Oil collecting box for fuel tank of fuel system of unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides an unmanned aerial vehicle fuel system fuel tank oil collecting box which comprises an oil collecting box body fixedly connected with a fuel tank lower attachment plate assembly, and a first through hole and a second through hole are symmetrically formed in the top of the oil collecting box body; the first baffle is connected with the first through hole through a hinge; the second baffle is connected with the second through hole through a hinge; the oil suction pipe is fixedly connected with the oil tank lower attachment plate assembly; the first oil suction port is fixedly connected with the first end of the oil suction pipe, and a first baffle connector is arranged at the end of the first oil suction port. The third baffle plate is hinged with the first baffle plate interface; the second oil suction port is fixedly connected with the oil suction pipe at the joint of the lower attachment plate assembly, and a second baffle connector is arranged at the end of the second oil suction port; the fourth baffle plate is hinged with the second baffle plate interface; the oil outlet pipe is fixedly connected with the second end part of the oil suction pipe. According to the scheme, normal oil supply of the oil suction opening in the negative overload state of the unmanned aerial vehicle can be guaranteed while the space utilization rate of the cabin of the unmanned aerial vehicle is increased.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fuel system design technology, and in particular to a fuel tank collection box for a drone fuel system. Background Technology The fuel system of a modern aircraft is one of the core subsystems of its power source. Its core function is to continuously and stably supply the engine with fuel that meets the requirements for flow, pressure, and quality under all specified flight attitudes and operating conditions. Because unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) inevitably need to perform maneuvers such as climbing, descending, turning, accelerating, and decelerating during flight, the fuel level in their main fuel tank will experience violent tilting, sloshing, and surging. This dynamic operating condition poses a severe challenge to the continuity of fuel supply: if the fuel pump inlet is momentarily exposed to air, it will cause the engine to ingest a gas-liquid mixture or pure air, leading to catastrophic consequences such as power loss, surge, or even engine shutdown.

[0002] To address these issues, the current common solution in the aviation industry is to install a fuel collection box outside the main fuel tank. While this structural solution improves fuel supply reliability, it also introduces significant spatial disadvantages. When using an externally attached design, the fuel collection box is installed as a separate container structure at the bottom outer side of the main fuel tank compartment. Although this layout facilitates maintenance and repair, it directly encroaches on the already scarce internal space resources of the UAV, reducing the effective volume of the compartment and decreasing space utilization. More importantly, this physical space occupation directly sacrifices part of the main fuel tank's volume, reducing the maximum fuel capacity of the fuel tank system and consequently affecting the UAV's maximum range and mission endurance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem this invention aims to solve is to provide a fuel tank and collection box for a drone's fuel system. This improves the utilization rate of the drone's cabin space while ensuring normal fuel supply to the fuel intake port under heavy load conditions.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A fuel tank collection box for a drone fuel system includes: The oil collection box body is fixedly connected to the lower auxiliary plate assembly of the oil tank, and the top of the oil collection box body is symmetrically provided with a first through hole and a second through hole; A first baffle that is hinged to the first through hole; The second baffle is hinged to the second through hole; The oil suction pipe is fixedly connected to the lower auxiliary plate assembly of the oil tank; A first oil suction port is fixedly connected to the first end of the oil suction pipe, and a first baffle interface is provided at the end of the first oil suction port; A third baffle that is hinged to the interface of the first baffle; A second oil suction port is fixedly connected to the oil suction pipe at the junction with the lower plate assembly, and a second baffle interface is provided at the end of the second oil suction port; A fourth baffle is hinged to the interface of the second baffle; An oil outlet pipe is fixedly connected to the second end of the oil suction pipe; When the drone is under overload, the first, second, and fourth baffles are closed, the third baffle is open, and the oil collection box supplies oil to the engine through the first oil suction port; when the drone is not under overload, the first, second, and fourth baffles are open, the third baffle is closed, and the oil collection box supplies oil to the engine through the second oil suction port.

[0005] Optionally, both the first through hole and the second through hole are beveled circular pipes.

[0006] Optionally, each side of the oil collection box body has a fuel inlet of a preset size at its bottom.

[0007] Optionally, the first baffle, the second baffle, the third baffle and the fourth baffle are all flap-type gravity valve baffles.

[0008] Optionally, the first and second baffles are at a preset angle when they are open.

[0009] Optionally, the first oil suction port is a beveled cut, with the short side of the first oil suction port located near the top of the oil collection box body and the long side of the first oil suction port located near the bottom of the oil collection box body.

