate and fold relative to the first sub-connecting piece to fold the UAV arm.

[0006] Although this technology has progress, further improvement is still needed. For example, when the UAV arm is unfolded in the above technology, it is prone to unstable connection in the longitudinal direction, resulting in an unnecessary folding potential energy of the UAV arm, thus affecting the subsequent assembly of the sleeve and causing inconvenient assembly.

[0007] Therefore, the above technical problems need to be solved. Summary of the Utility Model

[0008] In order to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art, the utility model provides an arm connection device for a UAV, aiming to achieve stable longitudinal connection of the UAV arm in the unfolded state and prevent the UAV arm from generating folding potential energy when folding is not required.

[0009] To solve the above technical problems, the basic technical solution proposed by the present utility model is as follows:

[0010] An arm connection device for a drone, comprising a first connecting member, a second connecting member and a spiral sleeve. The first connecting member is pivotally connected to the second connecting member, and a stop portion. The stop portion includes a convex portion provided on the first connecting member and a concave portion provided on the second connecting member. When the first connecting member and the second connecting member are unfolded and connected, the convex portion falls into the concave portion to maintain the stable connection of the first connecting member and the second connecting member in the longitudinal direction;

[0011] The outer wall of the first connecting member is provided with an external thread, and the inner side wall of the spiral sleeve adapted to the external thread has an internal thread. The external thread and the internal thread are adapted so that the spiral sleeve is sleeved on the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

[0012] Further, after the spiral sleeve is sleeved on the first connecting member and the second connecting member, the pivot area of the first connecting member and the second connecting member is wrapped.

[0013] Further, the first connecting member extends a first pivot member from its lower end, and the outer surface of the first pivot member facing outwards is not exposed on the outer surface of the first connecting member.

[0014] The second connecting member extends a second pivot member from its top, and the outer surface of the second pivot member facing outwards is not exposed on the outer surface of the first connecting member.

[0015] Further, the second pivot member is embedded in the first pivot member, and the outer side surfaces of the first pivot member and the second pivot member are flush.

[0016] Further, a part of the external thread has an inclined surface;

[0017] The inclined surface extends inwards and towards the second connecting member from the surface of a part of the external thread.

[0018] Further, the second connecting member rotates and folds relative to the first connecting member by 0° to 130°.

[0019] Further, the spiral sleeve further includes a screw cap and a spiral body;

[0020] The screw cap is pre-fastened to the first connecting member, and the spiral body is fastened to the second connecting member;

[0021] The screw cap is in screw fit with the spiral body to assemble and connect the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

[0022] Furthermore, a drone arm includes an arm assembly and at least one of the above-mentioned drone arm connection devices. The arm assembly includes a first sub-arm and a second sub-arm, and the first sub-arm and the second sub-arm are respectively connected to a first connecting member and a second connecting member in a drone arm connection device.

[0023] Furthermore, it also includes a first clamp and a second clamp;

[0024] The first clamp is sleeved at the connection between the first connecting member and the first sub-arm;

[0025] The second clamp is sleeved at the connection between the second connecting member and the second sub-arm;

[0026] After the first sub-arm and the second sub-arm are respectively connected to the first connecting member and the second connecting member, their rotational degrees of freedom are restricted by the clamping of the first clamp and the second clamp.

[0027] Furthermore, a drone includes a fuselage, a power assembly, and the above-mentioned drone arm. One end of the drone arm is connected to the fuselage, and the other end is connected to the power assembly; it also includes a support frame, and the support frame is detachably connected to the fuselage.

