Photoelectric pod installation device with retractable hatch and lifting mechanism

Abstract

This invention provides an electro-optical pod installation device with an inward-retracting hatch and a lifting mechanism. The inward-retracting hatch includes a hatch retraction mechanism, which comprises a fuselage base plate located at the bottom of the lifting mechanism. A first hatch and a second hatch are embedded within the fuselage base plate. Both the first and second hatches are connected to the fuselage base plate via gooseneck hinges fixedly mounted thereon. Inward-retracting slide rails connected to baffles are fixedly installed on both sides of the fuselage base plate and the first and second hatches, respectively, in the same sliding direction. The lifting mechanism includes lifting positioning rods fixedly installed on both sides of the inward-retracting slide rail surface of each hatch. A support frame is mounted at the top of the lifting positioning rods, and the electro-optical pod is fixedly mounted on the support frame. The inward-retracting hatch of this invention reduces air resistance during flight, allows the electro-optical pod to be compactly stored inside the aircraft, and reduces the difficulty of recovering the electro-optical pod in emergency situations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of optoelectronic pods, and in particular relates to an optoelectronic pod installation device with an internal retractable hatch and a lifting mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of UAVs and aircraft, electro-optical pods are important mission payloads, and their installation method directly affects flight performance and mission execution efficiency. Traditional electro-optical pods are usually installed directly on the outside of the fuselage, or the pod's door opens outwards. This installation method increases air resistance during flight, leading to decreased flight efficiency and shorter loiter time. In addition, traditional installation methods may also increase the risk of damage to the electro-optical pod during flight and landing, and increase the difficulty of emergency recovery operations.

[0003] Chinese invention patent with authorization announcement number CN118560713B discloses an installation device for an electro-optical pod for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It solves the problems of small adjustment range of the electro-optical pod position and low installation efficiency during the installation process. However, this patent still requires operators to manually adjust the attitude of the electro-optical pod during the installation process.

[0004] Chinese utility model patent CN218877599U discloses an airborne optoelectronic pod mounting device, which solves the problems of fixed support, lifting and lowering, left and right, forward and backward, tilting and attitude adjustment, and movement of different types of airborne optoelectronic pods during the mounting process. However, the optoelectronic pod in this patent is installed on the outside of the aircraft by the mounting device. This installation method will increase the air resistance during the flight of the aircraft, resulting in a decrease in flight efficiency.

[0005] For the reasons mentioned above, the present invention provides an installation device for an electro-optical pod that can reduce flight drag, improve flight efficiency, reduce damage risk, and reduce emergency recovery costs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a photoelectric pod installation device with an inward-retracting hatch and a lifting mechanism.

