Front axle rotating dual-rocket booster unmanned aerial vehicle launcher

Abstract

The application discloses a front-axle rotating type double-rocket booster unmanned aerial vehicle launching device and belongs to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle launching. The device comprises a launching frame and a rocket booster. One end of the launching frame is hinged with a front rocker arm, and the other end is provided with a rear bracket. The front rocker arm is rotatable relative to the launching frame. The rocket booster is provided with an insertion lug capable of accommodating a front launching axle of an unmanned aerial vehicle to be launched. The front launching axle is rotatable. The insertion lug is provided with a limiting device capable of limiting the movement of the front launching axle. The upper portion of the front rocker arm is provided with an open wrench groove capable of accommodating the front launching axle. When the rocket booster is started, the front rocker arm is pushed to rotate to the outside of the launching frame, the front rocker arm drives the launching axle to rotate, and the launching axle is simultaneously released from the limitation of the limiting device. The rotatable front launching axle is used to lock and release the booster rocket in cooperation with the limiting device, so that the fixing of the booster rocket is relatively independent, the launching frame is not required to assist in supporting the booster rocket, and the cooperation precision requirement among the unmanned aerial vehicle, the booster rocket and the launching frame is obviously reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a dual-rocket-boosted unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launcher, specifically a front-shaft rotating dual-rocket-boosted UAV launcher, belonging to the field of UAV launch. Background Technology

[0002] There are several ways for drones to take off, including runway takeoff, vertical takeoff, catapult takeoff, and boost-launch takeoff. Catapult takeoff can be further divided into pneumatic catapult, hydraulic catapult, and electromagnetic catapult, depending on its power source. Boost-launch takeoff often uses rocket boosters, which are mounted on the drone's fuselage. The thrust of the rocket booster propels the drone to a safe launch speed.

[0003] Depending on the placement and structure of the rocket boosters on the UAV fuselage, boosted takeoff methods can be further subdivided into belly-mounted oblique thrust, tandem rear thrust, and parallel side thrust. Small and medium-sized UAVs typically use a single rocket for oblique and rear thrust, while parallel side thrust generally uses two rockets to maintain lateral thrust balance. Each booster method has its advantages and disadvantages; single rockets offer a cost advantage, while dual rockets provide a greater safety margin during launch.

[0004] On October 20, 2020, Chinese utility model patent CN211711112U disclosed a dual-rocket-boost UAV launcher, including a UAV, a launch landing gear, rocket boosters, and rocket booster mounting brackets. The UAV has a front force transmission shaft, a rear force transmission shaft, and a rear support point on its fuselage. The front and rear force transmission shafts are located on the sides of the UAV fuselage, and the rear support point is located at the tail of the UAV. Under the same UAV center of gravity deviation, the launch stability of the symmetrically arranged rocket booster UAV launcher is significantly better than that of a single rocket booster.

[0005] On August 18, 2020, Chinese utility model patent CN211281515U disclosed a UAV booster rocket mounting system, including mounting brackets, a front axle, a rear axle, and a launch pad front rocker arm. Two mounting brackets are included, each with a front lug at its front end and a rear lug at its rear end. The openings of both the front and rear lugs face the launch direction of the UAV. A front axle is inserted into the front lug of each mounting bracket, and a rear axle is inserted into the rear lug of each mounting bracket. The front and rear axles are connected to the fuselage of the UAV, with the front axle supported on the launch pad front rocker arm. This system is suitable for launching UAVs using dual rocket boosters.

[0006] Both of the above technical solutions require on-site assembly of the booster and the mounting rack before launch, which takes up a certain amount of launch preparation time, and the assembly is relatively heavy. The mounting rack and launch pad use a pin-fitting system, which requires high positional accuracy of the holes in the front support of the launch pad, as well as high symmetry on the left and right sides of the front support. In addition, the fixation of the booster rocket requires the joint participation of the UAV, the launch pad, and the booster rocket mounting rack. Overall, it requires high precision in coordination and is not easy to adjust. The launch pad packaging is large in volume and heavy in weight, resulting in low transport loading density and high transportation and packaging costs. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defects of the prior art and provide a front-shaft rotating dual rocket booster UAV launch device that does not require a mounting bracket or on-site assembly, has high precision when used with UAVs, and is easy to adjust.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a front-axis rotating dual rocket booster UAV launch device, which includes a launcher and rocket boosters. One end of the launcher is hinged to a front rocker arm, and the other end is equipped with a rear bracket. The front rocker arm can rotate relative to the launcher.

[0009] The rocket booster is provided with a front lug, which can accommodate the front launch shaft of the UAV to be launched. The front launch shaft is rotatable. The front lug is provided with a limiting device that can restrict the movement of the front launch shaft.

