KR102616932B1 - Drone System capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes and Method for switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes and a method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same. The drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes of the present invention disclosed includes: a drone; base station; a cable disposed between the drone and the base station to supply power to the drone; A connecting device for connecting or disconnecting a cable connector disposed on one end of the cable and a battery pack connector disposed on the battery pack of the drone; and a flight mode switching device that switches the flight mode of the drone by controlling attachment and detachment of the drone and the cable connector.
In addition, the flight mode switching device disposed in the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes of the present invention includes a mode switching unit disposed in the battery pack at a predetermined distance from the battery pack connector, and a magnetic force generated in the mode switching unit. It includes a magnetic force control unit that adjusts the drone to do so or remove the magnetic force, and the drone operates in a wired flight mode or a wireless flight mode by the magnetic force generated or removed by the mode switching unit.

Description

Drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes and method for switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same {Drone System capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes and Method for switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same}

The present invention relates to a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes and a method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same. More specifically, it relates to a drone system capable of switching from a wired flight mode to a wireless flight mode and a method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same.

Recently, unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, have been developed and commercialized. Drones are equipped with cameras and various sensors and can fly unmanned, and are used for various necessary tasks. For example, drones are used for a wide range of purposes, including environmental monitoring, forest fire monitoring, broadcasting, sports broadcasting, pesticide spraying, road surveillance, security, military, leisure, and sports.

Meanwhile, conventional drones have the problem of being inefficient in continuous work due to short battery operation time because they perform flight missions using power from an internal battery. To improve this problem, a tethered-drone, which can be operated by connecting a cable between ground control equipment and the drone, was proposed. In general, tethered drones operate in wired flight mode because they perform their mission while receiving power through a cable.

Therefore, tethered drones can be operated for a much longer mission than drones that fly only with conventionally installed batteries. However, tethered drones have a problem where the user cannot control the drone if the cable becomes tangled with ground structures (e.g. buildings, electric poles, trees, etc.) during work, or if the cable that supplies power to the drone becomes tangled due to wind, etc. do.

In other words, since tethered drones are operated in a wired flight mode connected to a cable, if an emergency situation (e.g., collision with a bird, rapidly changing weather, collision with a ground structure, cable damage, etc.) occurs, the drone operated in wireless flight mode Compared to this, significant damage occurs to the drone, cables, and entire connecting equipment.

Therefore, in emergency situations such as the above, technology is required to quickly separate the drone and cable and switch the drone's wireless flight mode. Additionally, when a drone switches from a wired flight mode to a wireless flight mode, technology is required to protect the cable connected to the drone.

10-2231048 B

The present invention was developed to solve the problems of the prior art as described above. When using a drone, the user can continue to use the drone without interrupting the flight even when the cable connected to the ground control equipment is in contact with ground structures and the drone and becomes tangled. The purpose is to provide a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes and a method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same.

In addition, the present invention is a drone system capable of switching wired and wireless flight modes that can quickly switch the drone from a wired flight mode to a wireless flight mode, preventing damage to the drone and cables even if an emergency situation occurs in the drone performing its mission. The purpose is to provide a wired and wireless flight mode switching method using this.

In addition, the present invention is a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes to prevent damage to the drone, cables, and connecting equipment by quickly separating the cable and drone when an abnormal situation occurs in the cable connected to the drone by the drone or ground structure. The purpose is to provide a wired and wireless flight mode switching method using this.

In addition, the present invention provides a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes to prevent damage to the cable and cable connector connected to the drone from falling when the drone switches from the wired flight mode to the wireless flight mode, and a wired and wireless flight mode using the same. The purpose is to provide a transition method.

In addition, the present invention provides a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes by arranging a heat dissipation means and a heating means in the battery pack of the drone so that the battery can stably supply power to the drone despite changes in ambient temperature, and a wired and wireless flight mode switch using the same. The purpose is to provide a method.

In addition, the present invention allows the components and heating means to be operated by power directly supplied from the cable when the drone operates in a wired flight mode, and when the drone operates in a wireless flight mode, power can be supplied from the battery pack. The purpose is to provide a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes that enables efficient operation of the power required for drone operation, and a method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same.

In addition, the present invention is a drone capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes that improves the problems of the lack of communication system and vulnerability of data security of conventional tethered drones by independently arranging a power line and a data line capable of data communication on the cable connected to the drone. The purpose is to provide a system and a method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the system.

However, the technical problems to be achieved by the present invention and embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the technical problems described above, and other technical problems may exist.

The drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes of the present invention to solve the problems caused by the prior art includes: a drone; base station; a cable disposed between the drone and the base station to supply power to the drone; A connecting device for connecting or disconnecting a cable connector disposed on one end of the cable and a battery pack connector disposed on the battery pack of the drone; and a flight mode switching device that switches the flight mode of the drone by controlling attachment and detachment of the drone and the cable connector.

In addition, the flight mode switching device disposed in the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes of the present invention includes a mode switching unit disposed in the battery pack at a predetermined distance from the battery pack connector, and a magnetic force generated in the mode switching unit. It includes a magnetic force control unit that adjusts the drone to do so or remove the magnetic force, and the drone operates in a wired flight mode or a wireless flight mode by the magnetic force generated or removed by the mode switching unit.

In addition, the battery pack connector disposed in the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes of the present invention includes a first connector body portion and a first linkage engaged with a first groove formed on one side of the first connector body portion and having one side open. and a first plug disposed inside the first linkage, wherein the cable connector is engaged with a second connector body and a second groove formed on one side of the second connector body and has one side open. and a second plug disposed inside the second linkage.

In addition, the connecting device disposed in the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes of the present invention includes an elastic portion disposed between the second linkage and the second plug, and an elastic portion disposed inside the second linkage in the second groove area. It includes at least one fixing means and a servo motor that controls fixation or separation of the fixing means.

Here, the fixing means of the connecting device includes a fixing protrusion that is fastened to a fixing groove formed in the first linkage to fix the first linkage, a support bar extending from the fixing protrusion, and a rotating part disposed at one end of the support bar. And, the fixing protrusion of the fixing means protrudes into the groove area where the first linkage is inserted through the open area formed in the second linkage and is engaged with the fixing groove formed in the first linkage.

In addition, the battery pack connector disposed in the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes of the present invention includes a first connector body, a first groove formed on one side of the first connector body, and disposed inside the first groove. Includes a first plug, and the cable connector includes a second connector body, a second groove formed on one side of the second connector body, and a second plug disposed inside the second groove.

Here, the connecting device includes at least one fixing means disposed inside the second connector body portion of the second groove area and a servomotor that controls fixation or separation of the fixing means, and the connecting device The fixing means includes a fixing protrusion for fixing the first plug inserted into the second groove, a support bar extending from the fixing protrusion, and a rotating part disposed at one end of the support bar.

In addition, the fixing protrusion of the fixing means disposed in the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes of the present invention is a fixing groove on the first plug inserted in the second groove area when the first plug is inserted into the second groove. It is fastened, and the fixing protrusion of the fixing means protrudes into the inner space of the second groove through an open area formed in the second connector body part of the second groove area and is engaged with the fixing groove of the first plug.

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes of the present invention further includes a connector protection device for protecting the cable connector, and the connector protection device includes a connector holder for accommodating the cable connector disposed on the cable; , a holder moving part disposed on the connector holder so that the connector holder can move along the cable, and at least one shock absorber disposed along a lower surface of the connector holder.

Here, the connector protection device includes at least one airbag accommodating portion disposed on the upper surface of the cable connector, an airbag accommodated in the airbag accommodating portion, a first contact sensor disposed in the cable connector, and the cable connector is connected to the connector. It further includes a second contact sensor disposed to face the first contact sensor when stored in the holder.

A drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and a method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same were designed to solve the problems of the prior art as described above. When using a drone, the cable connected to the ground control equipment is This has the effect of allowing users to continue using the drone without stopping flight even when it comes into contact with ground structures and drones.

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same can quickly switch the drone from the wired flight mode to the wireless flight mode, so that the drone performing its mission can be operated in an emergency situation. Even if this occurs, it has the effect of preventing damage to the drone and cable.

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching wired and wireless flight modes using the same allow the cable and drone to be quickly separated when an abnormal situation occurs in the cable connected to the drone by the drone or ground structure. This has the effect of preventing damage to the drone, cables, and connecting equipment.

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same are, when the drone switches from a wired flight mode to a wireless flight mode, the cable and cable connector connected to the drone are damaged due to a fall. It has the effect of preventing damage.

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same include arranging a heat dissipation means and a heating means in the battery pack of the drone, so that the battery is stable in the drone despite changes in ambient temperature. This has the effect of allowing power to be supplied.

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same have components and heating means operated by power directly supplied from the cable when the drone operates in wired flight mode. This has the effect of enabling efficient operation of the power required for drone operation by enabling the drone to receive power from the battery pack when operating in wireless flight mode.

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same independently arrange a power line and a data line capable of data communication on a cable connected to the drone, so that the conventional tethered drone It has the effect of improving the problems of insufficient communication systems and vulnerabilities in data security.

However, the effects that can be obtained from the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood from the description below.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a diagram showing a drone switching from a wired flight mode to a wireless flight mode in a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a diagram showing a cable connector disposed on a portion of the battery pack and cable of the drone in a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 4a and 4b are diagrams showing a process of connecting a cable connector and a battery pack connector in a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views showing the structures of the first plug of the battery pack connector and the second plug of the cable connector in the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a diagram showing a fixing means of a fastening device disposed in a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 8a and 8b are diagrams showing the first plug and the second plug being connected and separated in the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views showing the structures of the first plug of the battery pack connector and the second plug of the cable connector in a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 11a and 11b are diagrams showing a heat dissipation panel disposed on a battery pack and its structure in a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 12a and 12b are diagrams showing a heating panel disposed on a battery pack and its structure in a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 13a and 13b are cross-sectional views of the battery pack to explain the process of heating the battery pack in the wired and wireless flight modes of the drone in a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a cable connected to a drone in a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 15 is a diagram showing the structure of a connector protection device disposed on a cable connector in a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 16a and 16b are diagrams showing the operation process of the connector protection device after switching from the wired flight mode to the wireless flight mode in the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 17 is a block diagram of a drone system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 18 is a diagram showing a wired and wireless flight mode switching process in a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Since the present invention can be modified in various ways and can have various embodiments, specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail below along with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various forms. In the following embodiments, terms such as first and second are used not in a limiting sense but for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component. Additionally, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, terms such as include or have mean that the features or components described in the specification exist, and do not preclude the possibility of adding one or more other features or components. Additionally, in the drawings, the sizes of components may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of explanation. For example, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are shown arbitrarily for convenience of explanation, so the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is shown.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components will be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant description thereof will be omitted. .

Figure 1 is a diagram showing a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and a method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same include a base station (100: Base station) and a drone (200) connected to the base station (100: Base Station) and a cable (330: Cable).

The base station 100 can control the drone 200 according to the input of a pilot operating the drone 200 or a preset drone control process. In particular, the drone system of the present invention can switch the drone 200 from a wired flight mode to a wireless flight mode under the control of the base station 100.

When the drone 200 operates in a wired flight mode, the base station 100 supplies power through the cable 330 and controls the flight and filming of the drone 200 through wired communication through the cable 330. You can.

In addition, when the drone 200 operates in a wired flight mode, the base station 100 shortens or extends the length of the cable 330 depending on the location of the drone 200 to enable the drone 200 to fly stably. We can support you.

In addition, the drone system of the present invention can be used to separate or connect a flight mode switch device to the drone 200, a cable 330, and the drone 200 so that the drone 200 can be switched from a wired flight mode to a wireless flight mode. It may include a connecting device.

Additionally, the drone system of the present invention may include a connector protection device to protect the separated cable 330 and cable connector when the drone 200 switches from a wired flight mode to a wireless flight mode.

Additionally, the drone system of the present invention may include a heat dissipation means and a heating means to prevent battery discharge or unstable power supply phenomenon due to temperature changes while the drone 200 is in flight.

The base station 100 and drone 200, which constitute the drone system of the present invention described above, will be described in more detail in FIG. 17 below.

As such, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same were designed to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and when using a drone, ground control equipment and This has the effect of allowing users to continue using the drone without interrupting the flight even when the connected cable is tangled in contact with ground structures and the drone.

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same can quickly switch the drone from the wired flight mode to the wireless flight mode, so that the drone performing its mission can be operated in an emergency situation. Even if this occurs, it has the effect of preventing damage to the drone and cable.

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching wired and wireless flight modes using the same allow the cable and drone to be quickly separated when an abnormal situation occurs in the cable connected to the drone by the drone or ground structure. This has the effect of preventing damage to the drone, cables, and connecting equipment.

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same are, when the drone switches from a wired flight mode to a wireless flight mode, the cable and cable connector connected to the drone are damaged due to a fall. It has the effect of preventing damage.

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same include arranging a heat dissipation means and a heating means in the battery pack of the drone, so that the battery is stable in the drone despite changes in ambient temperature. This has the effect of allowing power to be supplied.

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same have components and heating means operated by power directly supplied from the cable when the drone operates in wired flight mode. This has the effect of enabling efficient operation of the power required for drone operation by enabling the drone to receive power from the battery pack when operating in wireless flight mode.

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same independently arrange a power line and a data line capable of data communication on a cable connected to the drone, so that the conventional tethered drone It has the effect of improving the problems of insufficient communication systems and vulnerabilities in data security.

- Structure and method of switching a drone from wired flight mode to wireless flight mode in a drone system

Figure 2 is a diagram showing a drone switching from a wired flight mode to a wireless flight mode in a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a diagram showing a cable connector disposed on a portion of the battery pack and cable of the drone in a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 4a and 4b are diagrams showing a process of connecting a cable connector and a battery pack connector in a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figures 2 to 4B along with Figure 1, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery pack (221) disposed on the drone (200) and a battery pack connector (320). ) and a flight mode converter. The battery pack 221 is a device that supplies power to the drone 200 by mounting a battery for driving the drone 200, and is a device that can be included in the drone 200 to perform a wired or wireless flight mode conversion service. It can be equipped with various components.

The drone system of the present invention can operate in a wired flight mode in which the drone 200 flies while connected to the cable 330 and a wireless flight mode in which the cable 330 and the drone 200 fly in a separated state. When operating in a wired flight mode, the drone 200 remains connected to the cable 330, and when operating in a wireless flight mode, the cable 330 and the drone 200 are separated.

Accordingly, the drone system of the present invention may further include a connecting device for separating or connecting the drone 200 and the cable 330 and a flight mode switching device. The connecting device is described in more detail in FIG. 5 and below, and herein, switching between wired and wireless flight modes of the drone 200 is explained focusing on the flight mode switching device.

The flight mode switching device includes a mode switching unit 500 disposed in the battery pack 221 at a predetermined distance from the battery pack connector 320, and adjusts the mode switching unit 500 to generate magnetic force or remove the magnetic force. It includes a motor unit 510 that supplies power for movement of the magnetic force control unit 509 and the mode switching unit 500.

