Automatic hooking device for unmanned vehicle

Abstract

An automatic hooking device for an unmanned vehicle comprises a capturing structure connected with hoisting equipment and a connecting structure connected with a to-be-captured vehicle. The catching structure comprises a hollow catching body which is connected with the hoisting equipment and is provided with a downward opening, and an elastic bayonet lock structure arranged on the catching body; the connecting structure comprises a connecting support connected with the aircraft and a connector which is arranged on the connecting support and protrudes upwards. A connecting space is concavely arranged between the connector and the connecting support, the connector enters the catching body, the elastic clamping pin structure locks the connector in the catching body in the connecting space after passing through the connector, and connection between the connecting structure and the catching structure is achieved. By arranging the capturing structure and the connecting structure, automatic connection of the lifting equipment and the unmanned vehicle to be captured is achieved, and the device is simple, convenient and efficient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle retrieval and deployment, and in particular relates to an automatic hooking device for an unmanned aerial vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Unmanned aerial vehicles are surface vessels that can perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously without direct human intervention. They are widely used in many fields such as marine scientific research, environmental monitoring, hydrographic survey, maritime security patrol, search and rescue operations, and military reconnaissance. With the development of automation technology and artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicles are becoming more and more intelligent and efficient, and can adapt to more complex operating scenarios.

[0003] Although unmanned aerial vehicles have shown great potential in a variety of application scenarios, they still face many challenges in their actual operation, especially in the retrieval and deployment process at sea. Due to the complex and changeable marine environment, including the influence of natural factors such as wind, waves, and currents, the safe retrieval and deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles has become a difficult problem.

[0004] Traditional recovery methods usually rely on manual intervention, which is not only inefficient but also has safety hazards. On rough seas, crew members need to approach the moving unmanned aerial vehicle to manually bind or unbind, which greatly increases the risk of personal injury, especially at night or in poor visibility. This operation becomes more dangerous. When the sea conditions are bad, such as strong winds and big waves, it is already very difficult to keep the ship stable, not to mention accurately completing the hooking action. Even experienced crew members may fail due to the inability to accurately aim at the target. It is inefficient, and each time you need to wait for the right time to operate, and the whole process may take a long time, which directly affects the overall operation efficiency, which is particularly unfavorable for tasks that require frequent collection and release of unmanned aerial vehicles. At the same time, although some designs have achieved a certain degree of automation, these devices are only available on unmanned aerial vehicles of specific models or sizes, and are less compatible with ships of different specifications. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatic hooking device for an unmanned aerial vehicle, so as to solve the technical problem of automatic retraction and deployment of an unmanned aerial vehicle at sea.

[0006] To achieve the above purpose, the specific technical solution of an automatic hook device for an unmanned aerial vehicle of the present invention is as follows:

[0007] An automatic hook device for unmanned aerial vehicles comprises a capture structure connected to a lifting device, and a connection structure connected to an aerial vehicle to be captured;

[0008] The capture structure comprises a capture body connected to the lifting device and having a hollow downward opening, and an elastic bayonet structure arranged on the capture body;

[0009] The connection structure comprises a connection bracket connected to the aircraft, and a connection head protruding upwardly provided on the connection bracket;

[0010] A connecting space is concavely provided between the connecting head and the connecting bracket, and the connecting head enters the capturing body. After the elastic bayonet structure passes through the connecting head, the connecting head is locked in the capturing body in the connecting space, thereby realizing the connection between the connecting structure and the capturing structure.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the elastic pin structure includes a pin cavity arranged at the lower part of the capture body, a pin block arranged in the pin cavity, and an elastic component connecting the pin block and the pin cavity; the pin cavity is hollow and opens toward the inner wall of the capture body, and the front end of the pin block protrudes from the pin cavity opening relative to the inner wall of the capture body, and after abutting against the connecting head, it retracts into the pin cavity to allow the connecting head to pass through, and pops out in the connecting space after passing the connecting head.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the connection structure further includes a disengagement structure, and the disengagement structure pushes the bayonet block into the bayonet cavity in the connection space.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, the outer periphery of the connecting head is a connecting bevel expanding from top to bottom, the front end of the pin block is a pin bevel matching the connecting bevel, and the pin block retracts into the pin cavity after the pin bevel abuts against the connecting bevel.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, the disengagement structure includes a disengagement block arranged in the connection space, and a disengagement drive device driving the disengagement block to move; the disengagement drive device drives the disengagement block to move up and down in the connection space, abutting against the pin block to retract the overhead block into the pin cavity.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, the elastic latch structure is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the capturing body.