[0007] An electro-optical pod installation device with an inward-retracting hatch and a lifting mechanism. The installation device includes an inward-retracting hatch and a lifting mechanism. The inward-retracting hatch includes a hatch retraction mechanism, which includes a base plate disposed at the bottom of the lifting mechanism. An inward-retracting first hatch and a second hatch are embedded in the base plate. The first hatch and the second hatch slide in opposite directions when open and slide in the same direction when retracted. Both the first hatch and the second hatch are connected to the base plate by gooseneck hinges fixedly mounted on the base plate. One end of the gooseneck hinge is located above the base plate and connected to the gooseneck... The baffles with hinges on the same side are hinged together; the bottom plate of the fuselage and the first and second hatches are fixedly installed on the same side of the sliding direction of the first hatch and the second hatch, and hatch retraction rails connected to the baffles are fixedly installed. At the position where the first hatch and the second hatch are in contact, a first sliding block and a second sliding block are respectively installed to drive the first hatch and the second hatch to slide along the corresponding hatch retraction rails; the lifting mechanism includes lifting positioning rods fixedly installed on both sides of the surface of each hatch retraction rail, and a support frame that can move up and down along the lifting positioning rod is installed at the top of the lifting positioning rod. A photoelectric pod is fixedly installed on the support frame.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the photoelectric pod installation device with an inwardly retractable hatch and a lifting mechanism described in this invention, the baffle is cut with a groove, and slots are provided on both sides of the groove. One end of the gooseneck hinge is inserted into the slot and hinged to the baffle.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the optoelectronic pod installation device with an inwardly retractable hatch and a lifting mechanism described in this invention, a hatch motor that drives the gooseneck hinge to rotate is installed on the baffle.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the optoelectronic pod installation device with an inward-retracting hatch and a lifting mechanism described in this invention, the end of the baffle is fixedly connected to the end of the inward-retracting slide rail of the hatch by fixing screws.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the photoelectric pod installation device with an inward-retracting hatch and a lifting mechanism described in this invention, one end of the first sliding block is fixed to the first hatch, and the other end of the first sliding block can reciprocate along the inward-retracting slide rail corresponding to the hatch; one end of the second sliding block is fixed to the second hatch, and the other end of the second sliding block can reciprocate along the inward-retracting slide rail corresponding to the hatch.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the optoelectronic pod installation device with an inward-retracting hatch and a lifting mechanism described in this invention, the lifting mechanism further includes a worm gear installed between lifting positioning rods on both sides of the surface of the inward-retracting slide rail of the hatch. The bottom end of each worm gear is fixed on the corresponding inward-retracting slide rail of the hatch, the top end of each worm gear passes through the support frame, and the top end of each worm gear passes through a reduction gearbox. A drive shaft is installed between two reduction gearboxes, and both ends of the drive shaft pass through the corresponding reduction gearboxes. One end of the drive shaft is connected to a stepper motor that drives the drive shaft to rotate.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the optoelectronic pod installation device with an inward-retracting hatch and a lifting mechanism described in this invention, each of the reduction gearboxes is equipped with an output gear that meshes with the top of the worm gear. The transmission shaft drives the output gear to rotate, and the output gear drives the corresponding worm gear to rotate.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the optoelectronic pod installation device with an inwardly retractable hatch and a lifting mechanism described in this invention, a synchronous flange for positioning the worm gear is installed on each of the worm gears at a position above the support frame.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the optoelectronic pod installation device with an inwardly retractable hatch and a lifting mechanism described in this invention, mounting holes are symmetrically provided on both sides of the upper end face of the support frame, and the mounting holes cooperate with the lifting positioning rods at corresponding positions.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the optoelectronic pod installation device with an inwardly retractable hatch and a lifting mechanism described in this invention, the base plate of the fuselage is provided with an outwardly convex curved surface, and the inwardly retractable slide rail of the hatch is provided with an inclined surface, wherein the inclined surface of the inwardly retractable slide rail of the hatch is adapted to the outwardly convex curved surface of the base plate of the fuselage.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0018] ① The design of the retractable hatch in the electro-optical pod installation device of this invention can achieve the following: retracting the electro-optical pod into the interior of the aircraft reduces air resistance during flight and extends the aircraft's loiter time; when the electro-optical pod does not need to go out to perform missions, it can be compactly stored inside the aircraft, improving the aircraft's spatial layout and increasing space utilization; it can effectively reduce the risk of damage to the electro-optical pod during flight and landing, reducing maintenance costs; it reduces the difficulty of emergency recovery of the electro-optical pod in emergency situations, improves overall safety, and ensures safe and stable flight of the aircraft in complex environments. ② The coordinated operation of the gooseneck hinge, the retractable hatch rail, and the sliding block can quickly realize the simultaneous opening and closing of the first and second hatches, enabling the retractable hatch to extend and retract the electro-optical pod. ③ The coordinated operation of the lifting mechanism and the retractable hatch can realize the state transformation of the electro-optical pod from inside the aircraft to outside the aircraft and from outside the aircraft to inside the aircraft. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the photoelectric pod installation device with an inward-retracting hatch and a lifting mechanism according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Side view;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the photoelectric pod mounting device with an inwardly retractable hatch and a lifting mechanism according to the present invention from another perspective.

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the hatch retraction structure;

[0023] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A bird's-eye view;

[0024] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the baffle structure in the middle;

[0025] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged view of point I in the image;

[0026] Figure 8 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the lifting structure in the middle;

[0027] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the support frame in the diagram;

[0028] Figure 10 for Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram excluding the outer casing of the reduction gearbox;

[0029] Figure 11 for Figure 10 Enlarged view of section II in the image;

[0030] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the photoelectric pod with its inner retractable hatch extended.

[0031] Figure label:

[0032] 1. Bottom plate of the fuselage; 2. First hatch; 3. Second hatch; 4. Gooseneck hinge; 5. Baffle; 6. Hatch door retraction slide rail; 7. First sliding block; 8. Second sliding block; 9. Lifting positioning rod; 10. Support frame; 11. Photoelectric pod; 12. Groove; 13. Slot; 14. Hatch door motor; 15. Fixing screw; 16. Worm gear; 17. Docking hole; 18. Reduction gearbox; 19. Output gear; 20. Drive shaft; 21. Stepper motor; 22. Synchronous flange; 23. Mounting hole; 24. Through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The invention can be further understood through the specific embodiments given below, but they are not intended to limit the invention.

