Short-range co-rail filling and launching device and filling and launching method for unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

The application provides a short-distance co-rail filling and launching device and method for unmanned aerial vehicles. The device comprises a beam assembly, a stop assembly and a hoisting assembly. In the beam assembly, a suspension type launching beam is connected with a sub slide rail beam at the bottom, the lifting lug of a main slide rail beam can pass through the supporting lug of the sub slide rail beam and slide along the upper surface of the supporting lug, and two slides are coaxially arranged in sequence and have equal lengths. In the stop assembly, a threaded pin passes through the launching beam and the sub slide rail beam and abuts against the lifting lug, two stop blocks are connected to the two end faces of the sub slide rail beam respectively, a third stop block is connected to one end face of the main slide rail beam, and a safety pin passes through the main slide rail beam and contacts the front stop block. The lifting lug in the hoisting assembly is installed to the main slide rail beam. The unmanned aerial vehicle is assembled with the main slide rail beam through the hoisting assembly, then the unmanned aerial vehicle is assembled with the sub slide rail beam through the lateral open butt joint between the lifting lug and the supporting lug, the direct hoisting and butt joint of the unmanned aerial vehicle are avoided, and the butt joint and filling are convenient to observe during the assembly process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of UAV loading technology, specifically relating to a short-range common-rail loading and launching device for UAVs and a method for loading and launching UAVs using the device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most drone launches use booster rockets for takeoff. This launch method typically involves docking the drone onto a zero-length launch pad. During launch, the safety pin is sheared by the thrust of the booster, and then the drone glides and takes off.

[0003] This launch method typically employs two approaches to guide the UAV: ​​The first approach is belly-mounted support, but this method has significant limitations on the weight of the UAV. When the weight exceeds a certain range, additional constraints or supports need to be added to the belly to ensure stability during launch, which affects the UAV's aerodynamic layout. The second approach is under-mounted support, which is generally used for heavier UAVs. Currently, under-mounted launch systems typically suspend the UAV to dock with a rail fixed to the launch pad. However, due to the UAV's weight, the UAV slider docks from the end face of the rail during docking. To ensure that the sliders slide in the same direction during launch and do not deviate from the launch path, the sliding gaps on both sides and above the sliders are small. This makes it difficult to observe the centering reference during UAV loading, resulting in loading difficulties. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as the need for additional constraints or supports on the fuselage when using a belly-mounted directional support method for heavy UAVs launched by booster rockets, and the difficulty in docking and loading due to the small gap between the UAV slider and the rail during docking when using a sling-mounted method. The invention provides a short-distance common rail loading and launching device for UAVs and a method for loading and launching UAVs using this device.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution provided by this invention is:

[0006] A short-range common-rail loading and launching device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) includes a front slider and a rear slider. The device is characterized by including a beam assembly, a stop assembly, and a hoisting assembly.

[0007] The beam assembly includes a suspended launch beam, a secondary slide rail beam, and a main slide rail beam arranged in parallel from top to bottom.

[0008] The suspended launch beam is connected to the launch pad during use and is also connected to the auxiliary slide rail beam at the bottom.

[0009] The secondary slide rail beam is used to suspend the main slide rail beam, and includes a secondary slide rail beam body connected to the suspended launch beam and multiple lugs located below the secondary slide rail beam body. The lugs are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the secondary slide rail beam and on both sides of the central axis in the width direction of the secondary slide rail beam.

[0010] The main slide rail beam provides a loading and launch track for the UAV, and includes the main slide rail beam body and the same number of lugs as the supports located above the main slide rail beam body. The lugs can be vertically aligned with the corresponding gaps between the supports and pass through, and can slide horizontally along the upper surface of the supports in the space between the main slide rail beam body and the supports. The main slide rail beam body is provided with a first slide rail for the front slider to slide inside and a second slide rail for the rear slider to slide inside. The first slide rail and the second slide rail are arranged coaxially and have the same length.

[0011] The stop assembly includes a threaded pin, a first stop, a second stop, a third stop, and a safety pin.

[0012] Two threaded pins are provided at each end of the suspended launch beam along its length, passing through the suspended launch beam and the auxiliary slide rail beam body from top to bottom and abutting against the lifting lugs.

[0013] The first and second stops are respectively connected to the two end faces of the secondary slide beam along its length to limit the movement of the main slide beam relative to the secondary slide beam.

[0014] The third stop is connected to the end face of the main slide rail beam with the second slide rail. The safety pin passes through the main slide rail beam perpendicular to the first slide rail to contact the end face of the front slider that faces the rear slider, thereby limiting the position of the UAV relative to the main slide rail beam before the UAV is launched.

