Reusable Device for UAV Protective Cover Separation and Its Usage Method

Abstract

The present invention discloses a reusable device for separating a drone protective cover and a using method thereof, relating to the field of separating a folded-wing drone protective cover, including: a ground test stand, in an inverted U shape, the top column of the ground test stand is connected to the protective cover through a pulling mechanism; two fixing structures, respectively arranged on the side columns of the ground test stand, the fixing structure includes a fixed support, a flange support and a compression spring, the fixed support is arranged on the side of the side columns close to each other, the flange support is arranged on the side of the side columns far from each other, and the compression spring is arranged between the fixed support and the flange support; a pull rod, one end of which is movably inserted between the fixed support and the flange support, and one end of the pull rod abuts against the compression spring; a U-shaped fork ear, the closed end of which is hinged to the other end of the pull rod, and the open end of the U-shaped fork ear clamps and fixes the ends of the two flaps of the protective cover; it can be reused multiple times, thereby reducing the requirements for the test site and test personnel and reducing the test cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of separation of protective covers for folding unmanned aerial vehicles, and more specifically, relates to a reusable device for separating protective covers of unmanned aerial vehicles and a method for using the same. Background Art

[0002] With the expansion of the missions of aerial vehicles, folding unmanned aerial vehicles are increasingly widely used and are launched through launch platforms such as box-type, cylinder-type or even rockets, with advantages such as flexibility, mobility and rapid response. To meet the needs of higher flight altitudes and longer flight durations, some folding unmanned aerial vehicles need to be configured with larger wing surfaces to generate a larger lift-to-drag ratio. Due to the size limitations of the launch platform, the gap between the folded wing surfaces of the unmanned aerial vehicle and the platform is very small, so it is necessary to install a protective cover outside to achieve functions such as support and protection, flow rectification and drag reduction. After reaching the predetermined position, the protective cover completes the separation of the left and right halves, and the folding unmanned aerial vehicle releases the restraint and begins to unfold its wings and fly, etc.

[0003] Whether the separation of the protective cover of the folding unmanned aerial vehicle can be successful directly affects the success of the flight mission. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct ground test verification on the rationality, feasibility and reliability of the design of the protective cover separation. Generally, the separation of the protective cover needs to use pyrotechnics to complete unlocking, and then the protective cover is separated from the folding unmanned aerial vehicle through an impulse device. Considering that pyrotechnics are disposable products with high costs, and corresponding pyrotechnic qualifications are required for the storage and operation of pyrotechnics, which have high requirements for the test site and test personnel, various factors restrict the development of the ground separation test of the protective cover. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to address the deficiencies existing in the prior art and provide a reusable device for separating protective covers of unmanned aerial vehicles and a method for using the same. This device can replace pyrotechnics and be reused multiple times to provide locking and unlocking functions for the protective cover, thereby reducing the requirements for the test site and test personnel and reducing the test cost.

[0005] To achieve the above purpose, the present invention provides a reusable device for separating protective covers of unmanned aerial vehicles, including:

[0006] A ground test stand, in an inverted U shape, and the top column of the ground test stand is connected to the protective cover through a pulling mechanism;

[0007] Two fixing structures, respectively arranged on the side columns of the ground test stand. The fixing structure includes a fixed support, a flange support and a compression spring. The fixed support is arranged on the side of the side columns close to each other, the flange support is arranged on the side of the side columns far from each other, and the compression spring is arranged between the fixed support and the flange support;

[0008] The pull rod has one end movably inserted between the fixed support and the flange support, and one end of the pull rod abuts against the compression spring;

[0009] The U-shaped fork ear has its closed end hinged to the other end of the pull rod, and the open end of the U-shaped fork ear clamps and fixes the ends of the two protective covers.

[0010] Optionally, the fixing structure further includes a plurality of pressing screws uniformly arranged along the circumference of the fixed support, and one end of each pressing screw is connected to the fixed support through two first nuts.

[0011] Optionally, the middle part of the pressing screw penetrates through the flange support, and the pressing screw is connected to the flange support through a second nut.

