An airborne cluster storage and launch device for a folding wing unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of folding wing unmanned aerial vehicle air cabin in-group storage and launch device, belong to unmanned aerial vehicle launch field, including transport carrier, transport installation mechanism and multiple launch mechanism, transport carrier is provided with containing cavity, containing cavity bottom wall is provided with launch port, transport installation mechanism is located in containing cavity, multiple launch mechanism is detachably installed on transport installation mechanism, launch mechanism is provided with the launch cavity for storing folding wing unmanned aerial vehicle with one end being open, launch cavity is provided with launch assembly for launching folding wing unmanned aerial vehicle, transport installation mechanism is used for transporting and installing multiple launch mechanism and makes the open end of launch cavity towards launch port, transport carrier is used for storing transport installation mechanism and launch mechanism and transports folding wing unmanned aerial vehicle to the target task area launch of pre-set air coordinate.The application can realize the cluster storage and launch of unmanned aerial vehicle, without launching mechanism into the air, the launch of unmanned aerial vehicle is not easy to be detected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launch technology, and in particular to an in-flight cluster storage and launch device for folding-wing UAVs. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of drones in the military field, aerial swarm launch of drones is an important development direction for the future military. Currently, there are two main forms of drone airdrop. The first is to launch drones by attaching them to the wings of the carrier aircraft. This launch method affects the number of drones that can be launched and cannot meet the needs of aerial swarm launch. The second is to drop the launch container into the air from the carrier aircraft and then launch the drones in the remotely controlled launch container one by one. This launch method makes it impossible to recover the launch container and makes it easy to detect after the launch container is dropped. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes an in-flight swarm storage and launch device for folding-wing UAVs, which solves the problems of existing technologies that launch UAVs by hanging them under the wings of the carrier aircraft, which affects the number of UAVs launched and cannot meet the needs of UAV swarming in the air; and that launchers that drop launch boxes into the air from the carrier aircraft and then launch the UAVs in the remotely controlled launch boxes one by one, which cannot recover the launch boxes and are easily detected after the launch boxes are dropped.

[0004] A folding-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in-flight cluster storage and launch device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0005] A transport carrier, wherein a receiving cavity is provided inside the transport carrier, and a launch port is provided on the bottom wall of the receiving cavity;

[0006] The transport and installation mechanism is located within the accommodating cavity;

[0007] Multiple launch mechanisms are detachably mounted on the transport and installation mechanism. Each launch mechanism has a launch cavity with one end open for storing a folding-wing UAV. The launch cavity contains a launch component for launching the folding-wing UAV. The transport and installation mechanism is used to transport and install the multiple launch mechanisms with the open end of the launch cavity facing the launch port. The transport carrier is used to store the transport and installation mechanism and the launch mechanisms and transport the folding-wing UAV to the target mission area with preset airspace coordinates for launch.

[0008] A folding-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in-flight cluster storage and launch device according to an embodiment of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0009] The folding-wing drone is stored in the launch chamber of the launch mechanism. Multiple launch mechanisms are installed in the accommodating chamber of the transport carrier through the transport installation mechanism, which can realize the cluster storage and launch of folding-wing drones. When the folding-wing drone is launched, the launch component in the launch chamber launches the folding-wing drone out of the launch chamber. There is no need to release the launch mechanism into the air. The launch of the folding-wing drone is not easy to be detected.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the folding-wing UAV in-flight cluster storage and launch device further includes a locking mechanism, which is installed in the accommodating cavity;

[0011] The transport and installation mechanism includes a detachable mounting frame and a support frame. Multiple launching mechanisms are detachably mounted on the mounting frame. The transport and installation mechanism can be operably switched between a transport state and an installation state. When the transport and installation mechanism is in the transport state, the mounting frame and the support frame are connected together and slidably connected within the accommodating cavity. When the transport and installation mechanism is in the installation state, the support frame is separated from the mounting frame, and the mounting frame is connected to the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism locks the mounting frame within the accommodating cavity near the launching port, with the open end of the launching cavity facing the launching port.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a guide rail is provided inside the accommodating cavity, the guide rail is installed on the bottom wall of the accommodating cavity near the launch port, a first caster is provided on the mounting frame, and a second caster is provided on the support frame. When the transport and installation mechanism is in the transport state, the first caster and the second caster are slidably connected to the guide rail; when the transport and installation mechanism is in the installation state, the first caster abuts against the guide rail.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the launching mechanism includes a first connector and a second connector, wherein the first connector has a protruding insertion protrusion and the second connector has a first connecting hole;