[0015] The lifting assembly is used to lift the main slide rail beam and includes multiple lifting rings, which are symmetrically installed on both sides of the main slide rail beam body in the width direction.

[0016] Furthermore, the first stop includes two first guide keys with inclined surfaces, and the second stop includes two second guide keys with inclined surfaces; the first guide keys and the second guide keys are respectively inserted between the corresponding lifting lugs of the auxiliary slide rail beam and the main slide rail beam, and their inclined surfaces cooperate with the inclined surfaces on the lifting lugs.

[0017] Furthermore, the main slide rail beam body includes a cavity disposed between the first slide rail and the second slide rail, and the rear slider can move from the cavity into the second slide rail.

[0018] Furthermore, the suspended launch beam includes a launch beam body and flanges at its bottom that project outward from the launch beam body to both sides in the width direction of the suspended launch beam. The flanges have holes for connecting the auxiliary slide rail beam to the suspended launch beam.

[0019] Furthermore, the launch beam body is hollow and open at both ends in the length direction. Its bottom wall is provided with threaded holes for installing threaded pins, and its two side walls are provided with observation holes for observing the threaded pins.

[0020] Furthermore, the launch beam body includes a connector located on its top wall for connecting the suspended launch beam to the launch pad.

[0021] A method for loading and launching a UAV using the aforementioned short-range common-rail loading and launching device is characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0022] Step 1: Connect the suspended launch beam to the launch pad;

[0023] Step 2: Install the auxiliary slide rail beam to the bottom of the suspended launch beam;

[0024] Step 3: Connect the first stop block to one end face along the length of the secondary slide rail beam, which is located at the rear end in the direction of UAV launch;

[0025] Step 4: Connect the third stop block to the end face of the main slide rail beam that has the second slide rail;

[0026] Step 5: Use the lifting ring to lift the main slide rail beam. Assemble the drone with the main slide rail beam by sliding the front and rear sliders of the drone within the first and second slide rails of the main slide rail beam until the rear slider abuts against the third stop.

[0027] Step 6: Insert the safety pin into the main slide rail beam so that it contacts the end face of the front slider facing away from the rear slider.

[0028] Step 7: Use the lifting ring to lift the combination of the drone and the main slide rail beam. The main slide rail beam and the secondary slide rail beam are connected by vertically passing the lifting lug of the main slide rail beam through the gap between the lugs of the secondary slide rail beam from below and sliding horizontally along the upper surface of the lugs until the main slide rail beam abuts against the first stop.

[0029] Step 8: Connect the second stop block to the other end face along the length of the auxiliary slide rail beam;

[0030] Step 9: Pass the threaded pin from top to bottom through the suspended launch beam and the secondary slide rail beam and abut it against the lifting lug to complete the loading of the UAV.

[0031] Furthermore, step 7 includes the following sub-steps:

[0032] Step 7.1: Use a lifting ring to lift the combination of the drone and the main slide rail beam, so that the rear slider is located in the cavity of the main slide rail beam and the front slider is located outside the end face of the main slide rail beam with the first slide rail.

[0033] Step 7.2: Slide the front slider and the rear slider horizontally along the first slide rail and the second slide rail respectively until the main slide rail beam abuts against the first stop block.

[0034] The advantages of this invention are:

[0035] 1. The UAV short-distance common rail loading and launching device and the method for loading and launching the UAV using the device of the present invention assemble the UAV with the main slide rail beam by hoisting it, and then hoist the combination of the main slide rail beam and the UAV. The combination of the main slide rail beam and the UAV is assembled with the secondary slide rail beam by vertically aligning the lateral open gap between the lifting lug of the main slide rail beam and the support lug of the secondary slide rail beam and sliding horizontally along the upper surface of the support lug after passing through the gap. This avoids the direct hoisting and docking of the heavy UAV. The lateral open docking of the lifting lug of the main slide rail beam and the support lug of the secondary slide rail beam makes it easy to observe the docking during the assembly process and makes loading easy.

[0036] 2. In the main slide rail beam of the present invention, the first slide rail and the second slide rail for the sliding of the front and rear sliders of the UAV are arranged coaxially and have the same length, which shortens the sliding distance of each slider in the slide rail. This short-distance common rail structure can ensure the stability of the UAV's sliding support on the rail. In addition, the two sliders of the UAV slide at the same distance in the slide rail of the main slide rail beam, and they can leave the rail at the same time on the main slide rail beam, ensuring that the UAV's heading is stable and without deflection when leaving the rail.

