A device and method for mid-air docking / separation of multiple aircraft

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device and method for mid-air docking / separation of multiple aircraft, belonging to the technical field of fixed-wing aircraft. The present invention designs two connecting plates that match the wingtips and ribs of the aircraft wings, and respectively installs a motor, an adjusting rod, a wedge block and a groove assembly on the two connecting plates. When the wing ribs of the two aircraft are at a certain distance, the motor receives a control signal to rotate, thereby driving the adjusting rod to change the expansion or contraction state of the wedge block, further controlling the connection state of the wedge block and the groove, and realizing the docking or separation of the wingtips of the two aircraft wings. The present invention solves the problem of mid-air wingtip docking or separation of aircraft, especially unmanned aerial vehicles, and takes into account the three characteristics of simple structure, reliability and economy. The device has good adaptability and has certain application and promotion in the aviation field and related fields.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of fixed-wing aircraft, and in particular to a device and method for mid-air docking / separation of multiple aircraft. Background Art

[0002] Due to limitations in aerodynamics, structure, processing technology, manufacturing costs, and even airports, the wingspan of a single aircraft is usually kept within a certain range. The larger the aircraft's aspect ratio, the greater its lift-to-drag ratio, the better its cruising performance, and the longer its range and endurance.

[0003] In recent years, many methods have been adopted to increase aspect ratio. Chinese patent application number CN102658866A addresses the problems of small payloads and short range of individual drones, as well as the inability of individual aircraft to complete missions after damage. The patent design utilizes a ground-attached, mid-air detachment system. However, drones with this system cannot dock in mid-air, and the detached aircraft cannot return to docked flight after completing their mission.

[0004] The Chinese patent application number CN108583877A installs this mechanism on the wingtip rib of the aircraft, and uses a telescopic device to position the docking point on the outside of the wingtip. There is a docking rod on the extending side and a gripper with a locking mechanism on the grabbing side. When the two aircraft are close together, the docking rod is inserted into the gripper and locked. The telescopic device is then used to pull the two aircraft together to complete the docking. During the separation process, the telescopic device is used to push the two aircraft apart, and the electromagnet unlocks the gripper device. The gripper ejects the docking rod, and the mechanism is retracted to complete the separation. This method cannot complete the positioning of the two aircraft after grabbing, and it is also impossible to accurately fix the position of the entire aircraft during the docking process.

[0005] Chinese patent publication number CN 103963972B proposes a method for aerial wingtip docking for wingtip connection / dragging technology. However, this method requires very high precision in aircraft attitude control during the docking process. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present invention designs two connecting plates that match the wingtips and ribs of aircraft wings, and installs motors, adjusting rods, wedge blocks and grooves on the two connecting plates respectively. When the ribs of the two aircraft are at a certain distance, the motor receives a control signal to rotate, thereby driving the adjusting rod to change the expansion or contraction state of the wedge block, further controlling the connection state of the wedge block and the groove, and realizing the docking or separation of the wingtips of the two aircraft wings; the present invention solves the problem of docking or separation of the wingtips of aircraft, especially unmanned aerial vehicles, in the air, taking into account the three characteristics of simple structure, reliability and economy. The device has good adaptability and has certain application and promotion in the aviation field and related fields.

[0007] The present invention provides a device for mid-air docking / separation of multiple aircraft, comprising:

[0008] Connecting plate 1 1, connecting plate 2 2, motor 3, wedge-shaped block 19, connecting rod assembly, limit switch 9 and groove assembly; the shapes of connecting plate 1 1 and connecting plate 2 2 match the wingtip ribs of the aircraft wing;

[0009] The wedge-shaped block 19 includes a wedge-shaped block 8;

[0010] The motor 3, wedge block 1 8, and connecting rod assembly are connected to the connecting plate 1; the groove assembly is connected to the connecting plate 2;

[0011] Preferably, the connecting rod assembly is respectively connected to the motor 3, the wedge block 8 and the limit switch 9;

[0012] Preferably, the material of the connecting plate 1 and the connecting plate 2 is aluminum alloy;

[0013] The connecting plate of the present invention is made of aluminum alloy plate, which has medium strength, good fatigue resistance and damage resistance, and also takes into account corrosion resistance. It is beneficial to improve the reliability, service life, safety and maintainability of the main structure of the aircraft body and other damage resistance. It has high fracture toughness, fatigue resistance and low fatigue crack growth rate.