[0014] The mounting bracket includes a bracket with a slot for inserting the plug protrusion. The bracket has a second connection hole corresponding to the first connection hole. The second connector is connected to the bracket by a first fastener, which passes through the first connection hole and the second connection hole. The slot is used to restrict the axial rotation of the plug protrusion around the first connection hole.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a limiting pad is provided on the inner wall of the slot, and when the insertion protrusion is inserted into the slot, the limiting pad abuts against the insertion protrusion;

[0016] The first fastener includes a first pin and a first R-pin. The first pin has a fastening hole and passes through the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole. The first R-pin passes through the fastening hole.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the mounting frame includes a first mounting plate, a second mounting plate, and a plurality of third mounting plates. The first mounting plate and the second mounting plate are respectively connected to both ends of the plurality of third mounting plates. The plurality of third mounting plates are spaced apart, and the launching mechanism is installed between two adjacent third mounting plates.

[0018] The support frame includes a first support plate, a second support plate, and a third support plate. The first support plate and the second support plate are respectively connected to the two ends of the third support plate. The first support plate and the second support plate are respectively connected to the two ends of the mounting frame. The first support plate is detachably connected to the first mounting plate, and the second support plate is detachably connected to the second mounting plate.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first mounting plate is provided with a plurality of third connecting holes, and the first support plate is provided with a plurality of fourth connecting holes, wherein the plurality of third connecting holes and the plurality of fourth connecting holes correspond one-to-one, and the first mounting plate and the first support plate are connected by a second fastener, wherein the second fastener passes through the third connecting holes and the fourth connecting holes.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the open ends of the plurality of launching mechanisms extend out of the mounting frame, and when the transport mounting mechanism is in the transport state, the plurality of launching mechanisms are located above the launching port; when the transport mounting mechanism is in the installation state, the open ends of the plurality of launching mechanisms extend into the launching port.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the locking mechanism includes a first locking block and a locking component, the first locking block is mounted on the bottom wall of the receiving cavity, the first locking block is provided with a first slot, and the locking component is mounted inside the receiving cavity;

[0022] The mounting bracket is provided with a first locking rod and a second locking rod. When the transport mounting mechanism is in the installation state, the first locking rod is engaged in the first slot, and the second locking rod is connected to the locking component. The first slot is used to restrict the first locking rod from moving away from the bottom wall of the receiving cavity.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the locking assembly includes a second locking block and a locking plate. The second locking block is installed in the accommodating cavity, and the locking plate is rotatably connected to the second locking block. The second locking block is provided with a second locking groove, and the locking plate is provided with a third locking groove. When the transport and installation mechanism is in the installation state, the second locking rod is engaged in the second locking groove and the third locking groove. The second locking groove is used to limit the movement of the second locking rod in a direction parallel to the bottom wall of the accommodating cavity, and the third locking groove is used to limit the movement of the second locking rod in a direction away from the bottom wall of the accommodating cavity.

[0024] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the transport carrier of the folding-wing UAV in-flight cluster storage and launch device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the transport installation mechanism, the launch mechanism, and the folding-wing UAV in the airborne cabin cluster storage and launch device of an embodiment of the present invention, when the transport installation mechanism is in the transport state.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mounting frame, launching mechanism, folding-wing UAV, guide rail and first locking block in the airborne cluster storage and launching device of the folding-wing UAV according to an embodiment of the present invention when the transport and installation mechanism is in the installation state.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the transport installation mechanism in the airborne cluster storage and launch device for folding-wing UAVs according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the transport installation mechanism is in transport mode.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mounting bracket for the folding-wing UAV in-flight cluster storage and launch device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the folding-wing UAV in-flight cluster storage and launch device connected to the launch mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the launch mechanism of the folding-wing UAV in-flight cluster storage and launch device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the guide rail and the first locking block of the folding-wing UAV in-flight cluster storage and launch device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second locking rod and locking component of the folding-wing UAV in-flight cabin cluster storage and launch device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the locking component of the folding-wing UAV in-flight cluster storage and launch device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Icon labels:

[0037] 100. Transport vehicle; 110. Launch port; 120. Guide rail;

[0038] 200. Transport and installation mechanism; 210. Mounting frame; 211. First caster; 212. Hanger; 2121. Slot; 2122. Second connecting hole; 2123. Limiting pad; 213. First mounting plate; 2131. Third connecting hole; 2132. Second fastener; 214. Second mounting plate; 215. Third mounting plate; 216. First locking rod; 217. Second locking rod; 220. Support frame; 221. Second caster; 222. First support plate; 223. Second support plate; 224. Third support plate;

[0039] 300, launching mechanism; 310, launching cavity; 320, first connector; 321, insertion protrusion; 330, second connector; 331, first connecting hole; 332, first fastener; 3321, first pin; 3322, first R-pin;

[0040] 400. Folding-wing drones;

[0041] 500, Locking mechanism; 510, First locking block; 511, First card slot; 520, Locking component; 521, Second locking block; 5211, Second card slot; 522, Card plate; 5221, Third card slot. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0043] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0044] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0045] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 7 According to an embodiment of the present invention, an in-flight cluster storage and launch device for folding-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) includes a transport carrier 100, a transport installation mechanism 200, and multiple launch mechanisms 300. The transport carrier 100 has a receiving cavity, and a launch port 110 is provided on the bottom wall of the receiving cavity. The transport installation mechanism 200 is located within the receiving cavity. Multiple launch mechanisms 300 are detachably mounted on the transport installation mechanism 200. Each launch mechanism 300 has a launch cavity 310, one end of which is open. The launch cavity 310 stores folding-wing UAVs 400 and contains a launch assembly for launching the folding-wing UAVs 400. The transport installation mechanism 200 transports and installs the multiple launch mechanisms 300, with the open end of the launch cavity 310 facing the launch port 110. The transport carrier 100 stores the transport installation mechanism 200 and the launch mechanisms 300, and transports the folding-wing UAVs 400 to a target mission area with preset aerial coordinates for launch.

[0046] The transport carrier 100 is a large unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). After the folding-wing UAV 400 is launched from inside the large UAV's cabin, its wings quickly return to the flight state from a folded state. The folding-wing UAV 400 uses the large UAV as a communication relay station in the air, interacting and coordinating with the ground station through line-of-sight communication, satellite communication, etc., thereby achieving swarm flight of the folding-wing UAV 400. The housing cavity is located in the middle of the belly of the large UAV, which can store and launch the folding-wing UAV 400 in the air. The launch has little impact on the center of gravity and aerodynamic characteristics of the carrier aircraft (transport carrier 100), effectively solving the problems of short range, limited number of air-launched UAVs, high launch cost, and susceptibility to detection by ground launches. This enables the folding-wing UAV 400 swarm to conduct long-range reconnaissance or strike ground targets.

[0047] The main body of the launching mechanism 300 in this application embodiment is the structure disclosed in the patent text with application number 202110566171.0.

[0048] The folding-wing drone 400 is stored in the launch cavity 310 of the launch mechanism 300. Multiple launch mechanisms 300 are installed in the accommodating cavity of the transport carrier 100 through the transport installation mechanism 200, which can realize the cluster storage and launch of the folding-wing drone 400. When the folding-wing drone 400 is launched, the launch component in the launch cavity 310 launches the folding-wing drone 400 out of the launch cavity 310 without the need to release the launch mechanism 300 into the air. The launch of the folding-wing drone 400 is not easy to be detected.