The mode switching unit 500 may further include a coil (eg, solenoid, etc.) that becomes an electromagnet when a current flows inside close to the bottom first surface sf1.

At this time, the magnetic force control unit 509 is connected to the coil inside the mode switch unit 500 and controls the generation and removal of the magnetic force of the mode switch unit 500 by adjusting the current supply for generating magnetic force.

That is, the magnetic force adjusting unit 509 controls the fixation or separation of the cable connector 340 and the mode switching unit 500 by controlling the generation or removal of magnetic force of the mode switching unit 500. The drone 200 is converted to a wired flight mode or a wireless flight mode by connecting (fixing) or disconnecting the cable connector 340 and the mode switching unit 500.

In addition, the cable connector 340 has a second surface sf2 containing a magnetic material so that it can be attached or separated by the magnetic force generated in the mode switching unit 500 by the magnetic force adjusting unit 509. It can be included.

In this way, the flight mode switching device not only has the function of finally separating the cable connector 340 and the drone 200 when the drone 200 switches from the wired flight mode to the wireless flight mode, but also functions to separate the cable connector 340 and the battery. When making electrical connections with the pack connector 320, it can be applied to accurate alignment work.

The cable connector 340 includes a second plug 341 and a second servomotor 344 that provides power for forward and backward movement of the second plug 341 or a linkage surrounding the second plug 341. The battery pack connector 320 includes a first plug 321 disposed to face the second plug 341 and a first servomotor 322 that provides power for forward and backward movement of the first plug 321. . The first plug 321 is included in the battery pack connector 320 and is a part that mediates the electrical connection between the base station 100 and the drone 200, and connects the power supplied through the cable 330 to the drone 200. ) can perform the role of conveying to the side.

Additionally, the first servomotor 322 is connected to the first plug 321 of the battery pack connector 320 and can move the first plug 321 a predetermined distance.

In the wired flight mode, the drone 200 receives power through the cable 330 with the cable connector 340 and the battery pack connector 320 electrically connected. The cable connector 340 and the battery pack connector 320 are electrically connected and then fixed by the connecting device of the present invention.

In order for the cable connector 340 to be connected to the battery pack connector 320, first, the mode switching unit 500 of the flight mode switching device descends from the bottom portion (BS) of the battery pack 221 and connects the cable connector 340. Fix it. The mode switching unit 500 fixes the cable connector 340 by magnetic force supplied from the magnetic force control unit 509 of the flight mode switching device.

At this time, the battery pack connector 320 may also descend from the bottom of the battery pack 221 and be aligned with the facing cable connector 340.

As such, the flight mode switching device disposed in the drone system of the present invention serves to finally separate the cable connector 340 from the drone 200 using the magnetic force control unit 509, thereby It can be used to switch to wired or wireless flight mode.

In addition, the flight mode switching device can adjust the position of the mode switching unit 500 using the motor unit 510, so that the first plug 321 of the battery pack connector 320 and the first plug 321 of the cable connector 340 2 When the plug 341 is fastened, it can also serve as an alignment function.

4A and 4B, when the cable connector 340 and the battery pack connector 320 are connected, the alignment process using the flight mode switching device will be described as follows.

As described above, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention has a battery pack connector 320 and a flight mode switching device disposed on the battery pack 221.

As shown in the figure, the mode switching unit 500 of the flight mode switching device can descend a predetermined distance from the bottom part (BS) of the battery pack by the motor unit 510. Likewise, the battery pack connector 320 may also descend a predetermined distance from the bottom portion (BS) of the battery pack 221.

In detail, referring to FIG. 4B, since the mode switching unit 500 can move in the vertical direction by the motor unit 510, the position of the cable connector 340 fixed to the mode switching unit 500 can also be moved in the vertical direction. You can move.

Therefore, the drone system of the present invention positions the mode switching unit 500 so that the first plug 321 of the battery pack connector 320 and the second plug 341 of the cable connector 340 are located in a straight line. You can move or move the position of the battery pack connector 320. In some cases, the mode switching unit 500 and the battery pack connector 320 may be moved up and down together so that the first and second plugs 321 and 341 face each other.

In addition, the drone system of the present invention uses the first surface sf1, which is the bottom of the mode switching unit 500, and the cable to maintain a stable connection between the plugs even when the cable connector 340 and the battery pack connector 320 are connected to each other. The second surface sf2, which is the upper surface of the connector 340, may remain in contact with each other.

Therefore, the drone system of the present invention can fix the cable connector 340 by supplying magnetic force to the mode switching unit 500 of the flight mode switching device even in the wired flight mode.

Meanwhile, the drone system of the present invention receives power through the cable 330 when the drone 200 is in a wired flight mode, so the cable connector 340 and the battery pack connector 320 are firmly coupled to operate in wireless flight mode. Connecting devices can be arranged so that they can be easily separated for conversion.

- Connecting device and method of connecting and disconnecting battery pack connector and cable connector using the same

5 and 6 show the structure of the first plug 321 of the battery pack connector 320 and the second plug 341 of the cable connector 340 in a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a cross-sectional view showing . Figure 7 is a diagram showing a fixing means of a fastening device disposed in a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 8a and 8b are diagrams showing the first plug and the second plug being connected and separated in the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 8B, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes of the present invention may include a connecting device that facilitates coupling and separation of the cable connector 340 and the battery pack connector 320. .

The battery pack connector 320 includes a first connector body 320a and a first linkage Lk-1 that is engaged with a first groove 320b formed on one side of the first connector body 320a and has one side open. and a first plug 321 disposed inside the first groove 320b. In detail, the first linkage (Lk-1) surrounds the first plug 321 and extends outward from the battery pack connector 320 in the longitudinal direction, and has a cylindrical structure with one side open to form a predetermined space inside. It can be. At this time, the first plug 321 may be placed in a predetermined space.

In addition, the first linkage (Lk-1) may have a diameter larger than the diameter of the first plug 321 in case the first plug 321 is moved by the first servomotor 322, A predetermined fixing groove 327 may be formed along the outer peripheral surface.

The cable connector 340 includes a second connector body 340a, a second linkage Lk-2 which is fastened to the first connector body 340a and has a second groove 340b open on one side, and a second linkage Lk-2. 2 It includes a second plug 341 disposed inside the groove 340b.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the cable connector 340 is a device including a connecting device that can connect and separate the base station 100 and the drone 200 based on the cable 330, and provides a wired and wireless flight mode switching service. The overall configuration that can be included on the cable 330 side may be an arranged part to perform.

The connecting device disposed in the drone system of the present invention includes an elastic portion 343 disposed between the second linkage (Lk-2) and the second plug 341, and a second linkage ( Lk-2) includes at least one fixing means 342 disposed inside, and a second servomotor 344 that controls fixation or separation of the fixing means 342. The elastic portion 343 applies a predetermined elastic force to the first linkage (Lk-1) through the pad (343a) and the pad (343a) in contact with the first linkage (Lk-1) of the inserted battery pack connector 320. It may include a spring 343b provided.

In the drawing, the fixing means 342 is disposed in the first and second open areas (OP1, OP2), but the first and second open areas (OP1, OP2) are located on the circumferential surface of the second linkage (Lk-2). Depending on the area, it may be an open area. Additionally, in some cases, a plurality of open areas may be formed at predetermined intervals along the circumferential surface of the second linkage Lk-2. Likewise, the fixing means 342 may be formed as a single structure along the circumferential surface of the second linkage (Lk-2) or may be formed as a structure corresponding to each of a plurality of open areas.