[0014] Furthermore, the connecting plate 1 is provided with a mounting hole 4, a mounting hole 2 5 and a plurality of screw holes; the mounting hole 4 and the plurality of screw holes 1 are used to fix the connecting plate 1 and the corresponding aircraft wingtip rib; Figure 1 ;

[0015] The connecting plate 2 is provided with a mounting hole 3 6, a mounting hole 4 7 and a plurality of screw holes 2; the plurality of screw holes 2 are used to fix the connecting plate 2 and the corresponding aircraft wingtip rib; Figure 1 ;

[0016] Furthermore, the connecting rod assembly is connected between the mounting hole 1 and the mounting hole 2; and the groove assembly is connected between the mounting hole 3 and the mounting hole 4.

[0017] Furthermore, the connecting rod assembly includes a slider 11, a slider seat 10, a fixed base 12, a connecting rod 13 and a connecting rod 2 14; Figure 2 ;

[0018] One side of the fixed base 12 is connected to one side of the motor 3; the slider 11 is connected to the middle position of the fixed base 12 along the Y axis; the upper side of the slider 11 is respectively connected to one side of the connecting rod 13 and one side of the connecting rod 2 14; the lower side of the slider 11 is connected to the slider seat 10;

[0019] The lower end of the fixed base 12 is connected to a wedge-shaped block 19;

[0020] Furthermore, the front and rear sides of the slider seat 10 are respectively provided with a slot member 20;

[0021] The card slot part includes: card slot 1 20-1, card slot 2, card slot 3 and card slot 4; the card slot 1 includes a card slot body 1 and an expansion card slot 1; the card slots 2, 3 and 4 have the same shape and structure as the card slot 1;

[0022] The wedge-shaped block 19 includes a wedge-shaped block 2, a wedge-shaped block 3 and a wedge-shaped block 4;

[0023] The wedge block 1 8, wedge block 2, wedge block 3 and wedge block 4 have the same shape, and their corresponding upper ends are connected to the lower end of the fixed base 12;

[0024] The wedge block 1 and the wedge block 2 are symmetrically arranged with the wedge block 3 and the wedge block 4 respectively.

[0025] Specifically, the wedge block 1 includes a wedge body 1 and an expansion head; the wedge body 1 is connected to the expansion head along the Y axis,

[0026] When the docking device is in a contracted state, the wedge-shaped body 1 and the expansion head 1 are located in the slot body;

[0027] When the docking device is in an expanded state, the wedge-shaped body 1 is located in the card slot body; the expansion head 1 enters the expansion card slot 1 to expand and achieve fixation.

[0028] Specifically, the wedge block 1 8 and the wedge block 2 connect the slot 1 20-1 and the slot 2; the wedge block 3 and the wedge block 4 connect the slot 3 and the slot 4; the slider 11 is located between the wedge blocks 1, 2, 3 and 4; Figure 2 ;

[0029] Furthermore, the connecting rod assembly further includes an adjusting rod 15 and an adjusting rod 2 16;

[0030] It also includes a card block 11-1; the card block 11-1 is provided at one end of the slider 11; the card block 11-1 controls the limit switch by connecting / or disconnecting the limit switch 9, thereby further controlling the movement of the slider 11;

[0031] The limit switch includes a latch and a switch base; the switch base is connected to the fixed base 12; the latch controls the movement of the slider 11 through the clamping block 11-1;

[0032] Furthermore, the limit switch includes a first bayonet pin 9-1, a second bayonet pin 9-2 and a switch base; one end of the first bayonet pin and the second bayonet pin are connected to the switch base; the first bayonet pin 9-1 and the second bayonet pin 9-2 cooperate with the clamping block 11-1;

