Cable retraction mechanism for folding wings and folding wing
By incorporating guide rails and pulley mechanisms within the folding wing, the cable can be smoothly extended and retracted, solving the problem of folding wing cable layout being unsuitable for telescopic movements, and improving the reliability of electrical interconnection and the lifespan of the cable.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHINA ACAD OF AEROSPACE AERODYNAMICS
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
In the prior art, the cables arranged inside the folding wing are difficult to adapt to the extension and retraction of the folding wing, resulting in mechanical wear and unreliable electrical interconnection.
A guide rail is installed inside the innermost wing section of the folding wing, with a sliding pulley and a fixed pulley connected together. By using cable fixing components and pull wires to bypass the moving pulley, the cable can be smoothly deployed and retracted, ensuring the synchronization of the cable with the movement of the wing section.
It reduces mechanical wear on cables, ensures the reliability and lifespan of electrical interconnects, and eliminates the need for electronic components, resulting in high functional reliability.
Smart Images
Figure CN117550111B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of cable telescopic technology for folding wings of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and more specifically, relates to a cable telescopic mechanism for folding wings and a folding wing. Background Technology
[0002] In recent years, drone technology has developed rapidly, and folding-wing drones have become a hot topic to meet the needs of various application scenarios. The design challenge of folding-wing drones lies in the matching design related to the extension and retraction of the folding wing. Both the inner and outer ends of the folding wing contain avionics interconnection devices and require electrical interconnection. The interconnection devices at the root of the folding wing and those at the outer end need to be interconnected via cables. Therefore, how to arrange the cables inside the folding wing to adapt to its extension and retraction has become a pressing technical challenge. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cable telescopic mechanism for folding wings, which solves the technical problem in the prior art that the cables arranged inside the folding wing are difficult to adapt to the telescopic movement of the folding wing.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a cable telescopic mechanism for a folding wing, the folding wing comprising a plurality of wing segments sequentially sleeved from the inside out, wherein the outer wing segment is capable of unfolding outward relative to the inner wing segment, comprising:
[0005] A guide rail is provided in the innermost wing segment along the unfolding direction of the folding wing;
[0006] A movable pulley is slidably connected to the guide rail, and can rotate on its own axis while sliding along the guide rail;
[0007] Multiple pairs of fixed pulleys are provided. Except for the outermost wing segment, each wing segment has a pair of fixed pulleys inside, and each pair of fixed pulleys is located at both ends of a wing segment.
[0008] The cable fixing component has at least one cable fixing component at the end of the innermost wing segment closest to its adjacent wing segment when deployed, and at least one cable fixing component at the end of the outermost wing segment furthest from its adjacent wing segment when deployed. The cable fixing component is used to fix the cable so that both ends of the cable are fixed by the cable fixing components on the innermost wing segment and the outermost wing segment respectively, and the cable passes around the movable pulley.
[0009] A pull line is provided, one end of which is connected to the end of the innermost wing segment away from its adjacent wing segment when deployed, and the other end of which is connected to the end of the outermost wing segment close to its adjacent wing segment when deployed. The pull line is then serpentinely wrapped around the movable pulley and each of the fixed pulleys.
[0010] Optionally, both ends of the cable are used to connect interconnected devices.
[0011] Optionally, when deployed, at least one of the cable fixing components is provided at the end of the innermost wing segment away from the adjacent wing segment.
[0012] Optionally, when unfolded, the movable pulley is located at the end of the innermost wing segment closest to its adjacent wing segment, and when folded, the movable pulley is located at the end of the innermost wing segment furthest from its adjacent wing segment.
[0013] Optionally, the pull cord is taut when unfolded and folded.
[0014] Optionally, the cable is in a taut state when unfolded and folded.
[0015] Optionally, limit components are provided at both ends of the guide rail, and the limit components are used to restrict the movement of the movable pulley along the guide rail.
[0016] Optionally, the plurality of wing segments are, from the inside out, a first wing segment, a second wing segment, and a third wing segment.
[0017] Optionally, the material of the pull line is a rope.