[0037] 3. The present invention provides a cavity between the first and second slide rails of the main slide rail beam, so that when assembling the main slide rail beam and the UAV, the rear slider of the UAV can slide from the cavity along the second slide rail, while the front slider slides from the end of the main slide rail beam along the first slide rail towards the cavity, reducing the sliding contact area and shortening the loading sliding distance, thereby making loading more convenient. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not drawn to scale and some features are enlarged or reduced to show details of specific parts.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a front view of the short-distance common rail loading and launching device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of the present invention when it is in the state of transporting UAVs;

[0040] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the short-range common-rail loading and launching device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view taken along the length direction of the UAV short-distance common rail loading and launching device of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 4The UAV short-range common-rail loading and launching device of the present invention is along... Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken from line AA in the diagram;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the suspended launch beam in the short-range common-rail loading and launching device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 6A and Figure 6B These are perspective views of the auxiliary slide rail beam in the short-distance common rail loading and launching device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of the present invention, viewed from both sides.

[0045] Figure 7A and Figure 7B These are perspective views of the main slide rail beam in the short-distance common rail loading and launching device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of the present invention, viewed from both sides.

[0046] Figure 8A and Figure 8B These are 3D images of the front and rear sliders of the drone;

[0047] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the first stop in the short-range common-rail loading and launching device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the second block in the short-range common-rail loading and launching device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 11A and Figure 11B These are, respectively, a front view and a top view of the connection structure between the first and second blocks and the main and auxiliary slide rail beams in the UAV short-distance common rail loading and launching device of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 12 This is a block diagram of the method for loading and launching a drone using a short-range common-rail loading and launching device of the present invention.

[0051] In the picture:

[0052] 1-UAV short-range common rail loading and launching device, 2-launcher, 3-connecting rod, 4-base, 5-electric cylinder;

[0053] 100 - Drone, 101 - Front slider, 102 - Rear slider;

[0054] 11-Suspended launch beam, 111-Launch beam body, 1111-Top wall, 1112-Side wall, 1113-Bottom wall, 1114-Weight reduction hole, 1115-Observation hole, 1116-Threaded hole, 112-Flange, 113-Connector, 12-Main slide rail beam, 121-Main slide rail beam body, 1201-Third stop block mounting hole, 122-Lifting lug, 1221-Counterfeiting socket, 123-First slide rail, 124-Second slide rail, 13-Secondary slide rail beam, 131-Secondary slide rail beam body, 13 11-Pin hole, 132-Ear, 133-Front mating interface, 134-Rear mating interface, 14-Threaded pin, 15-First stop, 151-First stop body, 1511-Hole of first stop body, 152-First guide key, 153-First guide mating surface, 16-Second stop, 161-Second stop body, 1611-Hole of second stop body, 162-Second guide key, 163-Second guide mating surface, 17-Third stop, 18-Safety pin, 19-Lifting ring. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and exemplary embodiments thereof. It should be noted that the following detailed description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0056] This invention provides a short-range common-rail loading and launching device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and a method for loading and launching UAVs using this device. The invention employs a bottom-mounted method for launching the UAV, which includes a front slider and a rear slider in the longitudinal direction. These sliders slide along a track provided by the loading and launching device to load the UAV and then launch it.

[0057] The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) short-range common-rail loading and launching device provided by the present invention will now be described.

[0058] First refer to Figure 1 When transporting the UAV 100 after loading it using the UAV short-range common-rail loading and launching device 1 of the present invention, the device 1 hangs the UAV 100 horizontally below, and the device 1 is fixed to the launcher 2. The launcher 2 can be a gantry launcher to symmetrically and stably support the device 1. The launcher 2 is rotatably mounted to the base 4. The lower end of the connecting rod 3 is hinged to the base 4, and the upper end is hinged to the middle of the launcher 2 via another rod. The middle of the connecting rod 3 is hinged to the output end of the electric cylinder 5. The housing of the electric cylinder 5 is hinged to the base 4, so that the connecting rod 3 can be moved by the electric cylinder 5 to push the launcher 2. The launcher 2 then drives the device 1 and the loaded UAV 100, thereby realizing the conversion of the launch attitude of the UAV 100.

[0059] Now refer to Figures 2 to 4The UAV short-distance common rail loading and launching device 1, which is an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, includes a beam assembly, a stop assembly, and a hoisting assembly.

[0060] The beam assembly includes a suspended launch beam 11, a secondary slide rail beam 13, and a main slide rail beam 12 arranged in parallel from top to bottom. After the device 1 completes the loading of the UAV, the length direction of these three beams is consistent with the front-to-back direction of the UAV, and the width direction is consistent with the left-to-right direction of the UAV.

