EP0840641B1 - Remote-controlled toy aircraft for use in a confined space, particularly a room - Google Patents

Abstract

A toy aircraft for use in a confined space, particularly a room, including a model aircraft (1) with an electric motor (11) driving a propeller (19) and means for controlling the model aircraft in flight, a remote control device (2) comprising an electrical power supply (21) and electrical control means for controlling the flight of the model aircraft, and a flexible cable (3) electrically connecting the remote control device (2) to the model aircraft (1) to supply power to the electric motor (11) from the electrical power supply and to connect said electrical control means to said steering means. The wing loading of the model aircraft (1) trailing the connecting cable (3) is </= 1.5 g/dm<2>, and the flexible cable is attached to the underside of the model aircraft adjacent to the centre of gravity thereof.

Description

The present invention relates to a toy plane able to fly by remote control in an enclosed space or protected from the wind, especially in a room. The room in which the plane can fly can be a room relatively small dimensions like a room an apartment or a house (living room, bedroom, bathroom etc.).

Airplane toys are very popular with children especially when you can make them steal. The most elaborate are scale models reproducing the essential characteristics of a real airplane and which are remotely controlled by track over the air. They have a heat engine or electric to turn the propeller, a tank fuel or battery and control mechanism rudders and elevators. Engine and the control mechanism for the control surfaces are controlled thanks to a transmitter housed in a control box and a receiver installed on the aircraft. These models discounts are for teenagers or adults and in most cases you can hardly qualify as toys.

These radio controlled airplanes are relatively heavy and therefore fly at a relatively high speed. Those are must have outdoor planes. Any structural modification would only allow them transform into an interior cheek for a reduced space Nice than an apartment. The need to find open land considerably limits use of these planes.

As indoor flying planes we do not know that some rubber powered airplanes, which are very lightweight and can be safely used in living rooms. However, it is not airplanes that are can direct and their playful interest is all the more reduced. In addition, their flight time is reduced to a few seconds, except for prototypes of contests reserved for adults.

We know however, from document DE-A-1603271, a toy airport model with a landing field provided with a central mast. Aircraft models with engines cables are connected to the mast by cables electric allowing circular flight

There is therefore no remote-controlled toy plane and steering wheel, intended for use in a tight space such as a room or apartment. It is also not possible to modify existing remote-controlled aircraft to use them as that toy in such a space.

The present invention has been designed to provide a solution to this problem. It made it possible to design a flying machine easily usable.

• un modèle d'avion pourvu d'un moteur électrique, entraínant une hélice de propulsion,
• un dispositif de commande à distance du vol du modèle d'avion, comportant une source d'énergie électrique et des moyens de commande électrique du vol du modèle d'avion,
• un câble souple assurant la liaison électrique entre le dispositif de commande à distance et le modèle d'avion pour alimenter le moteur électrique à partir de la source d'énergie électrique,
  caractérisé en ce que le modèle d'avion est pourvu de moyens d'action sur sa direction de vol, le câble souple reliant également lesdits moyens de commande électrique auxdits moyens d'action et étant attaché sous le modèle d'avion et à proximité de son centre de gravité, la charge alaire du modèle d'avion traínant le câble de liaison étant ≤ 1,5 g/dm^2.

Its object is a toy plane which can fly in an enclosed space and in particular in a room, comprising:

• an airplane model fitted with an electric motor, driving a propeller,
• a device for remote control of the flight of the aircraft model, comprising a source of electrical energy and means for electrical control of the flight of the aircraft model,
• a flexible cable providing the electrical connection between the remote control device and the aircraft model to supply the electric motor from the source of electrical energy,
  characterized in that the aircraft model is provided with means of action on its flight direction, the flexible cable also connecting said electrical control means to said action means and being attached under the aircraft model and near its center of gravity, the wing loading of the aircraft model trailing the connecting cable being ≤ 1.5 g / dm ^2.

