RETRACTABLE PROPELLER DEVICE OF AN AERIAL MOBILITY VEHICLE

Abstract

Retractable propeller assembly of an air mobility vehicle (M), wherein the retractable propeller assembly comprises the following: a base (100) extending in a longitudinal direction, which has a support (110) provided in a section thereof, wherein the support (110) is provided with a space (S) which allows an airflow through it; a propeller unit (200) which is arranged on the bracket (110) and is configured to generate an airflow in a top-to-bottom direction; a cover (300) configured to close the space (S) and to be movable in a top-to-bottom direction with respect to the bracket (110); and a lifting unit (400) which is arranged on the bracket (110), is connected to the cover (300) and is configured to move the cover (300), wherein the cover (300) is configured to selectively close or selectively open the space (S) based on an actuation of the lifting unit (400) so that the propeller unit (200) is operational, where: the holder (110) has a plurality of blocking surfaces (111) and a plurality of through-openings (112) which are repeatedly formed in a longitudinal direction thereof, and the cover (300) has a plurality of closing surfaces (310) and a plurality of through-openings (320) which are repeatedly formed in a longitudinal direction thereof.

Description

AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a retractable propeller assembly of an air mobility vehicle and more specifically to a retractable propeller assembly of an air mobility vehicle, wherein the retractable propeller assembly has a structure that allows the propellers to be exposed or concealed depending on whether the air mobility vehicle is in a high-speed flight or in a parked position. BACKGROUND

[0002] The information in this section provides only background information relating to the present disclosure and may not represent the state of the art.

[0003] Recently, the development of air mobility vehicles suitable for a variety of purposes, such as cargo or medical transport, has been underway. Due to increased energy efficiency and reliability, these vehicles are entering the practical application stage.

[0004] Such air mobility vehicles can fly by turning propellers, which also enable takeoff and landing. Takeoff and landing require a greater amount of thrust and a higher number of propeller revolutions than during flight. However, when an air mobility vehicle is in flight, the operation of some of the propellers used during vertical takeoff is no longer necessary. When the air mobility vehicle is in high-speed flight, the propellers, in particular, generate drag, causing energy loss during flight.

[0005] From US patent 2020 / 0031478A1, a retractable propeller assembly for an air mobility vehicle is known, comprising a longitudinally extending base containing a bracket provided in a section thereof, wherein a space is provided in the bracket which allows air to flow through it; a propeller unit arranged on the bracket to generate an airflow in a top-to-bottom direction; a cover configured to close the space and to be movable in a top-to-bottom direction with respect to the bracket; and a lifting unit arranged on the bracket which is connected to the cover, wherein the lifting unit moves the cover depending on an actuation thereof, so that the cover closes the space or opens the space S so that the propeller unit is operational.

[0006] DE 10 2015 001 704 A1 discloses a retractable propeller device for an air mobility vehicle in which an open space can be closed by rotatable flaps.

[0007] US Patent 10 450 062 B1 describes a retractable propeller assembly for an air mobility vehicle in which the propellers are positioned aerodynamically aligned in a longitudinal beam when at rest.

[0008] US 875 022 S also shows a retractable propeller assembly of an air mobility vehicle, in which propellers can be retracted into a space in a longitudinal beam.

[0009] The foregoing is intended only to help in understanding the background of the present revelation and does not imply that the present revelation lies within the scope of related technology already known to someone with technical skills. OVERVIEW

[0010] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a retractable propeller assembly for an air mobility vehicle, comprising a structure that allows the propeller to be exposed or concealed depending on whether the air mobility vehicle is in high-speed flight or in a parked position. Consequently, the propellers can be used efficiently in a variety of flight situations to improve energy efficiency, thereby increasing the ferrying range of the air mobility vehicle.

[0011] The problem is solved by a retractable propeller device having the features of claims 1 or 14. Advantageous further developments are found in the dependent claims.

