A drone-launching device and a drone

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, specifically relating to a UAV throwing device and a UAV, comprising: a reel mechanism, a drive mechanism, and a rope winding assembly. A rope is wound around the reel mechanism, with a projectile carried at the end of the rope. The drive mechanism drives the reel mechanism to move and retract the rope. The rope winding assembly includes a rope loop through which one end of the rope passes to secure the projectile. Simultaneously, the drive mechanism drives the reel mechanism and the rope winding assembly, causing the rope loop to reciprocate along the axial direction of the reel mechanism. By mounting this UAV throwing device on a UAV and using its reel mechanism to retract and unwind the rope, cargo can be delivered. This eliminates the need to lower the UAV's flight altitude, thus expanding the UAV's throwing range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of drone technology, specifically to a drone throwing device and a drone. Background Technology

[0002] A drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle controlled by radio remote control equipment or its own program control device. With the rapid development of the drone industry, more and more drones are being used in agriculture, forestry, power, surveying, telemetry, and other industries. In some industry applications, such as logistics and transportation, drones carry goods to their destinations for delivery. When delivering goods, the drone needs to land relatively close to the ground. However, when the landing environment is limited, it is difficult to deliver goods accurately and effectively. Furthermore, low-altitude flight of drones also poses significant safety hazards. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a drone throwing device and a drone, which enables long-distance drone throwing, has a simple structure, and is easy to operate.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned technical effects, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a drone-launching device, comprising:

[0006] A reel mechanism, on which a rope is wound, the tail end of which carries a projectile;

[0007] A drive mechanism is provided to drive the reel mechanism to move in order to wind and unwind the rope.

[0008] A rope winding assembly includes a rope loop, one end of which passes through the rope loop and secures the projectile; the driving mechanism drives the reel mechanism to move while simultaneously driving the rope winding assembly to move, thereby causing the rope loop to reciprocate along the axial direction of the reel mechanism.

[0009] The drone throwing device provided in this embodiment of the invention drives the reel mechanism to rotate through the drive mechanism, thereby enabling the winding and unwinding of the rope on the reel and thus the delivery of the projectile. In addition, while the drive mechanism drives the reel mechanism to rotate, it can also drive the rope winding assembly to move, thereby causing the rope loop on the rope winding assembly to move, thus preventing the rope on the reel mechanism from gathering in the same position and causing uneven distribution of the rope on the reel mechanism.

[0010] As a preferred structure of this invention, the reel mechanism includes a first baffle, a second baffle, a rotating shaft, and a winding shaft. The first baffle and the second baffle are arranged opposite to each other. The two ends of the rotating shaft are connected through the middle of the first baffle and the second baffle. There are multiple winding shafts, and the two ends of each winding shaft are respectively fixedly connected to the first baffle and the second baffle. The multiple winding shafts are distributed around the rotating shaft.

[0011] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention provide a drone, including a fuselage and the aforementioned drone throwing device, wherein the drone throwing device is fixed to the fuselage.

[0012] As a preferred structure of this invention, the drone throwing device includes a support plate, which is fixed to the fuselage by a connector, and the support plate and the connector are connected by a quick-release assembly; the quick-release assembly includes a plug-in assembly that passes through the support plate and the connector, and a limiting plate that restricts the movement of the plug-in assembly.

[0013] The drone provided in this embodiment of the invention has a throwing device installed on its fuselage. The support plate of the throwing device is fixed to the fuselage by a connector. The support plate and the connector are connected by a quick-release assembly, which enables the entire throwing device to be quickly attached and detached from the drone fuselage. The operation is convenient and quick.

[0014] As a preferred structure of this invention, the plug-in assembly includes a plug-in post, a spring, a stop ring, and a rotating shaft. A retaining plate protrudes from the upper middle part of the plug-in post. The stop ring is movably sleeved on the plug-in post below the retaining plate. The spring connects the retaining plate and the stop ring. A slot is provided at the bottom of the plug-in post. The limiting plate is rotatably connected to the slot via the rotating shaft. The plug-in post passes through the support plate and the connector and is fixed by the limiting plate.

[0015] The above technical solution offers the following advantages: The drone throwing device and drone provided in this embodiment include a reel mechanism, a drive mechanism, and a rope winding assembly. The drive mechanism rotates the reel mechanism, thereby enabling the winding of the rope on the reel mechanism to be unwound and retracted. Simultaneously, the drive mechanism rotates the rope winding assembly, causing the rope loop on the rope winding assembly to reciprocate, which prevents the winding of the rope on the reel mechanism from gathering in the same position, thus facilitating a uniform distribution of the winding rope. By mounting the above-mentioned drone throwing device on the drone and using its reel mechanism to unwound and retract the winding rope, cargo can be delivered. Relatively speaking, there is no need to lower the drone's flight altitude, thus expanding the drone's throwing range. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the drone throwing device provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the UAV provided in an embodiment of the present invention (without landing gear).

