Recyclable hatch structure for fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles

Abstract

The application discloses a recyclable cabin cover structure of a fixed-wing unmanned plane, which comprises a cabin cover, a mounting end of the cabin cover is rotationally mounted on a parachute cabin, and a locking end of the cabin cover is provided with a lock rod; a blocking piece is arranged on an inner side wall of the parachute cabin in a sliding mode, the blocking piece prevents the cabin cover from closing an opening of the parachute cabin when being in a blocking working position; a pull wire is connected with the blocking piece at one end and connected with a main bearing at the other end, the main bearing moves upwards to drive the pull wire to move, the blocking piece moves upwards to the blocking working position and is kept in the blocking working position; and a locking and unlocking mechanism is arranged in the parachute cabin and used for cooperating with the lock rod to lock or unlock the lock rod. The blocking piece and the main bearing are connected through the pull wire, the main bearing can be driven to move upwards when the parachute is thrown out, the main bearing can drive the blocking piece to move upwards to the blocking working position and keep in the blocking working position, and the opened cabin cover is effectively prevented from rotating back to close the opening of the parachute cabin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aircraft, and more specifically to a reusable canopy structure for a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Fixed-wing drones typically take off via rocket launch and do not have landing gear, so they are usually recovered via parachute.

[0003] Existing technologies typically employ jettisonable canopies, meaning the canopy opens in the air and detaches directly from the aircraft. A new canopy needs to be installed after each launch, resulting in high operational costs.

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, patent document CN 218907590 U discloses a parachute canopy recovery device and a drone. The recovery device includes a base plate, a motor, a take-up reel, a recovery line, and a control mechanism. The base plate is fixed to the inner wall of the drone's frame; the motor is fixed to the base plate, and the take-up reel is fixed to the motor's output shaft, with the reel connected to a pin on the parachute canopy via the recovery line; the motor is connected to the control mechanism, and the parachute canopy is connected to the take-up reel via the recovery line. This allows the recovery line to restrain the parachute canopy after it is opened, and once the parachute is fully opened, the motor drives the take-up reel to recover the canopy, thus preventing loss of the canopy and reducing operating costs.

[0005] The above-mentioned patent document's solution has the following problems: after the parachute canopy is opened, it will fly around randomly under the action of airflow and is easy to get tangled in the parachute's pull cord, affecting the reliable operation of the parachute. In addition, the parachute canopy can also easily hit the drone and cause scratches to the drone's outer surface. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes a reusable canopy structure for a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle.

[0007] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0008] A reusable hatch structure for a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the UAV comprising a fuselage and a parachute assembly, the upper part of the fuselage having a parachute compartment with an upper opening, the parachute assembly comprising a main support member connected to the fuselage and a parachute mounted on the main support member, wherein when the parachute assembly is not deployed, a portion of the main support member and the parachute are located within the parachute compartment, and when the parachute assembly is deployed, the parachute is ejected from the parachute compartment, and the main support member is able to move upward under the action of the parachute, the reusable hatch structure comprising:

[0009] The canopy has an mounting end and a locking end. The mounting end of the canopy is rotatably mounted on the parachute compartment, and the locking end of the canopy has a locking rod. The rotation axis of the canopy is parallel to the length direction of the fuselage. The canopy is used to close and open the opening of the parachute compartment.

[0010] A blocking component is slidably disposed on the inner wall of the parachute compartment. The blocking component has an initial working position and a blocking working position. When the blocking component is in the initial working position, the blocking component is completely located inside the parachute compartment. When the blocking component is in the blocking working position, the upper end of the blocking component moves upward and extends out of the opening of the parachute compartment. The blocking component can contact and cooperate with the inner wall of the canopy after it is rotated open, preventing the canopy from closing the opening of the parachute compartment.

[0011] A pull wire is connected at one end to the blocking component and at the other end to the main bearing component. When the main bearing component moves upward, it drives the pull wire to move, so that the blocking component moves upward to the blocking working position and remains in the blocking working position.

[0012] A locking and unlocking mechanism is installed inside the umbrella compartment and is used to cooperate with the locking bar to lock or unlock the locking bar.