[0018] The present invention also provides a folding wing, comprising:
[0019] Multiple wing segments are nested sequentially from the inside out, and the outer wing segment can unfold outward relative to the inner wing segment;
[0020] The aforementioned cable telescopic mechanism for folding wings;
[0021] The cable has its two ends secured by cable fixing components on the innermost wing segment and the outermost wing segment, respectively, and the cable passes around the movable pulley.
[0022] This invention provides a cable telescopic mechanism for a folding wing and a folding wing itself. The advantages are as follows: The cable telescopic mechanism for the folding wing has a guide rail installed in the innermost wing segment. A rotating movable pulley is slidably mounted on the guide rail. A cable fixing component secures the cable passing through the folding wing. The cable passes around the movable pulley, and the movable pulley is simultaneously bypassed by a pull line, allowing it to move along the guide rail. During the unfolding of the folding wing, the outermost wing segment extends outward first. Because the cable is fixed by the cable fixing component on the outermost wing segment, and the other end of the pull line is connected to the end of the outermost wing segment closest to its adjacent wing segment during unfolding, the cable is pulled outward, and the other end of the pull line moves outward, causing the movable pulley to move outward along the unfolding direction of the folding wing. During this process, the cable passes around the movable pulley. The pull cable acts as a counterforce on the movement of the movable pulley, and then each section of the folding wing unfolds outward in sequence until the movable pulley moves to the outermost end of the guide rail. During the retraction of the folding wing, the extended sections retract inward, and the pull cable moves under the drive of the outermost section. Due to the movement of the pull cable, the pull cable pulls the movable pulley to move in the opposite direction. Then, under the drive of the movable pulley, the cable follows the outermost section inward until the movable pulley moves to the innermost end of the guide rail, at which point the cable retraction is complete. This cable telescopic mechanism for folding wings ensures a smooth movement path of the cable during the unfolding and retraction of the folding wing, reduces mechanical wear and loss of the cable, ensures reliable electrical interconnection in multiple states, and has no electronic components, resulting in high functional reliability and long service life.
[0023] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description
[0024] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the more detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals generally represent the same components in the exemplary embodiments of the invention.
[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a cable telescopic mechanism for a folding wing according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in the folded state of the folding wing.
[0026] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a cable telescopic mechanism for a folding wing according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown when the outermost wing segment of the folding wing is deployed.
[0027] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a cable telescopic mechanism for a folding wing in the unfolded state is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0029] 1. Guide rail; 2. Movable pulley; 3. Fixed pulley; 4. Cable; 5. Guy wire; 6. First fixed point; 7. Second fixed point; 8. Third fixed point; 9. Fourth fixed point; 10. Interconnection device; 11. First wing section; 12. Second wing section; 13. Third wing section. Detailed Implementation
[0030] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail. While preferred embodiments of the invention are described below, it should be understood that the invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
[0031] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the present invention provides a cable telescopic mechanism for a folding wing, the folding wing comprising a plurality of wing segments sequentially sleeved from the inside out, wherein the outer wing segment is capable of unfolding outward relative to the inner wing segment, comprising:
[0032] Guide rail 1 is set in the innermost wing segment along the unfolding direction of the folding wing;
[0033] The movable pulley 2 is slidably connected to the guide rail 1, and can rotate on its own axis while sliding along the guide rail 1.
[0034] Multiple pairs of fixed pulleys 3, except for the outermost wing segment, each wing segment is equipped with a pair of fixed pulleys 3, and each pair of fixed pulleys 3 is located at both ends of a wing segment;
[0035] The cable fixing component has at least one cable fixing component at the end of the innermost wing segment close to the adjacent wing segment when it is unfolded, and at least one cable fixing component at the end of the outermost wing segment away from the adjacent wing segment when it is unfolded. The cable fixing component is used to fix the cable 4 so that the two ends of the cable 4 are fixed by the cable fixing components on the innermost wing segment and the outermost wing segment respectively, and the cable 4 passes around the movable pulley 2.
[0036] The pull wire 5 has one end connected to the end of the innermost wing segment that is away from its adjacent wing segment when deployed, and the other end connected to the end of the outermost wing segment that is close to its adjacent wing segment when deployed. The pull wire 5 then snakes around the movable pulley 2 and each fixed pulley 3 in sequence.