[0012] Optionally, a U-shaped metal plate is arranged on one side of the fixed support close to the compression spring, and an electromagnet is arranged on one side of the flange support close to the compression spring, and the electromagnet cooperates with the U-shaped metal plate.

[0013] Optionally, one U-shaped metal plate is arranged on each side of the compression spring.

[0014] Optionally, one side of the U-shaped metal plate is welded to the fixed support.

[0015] Optionally, one end of the pull rod has a square cross-section.

[0016] Optionally, protective cover interfaces are respectively arranged at the ends of the two protective covers close to each other, and the U-shaped fork ear connects the two protective cover interfaces of different protective covers through a pin.

[0017] The present invention also provides a usage method of a reusable device for separating a drone protective cover. This usage method utilizes the above-mentioned reusable device for separating two flaps of a drone protective cover, and this method includes:

[0018] Install the fixed support and the flange support on the ground test stand;

[0019] Insert one end of the pull rod into the area between the fixed support and the flange support;

[0020] Place the compression spring between the fixed support and the flange support, and squeeze the compression spring by adjusting the distance between the fixed support and the flange support so that the compression spring fits against one end of the pull rod;

[0021] Lift and install the protective cover on the ground test stand, and connect the other end of the pull rod to the protective cover through the U-shaped fork ear;

[0022] When the protective cover needs to be separated, disconnect the U-shaped fork ear from the protective cover;

[0023] The flange support is released, and the pull rod is ejected toward the protective cover by the elastic force of the compression spring, and the protective cover is separated.

[0024] The present invention provides a reusable device for separating a protective cover of an unmanned aerial vehicle and a method for using the same, and the beneficial effects are: the reusable device absorbs a U-shaped metal plate by energizing an electromagnet, so that a fixed support and a flange support can be squeezed against a compression spring, and when the electromagnet is powered off and a second nut is loosened, the compression spring can push out a pull rod through its own elastic force, so that the U-shaped fork ear is separated from the protective cover interface, and the protective cover can be separated, and the whole process is simple to operate, and the device can be reused, which can reduce the test cost.

[0025] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent through a more detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals generally represent like components throughout the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a reusable device for separating a protective cover of a drone according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0028] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Side view of.

[0029] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a reusable device for separating a protective cover of a drone according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown when the protective cover is opened.

[0030] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the connection between a fixing structure and a pull rod according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0031] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 Stereoscopic diagram.

[0032] Description of reference numerals:

[0033] 1. Ground test frame; 2. Pulling mechanism; 3. Fixed structure; 4. Fixed support; 5. Flange support; 6. Compression spring; 7. Pull rod; 8. U-shaped fork ear; 9. Protective cover; 10. Clamping screw; 11. First nut; 12. Second nut; 13. U-shaped metal plate; 14. Electromagnet; 15. Protective cover interface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below. Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below, it should be understood that the present invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited by the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided to make the present invention more thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0035] The present invention provides a reusable device for separating a drone protective cover, comprising:

[0036] A ground test stand, in an inverted U shape, and the top column of the ground test stand is connected to the protective cover through a pulling mechanism;

[0037] Two fixing structures, respectively arranged on the side columns of the ground test stand. The fixing structure includes a fixed support, a flange support and a compression spring. The fixed support is arranged on the side of the side columns close to each other, the flange support is arranged on the side of the side columns far from each other, and the compression spring is arranged between the fixed support and the flange support;

[0038] A pull rod, one end of which is movably inserted between the fixed support and the flange support, and one end of the pull rod abuts against the compression spring;

[0039] A U-shaped fork ear, the closed end of which is hinged to the other end of the pull rod, and the open end of the U-shaped fork ear clamps and fixes the ends of the two split protective covers.