[0012] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a retractable propeller assembly of an air mobility vehicle comprises the following: a longitudinally extending base containing a bracket provided in a section thereof, wherein a space is provided in the bracket to allow an airflow through it; a propeller unit arranged on the bracket to generate an airflow in a top-to-bottom direction; a cover configured to close the space and to be movable in a top-to-bottom direction with respect to the bracket; and a lifting unit arranged on the bracket and connected to the cover, wherein the lifting unit moves the cover depending on an actuation thereof, such that the cover closes the space or opens the space S so that the propeller unit is operational.The holder has a plurality of locking surfaces and a plurality of through-openings, which are repeatedly formed in a longitudinal direction, and the cover has a plurality of closing surfaces and a plurality of through-openings, which are repeatedly formed in a longitudinal direction.

[0013] The bracket can include an upper bracket and a lower bracket, which are arranged on upper and lower sections of the space respectively, such that the upper bracket and the lower bracket are spaced apart from each other, and the propeller unit can be arranged between and within the upper bracket and the lower bracket.

[0014] The cover can include an upper cover configured to be movable outside the upper bracket via an upper lifting unit, and a lower cover configured to be movable outside the lower bracket via a lower lifting unit.

[0015] The top cover and the bottom cover can be configured to be removed from each other in a top-to-bottom direction and from the base.

[0016] The bracket may include a mounting section provided on a longitudinal central section thereof, with the propeller assembly arranged on the mounting section. The locking surfaces and through-holes may be repeated on the bracket in the longitudinal direction with respect to the mounting section.

[0017] The locking surfaces of the bracket and the closing surfaces of the cover can have the same shapes as peripheral sections of the base.

[0018] The locking surfaces of the bracket can be adapted to the through-openings of the cover, the through-openings of the bracket can be adapted to the closing surfaces of the cover, the locking surfaces and the through-openings can have the same shapes, and the through-openings and the closing surfaces can have the same shapes.

[0019] The cover can have a multitude of bearing sections extending in the longitudinal direction to contact side surfaces of the holder, thereby keeping the latter in contact with the holder.

[0020] The bearing sections can be a pair of supports in contact with both side faces of the bracket, and the bracket can include reinforcement sections provided on sections of the same in contact with the bearing sections.

[0021] The lifting unit may include: a first connecting unit comprising a plurality of connecting elements linked together in a zigzag pattern and pivotably connected to the bracket and cover; a second connecting unit comprising a plurality of connecting elements linked together in a zigzag pattern and pivotably connected to the bracket and cover at positions spaced apart from positions where the first connecting unit is connected to the bracket and cover in order to cut orto cross; and an actuator comprising a first end connected to a first connecting element of the plurality of first connecting elements of the first connecting unit, which is connected to the holder, and a second end connected to a second connecting element of the plurality of second connecting elements of the second connecting unit, which is connected to the cover, wherein a length of the actuator is variable in a longitudinal direction thereof.

[0022] The base can extend to connect separate wings of the air mobility vehicle.

[0023] The propeller unit can include a drive motor mounted on the bracket and a number of propeller blades connected to the drive motor to rotate by receiving rotational power from the drive motor. The propeller blades can be a pair arranged to extend linearly from the drive motor.

[0024] The cover can be configured to cover the drive motor and propeller blades.

[0025] In the retractable propeller assembly of an air mobility vehicle with the structure described above, the propellers can be exposed or concealed depending on whether the air mobility vehicle is in high-speed flight or parked. Consequently, the propellers can be used efficiently in a variety of flight situations to improve energy efficiency, thereby increasing the ferry range of the air mobility vehicle.

[0026] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a retractable propeller assembly of an air mobility vehicle comprises the following: a longitudinally extending base having a mount provided in a section thereof, the mount being provided with a space that allows an airflow through it; a propeller unit arranged on the mount and configured to generate an airflow in a top-to-bottom direction; a cover configured to close the space and to be movable in a top-to-bottom direction with respect to the mount;and a lifting unit mounted on the bracket, connected to the cover, and configured to move the cover, the cover being configured to selectively close or open the space based on an actuation of the lifting unit so that the propeller unit is operational. The bracket comprises an upper bracket and a lower bracket positioned on the upper and lower portions of the space, respectively, such that the upper and lower brackets are spaced apart, and the propeller unit is located between and within the upper and lower brackets. The cover further comprises an upper cover configured to be movable outside the upper bracket via an upper lifting unit, and a lower cover configured to be movable outside the lower bracket via a lower lifting unit.

