Folding propeller drone

Abstract

The present invention relates to a propeller-folding drone, and the drone includes a main body, a first propeller section in which a plurality of first drive arms are rotatably coupled to the upper surface of the main body and which can be stored on the upper surface of the main body or pulled out to the outside, and a cover section in which a space is formed at the lower end so as to be able to cover the stored first propeller section when it is in a lower position and moves upward so as to be able to pull out the first propeller section. With this configuration, the first propeller section is rotatably coupled to the upper surface of the main body for storage and pulling out, and the cover section is rotatably coupled to the upper surface of the main body so as to be able to move vertically, so that the first propeller section is stored in the cover section by the rotation of the first propeller section and the movement of the cover section, thereby the volume can be minimized when parked or stored, and the propellers can be prevented from being damaged.

Description

Technical Field

[0007] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a propeller folding type drone, and more particularly, to a propeller folding type drone that reduces its volume and prevents damage to the propellers when used for parking, storage, or multi-purpose use without driving.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, drones, which originated in the military industry, refer to aircraft or helicopter-shaped flying bodies that fly without a person on board and are guided by wireless transmission.

[0003] In recent years, drones have been widely used both militarily and commercially, and research on them has been actively carried out.

[0004] However, as the demand for drones increases, an increase in the traffic volume of the flight airspace of drones is expected, and along with it, the possibility of collision or追尾 during the flight of drones is increasing. Also, due to causes such as inexperienced drone operation, battery discharge, and malfunction, the possibility of drone crashes is also increasing. Moreover, the increase in risks such as those mentioned above due to the use of drones may directly lead to human life or property damage.

[0005] Also, in recent years, drones have been utilized in various fields such as logistics distribution, disaster relief, broadcasting, and leisure in addition to military applications due to advantages such as simplicity, speed, and economy.

[0006] Also, although drones have various advantages, it is a reality that they have a high risk of crashing due to external environmental changes such as wind and inexperienced operation. And since drones and various parts belonging to them are originally expensive, the economic damage caused by drone damage is inevitable and serious.

[0007] Furthermore, when a drone crashes, in addition to the significant economic damage caused by the damage of the multicopter drone itself, the risk of secondary damage to people and objects is also serious.

[0008] For these reasons, drone operational stability is considered crucial, and in order to achieve this stability, designing the structure of the drone's propeller and landing sections is a particularly important challenge.

[0009] In other words, when designing the structure of a drone's propeller section, it is necessary to consider all issues, including the problem of the drone ascending or descending stably during takeoff and landing, and operational issues related to movement in a specific direction after takeoff. Therefore, there is a real need for the development of drone technologies that can solve both of these problems.

[0010] Furthermore, while the propeller section of conventional drones is mostly integrated with the main body, this integrated design inherently carries the risk of damage during the drone's transport process. There is a real need to develop a propeller structure that can mitigate these risks.

[0011] Prior art documents in the technical field to which this invention belongs include Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2314218, Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2133412, Korean Registered Patent No. 10-1866191, and Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2328509. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] This invention was devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to fold the drone's propellers to minimize their volume when parked or stored, while also protecting the propellers from external impacts.

[0013] Furthermore, the aim is to enable stable flight through the use of multiple propellers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] To achieve the above objective, a propeller-folding drone according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a main body; a first propeller section in which a plurality of first drive arms are rotatably coupled to the upper surface of the main body and which can be stored in or pulled out from the upper surface of the main body; and a cover section that is vertically movable and coupled to the upper surface of the main body, with a space formed at its lower end so as to be able to cover the first propeller section when it is in a downward position, and which moves upward so as to pull out the first propeller section.

[0015] Furthermore, the lower edge of the cover portion is formed at a position opposite to the extended first drive arm, and is characterized in that it is coupled to the first drive arm when it moves downward, fixing the extended angle of the first drive arm.

[0016] Furthermore, a lower plate is connected to the space so as to be movable in the vertical direction, and a plurality of second drive arms are connected to the lower surface of the lower plate so as to be rotatable, with the second drive arms positioned on a plane with the first drive arms when the lower plate moves downward, and the second drive arms rotating when the lower plate moves upward.

[0017] Furthermore, an elastic body is attached to the upper surface of the lower plate and connected to the upper surface of the space, and the lower plate moves downward when the cover moves upward, and is pushed upward by the first propeller when the cover moves downward, and is housed in the space.