[0049] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 8 The folding-wing UAV in-flight cluster storage and launch device also includes a locking mechanism 500, which is installed within the accommodating cavity. The transport and installation mechanism 200 includes a detachable mounting frame 210 and a support frame 220, with multiple launchers 300 detachably mounted on the mounting frame 210. The transport and installation mechanism 200 can be operatively switched between a transport state and an installation state. When in the transport state, the mounting frame 210 and the support frame 220 are connected together and slidably connected within the accommodating cavity. When in the installation state, the support frame 220 is separated from the mounting frame 210, and the mounting frame 210 is connected to the locking mechanism 500. The locking mechanism 500 locks the mounting frame 210 within the accommodating cavity near the launch port 110, with the open end of the launch cavity facing the launch port 110.

[0050] When the transport and installation mechanism 200 is in transport mode, the mounting frame 210 is connected to the support frame 220, and multiple launch mechanisms 300 are mounted on the mounting frame 210. The transport and installation mechanism 200 transports the multiple launch mechanisms 300 to a position near the launch port 110. The support frame 220 is removed from the mounting frame 210, and the mounting frame 210 is locked in the receiving cavity using the locking mechanism 500. The open end of the launch cavity 310 faces the launch port 110, facilitating the launch of the folding-wing UAV 400 along the launch port 110.

[0051] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 8 A guide rail 120 is installed inside the accommodating cavity, and the guide rail 120 is mounted on the bottom wall of the accommodating cavity near the launch port 110. A first caster 211 is provided on the mounting frame 210, and a second caster 221 is provided on the support frame 220. When the transport and installation mechanism 200 is in the transport state, the first caster 211 and the second caster 221 are slidably connected to the guide rail 120. When the transport and installation mechanism 200 is in the installation state, the first caster 211 abuts against the guide rail 120.

[0052] The transport carrier 100 has a clamping plate inside its accommodating cavity, with the launch port 110 located on the clamping plate and a guide rail 120 mounted on it. When the transport and installation mechanism 200 is in transport mode, the first caster 211 and the second caster 221 can slide on the guide rail 120, making the transport and installation mechanism 200 more stable when transporting multiple launch mechanisms 300. When the transport and installation mechanism 200 is in installation mode, the locking mechanism 500 locks the mounting frame 210 in the accommodating cavity, with the open end of the launch cavity 310 facing the launch port 110, facilitating the launch of the folding-wing UAV 400 along the launch port 110.

[0053] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The launching mechanism 300 includes a first connector 320 and a second connector 330. The first connector 320 has a protruding insertion protrusion 321, and the second connector 330 has a first connecting hole 331. The mounting bracket 210 includes a hanger 212, which has a slot 2121 and a second connecting hole 2122. The slot 2121 is used for insertion of the insertion protrusion 321, and the second connecting hole 2122 corresponds to the position of the first connecting hole 331. The second connector 330 is connected to the hanger 212 by a first fastener 332, which passes through both the first connecting hole 331 and the second connecting hole 2122. The slot 2121 restricts the axial rotation of the insertion protrusion 321 around the first connecting hole 331.

[0054] A single mounting bracket 212 can simultaneously mount multiple launch mechanisms 300, enabling cluster storage and launch of folding-wing UAVs 400. During installation, the insertion protrusion 321 is inserted into the slot 2121, and the first fastener 332 passes through the first connecting hole 331 and the second connecting hole 2122, achieving a detachable connection between the launch mechanism 300 and the mounting bracket 212.

[0055] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 A limiting pad 2123 is provided on the inner wall of the slot 2121. When the insertion protrusion 321 is inserted into the slot 2121, the limiting pad 2123 abuts against the insertion protrusion 321. The limiting pad 2123 is made of rubber, which can hold the insertion protrusion 321 tightly, ensuring that the insertion protrusion 321 does not wobble after being inserted into the slot 2121, and ensuring a stable connection between the bracket 212 and the launching mechanism 300.

[0056] The first fastener 332 includes a first pin 3321 and a first R-shaped pin 3322. The first pin 3321 has a fastening hole and passes through a first connecting hole 331 and a second connecting hole 2122. The first R-shaped pin 3322 passes through the fastening hole. When the bracket 212 is installed with the launching mechanism 300, the first pin 3321 passes through the first connecting hole 331 and the second connecting hole 2122, and the first R-shaped pin 3322 passes through the fastening hole on the first pin 3321. The first R-shaped pin 3322 can be directly and manually installed and removed, making it convenient to install and remove the bracket 212 from the launching mechanism 300.