In the case where the remote-controlled and flying airplane according to the invention is intended for a child, which is the most likely case for this type of object, it is imperative that it is not dangerous, not only when he flies but also when the child manipulates it. This toy will also have to be robust to be able to resist impact and manipulation while remaining extremely light.

• la figure 1 est une vue d'ensemble de l'avion jouet selon l'invention, le modèle d'avion étant représenté en vol,
• la figure 2 représente un câble de liaison électrique utilisable dans l'avion jouet selon l'invention,
• la figure 3 est une vue éclatée d'une première variante de modèle d'avion selon l'invention,
• la figure 4 est une vue de détail montrant le gouvernail de direction du modèle d'avion selon l'invention ainsi que sa motorisation,
• la figure 5 est une vue de dessous du fuselage et des ailes de la première variante du modèle d'avion selon l'invention,
• la figure 6 est une vue structurelle d'une seconde variante de modèle d'avion selon l'invention.

The invention will be better understood and other advantages and features will appear on reading the description which follows, given by way of nonlimiting example, accompanied by the appended drawings among which:

• FIG. 1 is an overall view of the toy airplane according to the invention, the airplane model being represented in flight,
• FIG. 2 represents an electrical connection cable usable in the toy airplane according to the invention,
• FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a first variant of an airplane model according to the invention,
• FIG. 4 is a detailed view showing the rudder of the aircraft model according to the invention as well as its motorization,
• FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the fuselage and the wings of the first variant of the aircraft model according to the invention,
• Figure 6 is a structural view of a second variant of aircraft model according to the invention.

So that the plane model can fly without problem in a space as small as a apartment, the maximum speed at which the model plane must fly has been rated at 2 m / s. To this weak speed, a child can easily control the flight of the airplane model. The connecting cable is not not intended to be stretched. The flight domain is therefore not not limited to the surface of a sphere as in the case of circular flight. The airplane model can evolve freely in all directions.

To fly at such a low speed, the plane model must be very light. It is estimated that the wing loading of the aircraft model trailing the connecting cable should be ≤ 1.5 g / dm ² . We were able to obtain this low wing loading value because, the toy aircraft according to the invention being with connecting cable, there is no power source or radio control receiver carried on board the model. plane.

The examples of realization which will now be described offer airplane models very light and at the same time robust, and not dangerous, which is very important for a toy.

Figure 1 shows the three elements essentials of the toy aircraft according to the invention: the airplane model 1, the control device 2 and the cable 3 ensuring the electrical connection between the model aircraft and the control device.

The control device 2 comprises a battery 21 serving this source of electrical energy can be switched on by switch 22. To make the controller more attractive, we can give it the shape of a modern airplane steering wheel that is to say provide it with two handles 23 and 24 are attached to the central part 25 which comprises electrical and electronic control elements. On the left handle 23 is the control member 26 of the engine 11 of the airplane model driving the propeller 19. On the right handle 24, there is the control 27 of the rudder.

We chose, for the sake of lightness, to leave fixes the rudder 13, the rise and the descent of the airplane in flight by modification engine speed.

The control members 26 and 27 operate variable resistors or dimmers power electronics that can be found easily in trade. Terminal voltage of the motor must be adjustable from 0 to the maximum voltage. Voltage across the rudder actuator (which will be described later) must be adjustable between a negative maximum voltage value and a value positive of maximum voltage, this maximum voltage may be different from that supplying the engine. The two control members 26 and 27 are provided springs that bring them back to a neutral position correspond to 0 V in both cases.

The electrical connection cable must be as light as possible and for that the electric wires that make it up should be as light as possible, therefore the finest possible. Intensity who runs through them must therefore be limited to a low value. It is therefore necessary, to have a sufficient power, to provide a voltage relatively large. For example, the tension maximum power of the electric motor 11 can be 9 V while the control voltage of the actuator can vary between + 9 V and - 9 V.

