A multi-functional lightweight amphibious aircraft

Abstract

This utility model discloses a multi-functional lightweight amphibious aircraft, belonging to the field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The multi-functional lightweight amphibious aircraft includes an UAV fuselage and four arms mounted on the fuselage. Each arm has a motor fixed to its end; all motors are dual-axis motors, and a propeller is fixed to one output shaft of each motor. Two motors have drive wheels below them, and the other two have steering wheels below them. Each motor has a clutch assembly on its other drive shaft. A first transmission assembly connects the drive wheel to its corresponding clutch assembly, and a second transmission assembly connects the steering wheel to its corresponding clutch assembly. The clutch assemblies control the engagement or disengagement of the motor output shafts with the corresponding first or second transmission assembly. This utility model allows switching between flight and ground modes by controlling the engagement and disengagement of electromagnetic clutches. The drive wheels and steering wheels are powered by the propeller motors, enabling the aircraft to move and turn freely.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and in particular to a multi-functional lightweight amphibious aircraft. Background Technology

[0002] The drone industry is a high-tech industry and a strategic emerging industry encouraged by the state. Strong national industrial policies have established the future development direction and created a favorable environment for the development of my country's high-end drone industry. In the civilian sector, drones are continuously expanding their application capabilities in areas such as emergency rescue, communication relay, upper-air meteorological detection, and weather modification.

[0003] Some existing drones utilize an amphibious mode, breaking through the functional limitations of traditional drones and ground robots, and achieving a perfect integration of aerial flight and ground driving. This allows the drone to efficiently cover vast airspace in the air and move freely in complex ground scenarios.

[0004] Some existing technical solutions achieve amphibious capabilities by adding an independent ground-based mobility module (such as a wheeled or tracked chassis) to the flight platform and equipping it with an independent drive motor. While this "stacked" design achieves the basic functions, the additional drive module may increase the overall weight and size of the aircraft, making it bulky. In addition, the added wheeled or tracked chassis often lack sufficient steering flexibility or require coordination with the entire flight system (utilizing the yaw motion of the upper body flight system in conjunction with the ground-based mobility system to achieve steering), increasing control complexity and energy consumption. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention provides a multi-functional lightweight amphibious aircraft that can solve the problems of existing multi-functional lightweight amphibious aircraft where adding extra drive modules may lead to a bulky overall aircraft and insufficient steering flexibility.

[0006] A multi-functional lightweight amphibious aircraft includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) fuselage and four arms mounted on the UAV fuselage. Each arm has a motor fixed at its end. Each motor is a dual-axis motor. Each motor has a propeller fixed on one output shaft. Two of the motors have drive wheels below them, and the other two motors have steering wheels below them. Each motor has a clutch assembly on its other transmission shaft. Each drive wheel has a first transmission assembly between it and the corresponding clutch assembly. Each steering wheel has a second transmission assembly between it and the corresponding clutch assembly. The clutch assembly is used to control the motor output shaft to engage or disengage with the corresponding first or second transmission assembly. The first transmission assembly can drive the drive wheel to move through power transmission, and the second transmission assembly can drive the steering wheel to turn through power transmission.

[0007] Preferably, a mounting plate is fixedly provided on the arm and below the motor. The clutch assembly includes an electromagnetic clutch fixedly provided on the mounting plate. The output shaft of the motor is connected to the main drive shaft of the electromagnetic clutch. A first rotating shaft is fixedly provided on the output shaft of the electromagnetic clutch.

[0008] Preferably, the first transmission assembly includes a second shaft rotatably connected to the mounting plate, a second bevel gear fixed to one end of the second shaft, and a first bevel gear fixed to the bottom end of the first shaft. The first bevel gear and the second bevel gear are meshed together, and the drive wheel is fixed to the other end of the second shaft.

[0009] Preferably, the second transmission assembly includes a third rotating shaft rotatably connected to the mounting plate, a second gear fixed on the third rotating shaft, and a first gear fixed at the bottom end of the first rotating shaft. The first gear and the second gear are meshed together. A mounting bracket is fixed at the bottom end of the third rotating shaft, and the steering wheel is mounted on the mounting bracket.

[0010] Preferably, the bottom of the drone body is provided with two support plates symmetrically, and a drive component is provided between the support plate and the drone body. The drive component is used to drive the support plate to rise and fall.

[0011] Preferably, the drive assembly includes an electric push rod fixed to the bottom of the UAV body, and the support plate is fixed to the drive shaft of the electric push rod.