[0016] As a further improvement of the present invention, an eye plate is provided at the upper end of the capture body, and the eye plate is connected to the lifting device through a rope.

[0017] As a further improvement of the present invention, the disengagement drive device has a wireless function and can remotely drive the movement of the disengagement block.

[0018] As a further improvement of the present invention, the connecting space is arranged corresponding to the opening of the bayonet cavity.

[0019] As a further improvement of the present invention, the outer peripheral shape of the connecting head matches the inner wall shape of the capturing body.

[0020] Beneficial effects:

[0021] The present invention adopts a fully automated hooking mechanism, which does not require direct human involvement in dangerous operating processes. The unmanned aerial vehicle can achieve safe docking with the lifting equipment without human intervention, greatly improving operating efficiency and reducing labor costs. Especially in severe sea conditions, the risk of injury to crew members is significantly reduced. The operator can complete the entire hooking / unhooking process at a safe distance, further ensuring the safety of personnel.

[0022] The use of an elastic bayonet structure combined with a specific shape design (such as a connection bevel and a bayonet bevel) ensures that the capture action can be completed stably under dynamic conditions, reducing the risk of human error or accidental fall-off caused by the traditional manual hook method, thereby enhancing the working safety of the entire system. The elastic bayonet structure design ensures that the connector can be accurately locked into the capture body and can work normally even with a slight offset, improving the reliability and stability of the system; the symmetrically arranged elastic bayonet structure increases the balance and grip of the device, making the connection more secure and stable.

[0023] The automated design reduces the need for human intervention, greatly shortens the time required for hooking / unhooking, and improves overall operational efficiency; the remote control function allows the operator to respond and execute commands quickly, regardless of weather conditions, ensuring the ability to work continuously.

[0024] The present invention is applicable to unmanned aerial vehicles of various models and sizes, has good versatility, and can meet the needs of different application scenarios. Through the precise matching design of the capture body and the connector shape, the device can maintain good performance in different sea conditions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the use of an automatic hooking device for an unmanned aerial vehicle of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automatic hook device for an unmanned aerial vehicle;

[0027] Figure 3 To capture the structural diagram;

[0028] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure;

[0029] Explanation of marks in the figure: 100, unmanned aerial vehicle; 200, lifting equipment; 210, rope; 300, capture structure; 310, capture body; 311, eye plate; 320, elastic latch structure; 321, latch cavity; 322, latch block; 323, elastic component; 324, latch ramp; 400, connecting structure; 410, connecting bracket; 420, connecting head; 421, connecting ramp; 430, connecting space; 440, disengagement structure; 441, disengagement block; 442, disengagement drive device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In order to better understand the purpose, structure and function of the present invention, the following is a further detailed description of an automatic hook device for an unmanned aerial vehicle of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Implementation example:

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the mother ship captures the unmanned aerial vehicle 100 on the water surface through the lifting equipment 200 installed on the deck. The front end of the lifting equipment 200 is connected to the capture structure 300 through a rope. The unmanned aerial vehicle 100 is fixedly connected with a connecting structure 400. The operator operates the lifting equipment 200 to align the capture structure 300 with the connecting structure 400 from above and slowly releases it downwards. After the capture structure 300 is connected to the connecting structure 400, the unmanned aerial vehicle 100 is captured and transported to a designated location for storage.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, an automatic hook device for unmanned aerial vehicles includes a capture structure 300 connected to a lifting device 200 by a rope, and a connection structure 400 fixedly connected to the unmanned aerial vehicle 100 to be captured. The capture structure 300 is released downward by aligning with the connection structure 400 to achieve the connection between the two.