[0037] Specifically, to address the technical problem in existing technologies where the cable 4 arranged inside the folding wing is difficult to adapt to the extension and retraction of the folding wing, the cable extension and retraction mechanism for the folding wing provided by this invention has a guide rail 1 installed inside the innermost wing segment. A self-rotating movable pulley 2 is slidably installed on the guide rail 1. The cable 4, which passes through the folding wing, is fixed by a cable fixing component. The cable 4 passes around the movable pulley 2, and the movable pulley 2 is simultaneously bypassed by a pull wire 5, allowing it to move along the guide rail 1. During the unfolding of the folding wing, the outermost wing segment extends outward first. Since the cable 4 is fixed by the cable fixing component on the outermost wing segment and the other end of the pull wire 5 is connected to the end of the outermost wing segment closest to its adjacent wing segment during unfolding, the cable 4 is pulled outward, and the other end of the pull wire 5 moves outward, causing the movable pulley 2 to move outward along the unfolding direction of the folding wing. In the process of folding the wing, the pull wire 5, which bypasses the movable pulley 2, acts as a counterforce on the movement of the movable pulley 2. Then, each segment of the folding wing unfolds outward in sequence until the movable pulley 2 moves to the outer end of the guide rail 1. During the retraction of the folding wing, the extended segments retract inward, and the pull wire 5 moves under the drive of the outermost segment. Due to the movement of the pull wire 5, the pull wire 5 pulls the movable pulley 2 to move in the opposite direction. Then, under the drive of the movable pulley 2, the cable 4 follows the outermost segment and retracts inward until the movable pulley 2 moves to the inner end of the guide rail 1, at which point the cable 4 completes its retraction. This cable telescopic mechanism for folding wings can ensure that the movement path of the cable is smooth during the unfolding and retraction of the folding wing, reduce the mechanical wear and loss of the cable 4, ensure reliable electrical interconnection in multiple states, and the cable telescopic mechanism for folding wings has no electronic components, resulting in high functional reliability and long service life.
[0038] When the folding wing is in the unfolded state, the innermost wing segment furthest from its adjacent wing segment is the first end, and the innermost wing segment closest to its adjacent wing segment is the second end. At this time, the outermost wing segment furthest from its adjacent wing segment is the third end, and the outermost wing segment furthest from its adjacent wing segment is the fourth end. The second end is provided with at least one cable fixing component, forming a first fixing point 6. The cable fixing component is not specifically limited and can be a buckle, clamp, etc. The fourth end is provided with at least one cable fixing component, forming a second fixing point 7, which fixes the cable 4. The middle section of the cable 4 passes around the movable pulley 2, forming a U-shape with an opening facing the outer end of the folding wing. One end of the pull wire 5 is fixedly connected to the first end. The middle section of the pull wire 5 first passes around the movable pulley 2, then passes around the fixed pulley 3 fixedly connected to the first end, the fixed pulley 3 fixedly connected to the second end, and then passes around all the fixed pulleys 3 in a serpentine manner. Finally, the other end of the pull wire 5 is fixedly connected to the third end.
[0039] Assume the folding wing consists of n wing segments (n≥2), with one movable pulley 2, one pair of guide rails 1, and 2(n-1) fixed pulleys 3.
[0040] To avoid the cable 4 and the pull wire 5 from being simultaneously wound in the same winding groove of the movable pulley 2, which would cause the cable 4 and the pull wire 5 to become tangled or entangled, a movable pulley 2 with two winding grooves can be used, with the two winding grooves used for the cable 4 and the pull wire 5 to pass around respectively.
[0041] The guiding relationship between the guide rail 1 and the fixed pulley 3 is not specifically limited. In this embodiment, a pair of guide rails 1 with U-shaped grooves are used, and the openings of the pair of guide rails 1 are arranged opposite each other. The two ends of the fixed pulley 3 extend out to the sliding part that cooperates with the U-shaped groove.
[0042] Optionally, both ends of the cable 4 are used to connect to the interconnecting device 10.