[0013] The main load-bearing component is located on the rear side wall of the parachute compartment. The rotation axis of the canopy in this application is parallel to the length direction of the fuselage, meaning the canopy opens to the left and right. This design prevents the canopy from interfering with the operation of the main load-bearing component and the parachute after it is opened. The canopy in this application is rotatably mounted on the parachute compartment and is a reusable design. To prevent the canopy from affecting the normal operation of the parachute assembly after it is opened, this application connects the blocking component and the main load-bearing component with a pull wire. When the parachute is deployed, it can drive the main load-bearing component to move upward. The upward movement of the main load-bearing component can drive the blocking component to move upward to the blocking working position and maintain it in the blocking working position, effectively preventing the canopy from rotating back and closing the parachute compartment opening after it is opened.

[0014] In this application, the blocking element and the locking / unlocking mechanism are located on the left and right side walls of the parachute compartment, respectively.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the reusable hatch structure further includes a limiting seat fixed to the inner wall of the parachute compartment, the limiting seat having a sliding channel, and the blocking member being slidably disposed on the sliding channel.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the lower end of the blocking member has an anti-detachment portion, which is used to prevent the blocking member from sliding completely upward from the sliding channel.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper end of the limiting seat has a limiting hole, the side wall of the blocking member has a vertically arranged strip groove, one end of the pull wire is connected to the lower side wall of the strip groove, and the other end first extends upward along the strip groove, and then passes through the limiting hole and is connected to the main bearing member.

[0018] The design of the strip groove makes it easy for the pull wire to be inserted into the strip groove, avoiding the pull wire from affecting the fit of the blocking part and the sliding channel; the limiting hole can guide the position of the pull wire, so that the pull wire can work better.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the reusable hatch structure further includes a support base and a spring. The support base is fixed to the inner wall of the parachute compartment, and the lower end of the spring abuts against the support base and the upper end abuts against the lower end of the blocking member.

[0020] The spring can drive the blocking component to move upward a certain distance when the hatch is first opened.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper end of the blocking member has a downwardly extending inclined block, which is located on the side near the mounting end of the canopy. The inclined block is used to contact and cooperate with the inner wall of the canopy to prevent the canopy from closing the opening of the parachute compartment.

[0022] When the hatch is opened and rotates back due to airflow, it will press against the blocking component, which is easily pushed down. By setting up a wedge, the direction of the force when the hatch contacts the blocking component can be changed, making it less likely for the blocking component to be pushed down.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper end of the support base and the lower end of the blocking member both have mounting grooves, and the end of the spring is embedded in the corresponding mounting groove.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the reusable hatch structure further includes a rotation limiting block, which is fixed to the fuselage and adjacent to the mounting end of the hatch, and is used to limit the maximum angle at which the hatch opens.

[0025] Setting a rotation limit block can limit the maximum angle at which the hatch opens, protecting the hatch and the fuselage.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the locking and unlocking mechanism includes:

[0027] The locking component is rotatably mounted on the parachute compartment via a rotating shaft in the middle. The upper end of the locking component has a locking hook. The locking component has a locking position and an unlocking position. When the locking position is engaged, the locking hook hooks the locking rod of the canopy, and the canopy cannot be rotated open. When the unlocking position is engaged, the locking hook disengages from the locking rod, and the canopy can be rotated open.

[0028] The elastic element has one end abutting against the umbrella compartment and the other end abutting against the lower part of the locking element, which is used to keep the locking hook in the locked working position;

[0029] The telescopic element is fixed inside the umbrella compartment. The movable rod of the telescopic element is used to cooperate with the upper part of the locking member, so that the locking member rotates against the elastic force of the elastic member, causing the locking hook to disengage from the locking rod.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper end of the locking hook has a guide surface, and the locking rod can drive the locking member to rotate when it presses against the guide surface.

[0031] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: the main support component is located on the rear side wall of the parachute compartment. The rotation axis of the canopy in this application is parallel to the length direction of the fuselage, meaning the canopy opens to the left and right. This design prevents the canopy from interfering with the operation of the main support component and the parachute after it is opened. The canopy in this application is rotatably mounted on the parachute compartment and is a recyclable design that can be reused. To prevent the canopy from affecting the normal operation of the parachute assembly after it is opened, this application connects the blocking component and the main support component with a pull wire. When the parachute is deployed, it can drive the main support component to move upward. The upward movement of the main support component can drive the blocking component to move upward to the blocking working position and remain in the blocking working position, effectively preventing the canopy from rotating back and closing the parachute compartment opening after it is opened. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a fixed-wing drone with the hatch closed;

[0033] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of the circular area at point A;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a fixed-wing drone with the hatch and parachute assembly deployed.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a fixed-wing UAV when the blocking component is in its initial working position;

[0036] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of the rectangular region at point B;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a fixed-wing UAV when the blocking component is in the blocking working position;

[0038] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Enlarged view of the rectangular region at point C;

[0039] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the fixed-wing UAV from another angle after the hatch is opened;

[0040] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Enlarged view of the rectangular region at point D;

[0041] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the reusable hatch structure;

[0042] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A magnified view of the rectangular region at point E.