[0027] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be clear that the description and specific examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. DRAWINGS

[0028] In order for the revelation to be properly understood, various forms and versions of it will now be described, which are listed as examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a view illustrating a retractable propeller assembly of an air mobility vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; the Fig. 2 and Fig. Three views are shown illustrating the retracted state of the retractable propeller assembly of an air mobility vehicle, which is in Fig. 1 is illustrated; Fig. Figure 4 is an assembly view illustrating the retractable propeller assembly of an air mobility vehicle, which is in Fig. 1 is illustrated; Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the retractable propeller assembly of an air mobility vehicle, which is in Fig. 1 is illustrated; Fig. 6 is a view illustrating a lifting unit of the retractable propeller assembly of an air mobility vehicle, which is in Fig. 1 is illustrated; the Fig. 7 and Fig. The eight views illustrate the operating states of the retractable propeller assembly of an air mobility vehicle, which is shown in Fig. 1 is illustrated; and Fig. 9 is a view illustrating the extended state of the retractable propeller assembly of an air mobility vehicle, which is shown in Fig. 1 is illustrated.

[0029] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following description is purely exemplary and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be clear that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numbers indicate similar or corresponding parts and features.

[0031] Below, a retractable propeller assembly of an air mobility vehicle will be described in detail according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1 is a view illustrating a retractable propeller assembly of an air mobility vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows views illustrating the retracted state of the retractable propeller assembly of an air mobility vehicle, as shown in Fig. 1 is illustrated, Fig. Figure 4 is an assembly view illustrating the retractable propeller assembly of an air mobility vehicle, which is shown in Fig. 1 is illustrated, Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the retractable propeller assembly of an air mobility vehicle, which is shown in Fig. 1 is illustrated, Fig. Figure 6 is a view illustrating a lifting unit of the retractable propeller assembly of an air mobility vehicle, which is located in Fig. 1 illustrates the Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows views illustrating the operating states of the retractable propeller assembly of an air mobility vehicle, as shown in Fig. 1 is illustrated, and Fig. Figure 9 is a view illustrating the extended state of the retractable propeller assembly of an air mobility vehicle, as shown in Fig. 1 is illustrated.

[0033] As in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the retractable propeller assembly of an air mobility vehicle M comprises the following: a base 100 extending in a longitudinal direction and containing a bracket 110 provided in a section thereof, wherein a chamber S through which air flows is provided in the bracket 110; a propeller unit 200 arranged on the bracket 110 to generate an airflow in a top-to-bottom direction; a cover 300 configured to close (or seal) the chamber S and movable in a top-to-bottom direction with respect to the bracket 110; and a lifting unit 400 arranged on the bracket 110 and connected to the cover 300, wherein the lifting unit 400 moves the cover 300, depending on an actuation thereof, such that the cover 300 closes or opens the chamber S, enabling the propeller unit 200 to be operational.Here, the propeller unit 200 and the lifting unit 400 can each operate under the control of a controller (not shown).

[0034] The air mobility vehicle M according to the present disclosure can take off and land vertically and includes wings that generate thrust during high-speed flight, and bases 100 that serve as bearing structures to connect the wings. Consequently, the bases 100 can extend to connect the separate wings of the air mobility vehicle M. The bracket 110 is provided on a section of the base 100, and the propeller unit 200, the cover 300, and the lifting unit 400 are arranged on the bracket 110.