[0061] Combination Figure 5 The suspended launch beam 11 is connected to the launcher 2 during use and is connected to the auxiliary slide rail beam 13 at the bottom so that the auxiliary slide rail beam 13 is suspended below.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the suspended launch beam 11 includes a launch beam body 111 and flanges 112 extending outward from the launch beam body 111 to both sides in the width direction of the suspended launch beam 11 at its bottom. The flanges 112 are provided with a plurality of holes for connecting the secondary slide rail beam 13 to the suspended launch beam 11. Bolts can pass through these holes and the corresponding holes provided on the secondary slide rail beam 13 to complete the connection between the suspended launch beam 11 and the secondary slide rail beam 13.

[0063] In some embodiments, the launch beam body 111 is hollow and open at both ends in the longitudinal direction, including a top wall 1111, two side walls 1112, and a bottom wall 1113. The launch beam body 111 may include a connector 113 located on its top wall 1111 for connecting the suspended launch beam 11 to the launch frame 2. As illustrated, the connector 113 may include a U-shaped portion and flanges extending outward from the two leg ends of the U-shaped portion. The two flanges are provided with a plurality of holes for connecting the suspended launch beam 11 to the launch frame 2. The U-shaped portion may be inclined relative to the launch beam body 111, and the inclination angle may be adjusted during the design process according to the actual launch angle requirements. The bottom wall 1113 is provided with threaded holes 1116 for installing threaded pins 14. The threaded holes 1116 may be symmetrically arranged at both ends of the bottom wall 1113 about the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the suspended launch beam 11, and each end may have two threaded holes symmetrical about the central axis in the width direction of the suspended launch beam 11. Each of the two sidewalls 1112 has an observation hole 1115 for observing the threaded pin 14 and its installation. In particular, the two corresponding observation holes 1115 on the two sidewalls 1112 are coaxial to facilitate the machining of the observation holes. In addition, several weight-reducing holes 1114 can be machined on each sidewall 1112 to reduce the weight of the suspended launch beam 11. Similarly, the weight-reducing holes at corresponding positions on the two sidewalls can be arranged coaxially to shorten the machining time.

[0064] Combination Figure 6A and Figure 6BThe auxiliary slide beam 13 is used to suspend the main slide beam 12 and includes a main slide beam body 131 connected to the suspended launch beam 11 and a plurality of lugs 132 located below the main slide beam body 131. The main slide beam body 131 has a generally T-shaped cross-section and includes a plate portion and a rod portion perpendicular to it. The plate portion has a row of threaded holes at each end in the width direction of the auxiliary slide beam 13. Screws can pass through holes on the flange 112 of the suspended launch beam 11 and these threaded holes to butt-fit the auxiliary slide beam 13 to the suspended launch beam 11. Furthermore, the plate portion has pin holes 1311 at both ends in the length direction of the auxiliary slide beam 13, corresponding to the threaded holes 1116, for threaded pins 14 to pass through. It should be understood that the pin holes 1311 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the rod portion; in other words, the threaded pins 14 do not pass through the rod portion. The lugs 132 are spaced apart along the length of the secondary slide rail beam 13 and positioned on both sides of the central axis in the width direction of the secondary slide rail beam 13. Thus, the space between the lugs 13 forms a laterally open mating interface, facilitating observation of the docking during the assembly of the main slide rail beam 12 and the secondary slide rail beam 13, thereby facilitating loading by the UAV. Preferably, as shown in the figure, there are three lugs 132 on each side, arranged symmetrically. The space between the lugs 132 forms a front mating interface 133 and a rear mating interface 134 for docking with the main slide rail beam 12. The length and position of the mating interface are not limited, as long as strength is guaranteed and installation is convenient.

[0065] like Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown, holes are provided on the front and rear end faces of the auxiliary slide rail beam body 131. For example, one hole is provided on one end and four holes are provided on the other end. These holes are used to install components that limit the relative horizontal position of the main slide rail beam 12 and the auxiliary slide rail beam 13, namely the first stop 15 and the second stop 16, which will be described in detail below.

[0066] Combination Figure 7A and Figure 7B The main slide rail beam 12 is used to provide the loading and launch slide rails for the UAV 100. Specifically, it provides the slide rails for the front slide rail 101 and the rear slide rail 102 of the UAV 100. The structures of the front slide rail 101 and the rear slide rail 102 are described in detail below. Figure 8A and Figure 8B The launch direction of the UAV is from the rear to the front; the forward and backward directions described herein refer to the UAV's forward and backward movement. The main slide beam 12 includes a main slide beam body 121 and lifting lugs 122 located above the main slide beam body 121, the same number as the support lugs 132. Preferably, the main slide beam body 121 and the lifting lugs 122 are integrally formed to ensure dimensional and positional tolerance requirements.