[0043] Specifically, one end of cable 4 located in the innermost wing section is used to connect to the interconnection device 10 at the root of the folding wing, and the other end of cable 4 located in the outermost wing section is used to connect to the interconnection device 10 at the outer end of the folding wing.
[0044] Optionally, when deployed, the innermost wing segment is provided with at least one cable fixing component at the end away from the adjacent wing segment.
[0045] Specifically, at least one cable fixing component can be provided at the first end to form a third fixing point 8. The setting of the third fixing point 8 allows the cable 4 in the innermost wing section to be fixed better and more neatly.
[0046] Furthermore, a fourth fixing point 9, different from the third fixing point 8, can be provided at the fourth end. The fourth fixing point 9 is also formed by at least one cable fixing component to further fix the cable 4 in order to organize the cable 4.
[0047] Optionally, when unfolded, the movable pulley 2 is located on the innermost wing segment close to the end of the wing segment adjacent to it, and when folded, the movable pulley 2 is located on the innermost wing segment away from the end of the wing segment adjacent to it.
[0048] Specifically, the length of guide rail 1 matches the axial length of the innermost wing segment. When the folding wing is in the unfolded and folded states, the movable pulley 2 is located at both ends of guide rail 1.
[0049] Optionally, the pull line 5 is taut when unfolded and folded.
[0050] Optionally, cable 4 is in a taut state when unfolded and folded.
[0051] Specifically, both the pull wire 5 and the cable 4 are taut when the folding wing is in the unfolded and folded states, meaning that neither the pull wire 5 nor the cable 4 shows any obvious accumulation or tangling.
[0052] Optionally, limit components are provided at both ends of the guide rail 1, which are used to limit the movement of the movable pulley 2 along the guide rail 1.
[0053] Specifically, the limiting component can limit the movable pulley 2 when it moves to the end of the guide rail 1. The limiting component can be a stop or an actuating component to lock the movable pulley 2.
[0054] In this embodiment, the limiting component is an actuating component that locks the sliding part of the movable pulley 2 when the movable pulley 2 moves to the end of the guide rail 1. The limiting component can be a telescopic rod, which can be inserted into the sliding part by extending its telescopic end.
[0055] Optionally, the multiple wing segments are, from the inside out, the first wing segment 11, the second wing segment 12, and the third wing segment 13.
[0056] Specifically, the first wing segment 11 is the innermost wing segment, the second wing segment 12 is fitted onto the outside of the first wing segment 11, and the third wing segment 13 is fitted onto the outside of the second wing segment 12; the unfolding process of the folding wing unfolds outwards sequentially from the third wing segment 13 to the first wing segment 11, and the folding process is the complete opposite of the unfolding process.
[0057] Optionally, the material of the pull line 5 is a rope.
[0058] The present invention also provides a folding wing, comprising:
[0059] Multiple wing segments are nested together from the inside out, with the outer wing segment able to unfold outward relative to the inner wing segment;
[0060] The aforementioned cable telescopic mechanism for folding wings;
[0061] Cable 4, with its two ends secured by cable fixing components on the innermost wing segment and the outermost wing segment respectively, and cable 4 passing over the movable pulley 2.
[0062] Specifically, the folding wing has the aforementioned cable telescopic mechanism for the folding wing, so that the cable 4 arranged inside the folding wing can adapt to the telescopic movement of each segment of the folding wing.
[0063] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, during the deployment of the folding wing:
[0064] 1) The third wing section 13 unfolds outward, and the cable 4 moves outward with the third wing section 13, which in turn causes the movable pulley 2 to move outward under force until the third wing section 13 is fully unfolded;
[0065] 2) In the above process, since one end of the pull wire 5 also moves with the third wing section 13, multiple pairs of fixed pulleys 3 provide guidance and constraint for the movement path of the pull wire 5, and apply a reaction force to the movable pulley 2 through the pull wire 5, which plays a role similar to damping constraint.
[0066] 3) The third wing section 13 and the second wing section 12 continue to unfold outward together. Similarly, the movable pulley 2 is subjected to force and moves outward. The pull line 5, together with the fixed pulley 3, provides a reaction force until the second wing section 12 is also unfolded into place.