For example, when the fixing means 342 in FIG. 7 is formed as a single structure along the circumferential surface of the second linkage (Lk-2), the fixing means 342 is also formed as a cylindrical structure with an open central area. .

In addition, the fixing means 342 of the connecting device includes a fixing protrusion 342c that is fastened to the fixing groove 327 formed in the first linkage (Lk-1) and fixes the first linkage (Lk-1), and a fixing protrusion ( It includes a support bar (342b) extending from 342c) and a rotating part (342a) disposed at one end of the support bar (342b).

Accordingly, the fixing means 342 of the connecting device securely fixes the cable connector 340 and the battery pack connector 320 by engaging the fixing protrusion 342c with the fixing groove 327 of the first linkage (Lk-1). It plays a role. Specifically, when the cable connector 340 and the battery pack connector 320 are connected, the first linkage (Lk-1) is inserted into the second linkage (Lk-2) and the first plug 321 and the second plug ( 341) are electrically connected. At this time, the fixing protrusion 342c is engaged with the fixing groove 327 of the first linkage (Lk-1). The battery pack connector 320 may include a first servomotor 322 that provides power to move back and forth in order to insert the first linkage (Lk-1) into the second linkage (Lk-2). .

As shown in the drawing, when the cable connector 340 and the battery pack connector 320 are coupled, the first to third terminals disposed on the first plug 321 of the battery pack connector 320 disposed inside (321-a1, 321-a2, 321-a3) are first to third terminal grooves (341-a1, 341-a2, 341-a3) disposed in the second plug 341 of the cable connector 340. is electrically connected to.

Accordingly, the first linkage (Lk-1) has a predetermined angle greater than the protruding degree of the first plug 321 in order to protect the first plug 321 and the terminals 321-a1, 321-a2, and 321-a3. It can protrude further by the length of .

The process of connecting the cable connector 340 and the battery pack connector 320 by the fixing means 342 of the connecting device disposed in the drone system of the present invention will be described as follows.

In the connecting device of the drone system of the present invention, the fixing protrusion 342c of the fixing means 342 is disposed on the cable connector 340, and the second linkage (Lk-2) area is inserted into the battery pack connector 320. 1 Fix the linkage (Lk-1). That is, when the first linkage (Lk-1) is inserted into the second linkage (Lk-2), through the open areas (op1, op2) formed in the second linkage (Lk-2) in the second groove (340b) area. The fixing protrusion 342c protrudes into the inner space of the second groove 340b and is secured by engaging with the fixing groove 327 of the inserted first linkage Lk-1.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, when the first linkage (Lk-1) is inserted into the second linkage (Lk-2) to connect the cable connector 340 and the battery pack connector 320, the first linkage (Lk-2) The front end of -1) contacts the elastic portion 343 disposed between the second plug 341 and the second linkage (Lk-2). That is, the elastic force of the elastic portion 343 acts in the opposite direction to the inserted first linkage (Lk-1) and acts to push the first linkage (Lk-1). This serves to easily separate the cable connector 340 and the battery pack connector 320 after they are connected.

The elastic force of the elastic portion 343 is applied to half that of the inserted first linkage (Lk-1), but as the fixing protrusion 342c is engaged with the fixing groove 327 formed on the surface of the first linkage (Lk-1), the first linkage (Lk-1) is applied. The linkage (Lk-1) is not separated from the second linkage (Lk-2). Therefore, the electrical connection force between the first plug 321 and the second plug 341 is firmly maintained by the fixing means 342, so that when the drone 200 operates in a wired flight mode, it is connected to the first plug 321 and the second plug 341 through the cable 330. Power can be supplied stably.

In addition, the connecting device disposed in the drone system of the present invention, when the drone 200 operates in a wireless flight mode, quickly moves the first and second plugs 321, 341) can be separated.

In more detail, the fixing protrusion 342c of the connecting device is moved to the inner space of the second linkage (Lk-2) inside the open area (op1, op2) by the second servomotor 344. and the fixing groove 327 are separated. At this time, since the elastic force of the elastic portion 343 is continuously applied to the inserted first linkage (Lk-1), when the fixing protrusion 342c and the fixing groove 327 are separated, the first linkage (Lk-1) -1) is separated to the outside of the second linkage (Lk-2) by elastic force.

Thereafter, in the drone system of the present invention, when the magnetic force is removed from the mode switching unit 500 of the flight mode switching device, the cable connector 340 is completely separated from the drone 200, and the drone 200 switches to the wireless flight mode.

Figures 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views showing the structures of the first plug of the battery pack connector and the second plug of the cable connector in a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the connecting device of the drone system according to the second embodiment includes a first linkage (Lk-1) disposed on the battery pack connector 320 and a second linkage disposed on the cable connector 340. (Lk-2) has been removed. In addition, the fixing means 342 and the fixing groove 327 are formed on the surface of the first plug 321. Accordingly, unlike the first embodiment, the fixing means 342 of the connecting device has a fixing protrusion 342c engaged with the fixing groove 327 formed around the first plug 321.

More specifically, the battery pack connector 320 includes a first connector body 320a, a first groove 320b formed on one side of the first connector body 320a, and an inside of the first groove 320b. Includes 1 plug 321.

The cable connector 340 includes a second connector body 340a, a second groove 340b formed on one side of the second connector body 340a, and a second plug 341 inside the second groove 340b. Includes.

The connecting device of the drone system according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes at least one fixing means 342 disposed inside the second connector body 340a in the second groove 340b area, and a fixing means 342 ) includes a second servomotor 344 that controls fixation or separation.

In addition, the fixing means 342 of the connecting device includes a fixing protrusion 342c that is fastened to the fixing groove 327 formed in the first plug 321 and fixes the first plug 321, and a fixing protrusion 342c extending from the fixing protrusion 342c. It includes a support bar 342b and a rotating part 342a disposed at one end of the support bar 342b.

The fixing protrusion 342c of the fixing means 342 causes the first plug 321 disposed on the battery pack connector 320 to be inserted into the second groove 340b of the cable connector 340. It has the function of fixing it so that it does not come apart. When the first and second plugs 321 and 341 are electrically connected to each other, the fixing protrusion 342c is engaged with the fixing groove 327 formed on the first plug 321 to prevent separation.

More specifically, the fixing protrusion 342c of the fixing means 342 is inside the second groove 340b through the open areas (op1, op2) formed in the second connector body portion 340a in the area of the second groove 340b. protrudes into The fixing protrusion 342c protruding inside the second groove 340b is engaged with the fixing groove 327 of the first plug 321 inserted into the second groove 340b.

As such, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same were designed to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and when using a drone, ground control equipment and This has the effect of allowing users to continue using the drone without interrupting the flight even when the connected cable is tangled in contact with ground structures and the drone.

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same can quickly switch the drone from the wired flight mode to the wireless flight mode, so that the drone performing its mission can be operated in an emergency situation. Even if this occurs, it has the effect of preventing damage to the drone and cable.

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching wired and wireless flight modes using the same allow the cable and drone to be quickly separated when an abnormal situation occurs in the cable connected to the drone by the drone or ground structure. This has the effect of preventing damage to the drone, cables, and connecting equipment.

- Battery pack temperature control system

Figures 11a and 11b are diagrams showing a heat dissipation panel disposed on a battery pack and its structure in a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 12a and 12b are diagrams showing a heating panel disposed on a battery pack and its structure in a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 13a and 13b are cross-sectional views of the battery pack to explain the process of heating the battery pack in the wired and wireless flight modes of the drone in a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 11A to 13B, the drone system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a temperature control system that detects the temperature around the battery pack and allows the battery pack to supply power to the drone 200 with optimal efficiency. can do.