The electrical connection cable 3 must be flexible and very light so as not to hinder developments of the airplane model 1. A length of about 1.75 m seems well suited for operation in a medium-sized living room. We propose, for the toy plane according to the invention, a cable electric of this length and not weighing, feel them connection sockets, which 0.6 g knows about 0.35 g / m. This cable is shown alone in Figure 2. It is composed of four conducting wires 31, 32, 33 and 34 0.1 mm in diameter, two wires being intended for power the electric motor and two wires being reserved for the rudder actuator. These wires are made of copper and are electrically insulated with a varnish. We can thus group them in the fold of a fold 35 made from a ribbon of plastic folded in half. After inserting the wires, the two sides of the fold are glued. Plastic tape used can be 4 mm wide for 10 or 12 µm thick which is a common thickness for manufacturers of plastic films. It is advantageous to use a little tearable plastic because lengthening a lot before rupture, for example the polyethylene or polypropylene.

The cable is finished, device side control, by a connector with four contacts. Another four-way connector connects the cable to the model plane. This last connector can have a weight equal to or less than 0.1 g if chosen from certain minaturized connectors used in computer or mobile phone equipment.

These connectors are preferably sized to allow easy disconnection at the slightest abnormal effort. This protects the electric cable and the constraints aircraft model mechanical too important.

FIG. 3 represents an airplane model 1 in exploded view but with incomplete wings. For example, its wingspan can be 45 cm, its length by 40 cm, the surface area of the wings by 4.5 dm ² and its weight by 6 g. The electrical connection cable is attached to the airplane model by its connector, below the model and near its center of gravity.

• la groupe moto-propulseur 100,
• l'actionneur du gouvernail de direction 200,
• le fuselage 14 et les bords d'attaque des ailes 15,
• le reste des ailes,
• les gouvernails de profondeur 13 et de direction 12.

The aircraft model can be divided into the following subsets:

• 100 powertrain,
• the rudder actuator 200,
• the fuselage 14 and the leading edges of the wings 15,
• the rest of the wings,
• the depth rudders 13 and the rudders 12.

• groupe moto-propulseur 2,5 g,
• actionneur 0,3 g,
• fuselage et bords d'attaque 1,5 g,
• le reste des ailes 1 g,
• les gouvernails 0,3 g,
• la moitié de la longueur de câble avec son connecteur au modèle d'avion 0,4 g.
  Le total fait donc 6 g.

According to the invention, the weight corresponding to each sub-assembly can be advantageously distributed as follows:

• 2.5 g powertrain,
• actuator 0.3 g,
• fuselage and leading edges 1.5 g,
• the rest of the wings 1 g,
• 0.3 g rudders,
• half the cable length with its connector to the airplane model 0.4 g.
  The total therefore makes 6 g.

The powertrain 100 is made up electric motor 11, a propeller and a cone propeller 106.

Motor 11 must have an excellent ratio power over weight. It can be a direct current with very powerful brushes and magnets (rare earth magnets). The consumption of this engine is around 200 mA at a voltage 7 V power supply. The powertrain must be able to lift two-thirds when stationary the weight of the aircraft, in this case 4 g, i.e. slightly less than twice the weight of the group motor-propellant. The motor can be of the type used in micro-mechanism and equipped with magnets at samarium-cobalt. Engines of this type are available for a weight of around 3.2 g. This weight be reduced by choosing wisely materials and dimensions of the constituent elements.

The propeller must not be dangerous. For that, it is flexible, which contributes to solidity. It has a hub 101, which plugs in and sticks on the axis 111 of the motor 11, and two blades 102.

A blade is made from film flexible plastic, about 50 µm thick, folded in half and is slightly arched. Each blade root 103 of the hub is plugged into the fold of each fold 102 constituting a blade. The sides facing each other of each fold are glued incorporating the foot of corresponding blade.

The propeller cone 106 protects the propeller and the engine. It is preferably made of plastic expanded to absorb shocks.