[0043] The labels for the attached figures are as follows:

[0044] 1. Fuselage; 11. Parachute compartment; 12. Main load-bearing component; 13. Parachute; 2. Canopy; 2a. Mounting end; 2b. Locking end; 21. Locking rod; 3. Blocking component; 31. Anti-detachment part; 32. Strip groove; 33. Inclined block; 4. Pull cable; 5. Locking and unlocking mechanism; 51. Locking component; 511. Locking hook; 5111. Guide surface; 52. Elastic component; 53. Telescopic element; 6. Limiting seat; 61. Sliding channel; 62. Limiting hole; 7. Support seat; 71. Mounting groove; 8. Spring; 9. Rotation limit block. Implementation

[0045] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0046] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "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 is in use. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and for 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0047] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "setup" and "connection" 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 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 application based on the specific circumstances.

[0048] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] like Figure 1 and 3 As shown, a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle includes a fuselage 1, a parachute assembly, and a retrievable canopy structure. The upper part of the fuselage 1 has a parachute compartment 11 with an upper opening. The parachute assembly includes a main support member 12 connected to the fuselage 1 and a parachute 13 mounted on the main support member 12. When the parachute assembly is not opened, part of the structure of the main support member 12 and the parachute 13 are located in the parachute compartment 11. When the parachute assembly is opened, the parachute 13 is ejected from the parachute compartment 11, and the main support member 12 can move upward under the action of the parachute 13.

[0050] like Figure 3 , 4 As shown in Figures 5, 6, 7, and 10, the reusable hatch structure includes:

[0051] The canopy 2 has an mounting end 2a and a locking end 2b. The mounting end 2a of the canopy 2 is rotatably mounted on the parachute compartment 11, and the locking end 2b of the canopy 2 has a locking rod 21. The rotation axis of the canopy 2 is parallel to the length direction of the fuselage 1. The canopy 2 is used to close and open the opening of the parachute compartment 11.

[0052] The blocking component 3 is slidably mounted on the inner wall of the parachute compartment 11. The blocking component 3 has an initial working position and a blocking working position, see... Figure 5 and 10 When the blocking member 3 is in the initial working position, the blocking member 3 is completely located inside the parachute compartment 11; see Figure 7 When the blocking member 3 is in the blocking working position, the upper end of the blocking member 3 moves upward and passes through the opening of the parachute compartment 11. The blocking member 3 can contact and cooperate with the inner wall of the canopy 2 after it is rotated open, preventing the canopy 2 from closing the opening of the parachute compartment 11.

[0053] Pull wire 4, one end is connected to the blocking member 3, and the other end is used to connect to the main bearing member 12; see Figure 7 When the main bearing component 12 moves upward, it drives the pull wire 4 to move, causing the blocking component 3 to move upward to the blocking working position and remain in the blocking working position;

[0054] The locking and unlocking mechanism 5 is located inside the umbrella compartment 11 and is used to cooperate with the locking lever 21 to lock or unlock the locking lever 21.

[0055] The main support component 12 is located on the rear side wall of the parachute compartment 11. The rotation axis of the canopy 2 is parallel to the length direction of the fuselage 1, meaning the canopy 2 opens to the left and right. This design prevents the canopy 2 from interfering with the operation of the main support component 12 and the parachute 13 after it is opened. The canopy 2 is rotatably mounted on the parachute compartment 11 and is a reusable design. To prevent the canopy 2 from affecting the normal operation of the parachute assembly after it is opened, the blocking component 3 and the main support component 12 are connected by a pull wire 4. When the parachute 13 is deployed, it can drive the main support component 12 to move upward. The upward movement of the main support component 12 can drive the blocking component 3 to move upward to the blocking position and keep it in the blocking position, effectively preventing the canopy 2 from rotating back and closing the opening of the parachute compartment 11 after it is opened.