Meanwhile, since the battery pack 221 may affect the operation of the drone 200 depending on the rise or fall of the battery temperature, it may further include a battery temperature sensor, and the battery pack 221 may be detected by the battery temperature sensor. The temperature of (221) can be controlled to rise and fall.

The battery pack 221 of the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a heat dissipation panel 410 on one outer surface and a heating panel 420 on the other surface.

Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, a battery pack 221 that supplies power related to the operation of the drone 200 is disposed in the main body of the drone 200. Generally, when the ambient temperature of the battery pack 221 rises, the resistance of the conductors through which current moves increases, which reduces overall battery efficiency, and when the temperature is low, the movement of ions (electrons, holes) within the battery pack 221 slows down, causing the output voltage to decrease. Efficiency decreases. Therefore, when operating the drone 200, the temperature of the battery pack 221 that supplies power must be maintained constant so that the drone 200 can perform its mission stably.

In detail, the battery pack 221 has an overall rectangular parallelepiped structure, and generally at least two opposing sides, excluding the bottom portion, are wider than the other sides. Therefore, in order to effectively control the temperature of the battery pack 221, the heat dissipation panel 410 can be placed on at least one of the largest areas of the battery pack 221.

The heat dissipation panel 410 may include a heat dissipation plate 411 and a heat dissipation pattern portion 412, as shown in FIG. 11B.

At this time, the heat dissipation plate 411 and the heat dissipation pattern portion 412 may be formed of a material with high thermal conductivity and a structure that increases the heat dissipation area in order to effectively dissipate heat generated in the battery pack 221 to the outside. .

In detail, the heat dissipation plate 411 may have the shape of a flat plate to expand the external air contact surface, and the external air contact surface of the heat dissipation plate 411 is provided with a heat dissipation pattern portion 412 including a plurality of heat dissipation fins. It can be.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams showing the heating panel 420 and its structure disposed on the battery pack 221 in a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12A, when the environment in which the drone 200 works is a low temperature environment, as described above, the output voltage of the battery pack 221 is lowered and efficiency is reduced. Accordingly, the heating panel 420 is disposed on one side of the battery pack 221 in order to maintain a constant temperature of the battery pack 221 even in a low-temperature surrounding environment.

In detail, when the temperature of the surrounding environment of the battery pack 221 is low, in order to maintain the temperature of the battery pack 221 constant, it is desirable to apply heating to as large an area as possible, similar to the heat dissipation panel 410.

As shown in FIG. 12B, the heating panel 420 may include a heating plate 421, a temperature sensor 445, and a heating pattern portion 422. The temperature sensor 445 serves to control the operation of the heating panel 420 by obtaining information on the temperature around the battery pack 221 in the working environment of the drone 200.

At this time, the heating plate 421 and the heating pattern portion 422 may be formed in a structure with high thermal conductivity and a large heat conduction area to supply as much heat as possible to the battery pack 221. The heat supplied from the heating panel 420 not only maintains the temperature of the battery pack 221 but also conducts a certain amount of heat to the area of the drone 200, thereby preventing the components of the drone 200 from malfunctioning at low temperatures. there is.

In detail, the heating plate 421 may have the shape of a wide and flat plate for rapid heat conduction, and a heating pattern portion 422 including a plurality of embossings may be provided on the cross section of the heating plate 421. However, since this is not fixed, the structure of the heating pattern portion 422 can be implemented in various shapes such as a triangular pyramid, square pyramid, elliptical cross section, hemispherical shape, and concave-convex shape.

Additionally, the battery pack 221 may further include a subheating battery 430 and a battery temperature sensor therein.

Here, the sub-heating battery 430 maintains the temperature of the battery pack 221 constant by supplying heat to the heating panel 420 inside the battery pack 221 even when the drone 200 is used in wireless flight mode. can perform its role.

Figures 13a and 13b are cross-sectional views of the battery pack to explain the process of heating the battery pack in the wired and wireless flight modes of the drone in a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, the battery pack 221 has a predetermined connection line (in the embodiment, a first connection line ( 440-1), a second connection line 440-2, and a third connection line 440-3) may be further included.

In detail, among the predetermined connection lines, the first connection line 440-1 is arranged to directly connect the battery pack connector 340 and the heating panel 420, and the second connection line 440-2 is connected to the battery pack connector 340. ) and the sub-heating battery 430 are arranged to be directly connected, and the third connection line 440-3 may be arranged to directly connect the heating panel 420 and the sub-heating battery 430.

At this time, the connection line 440 serves to transmit the power supplied by the heating wire (hw) included in the cable 330 to the battery pack connector 320, the heating panel 420, and the sub-heating battery 430. can do.

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a cable in a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 14, the cable 330 may include a power supply line 330-1, a data communication line 330-2, and a heating wire (hw) therein.

Here, the overall configuration of the battery pack 221 of the drone can be driven by supplying power to the battery pack connector 320 through the cable connector 340 located at one end of the cable 330.

Referring again to FIGS. 13A and 13B, as the cable connector 340 and the battery pack connector 320 are connected by the cable 330, the battery pack 221 of the drone is connected to the hot wire ( power can be supplied from hw).

In detail, the first connection line 440-1 allows power to be directly supplied to the heating panel 420 in a wired flight mode, and the second connection line 440-2 is for charging the subheating battery 430. Ensure that power is supplied.

Here, the sub-heating battery 430, which receives power from the battery pack connector 320, later supplies power to the heating panel 420 through the third connection line 440-3 when the drone 200 is in wireless flight mode. supply.

That is, even if the drone 200 is in a wireless flight mode separated from the cable 330, power can be supplied to the heating panel 420 of the battery pack connector 320 through the third connection line 440-3. In this way, by disposing the sub-heating battery 430 in the drone system of the present invention, the heating panel 420 can operate by receiving power not only in the wired flight mode but also in the wireless flight mode.

Meanwhile, the above-described configurations related to the temperature control system in the battery pack 221 are not limited to those shown in FIGS. 11A to 14 and may exist in various embodiments such as not existing or having different shapes and numbers.

As such, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching wired and wireless flight modes using the same provide a heat dissipation means and a heating means in the battery pack of the drone, so that the battery can stably operate the drone despite changes in ambient temperature. It has the effect of allowing power to be supplied to .

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same have components and heating means operated by power directly supplied from the cable when the drone operates in wired flight mode. This has the effect of enabling efficient operation of the power required for drone operation by enabling the drone to receive power from the battery pack when operating in wireless flight mode.

- Cable connector protection device

Meanwhile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, in order to prevent the risk of collision due to the falling of the separated cable connector 340 when the drone 200 switches to a wired or wireless flight mode, the cable connector 340 is connected to the cable 330 and the cable. A protection device (hereinafter referred to as a connector protection device) may be further included on one side of the connector 340.

Figure 15 is a diagram showing the structure of a connector protection device disposed on a cable connector in a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 16a and 16b are diagrams showing the operation process of the connector protection device after switching from the wired flight mode to the wireless flight mode in the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

15 to 16B, the connector protection device of the drone system of the present invention includes a connector holder 520, a holder moving part 530, a shock absorber 540, and a protection storage part 550 for storing an airbag. It can be included. A plurality of shock absorbers 540 may be disposed on the back of the connector holder 520 (first to fourth shock absorbers: 540-1, 540-2, 540-3, 540-4).

First, the connector holder 520 can accommodate the cable connector 340 disposed at one end of the cable 330.

At this time, the connector holder 520 may have the same shape as the cable connector 340 to accommodate the cable connector 340, and may be sized to fit the cable connector 340 in close contact with the peripheral surface excluding the top surface. It may be larger than the connector 340. That is, the storage area of the connector holder 520 may be larger than the planar area of the cable connector 340.