[0010] Optionally, the second oil suction port is a beveled cut, with the short side of the second oil suction port located near the bottom of the oil collection box body and the long side of the second oil suction port located near the top of the oil collection box body.

[0011] Optionally, the oil outlet pipe is sealed to the lower sub-plate assembly of the oil tank by bolts and adhesive.

[0012] Optionally, the fuel tank collection box of the drone fuel system also includes a sediment discharge valve that is fixedly connected to the lower sub-plate assembly of the fuel tank.

[0013] Optionally, the fuel tank collection box of the drone fuel system also includes: an oil temperature sensor fixedly connected to the lower sub-plate assembly of the fuel tank.

[0014] The above-described technical solution of the present invention has at least the following technical effects: The fuel tank collection box of the UAV fuel system of the present invention comprises a collection box body fixedly connected to the lower plate assembly of the fuel tank. The top of the collection box body is symmetrically provided with a first through hole and a second through hole; a first baffle hinged to the first through hole; a second baffle hinged to the second through hole; a suction pipe fixedly connected to the lower plate assembly of the fuel tank; a first suction port fixedly connected to the first end of the suction pipe, the end of the first suction port being provided with a first baffle interface; a third baffle hinged to the first baffle interface; and a third baffle adjacent to the lower plate assembly of the suction pipe. The system includes a second oil suction port fixedly connected to the first oil suction port, with a second baffle interface at its end; a fourth baffle hinged to the second baffle interface; and an oil outlet pipe fixedly connected to the second end of the oil suction pipe. When the UAV is under overload, the first, second, and fourth baffles are closed, and the third baffle is open, allowing the oil collection box to supply oil to the engine through the first oil suction port. When the UAV is not under overload, the first, second, and fourth baffles are open, and the third baffle is closed, allowing the oil collection box to supply oil to the engine through the second oil suction port. This improves the utilization of the UAV's cabin space while ensuring normal oil supply to the oil suction port under overload conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a front cross-sectional view of the fuel tank and fuel collection box of the UAV fuel system of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a side cross-sectional view of the fuel tank and fuel collection box of the UAV fuel system of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a top view of the fuel tank and fuel collection box of the UAV fuel system of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a side view of the fuel tank and fuel collection box of the UAV fuel system of the present invention.

[0016] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1-Oil collection box body; 2-First baffle; 3-Second baffle; 4-Sediment discharge valve; 5-Temperature sensor; 6-Oil outlet pipe; 7-Lower auxiliary plate assembly of oil tank; 8-First baffle interface; 9-Third baffle; 10-Second baffle interface; 11-Fourth baffle; 12-Oil suction pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the invention may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0018] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a fuel tank collection box for a drone fuel system, comprising: The oil collection box body 1 is fixedly connected to the lower auxiliary plate assembly 7 of the oil tank. The top of the oil collection box body 1 is symmetrically provided with a first through hole and a second through hole. The first baffle 2 is hinged to the first through hole; The second baffle 3 is hinged to the second through hole; The oil suction pipe 12 is fixedly connected to the lower auxiliary plate assembly 7 of the oil tank; A first oil suction port is fixedly connected to the first end of the oil suction pipe 12, and a first baffle interface 8 is provided at the end of the first oil suction port; A third baffle 9 is hinged to the first baffle interface 8; A second oil suction port is fixedly connected to the oil suction pipe 12 at the junction with the lower auxiliary plate assembly 7, and a second baffle interface 10 is provided at the end of the second oil suction port; The fourth baffle 11 is hinged to the second baffle interface 10; The oil outlet pipe 6 is fixedly connected to the second end of the oil suction pipe 12; When the drone is under overload, the first baffle 2, the second baffle 3 and the fourth baffle 11 are closed, the third baffle 9 is open, and the oil collection box supplies oil to the engine through the first oil suction port; when the drone is not under overload, the first baffle 2, the second baffle 3 and the fourth baffle 11 are open, the third baffle 9 is closed, and the oil collection box supplies oil to the engine through the second oil suction port.

[0019] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the fuel collection box of the UAV fuel system includes a collection box body 1, which is a cover-shaped shell with an open bottom, facing downwards, located inside the fuel tank of the fuel system, and is connected to the lower auxiliary plate assembly 7 of the fuel tank by threads. The left and right parts of the top surface of the collection box body 1 are inclined downwards at a certain angle, and two circular through holes are made on the horizontal plane of the top surface. Each side of the collection box body 1 has a fuel inlet at the bottom, which is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the lower auxiliary plate assembly 7 of the fuel tank by bolts. The lower auxiliary plate assembly 7 of the fuel tank is a plate-shaped part that is connected to the bottom surface of the fuel tank. It is sealed and fixedly connected to the rigid fuel tank or the flexible fuel tank by riveting, gluing or other methods. It has threaded holes corresponding to the bolt fixed connection of the collection box body 1, and has openings corresponding to the sealing and fixed installation of the temperature sensor 5, the sediment discharge valve 4, and the oil suction pipe 12. The front and rear positions can be adjusted according to the actual center of gravity requirements.