[0033] When the motor drives the slider to move, the slider 11 drives the block 11-1 to move to the latch pin 1 9-1, and the latch pin 1 presses against the block 11-1 to achieve the initial limit; after the latch pin 2 receives the signal from the latch pin 1 to achieve the initial limit, the latch pin 2 lifts up along the direction of the latch pin 1 to press against the latch pin 1, and the lower end of the latch pin 2 clamps the switch base to fix the latch pin 1 longitudinally and transversely; the latch pins 1 and 2 achieve the final limit fixation, and the wing 1 and wing 2 are connected quickly, safely and reliably; effectively preventing uncontrollable situations during the docking of the two wing tips, without complex structure, strong anti-interference ability, light weight and high reliability. Specifically, the upper side of the slider 11 is respectively connected to one side of the connecting rod 13 and one side of the connecting rod 2 14; one side of the connecting rod 13 and one side of the connecting rod 2 14 are located on the upper side of the block 11-1;

[0034] The other side of the connecting rod 13 is connected to one side of the fixed base 12 through the adjusting rod 15; the other side of the connecting rod 2 is connected to the other side of the fixed base through the adjusting rod 2 16;

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the wingtips and ribs of two aircraft reach a state ready for docking or docking, the motor 3 of the connecting plate 1 rotates by receiving a control signal from the main system of the aircraft, and drives the connecting rod 13 and the connecting rod 2 14 to change the expansion or contraction state of the wedge block through the adjusting rod 15 and the adjusting rod 2 16, thereby achieving docking and separation of the wedge block, the slider seat 10 and the groove assembly, and further achieving docking or separation of the wingtips of the two aircraft;

[0036] Preferably, the groove assembly includes a base 18 and a groove 17; the groove 17 is located in the middle of the base, and the groove is connected to the second connecting plate through the base; the shape of the groove matches the shape of the slider seat 10, and is used to clamp the expanded wedge block and the slider seat 10;

[0037] The groove is designed in a stepped manner, and the width h of the groove is smaller than the width H of the slider seat 10, so that the wedge block can be easily inserted into the groove after expansion; Figure 3 (b) and 4;

[0038] The present invention is provided with a plurality of mounting holes to reduce the weight on the connecting plate.

[0039] It can be understood that when the connecting plate 1 of aircraft 1 and the connecting plate 2 of aircraft 2 are in a separated state, the control signal sent by the main system of the aircraft controls the motor 3 to rotate forward, the adjusting rod 1 and the adjusting rod 2 rotate, and the slider moves upward, so that the wedge blocks 1, 2, 3 and 4 slide downward along the corresponding slots 1, 2, 3 and 4 until the corresponding expansion heads expand and clamp the corresponding expansion slots; the wedge blocks and the slider seat 10 that have been clamped in the expansion slots are clamped into the grooves of the groove assembly, thereby achieving the locking of the connecting plate 1 and the connecting plate 2;

[0040] When the connecting plate 1 of the aircraft 1 is connected to the connecting plate 2 of the aircraft 2, the aircraft main system sends a control signal to control the motor 3 to reverse, and the adjusting rods 1 and 2 rotate, driving the slider 11 to move downward, so that the wedge blocks 1, 2, 3 and 4 slide upward along the corresponding slots 1, 2, 3 and 4 until the expansion head in the expansion slot contracts and leaves, thereby releasing the lock;

[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, the ratio of the chord length of the connecting plates 1 and 2, the expansion distance of the expansion head along the x-axis, and the travel of the slider 11 along the y-axis is: 150:8:17;

[0042] Preferably, the chord length of the connecting plates 1 and 2 is 300 mm; the expansion distance of the expansion head along the x-axis is 1.6 mm; the stroke of the slider 11 along the y-axis is 3.4 mm; it can be understood that the stroke of the slider 11 is the distance the slider moves up and down along the y-axis;

[0043] The present invention designs a chord length of connecting plates one and two of 300 mm, the expansion distance of the expansion head along the x-axis is 1.6 mm, and the stroke of the slider 11 along the y-axis is 3.4 mm. On the one hand, the size of the wedge block and the connecting rod assembly is shortened, further reducing the size of the connecting device and reducing the overall weight of the device. On the other hand, the expanded wedge block will be stuck in the groove, avoiding obvious forward and backward movement after connection with the groove.

