A folding arm for a drone

Abstract

The utility model discloses a folding machine arm of unmanned plane, including first machine arm and second machine arm, the first sleeve body of being equipped with on first machine arm, the second sleeve body of being equipped with on second machine arm, the first sleeve body and second sleeve body are connected through hinge between, drive first machine arm and second machine arm carry out the conversion of two kinds of state of extension and storage, first machine arm is located first sleeve body inside and is equipped with the insert piece, and the insert piece has the push -and -pull part of extending to the outside of first sleeve body, and the push -and -pull part can slide along the axial direction of first machine arm relative to first sleeve body, under the extension state, the axial outside end of insert part can extend to the outside of first machine arm and insert inside second machine arm, and the bolt of being able to move radially relative to second sleeve body is equipped on second sleeve body, and the bolt can insert inside second machine arm and insert piece and form the positioning constraint structure. The utility model provides a folding machine arm of unmanned plane, simple structure, convenient to dismouting, and the arm posture is stable under the extension and storage state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, and in particular to a folding arm for a UAV. Background Technology

[0002] Based on different platform configurations, drones can be mainly classified into three major platforms: fixed-wing drones, unmanned helicopters, and multi-rotor drones. Subcategories of drone platforms also include paragliding drones, flapping-wing drones, and unmanned spacecraft. Over the past 20 years, the application of drones has gradually expanded from the military field to the civilian sector, appearing in many fields such as meteorological monitoring, artificial rainmaking, aerial surveying, aerial remote sensing, power line inspection, and marine monitoring. In recent years, the development of multi-rotor drones has been even more rapid, and the areas they cover have expanded rapidly with technological advancements and improvements in payload capacity and endurance.

[0003] At the technical architecture level, multi-rotor drones have become the most widely used type of aircraft due to their advantages such as vertical takeoff and landing, stable hovering, and simple structure. Their power system typically consists of 4-8 brushless DC motors, each connected to the central frame via an arm tube. This structural design results in a relatively large number of arms. Currently, many drones have a single, fixed arm structure, leading to a large overall footprint and inconvenient storage. Some drones have folding arm designs, but these still present numerous problems: too many parts, complex structure, inconvenient assembly and maintenance, high cost, and unreliable locking during use, among others. If the folding parts become loose or damaged during flight, it will inevitably lead to a loss of power in the entire aircraft, easily causing a crash, resulting not only in economic losses for the user but also potentially endangering the safety of people on the ground. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a folding arm for a drone, which has a simple structure, is easy to assemble and disassemble, and has a stable posture in both extended and folded states.

[0005] This utility model is implemented as follows:

[0006] A folding arm for a drone includes a first arm and a second arm with a cylindrical tube structure. A first sleeve is fixedly fitted at one axial end of the first arm, and a second sleeve is fitted at one axial end of the second arm near the first arm. The first and second sleeves are connected by a hinge and can rotate 90° around the hinge, allowing the first and second arms to switch between extended and retracted states. Both the first and second sleeves have a snap-fit ​​structure at their starting and ending points of rotation. The first arm has a connector inside the first sleeve, which has a push-pull portion extending to the outside of the first sleeve. The push-pull portion can slide relative to the first sleeve along the axial direction of the first arm. In the extended state, the outer axial end of the connector can extend to the outside of the first arm and insert into the inside of the second arm. The second sleeve has a pin that can move radially relative to the second sleeve. The pin can be inserted into the second arm and the connector to form a positioning constraint structure.

[0007] Based on the above technical solution, a limiting plate is provided inside the first machine arm, and a spring is provided between the limiting plate and the plug-in component. In the free state, the spring can drive the plug-in component to move outward along the axial direction of the first machine arm.

[0008] Based on the above technical solution, the first set body and the first arm are provided with corresponding outer track groove and inner track groove. The longitudinal profile of the push-pull part is a "T" shaped structure. The outer end of the push-pull part extends through the inner track groove and the outer track groove to the outside of the first set body, and the push-pull part can slide along the inner track groove and the outer track groove.

[0009] Based on the above technical solution, the inner track groove and the outer track groove are aligned and their length direction is parallel to the axial direction of the first arm.

[0010] Based on the above technical solution, the connector is provided with an inner insertion hole near its axial outer end, the second arm is provided with a middle insertion hole, and the second sleeve is provided with an outer insertion hole. When the connector is in the extended state and its axial outer end is inserted into the second arm, the inner insertion hole, the middle insertion hole, and the outer insertion hole can be aligned to form a positioning insertion hole, and the pin can be inserted and locked in the positioning insertion hole.