In addition, the connector holder 520 may include a magnetic material to more effectively maintain the storage and close contact of the cable connector 340. Accordingly, all or part of the inner surface of the connector holder 520 ( A magnetic film or structure may be placed in the area corresponding to the edge of the cable connector 340. Accordingly, a magnetic film or structure can be placed on the peripheral surface of the cable connector 340 that is in direct contact with the connector holder 520.

Meanwhile, until the cable connector 340 is separated from the battery pack connector 320 (before wireless flight mode), the position of the connector holder 520 is close to the base station 100 for smooth movement and movement of the cable 330. It is desirable to be located. When the cable connector 340 is separated from the battery pack connector 320, the holder moving unit 530 quickly rises along the cable 330 to accommodate the descending cable connector 340 in the connector holder 520.

Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, the holder moving unit 530 may be implemented as a reel-rotating moving means for quick coupling of the cable connector 340 and the connector holder 520. The holder moving unit 530 moves the holder moving unit 530 to accommodate the falling cable connector 340 or moves the holder moving unit 530 containing the cable connector 340 to the base station 100 area. It performs the function it commands.

In detail, using the reel included in the holder moving part 530, the cable 330 connecting the cable connector 340 and the connector holder 520 can be quickly wound, as shown in Figure 16b. As shown, the cable connector 340 is inserted into the connector holder 520, so that the cable connector 340 and the connector holder 520 can be coupled.

Additionally, the connector holder 520 to which the cable connector 340 is coupled can be moved in the direction of the base station 100 along the cable 330 using the holder moving unit 530.

Meanwhile, even if the cable connector 340 is normally seated in the connector holder 520 by driving the reel included in the holder moving part 530, even the connector holder 520 is damaged due to a strong collision when falling from a high position. There is a risk of becoming

Accordingly, the connector protection device may include a shock absorber 540 for alleviating the impact of the cable connector and reducing the falling speed, and a protective compartment 550 in which the airbag is stored.

At this time, the shock absorber 540 is connected to the connector holder 520 by a spring and may include a pad with a predetermined curved surface at one end, and as shown in FIG. 15, a plurality of shock absorbers (in the embodiment, the first It may exist as a shock absorber 540-1, a second shock absorber 540-2, a third shock absorber 540-3, and a fourth shock absorber 540-4.

Additionally, the protective storage unit 550 stores a predetermined airbag 551 therein and can operate when the cable connector 340 and the battery pack connector 320 are separated.

That is, due to the shock absorber 540 and the protective storage unit 550, when the connector holder 520 falls to the ground, etc., the shock absorber 540 or airbag 551 primarily touches the ground, etc., causing the cable connector 340 It has the effect of protecting the connector holder 520 including and alleviating the impact caused by falling.

Meanwhile, referring again to FIG. 4B, when the cable connector 340 and the battery pack connector 320 are separated, the first surface (sf1) is detected through a contact sensor that may be further included in the second surface (sf2) of the cable connector 340. ) and the second surface sf2 can be recognized as being in a non-contact state, and accordingly, the holder moving unit 530 and a predetermined airbag 551 included in the cable connector 340 can operate.

In detail, the cable connector 340 and the connector holder 520 can be quickly coupled by operating the reel included in the holder moving part 530 immediately after disconnecting the cable connector 340.

In addition, as soon as the cable connector 340 is disconnected, the airbag storage unit 550 is activated to operate a predetermined airbag 551 stored in the airbag storage unit 550 to protect the cable connector 340 and reduce the falling speed. You can.

Meanwhile, the connector protection device and the overall structure included therein are not limited to those shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 and may exist in various embodiments such as non-existence or different shapes and numbers.

As such, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same, when the drone switches from the wired flight mode to the wireless flight mode, the cable and cable connector connected to the drone fall. It has the effect of preventing damage.

Figure 17 is a block diagram of a drone system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 18 is a diagram showing a wired and wireless flight mode switching process in a drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18 along with FIGS. 1 to 10, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a drone 200, a base station 100, and a drone ( 200) and a cable 330 connecting the base station.

- Base station (100: Base station)

In an embodiment of the present invention, the base station 100 performs flight, filming, and wired flight of the drone 200 connected to the base station 100 and a cable 330 based on the pilot's input or a preset drone control process. You can control switching from mode to wireless flight mode.

At this time, the cable 330 has one end connected to the battery pack 221 of the drone 200 and the other end connected to the wired communication unit 131 of the base station 100, allowing the drone 200 to operate in a wired flight mode. Power output from the base station 100 can be supplied. Additionally, the length of the cable 330 may be shortened or extended as it is wound or unwound by the control unit 160.

Additionally, the base station 100 can support unlimited flight of the drone 200 by supplying power through the cable 330 connected to the drone 200. In addition, the base station 100 can perform wired communication through the cable 330 connected to the drone 200, transmitting and receiving control-related signals, or receiving information sensed and captured images from the drone 200. .

Meanwhile, the base station 100 includes a power supply unit 110, a wired communication unit 151, a wireless communication unit 152, a ground communication unit 150, a cable guide 130, a monitoring unit 140, and a tension control unit 120. , may include a flight mode control unit 1600 and a control unit 160.

First, the power supply unit 110 can receive external power and internal power under the control of the control unit 160 and supply power required for operation to each component.

Additionally, the power unit of the power supply unit 110 may include an AC-DC converter and a power module.

Here, when the power supplied from the power unit or externally is alternating current (AC) power, the AC-DC converter converts the alternating current (AC) power into direct current (DC) power and converts it to the drone 200 through the cable 330. It can be configured to supply. This is because it is more efficient to transmit power with high-voltage direct current (DC) power than with alternating current (AC) power.

At this time, the power unit of the drone 200 that has acquired the converted direct current (DC) power may further include a DC/DC converter to convert the supplied direct current (DC) to a voltage level that can be used by payloads on the fuselage.

Additionally, the power module may include a power meter such as a voltmeter or ammeter, and the control unit 160 of the base station 100 including such a power module receives the voltage, current, or power measured by the power meter at regular intervals. You can receive it.

Here, reference data for controlling the amount of power supplied may be preset on the control unit 160 of the base station 100, and the control unit 160 with the corresponding reference data preset may be used after passing through the DC/DC converter. The amount of power supplied from the power supply unit 110 through the cable 330 can be adjusted based on the voltage measured.

The monitoring unit 140 may include a display unit and a controller.

Here, the display unit may output various information related to the base station 100 supporting the drone 200 and the drone 200 service including the base station 100 as a graphic image.

In an embodiment, the display unit includes an image screen captured by the drone 200, a control image screen of the cable 330, an image captured when the drone 200 is in a wired flight mode, and an image captured when the drone 200 is in a wireless flight mode. etc. can be printed and provided.

These display units include liquid crystal display (LCD), thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), organic light-emitting diode (OLED), and flexible display. , a 3D display, or an e-ink display.

Additionally, the controller may detect a user's input related to the base station 100 supporting the drone 200 and the drone 200 service including it.

In an embodiment, the controller includes an input for controlling the flight direction and speed of the drone 200, an input for controlling filming of the drone 200, an input for controlling the tension of the cable 330 connected to the drone 200, and a cable By separating the drone 330 from the drone 200, an input for wireless flight can be detected.

The wired communication unit 151 and the wireless communication unit 152 can transmit and receive various data and information for providing the base station 100 supporting the drone 200 and the drone 200 service including the base station 100.