[0010] The upper part of the front rocker arm is provided with a receiving part that can accommodate the front launch shaft;

[0011] When the rocket booster is activated, it pushes the front rocker arm to rotate outward of the launch pad. The front rocker arm drives the front launch shaft to rotate, and the front launch shaft simultaneously disengages from the limiting device.

[0012] In this invention, the front launch shaft includes an outer side and an inner side, wherein the shaft diameter of the outer side is larger than that of the inner side.

[0013] The two outer sides are parallel planes that are compatible with the structure of the receiving part on the front rocker arm.

[0014] The inner side is provided with a limiting groove distributed radially along the inner side, and the bottom of the limiting groove forms an angle α with the plane on the outer side.

[0015] After the current launch shaft rotates through angle α, the bottom of the limiting groove is horizontal and separates from the limiting device.

[0016] In this invention, the α angle ranges from 10 to 20 degrees.

[0017] In this invention, the limiting device includes a limiting screw, which is disposed on the lug and inserted into the limiting groove on the inner side of the front launch shaft.

[0018] In this invention, the launcher includes a lower platform, an upper platform, and a drive mechanism. The rear ends of the lower platform and the upper platform are hinged together. The drive mechanism is connected between the lower platform and the upper platform to drive and adjust the lifting angle of the upper platform.

[0019] The lower frame includes a main frame, a front support leg connected to the main frame, and two symmetrically arranged rear support legs, wherein the front support leg and the rear support legs are distributed in a triangular pattern.

[0020] The rear support leg is connected to the main frame by a folding mechanism, and the support leg can be folded inward to the main frame.

[0021] In this invention, the folding mechanism includes a three-hole plug / double-ear plug connected to the rear support leg, a double-ear plug / three-hole plug connected to the main frame, and two adjusting bolts;

[0022] The three openings on the three-hole earpiece are arranged in a triangle, and the two-ear plug has two through holes;

[0023] The three-hole earpiece is inserted into the two-hole plug. One of the adjusting bolts passes through the distal opening of the two-hole plug and the proximal opening of the three-hole earpiece. The other adjusting bolt passes through the proximal opening of the two-hole plug and any of the distal openings on the three-hole earpiece.

[0024] The adjusting bolt, which passes through the distal opening of the double-ear plug and the proximal opening of the three-hole ear, is used as a folding rotation axis.

[0025] In this invention, the upper and lower parts of the rear end of the upper platform are provided with rear bracket mounting plates.

[0026] In this invention,

[0027] The launcher is equipped with an anti-rebound component to prevent the front rocker arm from rebounding;

[0028] The front rocker arm is equipped with an anti-rebound post at the bottom and a limit post at the bottom.

[0029] When the anti-rebound post enters the anti-rebound assembly, the limiting post restricts the anti-rebound post from continuing to move in the original direction of movement.

[0030] In this invention, the anti-rebound component includes a ratchet swing block and a damping plate, with the damping plate located above the ratchet swing block;

[0031] The space between the ratchet swing block and the damping plate is slightly larger than the anti-rebound column structure;

[0032] The ratchet block can swing upwards and automatically return to its original position;

[0033] When the anti-rebound post enters the space between the ratchet swing block and the damping plate, the ratchet swing block automatically returns to its original position and is limited.

[0034] In this invention, the rear bracket includes a height-adjustable base, an upper slide rail, and a lower slide rail;

[0035] The sliding rail can be inserted into the tail hook of the UAV to be launched, and the tail hook can slide along the sliding rail; the tail hook is provided with a shear pin hole.

[0036] The lower slide rail is provided with adjustment holes at both ends, and the lower slide rail is connected to the height-adjustable base through the adjustment holes;

[0037] The upper slide rail is installed on the lower slide rail, and can slide and be positioned along the lower slide rail;

[0038] The length direction of the adjustable waist hole is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the tail hook;

[0039] The upper slide rail is provided with a insertion hole corresponding to the position of the shear pin hole for inserting the shear pin.

[0040] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: (1) The use of a rotatable UAV front launch shaft in conjunction with a limiting device to lock and release the booster rocket makes the fixation of the booster rocket relatively independent, eliminating the need for launch pad auxiliary support for the booster rocket, significantly reducing the accuracy requirements for the correlation and coordination between the UAV, booster rocket, and launch pad; eliminating the rocket assembly work at the launch site and reducing the total weight of the booster rocket, improving the form and position accuracy, and reducing the cost of use; (2) The use of a limiting screw in conjunction with a limiting groove to form a limiting device is not only simple in structure but also has good stability; (3) The use of a three-legged launch pad simplifies the structure and reduces the number of components. (3) The components are reduced in weight; the launcher is foldable and quick-deployable, which ensures the efficiency of launcher deployment on site, improves the transport loading density, and reduces storage and transportation costs; (4) The combination of double-ear plug and three-hole ear can ensure the stability of folded or unfolded state while ensuring the compact structure; (5) The upper and lower parts of the rear end of the upper platform are respectively equipped with rear bracket mounting plates, which can ensure the installation of the rear bracket mounting plates according to different environments; (6) Through the combination of anti-rebound components, anti-rebound columns and limit columns, the rotation amplitude of the front rocker arm can be limited to avoid the front rocker arm rotation amplitude being too large and accidentally damaging the drone to be launched; (7) The rear bracket can be adjusted in multiple dimensions to meet the support of different models of drones to be launched. Attached Figure Description