• moteur 2,25 g,
• hélice plus cône 0,25 g dont 0,02 g pour le cône d'hélice,
• diamètre de l'hélice 8 cm,
• calage de l'hélice 15°,
• vitesse de rotation maximale du moteur 6000 t/min.

In detail, the powertrain consists of elements having the following characteristics:

• 2.25 g engine,
• propeller plus cone 0.25 g including 0.02 g for the propeller cone,
• diameter of the propeller 8 cm,
• propeller setting 15 °,
• maximum engine speed 6000 rpm.

Figure 4 is a detailed view of the model plane showing rudder 12 and its actuator 200. This actuator must be very light because the aircraft model yaw inertia must be very low in order to have maneuverability when cornering sufficient. Its weight is preferably around 0.3 g. It is advantageously of the type used for mobile equipment of needle multimeters. he includes a permanent magnet 201, Sm-Co or Fe-Nd, linked to an axis 202 (for example in piano string) integral with the rudder 12 and constituting the axis of rotation of this rudder. Like 201 is arranged inside a flat induction coil 203, the two ends of which are electrically connected two-wire electrical connection cable. next the intensity and direction of the current flowing through the coil 203, the magnet 201 is subjected to a magnetic field of variable amplitude and direction. The result a couple of forces which makes magnet 201 turn, therefore the rudder 12 which is integral with it.

The induction coil 203 is fixed to the fuselage 14 (see Figure 3) by a piece of tape adhesive. A plastic strand 16, in two parts, is fixed on the one hand to the fuselage 14 by gluing and on the other shares the rudder 12. It constitutes a spring element which tends to hold the rudder in neutral position.

In order to reduce the control torque of the rudder, this is compensated (its axis of rotation 202 divides its surface into two parts almost equal) and is balanced (the axis of rotation 202 passes through the center of gravity of the crew mobile).

Figure 4 also allows you to realize of the rudder constitution, the rudder being also constituted on the same principle. A flexible plastic strand 204 with a diameter of 0.6 mm is closed on itself and heat-sealed so as to constitute the periphery of the rudder. Plastic strand 16 is glued to strand 204 on level and behind the actuator 200 which it surrounds. Plastic film 205 8 µm thick is stretched over the strand 204 and the edge of the film is folded around the strand 204 to be glued or heat sealed on itself.

We will now describe, in relation to Figures 3 and 5, the formation of the fuselage and leading edge of the wings. In order to be sufficiently light and stiff in front of the forces in flight, this part consists of an envelope made of plastic film 10 µm thick and shaped like the fuselage 14 and leading edges 15. The connection between the fuselage and leading edges (by gluing or heat sealing) must be rigid enough to avoid the wings do not collapse. A connecting flange at this level may possibly be necessary to increase the stiffness of the connection. Leading edges 15 are preferably slightly conical in shape, their diameter decreases as one moves away from the fuselage. Each leading edge and attached to the fuselage so as to give the corresponding wing a dihedral a few degrees and an incidence of 5 °. The envelope can also include 10 legs instead of usual wheels to support the aircraft model when he's on the ground. Alternatively, these legs can be of a different structure and related to the model plane.

The envelope is inflated to a pressure about 5 mbar higher than atmospheric pressure. The envelope can be sealed or a re-inflation valve.

The electric motor 11 is glued to the front face of the fuselage 14 with, optionally, interposition of a reinforcement pad.

As can be seen in Figure 5, the rest of each wing consists of a flexible strand of plastic 17 of about 1 mm in diameter play the role of trailing edge, and of a plastic film 18 of 8 µm thick. Strand 17 is attached by one from its ends to the distal end of the edge attack 15 and by its other end to the fuselage 14. The film 18 is stretched between the leading edge 15, the trailing edge 17 and the fuselage. It is fixed by bonding or heat sealing at the leading edge and at fuselage. It is fixed by gluing or heat sealing on itself after covering the strand 17.