[0018] Furthermore, a flight propeller is attached to the upper surface of the cover portion so as to be height adjustable and rotatable, the flight propeller is formed to correspond to the shape of the upper surface of the cover portion, and the flight propeller rotates after rising to a certain height. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the folding drone of the present invention, a first propeller unit is rotatably coupled to the upper surface of the main body for storage and extraction, and a cover unit is coupled to the upper surface of the main body so as to be movable in the vertical direction. Accordingly, the first propeller unit is housed in the cover unit according to the rotation of the first propeller unit and the movement of the cover unit, thereby minimizing the volume during parking or storage and preventing damage to the propeller.

[0020] In addition, by rotatably coupling a second propeller unit to the lower surface of the cover unit, it is possible to achieve a more stable flight through the first propeller unit and the second propeller unit.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a propeller folding drone according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a side view of a propeller folding drone according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a plan view of the main body and a bottom view of the cover unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is an arrangement view of the first propeller unit and the second propeller unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is an operation diagram of a propeller folding drone according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is an operation diagram of a propeller folding drone according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is an operation diagram of a propeller folding drone according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is an operation diagram of a flight propeller according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is an operation diagram of a flight propeller according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view of a propeller folding drone according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Side view of the propeller folding type drone according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] Diagram showing the state where the drive arm according to the second embodiment of the present invention is fixed to the angle fixing groove. [Figure 13] Front view and bottom view of the sub-fixing groove according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] Front view and plan view of the fixing plate according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] Operation diagram of the shielding film according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0022] The advantages, features, and methods for achieving them of the present invention can be made clear by referring to the following embodiments described in detail together with the accompanying drawings.

[0023] However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be embodied in various different forms. However, this embodiment is provided to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully inform those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals indicate the same components.

[0024] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings for explaining the propeller folding type drone according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a propeller-folding drone according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a side view of the propeller-folding drone according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is a plan view of the main body and a bottom view of the cover according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 is an arrangement diagram of the first propeller section and the second propeller section according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figures 5 to 7 are operation diagrams of the propeller-folding drone according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Figures 8 to 9 are operation diagrams of the flight propeller according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Referring to these drawings, the foldable drone according to this embodiment has the feature that the propellers are configured to be retractable and retractable, thereby reducing the volume during storage and preventing damage to the propellers.

[0027] The propeller-folding drone 100 according to this embodiment, which can provide such effects, includes a main body 110, a first propeller section 120, a cover section 130, and a second propeller section 140.

[0028] The main body 110 has a streamlined, elongated shape and is produced in a variety of sizes.

[0029] The size of the main body 110 may be made to be palm-sized for portability, or it may be made larger so that it can be attached to a vehicle or used to transport people.

[0030] Supports are attached downwards to both sides of the lower end of the main body 110.

[0031] For example, a buoyancy device may be attached to the support, or an automobile may be attached between the support structures.

[0032] The battery 111 and the first drive cylinder 112 are connected inside the main body 110.

[0033] The battery 111 is coupled to the support.

[0034] The battery 111 can be detachably coupled to the support.

[0035] The first drive cylinder 112 is for moving the cover portion 130, which will be described later, in the vertical direction, and is coupled to the center of the main body 110, with the cylinder rod 112a coupled so that it can protrude upward.

[0036] The first propeller section 120 is for providing thrust to the main body 110, and is connected to the upper end of the main body 110 and to the battery 111.

[0037] Multiple first drive motors 121 are coupled to the first propeller section 120 at predetermined intervals from the upper surface of the main body 110.

[0038] The main body of the first drive motor 121 is coupled to the main body 110 so as to be built inside it.

[0039] The first drive motor 121 is arranged along the periphery of the main body 110.

[0040] A first drive arm 122 is rotatably coupled to each of the first drive motors 121.

[0041] The first drive arm 122 is supported in close contact with the upper surface of the main body 110.

[0042] Each of the first drive arms 122 rotates so that it is either housed within the upper surface of the main body 110 or rotates and is pulled out outside the upper surface of the main body 110.

[0043] A first propeller 123 is connected to each end of the first drive arm 122.

[0044] The first propeller is double-coupled to the first drive arm in the vertical direction.

[0045] Preferably, the end of the first drive arm is formed to be rotatable so that the first propeller rotates when it is stored.