[0034] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, an optoelectronic pod installation device has an inward-retracting hatch and a lifting mechanism. The installation device includes an inward-retracting hatch and a lifting mechanism, wherein the inward-retracting hatch is positioned below the lifting mechanism.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the retractable hatch includes a hatch retraction mechanism, which includes a body base plate 1 located at the bottom of the lifting mechanism. The body base plate 1 has an outwardly convex curved surface. The body base plate 1 is embedded with a retractable first hatch 2 and a second hatch 3. When it is necessary to open the first hatch 2 and the second hatch 3, the first hatch 2 and the second hatch 3 slide open simultaneously in opposite directions. When it is necessary to retract and close the first hatch 2 and the second hatch 3, the first hatch 2 and the second hatch 3 slide close simultaneously in the same direction.

[0037] The first hatch 2 and the second hatch 3 are both connected to the fuselage base plate 1 via gooseneck hinges 4 fixedly installed on the base plate 1. One end of the gooseneck hinge 4 is hinged to a baffle 5 located above the base plate 1 and on the same side as the gooseneck hinge 4. Specifically, to achieve the effect of hinged connection between one end of the gooseneck hinge 4 and the baffle 5, a groove 12 is cut on the baffle 5, and slots 13 are opened on both sides of the groove 12. One end of the gooseneck hinge 4 is inserted into the slot 13 and hinged to the baffle 5. Furthermore, a hatch motor 14 for driving the gooseneck hinge 4 to rotate is installed on the baffle 5. The other end of the gooseneck hinge 4 is simultaneously fixedly connected to the first hatch 2 on the corresponding side and the base plate 1 on the same side as the first hatch 2, and simultaneously fixedly connected to the second hatch 3 on the corresponding side and the base plate 1 on the same side as the second hatch 3. In this way, the first hatch 2 and the second hatch 3 are respectively connected to the corresponding gooseneck hinges 4.

[0038] Furthermore, on both sides of the sliding direction of the fuselage base plate 1 and the first and second hatches 2 and 3, respectively, there are hatch retraction rails 6 connected to the baffle 5. The hatch retraction rails 6 are inclined and the inclined surface of the hatch retraction rails 6 is adapted to the outward convex curved surface of the fuselage base plate 1. The end of the baffle 5 is fixedly connected to the end of the hatch retraction rails 6 by fixing screws 15. At the position where the first hatch 2 and the second hatch 3 are attached, there are first sliding blocks 7 and second sliding blocks 8, respectively driving the first hatch 2 and the second hatch 3 to slide along the corresponding hatch retraction rails 6. One end of the first sliding block 7 is fixed to the first hatch 2, and the other end of the first sliding block 7 can slide back and forth along the corresponding hatch retraction rails 6. One end of the second sliding block 8 is fixed to the second hatch 3, and the other end of the second sliding block 8 can slide back and forth along the corresponding hatch retraction rails 6.

[0039] In this first embodiment, the retraction and extension of the inner hatch can be achieved. The specific principle of the retraction and extension of the inner hatch is as follows:

[0040] Start the hatch motor 14, and the gooseneck hinges 4 connected to the first hatch 2 and the second hatch 3 will rotate simultaneously. The first sliding block 7 will drive the first hatch 2 to slide outward within the corresponding hatch retractable slide rail 6. At the same time, the second sliding block 8 will drive the second hatch 3 to slide outward within the corresponding hatch retractable slide rail 6. At this time, the first hatch 2 and the second hatch 3 will slide in opposite directions along the corresponding hatch retractable slide rail 6, thereby opening the first hatch 2 and the second hatch 3. Turn off the hatch motor 14, and the first hatch 2 and the second hatch 3 will slide in the same direction along the corresponding hatch retractable slide rail 6 with the first sliding block 7 and the second sliding block 8 respectively until the first hatch 2 and the second hatch 3 are in contact. The gooseneck hinges 4 connected to the first hatch 2 and the second hatch 3 will stop rotating, thereby closing the first hatch 2 and the second hatch 3.

[0041] In this first embodiment, after opening the first door 2 and the second door 3, the optoelectronic pod 11 can descend along the lifting mechanism to the outside of the retractable door to perform the task. After the task is completed, the optoelectronic pod 11 rises along the lifting mechanism to the inside of the retractable door, and the first door 2 and the second door 3 are closed. This retractable door design can reduce the air resistance of the aircraft during flight, improve flight efficiency, and extend the loiter time.