[0057] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 8 The mounting bracket 210 includes a first mounting plate 213, a second mounting plate 214, and multiple third mounting plates 215. The first mounting plate 213 and the second mounting plate 214 are respectively connected to both ends of the multiple third mounting plates 215. The multiple third mounting plates 215 are spaced apart, and a launching mechanism 300 is installed between two adjacent third mounting plates 215. The hanger 212 is mounted on the third mounting plate 215, and the first caster 211 is mounted on the first mounting plate 213 and the second mounting plate 214.

[0058] Multiple launch mechanisms 300 are divided into multiple layers by multiple third mounting plates 215. Within the same layer, multiple launch mechanisms 300 are hung using brackets 212, enabling cluster storage and launch of the folding-wing UAV 400. First mounting plates 213 and second mounting plates 214 are respectively connected to the two ends of the multiple third mounting plates 215, and are slidably connected to the guide rail 120 via first casters 211. The first mounting plates 213 and second mounting plates 214 provide support, ensuring that the multiple launch mechanisms 300 are securely installed within the accommodating cavity.

[0059] The support frame 220 includes a first support plate 222, a second support plate 223, and a third support plate 224. The first support plate 222 and the second support plate 223 are respectively connected to the two ends of the third support plate 224. The first support plate 222 and the second support plate 223 are respectively connected to the two ends of the mounting frame 210. The first support plate 222 is detachably connected to the first mounting plate 213, and the second support plate 223 is detachably connected to the second mounting plate 214.

[0060] The mounting frame 210 is connected above the first support plate 222 and the second support plate 223, and the third support plate 224 is connected below the first support plate 222 and the second support plate 223. The second caster 221 is connected to the bottom of the first support plate 222 and the second support plate 223, ensuring the stability of the support frame 220 structure. When the transport mounting frame 210 is in transport mode, the first support frame 220 and the second support frame 220 can provide sufficient support for the mounting frame 210, ensuring the smooth transport of the launching mechanism 300.

[0061] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 8 The first mounting plate 213 has multiple third connecting holes 2131, and the first support plate 222 has multiple fourth connecting holes, with each third connecting hole 2131 corresponding to one of the fourth connecting holes. The first mounting plate 213 and the first support plate 222 are connected by a second fastener 2132, which passes through the third connecting holes 2131 and the fourth connecting holes. The second fastener 2132 includes a second pin and a second R-shaped pin. The second pin passes through the third connecting hole 2131 and the fourth connecting hole, and the second R-shaped pin is connected to the second pin. The second R-shaped pin is easy to install and remove, making it convenient to install and remove the first mounting plate 213 and the first support plate 222. The connection method between the second mounting plate 214 and the second support plate 223 is the same as the connection method between the first mounting plate 213 and the first support plate 222.

[0062] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 8 The open ends of multiple launch mechanisms 300 extend out of the mounting bracket 210. When the transport mounting mechanism 200 is in transport mode, the multiple launch mechanisms 300 are located above the launch port 110. When the transport mounting mechanism 200 is in installation mode, the open ends of the multiple launch mechanisms 300 extend into the launch port 110.

[0063] When the transport and installation mechanism 200 is in transport mode, multiple launch mechanisms 300 are positioned above the launch port 110, with their open ends extending out of the mounting frame 210. A support frame 220 supports one end of the mounting frame 210, causing it to tilt relative to the guide rail 120. This facilitates the sliding of the transport and installation frame 210 on the guide rail 120 and prevents interference between the launch mechanisms 300 and the clamping plate during transport. When the transport and installation mechanism 200 is in installation mode, the support frame 220 is detached from the mounting frame 210, and the mounting frame 210 is locked to the clamping plate by the locking mechanism 500. The open ends of the multiple launch mechanisms 300 extend into the launch port 110, ensuring that the folding-wing UAV 400 can be successfully launched from the launch port 110.