[0041] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0042] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a front-shaft rotating dual-rocket booster UAV launcher.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the launcher in its deployed state;

[0044] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the front rocker arm structure;

[0045] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of a front-shaft rotating dual-rocket booster UAV launcher Figure 2 ;

[0046] Figure 5 The diagram shows the front launch shaft structure, (a) before rotation and (b) after rotation.

[0047] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the rear launch shaft structure;

[0048] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the rear bracket structure;

[0049] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the tail hook structure;

[0050] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a rocket booster structure;

[0051] Figure 10 The diagram shows the front launch shaft and the front lug fitting together, (a) before rotation and (b) after rotation.

[0052] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the drone in a ready-to-launch state.

[0053] Figure 12 Diagram showing the launch and takeoff status of the drone;

[0054] Figure 13 A schematic diagram showing the engagement of the front rocker arm with the front launch shaft and lugs in the human-machine launch off-frame state;

[0055] Figure 14 A structural diagram of the launch pad in the fully dismounted state for UAV launch;

[0056] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the interaction between the front rocker arm and the launch pad;

[0057] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the upper platform structure;

[0058] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the rear structure of the lower platform;

[0059] Figure 18 A schematic diagram of the launcher's storage and transportation status, (a) is a front view, (b) is a left view, and (c) is a top view;

[0060] In the diagram, 1-UAV, 2-Rocket booster, 3-Launcher, 11-Front launch shaft, 111-Outer side of front launch shaft, 112-Inner side of front launch shaft, 113-Limiting groove, 12-Rear launch shaft, 13-Tail hook, 131-Rhomboid block, 132-Waist-shaped shear pin hole, 21-Front lug, 22-Rear lug, 23-Nozzle assembly, 24-Rocket tube body, 241-Front reinforcement area, 242-Front reinforcement platform, 243-Rear reinforcement area, 244-Rear reinforcement platform, 25-Limiting screw, 31-Lower platform, 311-Front support leg, 312-Left rear support leg, 3121-Three-hole lug, 313-Right rear support leg, 314-Main frame, 3141-Double-ear plug, 315-Jack block, 32-Upper platform, 321- 322-Lower mounting plate, 33-Jack, 34-Rear bracket, 341-Base, 342-Adjusting nut, 343-Adjustable mounting base, 344-Upper slide rail, 3441-Second adjusting waist hole, 345-Lower slide rail, 3451-First adjusting waist hole, 346-Shear pin, 347-Rear stop, 35-Double rocket junction box, 36-Anti-rebound assembly, 361-Ratchet swing block, 362-Damping plate, 37-Front rocker arm, 371-Open wrench slot, 372-Protective pin hole, 373-Limit post, 374-Anti-rebound post, 375-Reinforcing crossbeam, 376-Spindle hole, 38-Protective pin, 39-Angle display. Detailed Implementation

[0061] 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 only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0062] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0063] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0064] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this invention is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0065] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0066] 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.

[0067] The following detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0068] like Figure 1 As shown, the front-axis rotating dual-rocket booster UAV launch device provided in this embodiment is mainly used for dual-rocket launch of fixed-wing UAVs. It includes two rocket boosters 2 and a launcher 3. The two rocket boosters 2 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the UAV 1, and the UAV 1 is supported on the launcher 3.

[0069] like Figure 2As shown, the launcher 3 includes a lower frame 31, an upper frame 32, a jack 33, a rear bracket 34, a dual-rocket junction box 35, an anti-rebound assembly 36, a front rocker arm 37, a protective pin 38, and an angle display 39. The lower frame 31 includes a main frame 314, a jack support block 315, a front support leg 311, a left rear support leg 312, and a right rear support leg 313. The front support leg 311 is connected to the main frame 314. The upper frame 32 is located above the lower frame 31. The two ends of the jack 33 are connected to the upper frame 32 and the lower frame 31, respectively. The upper frame 32, the lower frame 31, and the jack 33 are all mechanically connected by bolts. The rear bracket 34, the dual-rocket junction box 35, the anti-rebound assembly 36, the front rocker arm 37, and the angle display 39 are all mechanically connected to the upper frame 32.