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure at point A;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the quick-release assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the drone throwing device provided in an embodiment of the present invention from another angle;

[0021] Figure 6 Provided by the embodiments of the present invention Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure at point B.

[0022] In the picture:

[0023] 100. Fuselage; 101. Frame; 200. UAV launching device; 201. Drive mechanism; 202. Reel mechanism; 203. Rope winding assembly; 300. Connector; 301. Limiting groove; 400. Insertion assembly; 401. Insertion post; 402. Locking platform; 403. Spring; 404. Stop ring; 405. Rotating shaft; 406. Slot; 500. Limiting plate;

[0024] 1. First baffle; 2. Second baffle; 3. Rotating shaft; 4. Rotating shaft; 5. Motor; 6. First mounting bracket; 7. Second mounting bracket; 8. Connecting seat; 9. Fixing sleeve; 10. Rope threading ring; 11. Fixing seat; 12. Reciprocating lead screw; 13. Sliding block; 14. Fixing frame; 15. First transmission gear; 16. Second transmission gear; 17. Support plate; 18. Reinforcing rib. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0026] In this invention, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "middle," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing the invention and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements, or components to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0027] Furthermore, in addition to indicating direction or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in certain situations to indicate a dependency or connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setup," "equipped with," "connection," "linked," and "socketing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] Unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0030] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0031] Example:

[0032] This invention provides a drone, as shown in the figures, including a fuselage 100 and a drone throwing device 200, the drone throwing device 200 being fixed to the fuselage 100. The fuselage 100 includes a frame-shaped frame 101, and the drone throwing device 200 is fixed to the frame-shaped frame 101. The drone throwing device 200 includes a support plate 17, which is fixed to the frame-shaped frame 101 of the fuselage 100 via a connector 300. The support plate 17 and the connector 300 are connected by a quick-release assembly; the quick-release assembly includes a plug-in component 400 passing through the support plate 17 and the connector 300, and a limiting plate 500 restricting the movement of the plug-in component 400.

[0033] Specifically, the plug-in assembly 400 includes a plug-in post 401, a spring 403, a stop ring 404, and a rotating shaft 405. A retaining plate 402 protrudes from the upper middle part of the plug-in post 401. The stop ring 404 is movably sleeved on the plug-in post below the retaining plate 402. The spring 403 connects the retaining plate 402 and the stop ring 404. A slot 406 is opened at the bottom of the plug-in post 401. The limiting plate 500 is rotatably connected to the slot 406 through the rotating shaft 405. The plug-in post 401 passes through the support plate 17 and the connector 300 and is fixed by the limiting plate 500. The support plate 17 and the connector 300 are respectively provided with interconnecting insertion interfaces. Before the insertion post 401 is inserted, the limiting plate 500 is rotated so that the limiting plate 500 is in a vertical state, thus allowing it to pass through the insertion interface. The spring 403 is sleeved between the locking platform 402 and the stop ring 404. After the limiting plate 500 is inserted into the insertion interface of the support plate 17 and the connector 300, the stop ring 404 is locked on the upper part of the support plate 17 and the spring is in a compressed state. Then, the limiting plate 500 is rotated so that the limiting plate 500 is in a horizontal state and locked at the bottom of the connector. Because the spring is in a compressed state, its elastic deformation generates an upward elastic force on the insertion post, causing the limiting plate 500 to be tightly locked at the bottom of the connector.

[0034] To improve the fastening effect of the limiting plate 500, a limiting groove 301 is provided at the bottom of the connector for the limiting plate 500 to be inserted when placed horizontally.

[0035] The drone provided in this embodiment of the invention uses the aforementioned plug-in assembly to mount the drone throwing device onto the frame 101 of the drone fuselage. The drone throwing device is fixed to the frame 101 via a connector 300. The connector 300 is fixed to the frame 101, and the support plate 17 of the drone throwing device 200 is connected to the connector 300 via a plug-in assembly 400. Four plug-in assemblies 400 can be used, enabling quick assembly and disassembly of the plug-in assemblies 400.

