An automatic tilting device bearing dismounting device for vertical lift unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

This invention provides an automatic tilter bearing disassembly device for a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The device includes a pair of fixtures, each fixture comprising a first body, a second body, and a drive structure. The first body includes a first support portion, one end of which is connected to a first bent portion at a 90° angle to the first support portion. The second body is slidably connected to the first body and includes a second support portion, which is co-located with the first support portion. One end of the second support portion is connected to a second bent portion, which is co-located with the first bent portion. The first and second bent portions are used to insert into the gap between a moving ring and a stationary ring. The drive structure drives the first and second bodies to slide relative to each other along their length, thereby causing the first and second bent portions to open within the gap, thus disassembling the bearing. The fixtures are used in pairs, working synchronously or slowly alternately, ensuring the coaxiality of the bearing and its mating surface axis during disassembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of automatic tilters for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones, and more specifically, relates to an automatic tilter bearing disassembly device for VTOL drones. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of VTOL (Vertical Take-Off) drone rotor hub system technology in recent years, the stability, reliability, and maintainability of VTOL drone auto-tilt mechanisms have become increasingly sophisticated. VTOL drone auto-tilt mechanisms contain several key components, among which the stationary ring, rotating ring, and auto-tilt mechanism bearings are particularly important. The stationary ring is mounted on the main shaft and can tilt in any direction and move vertically. The rotating ring is mounted on the stationary ring via the auto-tilt mechanism bearing and can rotate with the main shaft. The auto-tilt mechanism bearing is installed between the stationary and rotating rings to ensure that the rotating ring can rotate around the stationary ring.

[0003] Based on current industry design experience, a smaller stationary ring size results in a smaller servo extension length and a smaller overall rotor hub system length when the VTOL auto-slope is tilted at a certain angle. Furthermore, a smaller stationary ring size also reduces the weight of the VTOL auto-slope, the moment of inertia during pitch changes, and the load on the servo. To match the stationary ring size, only smaller VTOL auto-slope bearings can be used. This constant load and smaller size leads to an increased ball load on the bearings. Simultaneously, the VTOL auto-slope bearings must meet the high-speed requirements of both helicopter and fixed-wing modes, as VTOLs operate in two modes.

[0004] Meanwhile, the bearings of the automatic tilting mechanism of vertical takeoff and landing drones operate under harsh conditions and have poor heat dissipation. Although open thin-walled bearings have advantages in heat dissipation, they require regular disassembly and grease replacement, which is more frequent than the closed bearings of traditional helicopters.

[0005] Due to space constraints, the bearings of the automatic tilting devices of vertical take-off and landing drones have a high ratio of inner to outer diameter and are sensitive to deformation. When disassembling the bearing, the coaxiality of the bearing and its mating surface axis should be maintained; otherwise, adverse stress will be generated in the inner ring, leading to deformation of the inner ring.

[0006] The smaller the longitudinal clearance between the moving and stationary rings, the smaller the distance between the moving and stationary ring control planes, the smaller the transmission ratio fluctuation when the VTOL automatic tilter tilts, and the higher the control precision of the VTOL automatic tilter. Furthermore, a smaller longitudinal clearance between the moving and stationary rings results in a smaller thickness of the VTOL automatic tilter, a more concentrated mass in the longitudinal direction, and a smaller inertia when the VTOL automatic tilter changes pitch. Simultaneously, a smaller longitudinal clearance makes it more difficult for debris to enter the VTOL automatic tilter bearing, improving the sealing performance. However, a smaller longitudinal clearance between the moving and stationary rings also makes the maintenance of the VTOL automatic tilter bearing more complicated. While tools such as flathead screwdrivers can operate within the longitudinal clearance between the moving and stationary rings, they cannot maintain the coaxiality of the VTOL automatic tilter bearing and its mating surface axis when disassembling the bearing, easily generating undesirable stress on the inner ring and causing deformation. While tools such as bearing pullers can maintain the coaxiality of the bearing and its mating surface axis when disassembling the automatic tilting bearing of a vertical take-off and landing drone, they cannot operate within the longitudinal gap between the moving and stationary rings.