[0067] Each lug 122 is sized to align vertically with the corresponding gap between it and the support lug 132, particularly the front or rear interface 133 or rear interface 134, and to pass vertically through it. It can also slide horizontally along the upper surface of the support lug 132 within the vertical space between the secondary slide rail beam body 131 and the support lug 132 until the two end faces of the main slide rail beam 12 are aligned with the two end faces of the secondary slide rail beam 13. A countersunk recess 1221 can be machined on the upper surface of the lug 122 at the position corresponding to the pin hole 1311, for engaging the threaded pin 14 mounted on the suspended launch beam 11, to more securely support the threaded pin 14. Additionally, a pair of opposing lugs 122 at both ends of the main slide rail beam 12 can be machined with bevels, so that the width of the lug 122 decreases towards the outer edge.

[0068] The lower part of the main slide rail beam 121 is provided with a first slide rail 123 for the front slider 101 to slide and a second slide rail 124 for the rear slider 102 to slide. It should be understood that the slider slides along the length of the main slide rail beam. The cross-sectional shapes of the first slide rail 123 and the second slide rail 124 correspond to the front slider 101 and the rear slider 102, respectively. The first slide rail 123 and the second slide rail 124 are arranged coaxially and have the same length. That is to say, the first slide rail 123 and the second slide rail 124 do not overlap, and their lengths are each half the length of the main slide rail beam 12. This shortens the sliding distance of each slider in the slide rail. This short-distance common rail structure can ensure the stability of the UAV's on-rail sliding support. Moreover, the two sliders of the UAV slide the same distance in the slide rail of the main slide rail beam, and they can leave the rail simultaneously on the main slide rail beam, ensuring that the UAV's heading is stable and without deflection when leaving the rail.

[0069] The main slide rail beam body 121 has a third stop mounting hole 1201 on the end face of the second slide rail 124, i.e., the rear end face. There are four such holes, which are used to install components that limit the relative position of the UAV 100 and the main slide rail beam 12, i.e., the third stop 17. Additionally, a pin hole (not shown in the figure) perpendicular to the slide rail line is provided on the side wall of the first slide rail 123 near the end of the second slide rail 124. This is used to install components that limit the relative position of the UAV 100 and the main slide rail beam 12, i.e., the safety pin 18. The third stop 17 and the safety pin 18 will be described in detail below.

[0070] When docking the drone 100 with the main slide beam 12, the drone is stationary while the main slide beam is hoisted to assemble the two. Since the main slide beam has a small self-weight and is easy to adjust the direction, the docking between the drone and the main slide beam is convenient.

[0071] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the main slide rail beam body 121 includes a cavity disposed between the first slide rail 123 and the second slide rail 124. It should be noted that the cavity is not necessary. The rear slider 102 can move from the cavity into the second slide rail 124, so that when assembling the main slide rail beam and the UAV, the rear slider of the UAV can slide from the cavity along the second slide rail, while the front slider slides from the end of the main slide rail beam along the first slide rail toward the cavity, reducing the sliding contact area and shortening the loading sliding distance, thereby making loading more convenient.

[0072] Refer again Figures 2 to 4 The stop assembly includes a threaded pin 14, a first stop 15, a second stop 16, a third stop 17, and a safety pin 18.

[0073] Two threaded pins 14 are provided at each end of the suspended launch beam 11 along its length. They pass through the threaded holes 1116 on the suspended launch beam 11 and the pin holes 1311 on the auxiliary slide rail beam body 131 from top to bottom and abut against the lifting lug 122. In particular, they abut against the countersunk socket 1221 on the lifting lug 122 to limit the longitudinal displacement of the main slide rail beam 12.

[0074] The first stop 15 and the second stop 16 are respectively connected to the two end faces of the secondary slide beam 13 in the length direction to restrict the movement of the main slide beam 12 relative to the secondary slide beam 13.

[0075] Combined with reference Figure 9 The first stop 15 includes a first stop body 151 and two first guide keys 152 with beveled surfaces. The first stop body 151 is plate-shaped and has holes 1511 for connecting the first stop 15 to the secondary slide rail beam 13. For example, there are four holes 1511. The first stop body 151 can be connected to the corresponding end face of the secondary slide rail beam 13. Figure 6B The end faces with four corresponding holes are visible and fit together. The first guide key 152 is symmetrically arranged and spaced apart, with its inclined surface facing outward. The first guide key 152 includes a root portion with a cross-section of a cuboid and a tip portion with a right-angled triangle, and its inclined surface is the hypotenuse of the right-angled triangle.