[0036] The drone throwing device provided in this embodiment of the invention includes a reel mechanism 202, a drive mechanism 201, and a rope winding assembly 203. The reel mechanism 202 has a rope wound around it, and the end of the rope carries a projectile. The drive mechanism 201 is used to drive the reel mechanism 202 to move and rewind the rope. The rope winding assembly includes a rope loop 10, and one end of the rope passes through the rope loop 10 to fix the projectile. While the drive mechanism drives the reel mechanism 202 to move, it also drives the rope winding assembly 203 to move, thereby causing the rope loop 10 to reciprocate along the axial direction of the reel mechanism 202.

[0037] When the drone needs to drop cargo, it does not need to land at a low altitude; it can hover at a certain height. The flight controller on the drone activates the drive mechanism 201, which drives the reel mechanism 202 to rotate. The reel mechanism 202 releases the coiled rope on its coil. Since the end of the coiled rope carries the cargo, the cargo falls along with the coiled rope until it hits the ground.

[0038] In this embodiment of the invention, the winding mechanism 202 includes a first baffle 1, a second baffle 2, a rotating shaft 3, and a winding shaft 4. The first baffle 1 and the second baffle 2 are arranged opposite to each other. The two ends of the rotating shaft 3 are connected through the middle of the first baffle 1 and the second baffle 2. There are multiple winding shafts 3, and the two ends of each winding shaft 3 are respectively fixedly connected to the first baffle 1 and the second baffle 2. The multiple winding shafts 3 are distributed around the rotating shaft 3. The rope is wound around the annular surface formed by the multiple winding shafts and is wound and unwound as the winding mechanism rotates.

[0039] The drive mechanism 201 includes a motor 5, a first mounting bracket 6, a second mounting bracket 7, a connecting seat 8, and a fixed seat 11. The output shaft of the motor 5 is fixedly connected to the connecting seat 8, which is fixed to the first baffle 1. The end of the rotating shaft 3 passes through the second baffle 2 and is rotatably connected to the fixed seat 11, which is mounted on the second mounting bracket 7. The first mounting bracket 6 and the second mounting bracket 7 are arranged opposite to each other, and the reel mechanism 202 is fixed between the first mounting bracket 6 and the second mounting bracket 7. The motor output shaft drives the connecting seat 8 to rotate. Since the connecting seat 8 is fixed to the first baffle 1 of the reel mechanism 202, the first baffle 1 rotates with the connecting seat 8. Because the first baffle 1, the rotating shaft 3, and the second baffle 2 are fixed as one unit, the rotating shaft 3 and the second baffle 2 are driven to rotate. The other end of the rotating shaft 3 is rotatably connected to the fixed seat 11, and a bearing can be installed in the fixed seat 11 to allow the rotating shaft to rotate.

[0040] Optionally, the first mounting bracket 6 and the second mounting bracket 6 are fixed to the support plate 17 by screws or bolts. The drive mechanism also includes a fixing sleeve 9, which is tightly fitted onto the rotating shaft and its end is fixed to the first baffle 1.

[0041] To prevent the rope on the winding mechanism from gathering in one position and causing uneven winding when it is wound up, the rope winding assembly also includes a transmission assembly, a reciprocating lead screw 12, a sliding block 13, and two fixed brackets 14. The two ends of the reciprocating lead screw 12 are respectively connected to the two fixed brackets 14. The sliding block 13 is sleeved on the reciprocating lead screw 12, and the rope threading ring 10 is fixed to the sliding block 13. One end of the transmission assembly is connected to the reciprocating lead screw 12, and the other end is connected to the drive mechanism. Optionally, the transmission assembly includes a first transmission gear 15 and a second transmission gear 16 that mesh with each other. The first transmission gear 15 is connected to the drive mechanism 201, and the second transmission gear is driven by the reciprocating lead screw.

[0042] The drive motor can rotate forward or backward. When loading goods, the drive motor rotates, simultaneously driving the reel mechanism to rotate, and the rope on the reel mechanism 202 is gradually released. At the same time, the drive motor drives the first gear 15 to rotate, which in turn drives the second gear 16 to rotate. The second gear 16 then drives the reciprocating screw 12 to move, and the sliding block on the reciprocating screw 12 reciprocates along its axial direction. When the goods are loaded, the drive motor rotates, and the reel mechanism rotates in the opposite direction, winding the rope around it. Because the sliding block reciprocates along the axial direction of the reciprocating screw, the rope is evenly wound around the shaft of the reel mechanism. Simultaneously, the rope winding assembly also prevents the rope from winding around the outside of the first or second baffle, thus preventing the rope from jamming.