[0034] like Figure 3As shown, the capture body 310 in the capture structure 300 is a hollow structure, which opens downward to accommodate the connector 420 of the connection structure 400, and is provided with an eye plate 311 at the upper end for connecting with the hook at the end of the rope of the lifting device. The shape of the inner wall of the capture body matches the shape of the connector 420, and can accommodate the connector 420. The capture body 310 is symmetrically provided with a bayonet cavity 321 on both sides of the lower part, and the bayonet cavity 321 is hollow and has an opening toward the inner wall of the capture body. The bayonet cavity 321 accommodates a bayonet block 322, which is connected to the bayonet cavity 321 through an elastic component 323, and the front end protrudes relative to the inner wall of the capture body through the bayonet cavity opening. The front end of the bayonet block 322 is provided with a bayonet inclined surface 324, and the bayonet inclined surface 324 is inclined outward from top to bottom to match the peripheral shape of the connector 420. In this embodiment, the elastic component 323 is a stainless steel spring, which uses its own elastic force to make the front end of the pin block protrude from the opening of the pin cavity. When the pin slope 324 abuts against the outer periphery of the connecting head, the pin block 322 retracts into the pin cavity 321. After passing through the connecting head 420 and entering the connecting space 430, the spring pushes the pin block 322 out, and the pin block 322 locks the connecting head 420 in the capture body 310 in the connecting space 430.

[0035] like Figure 4 As shown, in the connection structure 400, the connection bracket 410 is fixed to the upper end surface of the unmanned aerial vehicle 100 by bolts, and the connection head 420 is protruded upward on the upper end surface of the connection bracket 410. The connection head 420 is provided with a connection space 430 in the concave symmetrically between the connection bracket 410 and the connection head 420. The connection space 430 is provided corresponding to the bayonet cavity 321, and the bayonet block 322 enters and locks the connection head 420. A connection slope 421 is provided on the outer periphery of the connection head corresponding to the bayonet slope 324. The connection slope 421 is inclined outward from top to bottom to make the connection head conical. When it abuts against the bayonet block 322, the bayonet block 322 is pushed into the bayonet cavity 321 to enter the hollow interior of the capture body 310. The disengagement structure 440 drives the disengagement block 441 to move up and down in the connection space 430 through the disengagement driving device 442, so that the bayonet block 322 retracts into the bayonet cavity 321, and the capture body 310 is disengaged from the connection head 420 under the lifting of the lifting device 200. In this embodiment, the disengagement driving device 442 is an electric cylinder with a wireless module, which can be remotely controlled by remote control. The cylinder body is arranged below the connection bracket 410, and the piston rod passes through the connection bracket 410 and is connected to the disengagement block 441. The piston rod is telescopically driven to drive the disengagement block 441 to move up and down in the connection space 430. When the connection head 420 is locked in the capture body 310, the disengagement block 441 is controlled to move upward, abut against the bayonet inclined surface 324, and the bayonet block 322 is squeezed into the bayonet cavity 321, and then the lifting device 200 lifts the capture body 310, and the capture body 310 is disengaged from the connection head 420 without the bayonet block 322 locking.

[0036] When in use, ensure that the connection structure on the unmanned aircraft 100 is intact and the rope hook of the lifting device 200 is connected to the capture body 310. The operator determines the position of the unmanned aircraft 100 through the remote control system and adjusts its posture for docking. Manipulate the unmanned aircraft 100 to slowly move toward the mother ship to keep the aircraft stable. Manipulate the lifting device 200 and the unmanned aircraft 100 so that the capture body 310 comes above the connector 420. Slowly lower the capture body 310, and under the action of gravity, it is knotted on the connector 420. The connector 420 passes through the elastic bayonet structure 320 and enters the inner cavity of the capture body 310. When the connector 420 passes through the bayonet block 322, due to the existence of the connection space 430, the bayonet block 322 will pop out into the connection space 430 under the action of the elastic component 323, thereby firmly locking the connector 420 in the capture body 310, completing the automatic connection between the unmanned aircraft 100 and the lifting device 200. Once it is confirmed that the connection is firm and reliable, the lifting device 200 can be started to start recovering the unmanned aerial vehicle 100. After the unmanned aerial vehicle 100 is transported to the designated location, if the unmanned aerial vehicle needs to be released, the disengagement drive device 442 in the connection structure is activated. The disengagement drive device 442 is started by a wireless remote control command, driving the disengagement block 441 to move upward in the connection space 430, pushing the latch block 322 to retract into the latch cavity 321, and releasing the locked state. As the latch block 322 retracts, the connector 420 is no longer fixed, and the capture body 310 rises and disconnects, thereby achieving safe separation of the unmanned aerial vehicle 100 and the lifting device 200. The release operation is similar, capturing the unmanned aerial vehicle 100 from the storage position and releasing it to the designated water surface.