In detail, the terrestrial communication unit 150 may include a wired communication unit 151 and a wireless communication unit 152. At this time, the wired communication unit 151 can be implemented based on the cable 330 connecting the drone 200 and the base station 100, and can transmit and receive data, information, and power based on the cable. .

The wireless communication unit 132 uses technical standards or communication methods for mobile communication (e.g., Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), Code Division Multi Access (CDMA), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), and HSUPA ( At least one of the drone 200, a base station, an external terminal, and an arbitrary server on a mobile communication network built according to (High Speed Uplink Packet Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), etc.) It can transmit and receive wireless signals.

In an embodiment, the wireless communication unit 152 communicates with the wireless communication unit 212 of the interface unit of the drone 200 to provide a flight control signal to control the flight of the drone 200 and a shooting control to control shooting of the drone 200. It is possible to transmit a wireless flight execution signal that separates the signal and cable 330 from the drone 200.

The tension control unit 120 can detect the tension of the cable 330 connected to the drone 200 and adjust the cable 330 to be released or pulled. When the drone 200 is in a wired flight mode, the tension applied to the cable 330 can be controlled to release it if it is above a certain standard or to pull it if it is below a certain standard.

In particular, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention can switch to the mother ship flight mode when there is a sudden change in tension or when the tension is above the standard tension for a certain period of time. Therefore, based on the tension information provided by the tension control unit 120, the flight mode control unit 1600 can control the drone 200 to switch from the wired flight mode to the wireless flight mode.

As described above, the flight mode control unit 1600 controls the switch from the wired flight mode connected to the drone 200 with the cable 330 to the wireless flight mode. Additionally, flight mode switching may be performed based on not only tension information of the cable 330, but also captured image information, location information, wind information, and terrain information.

The control unit 160 may control the overall operation of each of the above-described components in order to provide services related to the base station 100 supporting the drone 200 and the drone 200 including it.

This control unit 160 includes application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, It may be implemented using at least one of micro-controllers, microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions.

- Drone (200: Drone)

Meanwhile, in the embodiment of the present invention, the drone 200 is connected to the cable 330 unwound from the base station 100 and receives power, and is connected to the drone pilot's input obtained from the base station 100 or a preset drone. It can be controlled by a control process to perform flight and/or filming, etc.

In detail, this drone 200 includes a wired communication unit 211, a wireless communication unit 212, an interface unit 210, a sensor unit 240, a camera 250, a connecting device 1510, and a heating device 1520. ), a cable connector protection device 1530, a power unit 220, a driver 230, and a processor 260.

First, the interface unit 210 can connect the processor 260 of the drone 200, the base station 100 that supports the drone 200, and peripheral devices including the base station 100 to implement the drone 200 service. In addition, the interface unit 210 includes an external charger port, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device equipped with an identification module, and an audio I/O It may further include at least one of an O (Input/Output) port, a video I/O (Input/Output) port, and an earphone port.

The wired communication unit 211 transmits and receives power and data based on the cable 330 connecting the drone 200 and the base station 100.

The wired communication unit 211 supplies power through the cable 330, and as described above, can supply power to charge the battery pack 221 and the subheating battery 430.

In addition, the wireless communication unit 212 uses technical standards or communication methods for mobile communication (e.g., Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), Code Division Multi Access (CDMA), and High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA). , HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), etc.) on a mobile communication network built according to the base station 100, a base station, an external terminal, and an arbitrary It can transmit and receive wireless signals with at least one of the servers. Additionally, the wireless communication unit 212 may include a short-range wireless communication module such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

In particular, in the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the drone 200 switches from the wired flight mode to the wireless flight mode, communication between the drone 200 and the base station 100 is performed in wired communication. Switches to wireless communication.

The sensor unit 240 may include a plurality of sensors. The sensor unit 240 includes at least one of a distance sensor (e.g., proximity sensor, infrared sensor, laser sensor, etc.), a position sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a temperature sensor, and a contact (touch) sensor that detects the surrounding environment. can do.

The sensor unit 240 can detect the temperature of the battery pack 221 using a temperature sensor, and can detect the wired flight mode state and wireless flight mode state of the drone 200 using a contact sensor.

In addition, the sensor unit 240 provides various data about the surrounding environment of the drone 200 based on at least one sensor (e.g., distance data between the drone 200 and a ground structure, location data of the drone 200, drone (200) speed data, etc.) can be sensed.

As described above, the sensor unit 240 operates the cable connector protection device 1530 to protect the cable connector 340 when the drone 200 switches to the wireless flight mode. In particular, the contact sensor is placed on the cable connector 340 and the connector holder 520 to protect the cable connector by detecting whether the cable connector 340 is safely stored in the cable holder 520 when the cable connector 340 falls. Allow device 1530 to operate.

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention arranges a heating panel 420 on the battery pack 221 to maintain the battery pack 221 even when the surrounding temperature changes.

Finally, the processor 260 can control and drive the overall operation of each unit described above.

In detail, in the embodiment, the processor 260 controls and drives the overall operation of each unit to enable interworking between the drone 200 and the base station 100, thereby providing a smooth drone 200 service. can do.

These processors 260 include application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, It may be implemented using at least one of micro-controllers, microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions.

Referring to FIG. 18, the process of switching the drone 200 from the wired flight mode to the wireless flight mode in the drone system according to an embodiment of the present invention is described as follows. Operating the drone 200 in the wired flight mode To do this, the work of electrically connecting the cable 330 and the drone 200 is performed. As described above, the drone system of the present invention electrically connects the battery connector 320 of the battery pack 221 and the cable connector 340 using the connecting device 1510 (S1801).

When the drone 200 and the cable 330 are electrically connected, the drone 200 operates in a wired flight mode within the length range of the cable 330. Power supplied to the drone 200 and data transmission and reception are performed through the cable 330 (S1802).

If an emergency situation occurs in the drone 200 operating in a wired flight mode and the cable 330 connected to the drone 200, the battery pack connector 320 of the battery pack 221 is connected according to the operation of the connecting device 1510. and the cable connector 340 are separated (S1803).

When the cable connector 340 and the battery pack connector 320 are separated, the first plug 321 placed on the battery pack connector 320 and the second plug 341 placed on the cable connector 340 are electrically separated. do. At this time, the cable connector 340 remains fixed to the mode switching unit 500 of the flight mode switching device, and when the magnetic force of the mode switching unit 500 is removed, the drone 200 and the cable connector 340 are completely separated. becomes (S1804).

When the cable connector 340 and the drone 200 are separated, the drone 200 operates in a wireless flight mode and exchanges data with the base station 100 through wireless communication. As described above, when the drone 200 is in the wireless flight mode, power is supplied through the battery placed in the battery pack 221 (S1805).

As such, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same were designed to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and when using a drone, ground control equipment and This has the effect of allowing users to continue using the drone without interrupting the flight even when the connected cable is tangled in contact with ground structures and the drone.

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same can quickly switch the drone from the wired flight mode to the wireless flight mode, so that the drone performing its mission can be operated in an emergency situation. Even if this occurs, it has the effect of preventing damage to the drone and cable.

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching wired and wireless flight modes using the same allow the cable and drone to be quickly separated when an abnormal situation occurs in the cable connected to the drone by the drone or ground structure. This has the effect of preventing damage to the drone, cables, and connecting equipment.

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same are, when the drone switches from a wired flight mode to a wireless flight mode, the cable and cable connector connected to the drone are damaged due to a fall. It has the effect of preventing damage.

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same include arranging a heat dissipation means and a heating means in the battery pack of the drone, so that the battery is stable in the drone despite changes in ambient temperature. This has the effect of allowing power to be supplied.