[0040] Specifically, a ground test stand is provided in the device. The ground test stand is pulled and fixed from the top of the protective cover through a pulling mechanism, and the protective cover is connected and fixed from both sides through the fixing structure. The fixing structure is installed on the side columns of the ground test stand and is connected to the protective cover through a pull rod and a U-shaped fork ear. The U-shaped fork ear can clamp and fix the fitting area of the two split protective covers; when the compression spring is not restricted by extrusion, the compression spring can push out the pull rod, so that the pull rod together with the U-shaped fork ear is separated from the protective cover, and the two split protective covers are unlocked and thus opened.

[0041] Optionally, the fixing structure further includes a plurality of pressing screws, which are uniformly arranged along the circumference of the fixed support, and one end of each pressing screw is connected to the fixed support through two first nuts.

[0042] Optionally, the middle part of the pressing screw penetrates through the flange support, and the pressing screw is connected to the flange support through a second nut.

[0043] Specifically, the fixed support is fixed on the side column of the ground test frame, and one end of the clamping screw is connected and fixed on both sides of the fixed support by the first nut, so that the clamping screw is stably connected with the side column through the fixed support, and a flange support is arranged on the outer side of the side column, and a mounting hole corresponding to the clamping screw is arranged on the flange support. After the clamping screw passes through the mounting hole, it is screwed through the second nut. By adjusting the position of the second nut on the clamping screw, the second nut can move toward the fixed support against the flange support, so that the flange support and the fixed support can squeeze the compression spring.

[0044] Optionally, a U-shaped metal plate is provided on one side of the fixed support close to the compression spring, and an electromagnet is provided on one side of the flange support close to the compression spring, and the electromagnet cooperates with the U-shaped metal plate.

[0045] Optionally, one U-shaped metal plate is provided on each side of the compression spring.

[0046] Optionally, one side of the U-shaped metal plate is welded to the fixed support.

[0047] Specifically, a U-shaped metal plate is provided on the fixed support, and an electromagnet is provided on the flange support. When the electromagnet is energized, the fixed support and the flange support are attracted and brought close together by magnetism, so that the compression spring can be squeezed and stored. When the electromagnet breaks, the compression spring can push out the pull rod through its own elastic force, so that the pull rod and the U-shaped fork ear and the protective cover interface are separated. A U-shaped metal plate is provided on both sides of the compression spring, so that the compression spring can be evenly stressed when squeezed and released, so that the movement direction of the pull rod remains stable, and the U-shaped fork ear and the protective cover interface can be separated.

[0048] Optionally, one end of the pull rod has a square cross-section.

[0049] Specifically, one end of the pull rod is square, so that the pull rod and the through hole of the fixed support can form a profile fit, ensuring that the position of the pull rod on the fixed support is limited, and the square end of the screw can be in stable contact with the compression spring, which is convenient for the compression spring to push the pull rod out, and after the compression spring contacts the fixed support, it can limit the compression spring from continuing to pop out through the square hole on the fixed support.

[0050] Optionally, protective cover interfaces are respectively provided at the ends of the two protective covers that are close to each other, and the U-shaped fork ears connect the two protective cover interfaces of different protective covers through pins.

[0051] Specifically, the fixing structure in the device is arranged on the side columns of the ground test stand. The two pull rods are also arranged in the same plane as the two side columns. The two split protective covers are buckled from both sides of the ground test stand to protect the UAV. In this way, the two protective cover interfaces of each split protective cover are arranged opposite to the side columns. In this way, a U-shaped fork ear can clamp and fix the protective cover interfaces of the two split protective covers on the same side. The two split protective covers can be buckled outside the UAV through two U-shaped fork ears to realize the locking of the protective cover.

[0052] The present invention also provides a usage method of a reusable device for separating a UAV protective cover. This usage method utilizes the above-mentioned reusable device for separating two split UAV protective covers. The method includes:

[0053] Install the fixed support and the flange support on the ground test stand;

[0054] Insert one end of the pull rod into the area between the fixed support and the flange support;

[0055] Place the compression spring between the fixed support and the flange support, and squeeze the compression spring by adjusting the distance between the fixed support and the flange support so that the compression spring fits against one end of the pull rod;

[0056] Lift and install the protective cover on the ground test stand, and connect the other end of the pull rod to the protective cover through the U-shaped fork ear;

[0057] When the protective cover needs to be separated, disconnect the U-shaped fork ear from the protective cover;

[0058] Release the flange support, and the pull rod pops out towards the protective cover under the elastic force of the compression spring, and the protective cover is separated.