[0042] Example 2

[0043] like Figures 1 to 5 , Figures 8 and 9 As shown, the lifting mechanism includes lifting positioning rods 9 fixedly installed on both sides of the surface of the sliding rail 6 inside each hatch. The top of the lifting positioning rod 9 is equipped with a support frame 10 that can move up and down along the lifting positioning rod 9. The photoelectric pod 11 is fixedly installed on the support frame 10.

[0044] The upper end face of the support frame 10 is symmetrically provided with mounting holes 23 on both sides. The mounting holes 23 cooperate with the corresponding lifting positioning rods 9 so that the top of the lifting positioning rods 9 passes through the mounting holes 23, so that the support frame 10 can move up and down along the lifting positioning rods 9. The upper end face of the support frame 10 is provided with through holes 24 on both sides between the two mounting holes 23.

[0045] The lifting mechanism also includes worm gears 16 installed between lifting positioning rods 9 on both sides of the surface of the inner sliding rail 6 of the hatch. The bottom end of each worm gear 16 is fixed in the docking hole 17 on the corresponding inner sliding rail 6 of the hatch. The top end of each worm gear 16 passes through the support frame 10 through the through hole 24. The top end of each worm gear 16 passes through the reduction gearbox 18. A drive shaft 20 is installed between the two reduction gearboxes 18. The two ends of the drive shaft 20 pass through the corresponding reduction gearboxes 18 respectively. One end of the drive shaft 20 is connected to the stepper motor 21 that drives the drive shaft 20 to rotate.

[0046] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, each reduction gearbox 18 is equipped with an output gear 19 that meshes with the top of the worm 16. The drive shaft 20 drives the output gear 19 to rotate, and the output gear 19 drives the corresponding worm 16 to rotate.

[0047] In order to enable the support frame 10 carrying the optoelectronic pod 11 to rise and fall precisely along the worm gear 16, a synchronous flange 22 for positioning the worm gear 16 is installed on each worm gear 16 at a position above the support frame 10.

[0048] In this second embodiment, the photoelectric pod 11 can be raised and lowered. The specific raising and lowering principle of the photoelectric pod 11 is as follows:

[0049] The inner retractable hatch opens according to the retraction principle of the inner retractable hatch in Embodiment 1. The stepper motor 21 is started, and the transmission shaft 20 drives the reduction gearbox 18 to rotate. The output gear 19 drives the worm gear 16 meshing with it to rotate, which drives the synchronous flange 22 to descend or rise. The carrier frame 10 carrying the photoelectric pod 11 descends along the lifting positioning rod 9 to the outside of the inner retractable hatch or rises along the lifting positioning rod 9 to the inside of the inner retractable hatch.

[0050] Among them, the state of the photoelectric pod 11 descending to the outside of the inner retraction door is as follows: Figure 12 As shown, the state of the photoelectric pod 11 when it rises into the inward-facing hatch and the first hatch 2 and the second hatch 3 are closed is as follows: Figure 1 , Figure 2 or Figure 3 As shown.

[0051] In this invention, the electro-optical pod 11 can be retracted into the fuselage or nearby area of ​​the aircraft via an inward-retracting hatch. During flight, the first hatch 2 and the second hatch 3 are closed, and the electro-optical pod 11 is in the retracted state. This significantly reduces air resistance during flight, thereby improving flight efficiency and extending the aircraft's loiter time. When the electro-optical pod 11 needs to perform a mission, the inward-retracting hatch is opened, and the pod 11 is lowered outside the hatch using a lifting mechanism. Furthermore, the inward-retracting hatch design allows the electro-optical pod 11 to be more compactly stored inside the fuselage when not in use, improving the aircraft's spatial layout and making the overall structure more compact and rational, thus increasing space utilization.

[0052] In addition, by reducing flight drag and optimizing spatial layout, the mission execution efficiency and flexibility of the aircraft carrying the electro-optical pod 11 can be improved, enabling the aircraft to respond to mission requirements more quickly and perform reconnaissance, monitoring and positioning tasks more accurately.

[0053] Furthermore, the design of the retractable hatch effectively reduces the risk of damage to the electro-optical pod 11 during flight and landing, and also reduces the operational difficulty of emergency recovery of the electro-optical pod 11, improving the overall safety of the operation and ensuring the safe and stable flight of the aircraft in complex environments. In emergency situations, the recovery of the electro-optical pod 11 can be completed by using the retraction principle of the retractable hatch in Embodiment 1 and the lifting principle of the electro-optical pod 11 in Embodiment 2.