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same have components and heating means operated by power directly supplied from the cable when the drone operates in wired flight mode. This has the effect of enabling efficient operation of the power required for drone operation by enabling the drone to receive power from the battery pack when operating in wireless flight mode.

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same independently arrange a power line and a data line capable of data communication on a cable connected to the drone, so that the conventional tethered drone It has the effect of improving the problems of insufficient communication systems and vulnerabilities in data security.

As above, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same allow the user to use the drone without stopping the flight even when the cable connected to the ground control equipment is in contact with ground structures and the drone and becomes entangled. By allowing drones to continue to be used, it has the effect of saving time to reorganize equipment and thus increasing the efficiency of work using drones.

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same prevents the risks faced by drones in emergency situations from expanding not only to drones but also to all equipment connected to drones and cables. By preventing this, it has the effect of reducing the financial risk burden of expensive drone equipment.

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same prevents a cable with a predetermined weight from being damaged by impact when falling to the ground, etc., thereby preventing the drone from being damaged by impact. It has the effect of stably converting from wired flight to wireless flight and preventing cable damage.

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same use battery pack cooling and heating technology to prevent battery stability from being deteriorated depending on the season and weather. By controlling the appropriate temperature of the battery, there is an effect of minimizing drone operation variability due to ambient temperature.

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same provide power through a wire to solve the problem of difficulty in mounting additional devices on the drone due to a lack of a power supply system. By supplying , there is an effect of increasing the expandability of the drone by distributing power to additional devices in various ways.

In addition, the drone system capable of switching between wired and wireless flight modes according to an embodiment of the present invention and the method of switching between wired and wireless flight modes using the same provide separate data communication to complement the problems of insufficient communication systems and vulnerabilities in data security of existing drones. This has the effect of improving the practical usability of drones by providing enhanced security services through wired communication with a dedicated special cable.

The embodiments according to the present invention described above can be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer components and recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., singly or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the computer-readable recording medium may be specially designed and configured for the present invention or may be known and usable by those skilled in the computer software field. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, and magneto-optical media such as floptical disks. medium), and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc. Examples of program instructions include not only machine language code such as that created by a compiler, but also high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like. A hardware device can be converted into one or more software modules to perform processing according to the invention and vice versa.

The specific implementations described in the present invention are examples and do not limit the scope of the present invention in any way. For the sake of brevity of the specification, descriptions of conventional electronic components, control systems, software, and other functional aspects of the systems may be omitted. In addition, the connections or connection members of lines between components shown in the drawings exemplify functional connections and physical or circuit connections, and in actual devices, various functional connections, physical connections, or may be represented as circuit connections. Additionally, if there is no specific mention such as “essential,” “important,” etc., it may not be a necessary component for the application of the present invention.

In addition, although the detailed description of the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art or those skilled in the art will understand the spirit of the present invention as described in the patent claims to be described later. It will be understood that the present invention can be modified and changed in various ways without departing from the technical scope. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to what is described in the detailed description of the specification, but should be defined by the scope of the patent claims.

100: base station
200: Drone
221: Battery pack
320: Battery pack connector
340: cable connector
330: cable
500: Mode switching unit
321: first plug
322: 1st servo motor
320a: first connector body portion
320b: first groove
340a: second connector body portion
340b: second groove
344: 2nd servo motor
410: Heat dissipation panel
420: Heating panel
Lk-1: first linkage
Lk-2: 2nd linkage

Claims (12)

drone;
base station;
a cable disposed between the drone and the base station to supply power to the drone;
a battery pack connector disposed on one side of the battery pack of the drone and having a first linkage including a first plug on the inside;
a connecting device disposed at one end of the cable and connecting or disconnecting a cable connector having a second linkage including a second plug therein; and
It includes a flight mode switching device that switches the flight mode of the drone by controlling attachment and detachment of the drone and the cable connector,
The flight mode switching device,
a mode switching unit disposed on the battery pack of the drone to be spaced a predetermined distance away from the battery pack connector;
It includes a magnetic force control unit that controls the mode switching unit to generate magnetic force or remove the magnetic force,
The drone operates in a wired flight mode or a wireless flight mode by separating the cable connector in contact with the magnetic force generated or removed from the mode switching unit,
The mode switching unit,
A predetermined length protrudes from the bottom of the drone so that the first surface, which is the bottom of the mode switching unit, contacts the second surface, which is the top of the cable connector,
By moving up and down, the second linkage of the cable connector in contact with the mode switching unit is aligned with the first linkage of the battery pack connector.
A drone system that can switch between wired and wireless flight modes. According to claim 1,
The battery pack connector includes a first connector body portion, a first linkage engaged with a first groove formed on one side of the first connector body portion and having one side open, and a first plug disposed inside the first linkage; ,
The cable connector includes a second connector body portion, a second linkage engaged with a second groove formed on one side of the second connector body portion and one side of which is open, and a second plug disposed inside the second linkage.
A drone system that can switch between wired and wireless flight modes. According to clause 2,
The connecting device is,
an elastic portion disposed between the second linkage and the second plug,
At least one fixing means disposed inside the second linkage in the second groove area,
Comprising a servo motor that controls fixation or separation of the fixing means
A drone system that can switch between wired and wireless flight modes. According to paragraph 3,
The fixing means of the connecting device includes a fixing protrusion that is fastened to a fixing groove formed in the first linkage to fix the first linkage, a support bar extending from the fixing protrusion, and a rotating part disposed at one end of the support bar.
A drone system that can switch between wired and wireless flight modes. According to paragraph 4,
The fixing protrusion of the fixing means protrudes into the groove area where the first linkage is inserted through the open area formed in the second linkage and is engaged with the fixing groove formed in the first linkage.
A drone system that can switch between wired and wireless flight modes. According to paragraph 1,
The battery pack connector includes a first connector body, a first groove formed on one side of the first connector body, and a first plug disposed inside the first groove,
The cable connector includes a second connector body, a second groove formed on one side of the second connector body, and a second plug disposed inside the second groove.
A drone system that can switch between wired and wireless flight modes. According to clause 6,
The connecting device is,
At least one fixing means disposed inside the second connector body in the second groove area,
Comprising a servo motor that controls fixation or separation of the fixing means
A drone system that can switch between wired and wireless flight modes. In clause 7,
The fixing means of the connecting device includes a fixing protrusion for fixing the first plug inserted into the second groove, a support bar extending from the fixing protrusion, and a rotating part disposed at one end of the support bar.
A drone system that can switch between wired and wireless flight modes. According to clause 8,
The fixing protrusion of the fixing means is engaged with the fixing groove on the first plug inserted in the second groove area when the first plug is inserted into the second groove.
A drone system that can switch between wired and wireless flight modes. According to clause 9,
The fixing protrusion of the fixing means protrudes into the inner space of the second groove through an open area formed in the second connector body portion of the second groove area and is engaged with the fixing groove of the first plug.
A drone system that can switch between wired and wireless flight modes. According to claim 1,
Further comprising a connector protection device to protect the cable connector,
The connector protection device,
a connector holder for accommodating the cable connector disposed on the cable;
a holder moving part disposed on the connector holder so that the connector holder can move along the cable;
Comprising at least one shock absorber disposed along the lower surface of the connector holder.
A drone system that can switch between wired and wireless flight modes. According to claim 11,
The connector protection device includes at least one airbag storage unit disposed on an upper surface of the cable connector and an airbag stored in the airbag storage unit,
A first contact sensor disposed on the cable connector,
When the cable connector is stored in the connector holder, it further includes a second contact sensor disposed to face the first contact sensor.
A drone system that can switch between wired and wireless flight modes.