[0059] Embodiment

[0060] As Figures 1 to 5 shown, the present invention provides a reusable device for separating a UAV protective cover, including:

[0061] The ground test stand 1 is in an inverted U shape. The top column of the ground test stand 1 is connected to the protective cover 9 through a pulling mechanism 2;

[0062] Two fixing structures 3 are respectively arranged on the side columns of the ground test stand 1. The fixing structure 3 includes a fixed support 4, a flange support 5 and a compression spring 6. The fixed support 4 is arranged on the side of the side columns close to each other, the flange support 5 is arranged on the side of the side columns far from each other, and the compression spring 6 is arranged between the fixed support 4 and the flange support 5;

[0063] The pull rod 7 has one end movably inserted between the fixed support 4 and the flange support 5, and one end of the pull rod 7 abuts against the compression spring 6;

[0064] The U-shaped fork ear 8 has its closed end hinged to the other end of the pull rod 7, and the open end of the U-shaped fork ear 8 clamps and fixes the ends of the two-piece protective cover 9.

[0065] In this embodiment, the fixing structure further includes a plurality of pressing screws 10. Four pressing screws 10 are evenly arranged along the circumferential direction of the fixed support 4. One end of the pressing screw 10 is connected to the fixed support 4 through two first nuts 11.

[0066] In this embodiment, the middle part of the pressing screw 10 penetrates through the flange support 5, and the pressing screw 10 is connected to the flange support 5 through a second nut 12.

[0067] In this embodiment, a U-shaped metal plate 13 is arranged on one side of the fixed support 4 close to the compression spring 6, and an electromagnet 14 is arranged on one side of the flange support 5 close to the compression spring 6. The electromagnet 14 cooperates with the U-shaped metal plate 13.

[0068] In this embodiment, one U-shaped metal plate 13 is arranged on each side of the compression spring 6.

[0069] In this embodiment, one side of the U-shaped metal plate 13 is welded to the fixed support 4.

[0070] In this embodiment, one end of the pull rod 7 has a square cross-section.

[0071] In this embodiment, protective cover interfaces 15 are respectively arranged at the ends of the two-piece protective cover 9 close to each other. The U-shaped fork ear 8 connects the two protective cover interfaces 15 of different protective covers 9 through a pin.

[0072] The present invention also provides a usage method of a reusable device for separating the protective cover of a drone. This usage method utilizes the above-mentioned reusable device for separating the two-piece protective cover of a drone. The method includes:

[0073] Install the fixed support 4 and the flange support 5 on the ground test stand 1;

[0074] Insert one end of the pull rod 7 into the area between the fixed support 4 and the flange support 5;

[0075] Place the compression spring 6 between the fixed support 4 and the flange support 5, and squeeze the compression spring 6 by adjusting the distance between the fixed support 4 and the flange support 5 so that the compression spring 6 fits with one end of the pull rod 7;

[0076] Lift the protective cover 9 onto the ground test stand 1, and connect the other end of the pull rod 7 to the protective cover 9 through the U-shaped fork ear 8;

[0077] When the protective cover 9 needs to be separated, disconnect the U-shaped fork ear 8 from the protective cover 9;

[0078] Release the flange support 5, and the pull rod 7 pops out towards the protective cover 9 under the elastic force of the compression spring 6, and the protective cover 9 is separated.