[0064] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The locking mechanism 500 includes a first locking block 510 and a locking component 520. The first locking block 510 is mounted on the bottom wall of the receiving cavity, the inner side of the guide rail 120, and the clamping plate. The first locking block 510 is provided with a first slot 511. The locking component 520 is installed inside the receiving cavity and can be installed on the side wall inside the receiving cavity.

[0065] The mounting bracket 210 is provided with a first locking rod 216 and a second locking rod 217. The two ends of the first locking rod 216 are respectively connected to a first mounting plate 213 and a second mounting plate 214, and are located at the ends of the first mounting plates 213 and 214 furthest from the support frame 220. When the transport mounting mechanism 200 is in the installation state, the first locking rod 216 is engaged in the first slot 511, and the second locking rod 217 is connected to the locking assembly 520. The first slot 511 is used to restrict the movement of the first locking rod 216 away from the bottom wall of the receiving cavity. The opening of the first slot 511 faces the locking assembly 520.

[0066] After the transport mounting frame 210 slides along the guide rail 120 to a certain position, the first locking rod 216 will be embedded in the first slot 511 of the first locking block 510 on the clamping plate inside the accommodating cavity; at this time, the first support plate 222 and the second support plate 223 can be removed, and then the first casters 211 on the first mounting plate 213 and the second mounting plate 214 can be slowly brought into contact with the guide rail 120, thereby changing the launch angle of the launch mechanism 300 and causing the tail end of the launch mechanism 300 to sink to the bottom of the clamping plate, which can effectively prevent the launch port 110 from colliding with the folding wing UAV 400 when the launch mechanism 300 launches the folding wing UAV 400, and improve the space utilization rate inside the carrier cabin; during this process, the second locking rod 217 will be embedded in the locking component 520 on the side of the carrier aircraft belly, so that the mounting frame 210 is fixed inside the cabin.

[0067] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The locking assembly 520 includes a second locking block 521 and a retaining plate 522. The second locking block 521 is installed inside the receiving cavity, and the retaining plate 522 is rotatably connected to the second locking block 521. The second locking block 521 is provided with a second retaining groove 5211, and the retaining plate 522 is provided with a third retaining groove 5221. When the transport installation mechanism 200 is in the installation state, the second locking rod 217 is engaged in the second retaining groove 5211 and the third retaining groove 5221. The second retaining groove 5211 is used to limit the movement of the second locking rod 217 in a direction parallel to the bottom wall of the receiving cavity, and the third retaining groove 5221 is used to limit the movement of the second locking rod 217 in a direction away from the bottom wall of the receiving cavity.

[0068] The locking plate 522 and the second locking block 521 are connected by a torsion spring, similar to the structure of a car door lock. When the transport and installation mechanism 200 is in the installation state, the second locking rod 217 is engaged in the second locking slot 5211 and the third locking slot 5221. The opening of the second locking slot 5211 faces upward, which facilitates the engagement of the second locking rod 217. The opening of the third locking slot 5221 faces the first locking block 510, preventing the second locking rod 217 from disengaging from the second locking slot 5211.

[0069] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0070] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A folding-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in-flight cluster storage and launch device, characterized in that, include: A transport carrier, wherein a receiving cavity is provided inside the transport carrier, and a launch port is provided on the bottom wall of the receiving cavity; The transport and installation mechanism is located within the accommodating cavity; Multiple launch mechanisms are detachably mounted on the transport and installation mechanism. Each launch mechanism has a launch cavity with one end open for storing a folding-wing UAV. The launch cavity contains a launch component for launching the folding-wing UAV. The transport and installation mechanism is used to transport and install the multiple launch mechanisms with the open end of the launch cavity facing the launch port. The transport carrier is used to store the transport and installation mechanism and the launch mechanisms and transport the folding-wing UAV to the target mission area with preset airspace coordinates for launch. A locking mechanism is installed within the accommodating cavity. The transport and installation mechanism includes a detachable mounting frame and a support frame. Multiple launching mechanisms are detachably mounted on the mounting frame. The transport and installation mechanism can be operably switched between a transport state and an installation state. When the transport and installation mechanism is in the transport state, the mounting frame and the support frame are connected together and slidably connected within the accommodating cavity. When the transport and installation mechanism is in the installation state, the support frame is separated from the mounting frame, and the mounting frame is connected to the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism locks the mounting frame within the accommodating cavity near the launching port, with the open end of the launching cavity facing the launching port.

