Lock release mechanism for drone catapult and catapult system

Abstract

This invention discloses a locking and releasing mechanism and a launch system for launching unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system supports and locks the UAV, comprising a support base and two sets of locking and releasing components mounted opposite each other on the support base. The support arms of the two sets of locking and releasing components are hinged to the support base, and a clamping member is provided at the other end of each support arm, which is also hinged to the support arm. When the transmission mechanism operates, it simultaneously drives the support arm and the clamping member to rotate. When the support arm rotates outward in a vertical position, the clamping member rotates and releases the lock on the UAV slider mounted on the support arm. This invention supports the UAV while simultaneously locking the UAV slider, achieving stable installation of the UAV in the launch state. During UAV launch, the support arm rotates outward while the lock is released, avoiding interference with the UAV's launch and takeoff. This design is well-suited for the short-distance launch requirements of large UAVs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of drone ejection technology, specifically relating to a locking release mechanism and ejection system for drone ejection. Background Technology

[0002] Compared to traditional manned aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can be used for reconnaissance and strike operations as standalone aircraft, or as wingmen in coordination with manned aircraft. They can also form autonomous formations for swarm operations. In addition, UAVs have good stealth capabilities, low cost, and flexible operation, which will occupy an extremely important tactical and strategic position in future air combat.

[0003] In the field of drone catapult launch, existing methods such as steam catapult, electromagnetic catapult, rocket launch, hydraulic catapult, and pneumatic catapult can enable drones to quickly reach takeoff speed and achieve catapult takeoff. However, currently, launching heavy drones over short distances presents significant challenges due to the large weight of the drones. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a locking and releasing mechanism and a catapult system for launching unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), thereby solving the problems that exist when launching heavy UAVs from a short distance.

[0005] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] A locking release mechanism for drone ejection, used to support and lock the drone, includes:

[0007] Support base and two sets of locking and releasing components disposed opposite to each other on the support base;

[0008] The two sets of locking release assemblies include a bearing arm and a transmission mechanism. One end of the bearing arm is hinged to the support base, and a clamping member is provided at the other end of the bearing arm. The clamping member is hinged to the bearing arm.

[0009] When the transmission mechanism is in operation, it can simultaneously drive the support arm and the clamping member to rotate along the corresponding hinge point. When the support arm rotates outward in the vertical position, the clamping member rotates and releases the lock on the drone slider located at the end of the support arm. When the support arm returns to the vertical position, the clamping member rotates and locks the drone slider located at the end of the support arm.

[0010] Furthermore, the transmission mechanism includes:

[0011] The first transmission component is connected to the bearing arm at one end;

[0012] The transmission assembly includes a second transmission member, a third transmission member, and a fourth transmission member. One end of the second transmission member is hinged to the first transmission member. The third transmission member is hinged to both the second and fourth transmission members at its two ends. The third transmission member is hinged to the bearing arm at a position between its two ends. The other end of the fourth transmission member is hinged to one end of the clamping member.

[0013] Furthermore, a support roller assembly is provided at one end of the support arm for setting the drone slider. The support roller assembly includes a support roller that is rotatably connected to the support arm and protrudes from the end face of the support arm.

[0014] Furthermore, a pressure sensor is installed between the support roller assembly and the bearing arm.

[0015] Furthermore, the fourth transmission component is equipped with a force sensor for measuring the force it exerts on the clamping component.

[0016] The ejection system includes:

[0017] pulley;

[0018] Two sets of locking and releasing mechanisms are set opposite each other on the trolley along the direction of drone launch. The two sets of locking and releasing mechanisms support and lock the drone respectively.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes a drive mechanism, which is used to simultaneously drive the transmission mechanism in both sets of locking and releasing mechanisms, so that the locking and releasing mechanisms can simultaneously perform locking and releasing actions on the drone slider.

[0020] Furthermore, the drive mechanism includes a locking drive element and a third transmission assembly;

[0021] The third transmission assembly includes a first connector connected to the locking drive and two connecting rods. The first connector is slidably connected to the connecting rods respectively. The two ends of the connecting rods are respectively connected to the first transmission component of one of the two sets of locking release mechanisms. When the locking drive simultaneously drives the two connecting rods to move, the first transmission components of the two sets of locking release mechanisms act simultaneously, causing the two bearing arms of the locking release mechanism to flip outwards at the same time and causing the clamping member to release the lock on the drone slider, or causing the two bearing arms of the locking release mechanism to return to the vertical state at the same time and causing the clamping member to lock the drone slider.

[0022] Furthermore, a support frame is provided on the trolley, with one end of the support frame hinged to the trolley and the other end of the support frame connected to the trolley with a pitch drive component, which is used to drive the support frame to rotate along its hinge point.

[0023] The locking and releasing mechanism is fixedly mounted on the support frame.