Figure 6 shows, so structural, another model of aircraft. In this variant, the fuselage and the leading edges of the wings consist of plastic tubes with very thin walls thin. A good example of usable tubes is made up of straws used for drinking. These straws have a diameter ranging from 5 to 7 mm and have a 150 µm thick wall. The landing gear can advantageously also be made up of such tubes.

A central tube 50 constitutes the main axis of the structure. On its end advent will be fitted and stuck on the powertrain. On its end rear will be fixed the rudders and direction. The front part of the tube 50 supports also the landing gear consisting of two sections of tube 51 and 52. The tube sections 51 and 52 support tubes 53 and 54, respectively, serving leading edges. A small connecting tube 55, fixed between sections 51 and 52, ensures the rigidity of the landing gear. A small tube 56 is reported perpendicularly on the tube 50.

Junction pieces, referenced 57 to 60, allow the tubes to be assembled together. These parts have shapes adapted to the tubes to be connected. They are advantageously made of plastic. The distance between the junction pieces 57 and 60 is equal to the wing chord. The other elements components of the aircraft model are glued to the tubes.

The structure obtained can be dressed with a colored plastic film 6 or 8 μm thick.

For the two aircraft models described above as an example, the bending stiffnesses and in torsion of the wings can be increased in the guy lines. Guy lines placed under the wings are particularly effective because they limit the bending due to lift.

• en tirant pareillement les haubans droit et gauche, donc en cintrant également les deux ailes, on modifie l'incidence des ailes et on règle ainsi la stabilité longitudinale de l'avion ;
• en tirant différemment les deux haubans, on crée ou on corrige le vrillage des ailes et on règle ainsi la stabilité en lacet et en roulis de l'avion.

A good way of guying consists in connecting by a wire the trailing edge of the wing, towards its external end, at the bottom of the landing gear and this for each wing. In addition, by making the length of each of the shrouds adjustable by means suitable for the points of attachment to the landing gear, the following two possibilities are obtained:

• by similarly pulling the right and left shrouds, therefore also bending the two wings, the incidence of the wings is modified and the longitudinal stability of the aircraft is thus adjusted;
• by pulling the two shrouds differently, the twisting of the wings is created or corrected, thereby adjusting the yaw and roll stability of the aircraft.

Thanks to these shrouds, it is possible to make a simplified version of this toy. The plane simplified has a fixed rudder and the steering is more controllable in flight. Since there is no longer any actuator the electrical connection cable does not includes more than two wires and the controller no longer has a steering control. The user of the toy adjusts the turning radius of the front airplane the flight. The adjustment consists in shortening the shroud from the inner wing to the bend so as to bend it more.

A 40 guy line is visible on the aircraft model 1 shown in Figure 1. It is located between a tab 10 showing a wheel and the trailing edge of the wing corresponding.

Guy lines 61 and 62 are also visible in Figure 6. The stay 61 is arranged between the tube 51 and the trailing edge of the corresponding wing. The shroud 62 is disposed between the tube 52 and the edge of the corresponding wing.

The lack of danger of this toy comes from its low weight and its low inertia, its low power (less than 3 W) and flexibility of its constituents and in particular the propeller.

Claims (24)

1. Toy aircraft capable of flying in a closed space and particularly in a room, comprising:

   a model aircraft (1) fitted with an electric motor (11) driving a propeller (19);

   a remote control device (2) controlling the flight of the model aircraft, comprising an electrical power source (21) and electrical means of controlling the flight of the model aircraft;