[0070] The protective pin 38 passes through the front of the upper frame 32 and the lower end of the front rocker arm 37, which allows the front rocker arm 37 to remain vertically upward.

[0071] Before the launch pad 3 is erected, jack 33 rests against jack block 315, and the upper platform 32 is in a horizontal position. The two ends of jack 33 are hinged to the corresponding interfaces of the upper platform 32 and the lower platform 31, respectively. The upper platform 32 and the lower platform 31 are hinged together via the rear interface. The lower platform 31 uses a three-legged structure instead of the traditional four-legged structure, greatly simplifying the structure of the lower platform 31, reducing the number of parts, lightening the weight, and lowering the cost.

[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, the front rocker arm 37 is provided with an open-end wrench slot 371, a protective pin hole 372, a limiting post 373, an anti-rebound post 374, a reinforcing crossbeam 375, and a pivot hole 376. The open-end wrench slot 371 is located at the uppermost part of the front rocker arm 37, the protective pin hole 372, the limiting post 373, the reinforcing crossbeam 375, and the pivot hole 376 are located in the lower middle part of the front rocker arm 37, and the anti-rebound post 374 is located at the lower part of the front rocker arm 37. The front rocker arm 37 is mounted on the front of the upper frame 32 via a threaded shaft.

[0073] In this embodiment, the open-end wrench groove 371 is an integrally machined part. The protective pin hole 372, anti-rebound post 374, and reinforcing crossbeam 375 are welded to the front rocker arm 37. The limiting post 373 is threadedly connected to the front rocker arm 37. The structure of the open-end wrench groove 371 is similar to that of an open-end wrench tool, with an arc-shaped groove bottom and parallel planes on both sides. The open-end wrench groove 371 is used in conjunction with the front launch shaft 11. The front of the open-end wrench groove 371 is higher than the back. The lower back allows the front launch shaft 11 to quickly disengage from the open-end wrench groove 371 when the front rocker arm 37 rotates and falls. When the front rocker arm 37 is in a vertical ready-to-launch state, the limiting post 373 abuts against the front end of the upper frame 32, preventing the front rocker arm 37 from tilting backward. In other words, the front rocker arm 37 can only tilt forward.

[0074] like Figure 4 As shown, a front launch shaft 11 and a rear launch shaft 12 are arranged on both sides of the fuselage of the UAV 1, and a tailhook 13 is arranged below the tail of the UAV 1. The front launch shaft 11 and the rear launch shaft 12 are both connected to the sides of the fuselage of the UAV 1 by screws; the tailhook 13 is fixed to the lower part of the tail of the UAV 1 by screws. The function of the tailhook 13 is to support and lock the rear of the UAV 1 on the launch pad 3. The front launch shaft 11 has a stepped groove in the middle. After the front lug 21 of the rocket booster 2 is inserted into the front launch shaft 11, the stepped groove restricts the lateral movement of the rocket booster 2, and the front launch shaft 11 can rotate. The outer side 111 of the front launch shaft cooperates with the front rocker arm 37 of the launch pad 3, and the inner side 112 of the front launch shaft cooperates with the front lug 21 of the rocket booster 2. The inner side 112 of the front launch shaft has a limiting groove 113.

[0075] like Figure 5 As shown, the outer diameter of the front launch shaft 111 is larger than the inner diameter of the front launch shaft 112. The outer diameter of the front launch shaft 111 is milled flat on both sides, and there is an included angle α between the milled flat surface of the outer diameter of the front launch shaft 111 and the bottom plane of the limiting inclined groove 113. After the front launch shaft 11 rotates through angle α, the bottom plane of the limiting inclined groove 113 is horizontal. The angle α is generally in the range of 10 to 20 degrees.

[0076] like Figure 6 As shown, the rear launch shaft 12 is a stepped shaft. The narrow neck of the stepped shaft mates with the rear lug 22 of the rocket booster 2. The outer flange and the inner boss can restrict the axial movement of the rear lug 22 of the rocket booster 2 along the rear launch shaft 12.

[0077] like Figure 7 As shown, the lower part of the tail hook 13 is a rhomboid block 131, and the middle part of the tail hook 13 is provided with a waist-shaped shear pin hole 132, which is distributed along the height direction.