[0046] This is to prevent the first propeller, which is arranged in a double configuration in the vertical direction, from interfering with the upper surface of the main body when the first drive arm, which is in close contact with the upper surface of the main body, is retracted.

[0047] The first drive arms 122 are arranged parallel to each other when rotating and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the main body 110, so that they are housed inside the main body 110.

[0048] The cover portion 130 is for covering the housed first propeller portion 120 and is connected to the main body 110 so as to be movable in the vertical direction.

[0049] The cover portion 130 is formed to correspond to or be the same size as the upper surface of the main body 110.

[0050] A space 131 is formed at the lower end of the cover portion 130 so as to be able to cover the first propeller portion 120.

[0051] An angle fixing groove 132 is formed on the lower edge of the cover portion 130 at a position facing the first drive arm 122 of the extended first propeller portion 120 for fixing the first drive arm 122.

[0052] The angle fixing groove 132 is formed in a position opposite to the second drive arm 142, which will be described later.

[0053] The cover portion 130 is moved downward so as to cover the first propeller portion 120 housed through the space portion 131.

[0054] The cover portion 130 is moved upward so that the first propeller portion 120 can be pulled out.

[0055] After the first propeller section 120 is pulled out while the cover section 130 is moved upward, it moves downward, thereby fixing the first drive arm 122 via the angle fixing groove 132.

[0056] Furthermore, a lower plate 133 is connected to the space 131 of the cover portion 130 so as to be movable in the vertical direction.

[0057] Specifically, the lower plate 133 is formed to correspond to the space 131, and a through hole 133a is formed in its center so that the cylinder rod 112a passes through it.

[0058] The lower plate 133 is connected to a second drive cylinder 134 provided on the inner upper surface of the space 131.

[0059] The lower plate 133 is moved vertically within the space 131 by the drive of the second drive cylinder 134.

[0060] The lower plate 133 is positioned so as to be in close contact with the upper end of the first propeller portion 120 when the cover portion 130 is in a downward position.

[0061] The second propeller section 140 has the same configuration as the first propeller section 120, is coupled to the lower surface of the lower plate 133, and is connected to the battery 111.

[0062] Multiple second drive motors 141 are coupled to the second propeller section 140 at predetermined intervals from the lower surface of the lower plate 133.

[0063] The second drive motor 141 is coupled to the lower plate 133 so as to be built into it.

[0064] The second drive motor 141 is positioned along the periphery of the lower plate 133.

[0065] The second drive motor 141 is preferably positioned between the adjacent first drive motors 121 around the lower plate 133.

[0066] A second drive arm 142 is rotatably coupled to each of the second drive motors 141.

[0067] The second drive arm 142 is in close contact with the lower surface of the lower plate 133.

[0068] Each of the second drive arms 142 rotates to either be positioned and stored within the lower surface of the lower plate 133, or rotates and is pulled out to the outside of the lower plate 133.

[0069] A second propeller 143 is connected to each end of the second drive arm 142.

[0070] In this case, it is preferable that the first drive arm 122 and the second drive arm 142 are arranged so as to be separated from each other by a predetermined distance.

[0071] This is to prevent the first propeller 123 and the second propeller 143 from interfering with each other when they are operating.

[0072] The second drive arm 142 is positioned parallel to the first drive arm 122 when it rotates so as to be housed within the lower plate 133, and is positioned offset from the first drive arm 122 on a plane.

[0073] Here, with the second drive arm 142 in its retracted state, the cover portion 130 moves downward, positioning it between the first drive arms 122 so that it is on the same plane as the first drive arms 122.

[0074] On the other hand, the second propeller is double-coupled to the second drive arm in the vertical direction.

[0075] Preferably, the end of the second drive arm is formed to be rotatable so that the second propeller rotates when it is stored.

[0076] This is to prevent the second propeller, which is arranged in a double configuration in the vertical direction, from interfering with the lower surface of the lower plate when the second drive arm, which is in close contact with the lower surface of the lower plate, is retracted.

[0077] A flight propeller 150, formed to correspond to the shape of the upper surface of the cover portion 130, is attached to the upper surface of the cover portion 130.

[0078] The aforementioned flight propeller 150 is designed to maintain lift even when the propeller stops above a certain speed, and is connected to the upper surface of the cover portion 130 in a height-adjustable manner by a separate cylinder.