   a flexible cable (3) forming the electrical connection between the remote control device (2) and the model aircraft (1) to power the electric motor (11) from the electrical power source;
   characterized in that the model aircraft (1) is equipped with means of acting on its flight direction, the flexible cable (3) also connecting said electrical control means to said actuation means and being attached under the model aircraft (1) close to its center of gravity, the airborne weight of the model aircraft (1) supporting the connecting cable (3) being ≤ 1.5 g/dm².
2. Toy aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that the model aircraft (1) is equipped with a fixed elevator (13), the flight direction being modified by making the model aircraft go up or down (1) by varying the motor speed, the means of controlling the aircraft going up or down then consisting of the electric motor (11), the corresponding electrical control means consisting of means of varying the electrical energy supplied to the motor by the electrical power source (21).
3. Toy aircraft according to either of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the means for making a turn comprise a permanent magnet (201) fixed to a hinge pin (202) itself fixed to the rudder (12) and an induction coil (203) fixed to the model aircraft (1) and capable of applying the action of a magnetic field generated by passing a DC electrical current in said induction coil (203) to said permanent magnet (201), the corresponding electrical control means consisting of means of varying the intensity of the DC electrical current passing through the induction coil (203).
4. Toy aircraft according to claim 3, characterized in that said means of varying the intensity of the DC electrical current passing through the induction coil (203) comprise means of varying the DC voltage applied to the terminals of the induction coil (203) to generate said electrical current, and capable of varying this DC voltage making it negative or positive about the zero value corresponding to the neutral position of the rudder (12).
5. Toy aircraft according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the model aircraft (1) comprises a spring (16) tending to hold the rudder (12) in its neutral position.
6. Toy aircraft according to claim 5, characterized in that said spring (16) comprises at least one plastic strand mechanically connecting the rudder (12) to the fuselage (14) of the model aircraft.
7. Toy aircraft according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the electric motor (11) is a DC motor with rare earth brushes and magnets.
8. Toy aircraft according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each blade (102) of the propeller (19) is composed of a folded flexible plastic film, the sides of which are fixed to each other.
9. Toy aircraft according to claim 8, characterized in that each blade (102) is fixed to the hub of the propeller (19) by a blade shank (103) fixed to the hub, penetrating into the pleat of the fold forming the blade (102) so that it is fixed in it.
10. Toy aircraft according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the model aircraft (1) comprises a spinner (106) made of expanded plastic.
11. Toy aircraft according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the fuselage (14) and the leading edges (15) of the wings are composed of an envelope of inflated plastic film.
12. Toy aircraft according to claim 11, characterized in that the plastic film envelope is inflated to a pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure by about 5 mbars.
13. Toy aircraft according to any one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that each wing comprises a flexible strand (17) attached at one of its ends to the distal end of the leading edge (15), and at its other end to the fuselage (14) to delimit the wing leading edge, a plastic film (18) being fixed between the leading edge (15), the strand (17) delimiting the leading edge and the fuselage (14) to complete the wing.
14. Toy aircraft according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the fuselage and the leading edges of the wings are made from tubes (50 to 56).
15. Toy aircraft according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the elevator (13) of the model aircraft is composed of a flexible strand delimiting its extent and supporting a plastic film.
16. Toy aircraft according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the model aircraft rudder (12) is composed of a flexible strand (204) delimiting its extent and supporting a plastic film (205).
17. Toy aircraft according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the model aircraft (1) comprises tabs (10) instead of wheels to support it when it is on the floor.
18. Toy aircraft according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the remote control device (2) is contained in a box in the form of a modern aircraft flight control wheel.
19. Toy aircraft according to claim 18, characterized in that one (23) of the flight control wheel handles is fitted with a maneuverable device (26) used to make the model aircraft go up or down in flight while the other handle (24) of the flight control wheel comprises a maneuverable device (27) used to make the model aircraft turn (1).
20. Toy aircraft according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the cable (3) comprises insulated wires (31 to 34), conducting electricity, housed in the pleat of a fold obtained by longitudinally folding a flexible ribbon, the facing sides of which are fixed to each other.
21. Toy aircraft according to claim 20, characterized in that the flexible ribbon is a plastic film.
22. Toy aircraft according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the cable (3) is electrically connected to the model aircraft by a disconnectable pin.
23. Toy aircraft according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that it comprises guys (40, 61, 62) to increase the bending and torsional stiffnesses of the wings.
24. Toy aircraft according to claim 23, characterized in that the length of the guys is adjustable.

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