[0076] Combined with reference Figure 10 The second stop 16 includes a second stop body 161 and two second guide keys 162 with beveled surfaces. The second stop body 161 is plate-shaped and has holes 1611 for connecting the second stop 16 to the auxiliary slide beam 13. For example, there is one hole 1611. The second stop body 161 can be connected to the corresponding end face of the auxiliary slide beam 13. Figure 6AThe end face of the visible hole is fitted with the corresponding hole. The second guide keys 162 are symmetrically arranged and spaced apart, with their inclined surfaces facing outwards. The hole 1611 is located at the center of the second stop body 161 and between the two second guide keys 162. The cross-section of the second guide key 162 is approximately a right triangle, and its inclined surface is the hypotenuse of the right triangle.

[0077] like Figure 11A and Figure 11B As shown, when the first stop 15 and the second stop 16 are in use, the first guide key 152 of the first stop 15 and the second guide key 162 of the second stop 16 are both inserted into the auxiliary slide rail beam 13, specifically between the rod of the auxiliary slide rail beam 13 and the corresponding lifting lugs 122 at both ends of the main slide rail beam 12. The inclined surfaces of the first guide key 152 and the second guide key 162 respectively cooperate with the inclined surfaces on the corresponding lifting lugs 122, thereby forming the first guide mating surface 153 and the second guide mating surface 163, which are used to guide the main slide rail beam 12 to be centered relative to the auxiliary slide rail beam 13, so as to avoid the distortion of the UAV launch angle caused by the directional deviation of the main slide rail beam 12. As an example, the first stop 15 can be installed on the secondary slide beam 13 before the main slide beam 12 is connected to the secondary slide beam 13, so as to limit the horizontal movement of the main slide beam 12 to the rear end during the connection process. The second stop 16 can be installed on the secondary slide beam 13 after the main slide beam 12 is connected to the secondary slide beam 13, so as to restrict the horizontal movement of the main slide beam 12 to the front end, thereby restricting the horizontal displacement of the main slide beam 12 relative to the secondary slide beam 13.

[0078] Return to reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The third stop 17 is used to connect to the end face of the main slide beam 12 with the second slide rail 124 to prevent the rear slider 102 from sliding out of the main slide beam 12. The third stop 17 may be plate-shaped and have multiple holes arranged thereon, through which screws can pass before the main slide beam 12 is docked with the drone 100. Figure 7B The third stop mounting hole 1201 visible in the middle is connected to the main slide rail beam 12, thereby preventing the rear slider 102 from sliding backward and causing the drone 100 to leave the main slide rail beam 12.

[0079] After the UAV 100 docks, the safety pin 18 passes through the pin hole on the main slide rail beam 12 perpendicular to the first slide rail 123 to contact the end face of the front slider 101 facing away from the rear slider 102, thereby preventing the front slider 101 from sliding forward and causing the UAV 100 to leave the main slide rail beam 12. This limits the position of the UAV 100 relative to the main slide rail beam 12 before the UAV 100 is launched.

[0080] Combination Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figures 7A-7BThe device 1 also includes multiple lifting rings 19 for hoisting the main slide rail beam 12 and its assembly with the UAV. The lifting rings 19 are symmetrically mounted to the main slide rail beam body 121 on both sides of the main slide rail beam 12 in the width direction. Specifically, the lifting rings 19 can be mounted to the main slide rail beam 12 using known connection structures such as bolts and spring washers. Figure 4 It will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the distance between the hanging points of a pair of opposing lifting rings 19 should be greater than the width of the suspended launch beam 11 and the auxiliary slide rail beam 13 to allow for lifting by the lifting ropes.

[0081] The method for loading and launching a drone using the above-described device 1, provided by the present invention, will now be described.

[0082] Reference Figure 12 The method for loading and launching a drone, as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, may include the following steps:

[0083] Step 1: Connect the suspended launch beam 11 to the launcher 2, specifically by connecting the connector 113 of the suspended launch beam 11 to a mounting piece on the launcher 2 that has a similar structure to the connector 113 and faces the connector 113 by bolts.

[0084] Step 2: Install the auxiliary slide rail beam 13 to the bottom of the suspended launch beam 11, specifically by bolting through the holes on the flange 112 of the suspended launch beam 11 and the holes on the auxiliary slide rail beam body 131.