[0011] Based on the above technical solution, the connector has a cavity inside, and an embedded block is fixed inside the cavity located in the inner hole. The embedded block has a positioning hole corresponding to the position of the inner insertion hole. After the pin is inserted into the positioning insertion hole, the inner end of the pin can be engaged in the positioning hole.

[0012] Based on the above technical solution, a removable plug is provided at the opening of the external insertion hole.

[0013] Based on the above technical solution, the outer end of the push-pull part has a beveled structure, and the surface of the beveled structure is provided with anti-slip texture.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following advantages:

[0015] 1. The folding arm of this utility model, through its rational design, reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall structure. Compared with existing complex folding arms, the arm of this utility model has a simpler manufacturing process, reducing production costs. At the same time, the simpler structure reduces the probability of malfunctions, improves the reliability of the arm, and reduces the workload of maintenance and repair.

[0016] 2. The design of the connectors and push-pull mechanism makes the extension and retraction of the robotic arm extremely simple. Users can insert and remove the connectors simply by pushing or pulling the push-pull mechanism, thus extending and retracting the robotic arm. Furthermore, the automatic spring reset function further simplifies the operation process, allowing even non-professionals to easily assemble and disassemble the robotic arm, greatly improving ease of use.

[0017] 3. In both extended and retracted states, the folding arm of this invention achieves stable posture through multiple structures. The snap-fit ​​structure ensures a stable connection between the first and second sets of components at the beginning and end of rotation; the multiple positioning structures—pins and positioning holes, and inserts and positioning holes—enhance the connection strength of the arm in the extended state; the track groove structure provides precise guidance for the sliding of the connectors, ensuring the accuracy of arm extension and retraction. The synergistic effect of these structures effectively prevents the arm from loosening, wobbling, or separating during use, improving the flight stability of the drone.

[0018] 4. The folding arm of this utility model fully considers safety in use. The robust connection structure avoids the risk of drone power imbalance and crash due to arm loosening or damage, ensuring the safety of ground personnel. At the same time, the plug design protects the pin and positioning socket structure from damage, extending the service life of the arm and further improving the overall safety and reliability of the drone.

[0019] 5. The folding arm of this invention is applicable to various types of UAV platforms, including multi-rotor UAVs, and has wide adaptability. Whether in civilian fields such as meteorological monitoring and aerial exploration, or in special fields such as military reconnaissance, the folding arm of this invention can leverage its advantages to meet the usage needs of UAVs in different scenarios, providing strong support for the widespread application of UAVs in various fields. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a partial structural diagram of the folding arm of a drone in an extended state, according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure;

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first set of bodies in China;

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A structural diagram of the first set of bodies from another perspective;

[0025] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the second set of bodies;

[0026] Figure 6 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the middle connector;

[0027] Figure 7 for Figure 1 A sectional view;

[0028] Figure 8 for Figure 1 A partial structural diagram of the folding arm of the drone in its stowed state.

[0029] The diagram is labeled as follows: 100, First arm; 110, Inner track groove; 120, Limiting plate; 200, Second arm; 210, Central insertion hole; 300, First sleeve; 310, First boss; 311, Outer track groove; 320, Second boss; 321, First hinge component; 322, Storage slot; 330, Third boss; 331, Extension block; 400, Second sleeve; 410, Fourth boss; 411, Outer insertion hole; 420, Fifth boss; 421, Second hinge component; 422, Storage locking flange; 430, Sixth boss; 431, Extension slot; 500, Connector; 510, Push-pull part; 520, Inner insertion hole; 530, Inner insert; 531, Positioning hole; 600, Spring; 700, Pin; 800, Plug. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this utility model provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed utility model, but merely to represent selected embodiments of this utility model.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, 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 utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0032] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0033] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0034] Combination Figures 1 to 8 This embodiment discloses a folding arm for a drone, aiming to completely solve the problems of complex structure, inconvenient storage, difficult assembly and disassembly, and unreliable locking in existing drone arms. Through innovative design concepts and ingenious structural layout, it achieves the goal of simple arm structure and convenient assembly and disassembly, while ensuring that the arm maintains a stable posture in both extended and retracted states, improving the overall performance and safety of the drone, and providing strong support for the widespread application of drones.

[0035] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the folding arm of the UAV specifically includes a first arm 100 and a second arm 200 with a cylindrical tube structure. The first arm 100 and the second arm 200 in the figure are simplified drawings and are only partial structures of the complete arm structure. The complete arm structure is a cylindrical tube structure and has a UAV central frame or electric propeller structure set away from the folding end. This is the prior art, and its specific structure and working principle will not be described in detail here. Those skilled in the art can select and implement it from the prior art according to the actual operation.