[0035] This means that the propeller unit 200 is arranged on space S of the base 100 via the bracket 110, and the cover 300, which is moved by the lifting unit 400, selectively opens or closes space S. The bases 100 are bearing structures that connect the multiple blades. The propeller unit 200, which generates an airflow to the bracket 110, is arranged on the base 100 so that a thrust, enabling the air mobility vehicle to fly vertically, is generated by actuating the propeller unit 200. The propeller unit 200 can include a drive motor 210, which is arranged on the bracket 110, and a multiple of propeller blades 220, which are connected to the drive motor 210 to rotate by receiving rotational power from the drive motor 210.In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the support 110 extends in the longitudinal direction and the propeller blades are provided as a pair of propeller blades arranged to extend linearly from the drive motor 210, so that the propeller blades can be retracted through the support 110 and the cover 300.

[0036] Here, the position of the cover 300, which is mounted on the bracket 110 of the base 100 to be movable from top to bottom, can be moved by the lifting unit 400. In this way, the cover 300 can close the space S so that the propeller unit 200 is concealed (i.e., retracted), or open the space S so that the propeller unit 200 is exposed (i.e., extended) to operate. The cover 300 is configured to cover the drive motor 210 and the propeller blades 220, thereby forming a closing (or sealing) structure that protects the drive motor 210 and the propeller blades 220 when the cover 300 closes the space S. Consequently, a section of the cover 300 adjacent to the drive motor 210, which is relatively large, can be made wider.When the air mobility vehicle M flies at high speed, the cover 300 closes the space S in such a way that the propeller unit 200 is concealed. Consequently, increases in air resistance caused by the propeller blades 220 can be prevented, thus enabling the air mobility vehicle M to fly efficiently. During the vertical flight of the air mobility vehicle M, the cover 300 also opens the space S in such a way that the propeller unit 200 is exposed. Consequently, the propeller unit 200 can be driven, thus enabling the air mobility vehicle M to take off and land.

[0037] The exemplary manifestations of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the bracket 110 comprises an upper bracket 110a and a lower bracket 110b, which are arranged on the upper and lower sections of space S, respectively, such that the upper bracket 110a and the lower bracket 110b are spaced apart from each other. The propeller unit 200 can be arranged between and within the upper bracket 110a and the lower bracket 110b.

[0038] This means that since the bracket 110 contains the upper bracket 110a and the lower bracket 110b, which are spaced apart from each other in a top-to-bottom direction, the strength of the base 100 can be maintained, thereby preventing any reduction in strength due to the provision of space S. Since the propeller unit 200 is provided between the upper bracket 110a and the lower bracket 110b and is secured by the upper bracket 110a and the lower bracket 110b, the stability of the propeller unit 200 can be ensured.

[0039] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, the cover 300 can include an upper cover 300a and a lower cover 300b. The upper cover 300a is designed to be movable outside the upper support 110a via an upper lifting unit 400a. The lower cover 300b is designed to be movable outside the lower support 110b via a lower lifting unit 400b.

[0040] In this way, the cover 300 contains the upper cover 300a and the lower cover 300b, while the lifting unit 400 contains the upper lifting unit 400a and the lower lifting unit 400b. That is, the upper cover 300a is arranged on the upper support 110a such that the upper cover 300a is movable over the upper lifting unit 400a. The lower cover 300b is arranged on the lower support 110b such that the lower cover 300b is movable over the lower lifting unit 400b. Consequently, the upper cover 300a and the lower cover 300b can move from top to bottom, thereby opening and closing the space S of the base 100.

[0041] Here, the upper cover 300a and the lower cover 300b can be configured to be detached from each other in a top-to-bottom direction from the base 100. When the upper cover 300a and the lower cover 300b enclose space S, they are consequently coplanar with the base 100, thereby reducing drag during flight. That is, as in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, the upper cover 300a and the lower cover 300b are each semicircular if the base 100 is circular. If the upper cover 300a and the lower cover 300b enclose the space S, then the upper cover 300a and the lower cover 300b are circular like the base 100, so that their outer surfaces are flush with that of the base 100.

[0042] The bracket 110 has a plurality of locking surfaces 111 and a plurality of through openings 112, which are repeated along its longitudinal direction. The cover 300 can have a plurality of closing surfaces 310 and a plurality of through openings 320, which are repeated along its longitudinal direction.