[0024] Furthermore, the trolley is equipped with an acceleration sensor.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0026] The locking release mechanism of the present invention and the catapult system using the locking release mechanism can lock the drone slider while supporting the drone with the support arm, so as to achieve stable installation of the drone in the launch state. When the drone is catapulted, the support arm can rotate outward while releasing the lock on the drone, thereby avoiding interference with the catapult takeoff of the drone. The overall structure is stable and reliable, and can be well applied to the short-distance catapult takeoff requirements of large drones. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the locking and releasing mechanism of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operating principle of the transmission mechanism of the locking and releasing mechanism of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operating principle of the support arm and transmission mechanism of the locking and releasing mechanism of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the locking and releasing mechanism of the present invention locking the slider of the drone.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping member of the locking release mechanism of the present invention in the released state of the drone slider.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the catapult system of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the drive mechanism in the catapult system of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the drive mechanism and the two sets of locking and releasing mechanisms in the ejection system of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the trolley and support frame structure in the catapult system of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 10This is a top view of the trolley structure in the catapult system of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the catapult system of the present invention supporting and locking the drone.

[0039] Wherein: 10-locking release mechanism, 1-bearing arm, 12-first transmission component, 13-second transmission component, 14-third transmission component, 15-fourth transmission component, 16-force sensor, 17-clamping component, 19-support roller, 2-trolley, 20-accelerometer, 21-pitch drive component, 22-traction mechanism, 23-controlling mechanism, 4-support seat, 5-locking drive component, 51-first connecting component, 52-sliding hole, 53-connecting rod, 6-support frame, 7-reinforcing component, 9-UAV, 91-UAV slider. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are some embodiments of the present invention, but not all embodiments.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the locking release mechanism 10 for launching the drone 9 supports and locks the drone 9, and includes:

[0042] The support base 4 and two sets of locking and releasing components are arranged opposite to each other on the support base 4. The locking and releasing components are spaced a certain distance apart on the support base 4 and are arranged opposite to each other. The space between the two can accommodate the UAV 9.

[0043] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the two sets of locking and releasing components include a bearing arm 1 and a transmission mechanism. The bottom end of the bearing arm 1 is rotatably connected to the support base 4. A clamping member 17 is provided at the top end of the bearing arm 1. The clamping member 17 is hinged to the bearing arm 1. Part of the clamping member 17 extends above the bearing arm 1, and the other part is hinged to the bearing arm 1 inside the bearing arm 1. The clamping member 17 can rotate around the hinge point and perform opening and closing actions above the bearing arm 1.

[0044] like Figure 2As shown, the clamping member is hinged to the transmission mechanism inside the support arm 1. When the transmission mechanism is activated, it can simultaneously drive the support arm 1 and the clamping member 17 to rotate along the corresponding hinge point. When the support arm 1 rotates outward in the vertical position, the clamping member 17 rotates and releases the lock on the drone slider 91 located at the end of the support arm 1. When the support arm 1 returns to the vertical position, the clamping member 17 rotates and locks the drone slider 91 located at the end of the support arm 1. The opening and closing of the clamping member 17 is synchronized with the rotation of the support arm 1, so as to ensure that the support arm 1 does not obstruct the takeoff of the drone 9 when releasing the drone 9.

[0045] The transmission mechanism includes a first transmission member 12, which is fixedly connected to the support arm 1 at one end. The first transmission member 12 and the support arm 1 are kept in a relatively perpendicular state, and one end of the first transmission member 12 extends out from the side of the support arm 1.

[0046] The transmission assembly includes a second transmission member 13, a third transmission member 14, and a fourth transmission member 15. One end of the second transmission member 13 is hinged to the portion of the first transmission member 12 extending from the support arm 1. The third transmission member 14 is hinged at both ends to the other end of the second transmission member 13 and the fourth transmission member 15, respectively. The third transmission member 14 is hinged to the support arm 1 at a position between the two hinge points. The third transmission member 14 is relatively parallel to the first transmission member 12. The other end of the fourth transmission member 15 is hinged to one end of the clamping member 17. The fourth transmission member 17 is arranged along the interior of the support arm 1 and moves in accordance with the movement of the support arm 1. Preferably, the first, second, third, and fourth transmission members are all rod-shaped structural members, forming a linkage structure similar to a parallelogram.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, a support roller assembly is provided at one end of the support arm 1 for mounting the drone slider 91. The support roller assembly includes a support roller 19 rotatably connected to the support arm 1. The support roller 19 protrudes from the end face of the support arm 1. The clamping member 17 cooperates with the support roller 19 to clamp the drone slider 91. When the drone 9 needs to be released, after the clamping member 17 is opened, the support roller 19 will rotate under the combined action of friction and pressure of the drone slider 91 when it leaves the support arm 1, thereby reducing the friction between the drone slider 91 and the support arm 1, making the release and take-off of the drone 9 smoother.