[0012] Preferably, the drive assembly further includes two telescopic rods, which are installed between the UAV body and the support plate.

[0013] Preferably, it also includes a camera mounted on the top of the drone body.

[0014] Preferably, the drone body is designed with a hollow structure, and both the mounting plate and the support plate have weight-reduction grooves inside.

[0015] Preferably, the drone's body, arms, mounting plate, and support plate are all made of carbon fiber.

[0016] This utility model provides a multi-functional lightweight amphibious aircraft, which has the following beneficial effects: 1. By incorporating drive wheels and steering wheels, and utilizing the propeller's motor for power, the aircraft achieves free movement and steering with simple control. The engagement and disengagement of the electromagnetic clutch allows for flexible switching between flight and ground modes. In flight mode, the clutch disengages, and all motor power is used to drive the propeller. In ground mode, motor power is transmitted to the drive wheels and steering wheels via corresponding transmission components, enabling ground maneuverability. This achieves amphibious functionality, combining aerial flight and ground movement. The overall structure is compact and versatile. This amphibious aircraft possesses the ability to move both in the air and on land. When encountering complex terrain environments, such as low-lying areas and ravines, it can traverse these rugged terrains by switching modes. The ground mode addresses the limitation of ordinary aerial photography drones, which can only shoot from above in complex scenes and cannot capture images below cover, offering a significant advantage in framing scenes such as jungles and caves.

[0017] 2. By controlling the extension and retraction of the electric push rod, the support plate can be raised and lowered. When the drone lands or takes off, the support plate contacts the ground, which plays a supporting role for the whole machine and helps to ensure the stability of the whole machine when landing or taking off. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 A structural schematic diagram of a multifunctional lightweight amphibious aircraft provided by this utility model. Figure 1 ; Figure 2 A structural schematic diagram of a multifunctional lightweight amphibious aircraft provided by this utility model. Figure 2 ; Figure 3 This utility model provides a multi-functional lightweight amphibious aircraft. Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle; Figure 4 This utility model provides a multi-functional lightweight amphibious aircraft. Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram at point B.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Drone body; 2. Arm; 3. Motor; 4. Propeller; 5. Drive wheel; 6. Steering wheel; 7. Mounting plate; 8. Electromagnetic clutch; 9. First shaft; 10. First bevel gear; 11. Second shaft; 12. Second bevel gear; 13. First gear; 14. Third shaft; 15. Second gear; 16. Mounting bracket; 17. Camera; 18. Electric push rod; 19. Support plate; 20. Telescopic rod. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The specific embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below, but it should be understood that the protection scope of this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments.

[0021] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown in the figure, the present invention provides a multi-functional lightweight amphibious aircraft, including a drone body 1, a camera 17, and four arms 2 mounted on the drone body 1. Each arm 2 has a motor 3 fixed at its end. Each motor 3 is a dual-axis motor. Each motor 3 has a propeller 4 fixed on one output shaft. Two of the motors 3 have drive wheels 5 below them, and the other two motors 3 have steering wheels 6 below them. Each motor 3 has a clutch assembly on its other transmission shaft. Each drive wheel 5 has a first transmission assembly between it and the corresponding clutch assembly, and each steering wheel 6 has a second transmission assembly between it and the corresponding clutch assembly. The clutch assembly is used to control the engagement or disengagement of the output shaft of the motor 3 with the corresponding first or second transmission assembly. The first transmission assembly can drive the drive wheel 5 to move forward through power transmission, and the second transmission assembly can drive the steering wheel 6 to turn through power transmission.

[0022] In flight mode, the clutch assembly separates the power of motor 3 from the first and second transmission components, the ground wheels do not rotate, and the power of motor 3 is only transmitted to propeller 4 for flight. When switching to ground mode, the clutch assembly separates the power of motor 3 from the first and second transmission components, allowing drive wheel 5 and steering wheel 6 to rotate at a certain speed. The rotation of drive wheel 5 drives the aircraft forward, and the rotation of steering wheel 6 drives the aircraft to turn.