[0028] The beneficial effects of the present utility model are:

[0029] A drone arm connection device of the technical solution of the present utility model includes a first connecting member, a second connecting member, and a spiral sleeve. The first connecting member is pivotally connected to the second connecting member, and a stop portion. The stop portion includes a convex portion provided on the first connecting member and a concave portion provided on the second connecting member. When the first connecting member and the second connecting member are unfolded and connected, the convex portion falls into the concave portion to maintain the stable connection of the first connecting member and the second connecting member in the longitudinal direction; an outer spiral is provided on the outer wall of the first connecting member, and the inner wall of the spiral sleeve adapted to this outer spiral has an inner spiral. The outer spiral is adapted to the inner spiral so that the spiral sleeve is sleeved on the first connecting member and the second connecting member to solve the problem that when the existing drone arm is in the unfolded state, the drone arm can be stably connected in the longitudinal direction and will not generate folding potential energy when folding is not required. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the structure of the drone arm connection device of the present utility model;

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the pivotal connection between the first connecting member and the second connecting member of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 3 Schematic structural diagram of the stop portion of the present utility model;

[0033] Figure 4 Schematic structural diagram of the inclined surface on the outer helix of the present utility model;

[0034] Figure 5 Folding state diagram of the present utility model;

[0035] Figure 6 Exploded schematic structural diagram of the screw sleeve, the first connecting member and the second connecting member of the present utility model;

[0036] Figure 7 Expanded connection schematic diagram of the drone arm of the present utility model;

[0037] Figure 8 Exploded diagram of the drone module structure of the present utility model;

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the drawings:

[0039] 1 - fuselage, 2 - arm assembly, 3 - power assembly, 4 - battery compartment 5 - support frame, 6 - drone arm connection device, 7 - first clamp, 8 - second clamp, 9 - electronic control assembly, 61 - first connecting member, 62 - second connecting member, 63 - screw sleeve, 64 - stop portion, 65 - nut, 66 - pin shaft, 611 - outer helix, 612 - first pivot member, 613 - outer surface, 615 - first limiting member, 6111 - inclined surface, 6121 - outer surface, 621 - second pivot member, 623 - second limiting area, 6211 - outer surface 631 - inner helix, 632 - screw cap, 633 - rotating body, 6321 - flange, 6322 - second inner helix, 6331 - step, 6332 - second outer helix, 641 - convex portion, 642 - concave portion, 21 - first sub - arm, 22 - second sub - arm, A - outer side surface, D - coaxial hole. Detailed implementation manners

[0040] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model will be described clearly and completely in conjunction with the attached Figure 1 to the attached Figure 8 The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model will be described clearly and completely. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present utility model, rather than all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without making creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0041] It should be noted that if there are directions involved in the embodiments of the present utility model, they shall be subject to those shown in the drawings. If a specific posture changes, the directional indication shall also change accordingly.

[0042] For existing drones with folding arms, when the drone arms are unfolded and the drone does not need to be folded, the drone arms have folding potential energy, which easily causes unstable longitudinal connection of the drone arms.

[0043] In response to this, the present applicant provides a drone arm connection device, which is applied to a drone, enabling the drone arms to be both foldable and maintain stable longitudinal connection when they do not need to be folded and remain unfolded.

[0044] One embodiment of the technical solution provides a drone arm 2 including at least one drone arm connection device 6 and an arm component 2 connected to the drone arm connection device 6.

[0045] As Figure 1 shown, the drone arm connection device 6 includes a first connecting member 61, a second connecting member 62, and a spiral sleeve 63. The first connecting member 61 is pivotally connected to the second connecting member 62. It should be noted that the first connecting member 61 and the second connecting member 62 are respectively used to connect the first sub-arm 21 or the second sub-arm 22 in the arm component 2.

[0046] Furthermore, the first connecting member 61 extends a first pivot member 612 from its lower end, and an external spiral 611 is provided on the outer wall of the first connecting member 61. Specifically, the first pivot member 612 extends outward from one side of the lower end of the external spiral 611. A second pivot member 621 is provided on the second connecting member 62 that is adapted to the first pivot member 612. The second pivot member 621 extends from the top of the second connecting member 62 towards the direction of the first pivot member 612. The first pivot member 612 and the second pivot member 621 are assembled so that the second sub-arm 22 can rotate and fold relative to the first sub-arm 21.

[0047] As Figure 2 shown, the outer side of the first pivot member 612 facing outward is not exposed on the outer surface 613 of the first connecting member 61, and the outer side of the second pivot member 621 facing outward is not exposed on the outer surface 623 of the second connecting member 62. And after the second pivot member 621 is embedded in the first pivot member 612, the outer sides of the first pivot member 612 and the second pivot member 621 are flush.