[0048] A pressure sensor is installed between the support roller assembly and the bearing arm 1.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, a force sensor 16 is provided on the fourth transmission component 15 to measure the force it exerts on the clamping component 17, in order to determine whether the drone slider 91 has been securely clamped.

[0050] like Figure 6 As shown, this embodiment is an ejection system employing the locking release mechanism described in the above embodiments, comprising:

[0051] Trolley 2; Trolley 2 is equipped with four rubber wheels, which form a rolling pair through contact with the track. The two front wheels are connected to trolley 2 via the same rotating shaft, and the two rear wheels are distributed on both sides of trolley 2. Trolley 2 is spliced ​​from high-strength alloy steel frame beams, and each frame beam has weight-reducing holes. The trolley is triangular in shape and has multiple cavities inside.

[0052] Two sets of locking and releasing mechanisms 10 are arranged opposite each other on the trolley 2 along the launch direction of the UAV 9. The two sets of locking and releasing mechanisms 10 are spaced apart on the same axis. The two sets of locking and releasing mechanisms 10 support and lock the UAV 9 respectively, making the UAV 9 more stable on the support arm 1. Furthermore, the locking and releasing mechanism 10 located at the front end only restricts the vertical direction of the UAV slider 91, while the locking and releasing mechanism 10 located at the rear can simultaneously restrict the vertical direction and the forward and backward direction of the UAV slider 91, so that the UAV 9 will not slide backward when its head is adjusted to the takeoff angle.

[0053] The ejection system also includes a drive mechanism, which can simultaneously drive the transmission mechanism in the two sets of locking and releasing mechanisms, so that the locking and releasing mechanisms can simultaneously lock and release the UAV slider 91. The drive mechanism is preferably located between the two sets of locking and releasing mechanisms.

[0054] The drive mechanism includes a locking drive element and a third transmission assembly;

[0055] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the third transmission assembly includes a first connecting member 51 connected to the locking drive member and two connecting rods 53. The first connecting member 51 is provided with an oblong sliding hole 52. The first connecting member 51 is slidably connected to the two connecting rods 53 respectively. The connecting rods 53 pass through the sliding hole 52 and can slide in the sliding hole 52 when the first connecting member 51 moves. The two ends of the connecting rods 53 are respectively connected to the first transmission member 12 of the locking release assembly located on the same side of the two sets of locking release mechanisms. The locking drive member 5 is connected to the first connecting member 51. When the locking drive member 5 drives the first connecting member 51, the first connecting member 51 moves upward. At the same time, The first connecting member 51 drives the two connecting rods 53 to move. The connecting rods 53 can slide outward and move upward on the first connecting member 51. When the two connecting rods 53 are driven to move, the first transmission member 51 in the two sets of locking release mechanisms will also rotate at the same time, causing the two bearing arms 1 of the locking release mechanism 10 to flip outward at the same time and causing the clamping member 17 to release the lock on the drone slider 91. Similarly, when the drone 9 is released, the locking drive member 5 will drive the first connecting member 51 to move downward, causing the connecting rods 53 to drive the two bearing arms 1 of the locking release mechanism 10 to return to the vertical state at the same time and causing the clamping member 17 to lock the drone slider 91.

[0056] On the two sets of locking and releasing mechanisms, a reinforcing member 7 is provided between the locking and releasing components on the same side. The reinforcing member 7 can make the locking and releasing components on the same side open and close synchronously, and at the same time make the UAV 9 more stable on the support arm 1.

[0057] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, a support frame 6 is provided on the trolley 2. The support frame 6 is hinged to the trolley 5 at one end and a pitch drive 21 is provided between the other end and the trolley 5. The pitch drive 21 is used to drive the support frame 6 to rotate along its hinge point. When it is necessary to release the drone 9, the support frame 6 needs to be adjusted to an appropriate angle before the trolley 2 is started, so that the trolley 2 moves to a certain speed before the drone 9 is released.

[0058] Preferably, the locking release mechanism 10 is fixedly connected to the support frame 6 to ensure that the support frame 6, the connecting rod 53 and the drone 9 are in a parallel state, which can ensure better release of the drone 9.

[0059] like Figure 11 As shown, an acceleration sensor 20 is installed on the trolley 2 to measure the instantaneous speed of the trolley during the catapult launch of the UAV 9, in order to determine whether the trolley 2 has reached the speed requirement for the UAV 9 to launch. A photoelectric sensor can also be installed on the trolley 2 to work in conjunction with the acceleration sensor 20 to measure the instantaneous speed of the trolley 2.

[0060] The pulley 2 is equipped with a traction mechanism 22 at the front and a restraining mechanism 23 at the rear.