[0078] like Figure 8As shown, the rear bracket 34 includes a base 341, an adjusting nut 342, an adjustable mounting base 343, an upper slide rail 344, a lower slide rail 345, a shear pin 346, and a rear stop block 347. The upper slide rail 344 has a shear pin hole and a rear stop block mounting hole. The adjustable mounting base 343 is threaded to the base 341, and the base 341 and the adjustable mounting base 343 are locked together by the adjusting nut 342. The lower slide rail 345 has first adjusting holes 3451 at both ends, which are fastened to the adjustable mounting base 343 with screws. The outer side of the upper slide rail 344 has a second adjusting hole 3441 along its length, which is fastened to the lower slide rail 345 with screws. The upper slide rail 344 can slide and be positioned along the lower slide rail 345. The direction of the length of the first adjusting waist hole 3451 intersects the direction of the length of the second adjusting waist hole 3441, which facilitates the dynamic adjustment of the X-axis and Y-axis positions of the tail hook 13.

[0079] The rear stop 347 is inserted into the upper slide rail 344 and secured with screws. The base 341 is located below, with the adjusting nut 342 and the adjustable mounting base 343 on top. A lower slide rail 345 is installed above the adjustable mounting base 343, and an upper slide rail 344 is installed above the lower slide rail 345. When the UAV 1 is loaded into the launcher 3, the diamond-shaped block 131 at the bottom of the tail hook 13 slides into the track groove formed by the upper slide rail 344 and the lower slide rail 345, and is pushed backward until the tail hook 13 contacts and abuts against the rear stop 347. At this time, the shear pin hole of the upper slide rail 344 is concentric with the waist-shaped shear pin hole 132 of the tail hook 13. Inserting the shear pin 346 can lock the tail hook 13 onto the rear bracket 34, and the rear stop 347 prevents the UAV 1 from sliding backward out of the track groove. The adjustable mounting base 343, in conjunction with the base 341 and adjusting nut 342, allows for vertical adjustment and locking. The first adjusting slot 3451 on the lower slide rail 345 allows for horizontal adjustment, and the second adjusting slot 3441 on the upper slide rail 344 allows for front-to-back adjustment. In this embodiment, the shearing force of the shear pin 346 needs to be sufficient to overcome the thrust of the UAV 1 engine.

[0080] like Figure 9As shown, the rocket booster 2 includes a front lug 21, a rear lug 22, a nozzle assembly 23, and a rocket tube 24. A limiting screw 25 is fitted into the threaded hole at the front end of the front lug 21. The rocket tube 24 has a front reinforcing region 241, a front reinforcing platform 242, a rear reinforcing region 243, and a rear reinforcing platform 244. The front lug 21 is located at the front of the rocket booster 2, the rear lug 22 is located in the middle and rear part of the rocket booster 2, and the nozzle assembly 23 is located at the rear of the rocket booster 2. In this embodiment, the front lug 21 and the rear lug 22 of the rocket booster 2 have different heights. When installed on the UAV 1, they will form a certain angle between the rocket booster 2 and the UAV 1. This angle ensures that the combustion exhaust of the rocket booster 2 does not damage the airframe structure of the UAV 1.

[0081] The front reinforcing zone 241 and the rear reinforcing zone 243 are the reinforcing areas of the rocket tube 24. Two reinforcing platforms, a front reinforcing platform 242 and a rear reinforcing platform 244, are welded to these areas respectively. The front lug 21 and the rear lug 22 are mechanically connected to the two reinforcing platforms. In a dual-rocket launch configuration, high dimensional and positional accuracy is required for the mating surfaces of the front lug 21 and the rear lug 22 of the rocket booster 2, as well as the nozzle axis. Compared to existing technologies, using an integral rocket eliminates on-site rocket assembly work, reduces the overall weight of the booster rocket, improves dimensional and positional accuracy, and lowers operating costs.

[0082] like Figure 1 , 4As shown in Figure 10, when assembling the rocket booster 2 with the UAV 1, after the front lug 21 of the rocket booster 2 is inserted into the front launch shaft 11 and the rear lug 22 is inserted into the rear launch shaft 12, a limiting screw 25 needs to be screwed in to limit the front lug 21. In the initial state before rotation, the milled flat surface of the outer side 111 of the front launch shaft is in a vertical state, and the groove width of the front lug 21 is the same as the diameter of the inner side 112 of the front launch shaft. The limiting screw 25 is screwed into the front lug 21 to a certain depth so that the end of the limiting screw 25 just contacts the limiting groove 113 on the inner side of the front launch shaft 11, thus locking the rocket booster 2 and the UAV 1 and preventing the rocket booster 2 from sliding out of the front and rear launch shafts 12. In this embodiment, the groove depth of the limiting groove 113 is slightly greater than the protrusion height of the limiting screw 25 in the front lug 21, and the groove width of the limiting groove 113 is slightly greater than the diameter of the limiting screw 25. When UAV 1 is launched, rocket booster 2 ignites, causing the front launch shaft 11 to rotate by a certain angle α. The limiting groove 113 on the inner side of the front launch shaft 11 is then rotated to a horizontal position, allowing UAV 1 to detach from launch pad 3 and ascend. After rocket booster 2 shuts down, it smoothly slides off the front and rear launch shafts 12 under the influence of gravity and aerodynamic drag. The use of a rotatable UAV front launch shaft 11 in conjunction with limiting screws 25 to lock and release the booster rocket allows for relatively independent fixation of the booster rocket, eliminating the need for auxiliary support from launch pad 3. This significantly reduces the precision requirements for the coordination between UAV 1, rocket booster 2, and launch pad 3.