[0007] In summary, the automatic swashplate bearings of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones require more frequent disassembly and maintenance compared to helicopters, and the operating space is smaller. The automatic swashplate disassembly tools used for conventional helicopters cannot meet the disassembly requirements of the automatic swashplate bearings of VTOL drones. Therefore, it is necessary to design an automatic swashplate bearing disassembly device specifically for VTOL drones. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic tilt bearing disassembly device for vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which solves the problems of limited operating space and difficulty in maintaining coaxiality during automatic tilt bearing disassembly.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an automatic tilting bearing disassembly device for a vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the device comprising a pair of tooling fixtures, the tooling fixtures comprising: A first body, the first body includes a first support portion, one end of the first support portion is connected to a first bending portion, the first bending portion is at 90° with the first support portion, and the first bending portion is used to insert into the gap between the moving ring and the stationary ring. The second body is slidably connected to the first body. The second body includes a second support portion, which is arranged in the same direction as the first support portion. One end of the second support portion is connected to a second bent portion, which is arranged in the same direction as the first bent portion. The first bent portion is used to insert into the gap between the moving ring and the stationary ring. A driving structure, wherein a portion of the driving structure is disposed at the other end of the first body and another portion of the driving structure is disposed at the other end of the second body, the driving structure being used to drive the first body and the second body to slide relative to each other along the length direction of the first support portion and the second support portion.

[0010] Optionally, the first body has a hollowed-out portion, the shape of which matches the shape of the second body, and the hollowed-out portion is used to accommodate the second body.

[0011] Optionally, the tooling further includes a guide limiting structure, which is used to restrict the second body from sliding relative to the first support portion and the second support portion along the length direction within the hollow portion.

[0012] Optionally, the guide limiting structure is a pair of baffles, both of which are arranged along the width direction of the first support portion, and the pair of baffles are respectively fixedly connected to the middle of two sides of the first support portion.

[0013] Optionally, the baffle is connected to the first support by screws.

[0014] Optionally, the driving structure includes: The first base is fixedly connected to the other end of the first body; The second base is fixedly connected to the other end of the second body. The second base is located on the side of the first base away from the first bent part, and the second base is provided with a threaded through hole. A bolt, which is threaded into the threaded through hole, has one end for contacting one side of the first base and the other end for applying torque.

[0015] Optionally, the surface of the first bent portion near the moving ring is used to contact the moving ring; The surface of the second bent portion near the stationary ring is used to contact the stationary ring.

[0016] Optionally, the tooling further includes: A fastening component, which is fixedly connected to the tooling; A safety rope, one end of which is connected to the anchoring component, and the other end of which is used to connect to the automatic tilting device.

[0017] Optionally, a circular groove is provided on one side of the first base, the circular groove being used to engage with one end of the bolt.

[0018] Optionally, the thickness of both the first bend and the second bend is less than the gap between the moving ring and the stationary ring.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: It provides an automatic tilter bearing disassembly device for a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The device includes a pair of fixtures, each fixture comprising a first body, a second body, and a drive structure. The first body includes a first support portion, one end of which is connected to a first bent portion at a 90° angle to the first support portion. The second body is slidably connected to the first body and includes a second support portion, which is arranged in the same direction as the first support portion. One end of the second support portion is connected to a second bent portion, which is also arranged in the same direction as the first bent portion. The first and second bent portions are used to insert into the gap between the moving ring and the stationary ring. The drive structure drives the first and second bodies to slide relative to each other along their length, thereby causing the first and second bent portions to open within the gap, thus disassembling the bearing. The fixtures are used in pairs, working synchronously or slowly alternately, ensuring the coaxiality of the bearing and its mating surface axis during disassembly.