[0061] A central control system is installed on the trolley 2. The central control system is used to control the locking and unlocking operations of the catapult system on the UAV 9, so that the UAV 9 can be launched and taken off from the catapult system. Generally, the central control system includes a controller, a wireless communication module, and a power supply module. Pressure sensors, force sensors, electric push rods, acceleration sensors, and photoelectric sensors are connected to the controller. The central control system receives the UAV catapult command through the wireless communication module.

[0062] When the controller receives the launch command for the UAV 9, the trolley 2 slides under the action of the UAV 9. The controller obtains the instantaneous speed of the trolley 2 fed back by the acceleration sensor. When the instantaneous speed of the trolley 2 reaches the predetermined launch speed and there are no other abnormalities, the controller controls the locking drive 5 to act, which drives the two sets of locking release mechanisms 10 to act, release the lock on the UAV 9, and realize the launch of the UAV 9.

[0063] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship that the product of this invention is usually placed in during use. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0064] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" in the description of this invention does not imply that the components are required to be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0065] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0066] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Any simple modifications or equivalent changes made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A locking release mechanism (10) for launching a drone, used to support and lock the drone (9), characterized in that, include: Support base (4) and two sets of locking release components disposed opposite to each other on the support base (4); The two sets of locking release components include a support arm (1) and a transmission mechanism. One end of the support arm (1) is hinged to the support base (4), and a clamping member (17) is provided at the other end of the support arm (1). The clamping member (17) is hinged to the support arm (1). When the transmission mechanism is in operation, it can simultaneously drive the support arm (1) and the clamping member (17) to rotate along the corresponding hinge point. When the support arm (1) rotates outward in the vertical state, the clamping member (17) rotates and releases the lock on the drone slider (91) set at the end of the support arm (1). When the support arm (1) returns to the vertical state, the clamping member (17) rotates and locks the drone slider (91) set at the end of the support arm (1). The transmission mechanism includes: a first transmission component (12), which is connected to the support arm (1) at one end; The transmission assembly includes a second transmission member (13), a third transmission member (14), and a fourth transmission member (15). One end of the second transmission member (13) is hinged to the first transmission member (12). The third transmission member (14) is hinged to the second transmission member (13) and the fourth transmission member (15) at both ends respectively. The third transmission member (14) is hinged to the bearing arm (1) at a position between the two ends of the third transmission member (14). The other end of the fourth transmission member (15) is hinged to one end of the clamping member (17).

2. The locking and releasing mechanism for UAV ejection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support arm (1) is used to set the end of the UAV slider (91) and a support roller assembly is provided at one end. The support roller assembly includes a support roller (19) that is rotatably connected to the support arm and the support roller (19) protrudes from the end face of the support arm (1).

3. The locking and releasing mechanism for UAV ejection according to claim 2, characterized in that, A pressure sensor is provided between the support roller assembly and the bearing arm (1).

4. The locking and releasing mechanism for UAV ejection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fourth transmission component (15) is provided with a force sensor (16) for measuring the force it exerts on the clamping component (17).

5. An ejection system, characterized in that, include: Pulley (2); Two sets of locking and releasing mechanisms (10) as described in any one of claims 1 to 4 are arranged opposite to each other on the trolley (2) along the ejection direction of the UAV (9). The two sets of locking and releasing mechanisms support the UAV (9) and lock the UAV (9) respectively. It also includes a drive mechanism, which is used to simultaneously drive the transmission mechanism in the two sets of locking and releasing mechanisms (10), so that the two sets of locking and releasing mechanisms (10) can simultaneously lock and release the drone sliders (91) at both ends; The drive mechanism includes a locking drive element (5) and a third transmission assembly; The third transmission assembly includes a first connecting member (51) connected to the locking drive member (5) and two connecting rods (53). The first connecting member (51) is slidably connected to the connecting rods (53). The two ends of the connecting rods (53) are respectively connected to the first transmission member (12) of one of the two sets of locking release mechanisms. When the locking drive member (5) drives the two connecting rods (53) to move at the same time, the first transmission member (12) of the two sets of locking release mechanisms (10) moves at the same time, causing the two bearing arms (1) of the locking release mechanism to flip outward at the same time and causing the clamping member (17) to release the lock on the drone slider (91), or causing the two bearing arms (1) on both sides of the locking release mechanism to return to the vertical state at the same time and causing the clamping member to lock the drone slider (91).

6. The ejection system according to claim 5, characterized in that, A support frame (6) is provided on the trolley (2). The support frame (6) is hinged to the trolley (2) at one end and a pitch drive (21) is provided between the other end and the trolley (2). The pitch drive (21) is used to drive the support frame (6) to rotate along the hinge point between it and the trolley (2). The locking release mechanism is fixedly mounted on the support frame (6).

7. The ejection system according to claim 5, characterized in that, An acceleration sensor (20) is installed on the trolley (2).

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