[0056] In this application, the blocking member 3 and the locking and unlocking mechanism 5 are located on the left and right side walls of the parachute compartment 11, respectively. Specifically, the blocking member 3 is located on the left side wall of the parachute compartment 11, and the locking and unlocking mechanism 5 is located on the right side of the parachute compartment 11.

[0057] like Figure 5 , 7 As shown in Figure 10, in this embodiment, the reusable hatch structure also includes a limiting seat 6 fixed on the inner wall of the parachute compartment 11. The limiting seat 6 has a sliding channel 61, and the blocking member 3 is slidably disposed on the sliding channel 61.

[0058] like Figure 5 , 7 As shown in Figure 10, in this embodiment, the lower end of the blocking member 3 has an anti-detachment part 31, which is used to prevent the blocking member 3 from sliding completely upward from the sliding channel 61.

[0059] like Figure 5 and 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the upper end of the limiting seat 6 has a limiting hole 62, the side wall of the blocking member 3 has a vertically arranged strip groove 32, one end of the pull wire 4 is connected to the lower side wall of the strip groove 32, and the other end first extends upward along the strip groove 32, and then passes through the limiting hole 62 and is connected to the main bearing member 12.

[0060] The design of the strip groove 32 makes it easy for the pull wire 4 to be embedded in the strip groove 32, and avoids the pull wire 4 from affecting the cooperation between the blocking part 3 and the sliding channel 61; the limiting hole 62 can guide the position of the pull wire 4, so that the pull wire 4 can work better.

[0061] like Figure 5 , 7 As shown in Figure 10, in this embodiment, the reusable hatch structure also includes a support base 7 and a spring 8. The support base 7 is fixed to the inner wall of the parachute compartment 11, and the lower end of the spring 8 abuts against the support base 7, while the upper end abuts against the lower end of the blocking member 3. The spring 8 can drive the blocking member 3 to move upward a certain distance when the hatch 2 is just opened.

[0062] like Figure 5 , 7 As shown in Figure 10, in this embodiment, the upper end of the blocking member 3 has a downwardly extending inclined block 33. The inclined block 33 is located on the side near the mounting end 2a of the canopy 2. The inclined block 33 is used to contact and cooperate with the inner wall of the canopy 2 to prevent the canopy 2 from closing the opening of the parachute compartment 11.

[0063] When the hatch 2 is opened and rotates back due to airflow, it will press against the blocking part 3. The blocking part 3 is easily pressed down. By setting the inclined block 33, the direction of the force when the hatch 2 contacts the blocking part 3 can be changed, making it less likely for the blocking part 3 to be pressed down.

[0064] like Figure 5 and 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the upper end of the support base 7 and the lower end of the blocking member 3 both have mounting grooves 71, and the end of the spring 8 is embedded in the corresponding mounting groove 71.

[0065] like Figure 2 and 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the reusable hatch structure further includes a rotation limiting block 9. The rotation limiting block 9 is fixed to the fuselage 1 and adjacent to the mounting end 2a of the hatch 2. The rotation limiting block 9 is used to limit the maximum opening angle of the hatch 2. Setting the rotation limiting block 9 can limit the maximum opening angle of the hatch 2, protecting the hatch 2 and the fuselage 1.

[0066] like Figure 8 , 9 As shown in Figures 10 and 11, in this embodiment, the locking / unlocking mechanism 5 includes:

[0067] The locking component 51 is rotatably mounted on the parachute compartment 11 via a rotating shaft in the middle. The upper end of the locking component 51 has a locking hook 511. The locking component 51 has a locking position and an unlocking position. When the locking position is engaged, the locking hook 511 hooks the locking rod 21 of the canopy 2, and the canopy 2 cannot be rotated open. When the unlocking position is engaged, the locking hook 511 disengages from the locking rod 21, and the canopy 2 can be rotated open.

[0068] The elastic element 52 abuts against the umbrella compartment 11 at one end and against the lower part of the locking element 51 at the other end, and is used to keep the locking hook 511 in the locked working position.

[0069] Telescopic element 53 is fixed inside the umbrella compartment 11. The movable rod of telescopic element 53 is used to cooperate with the upper part of locking member 51, so that locking member 51 rotates against the elastic force of elastic member 52, and locking hook 511 disengages from locking rod 21.

[0070] like Figure 9 and 11As shown, in this embodiment, the upper end of the locking hook 511 has a guide surface 5111, and when the locking rod 21 presses against the guide surface 5111, it can drive the locking member 51 to rotate.