[0044] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for using a device for mid-air docking / separation of multiple aircraft, comprising:

[0045] Multiple aircraft conduct aerial docking, specifically:

[0046] The two aircraft, one on the left and one on the right, maintain a certain distance and fly level at the same height and front-to-back position, shorten the distance between the wings of the two aircraft, and dock the right wingtip of the left aircraft one with the left wingtip of the right aircraft two. The motor 3 of the wingtip of the aircraft one drives the adjusting rod 15 and the adjusting rod 2 16 to rotate, and the adjusting rod 15 and the adjusting rod 2 16 drive the connecting rod 13 and the connecting rod 2 14 to move, further driving the slider 11 to move along the Y axis. The slider moves upward, and the corresponding card slot is squeezed into the wedge-shaped block. The expansion head of the wedge block expands until the card block 11-1 of the slider 11 touches the limit switch 9, and the motor stops rotating. The expanded wedge block and the slider seat 10 are stuck in the groove of the groove assembly of the wingtip of the aircraft two, and the wingtips of multiple aircraft are docked.

[0047] Preferably, the distance between the two aircraft is 1-2 cm from the wingtips of the two aircraft;

[0048] Multiple aircraft are separated in the air, specifically: when the wingtips of the two aircraft are in a docked state, the aircraft main system sends a separation signal, the motor 3 of the wingtip of aircraft one drives the adjusting rod 15 and the adjusting rod 2 16 to rotate, and the adjusting rod 15 and the adjusting rod 2 16 drive the connecting rod 13 and the connecting rod 2 14 to move, further driving the slider 11 to move along the Y axis, and the slider moves downward, the expansion head no longer squeezes the expansion slot, and the wedge-shaped block and the slider seat 10 stuck in the slot shrink in the slot of the wingtip of aircraft two until the block 11-1 of the slider 11 touches the limit switch, the motor stops rotating, and the multiple aircraft are separated after the wingtips are docked.

[0049] In the technical solution of the present invention, when the main system of the aircraft issues a docking command, it ensures that the two aircraft maintain a certain safe distance. By manipulating the aircraft, the distance between the end ribs on both sides of the docking point is reduced. When the distance between the end ribs on both sides reaches the set value, the motor is controlled to rotate forward, the wedge block expands and fits into the groove, and then the motor assembly and the groove assembly are docked; the motor is controlled to rotate backward, the wedge block contracts, and separation is achieved.

[0050] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0051] (1) The device of the present invention is small in size and easy to control, making it more suitable for testing small fixed-wing UAVs;

[0052] (2) The motor-coupled device designed in the device of the present invention has a fast response structure, which can achieve locking and unlocking between the connecting plates in about 1 second;

[0053] (3) The present invention is equipped with a corresponding limit switch, and the device has high stability during docking / separation, a long service life, and is not easily damaged. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating particular embodiments and are not to be considered limiting of the invention.

[0055] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of connecting plate 1 and connecting plate 2 in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the motor, wedge block, connecting rod assembly, and limit switch in the wedge block retracted state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 3 (a) is a schematic diagram of a wedge block, a connecting rod assembly, and a limit switch in an expanded state of the wedge block according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 3 (b) is a schematic diagram of the wedge block, the connecting rod assembly, and the limit switch in the retracted state of the wedge block according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the groove assembly in the second connecting plate in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 5 (a) is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the connecting plate 1, the motor, the wedge-shaped block, the connecting rod assembly, and the limit switch according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 5 (b) is a schematic diagram of the connection between the second connecting plate and the groove assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of a device for mid-air docking / separation of multiple aircraft in a docked state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Reference numerals:

[0064] Connecting plate 1, connecting plate 2, motor 3, mounting hole 1, 4, mounting hole 2, 5, mounting hole 3, 6, mounting hole 4, 7, wedge block 1, 8, limit switch 9, bayonet 1, 9-1, bayonet 2, 9-2, slider seat 10, slider 11, block 11-1, fixed base 12, connecting rod 1, 13 and connecting rod 2, 14, adjusting rod 1, 15, adjusting rod 2, 16, groove 17, base 18, wedge block 19, slot member 20, slot 1, 20-1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] In order to more clearly understand the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. In addition, the present invention can also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0066] A specific embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 1-6 , discloses a device and method for docking / separating multiple aircraft in mid-air. To illustrate the effectiveness of the method proposed by the present invention, the above technical solution of the present invention is described in detail below through a specific embodiment. The specific implementation steps are as follows:

[0067] The present invention provides a device for mid-air docking / separation of multiple aircraft, comprising:

[0068] The present invention provides a device for mid-air docking / separation of multiple aircraft, comprising:

[0069] Connecting plate 1 1, connecting plate 2 2, motor 3, wedge-shaped block, connecting rod assembly, limit switch 9 and groove assembly; the shapes of connecting plate 1 1 and connecting plate 2 2 match the wingtip ribs of the aircraft wing;

[0070] The wedge-shaped block 19 includes a wedge-shaped block 8;

[0071] The motor 3, wedge block 1 8, and connecting rod assembly are connected to the connecting plate 1; the groove assembly is connected to the connecting plate 2;

[0072] Preferably, the connecting rod assembly is respectively connected to the motor 3, the wedge block 8 and the limit switch 9;

[0073] Preferably, the material of the connecting plate 1 and the connecting plate 2 is aluminum alloy;

[0074] The connecting plate of the present invention is made of aluminum alloy plate, which has medium strength, good fatigue resistance and damage resistance, and also takes into account corrosion resistance. It is beneficial to improve the reliability, service life, safety and maintainability of the main structure of the aircraft body and other damage resistance. It has high fracture toughness, fatigue resistance and low fatigue crack growth rate.

[0075] Furthermore, the connecting plate 1 is provided with a mounting hole 4, a mounting hole 2 5 and a plurality of screw holes; the mounting hole 4 and the plurality of screw holes 1 are used to fix the connecting plate 1 and the corresponding aircraft wingtip rib; Figure 1 ;

[0076] The connecting plate 2 is provided with a mounting hole 3 6, a mounting hole 4 7 and a plurality of screw holes 2; the plurality of screw holes 2 are used to fix the connecting plate 2 and the corresponding aircraft wingtip ribs; Figure 1 ;

[0077] Furthermore, the connecting rod assembly is connected between the mounting hole 1 and the mounting hole 2; and the groove assembly is connected between the mounting hole 3 and the mounting hole 4.

[0078] Furthermore, the connecting rod assembly includes a slider 11, a slider seat 10, a fixed base 12, a connecting rod 13 and a connecting rod 2 14; Figure 2 ;

[0079] One side of the fixed base 12 is connected to one side of the motor 3; the slider 11 is connected to the middle position of the fixed base 12 along the Y axis; the upper side of the slider 11 is respectively connected to one side of the connecting rod 13 and one side of the connecting rod 2 14; the lower side of the slider 11 is connected to the slider seat 10;

[0080] The lower end of the fixed base 12 is connected to a wedge-shaped block 19;

[0081] Furthermore, the front and rear sides of the slider seat 10 are respectively provided with a slot member 20;

[0082] The card slot part includes: card slot 1 20-1, card slot 2, card slot 3 and card slot 4; the card slot 1 includes a card slot body 1 and an expansion card slot 1; the card slots 2, 3 and 4 have the same shape and structure as the card slot 1;

[0083] The wedge-shaped block 19 includes a wedge-shaped block 2, a wedge-shaped block 3 and a wedge-shaped block 4;

[0084] The wedge block 1 8, wedge block 2, wedge block 3 and wedge block 4 have the same shape, and their corresponding upper ends are connected to the lower end of the fixed base 12;

[0085] The wedge block 1 and the wedge block 2 are symmetrically arranged with the wedge block 3 and the wedge block 4 respectively.

[0086] Specifically, the wedge block 1 includes a wedge body 1 and an expansion head; the wedge body 1 is connected to the expansion head along the Y axis,

[0087] When the docking device is in a contracted state, the wedge-shaped body 1 and the expansion head 1 are located in the slot body;

[0088] When the docking device is in an expanded state, the wedge-shaped body 1 is located in the card slot body; the expansion head 1 enters the expansion card slot 1 to expand and achieve fixation.

