Drone throwing device and drone throwing system

Abstract

The application provides a UAV throwing device and a throwing system, wherein the UAV throwing device comprises a box composed of multiple panels, a hook and a controller; the box has a containing space for storing a UAV to be thrown; the hook penetrates one of the multiple panels and is partially arranged in the containing space of the box for fixing the UAV arranged in the containing space; the part of the hook arranged outside the box is used for connecting with a transport machine; and the controller is arranged on one of the multiple panels and is used for controlling some of the multiple panels to be in an unfolded state to release the UAV. The UAV throwing device with simple structure and convenient operation effectively simplifies the UAV throwing process, improves the throwing accuracy of the UAV and realizes the fixed-point release of the UAV.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, specifically relating to a UAV launching device and a UAV launching system. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the rapid advancement of science and technology, drone technology has developed rapidly. Rotary-wing drones, especially multi-rotor drones, have been widely used in many fields of modern society due to their high efficiency, flexibility, and stability. Multi-rotor drones consist of three or more rotor shafts, each equipped with one or more electric motors that drive the propellers to rotate and generate lift. By adjusting the speed differences of each rotor, precise control of flight attitude can be achieved. These drones not only feature short takeoff and landing distances and low requirements for airport runways, but also have relatively low manufacturing, usage, and maintenance costs.

[0003] Drop technology, as a means of rapidly, stably, and safely delivering objects to designated locations, has wide applications in various fields. For example, in public safety, it can be used for urban monitoring, emergency response, and disaster assessment; in emergency rescue, it enables rapid deployment to disaster areas for on-site investigation, material delivery, and search for signs of life. Therefore, developing a drop device suitable for drones has become an urgent technical problem to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a drone launching device and launching system, so as to improve the launching accuracy of drones and realize the precise launch of drones through a launching device with simple structure and convenient operation.

[0005] In order to solve or improve the above-mentioned technical problems to a certain extent, according to one aspect of the present invention, a launching device for a drone is provided, characterized in that it includes: a box composed of multiple panels, a hook and a controller; The container space is used to store the drone to be launched; The hook passes through one of the multiple panels and is partially located within the housing space of the container for securing the drone placed within the housing space. The portion of the hook outside the housing is used for connection with the transport aircraft. The controller is located on one of the multiple panels and is used to control a portion of the multiple panels to be in an unfolded state in order to release the drone.

[0006] In some embodiments, the plurality of said panels includes a top panel and a plurality of side panels; The multiple side plates are connected to the top plate by hinges, and a connection structure is provided between adjacent side plates. When the connection structure is in a first state, the adjacent side plates are fixedly connected. When the connection structure is in a second state, the adjacent side plates are disconnected. The controller is connected to the connection structure to control the connection mechanism to switch between the first state and the second state.

[0007] In some embodiments, the hinge is provided with a first elastic element, which abuts against the top plate and the side plate respectively. When the connection structure is in the second state, the multiple side plates are in an unfolded state under the action of the elastic element.

[0008] In some embodiments, the plurality of panels are configured as a perforated structure.

[0009] In some embodiments, the connection structure includes a first connector and a second connector, the first connector and the second connector being respectively disposed on two adjacent side plates, and the controller being connected to the first connector and / or the second connector; When the connection structure is in the first state, the first connector is connected to the second connector; when the connection structure is in the second state, the first connector and the second connector are disconnected.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first connector is a U-shaped opening structure formed on the side plate, and the second connector includes a protrusion rotatably connected to the side plate and a drive unit for driving the protrusion to rotate, and the controller is connected to the drive unit; When the connecting structure is in the first state, the protrusion is inserted into the U-shaped opening structure; when the connecting structure is in the first state, the protrusion is not inserted into the U-shaped opening structure.

[0011] In some embodiments, among the plurality of U-shaped opening structures, a portion of the U-shaped opening structures have openings facing the top plate, while the other portion of the U-shaped opening structures have openings facing away from the top plate.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a drone launching system is provided, characterized in that it includes a transport aircraft, a drone to be launched, and a drone launching device as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0013] In some embodiments, the drone to be launched is placed in the housing space of the launching device and fixed in the housing space by the hook of the launching device. The drone is equipped with a release device, which disconnects the drone from the hook when the drone is launched.

[0014] In some embodiments, a second elastic element is provided on the wings of the drone; When the drone is placed in the accommodating space, the drone's wings are in a folded state. When the drone is launched, the drone's wings are in an unfolded state under the action of the second elastic element.

[0015] Compared with existing technologies, this invention has significant advantages and beneficial effects. Through the above technical solution, the drone delivery device and delivery system of this invention achieve considerable technological advancement and practicality, and have broad industrial application value, possessing at least the following advantages: When the drone's throwing device of the present invention is delivered to the designated location by a transport aircraft, the drone can be thrown by simply controlling the unfolding of multiple side plates through the controller. This eliminates the need for excessive operations, effectively simplifying the drone throwing process. Furthermore, the throwing device has a simple structure and low production cost.