[0043] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the bracket 110 has perforated openings 112 spaced longitudinally apart, allowing air to flow through them from top to bottom. The sealing surfaces 111 are designed to alternate with the openings 112. The cover 300 has perforated openings 320 spaced longitudinally apart, allowing air to flow through them from top to bottom. The closing surfaces 310 are designed to alternate with the openings 320. When the cover 300 is opened, passages through which air can flow in a top-to-bottom direction are formed by the passage openings 320 of the cover 300 and the passage openings 112 of the bracket 110, so that air can flow through the cover 300 and the bracket 110 during the operation of the propeller unit 200.Consequently, the actuation of the propeller unit 200 can provide a quantity of flowing air, thereby improving the flight performance obtained through the propeller unit 200.

[0044] Here, a mounting section 113, on which the propeller unit 200 is arranged, is provided in the longitudinal central section of the bracket 110. The locking surfaces 111 and the through-openings 112 are repeated in the longitudinal direction with respect to the mounting section 113.

[0045] In this way, the mounting section 113 is provided in the longitudinal central section of the bracket 110 such that the propeller unit 200 is securely mounted. The mounting section 113 can be configured to match the shape of the upper or lower section of the propeller unit 200, thus ensuring that the propeller unit 200 is firmly seated. Furthermore, since the mounting section 113 is provided in the longitudinal central section of the bracket 110, any load resulting from the mounting of the propeller unit 200 is evenly distributed, and sufficient space for the propeller unit 200 to operate is easily maintained. Because the barrier surfaces 111 of the through-openings 112 are repeatedly arranged on both sides of the mounting section 113, the propeller unit 200 can be securely mounted, and the airflow generated by the propeller unit 200 can pass through the through-openings 112.

[0046] Furthermore, the blocking surfaces 111 of the bracket 110 can be adapted to the through openings 320 of the cover 300. The through openings 112 of the bracket 110 can be adapted to the closing surfaces 310 of the cover 300. The blocking surfaces 111 and the through openings 320 can have the same shapes, and the through openings 112 and the closing surfaces 310 can have the same shapes.

[0047] This means that the locking surfaces 111 of the bracket 110 are adapted to the passage openings 320 of the cover 300 in a top-to-bottom direction, and the passage openings 112 of the bracket 110 are adapted to the closing surfaces 310 of the cover 300 in a top-to-bottom direction. Consequently, when the cover 300 is moved towards the bracket 110 to close the space S, the locking surfaces 111 of the bracket 110 are adapted to the passage openings 320 of the cover 300, thereby closing the passage openings 320. Even if the passage openings 320 in the cover 300 are configured as described above, the locking surfaces 111 adapted to the passage openings 320 can close the passage openings 320, thereby forming a shape that closes the space S and in which the outer surface of the cover 300 extends smoothly.Since the closing surfaces 310 of the cover 300 are adapted to the through-openings 112 of the bracket 110, a structure closing the cover 300 and the bracket 110 can also be provided.

[0048] This means that when the cover 300 is opened, air flows through the openings 320 of the cover 300 and the openings 112 of the bracket 110 in a downward direction. When the cover 300 is closed, the outer surface lies flat due to the closing surfaces 310 of the cover 300 and the sealing surfaces 111 of the bracket 110.

[0049] In this respect, the blocking surfaces 111 and the passage openings 320 can have the same shapes, and the passage openings 112 and the closing surfaces 310 can have the same shapes. The blocking surfaces 111 of the bracket 110 and the closing surfaces 310 of the cover 300 can have the same shapes as the peripheral sections of the base 100. If the cover 300 closes the space S, then the cover 300 and the bracket 110 can consequently close the space S. Since the blocking surfaces 111 of the bracket 110 and the closing surfaces 310 of the cover 300 have the same shapes, the outer surfaces can have a shape that is smoothly aligned with the base 100.