[0020] The fuel collection box is located inside the fuel tank of the fuel system. Compared with the traditional fuel collection box placed outside the fuel tank, it does not need to be lower than the fuel tank body, which allows the fuel tank body to have a greater height, thereby increasing the maximum fuel capacity of the fuel tank and greatly improving the utilization rate of the UAV cabin. The fuel collection box body 1 is a dome-shaped shell with an open bottom. The top horizontal plane has two circular through holes, which can both discharge air from the fuel collection box when there is no overload, ensuring that the fuel suction pipe will not suck in air and cause insufficient fuel supply to the engine, and maintain the normal pressure of the fuel collection box, ensuring that the fuel suction pipe can continuously supply fuel to the engine. The left and right parts of the top surface are inclined downward at a certain angle to ensure that the air in the fuel collection box flows upward and will not be stuck in the corners and prevent the air from being unable to be discharged. The first baffle 2 and the second baffle 3 are the same shape as the circular through holes on the top of the fuel collection box, and are slightly larger than the top circular through holes. They are located on the inner side of the top of the fuel collection box body 1 and are connected to the corresponding circular through holes on the top of the fuel collection box body in the form of hinges. The oil suction pipe 12 is vertically sealed and fixedly installed on the mounting port opened on the lower auxiliary plate assembly 7 of the fuel tank by riveting and gluing. It is a tubular pipe. In order to be able to suck up more fuel under negative overload conditions, the mounting port is located on the center line of the left and right sides. The installation position can be adjusted back and forth according to the actual center of gravity requirements of the UAV. The oil suction pipe 12 extends to a certain distance from the top of the oil collection box and bends horizontally to form a first oil suction port. The end of the first oil suction port is provided with a first baffle interface 8 and a third baffle 9. Under negative overload conditions, it draws more fuel for the engine and does not get too close to the top surface of the oil collection box to prevent the first baffle 2 or the second baffle 3 from opening when drawing fuel. The oil suction pipe 12 extends horizontally to a second oil suction port close to the bottom of the oil collection box. The end of the second oil suction port is provided with a second baffle interface 10 and a fourth baffle 11. Under no negative overload conditions, it continuously supplies fuel to the engine and minimizes the amount of unusable fuel in the fuel tank. Both oil suction ports have baffle interfaces connected to corresponding threaded structures. Below the oil suction pipe 12, there is a corresponding connection structure to the lower plate assembly 7 of the fuel tank. It is sealed and fixed to the lower plate assembly of the fuel tank by bolts, adhesive, etc. When the drone is in a no-overload state, the first baffle 2 and the second baffle 3 are subjected to downward force due to gravity, the valve baffle opens, and the oil collection box is connected to the fuel tank through the top through hole, ensuring that the ventilation of the oil collection box is not affected. The oil collection box supplies fuel to the engine through the second oil suction port. When the drone is in a negative overload state, the first baffle 2 and the second baffle 3 are subjected to upward force, the valve baffle moves upward, the top through hole of the oil collection box closes, the fuel in the oil collection box is retained in the oil collection box and does not flow out, the oil collection box supplies fuel to the engine through the first oil suction port, and the continuous supply of fuel to the engine ensures the normal operation of the engine.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, in an optional embodiment of the present invention, both the first through hole and the second through hole are oblique circular pipes.

[0022] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the first and second through holes extend into the oil collection box as oblique circular pipes, ensuring that the first baffle 2 and the second baffle 3 can close the through holes under negative overload. Additionally, sealing rings can be added to the first and second through holes for better closure. The short ends of the oblique cuts of the first and second through holes are provided with a structure that hinges to the first baffle 2 and the second baffle 3 at an appropriate distance. In an optional embodiment of the present invention, each side of the oil collection box body 1 is provided with a fuel inlet of a preset size at its bottom.

[0023] In this embodiment, a fuel inlet is opened at the bottom of each side of the oil collection box body 1, and the fuel inlet flow rate is... Q The calculation formula is as follows: ,in Where is the flow coefficient, and g is the acceleration due to gravity. The difference in liquid level between the oil collection box and the oil tank. S 0 represents the flow area, and the fuel inlet flow rate. Q The engine's maximum fuel supply requirement must be met to ensure its continuous normal operation.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, in an optional embodiment of the present invention, the first baffle 2, the second baffle 3, the third baffle 9 and the fourth baffle 11 are all flap-type gravity valve baffles.