[0048] It should be understood that such a design is to keep the side part of the drone arm connection device in the same plane longitudinally to facilitate the assembly of the spiral sleeve 63 described above.

[0049] In some other embodiments, as Figure 6As shown, the first pivot member 612 and the second pivot member 621 are also connected and assembled by means of a pin shaft 66 and a nut 65. Specifically, a coaxial hole D is provided at the pivot joint of the first pivot member 612 and the second pivot member 621. The pin shaft 66 passes through from one side of the coaxial hole D until it exposes the other side of the coaxial hole D, and the nut 65 is sleeved on the pin shaft 66 to realize the rotational connection between the first pivot member 612 and the second pivot member 62.

[0050] However, when the first sub-arm 21 and the second sub-arm 22 are in the unfolded connection state, in order to maintain the stability of the unfolded connection between the first sub-arm 21 and the second sub-arm 22, especially the stability of the unfolded connection in the longitudinal direction, no unwanted folding potential energy will be generated.

[0051] For this reason, as Figure 3 shown, the drone arm connection device 6 of the present invention further includes a stop portion 64. The stop portion 64 includes a convex portion 641 provided on the first connecting member 61 and a concave portion 642 provided on the second connecting member 62. When the first connecting member 61 and the second connecting member 62 are in the unfolded connection state, the convex portion 641 falls into the concave portion 642 to maintain the stable connection between the first connecting member 61 and the second connecting member 62 in the longitudinal direction;

[0052] It should be noted that the longitudinal direction refers to the up and down direction of the paper surface as Figure 3 shown. When the first connecting member 61 and the second connecting member 62 are in the unfolded connection state, the convex portion 641 is inserted into the concave portion 642 so that the outer surface of the convex portion 641 abuts against the groove portion of the concave portion 642, and this kind of concave-convex assembly is an interference fit. In this way, when the first connecting member 61 and the second connecting member 62 are in the unfolded connection state, the second connecting member 62 is not easily separated from the first connecting member 61.

[0053] Furthermore, as Figures 4 to 5 shown, a part of the outer spiral 611 has an inclined surface 6111; the inclined surface 6111 extends obliquely inward from the surface of a part of the outer spiral 611 and towards the second connecting member 62.

[0054] It should be understood that such a design is to maximize the folding angle of the second connecting member 62 relative to the first connecting member 61 when the second connecting member 62 folds relative to the first connecting member 61, and when a part of the second connecting member 62 contacts the inclined surface 6111, the folding angle of the second connecting member 62 relative to the first connecting member 61 is the largest at this time.

[0055] Preferably, the second connecting member 62 can rotate and fold relative to the first connecting member 61 by 0° to 130°.

[0056] Furthermore, in order to make the connection between the first connecting member 61 and the second connecting member 62 more stable when they are in the unfolded connection, as Figures 5 to 6 shown, at the connection between the first connecting member 61 and the second connecting member 62, there is the spiral sleeve 63 described above. The inner side wall of the spiral sleeve 63 has an inner spiral 631 adapted to the outer spiral 611 described above. The outer spiral 611 is adapted to the inner spiral 631 so that the spiral sleeve 63 is sleeved on the first connecting member 61 and the second connecting member 62.

[0057] Specifically during assembly, rotate the spiral sleeve 63 so that it screws into the outer spiral 611 of the first connecting member 61. As the inner spiral 631 rotates in cooperation with the outer spiral 611, the spiral sleeve 63 further realizes the stable unfolded connection between the first connecting member 61 and the second connecting member 62.

[0058] Furthermore, as also Figure 6 shown, the spiral sleeve 63 includes a rotary cap 632 and a spiral body 633. The cross-section of the rotary cap 632 presents an annular structure, and a flange 6321 extends inward along the circumference of the inner port of the rotary cap 632. On the first connecting member 61 adapted to the flange 6321, there is a first limiting area 615. The first limiting area 615 is a protrusion around the outer peripheral surface of the first connecting member 61. The lower end of the flange 6321 is in contact with the upper surface of the first limiting area 615, so that the rotary cap 632 is clamped on the first connecting member 61, so that the rotary cap 632 will not move excessively downward longitudinally at the position of the first limiting area 615.