[0050] As in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5, the cover 300 can also have a plurality of bearing sections 330 extending longitudinally to contact the side surfaces of the bracket 110, thereby maintaining contact with the bracket 110. Since the bearing sections 330 of the cover 300 are in contact with the bracket 110 in this way, the cover 300 can be supported on the bracket 110 via the bearing sections 330 in such a way that its position can be reliably maintained. That is, when the cover 300 is moved into an open position of the bracket 110, a wind force generated by the flight of the air mobility vehicle M can be applied to the cover 300, causing it to vibrate.According to the present disclosure, however, the contact between the cover 300 and the bracket 110 is maintained via the bearing sections 330, thus reducing vibration and maintaining stable bearing conditions. Furthermore, when the cover 300 is moved by the lifting unit 400, the movement is guided through the bearing sections 330, enabling reliable actuation of the movement.

[0051] A pair of bearing sections 330 is provided on the inner peripheral sections of the cover 300 to be in contact with both side surfaces of the bracket 110. Furthermore, the number and thickness of the bearing sections 330 can be adjusted depending on the reliability of the movement and the support or bearing capacity of the cover 300.

[0052] The bracket 110 can have reinforcing sections 114 formed on sections of the bracket in contact with the bearing sections 330. A plurality of the reinforcing sections 114 can be provided in the longitudinal direction of the bracket 110 and extend in the same direction as the locking surfaces 111, thereby maintaining the strength of the bracket 110. Furthermore, the reinforcing sections 114 are formed in sections of the bracket 110 with which the bearing sections 330 are in contact, thereby increasing the strength of weak sections that are susceptible to contact with the bearing sections 330.

[0053] The lifting unit 400 can include a first connecting unit 410, a second connecting unit 420, and an actuator 430. The first connecting unit 410 contains a plurality of connecting elements linked in a zigzag pattern and is pivotably connected to the bracket 110 and the cover 300. The second connecting unit 420 contains a plurality of connecting elements linked in a zigzag pattern and is pivotably connected to the bracket 110 and the cover 300 at positions spaced apart from the positions where the first connecting unit 410 is connected to the bracket 110 and the cover 300 in order to intersect with the first connecting unit 410.The actuator 430 is configured such that one end of it is connected to the connecting element of the first connecting unit 410, which is connected to the bracket 110, the other end of it is connected to the connecting element of the second connecting unit 420, which is connected to the cover 300, and the length of it is variable in the longitudinal direction.

[0054] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 6, the lifting unit 400 comprises the first connecting unit 410 and the second connecting unit 420, each consisting of a plurality of connecting elements, with the actuator 430 being connected to the first connecting unit 410 and the second connecting unit 420. That is, the first connecting unit 410 is configured such that its plurality of connecting elements are pivotably connected in zigzag patterns, thereby forming hinge structures, and the connecting elements are pivotably connected at both ends of the unit to the bracket 110 and the cover 300, respectively. Furthermore, the second connecting unit 420 is configured such that its plurality of connecting elements are pivotably connected in zigzag patterns, thereby forming hinge structures, and the connecting elements are pivotally connected at both ends of the unit to the bracket 110 and the cover 300, respectively.The cover 300 is pivotably connected at positions other than those of the first connecting unit 410. Consequently, the first connecting unit 410 and the second connecting unit 420 form a structure that supports the cover 300 relative to the bracket 110. The connecting structure of the first connecting unit 410 and the second connecting unit 420 achieves rigidity. The lengths of the first connecting unit 410 and the second connecting unit 420 are adjustable from top to bottom by the actuator 430 connected to them. The actuator 420 can be a linear actuator that can change its length through a linear movement.Consequently, a cylinder 430a of the actuator 430 is connected to the connecting element of the first connecting unit 410, which is connected to the bracket 110, and a piston 430b of the actuator 430 is connected to the connecting element of the second connecting unit 420, which is connected to the cover 300. When the length of the actuator 430 is varied, the first connecting unit 410 and the second connecting unit 420 can be extended and folded (or retracted) in a top-to-bottom direction, thereby raising or lowering the cover 300. The lifting unit 400 can raise or lower the cover 300 by actuating the actuator 430 alone. Actuating the raising or lowering of the cover 300 can be implemented using a variety of methods, such as a rack and pinion or gear mechanism.