[0025] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the first baffle 2, the second baffle 3, the third baffle 9 and the fourth baffle 11 are all flap-type gravity valve baffles; the third baffle 9 is used in conjunction with the first baffle interface 8, and the fourth baffle 11 is used in conjunction with the second baffle interface 10. The first baffle interface 8 and the second baffle interface 10 are both pipe parts with the same diameter as the oil suction pipe 12. Their top ends are beveled, and the short end of the bevel has an interface that is connected to the flap-type gravity valve baffle hinge. The other end is a corresponding connection structure that is fixed to the oil suction port by bolts. In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the first baffle 2 and the second baffle 3 are at a preset angle when they are open.

[0026] In this embodiment, when the drone is in a no-overload state, the first baffle 2 and the second baffle 3 are downward due to gravity, and the valve baffle opens at a preset angle to the horizontal plane. The preferred preset angle is a fixed angle between 30° and 60°. The oil collection box communicates with the fuel tank through the first and second through holes at the top, ensuring that the ventilation of the oil collection box is not affected. When the drone is in a negative overload state, the first baffle 2 and the second baffle 3 are subjected to an upward force, the valve baffle moves upward, and the through hole at the top of the oil collection box closes, keeping the fuel in the oil collection box and preventing it from flowing out, so as to continuously supply fuel to the engine and ensure the normal operation of the engine.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, in an optional embodiment of the present invention, the first oil suction port is a beveled cut, the short side of the first oil suction port is located on the side near the top of the oil collection box body 1, and the long side of the first oil suction port is located on the side near the bottom of the oil collection box body 1.

[0028] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the oil suction pipe 12 extends to a certain distance from the top of the oil collection box and bends horizontally to form the first oil suction port. Under negative overload conditions, it draws more fuel into the engine while not being too close to the top surface of the oil collection box to prevent the first baffle 2 and the second baffle 3 from opening during fuel intake. The first oil suction port is bolted to the first baffle interface 8. After connection, the oblique cut of the first baffle interface 8 is shorter at the top and longer at the bottom. The short end is hinged to the third baffle 9 to form a downward-flipping gravity valve. The shape of the third baffle 9 is consistent with the oblique cut of the first baffle interface 8, and is slightly larger than the oblique cut of the first baffle interface 8. The cut-out, under no overload conditions, closes the first oil suction port due to gravity, preventing the fuel drawn into the oil collection box by the engine from containing a large amount of air when the fuel level in the fuel tank is lower than the first oil suction port, thus preventing insufficient fuel supply; under overload conditions, the top first baffle 2 and the second baffle 3 move upward to close the first and second through holes, so that the fuel in the oil collection box can only remain in the oil collection box and be placed on the top of the oil collection box, the third baffle 9 of the first oil suction port moves upward, the first oil suction port opens, and the second oil suction port closes, so that the first oil suction port continuously supplies fuel to the engine to ensure normal engine operation.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, in an optional embodiment of the present invention, the second oil suction port is a slanted cut, the short side of the second oil suction port is located on the side near the bottom of the oil collection box body 1, and the long side of the second oil suction port is located on the side near the top of the oil collection box body 1.

[0030] In this embodiment, as Figure 1As shown, the second oil suction port is bolted to the second baffle interface 10. After connection, the oblique cut of the second baffle interface 10 is longer at the top and shorter at the bottom. The short end is hinged to the fourth baffle 11 to form an upward-flipping gravity valve. The shape of the fourth baffle 11 is consistent with the oblique cut of the second baffle interface 10, and slightly larger than the oblique cut of the second baffle interface 10. Under no negative overload, the fuel is placed at the bottom of the oil collection box due to gravity. The baffle of the second oil suction port is in a horizontal state, the second oil suction port is open, and the engine is continuously supplied with fuel. At the same time, the first oil suction port is closed to prevent the first oil suction port from sucking in a large amount of air when the fuel level in the fuel tank is lower than the first oil suction port, resulting in insufficient fuel supply. Under negative overload, under the influence of the upward force, the fourth baffle 11 of the second oil suction port moves upward, and the second oil suction port is closed to prevent air from entering the oil suction port below the oil collection box, resulting in insufficient fuel supply to the engine. At this time, the first oil suction port opens to continuously supply fuel to the engine, ensuring normal engine operation.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, in an optional embodiment of the present invention, the oil outlet pipe 6 is sealed to the lower auxiliary plate assembly 7 of the oil tank by bolts and adhesive.