[0037] The device of the present invention has a simple design and clear functions. It can be conveniently applied to the retracting and releasing operations of unmanned aerial vehicles of different specifications. The disengagement drive device equipped with a wireless control function allows remote control of the release process, which is not only suitable for conventional recovery scenarios, but also can respond quickly in emergency situations, and flexibly adjust strategies to deal with emergencies, thereby increasing the diversity of application scenarios. It has created a new efficient, safe and reliable solution for rapid connection between unmanned aerial vehicles and lifting equipment, which can be widely used in many fields such as marine exploration and scientific research.

[0038] It is to be understood that the present invention is described by some embodiments, and it is known to those skilled in the art that various changes or equivalent substitutions may be made to these features and embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, under the teachings of the present invention, these features and embodiments may be modified to adapt to specific circumstances and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims of this application are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic hooking device for an unmanned aerial vehicle, characterized in that: It includes a capture structure connected to the lifting device and a connection structure connected to the vessel to be captured; The capture structure comprises a capture body connected to the lifting device and having a hollow downward opening, and an elastic bayonet structure arranged on the capture body; The connection structure comprises a connection bracket connected to the aircraft, and a connection head protruding upwardly provided on the connection bracket; A connecting space is concavely provided between the connecting head and the connecting bracket, and the connecting head enters the capturing body. After the elastic bayonet structure passes through the connecting head, the connecting head is locked in the capturing body in the connecting space, thereby realizing the connection between the connecting structure and the capturing structure.

2. The automatic hooking device for unmanned aerial vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic bayonet structure comprises a bayonet cavity arranged at the lower part of the capture body, a bayonet block arranged in the bayonet cavity, and an elastic component connecting the bayonet block and the bayonet cavity; The hollow bayonet cavity opens toward the inner wall of the capture body, and the front end of the bayonet block protrudes from the bayonet cavity opening relative to the inner wall of the capture body, retracts into the bayonet cavity after abutting against the connecting head to allow the connecting head to pass through, and pops out into the connecting space after passing through the connecting head.

3. The automatic hooking device for unmanned aerial vehicles according to claim 2 is characterized in that: The connection structure further comprises a disengagement structure, and the disengagement structure pushes the bayonet block into the bayonet cavity in the connection space.

4. The automatic hooking device for unmanned aerial vehicles according to claim 3 is characterized in that: The outer periphery of the connector is a connecting slope that expands outward from top to bottom, the front end of the bayonet block is a bayonet slope that matches the connecting slope, and after the bayonet slope abuts against the connecting slope, the bayonet block retracts into the bayonet cavity.

5. The automatic hooking device for unmanned aerial vehicles according to claim 3 is characterized in that: The disengagement structure includes a disengagement block arranged in the connection space, and a disengagement drive device driving the disengagement block to move; the disengagement drive device drives the disengagement block to move up and down in the connection space, abuts against the bayonet block to retract the overhead block into the bayonet cavity.

6. The automatic hook device for unmanned aerial vehicles according to claim 2, characterized in that: The elastic latch structure is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the capturing body.

7. The automatic hooking device for unmanned aerial vehicles according to claim 2, characterized in that: An eye plate is arranged at the upper end of the capturing body, and the eye plate is connected to the lifting device through a rope.

8. The automatic hooking device for unmanned aerial vehicles according to claim 5, characterized in that: The disengagement drive device has a wireless function and can remotely drive the movement of the disengagement block.

9. The automatic hooking device for unmanned aerial vehicles according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connecting space is arranged corresponding to the opening of the bayonet cavity.

10. The automatic hooking device for unmanned aerial vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer peripheral shape of the connecting head matches the inner wall shape of the capturing body.

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