[0089] Specifically, the wedge block 1 8 and the wedge block 2 connect the slot 1 20-1 and the slot 2; the wedge block 3 and the wedge block 4 connect the slot 3 and the slot 4; the slider 11 is located between the wedge blocks 1, 2, 3 and 4; Figure 2 ;

[0090] Furthermore, the connecting rod assembly further includes an adjusting rod 15 and an adjusting rod 2 16;

[0091] It also includes a card block 11-1; the card block 11-1 is provided at one end of the slider 11; the card block 11-1 controls the limit switch by connecting / or disconnecting the limit switch 9, thereby further controlling the movement of the slider 11;

[0092] The limit switch includes a latch and a switch base; the switch base is connected to the fixed base 12; the wave plate controls the movement of the slider 11 through the connecting block 11-1;

[0093] The limit switch includes a latch and a switch base; the switch base is connected to the fixed base 12; the latch controls the movement of the slider 11 through the clamping block 11-1;

[0094] Furthermore, the limit switch includes a first bayonet pin 9-1, a second bayonet pin 9-2 and a switch base; one end of the first bayonet pin and the second bayonet pin are connected to the switch base; the first bayonet pin 9-1 and the second bayonet pin 9-2 cooperate with the clamping block 11-1;

[0095] When the motor drives the slider to move, the slider 11 drives the block 11-1 to move to the latch pin 1 9-1, and the latch pin 1 presses against the block 11-1 to achieve the initial limit; after the latch pin 2 receives the signal from the latch pin 1 to achieve the initial limit, the latch pin 2 lifts up along the direction of the latch pin 1 to press against the latch pin 1, and the lower end of the latch pin 2 clamps the switch base to fix the latch pin 1 longitudinally and transversely; the latch pins 1 and 2 achieve the final limit fixation, and the wing 1 and wing 2 are connected quickly, safely and reliably; effectively preventing uncontrollable situations during the docking of the two wing tips, without complex structure, strong anti-interference ability, light weight and high reliability. Specifically, the upper side of the slider 11 is respectively connected to one side of the connecting rod 13 and one side of the connecting rod 2 14; one side of the connecting rod 13 and one side of the connecting rod 2 14 are located on the upper side of the block 11-1;

[0096] The other side of the connecting rod 13 is connected to one side of the fixed base 12 through the adjusting rod 15; the other side of the connecting rod 2 is connected to the other side of the fixed base through the adjusting rod 2 16;

[0097] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the wingtips and ribs of two aircraft reach a state ready for docking or docking, the motor 3 of the connecting plate 1 rotates by receiving a control signal from the main system of the aircraft, and drives the connecting rod 13 and the connecting rod 2 14 to change the expansion or contraction state of the wedge block through the adjusting rod 15 and the adjusting rod 2 16, thereby achieving docking and separation of the wedge block, the slider seat 10 and the groove assembly, and further achieving docking or separation of the wingtips of the two aircraft;

[0098] Preferably, the groove assembly includes a base 18 and a groove 17; the groove 17 is located in the middle of the base, and the groove is connected to the second connecting plate through the base; the shape of the groove matches the shape of the slider seat 10, and is used to clamp the expanded wedge block and the slider seat 10;

[0099] The groove is designed in a stepped manner, and the width h of the groove is smaller than the width H of the slider seat 10, so that the wedge block can be easily inserted into the groove after expansion; Figure 3 (b) and 4;

[0100] The present invention is provided with a plurality of mounting holes to reduce the weight on the connecting plate.

[0101] It can be understood that when the connecting plate 1 of aircraft 1 and the connecting plate 2 of aircraft 2 are in a separated state, the control signal sent by the main system of the aircraft controls the motor 3 to rotate forward, the adjusting rod 1 and the adjusting rod 2 rotate, and the slider moves upward, so that the wedge blocks 1, 2, 3 and 4 slide downward along the corresponding slots 1, 2, 3 and 4 until the corresponding expansion heads expand and clamp the corresponding expansion slots; the wedge blocks and the slider seat 10 that have been clamped in the expansion slots are clamped into the grooves of the groove assembly, thereby achieving the locking of the connecting plate 1 and the connecting plate 2;

[0102] When the connecting plate 1 of the aircraft 1 is connected to the connecting plate 2 of the aircraft 2, the aircraft main system sends a control signal to control the motor 3 to reverse, and the adjusting rods 1 and 2 rotate, driving the slider 11 to move downward, so that the wedge blocks 1, 2, 3 and 4 slide upward along the corresponding slots 1, 2, 3 and 4 until the expansion head in the expansion slot contracts and leaves, thereby releasing the lock;