[0036] A first sleeve 300 is fixedly fitted onto one axial end of a first arm 100, and a second sleeve 400 is fitted onto one axial end of a second arm 200 near the first arm 100. The first sleeve 300 and the second sleeve 400 are connected by a hinge, and the first sleeve 300 and the second sleeve 400 can rotate 90° around the hinge. This rotational movement allows the first arm 100 and the second arm 200 to switch between extended and retracted states, thus meeting the needs of the drone in different usage scenarios. For example, when the drone needs to fly, the arms are extended to the working state to ensure stable flight performance; when the drone needs to be stored or transported, the arms are folded up to reduce space occupation and facilitate carrying and storage.

[0037] To ensure the stability of the robotic arm in both its extended and retracted states, a locking structure is provided at the beginning and end of the rotation of both the first body 300 and the second body 400. When the robotic arm rotates to its limit position in either the extended or retracted state, the locking structure automatically engages to prevent the robotic arm from rotating unexpectedly without external force, thereby ensuring the stability of the robotic arm.

[0038] Further reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the main body of the first sleeve 300 is a cylindrical sleeve structure, with three protrusions on its radially outer end: a first protrusion 310, a second protrusion 320, and a third protrusion 330. The first protrusion 310 has an outer track groove 311 with a through-hole structure. The outer corner of the second protrusion 320 has an outwardly extending first hinge component 321. The side wall of the second protrusion 320 has a storage slot 322. Figure 4 As shown, an extension block 331 extending outward is provided at the outer corner of the third boss 330.

[0039] like Figure 5As shown, the main body of the second set 400 is a cylindrical sleeve structure. It has three protrusions on its radially outer end, namely the fourth protrusion 410, the fifth protrusion 420 and the sixth protrusion 430. The side wall of the fourth protrusion 410 has an external insertion hole 411 with a radial circular through hole structure. The corner of the outer end of the fifth protrusion 420 has an outwardly extending second hinge component 421. The second hinge component 421 can be assembled with the first hinge component 321 to form a complete hinge structure. Due to its extended design, sufficient space is reserved so that the rotation between the first set 300 and the second set 400 can reach 90°, which greatly optimizes the compactness of the structure after storage and also lays a good foundation for the snap-fit ​​of the structure after storage. The fifth protrusion 420 also has a storage engaging flange 422 on its side wall, which is adapted to the storage slot 322. In the stored state, the side wall of the fifth protrusion 420 can fit against the side wall of the second protrusion 320, and the storage engaging flange 422 can be engaged into the storage slot 322 to form a engaging constraint structure, so that in the stored state (e.g. Figure 8 The second set 400 (as shown) will not easily separate from the first set 300. The outer corner of the sixth boss 430 is provided with an extension slot for the extension block 331. In the extended state (as shown...), Figure 1 As shown, the outer end of the first body 300 and the outer end of the second body 400 are at the closest distance, and the extension block 331 can be engaged in the extension slot 431 at this time, so that the first body 300 and the second body 400 remain axially parallel and firmly connected.

[0040] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the first arm 100 is provided with a connector 500 inside the first housing 300. The connector 500 has a push-pull portion 510 extending to the outside of the first housing 300. The push-pull portion 510 can slide relative to the first housing 300 along the axial direction of the first arm 100. The user can control the movement of the connector 500 by operating the push-pull portion 510. In the extended state (e.g.) Figure 1 As shown, the outer end of the plug-in part can extend to the outside of the first arm 100 and be inserted into the inside of the second arm 200. This plug-in structure allows the first arm 100 and the second arm 200 to be tightly connected in the extended state, forming a whole, which enhances the strength and stability of the arm.

[0041] The second assembly 400 is equipped with a pin 700 that can move radially relative to the second assembly 400. The pin 700 can be inserted into the second arm 200 and the connector 500 to form a positioning constraint structure. When the connector 500 is inserted into the second arm 200, the pin 700 is inserted radially, so that the pin 700 passes through both the second arm 200 and the connector 500, further fixing the relative position of the first arm 100 and the second arm 200, preventing them from separating or loosening during the flight of the UAV, and ensuring the reliability of the arm connection.