[0059] In addition, the cross-section of the spiral body 633 also presents an annular structure. A step 6331 extends inward along the circumference of the lower end port of the spiral body 633. On the second connecting member 62 adapted to the step 6331, there is a second limiting area 623. The second limiting area 623 is a protrusion arranged circumferentially on the outer surface of the second connecting member 62. The step surface of the step 6331 is in contact with the upper surface of the second limiting area 623, so that the spiral body 633 is clamped on the second connecting member 62; so that the spiral body 633 cannot move excessively upward longitudinally in the second connecting member 62.

[0060] Further, a second internal helix 6322 is circumferentially arranged on the outer sidewall of the port of the screw cap 632, and a second external helix 6332 is circumferentially arranged on the outer sidewall of the force helix body 633 near its port. The second internal helix 6322 is in spiral connection with the second external helix 6332 in a matching manner, so that the screw cap 632 and the helix body 633 are in spiral cooperation to assemble and connect the first connecting member 61 and the second connecting member 62.

[0061] It should be particularly noted that, in the paper direction as shown in Figure 6 the left side of the product is the left side and the right side is the right side. The spiral rotation of the above-mentioned external helix 611 relative to the internal helix 631 is from left to right, and the spiral rotation of the above-mentioned second internal helix 6322 and the second external helix 6332 is from right to left. It should be understood that such a design is because when the drone is working, the arm assembly 2 of the drone will generate vibrations, which is likely to cause the arm assembly 2 to move position from left to right at this connection. Over time, this connection will become loose. Therefore, designing the rotation directions of these two parts in opposite spiral ways is beneficial to preventing the arm assembly 2 from moving from left to right at this connection.

[0062] Further, it should also be noted that after the screw sleeve 63 is sleeved on the first connecting member 61 and the second connecting member 62, the pivotal connection area of the first connecting member 61 and the second connecting member 62 is wrapped.

[0063] It should be understood that such a design is beneficial to making the sides of the drone arm connection device 6 be in the same plane, which is convenient for packaging and transportation.

[0064] Further, it should also be noted that the inside of the drone arm connection device 6 is a hollow cylindrical structure, and an electric control component 9 is arranged inside. One end of the electric control component 9 is arranged at the first connecting member 61, and the other end is arranged at the second connecting member 62. When the first connecting member 61 and the second connecting member 62 are in an unfolded connection, the electric control components 9 at both ends are plugged together to achieve electrical connection, and the electric control component 9 is electrically connected to the control end in the fuselage 1, so as to realize the power control at the power component 3 end.

[0065] Further, as shown in Figure 7 a drone arm includes an arm assembly 2 and at least one of the above-mentioned drone arm connection devices 6. The arm assembly 2 includes a first sub-arm 21 and a second sub-arm 22. The first sub-arm 21 and the second sub-arm 22 are respectively connected to the first connecting member 61 and the second connecting member 62 in a drone arm connection device 6.

[0066] It should be understood that with such a design, the first sub-arm 21 can be preset to be connected to the drone fuselage, and the second sub-arm 22 can be preset to be sleeved in the second connecting member 62. When in use, the second sub-arm 22 is then connected to the first sub-arm 21 through the drone arm connecting device 6, so as to avoid occupying too much space during the packaging process of the drone and being not conducive to transportation.

[0067] Furthermore, it further includes a first clamp 7 and a second clamp 8; the first clamp 7 is sleeved at the connection between the first connecting member 61 and the first sub-arm 21; the second clamp 8 is sleeved at the connection between the second connecting member 62 and the second sub-arm 22; after the first sub-arm 21 and the second sub-arm 22 are respectively connected to the first connecting member 61 and the second connecting member 62, their rotational degrees of freedom are restricted by the clamping of the first clamp 7 and the second clamp 8.

[0068] It should be understood that the first clamp 7 and the second clamp 8 can effectively prevent the first sub-arm 21 and the second sub-arm 22 from falling off the first connecting member 61 and the second connecting member 62 respectively.