[0023] By setting up drive wheels 5 and steering wheels 6, and utilizing the motor 3 of propeller 4 for power, the entire aircraft can move and turn freely, with simple control. By controlling the engagement and disengagement of the electromagnetic clutch 8, flight mode and ground mode can be flexibly switched. In flight mode, the clutch assembly is disengaged, and the power of motor 3 is entirely used to drive propeller 4; in ground mode, the power of motor 3 is transmitted to drive wheels 5 and steering wheels 6 through corresponding transmission components, enabling ground maneuverability. This achieves amphibious functionality, combining aerial flight and ground movement, with a compact overall structure and diverse functions. This amphibious aircraft has the ability to move in both the air and on land. When encountering complex ground environments, such as low-lying areas and ravines, it can traverse such rugged terrain by switching modes. Using ground mode solves the problem that ordinary aerial photography drones can only shoot from above in complex scenes, unable to capture images below cover. Landing and driving on the ground for scene shooting by switching modes offers a significant advantage in framing scenes, particularly in jungles and caves.

[0024] In some specific implementation plans, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, mounting plates 7 are fixed on the arm 2 and below the motor 3. The clutch assembly includes an electromagnetic clutch 8 fixed on the mounting plate 7. The output shaft of the motor 3 is connected to the main drive shaft of the electromagnetic clutch 8. A first rotating shaft 9 is fixed on the output shaft of the electromagnetic clutch 8.

[0025] The main drive shaft of the electromagnetic clutch 8 is connected to the corresponding output shaft of the upper dual-axis motor 3 to receive the rotational power from the motor 3. In ground mode, the control system energizes the electromagnetic clutch 8 to engage it, thereby transmitting the power from the output shaft of the motor 3 to the first rotating shaft 9. When switching to flight mode, the current to the electromagnetic clutch 8 is cut off, the power connection is immediately disconnected, and the first rotating shaft 9 stops rotating. In this way, the switching between the power of the motor 3 and the ground wheel set is achieved.

[0026] In some specific implementation plans, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first transmission assembly includes a second rotating shaft 11 rotatably connected to the mounting plate 7, a second bevel gear 12 fixed at one end of the second rotating shaft 11, and a first bevel gear 10 fixed at the bottom end of the first rotating shaft 9. The first bevel gear 10 and the second bevel gear 12 are meshed together, and the drive wheel 5 is fixed at the other end of the second rotating shaft 11.

[0027] When the electromagnetic clutch 8 is engaged, the power of the motor 3 drives the first rotating shaft 9 to rotate, and the power is transmitted to the second rotating shaft 11 through the first bevel gear 10 and the second bevel gear 12, driving the drive wheel 5 to rotate and realize ground movement.

[0028] In some specific implementation plans, such as Figure 4 As shown, the second transmission assembly includes a third rotating shaft 14 rotatably connected to the mounting plate 7, a second gear 15 fixed on the third rotating shaft 14, and a first gear 13 fixed at the bottom end of the first rotating shaft 9. The first gear 13 and the second gear 15 are meshed together. A mounting bracket 16 is fixed at the bottom end of the third rotating shaft 14, and the steering wheel 6 is mounted on the mounting bracket 16.

[0029] When the corresponding electromagnetic clutch 8 is engaged, the power of the motor 3 drives the first rotating shaft 9 to rotate, and through the power transmission of the first gear 13 and the second gear 15, drives the third rotating shaft 14 and the mounting bracket 16 to rotate, thereby changing the angle of the steering wheel 6 and realizing the steering function.

[0030] In some specific implementation plans, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, two support plates 19 are symmetrically arranged at the bottom of the drone body 1. A drive assembly is provided between the support plate 19 and the drone body 1. The drive assembly is used to drive the support plate 19 to rise and fall. The drive assembly includes an electric push rod 18 fixed to the bottom of the drone body 1 and two telescopic rods 20. The support plate 19 is fixed on the drive shaft of the electric push rod 18, and the telescopic rods 20 are installed between the drone body 1 and the support plate 19.

[0031] By controlling the extension and retraction of the electric push rod 18, the support plate 19 can be raised and lowered. When the drone lands or takes off, the support plate 19 contacts the ground, providing support for the entire drone and helping to ensure the stability of the drone when it lands or takes off.

[0032] In some specific implementation plans, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, camera 17 is mounted on the top of the drone body 1. Drone cameras are image acquisition devices used for aerial photography, monitoring, etc. These cameras typically have high resolution, wide-angle lenses, and waterproof and shockproof features to adapt to various environments during drone flight, and the camera angle can be adjusted according to the flight environment.

[0033] In some specific implementation plans, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in order to better reduce the weight of the drone, the drone body 1 is designed with a hollow structure, and the mounting plate 7 and the support plate 19 are both equipped with weight reduction grooves. The drone body 1, the arm 2, the mounting plate 7 and the support plate 19 are all made of carbon fiber.