[0016] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to better understand the technical means of the present invention and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a drone throwing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a top view of the throwing device of a drone according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the side plate of the throwing device of a drone in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure label: 1. Box 10. Panel 100. Top Slab 102. Side panels 12. Hinges 14. Connection Structure 140. First connector 1400, U-shaped opening structure 142. Second connector 1420, bump 1422. Drive Unit 2. Hook 3. Controller Detailed Implementation

[0019] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention to achieve the intended purpose, the following detailed description of the specific implementation methods and effects of the drone delivery device and delivery system proposed according to the present invention, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, is provided below.

[0020] like Figures 1-3 As shown, a drone delivery device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a housing 1, a hook 2, and a controller 3.

[0021] The box 1 is formed by multiple panels 10, which together form a storage space for storing the drone to be launched.

[0022] In one embodiment, the plurality of panels 10 constituting the housing 1 include a top panel 100 and a plurality of side panels 102. Preferably, the number of side panels 102 is four, and the four side panels 102 and the top panel 100 together form a cubic structure housing 1.

[0023] Of course, the number of side plates 102 can also be three, five, six, etc., and the present invention is not limited to the specific number of side plates 102.

[0024] In this embodiment, by not setting a base plate, the weight of the throwing device can be effectively reduced, and interference from the base plate to the drone can be avoided when throwing the drone.

[0025] In one embodiment, the multiple panels 10 constituting the box 1 are made of glass fiber, so as to reduce the weight of the box 1 while ensuring the structural strength of the box 1.

[0026] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the multiple panels 10 constituting the box 1 are designed with a hollow structure to reduce the weight of the box 1 while reducing the wind resistance of the box 1, thus avoiding the situation where the throwing position cannot be controlled due to excessive wind resistance during the drone's throwing process.

[0027] like Figures 1-3 As shown, multiple side panels 102 are connected to the top plate 100 via hinges 12, so that one end of the side panel 102 can rotate around the top plate 100, thereby enabling the side panel 102 to switch between an unfolded state and a locked state.

[0028] Optionally, the hinge 12 is a hinge. Of course, the hinge 12 can also be other components, as long as it can realize the hinge between the side plate 102 and the top plate 100. The present invention is not limited to specific components.

[0029] In one embodiment, a first elastic element (not shown in the figure) is provided on the hinge 12 connecting the side plate 102 and the top plate 100. The first elastic element abuts against the top plate 100 and the side plate 102 respectively, so that the side plate 102 can automatically unfold under the elastic force of the first elastic element.

[0030] Specifically, the first elastic element is a spring, which passes through the hinge shaft of the hinge member 12, and the two ends of the spring abut against the top plate 100 and the side plate 102 respectively.

[0031] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the hook 2 passes through one of the multiple panels 10, with a portion of the hook 2 inside the receiving space of the housing 1 and another portion outside the housing 1. The portion of the hook 2 inside the receiving space of the housing 1 is used to secure the drone to be launched within the receiving space, while the portion outside the housing 1 is used to connect to a transport aircraft, thus connecting the launching device to the transport aircraft. Preferably, the hook 2 passes through the top plate 100 of the multiple panels 10.

[0032] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, controller 3 is disposed on one of the plurality of panels 10. Controller 3 is used to control a portion of the plurality of panels 10 to be in an unfolded state (e.g., ...). Figure 3 (as shown), to enable the release of the drone.

[0033] In one embodiment, the controller 3 is used to control the multiple side panels 102 to be in an unfolded state. A connecting structure 14 is provided between each pair of adjacent side panels 102. When the connecting structure 14 is in a first state, the adjacent two side panels 102 are fixedly connected, and the multiple side panels 102 are in a locked state, forming a box 1 with the top plate 100. When the connecting structure 14 is in a second state, the connection between adjacent side panels 102 is disconnected, and under the elastic force of the first elastic member, the multiple first side panels 102 are in an unfolded state (e.g., ...). Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the drone is dropped.

[0034] The controller 3 is electrically connected to multiple connection structures 14, and controls the connection structures 14 to switch between the first state and the second state.

[0035] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1As shown, the connection structure 14 includes a first connector 140 and a second connector 142, wherein the first connector 140 and the second connector 142 are respectively disposed on two adjacent side plates 102, and the controller 3 is electrically connected to the first connector 140 and / or the second connector 142.

[0036] When the controller 3 controls the connection structure 14 to be in the first state, the first connector 140 and the second connector 142 are connected to each other, and at this time, each pair of adjacent side plates 102 are locked. When the controller 3 controls the connection structure 14 to be in the second state, the first connector 140 and the second connector 142 are disconnected, and at this time, the multiple side plates 102 are in the unfolded state.