[0055] The actuation of raising or lowering the cover 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described as follows.

[0056] When the cover 300 closes the space S, the cover 300 is moved towards the bracket 110 to close the space S, so that the propeller unit 200 is also covered and the cover 300 is smoothly aligned with the base 100, as shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 7 shows. During high-speed flight, increases in air resistance caused by the propeller blades 220 can therefore be prevented, thus enabling the air mobility vehicle M to fly efficiently.

[0057] When the cover 300 opens the space S, the actuation of raising or lowering the cover 300 by actuating the lifting unit 400 is also made possible, as shown in the Fig. 8 and Fig.Figure 9 illustrates this. As described above, the propeller unit 200 is exposed when the cover 300 opens the space S, and a space is obtained in which the propeller blades 220 of the propeller unit 200 can rotate, so that flight can be made possible by the rotation of the propeller blades 220.

[0058] Furthermore, when the cover 300 is opened, the passages through which air can flow from top to bottom are formed by the passage openings 320 of the cover 300 and the passage openings 112 of the bracket 110 such that air can flow through the cover 300 and the bracket 110 during operation of the propeller unit 200. Consequently, operation of the propeller unit 200 can provide a quantity of flowing air, thereby improving the flight performance provided by the propeller unit 200. This can be used during vertical flight of the air mobility vehicle M. The air mobility vehicle M can take off or land as a result of operation of the propeller unit 200.

[0059] As outlined above, the retractable propeller assembly of the air mobility vehicle M features the structure described above, which allows the propellers to be exposed or concealed depending on whether the air mobility vehicle is in high-speed flight or parked. Consequently, the propellers can be used efficiently in a variety of flight situations to improve energy efficiency, thereby increasing the ferry range of the air mobility vehicle.