[0079] The flight propeller 150 is either folded and pressed against the upper surface of the cover portion 130, or raised to a certain height.

[0080] The aforementioned flight propeller 150 is rotatably coupled to the cover portion 130 by a separate motor.

[0081] The flight propeller 150 has a rotation radius of 90 degrees and is positioned to face the cover portion 130 when rotated, or to protrude from both sides.

[0082] In this case, it is preferable that the flight propeller 150 is driven when the drone is flying at a constant speed.

[0083] The following describes the effects of the present invention on the propeller-folding drone 100.

[0084] With the first propeller section 120 and the second propeller section 140 retracted, the cover section 130 is moved upward in order to extend the first propeller section 120 and the second propeller section 140.

[0085] The cover portion 130 is moved upward by the first drive cylinder 112, and the lower plate 133 is moved downward by the second drive cylinder 134.

[0086] Here, the cover portion 130 is moved such that the first propeller portion 120 and the second propeller portion 140 are separated from each other in the vertical direction.

[0087] Then, the first propeller section 120 and the second propeller section 140 are each rotated outwards and pulled out.

[0088] Here, since the first propeller section 120 and the second propeller section 140 are separated from each other in the vertical direction, they can rotate without interfering with each other.

[0089] With the first propeller section 120 and the second propeller section 140 extended, the lower plate 133 moves upward, thereby fixing the second drive arm 142 to the adjacent angle fixing groove 132.

[0090] As the cover portion 130 moves downward, the first drive arm 122 is fixed to the adjacent angle fixing groove 132, and the first propeller portion 120 and the second propeller portion 140 are positioned on a plane relative to each other.

[0091] Subsequently, the flight propeller 150 moves upward and rotates 90 degrees.

[0092] On the other hand, when storing the first propeller section 120 and the second propeller section 140, the cover section 130 is first moved upward, and the lower plate 133 is moved downward.

[0093] The first propeller section 120 and the second propeller section 140 are then rotated so that they are retracted from each other.

[0094] The lower plate 133 is moved upward with the second propeller section 140 housed inside, and the cover section 130 is moved downward so that the first propeller section 120 and the second propeller section 140 are arranged parallel to each other.

[0095] This allows the first propeller section 120 and the second propeller section 140 to be retracted or to have their extended angles fixed in accordance with the vertical movement of the cover section 130.

[0096] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a propeller-folding drone according to a second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 11 is a side view of a propeller-folding drone according to a second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 12 shows a state in which the drive arm is fixed to the angle fixing groove according to a second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 13 is a front view and a bottom view of a sub-fixing groove according to a second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 14 is a front view and a top view of a fixing plate according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 15 is an operation diagram of a shielding film according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] The propeller-folding drone 200 according to this embodiment includes a main body 210, a first propeller section 220, a cover section 230, and a second propeller section 240.

[0098] The first propeller section 220 is coupled to the upper end of the main body 210.

[0099] Multiple first drive motors 221 are coupled to the first propeller section 220 at predetermined intervals from the upper surface of the main body 210.

[0100] A first drive arm 222 is rotatably coupled to each of the first drive motors 221.

[0101] Each of the first drive arms 222 is rotated so that it is either positioned and stored within the upper surface of the main body 210, or rotated and pulled out to the outside of the upper surface of the main body 210.

[0102] A first propeller 223 is coupled to each end of the first drive arm 222.

[0103] The cover portion 230 is for covering the housed first propeller portion 220 and is connected to the main body 210 so as to be movable in the vertical direction.

[0104] A space 231 is formed at the lower end of the cover portion 230 so as to be able to cover the first propeller portion 220.

[0105] An angle fixing groove 232 is formed on the lower edge of the cover portion 230 at a position facing the first drive arm 222 of the extended first propeller portion 220 for fixing the first drive arm 222.

[0106] The angle fixing groove 232 is formed in a position opposite to the second drive arm 242, which will be described later.

[0107] The angle fixing groove 232 is formed to correspond to the first drive arm 222 and the second drive arm 242.

[0108] Furthermore, a lower plate 233 is connected to the space 231 of the cover portion 230 so as to be movable in the vertical direction.

[0109] The second propeller section 240 is coupled to the lower surface of the lower plate 233.

[0110] Multiple second drive motors 241 are coupled to the second propeller section 240 at predetermined intervals from the lower surface of the lower plate 233.