[0032] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the oil outlet pipe 6 is a curved pipe fitting with the same diameter as the oil suction pipe 12, and is sealed to the lower auxiliary plate assembly of the oil tank by bolts and adhesive.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, in an optional embodiment of the present invention, the fuel tank collection box of the UAV fuel system further includes: a sediment discharge valve 4 fixedly connected to the lower auxiliary plate assembly 7 of the fuel tank.

[0034] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the sediment release valve 4 is sealed and fixedly installed at the installation port on the lower auxiliary plate assembly 7 of the fuel tank, and is used to release sediment in the fuel collection box body. The sediment release valve 4 is installed at the lowest point of the UAV fuel tank. Its main purpose is to enable ground personnel to safely collect fuel samples and drain any water, sediment and other contaminants that may be contained in the bottom of the fuel tank during UAV maintenance.

[0035] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the fuel tank collection box of the UAV fuel system further includes: an oil temperature sensor 5 fixedly connected to the lower auxiliary plate assembly 7 of the fuel tank.

[0036] In this embodiment, the oil temperature sensor 5 is sealed and fixedly installed at the mounting port opened on the lower auxiliary plate assembly 7 of the fuel tank, and is used to monitor the fuel temperature in the fuel collection box. The oil temperature sensor is an electronic sensor tube installed inside the fuel collection box, which monitors the fuel temperature in the fuel collection box in real time, and converts the physical temperature signal into an electrical signal, which is transmitted to the indicator instrument in the cockpit or the engine monitoring system to ensure that the oil temperature is within the normal range.

[0037] The above description represents the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fuel tank collection box for a drone fuel system, characterized in that, The utility model relates to a kind of oil collecting box, including: The oil collecting box body (1) fixedly connected with the oil tank lower attachment plate assembly (7) is symmetrically provided with first through-hole and second through-hole at top portion; First baffle (2) is hingedly connected with the first through-hole; Second baffle (3) is hingedly connected with the second through-hole; Suction pipe (12) is fixedly connected with the oil tank lower attachment plate assembly (7); First suction port is fixedly connected with the first end of the suction pipe (12), and first baffle interface (8) is arranged at the end of the first suction port; Third baffle (9) is hingedly connected with the first baffle interface (8); Second suction port is fixedly connected with the suction pipe (12) at the abutment of lower attachment plate assembly (7), and second baffle interface (10) is arranged at the end of the second suction port; Fourth baffle (11) is hingedly connected with the second baffle interface (10); Oil outlet pipe (6) is fixedly connected with the second end of the suction pipe (12); When unmanned aerial vehicle is negative overload, first baffle (2), second baffle (3) and fourth baffle (11) are in closed state, third baffle (9) is in open state, and oil collecting box supplies oil for engine through first suction port;When unmanned aerial vehicle is not negative overload, first baffle (2), second baffle (3) and fourth baffle (11) are in open state, third baffle (9) is in closed state, and oil collecting box supplies oil for engine through second suction port.

2. The UAV fuel system sump of claim 1, wherein, The first through-hole and the second through-hole are both oblique circular pipes.

3. The UAV fuel system sump of claim 1, wherein, Fuel inlet of preset size is formed in each side bottom of the oil collecting box body (1).

4. The UAV fuel system sump of claim 1, wherein, First baffle (2), second baffle (3), third baffle (9) and fourth baffle (11) are all flap type gravity valve baffle.

5. The UAV fuel system sump of claim 1, wherein, First baffle (2) and second baffle (3) are at preset angle when being opened.

6. The UAV fuel system sump of Claim 1, wherein, First suction port is oblique cut, and the short side of the first suction port is located at the side close to the top of the oil collecting box body (1), and the long side of the first suction port is located at the side close to the bottom of the oil collecting box body (1).

7. The UAV fuel system sump of Claim 1, wherein, Second suction port is oblique cut, and the short side of the second suction port is located at the side close to the bottom of the oil collecting box body (1), and the long side of the second suction port is located at the side close to the top of the oil collecting box body (1).

8. The UAV fuel system sump of Claim 1, wherein, Oil outlet pipe (6) is sealingly connected with oil tank lower attachment plate assembly (7) by bolt and glue.

9. The UAV fuel system sump of claim 1, wherein, Further including: Deposited valve (4) is fixedly connected with the oil tank lower attachment plate assembly (7).

10. The UAV fuel system sump of Claim 1, wherein, Further including: Oil temperature sensor (5) is fixedly connected with the oil tank lower attachment plate assembly (7).

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