[0054] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of the present invention's concept are within the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principles of the present invention should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A photoelectric pod installation device with an inward-retracting hatch and a lifting mechanism, the installation device comprising an inward-retracting hatch and a lifting mechanism, characterized in that, The retractable hatch includes a hatch retraction mechanism, which includes a body base plate (1) disposed at the bottom of the lifting mechanism. The body base plate (1) is inlaid with a retractable first hatch (2) and a second hatch (3). When the first hatch (2) and the second hatch (3) are opened, they slide in opposite directions. When the first hatch (2) and the second hatch (3) are retracted, they slide in the same direction. The first hatch (2) and the second hatch (3) are both connected to the body base plate (1) by a gooseneck hinge (4) fixedly installed on the body base plate (1). One end of the gooseneck hinge (4) is hinged to a baffle (5) located above the body base plate (1) and on the same side as the gooseneck hinge (4). The bottom plate (1) of the fuselage is fixedly installed with door retraction rails (6) connected to the baffle (5) on both sides of the sliding direction of the first door (2) and the second door (3). At the positions where the first door (2) and the second door (3) are in contact, a first sliding block (7) and a second sliding block (8) are installed to drive the first door (2) and the second door (3) to slide along the corresponding door retraction rails (6). The lifting mechanism includes lifting positioning rods (9) fixedly installed on both sides of the surface of the retractable slide rail (6) of each of the cabin doors. The top of the lifting positioning rod (9) is equipped with a support frame (10) that can move up and down along the lifting positioning rod (9). The photoelectric pod (11) is fixedly installed on the support frame (10). The lifting mechanism also includes a worm gear (16) installed between lifting positioning rods (9) on both sides of the surface of the inner sliding rail (6) of the hatch. The bottom end of each worm gear (16) is fixed in the docking hole (17) on the corresponding inner sliding rail (6) of the hatch. The top end of each worm gear (16) passes through the support frame (10). The top end of each worm gear (16) passes through the reduction gearbox (18). A drive shaft (20) is installed between the two reduction gearboxes (18). The two ends of the drive shaft (20) pass through the corresponding reduction gearboxes (18). One end of the drive shaft (20) is connected to a stepper motor (21) that drives the drive shaft (20) to rotate. Each of the reduction gearboxes (18) is equipped with an output gear (19) that meshes with the top of the worm (16). The drive shaft (20) drives the output gear (19) to rotate, and the output gear (19) drives the corresponding worm (16) to rotate.

2. The photoelectric pod installation device with an inward-retracting hatch and a lifting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The baffle (5) is cut with a groove (12), and slots (13) are provided on both sides of the groove (12). One end of the gooseneck hinge (4) is inserted into the slot (13) and hinged to the baffle (5).

3. The photoelectric pod installation device with an inward-retracting hatch and a lifting mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The baffle (5) is equipped with a door motor (14) that drives the gooseneck hinge (4) to rotate.

4. The photoelectric pod installation device with an inward-retracting hatch and a lifting mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The end of the baffle (5) is fixedly connected to the end of the door retractable slide rail (6) by a fixing screw (15).

5. The photoelectric pod installation device with an inward-retracting hatch and a lifting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the first sliding block (7) is fixed on the first hatch (2), and the other end of the first sliding block (7) can slide back and forth along the corresponding hatch retractable slide rail (6); one end of the second sliding block (8) is fixed on the second hatch (3), and the other end of the second sliding block (8) can slide back and forth along the corresponding hatch retractable slide rail (6).

6. The photoelectric pod installation device with an inward-retracting hatch and a lifting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the worm gears (16) is equipped with a timing flange (22) for positioning the worm gear (16) at a position above the support frame (10).

7. The photoelectric pod installation device with an inward-retracting hatch and a lifting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper end face of the support frame (10) is symmetrically provided with mounting holes (23) on both sides, and the mounting holes (23) cooperate with the lifting positioning rod (9) at the corresponding position.

8. The photoelectric pod installation device with an inward-retracting hatch and a lifting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fuselage base plate (1) is provided with an outward convex curved surface, and the cabin door retractable slide rail (6) is provided with an inclined surface. The inclined surface of the cabin door retractable slide rail (6) is adapted to the outward convex curved surface of the fuselage base plate (1).

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