[0034] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this solution by those skilled in the art, the working principle of this solution will now be briefly explained in conjunction with specific application scenarios: In flight mode, the power of motor 3 is transmitted only to propeller 4 for flight. When switching to ground mode, the control system energizes the electromagnetic clutch 8, causing it to engage and transmitting the power from the output shaft of motor 3 to the first rotating shaft 9. The power of motor 3 drives the first rotating shaft 9 to rotate, and through the first bevel gear 10 and the second bevel gear 12, the power is transmitted to the second rotating shaft 11, driving the drive wheel 5 to rotate, thus achieving ground movement. The power of motor 3 drives the first rotating shaft 9 to rotate, and through the first gear 13 and the second gear 15, the power is transmitted to the third rotating shaft 14 and the mounting bracket 16, thereby changing the angle of the steering wheel 6 and achieving the steering function.

[0035] The above-disclosed embodiments are only a few specific examples of the present utility model. However, the embodiments of the present utility model are not limited thereto. Any changes that can be conceived by those skilled in the art should fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A multi-functional lightweight amphibious aircraft, comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) body (1) and four arms (2) mounted on the UAV body (1), wherein each arm (2) is equipped with a motor (3) at its end, each motor (3) being a dual-axis motor, and each motor (3) having a propeller (4) mounted on one output shaft, characterized in that, Two of the motors (3) are provided with drive wheels (5) below them, and the other two motors (3) are provided with steering wheels (6) below them. Each motor (3) has a clutch assembly on its other conveying shaft. Each drive wheel (5) has a first transmission assembly between it and the corresponding clutch assembly. Each steering wheel (6) has a second transmission assembly between it and the corresponding clutch assembly. The clutch assembly is used to control the motor (3) output shaft to engage or disengage with the corresponding first or second transmission assembly. The first transmission assembly can drive the drive wheel (5) to move forward through power transmission. The second transmission assembly can drive the steering wheel (6) to turn through power transmission.

2. The multi-functional lightweight amphibious aircraft as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Mounting plates (7) are fixed on the arm (2) and below the motor (3). The clutch assembly includes an electromagnetic clutch (8) fixed on the mounting plate (7). The output shaft of the motor (3) is connected to the main drive shaft of the electromagnetic clutch (8). A first rotating shaft (9) is fixed on the output shaft of the electromagnetic clutch (8).

3. A multi-functional lightweight amphibious aircraft as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first transmission assembly includes a second rotating shaft (11) rotatably connected to the mounting plate (7), a second bevel gear (12) fixed at one end of the second rotating shaft (11), and a first bevel gear (10) fixed at the bottom end of the first rotating shaft (9). The first bevel gear (10) and the second bevel gear (12) are meshed together, and the drive wheel (5) is fixed at the other end of the second rotating shaft (11).

4. A multi-functional lightweight amphibious aircraft as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The second transmission assembly includes a third rotating shaft (14) rotatably connected to the mounting plate (7), a second gear (15) fixed on the third rotating shaft (14), and a first gear (13) fixed at the bottom end of the first rotating shaft (9). The first gear (13) and the second gear (15) are meshed together. A mounting bracket (16) is fixed at the bottom end of the third rotating shaft (14), and the steering wheel (6) is mounted on the mounting bracket (16).

5. A multi-functional lightweight amphibious aircraft as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom of the drone body (1) is symmetrically provided with two support plates (19). A drive component is provided between the support plate (19) and the drone body (1). The drive component is used to drive the support plate (19) to rise and fall.

6. A multi-functional lightweight amphibious aircraft as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes an electric push rod (18) fixed to the bottom of the UAV body (1), and the support plate (19) is fixed to the drive shaft of the electric push rod (18).

7. A multi-functional lightweight amphibious aircraft as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The drive assembly also includes two telescopic rods (20), which are installed between the UAV body (1) and the support plate (19).

8. A multi-functional lightweight amphibious aircraft as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a camera (17) mounted on the top of the drone body (1).

9. A multi-functional lightweight amphibious aircraft as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The drone body (1) is designed with a hollow structure, and the mounting plate (7) and the support plate (19) are both provided with weight reduction grooves.

10. A multi-functional lightweight amphibious aircraft as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The drone body (1), arm (2), mounting plate (7) and support plate (19) are all made of carbon fiber.

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