[0043] For ease of installation, the drone throwing device also includes a support plate 17, on which the reel mechanism, drive mechanism, and rope winding assembly are all fixed; reinforcing ribs 18 are fixed along the length of the support plate. The reinforcing ribs 18 can be a cuboid frame structure, which can enhance the strength and stability of the support plate.

[0044] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A drone launching device, comprising: The device comprises: a reel mechanism (202) on which a reel rope is wound, the tail end of the reel rope carrying a throwing object; a driving mechanism (201) for driving the reel mechanism (202) to move to wind or unwind the reel rope; a rope winding assembly (203) comprising a rope passing ring (1), one end of the reel rope passing through the rope passing ring (1) and fixing the throwing object; the driving mechanism (201) drives the reel mechanism (202) to move at the same time, and drives the rope winding assembly (203) to move, so that the rope passing ring (10) reciprocates along the axial direction of the reel mechanism (202); the rope winding assembly further comprises a transmission assembly, a reciprocating wire rod (12), a sliding block (13) and two fixed frames (14), the two ends of the reciprocating wire rod (12) are connected to the two fixed frames (14) respectively, the sliding block (13) is sleeved on the reciprocating wire rod (12), the rope passing ring (10) is fixed on the sliding block (13), one end of the transmission assembly is connected with the reciprocating wire rod (12), and the other end is connected with the driving mechanism (201); the transmission assembly comprises a first transmission gear (15) and a second transmission gear (16) which are engaged with each other, the first transmission gear (15) is connected with the driving mechanism (201), and the second transmission gear (16) is in transmission connection with the reciprocating wire rod (12).

2. The drone launching device of claim 1, wherein, the reel mechanism (202) comprises a first baffle (1), a second baffle (2), a rotating shaft (3) and a winding shaft (4), the first baffle (1) and the second baffle (2) are oppositely arranged, the two ends of the rotating shaft (3) penetrate through the middle parts of the first baffle (1) and the second baffle (2), the winding shaft (3) has a plurality of winding shafts (4), and the two ends of each winding shaft (4) are fixedly connected to the first baffle (1) and the second baffle (2), respectively, and the plurality of winding shafts (4) are distributed around the rotating shaft (3).

3. The drone launching device of claim 2, wherein, the driving mechanism (201) comprises a motor (5), a first mounting bracket (6), a second mounting bracket (7), a connecting seat (8) and a fixed seat (11), the output shaft of the motor (5) is fixedly connected with the connecting seat (8), the connecting seat (8) is fixed on the first baffle (1), the end part of the rotating shaft (3) penetrates through the second baffle (3) and is rotationally connected in the fixed seat (11), and the fixed seat (11) is mounted on the second mounting bracket (7).

4. The drone launching device of claim 3, wherein, the driving mechanism (201) further comprises a fixed sleeve (9), the fixed sleeve (9) is tightly sleeved on the rotating shaft (3) and the end part is fixed on the first baffle (1).

5. The drone launching device of claim 1, wherein, a support plate (17) is further included, the reel mechanism (202), the driving mechanism (201) and the rope winding assembly (203) are all fixed on the support plate (17), and a reinforcing rib (18) is fixed on the support plate (17) along the length direction.

6. A drone, characterized in that, a machine body and the unmanned aerial vehicle throwing device (200) described in any one of claims 1-5 are included, and the unmanned aerial vehicle throwing device (200) is fixed on the machine body (100).

7. The drone of claim 6, wherein, The unmanned aerial vehicle throwing device (200) comprises a support plate (17) fixed on the fuselage (100) through a connecting piece (300), and the support plate (17) is connected with the connecting piece through a quick release assembly; the quick release assembly comprises a plug-in assembly (400) penetrating through the support plate (17) and the connecting piece (300) and a limiting plate (500) limiting the movement of the plug-in assembly (400).

8. The drone of claim 7, wherein, The plug-in assembly (400) comprises a plug-in column (401), a spring (403), a stop ring (404) and a rotating shaft (405), a clamping table (402) is protruded at the middle upper part of the plug-in column (401), the stop ring (404) is movably sleeved on the plug-in column (401) below the clamping table (402), and the spring (403) is connected between the clamping table (402) and the stop ring (404); a plug-in groove (406) is formed in the bottom of the plug-in column (401), and the limiting plate (500) is rotatably connected in the plug-in groove (406) through the rotating shaft (405); the plug-in column (401) penetrates through the support plate (17) and the connecting piece (300) and is fixed through the limiting plate (500).

Images