[0069] Furthermore, as Figure 8 shown, a drone includes a fuselage 1, a power assembly 3 and the above-mentioned drone arm 2. One end of the drone arm 2 is connected to the fuselage 1, and the other end is connected to the power assembly 3. It further includes a battery compartment 4. The battery compartment 4 can be arranged inside the fuselage 1 or below the fuselage 1. This drone further includes a support frame 5. The support frame 5 is arranged below the fuselage 1. The support frame 5 is detachably connected to the fuselage 1. The support frame 5 is used to support the drone when landing, increase the stability between the drone and the landing surface, and can avoid the fuselage 1 being easily damaged when directly contacting the landing surface.

[0070] It should also be noted that the above-mentioned fuselage 1, the arm member 2, the battery compartment 4 and the support frame 5 are all detachably assembled and connected. Such a detachable assembly and connection includes screw connection, snap connection, etc. It should be understood that the drone is produced modularly to facilitate the small-packaging transportation of the drone.

[0071] According to the disclosure and teachings of the above specification, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can also make changes and modifications to the above-mentioned embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and described above. Some modifications and changes to the present invention should also fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention. In addition, although some specific terms are used in this specification, these terms are only for convenience of description and do not constitute any limitation to the present invention.

Claims

1. A drone arm connection device, comprising a first connection member, a second connection member and a spiral sleeve, wherein the first connection member is pivotally connected to the second connection member, and characterized in that: A stopper, the stopper comprising a convex portion provided on the first connecting member and a concave portion provided on the second connecting member, wherein when the first connecting member and the second connecting member are unfolded and connected, the convex portion falls into the concave portion to keep the first connecting member and the second connecting member stably connected in the longitudinal direction; The outer wall of the first connecting member is provided with an outer spiral, and the inner wall of the spiral sleeve adapted to the outer spiral has an inner spiral, and the outer spiral and the inner spiral are adapted to enable the spiral sleeve to be sleeved on the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

2. The drone arm connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the spiral sleeve is sleeved on the first connecting member and the second connecting member, the spiral sleeve wraps the pivotal areas of the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

3. The drone arm connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first pivoting member extends from a lower end of the first connecting member, and an outwardly facing surface of the first pivoting member is not exposed on an outer surface of the first connecting member; A second pivoting member extends from the top of the second connecting member, and the outward side of the second pivoting member is not exposed to the outer surface of the first connecting member.

4. The drone arm connection device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second pivoting member is embedded in the first pivoting member, and the outer surfaces of the first pivoting member and the second pivoting member are flush.

5. The drone arm connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A partial area of ​​the outer spiral has an inclined surface; The inclined surface extends and inclines from a partial area of ​​the surface of the outer spiral inwardly and toward the second connecting member.

6. The drone arm connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second connecting member is folded and rotated by 0° to 130° relative to the first connecting member.

7. The drone arm connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spiral sleeve also includes a spiral cover and a spiral body; The screw cap is clamped on the first connecting member, and the screw body is clamped on the second connecting member; The screw cap is screwed together with the screw body to assemble and connect the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

8. An unmanned aerial vehicle arm, characterized in that: It comprises an arm assembly and at least one drone arm connecting device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the arm assembly comprises a first sub-arm and a second sub-arm, and the first sub-arm and the second sub-arm are respectively connected to a first connecting member and a second connecting member in a drone arm connecting device.

9. The drone arm according to claim 8, characterized in that: Also includes a first clamp and a second clamp; The first clamp is sleeved at the connection between the first connecting member and the first sub-machine arm; The second clamp is sleeved at the connection between the second connecting member and the second sub-machine arm; After the first sub-arm and the second sub-arm are connected to the first connecting member and the second connecting member respectively, their rotational freedom is restricted by being clamped by the first clamp and the second clamp.

10. A drone, characterized in that: It comprises a fuselage, a power assembly, and a drone arm as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein one end of the drone arm is connected to the fuselage, and the other end is connected to the power assembly; It also includes a support frame, which is detachably connected to the fuselage.

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