[0083] like Figure 1 As shown, during the launch preparation phase, the UAV 1 is hoisted onto the launch pad 3, the protective pin 38 is inserted, the rocket booster 2 is mounted on the UAV 1, and locked with the limit screw 25.

[0084] like Figure 11 As shown, after the system is debugged, the upper frame 32 is lifted by jack 33 and locked after being lifted to a specific angle. The lifting angle is displayed by angle display 39, and the lifting angle range is 0 to 30 degrees.

[0085] like Figure 12 As shown, when the UAV 1 is launched, the rocket booster 2 ignites, propelling the UAV 1 forward. The tail hook 13 and the front launch shaft 11 detach from the launch pad 3 in succession, and the front rocker arm 37 rotates forward.

[0086] like Figure 13 As shown, when the front rocker arm 37 rotates forward, the open wrench slot 371 drives the front launch shaft 11 to rotate.

[0087] like Figure 14 , 15As shown, during the launch of UAV 1, when the front rocker arm 37 disengages from the front launch shaft 11 of UAV 1, the front rocker arm 37 will continue to swing downwards at an accelerated speed under the influence of inertia and gravity. To prevent the front rocker arm 37 from rebounding, this embodiment provides an anti-rebound component 36 on the launcher 3.

[0088] The anti-rebound assembly 36 includes a ratchet swing block 361 and a damping plate 362. The anti-rebound assembly 36 is arranged on the front inner side of the upper frame 32. The damping plate 362 is above the ratchet swing block 361. The ratchet swing block 361 and the damping plate 362 are mounted on the upper frame 32 with screws. A space is formed between the ratchet swing block 361 and the damping plate 362. This space can accommodate the anti-rebound post 374 and still have a certain gap. The ratchet swing block 361 can only swing upward in one direction and return to its original position. The downward swing of the ratchet swing block 361 is limited. The damping plate 362 can undergo elastic deformation under the action of force. When the front rocker arm 37 swings down, after the anti-rebound post 374 passes the ratchet swing block 361, the lower part of the front rocker arm 37 will hit the damping plate 362. The damping plate 362 will undergo elastic deformation. When the front rocker arm 37 continues to rotate through a small angle, the limit post 373 will collide with the lower edge of the upper platform 32, preventing the front rocker arm 37 from rotating further backward. When the front rocker arm 37 rebounds under the action of the rebound force of the damping plate 362, the lower part of the front rocker arm 37 is blocked by the ratchet swing block 361, thereby reliably limiting the lower part of the front rocker arm 37 and the anti-rebound post 374 between the ratchet swing block 361 and the damping plate 362.

[0089] like Figure 16 As shown, an upper mounting plate 321 and a lower mounting plate 322 are provided at the rear of the upper platform 32. The upper mounting plate 321 is welded to the upper rear of the upper platform 32, and the lower mounting plate 322 is welded to the lower rear of the upper platform 32. Both the upper mounting plate 321 and the lower mounting plate 322 are used to install the rear bracket 34. The mounting interfaces of the upper mounting plate 321 and the lower mounting plate 322 for installing the rear bracket 34 are the same. The upper mounting plate 321 is used in the launch state, and the lower mounting plate 322 is used in the storage and transportation state.

[0090] like Figure 17 As shown, the rear of the lower frame 31 is equipped with a left rear support leg 312, a right rear support leg 313, and a main frame 314. The left and right rear support legs 312 and 313 are symmetrically arranged and connected to the main frame 314 by bolts. A three-hole lug 3121 is welded to the end of the left rear support leg 312, which mates with a double-ear plug 3141 welded to the end of the main frame 314. The three-hole lug 3121 is inserted into the double-ear plug 3141 and connected by an adjusting bolt. The three-hole lug 3121 has three through holes arranged in a triangle; two holes are used for horizontal engagement with the main frame 314, two holes are used for vertical engagement with the main frame 314, and the hole near the base is used for rotation during folding. Figure 17 In the middle, the left side is in the unfolded state, and the right side is in the folded state.