[0085] Step 3: Connect the first stop 15 to one end face of the secondary slide rail beam 13 along its length. This end face is located at the rear end in the direction of UAV launch. Specifically, install the first stop 15 to the secondary slide rail beam 13 using screws. Figure 6B The end face shown in the image;

[0086] Step 4: Connect the third stop 17 to the end face of the main slide rail beam 12 with the second slide rail 124, specifically by passing the screw through the third stop 17 and the third stop mounting hole 1201 of the main slide rail beam 12.

[0087] Step 5: Use the lifting ring 19 to lift the main slide rail beam 12. The drone 100 is assembled with the main slide rail beam 12 by sliding the front slider 101 and the rear slider 102 of the drone 100 in the first slide rail 123 and the second slide rail 124 of the main slide rail beam 12 until the rear slider 102 abuts against the third stop 17.

[0088] Step 6: Insert the safety pin 18 into the main slide rail beam 12 so that it contacts the end face of the front slider 101 facing away from the rear slider 102. Thus, steps 5 and 6 restrict the horizontal relative position of the UAV 100 and the main slide rail beam 12.

[0089] Step 7: Use the lifting ring 19 to lift the combination of the drone and the main slide rail beam 12. The main slide rail beam 12 and the auxiliary slide rail beam 13 are connected by making the lifting lug 122 of the main slide rail beam 12 vertically pass through the gap between the lugs 132 of the auxiliary slide rail beam 13, especially the front interface 133 and the rear interface 134, and slide horizontally backward along the upper surface of the lug 132 until the main slide rail beam 12 abuts against the first stop block 15.

[0090] Step 8, connect the second stop 16 to the other end face of the secondary slide rail beam 13 along its length, specifically by screwing the second stop 16 to the secondary slide rail beam 13. Figure 6A The end face shown in the image;

[0091] Step 9: The threaded pin 14 is passed from top to bottom through the suspended launch beam 11 and the secondary slide rail beam body 131 and abuts against the lifting lug 122, especially against the countersink 1221 on the lifting lug 122. This step restricts the longitudinal displacement of the main slide rail beam 12, thereby completing the loading of the UAV 100.

[0092] It should be understood that the order of the above steps is merely exemplary, and the above steps of the method for loading and launching a drone according to the present invention can be performed in other orders. For example, step 3 can be performed before step 2.

[0093] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, step 7 includes the following sub-steps:

[0094] Step 7.1: Use the lifting ring 19 to lift the combination of the drone 100 and the main slide rail beam 12, so that the rear slider 102 is located in the cavity of the main slide rail beam 12 and the front slider 101 is located outside the end face of the main slide rail beam 12 with the first slide rail 123.

[0095] Step 7.2: Slide the front slider 101 and the rear slider 102 horizontally backward along the first slide rail 123 and the second slide rail 124 respectively until the main slide rail beam 12 abuts against the first stop block 15.

[0096] After the drone 100 is loaded, it can be transported as needed. When the drone needs to be launched, first activate the electric cylinder 5 to switch the drone 100 to the launch posture, then pull out the safety pin 18, and then the drone 100 can be launched.

[0097] As described above, the UAV short-distance common rail loading and launching device and the method for loading and launching the UAV using the device of the present invention assemble the UAV with the main slide rail beam by hoisting it, and then hoist the combination of the main slide rail beam and the UAV. The combination of the main slide rail beam and the UAV is assembled with the secondary slide rail beam by vertically aligning the lateral open gap between the lifting lug of the main slide rail beam and the support lug of the secondary slide rail beam and sliding horizontally along the upper surface of the support lug after passing through the gap. This avoids the direct hoisting and docking of the heavy UAV. The lateral open docking of the lifting lug of the main slide rail beam and the support lug of the secondary slide rail beam makes it easy to observe the docking during the assembly process and makes loading easier.