[0103] In one embodiment of the present invention, the ratio of the chord length of the connecting plates 1 and 2, the expansion distance of the expansion head along the x-axis, and the travel of the slider 11 along the y-axis is: 150:8:17;

[0104] Preferably, the chord length of the connecting plates 1 and 2 is 300 mm; the expansion distance of the expansion head along the x-axis is 1.6 mm; the stroke of the slider 11 along the y-axis is 3.4 mm; it can be understood that the stroke of the slider 11 is the distance the slider moves up and down along the y-axis;

[0105] The present invention designs a chord length of connecting plates one and two of 300 mm, the expansion distance of the expansion head along the x-axis is 1.6 mm, and the stroke of the slider 11 along the y-axis is 3.4 mm. On the one hand, the size of the wedge block and the connecting rod assembly is shortened, further reducing the size of the connecting device and reducing the overall weight of the device. On the other hand, the expanded wedge block will be stuck in the groove, avoiding obvious forward and backward movement after connection with the groove.

[0106] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for using a device for mid-air docking / separation of multiple aircraft, comprising:

[0107] Multiple aircraft conduct aerial docking, specifically:

[0108] The two aircraft, one on the left and one on the right, maintain a certain distance and fly level at the same height and front-to-back position, shorten the distance between the wings of the two aircraft, and dock the right wingtip of the left aircraft one with the left wingtip of the right aircraft two. The motor 3 of the wingtip of the aircraft one drives the adjusting rod 15 and the adjusting rod 2 16 to rotate, and the adjusting rod 15 and the adjusting rod 2 16 drive the connecting rod 13 and the connecting rod 2 14 to move, further driving the slider 11 to move along the Y axis. The slider moves upward, and the corresponding card slot is squeezed into the wedge-shaped block. The expansion head of the wedge block expands until the card block 11-1 of the slider 11 touches the limit switch 9, and the motor stops rotating. The expanded wedge block and the slider seat 10 are stuck in the groove of the groove assembly of the wingtip of the aircraft two, and the wingtips of multiple aircraft are docked.

[0109] Preferably, the distance between the two aircraft is 1-2 cm from the wingtips of the two aircraft;

[0110] Multiple aircraft are separated in the air, specifically: when the wingtips of the two aircraft are in a docked state, the aircraft main system sends a separation signal, the motor 3 of the wingtip of aircraft one drives the adjusting rod 15 and the adjusting rod 2 16 to rotate, and the adjusting rod 15 and the adjusting rod 2 16 drive the connecting rod 13 and the connecting rod 2 14 to move, further driving the slider 11 to move along the Y axis, and the slider moves downward, the expansion head no longer squeezes the expansion slot, and the wedge-shaped block and the slider seat 10 stuck in the slot shrink in the slot of the wingtip of aircraft two until the block 11-1 of the slider 11 touches the limit switch, the motor stops rotating, and the multiple aircraft are separated after the wingtips are docked.

[0111] In the technical solution of the present invention, when the main system of the aircraft issues a docking command, it ensures that the two aircraft maintain a certain safe distance. By manipulating the aircraft, the distance between the end ribs on both sides of the docking point is reduced. When the distance between the end ribs on both sides reaches the set value, the motor is controlled to rotate forward, the wedge block expands and fits into the groove, and then the motor assembly and the groove assembly are docked; the motor is controlled to rotate backward, the wedge block contracts, and separation is achieved.