[0071] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the scope of patent protection of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the description and drawings of the present invention, whether directly or indirectly applied to other related technical fields, are similarly included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A retrievable canopy structure for a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the UAV comprising a fuselage and a parachute assembly, the upper part of the fuselage having a parachute compartment with an upper opening, the parachute assembly comprising a main support member connected to the fuselage and a parachute mounted on the main support member, wherein when the parachute assembly is not deployed, a portion of the main support member and the parachute are located within the parachute compartment; when the parachute assembly is deployed, the parachute is ejected from the parachute compartment, and the main support member is able to move upward under the action of the parachute, characterized in that... The reusable hatch structure includes: The canopy has an mounting end and a locking end. The mounting end of the canopy is rotatably mounted on the parachute compartment, and the locking end of the canopy has a locking rod. The rotation axis of the canopy is parallel to the length direction of the fuselage. The canopy is used to close and open the opening of the parachute compartment. A blocking component is slidably disposed on the inner wall of the parachute compartment. The blocking component has an initial working position and a blocking working position. When the blocking component is in the initial working position, the blocking component is completely located inside the parachute compartment. When the blocking component is in the blocking working position, the upper end of the blocking component moves upward and extends out of the opening of the parachute compartment. The blocking component can contact and cooperate with the inner wall of the canopy after it is rotated open, preventing the canopy from closing the opening of the parachute compartment. A pull wire is connected at one end to the blocking component and at the other end to the main bearing component. When the main bearing component moves upward, it drives the pull wire to move, so that the blocking component moves upward to the blocking working position and remains in the blocking working position. A locking and unlocking mechanism is installed inside the umbrella compartment and is used to cooperate with the locking bar to lock or unlock the locking bar.

2. The reusable canopy structure of the fixed-wing UAV as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reusable hatch structure also includes a limiting seat fixed to the inner wall of the parachute compartment, the limiting seat having a sliding channel, and the blocking member being slidably disposed on the sliding channel.

3. The reusable canopy structure of the fixed-wing UAV as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The lower end of the blocking member has an anti-detachment part, which is used to prevent the blocking member from sliding completely upward from the sliding channel.

4. The reusable canopy structure of the fixed-wing UAV as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The upper end of the limiting seat has a limiting hole, the side wall of the blocking member has a vertically arranged strip groove, one end of the pull wire is connected to the lower side wall of the strip groove, and the other end first extends upward along the strip groove, and then passes through the limiting hole and is connected to the main bearing member.

5. The reusable canopy structure of the fixed-wing UAV as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The reusable hatch structure also includes a support base and a spring. The support base is fixed to the inner wall of the parachute compartment, and the lower end of the spring abuts against the support base, while the upper end abuts against the lower end of the blocking member.

6. The reusable canopy structure of the fixed-wing UAV as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The upper end of the blocking member has a downwardly extending ramp, which is located on the side near the mounting end of the canopy. The ramp is used to contact and engage with the inner wall of the canopy to prevent the canopy from closing the opening of the parachute compartment.

7. The reusable canopy structure of the fixed-wing UAV as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The upper end of the support base and the lower end of the blocking member both have mounting grooves, and the end of the spring is embedded in the corresponding mounting groove.

8. The reusable canopy structure of the fixed-wing UAV as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reusable hatch structure also includes a rotation limiting block, which is fixed to the fuselage and adjacent to the mounting end of the hatch. The rotation limiting block is used to limit the maximum angle at which the hatch opens.

9. The reusable canopy structure of the fixed-wing UAV as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The locking and unlocking mechanism includes: The locking component is rotatably mounted on the parachute compartment via a rotating shaft in the middle. The upper end of the locking component has a locking hook. The locking component has a locking position and an unlocking position. When the locking position is engaged, the locking hook hooks the locking rod of the canopy, and the canopy cannot be rotated open. When the unlocking position is engaged, the locking hook disengages from the locking rod, and the canopy can be rotated open. The elastic element has one end abutting against the umbrella compartment and the other end abutting against the lower part of the locking element, which is used to keep the locking hook in the locked working position; The telescopic element is fixed inside the umbrella compartment. The movable rod of the telescopic element is used to cooperate with the upper part of the locking member, so that the locking member rotates against the elastic force of the elastic member, causing the locking hook to disengage from the locking rod.

10. The reusable canopy structure of the fixed-wing UAV as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The upper end of the locking hook has a guide surface, and when the locking rod presses against the guide surface, it can drive the locking member to rotate.

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