[0098] The features mentioned and / or shown in the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be combined in the same or similar manner with one or more other embodiments, combined with features in other embodiments, or substituted for corresponding features in other embodiments. Such combinations or substitutions should also be considered as including within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A short-range common-rail loading and launching device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the UAV comprising a front slider and a rear slider, characterized in that: The device includes a beam assembly, a stop assembly, and a hoisting assembly; The beam assembly includes a suspended launch beam, a secondary slide rail beam, and a main slide rail beam arranged in parallel from top to bottom. The suspended launch beam is connected to the launch pad during use and is also connected to the auxiliary slide rail beam at the bottom. The secondary slide rail beam is used to suspend the main slide rail beam, and includes a secondary slide rail beam body connected to the suspended launch beam and a plurality of lugs located below the secondary slide rail beam body. The lugs are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the secondary slide rail beam and on both sides of the central axis in the width direction of the secondary slide rail beam. The main slide rail beam provides a loading and launch track for the UAV, and includes a main slide rail beam body and a number of lugs located above the main slide rail beam body, the same number as the supports. The lugs can be vertically aligned with the corresponding gaps between the supports and pass through them, and can slide horizontally along the upper surface of the supports within the space between the main slide rail beam body and the supports. The main slide rail beam body is provided with a first slide rail for the front slider to slide inside and a second slide rail for the rear slider to slide inside. The first slide rail and the second slide rail are coaxially arranged and have the same length. The stop assembly includes a threaded pin, a first stop block, a second stop block, a third stop block, and a safety pin. Two threaded pins are provided at each end of the suspended launch beam along its length, passing through the suspended launch beam and the auxiliary slide rail beam body from top to bottom and abutting against the lifting lug. The first stop and the second stop are respectively connected to the two end faces of the secondary slide beam along its length to restrict the movement of the main slide beam relative to the secondary slide beam. The third stop is connected to the end face of the main slide rail beam with the second slide rail. The safety pin passes through the main slide rail beam perpendicular to the first slide rail to contact the end face of the front slider facing away from the rear slider, thereby limiting the position of the UAV relative to the main slide rail beam before the UAV is launched. The hoisting assembly is used to hoist the main slide rail beam and includes multiple lifting rings, which are symmetrically installed on both sides of the main slide rail beam body in the width direction.

2. The UAV short-range common-rail loading and launching device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first stop includes two first guide keys with bevels, and the second stop includes two second guide keys with bevels. The first guide key and the second guide key are respectively inserted between the corresponding lifting lugs of the auxiliary slide rail beam and the main slide rail beam, and their inclined surfaces cooperate with the inclined surfaces on the lifting lugs.

3. The UAV short-range common-rail loading and launching device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The main slide rail beam body includes a cavity disposed between the first slide rail and the second slide rail, and the rear slider can move from the cavity into the second slide rail.

4. The UAV short-range common-rail loading and launching device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The suspended launch beam includes a launch beam body and flanges at its bottom that protrude outward from the launch beam body to both sides in the width direction of the suspended launch beam. The flanges have holes for connecting the auxiliary slide rail beam to the suspended launch beam.

5. The UAV short-range common-rail loading and launching device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The launching beam body is hollow and open at both ends in the length direction. Its bottom wall is provided with threaded holes for installing the threaded pins, and its two side walls are provided with observation holes for observing the threaded pins.

6. The UAV short-range common-rail loading and launching device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The launch beam body includes a connector located on its top wall for connecting the suspended launch beam to the launch rack.

7. A method for loading and launching a UAV using the UAV short-range common-rail loading and launching device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Connect the suspended launch beam to the launch pad; Step 2: Install the auxiliary slide rail beam to the bottom of the suspended launch beam; Step 3: Connect the first stop block to one end face of the secondary slide rail beam along its length, the end face being located at the rear end of the UAV launch direction; Step 4: Connect the third stop block to the end face of the main slide rail beam that has the second slide rail; Step 5: Use the lifting ring to suspend the main slide rail beam, and assemble the UAV with the main slide rail beam by sliding the front slider and the rear slider within the first and second slide rails of the main slide rail beam until the rear slider abuts against the third stop. Step 6: Insert the safety pin into the main slide rail beam so that it contacts the end face of the front slider that faces away from the rear slider; Step 7: Use the lifting ring to lift the combination of the drone and the main slide rail beam. The main slide rail beam and the secondary slide rail beam are connected by vertically passing the lifting lug of the main slide rail beam through the gap between the supports of the secondary slide rail beam from below and sliding horizontally along the upper surface of the supports until the main slide rail beam abuts against the first stop. Step 8: Connect the second stop block to the other end face of the auxiliary slide rail beam along its length. Step 9: Pass the threaded pin from top to bottom through the suspended launch beam and the secondary slide rail beam body and abut against the lifting lug to complete the loading of the UAV.

8. The method for loading and launching a drone according to claim 7, characterized in that, Step 7 includes the following sub-steps: Step 7.1: Use the lifting ring to lift the combination of the drone and the main slide rail beam, so that the rear slider is located in the cavity of the main slide rail beam and the front slider is located outside the end face of the main slide rail beam with the first slide rail. Step 7.2: Slide the front slider and the rear slider horizontally along the first slide rail and the second slide rail respectively until the main slide rail beam abuts against the first stop block.

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