[0091] like Figure 18 As shown, when folding the launcher 3 from its unfolded state, first lower the front rocker arm 37, then install the rear bracket 34 onto the lower mounting plate 322 of the upper platform 32; fold the left rear support leg 312 and the right rear support leg 313 forward to form the storage and transport state of the launcher 3. At this time, the overall shape of the launcher 3 resembles a regular cuboid. Regardless of whether the launcher 3 is in its unfolded or storage and transport state, its center of gravity is within the triangular envelope formed by the three support legs, thus ensuring that the launcher 3 can stand stably without tipping over. The three-legged launcher 3 simplifies the structure, reduces the number of parts, and lightens the weight; the foldable and quickly unfoldable launcher 3 ensures efficient on-site deployment, increases transport loading density, and reduces storage and transport costs.

[0092] The detailed operating procedure for the front-shaft rotating dual-rocket booster UAV launcher is as follows:

[0093] (1) Assembly process: Two front launch shafts 11 and two rear launch shafts 12 are arranged on both sides of the fuselage of the UAV 1. The front launch shafts 11 and two rear launch shafts 12 correspond to the front lugs 21 and the rear lugs 22 of the rocket booster 2, respectively.

[0094] Before deploying the launcher 3 and placing the drone 1 on it, first raise the front rocker arm 37 and insert the protective pin 38 into the front rocker arm 37 to prevent it from rotating. Then, hoist the drone 1 onto the launcher 3, slide the tail hook 13 into the track of the rear bracket 34 and push it all the way down. Place the front launch shaft 11 into the open wrench slot 371 of the front rocker arm 37. The front rocker arm 37 of the launcher 3 is used to support the front launch shaft 11 of the drone 1.

[0095] The shear pin 346 passes through the upper slide rail 344 and the tail hook 13 simultaneously. The upper slide rail 344, the rear stop block 347, and the shear pin 346 of the launcher 3 rear bracket 34 together restrict the six degrees of freedom of the tail hook 13 of the UAV 1. The shearing force of the shear pin 346 is sufficient to overcome the thrust of the UAV 1 engine.

[0096] After the UAV 1 is placed and secured on the launch pad 3, align the front lug 21 and rear lug 22 of the rocket booster 2 with the front launch shaft 11 and rear launch shaft 12 of the UAV 1, respectively, so that the arc surface of the front lug 21 of the rocket booster 2 is just flush with the front launch shaft 11 of the UAV 1. Screw in the limiting screw 25 below the front lug 21, so that the end of the limiting screw 25 just contacts the limiting groove 113 of the front launch shaft 11. This completes the adjustment and fixation. The other rocket booster 2 is adjusted and fixed in the same way.

[0097] After the system is debugged, use jack 33 to lift the upper frame 32. After lifting it to a specific angle, lock it. The lifting angle is displayed by angle display 39.

[0098] (2) Launch process: During launch, the entire machine completes self-testing, the engine of UAV 1 is started, and just before launch, the protective pin 38 is pulled out. When the launch command is issued, the rocket booster 2 is ignited, the shear pin 346 is cut off, and the tail hook 13 and the front launch shaft 11 of UAV 1 are successively separated from the launch pad 3. The front rocker arm 37 rotates forward, and the front rocker arm 37 drives the front launch shaft 11 to rotate a certain angle α, so that the bottom plane of the limiting groove 113 is parallel to the mating plane inside the front lug 21. The limiting groove 113 on the inner side of the front launch shaft 11 is rotated to a horizontal position, and UAV 1 is separated from the launch pad 3 and takes off. When the rocket booster 2 is shut down, under the action of gravity, aerodynamic drag, etc., the rocket booster 2 can smoothly slide out of the front and rear launch shafts 12.

[0099] During the launch of UAV 1, when the front rocker arm 37 disengages from the front launch shaft 11 of UAV 1, under the action of inertia and gravity, the front rocker arm 37 continues to swing downward at an accelerated speed. After the anti-rebound post 374 on the front rocker arm 37 passes the ratchet swing block 361, the ratchet swing block 361, the damping plate 362 and the limiting post 373 work together to limit and fix the front rocker arm 37 as a whole to prevent rebound and damage to UAV 1.

[0100] After launch, during retraction, the deployed launcher 3 is folded down, the front rocker arm 37 is laid down, the rear bracket 34 is installed on the lower mounting plate 322 of the upper platform 32, and the left rear support leg 312 and right rear support leg 313 are folded forward, forming the storage and transport state of the launcher 3. At this time, the overall shape of the launcher 3 is similar to a regular cuboid. Regardless of whether the launcher 3 is in the deployed or storage and transport state, the center of gravity of the launcher 3 is within the triangular envelope formed by the three support legs, so the launcher 3 can stand stably and will not tip over.