2. The folding-wing UAV in-flight cluster storage and launch device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A guide rail is provided inside the accommodating cavity. The guide rail is installed on the bottom wall of the accommodating cavity near the launch port. A first caster is provided on the mounting frame, and a second caster is provided on the support frame. When the transport and installation mechanism is in the transport state, the first caster and the second caster are slidably connected to the guide rail. When the transport and installation mechanism is in the installation state, the first caster abuts against the guide rail.

3. The folding-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in-flight cluster storage and launch device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The launching mechanism includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector has a protruding insertion protrusion, and the second connector has a first connection hole. The mounting bracket includes a bracket with a slot for inserting the plug protrusion. The bracket has a second connection hole corresponding to the first connection hole. The second connector is connected to the bracket by a first fastener, which passes through the first connection hole and the second connection hole. The slot is used to restrict the axial rotation of the plug protrusion around the first connection hole.

4. The in-flight cluster storage and launch device for a folding-wing unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that, A limiting pad is provided on the inner wall of the slot. When the insertion protrusion is inserted into the slot, the limiting pad abuts against the insertion protrusion. The first fastener includes a first pin and a first R-pin. The first pin has a fastening hole and passes through the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole. The first R-pin passes through the fastening hole.

5. The in-flight cluster storage and launch device for a folding-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting frame includes a first mounting plate, a second mounting plate, and a plurality of third mounting plates. The first mounting plate and the second mounting plate are respectively connected to both ends of the plurality of third mounting plates. The plurality of third mounting plates are spaced apart, and the launching mechanism is installed between two adjacent third mounting plates. The support frame includes a first support plate, a second support plate, and a third support plate. The first support plate and the second support plate are respectively connected to the two ends of the third support plate. The first support plate and the second support plate are respectively connected to the two ends of the mounting frame. The first support plate is detachably connected to the first mounting plate, and the second support plate is detachably connected to the second mounting plate.

6. The folding-wing UAV in-flight cluster storage and launch device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first mounting plate is provided with a plurality of third connecting holes, and the first support plate is provided with a plurality of fourth connecting holes. The plurality of third connecting holes and the plurality of fourth connecting holes correspond one-to-one. The first mounting plate and the first support plate are connected by a second fastener, which passes through the third connecting holes and the fourth connecting holes.

7. The in-flight cluster storage and launch device for a folding-wing unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The open ends of the plurality of launching mechanisms extend out of the mounting frame. When the transport mounting mechanism is in transport mode, the plurality of launching mechanisms are located above the launching port. When the transport mounting mechanism is in installation mode, the open ends of the plurality of launching mechanisms extend into the launching port.

8. The in-flight cluster storage and launch device for a folding-wing unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking mechanism includes a first locking block and a locking component. The first locking block is installed on the bottom wall of the receiving cavity and has a first slot. The locking component is installed inside the receiving cavity. The mounting bracket is provided with a first locking rod and a second locking rod. When the transport mounting mechanism is in the installation state, the first locking rod is engaged in the first slot, and the second locking rod is connected to the locking component. The first slot is used to restrict the first locking rod from moving away from the bottom wall of the receiving cavity.

9. A folding-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in-flight cluster storage and launch device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The locking assembly includes a second locking block and a locking plate. The second locking block is installed inside the accommodating cavity, and the locking plate is rotatably connected to the second locking block. The second locking block is provided with a second locking groove, and the locking plate is provided with a third locking groove. When the transport and installation mechanism is in the installation state, the second locking rod is engaged in the second locking groove and the third locking groove. The second locking groove is used to limit the movement of the second locking rod in a direction parallel to the bottom wall of the accommodating cavity, and the third locking groove is used to limit the movement of the second locking rod in a direction away from the bottom wall of the accommodating cavity.

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