[0079] In summary, for the reusable device for separating the protective cover of the unmanned aerial vehicle, the electromagnet 14 is installed on the flange support 5, four compression screws 10 are passed through the fixed support 4 and the flange support 5, and each compression screw 10 is locked on both the front and rear sides of the fixed support 4 by two first nuts 11 respectively, playing a role in preventing loosening and anti-rotation; the pull rod 7 is passed through the space between the fixed support 4 and the flange support 5, and the compression spring 6 is abutted against one end of the pull rod 7; the four second nuts 12 are tightened evenly, and the compression spring 6 is compressed by the tightening force of the second nuts 12 until the electromagnet 14 is closely attached to the U-shaped metal plate 13; the electromagnet 14 is energized to attract the U-shaped metal plate 13, and the four second nuts 12 are loosened evenly by 2 - 3 turns to check whether the adsorption between the electromagnet 14 and the fixed support 4 is reliable; continue to tighten the four second nuts 12 evenly, and the electromagnet 14 remains energized; insert the U-shaped fork ear 8 into the protective cover interface 15 and install a pin to prevent the U-shaped fork ear 8 from falling off or being pulled out accidentally, completing the locking between the two-piece protective cover; when it is necessary to unlock the protective cover, remove the pin of the U-shaped fork ear 8 and remove all the second nuts 12 on the compression screws 10; power off the electromagnet 14, the magnetic force disappears, the compression spring 6 loses restraint, and pushes the flange support 5, the pull rod 7 and the U-shaped fork ear 8 along the direction of the compression screw 10, and the U-shaped fork ear 8 is pulled out from the protective cover interface 15, and the two-piece protective cover 9 is separated.

[0080] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. The above description is exemplary, not exhaustive, and is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations are obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.

Claims

1. A reusable device for separating a drone protective cover, characterized in that, Comprising: A ground test stand, in an inverted U shape, and the top column of the ground test stand is connected to the protective cover through a pulling mechanism; Two fixing structures, respectively arranged on the side columns of the ground test stand, and each fixing structure includes a fixed support, a flange support and a compression spring. The fixed support is arranged on one side of the side columns close to each other, the flange support is arranged on one side of the side columns far from each other, and the compression spring is arranged between the fixed support and the flange support; A pull rod, one end of which is movably inserted between the fixed support and the flange support, and one end of the pull rod abuts against the compression spring; A U-shaped fork ear, the closed end of which is hinged to the other end of the pull rod, and the open end of the U-shaped fork ear clamps and fixes the ends of the two petals of the protective cover; A U-shaped metal plate is arranged on one side of the fixed support close to the compression spring, and an electromagnet is arranged on one side of the flange support close to the compression spring, and the electromagnet cooperates with the U-shaped metal plate; One U-shaped metal plate is respectively arranged on both sides of the compression spring; Protective cover interfaces are respectively arranged at one ends of the two petals of the protective cover close to each other, and the U-shaped fork ear connects the two protective cover interfaces of different protective covers through a pin; 2. The reusable device for separating a drone protective cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing structure further includes a plurality of pressing screws, which are uniformly arranged along the circumferential direction of the fixed support, and one end of the pressing screw is connected to the fixed support through two first nuts; 3. The reusable device for separating the drone protective cover according to claim 2, characterized in that, The middle part of the pressing screw penetrates through the flange support, and the pressing screw is connected to the flange support through a second nut; 4. The reusable device for the two-piece separation of the drone protective cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, One side of the U-shaped metal plate is welded to the fixed support; 5. The reusable device for separating a drone protective cover according to claim 1, wherein, One end of the pull rod has a square cross section; 6. A method of using a reusable device for separating a drone protective cover, the method of use utilizing the reusable device for separating two flaps of a drone protective cover according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The method includes: Install the fixed support and the flange support on the ground test stand; Insert one end of the pull rod into the area between the fixed support and the flange support; Place the compression spring between the fixed support and the flange support, and squeeze the compression spring by adjusting the distance between the fixed support and the flange support so that the compression spring fits with one end of the pull rod; Lift and install the protective cover on the ground test stand, and connect the other end of the pull rod to the protective cover through the U-shaped fork ear; When the protective cover needs to be separated, disconnect the U-shaped fork ear from the protective cover; Release the flange support, and the pull rod pops out towards the protective cover under the elastic force of the compression spring, and the protective cover is separated.

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