[0042] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, the connector 500 is a circular tube structure closed at both ends along the axial direction, and its outer diameter is adapted to the inner hole contour of the first arm 100 and the second arm 200. The push-pull part 510 is fixedly disposed on the top of the connector 500, and the top of the connector 500 is also provided with an inner insertion hole 520, which, in conjunction with… Figure 7 As shown, the connector 500 has a cavity inside, and an insert block 530 is fixed inside the cavity, located within the inner hole. The insert block 530 has a positioning hole 531 corresponding to the position of the inner insertion hole 520. After the pin 700 is inserted into the positioning hole, the inner end of the pin 700 can be engaged in the positioning hole 531. This structural design further increases the connection reliability between the pin 700 and the connector 500, forming a more stable positioning constraint system. Even if the UAV is subjected to large vibrations or external impacts during flight, the pin 700 can be firmly engaged in the positioning hole 531, ensuring that the arm will not affect the flight performance of the UAV due to loosening, thus ensuring the flight safety of the UAV.

[0043] The first housing 300 and the first arm 100 are provided with corresponding outer track grooves 311 and inner track grooves 110. The inner track groove 110 and the outer track groove 311 are aligned and their length direction is parallel to the axial direction of the first arm 100. The longitudinal profile of the push-pull part 510 is a "T" shape. The outer end of the push-pull part 510 extends through the inner track groove 110 and the outer track groove 311 to the outside of the first housing 300, and the push-pull part 510 can slide along the inner track groove 110 and the outer track groove 311. This track groove structure provides precise guidance for the sliding of the push-pull part 510, ensuring that the push-pull part 510 can only move in a straight line along the axial direction of the first arm 100, thereby enabling the connector 500 to be accurately inserted into and pulled out of the second arm 200, improving the accuracy and stability of arm extension and retraction. Meanwhile, the "T"-shaped push-pull part 510 can better cooperate with the track groove, preventing the push-pull part 510 from leaving the track during sliding, thus enhancing the reliability of the structure.

[0044] To achieve automatic reset and stable drive of the connector 500, a limiting plate 120 is provided inside the first arm 100. A spring 600 is abutted between the limiting plate 120 and the connector 500. In its free state, the spring 600 can drive the connector 500 to move outward along the axial direction of the first arm 100. Figure 7 For example, when the arm needs to be retracted, the pin 700 is pulled out to release the positioning constraint. The user only needs to push the push-pull part 510 to the left to overcome the elastic force of the spring 600, causing the connector 500 to retract into the inner hole of the first arm 100, releasing the rotational constraint of the connector 500 on the second arm 200, and then rotating the second arm 200 until it is as described above. Figure 8 As shown in the diagram; when it is necessary to extend the arm, first disconnect the storage latching structure between the second body 400 and the first body 300, rotate the second arm 200, and during this process, push the push-pull part 510 to the left appropriately so that the connector 500 retracts back into the inner hole of the first arm 100. After the second arm 200 is extended into place, as shown in the diagram. Figure 1 In the posture shown, when the push-pull part 510 is released, the elastic force of the spring 600 will automatically push the connector 500 outward, so that the outer end of the connector 500 is inserted into the second arm 200, thus completing the rotational constraint of the second arm 200. The function of the limiting plate 120 is to limit the movement range of the connector 500, prevent the connector 500 from moving excessively under the action of the spring 600, and ensure that the connector 500 always works within a reasonable position range.

[0045] like Figure 7 As shown, the connector 500 has an inner insertion hole 520 near its axial outer end, the second arm 200 has a middle insertion hole 210, and the second sleeve 400 has an outer insertion hole 411. In the extended state, when the outer axial end of the connector 500 is inserted into the second arm 200, the inner insertion hole 520, the middle insertion hole 210, and the outer insertion hole 411 can align to form a positioning hole. The pin 700 can pass through and engage in the positioning hole. This multi-positioning structure further enhances the connection strength and stability of the arm in the extended state. The precise alignment of the positioning hole ensures that the pin 700 can be smoothly inserted and can withstand greater external force, preventing the arm from loosening or separating during use.

[0046] A removable plug 800 is provided at the opening of the external insertion hole 411. When the pin 700 is not needed or the drone is in its stored state, the plug 800 prevents dust and debris from entering the external insertion hole 411, protecting the pin 700 and the positioning hole structure from damage. The entry of dust and debris may cause problems such as uneven sliding of the pin 700 and wear of the positioning hole, affecting the normal use and connection reliability of the arm. The removable design of the plug 800 also facilitates operation when the pin 700 needs to be used; the user simply removes the plug 800 to insert the pin 700, making the operation simple and convenient.