[0101] This invention provides a concept for a front-axis rotating dual-rocket-boost unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launch device. Many methods and approaches exist for implementing this technical solution; the above description is merely a preferred embodiment. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of this invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this invention. All components not explicitly stated in this embodiment can be implemented using existing technologies.

Claims

1. A front-shaft rotating dual-rocket-boost UAV launcher, comprising a launch pad and rocket boosters, characterized in that: One end of the launcher is hinged to a front rocker arm, and the other end is fitted with a rear bracket; the front rocker arm is rotatable relative to the launcher. The rocket booster is provided with a front lug, which can accommodate the front launch shaft of the UAV to be launched. The front launch shaft is rotatable. The front lug is provided with a limiting device that can restrict the movement of the front launch shaft. The upper part of the front rocker arm is provided with a receiving part that can accommodate the front launch shaft; The front launch shaft includes an outer side and an inner side. The inner side is provided with a limiting groove distributed radially along the inner side. The bottom of the limiting groove forms an angle α with the plane on the outer side. When the rocket booster is activated, it pushes the front rocker arm to rotate outward of the launch pad, and the front rocker arm drives the front launch shaft to rotate. After the current launch shaft rotates through angle α, the bottom of the limiting groove becomes horizontal, and the front launch shaft simultaneously disengages from the limiting device.

2. The front-shaft rotating dual-rocket booster UAV launch device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer diameter of the front launch shaft is larger than the inner diameter. The two outer sides are parallel planes that are compatible with the structure of the receiving part on the front rocker arm.

3. The front-shaft rotating dual-rocket booster UAV launch device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The α angle ranges from 10 to 20 degrees.

4. The front-shaft rotating dual-rocket booster UAV launch device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The limiting device includes a limiting screw, which is disposed on the lug and inserted into a limiting groove on the inner side of the front launch shaft.

5. The front-shaft rotating dual-rocket-boost UAV launch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The launcher includes a lower platform, an upper platform, and a drive mechanism. The rear ends of the lower platform and the upper platform are hinged together. The drive mechanism is connected between the lower platform and the upper platform and drives the adjustment of the lifting angle of the upper platform. The lower frame includes a main frame, a front support leg connected to the main frame, and two symmetrically arranged rear support legs, wherein the front support leg and the rear support legs are distributed in a triangular pattern. The rear support leg is connected to the main frame by a folding mechanism, and the support leg can be folded inward to the main frame.

6. The front-shaft rotating dual-rocket booster UAV launch device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The folding mechanism includes a three-hole plug / double-ear plug connected to the rear support leg, a double-ear plug / three-hole plug connected to the main frame, and two adjusting bolts; The three openings on the three-hole earpiece are arranged in a triangle, and the two-ear plug has two through holes; The three-hole earpiece is inserted into the two-hole plug. One of the adjusting bolts passes through the distal opening of the two-hole plug and the proximal opening of the three-hole earpiece. The other adjusting bolt passes through the proximal opening of the two-hole plug and any of the distal openings on the three-hole earpiece. The adjusting bolt, which passes through the distal opening of the double-ear plug and the proximal opening of the three-hole ear, is used as a folding rotation axis.

7. The front-shaft rotating dual-rocket booster UAV launch device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The upper and lower parts of the rear end of the upper platform are both equipped with rear bracket mounting plates.

8. The front-shaft rotating dual-rocket-boost UAV launcher according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The launcher is equipped with an anti-rebound component to prevent the front rocker arm from rebounding; The front rocker arm is equipped with an anti-rebound post at the bottom and a limit post at the bottom. When the anti-rebound post enters the anti-rebound assembly, the limiting post restricts the anti-rebound post from continuing to move in the original direction of movement.

9. The front-shaft rotating dual-rocket booster UAV launch device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The anti-rebound component includes a ratchet swing block and a damping plate, with the damping plate located above the ratchet swing block; The space between the ratchet swing block and the damping plate is slightly larger than the anti-rebound column structure; The ratchet block can swing upwards and automatically return to its original position; When the anti-rebound post enters the space between the ratchet swing block and the damping plate, the ratchet swing block automatically returns to its original position and is limited.

10. The front-shaft rotating dual-rocket-boost UAV launch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The rear bracket includes a height-adjustable base, an upper slide rail, and a lower slide rail; The sliding rail can be inserted into the tail hook of the UAV to be launched, and the tail hook can slide along the sliding rail; the tail hook is provided with a shear pin hole. The lower slide rail is provided with adjustment holes at both ends, and the lower slide rail is connected to the height-adjustable base through the adjustment holes; The upper slide rail is installed on the lower slide rail, and can slide and be positioned along the lower slide rail; The length direction of the adjustable waist hole is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the tail hook; The upper slide rail is provided with a insertion hole corresponding to the position of the shear pin hole for inserting the shear pin.

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