[0112] The above description is only a preferred specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily thought of by any technician familiar with this technical field within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention should be covered by the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for mid-air docking / separation of multiple aircraft, characterized in that: include: Connecting plate 1 (1), connecting plate 2 (2), motor (3), wedge block (19), connecting rod assembly, limit switch (9) and groove assembly; The wedge-shaped block (19) includes a wedge-shaped block 1 (8); The motor (3), wedge block 1 (8), and connecting rod assembly are connected to the connecting plate 1 (1); the groove assembly is connected to the connecting plate 2 (2); The connecting rod assembly includes a fixed base (12); the connecting rod assembly is respectively connected to the motor (3), the wedge block (8) and the limit switch (9) through the fixed base; The connecting rod assembly further comprises a slider (11), a slider seat (10), a connecting rod 1 (13) and a connecting rod 2 (14); the fixed base (12) is respectively connected to the motor (3) and the wedge block (19); the slider (11) is slidably arranged at a middle position of the fixed base (12); the slider (11) is respectively connected to the connecting rod 1 (13), the connecting rod 2 (14) and the slider seat (10); The slider (11) is provided with a card block (11-1); the card block (11-1) is used to control the switch of the limit switch (9) and the movement of the slider (11); One end of the slider (11) is connected to one end of the connecting rod 1 (13) and one end of the connecting rod 2 (14); the clamping block (11-1) is arranged on the lower side of one end of the connecting rod 1 (13) and one end of the connecting rod 2 (14); The connecting rod assembly further includes an adjusting rod 1 (15) and an adjusting rod 2 (16); The connecting rod 1 (13) is connected to one end of the fixed base (12) through the adjusting rod 1 (15); the connecting rod 2 (14) is connected to the other end of the fixed base through the adjusting rod 2 (16); The groove assembly comprises a base (18) and a groove (17); the groove (17) is located in the middle of the base; the shape of the groove matches the shape of the slider seat (10) and is used to clamp the expanded wedge block and the slider seat (10).

2. The device for mid-air docking / separation of multiple aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slider seat (10) includes a slot member (20); the slot member includes a slot 1 (20-1); the slot 1 includes a slot body 1 and an expansion slot 1; the slot body 1 is connected to the expansion slot 1; and the wedge block (19) is connected to the slot member (20).

3. The device for mid-air docking / separation of multiple aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wedge block 1 (8) comprises a wedge-shaped main body 1 and an expansion head 1; the wedge-shaped main body 1 is connected to the expansion head 1; and the wedge block 1 is connected to the fixed base (12).

4. The device for mid-air docking / separation of multiple aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting plate 1 (1) comprises a mounting hole 1 (4) and a mounting hole 2 (5). The connecting plate 1 is connected to the corresponding aircraft wingtip rib; the connecting rod assembly is arranged between the mounting hole 1 and the mounting hole 2.

5. The device for mid-air docking / separation of multiple aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting plate 2 (2) is provided with a mounting hole 3 (6) and a mounting hole 4 (7). The connecting plate 2 is connected to the corresponding aircraft wingtip rib; the groove assembly is connected between the mounting hole 3 and the mounting hole 4.

6. The method for using the device for mid-air docking / separation of multiple aircraft according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: include: Aircraft 1 and aircraft 2 are docked in the air. The two aircraft maintain a certain distance in flight. The wingtip of aircraft 1 is docked with the wingtip of aircraft 2. The aircraft main system sends a docking signal. The motor (3) of the wingtip of aircraft 1 drives the adjusting rod 1 (15) and the adjusting rod 2 (16) to rotate. The adjusting rod 1 (15) and the adjusting rod 2 (16) drive the connecting rod 1 (13) and the connecting rod 2 (14) to move, and further drive the slider (11) to move along the Y axis. The corresponding slot member is squeezed into the wedge-shaped block. The expansion head of the wedge-shaped block expands until the block (11-1) touches the limit switch (9). The motor stops rotating. The expanded wedge-shaped block and the slider seat (10) are stuck in the groove (17) of the groove assembly of the wingtip of aircraft 2. The wingtips of the two aircraft are docked. The docked aircraft 1 and aircraft 2 are separated, and the aircraft main system sends a separation signal. The motor (3) of the wingtip of the aircraft 1 drives the adjustment rod 1 (15) and the adjustment rod 2 (16) to rotate. The adjustment rod 1 (15) and the adjustment rod 2 (16) drive the connecting rod 1 (13) and the connecting rod 2 (14) to move, and further drive the slider (11) to move along the Y axis. The expansion head no longer squeezes the expansion slot, and the wedge-shaped block and the slider seat (10) inserted into the groove of the wingtip of the aircraft 2 shrink in the groove until the block (11-1) touches the limit switch, the motor stops rotating, and the multiple aircraft are separated after the wingtips are docked.

Images