[0067] 4) The movable pulley 2 moves to the limiting component on the outside of the first wing section 11, and the limiting component limits and fixes the movable pulley 2;
[0068] 5) At this point, cable 4 unfolds as the folding wings unfold, satisfying the electrical interconnection requirements in the unfolded state of the folding wings.
[0069] During the retraction of the folding wing:
[0070] 1) Release the limiting component from the movable pulley 2, the third wing section 13 and the second wing section 12 retract inward, the pull line 5 causes the fixed pulley 3 to move inward under force, the pull line 5 pulls the movable pulley 2 to move inward along the guide rail 1, and then the pull cable 4 retracts with the retraction of the wing section through the movable pulley 2 until the third wing section 13 and the second wing section 12 retract into place;
[0071] 2) Continue to retract the third wing section 13. During the process, the pull line 5 still pulls the pulley 2 to move inward, so that the cable 4 also retracts into place.
[0072] 3) The movable pulley 2 moves to the limiting component inside the first wing section 11, and the limiting component limits and fixes the movable pulley 2;
[0073] 4) At this point, cable 4 retracts as the folding wing folds, satisfying the electrical interconnection requirements when the folding wing is folded.
[0074] The various embodiments of the present invention have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.
Claims
1. A cable telescopic mechanism for a folding wing, the folding wing comprising a plurality of wing segments sequentially sleeved from the inside out, wherein the outer wing segment is capable of unfolding outward relative to the inner wing segment, characterized in that, include: A guide rail is provided in the innermost wing segment along the unfolding direction of the folding wing; A movable pulley is slidably connected to the guide rail, and can rotate on its own axis while sliding along the guide rail; Multiple pairs of fixed pulleys are provided. Except for the outermost wing segment, each wing segment has a pair of fixed pulleys inside, and each pair of fixed pulleys is located at both ends of a wing segment. The cable fixing component has at least one cable fixing component at the end of the innermost wing segment closest to its adjacent wing segment when deployed, and at least one cable fixing component at the end of the outermost wing segment furthest from its adjacent wing segment when deployed. The cable fixing component is used to fix the cable so that both ends of the cable are fixed by the cable fixing components on the innermost wing segment and the outermost wing segment respectively, and the cable passes around the movable pulley. A pull line is provided, one end of which is connected to the end of the innermost wing segment away from its adjacent wing segment when deployed, and the other end of which is connected to the end of the outermost wing segment close to its adjacent wing segment when deployed. The pull line is then serpentinely wrapped around the movable pulley and each of the fixed pulleys.
2. The cable telescopic mechanism for a folding wing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two ends of the cable are used to connect interconnected devices.
3. The cable telescopic mechanism for a folding wing according to claim 1, characterized in that, When deployed, at least one cable fixing component is provided at the end of the innermost wing segment furthest from the adjacent wing segment.
4. The cable telescopic mechanism for a folding wing according to claim 1, characterized in that, When unfolded, the movable pulley is located on the innermost wing segment, close to the end of the wing segment adjacent to it; when folded, the movable pulley is located on the innermost wing segment, away from the end of the wing segment adjacent to it.
5. The cable telescopic mechanism for a folding wing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pull cord is taut when unfolded and folded.
6. The cable telescopic mechanism for a folding wing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cable is in a taut state when unfolded and folded.
7. The cable telescopic mechanism for a folding wing according to claim 1, characterized in that, Limiting components are provided at both ends of the guide rail, and the limiting components are used to restrict the movement of the movable pulley along the guide rail.
8. The cable telescopic mechanism for a folding wing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple wing segments are, from the inside out, the first wing segment, the second wing segment, and the third wing segment.
9. The cable telescopic mechanism for a folding wing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material of the pull line is rope.
10. A folding wing, characterized in that, include: Multiple wing segments are nested sequentially from the inside out, and the outer wing segment can unfold outward relative to the inner wing segment; Cable telescopic mechanism for folding wings according to any one of claims 1-9; The cable has its two ends secured by cable fixing components on the innermost wing segment and the outermost wing segment, respectively, and the cable passes around the movable pulley.