[0111] A second drive arm 242 is rotatably coupled to each of the second drive motors 241.

[0112] Each of the second drive arms 242 is rotated so that it is positioned and stored within the lower surface of the lower plate 233, or rotates outwards from the lower plate 233 and is pulled out.

[0113] A second propeller 243 is coupled to each end of the second drive arm 242.

[0114] Furthermore, a sub-fixing groove 232a is formed along the inner wall of the angle fixing groove 232.

[0115] The first drive arm 222 and the second drive arm 242 each have a first fixing plate 222a and a second fixing plate 242a formed on them at positions corresponding to the sub-fixing groove 232a, so as to be coupled to the sub-fixing groove 232a.

[0116] Furthermore, a first packing member P1 is attached to the lower edge of the cover portion 230 so as to be airtightly in contact with the upper surface of the main body 210, in order to suppress wind noise and prevent moisture and rainwater from entering the interior.

[0117] Preferably, the first packing member P1 is also formed in the angle fixing groove 232.

[0118] Furthermore, a second packing member P2 is connected to the upper end of the first drive arm 222 and the lower end of the second drive arm 242.

[0119] The second packing member P2 reduces impact and suppresses noise when the first drive arm 222 is in close contact with the lower plate 233 or when the second drive arm 242 is in close contact with the main body 210.

[0120] A shielding film 213 is attached to the upper surface of the main body 210 at a position opposite the angle fixing groove 232. The shielding film is elastically retractable and extends, and when extended, it shields the angle fixing groove.

[0121] An elastic body 214 is attached to the lower end of the shielding film 213.

[0122] The shielding film 213 is pulled upward by elasticity and retracted inside when pressed by an external force.

[0123] The shielding film 213 has a semicircular shape so that it can be pressed against the adjacent first drive arm 222 when the first drive arm 222 rotates and housed inside the main body 210.

[0124] At this time, the first drive arm 222, the second drive arm 242, and the angle fixing groove are also formed to the same shape.

[0125] According to the propeller-folding drone of the present invention, the first propeller section is rotatably coupled to the upper surface of the main body for storage and extension, and the cover section is coupled to the upper surface of the main body so as to be movable in the vertical direction. As the first propeller section rotates and the cover section moves, the first propeller section is stored inside the cover section, thereby minimizing the volume when parked or stored, and preventing damage to the propellers.

[0126] Furthermore, by rotatably connecting the second propeller section to the underside of the cover section, it is possible to achieve more stable flight through the first and second propeller sections.

[0127] Any person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains should understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical idea or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood to be illustrative and not limiting in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined more by the claims than by the above detailed description, and all modifications or alterations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and the concept of equivalents thereto should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. In drones, The main unit and Multiple first drive arms are rotatably connected to the upper surface of the main body, and a first propeller section is either housed on the upper surface of the main body or pulled out to the outside, A propeller-folding drone comprising: a cover portion that is coupled to the upper surface of the main body so as to be movable in the vertical direction, has a space formed at its lower end so as to be able to cover the first propeller portion when it is in a lower position, and moves upward so as to allow the first propeller portion to be retracted.

2. The propeller-folding drone according to claim 1, characterized in that an angle-fixing groove is formed on the lower edge of the cover portion at a position opposite to the extended first drive arm, and is coupled to the first drive arm when it moves downward, fixing the extended angle of the first drive arm.

3. A lower plate is attached to the aforementioned space so as to be movable in the vertical direction. Multiple second drive arms are rotatably connected to the lower surface of the aforementioned lower plate, and a second propeller section is attached to each of them. The second drive arm is positioned on a plane with the first drive arm when the lower plate moves downward. The propeller-folding drone according to claim 2, characterized in that the second drive arm rotates when the lower plate moves upward.

4. An elastic body is attached to the upper surface of the lower plate and connected to the upper surface of the space. The propeller-folding drone according to claim 3, characterized in that the lower plate is moved downward when the cover portion moves upward, and is pushed upward by the first propeller portion when the cover portion moves downward, and is stored in the space portion.

5. A flight propeller is attached to the upper surface of the cover portion so as to be height-adjustable and rotatable. The aforementioned flight propeller is formed to correspond to the shape of the upper surface of the cover portion, The propeller-folding drone according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned flight propeller is rotated after rising to a predetermined height.

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