Claims

[1] Retractable propeller assembly of an air mobility vehicle (M), wherein the retractable propeller assembly comprises: a base (100) extending in a longitudinal direction, which has a support (110) provided in a section thereof, wherein the support (110) is provided with a space (S) which allows an airflow through it; a propeller unit (200) which is arranged on the bracket (110) and is configured to generate an airflow in a top-to-bottom direction; a cover (300) configured to close the space (S) and to be movable in a top-to-bottom direction with respect to the bracket (110); and a lifting unit (400) which is arranged on the bracket (110), is connected to the cover (300) and is configured to move the cover (300), wherein the cover (300) is configured to selectively close or selectively open the space (S) based on an actuation of the lifting unit (400) so that the propeller unit (200) is operational, where: the holder (110) has a plurality of blocking surfaces (111) and a plurality of through-openings (112) which are repeatedly formed in a longitudinal direction thereof, and the cover (300) has a plurality of closing surfaces (310) and a plurality of through-openings (320) which are repeatedly formed in a longitudinal direction thereof. [2] Retractable propeller assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the support (110) has an upper support (110a) and a lower support (110b) which are arranged on upper and lower sections of the space (S) respectively, such that the upper support (110a) and the lower support (110b) are spaced apart from each other, and the propeller unit (200) is arranged between and in the upper bracket (110a) and the lower bracket (110b). [3] Retractable propeller assembly according to claim 2, wherein the cover (300) comprises an upper cover (300a) configured to be movable outside the upper support (110s) via an upper lifting unit (400a), and a lower cover (300b) configured to be movable outside the lower support (110b) via a lower lifting unit (400b). [4] Retractable propeller assembly according to claim 3, wherein the upper cover (300a) and the lower cover (300b) are configured to be disassembled from each other in a top-to-bottom direction and from the base (100). [5] Retractable propeller assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the bracket (110) has a mounting section (113) which is provided on a longitudinal central section thereof, wherein the propeller unit (200) is arranged on the mounting section (113), the multitude of blocking surfaces (111) and the multitude of through openings (112) on the support (110) are repeatedly formed in the longitudinal direction with respect to the fastening section (113). [6] Retractable propeller device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of locking surfaces (111) of the holder (110) and the plurality of closing surfaces (310) of the cover (300) have the same shapes as peripheral sections of the base (100). [7] Retractable propeller assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the multitude of blocking surfaces (111) of the bracket (110) are adapted to the multitude of through-openings (320) of the cover (300), the multitude of through-openings (112) of the bracket (110) are adapted to the multitude of closing surfaces (310) of the cover (300), the multitude of blocking areas (111)n and the multitude of passage openings (112) have the same shapes, and the multitude of through-openings (320) and the multitude of closing surfaces (310) have the same shapes. [8] Retractable propeller assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cover (300) has a plurality of bearing sections (330) extending in the longitudinal direction to be in contact with side surfaces of the holder (110), the latter thereby remaining in contact with the holder (110). [9] Retractable propeller assembly according to claim 8, wherein: the multitude of bearing sections (330) have a pair of supports in contact with side surfaces of the bracket (110), and the support (110) has reinforcement sections (114) which are provided on sections of the same in contact with the plurality of bearing sections (330). [10] Retractable propeller device according to claim 1, wherein the lifting unit (400) comprises the following: a first connecting unit (410) comprising a plurality of first connecting elements connected to each other in a zigzag shape and pivotably connected to the holder (110) and the cover (300); a second connecting unit (420) with a plurality of second connecting elements connected to each other in a zigzag shape, pivotably connected to the holder (110) and the cover (300) at positions spaced apart from positions at which the first connecting unit (410) is connected to the holder (110) and the cover (300) in order to intersect with the first connecting unit (410); and an actuator (430) containing the following: a first end which is connected to a first connecting element of the plurality of first connecting elements of the first connecting unit (410) which is connected to the holder (110), and a second end which is connected to a second connecting element of the plurality of second connecting elements of the second connecting unit (420) which is connected to the cover (300), wherein a length of the actuator (430) is variable in a longitudinal direction of the same. [11] Retractable propeller assembly according to claim 1, wherein the base (100) extends to connect separate wings of the air mobility vehicle (M). [12] Retractable propeller assembly according to claim 1, wherein the propeller assembly (200) comprises: a drive motor (210) which is arranged on the bracket (110), and a multitude of propeller blades (220) connected to the drive motor (210) and configured to rotate by receiving rotational power from the drive motor (210), wherein the plurality of propeller blades (220) includes a pair of propeller blades (220) arranged to extend linearly from the drive motor (210). [13] Retractable propeller assembly according to claim 12, wherein the cover (300) is configured to cover the drive motor (210) and the plurality of propeller blades (220). [14] Retractable propeller assembly of an air mobility vehicle (M), wherein the retractable propeller assembly comprises: a base (100) extending in a longitudinal direction, which has a support (110) provided in a section thereof, wherein the support (110) is provided with a space (S) which allows an airflow through it; a propeller unit (200) which is arranged on the bracket (110) and is configured to generate an airflow in a top-to-bottom direction; a cover (300) configured to close the space (S) and to be movable in a top-to-bottom direction with respect to the bracket (110); and a lifting unit (400) which is arranged on the bracket (110), is connected to the cover (300) and is configured to move the cover (300), wherein the cover (300) is configured to selectively close or selectively open the space (S) based on an actuation of the lifting unit (400) so that the propeller unit (200) is operational, where: the support (110) has an upper support (110a) and a lower support (110b) which are arranged on upper and lower sections of the space (S) respectively, such that the upper support (110a) and the lower support (110b) are spaced apart from each other, and the propeller unit (200) is arranged between and in the upper bracket (110a) and the lower bracket (110b); and wherein the cover (300) comprises an upper cover (300a) configured to be movable outside the upper support (110a) via an upper lifting unit (400a) and a lower cover (300b) configured to be movable outside the lower support (110b) via a lower lifting unit (400b).

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