[0037] Optionally, the first connector 140 is a U-shaped opening structure 1400 formed in the side plate 102, and the second connector 142 includes a protrusion 1420 rotatably connected to the side plate 102 and a driving part 1422. The driving part 1422 is connected to the protrusion 1420 so that the protrusion 1420 can be driven to rotate. The controller 3 is connected to the driving part 1422 of the second connector 142 and is used to control the operation of the driving part 1422.

[0038] When the controller 3 controls the drive unit 1422 to operate, the drive unit 1422 drives the protrusion 1420 to rotate, causing the protrusion 1420 to extend into the opening of the U-shaped opening structure 1400. At this time, the connecting structure 14 is in the connected state (i.e., the first state), and the adjacent side plates 102 are in a locked state. When the controller 3 controls the drive unit 1422 to operate, the drive unit 1422 drives the protrusion 1420 to rotate, causing the protrusion 1420 to disengage from the opening of the U-shaped opening structure 1400. At this time, the connecting mechanism is in the disconnected state (i.e., the second state), and the adjacent side plates 102 are in an unfolded state.

[0039] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in the plurality of U-shaped opening structures 1400, some of the U-shaped opening structures 1400 have their openings facing the top plate 100, while the openings of the other part of the U-shaped opening structures 1400 face away from the top plate 100. By restricting the opening directions of the plurality of U-shaped opening structures 1400, the accidental disconnection of the connecting structure 14 can be effectively prevented.

[0040] Optionally, the drive unit 1422 of the second connector 142 is a servo motor, and the controller 3 is a servo motor controller 3. Of course, the drive unit 1422 can also be other components, such as a motor. The present invention is not limited to specific components, as long as they can drive the protrusion 1420 to rotate.

[0041] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a drone launching system is provided, the drone launching system comprising: a transport aircraft, a drone to be launched, and a drone launching device as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0042] The transport aircraft is used to transport the drone and the throwing device to a designated location. The drone is placed in the housing 1 of the throwing device and secured in the housing by the hook 2 of the throwing device. When the transport aircraft arrives at the designated location, the controller 3 of the throwing device controls multiple side panels 102 to unfold. At this time, the unhooking device on the drone detaches the drone from the throwing device, thereby realizing the throwing of the drone.

[0043] In one embodiment, the drone's wings are configured as a foldable structure. When the drone is placed inside the housing 1 of the throwing device, the drone's wings are in a folded state. When the multiple side plates 102 of the throwing device are in an unfolded state, the drone's wings change from a folded state to an unfolded state under the action of the second elastic element.

[0044] When the drone throwing device of the present invention is delivered to the designated location by a transport aircraft, the drone can be thrown by simply controlling the unfolding of multiple side plates through the controller. This eliminates the need for excessive operations, effectively simplifying the drone throwing process. Furthermore, the throwing device has a simple structure and low production cost.

[0045] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A launching device for a drone, characterized in that, include: A housing consisting of multiple panels, hooks, and a controller; The container space is used to store the drone to be launched; The hook passes through one of the multiple panels and is partially located within the housing space of the container for securing the drone placed within the housing space. The portion of the hook outside the housing is used for connection with the transport aircraft. The plurality of panels include a top panel and a plurality of side panels; Multiple side plates are connected to the top plate by hinges, and a connecting structure is provided between adjacent side plates. The connecting structure includes a U-shaped opening structure formed on the side plate and a protrusion and a driving part rotatably connected to the adjacent side plates. The driving part drives the protrusion to rotate. When the connecting structure is in a first state, the protrusion is inserted into the U-shaped opening structure, and the adjacent side plates are fixedly connected. When the connecting structure is in a second state, the protrusion is not in the U-shaped opening structure, and the adjacent side plates are disconnected. In the plurality of U-shaped opening structures, some of the openings of the U-shaped opening structures face the direction of the top plate, while the openings of the other part of the U-shaped opening structures face the direction away from the top plate; The hinge is provided with a first elastic element, which abuts against the top plate and the side plate respectively. When the connection structure is in the second state, the multiple side plates are in an unfolded state under the action of the elastic element to release the drone. The controller is located on one of the multiple panels and is connected to the drive unit to control the connection structure to switch between the first state and the second state.

2. The launching device for a drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple panels are configured with a hollow structure.

3. A launching system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), characterized in that, It includes a transport aircraft, a drone to be launched, and a launching device for the drone according to any one of claims 1 or 2.

4. The drone delivery system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drone to be launched is placed in the housing space of the launching device and fixed in the housing space by the hook of the launching device. The drone is equipped with a release device, and when the drone is launched, the drone disconnects from the hook by the release device.

5. The drone delivery system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drone has a second elastic element installed on its wings; When the drone is placed in the accommodating space, the drone's wings are in a folded state. When the drone is launched, the drone's wings are in an unfolded state under the action of the second elastic element.

Images