[0047] To facilitate the pulling out of the pin 700, in this embodiment, the outer end of the pin 700 is provided with a hook ring, which allows the user to easily pull it out using the hook. In other embodiments, the pin 700 may also adopt a plate structure, a polygonal structure, or an irregular shape to further improve the positioning and constraint effect.

[0048] In this embodiment, the outer end of the push-pull part 510 has a beveled structure, and the surface of the beveled structure is provided with anti-slip texture. The beveled structure makes it more convenient for users to operate the push-pull part 510. The push-pull part 510 can be easily pushed or pulled with fingers. Especially when more force needs to be applied, the beveled structure can better distribute the pressure of the fingers and improve the comfort of operation. The anti-slip texture increases the friction between the fingers and the push-pull part 510, preventing slippage during operation. During the use of the drone, various complex environmental conditions may be encountered, such as moisture and oil stains. The anti-slip texture ensures that the user can firmly grip the push-pull part 510 under any circumstances and operate it accurately, further improving the convenience and accuracy of use.

[0049] This invention relates to a folding drone arm that, through innovative structural design, successfully solves many problems existing in current drone arms. Its advantages, including simple structure, convenient assembly and disassembly, stable posture, safety and reliability, and strong adaptability, make drone storage, transportation, and use more convenient, efficient, and safe. This folding drone arm has broad market application prospects and is expected to promote the further development and popularization of drone technology, creating favorable conditions for the application of drones in more fields.

[0050] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A folding arm for a drone, characterized in that, The device includes a first arm (100) and a second arm (200) with a cylindrical tube structure. The first arm (100) is fixedly fitted with a first sleeve (300) at one axial end. The second arm (200) is fitted with a second sleeve (400) at one axial end near the first arm (100). The first sleeve (300) and the second sleeve (400) are connected by a hinge. The first sleeve (300) and the second sleeve (400) can rotate 90° around the hinge, which drives the first arm (100) and the second arm (200) to switch between two states of extension and retraction. The first sleeve (300) and the second sleeve (400) are provided with a snap-fit ​​structure at the beginning and end of their rotation. The first arm (100) is provided with a connector (500) inside the first sleeve (300). The connector (500) has a push-pull portion (510) extending to the outside of the first sleeve (300). The push-pull portion (510) can slide relative to the first sleeve (300) along the axial direction of the first arm (100). In the extended state, the outer end of the axial direction of the connector can extend to the outside of the first arm (100) and be inserted into the inside of the second arm (200). The second sleeve (400) is provided with a pin (700) that can move radially relative to the second sleeve (400). The pin (700) can be inserted into the second arm (200) and the connector (500) to form a positioning constraint structure.

2. The folding arm of a drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first arm (100) is provided with a limiting plate (120) inside. A spring (600) is provided between the limiting plate (120) and the plug-in (500). In a free state, the spring (600) can drive the plug-in (500) to move outward along the axial direction of the first arm (100).

3. The folding arm of a drone according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first body (300) and the first arm (100) are provided with corresponding outer track groove (311) and inner track groove (110). The longitudinal profile of the push-pull part (510) is a "T" shaped structure. The outer end of the push-pull part (510) extends through the inner track groove (110) and the outer track groove (311) to the outside of the first body (300), and the push-pull part (510) can slide along the inner track groove (110) and the outer track groove (311).

4. The folding arm of a drone according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inner track groove (110) and the outer track groove (311) are aligned and their length direction is parallel to the axial direction of the first arm (100).

5. The folding arm of a drone according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connector (500) has an inner insertion hole (520) near its axial outer end, the second arm (200) has a middle insertion hole (210), and the second sleeve (400) has an outer insertion hole (411). When the connector (500) is extended and its axial outer end is inserted into the second arm (200), the inner insertion hole (520), the middle insertion hole (210), and the outer insertion hole (411) can be aligned to form a positioning insertion hole, and the pin (700) can be inserted and engaged in the positioning insertion hole.

6. The folding arm of a drone according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connector (500) has a cavity inside, and an insert block (530) is fixed inside the cavity and located inside the inner hole. The insert block (530) has a positioning hole (531) corresponding to the position of the inner insertion hole (520). After the pin (700) is inserted into the positioning hole, the inner end of the pin (700) can be engaged in the positioning hole (531).

7. A folding arm for a drone according to claim 5, characterized in that, The opening of the external insertion hole (411) is provided with a removable plug (800).

8. A folding arm for a drone according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer end of the push-pull part (510) has a beveled structure, and the surface of the beveled structure is provided with anti-slip texture.

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