[0020] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the more detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals generally represent the same components in the exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0022] Figure 1 One of the schematic structural diagrams of a tooling for an automatic tilter bearing removal device for a vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0023] Figure 2 A second schematic structural diagram of a tooling for an automatic tilter bearing removal device for a vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of an automatic tilter bearing removal device for a vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, mounted on an automatic tilter.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. First body; 11. First support part; 12. First bending part; 13. Hollowed-out part; 2. Second body; 21. Second support part; 22. Second bending part; 3. Drive structure; 31. First base; 32. Second base; 33. Bolt; 4. Guide and limiting structure; 41. Baffle; 42. Screw; 51. Attachment components; 52. Safety rope; 61. Moving ring; 62. Fixed ring; 63. Bearing. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail. While preferred embodiments of the invention are described below, it should be understood that the invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0027] Example

[0028] like Figure 1-3 As shown, this embodiment provides an automatic tilter bearing disassembly device for a vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The device includes a pair of tooling fixtures, each fixture comprising: The first body 1 includes a first support part 11, one end of which is connected to a first bending part 12. The first bending part 12 is at a 90° angle to the first support part 11. The first bending part 12 is used to insert into the gap between the moving ring 61 and the stationary ring 62. The second body 2 is slidably connected to the first body 1. The second body 2 includes a second support part 21, which is arranged in the same direction as the first support part 11. One end of the second support part 21 is connected to a second bending part 22, which is arranged in the same direction as the first bending part 12. The first bending part 12 is used to insert into the gap between the moving ring 61 and the stationary ring 62. The driving structure 3 has one part disposed at the other end of the first body 1 and the other part disposed at the other end of the second body 2. The driving structure 3 is used to drive the first body 1 and the second body 2 to slide relative to each other along the length direction of the first support part 11 and the second support part 21.

[0029] During implementation, a pair of tooling fixtures are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the automatic tilter, and the first bent part 12 and the second bent part 22 of the pair of tooling fixtures are inserted into the gap between the moving ring 61 and the stationary ring 62. The pair of tooling fixtures simultaneously or alternately use the drive structure 3 to drive the first body 1 and the second body 2 to slide relative to each other. The first body 1 and the second body 2 are gradually spread apart in the gap between the moving ring 61 and the stationary ring 62 until the stationary ring 62 and the bearing 63 are disassembled.

[0030] Specifically, the disassembly device includes a pair of tooling fixtures whose shapes are adapted to the shape of the automatic tilter. The first bending part 12 and the second bending part 22 can be inserted into the gap between the moving ring 61 and the stationary ring 62. The drive structure 3 can drive the first bending part 12 and the second bending part 22 to open within the gap between the moving ring 61 and the stationary ring 62, thereby disassembling the bearing 63. The tooling fixtures are used in pairs and symmetrically arranged on both sides of the automatic tilter, working synchronously or slowly alternately to ensure the coaxiality of the bearing 63 and its mating surface axis during disassembly. In addition, the disassembly device is compact and can be operated with one hand, reducing labor costs.

[0031] Optionally, the first body 1 is provided with a hollow part 13, the shape of which matches the shape of the second body 2, and the hollow part 13 is used to accommodate the second body 2.

[0032] Specifically, the second body 2 is set inside the hollow part 13, which can improve space utilization, reduce the overall volume of the tooling, and facilitate operation in small spaces.

[0033] Optionally, the tooling also includes a guide limiting structure 4, which is used to restrict the second body 2 from sliding relative to the first support 11 and the second support 21 within the hollowed-out portion 13 along the length direction of the second support 11.

[0034] In this embodiment, the guide limiting structure 4 is a pair of baffles 41. Both baffles 41 are arranged along the width direction of the first support portion 11, and the pair of baffles 41 are respectively fixedly connected to the middle of the two sides of the first support portion 11.

[0035] The baffle 41 is connected to the first support 11 by screws 42.

[0036] Specifically, the baffle 41 can constrain the movement trajectory of the second body 2, ensuring that the second body 2 moves in a straight line relative to the first body 1, and ensuring that the force applied by the tooling during the disassembly of the bearing 63 is stable. At the same time, the baffle 41 can also cooperate with the lower surface of the second bent part 22 to prevent the second body 2 from detaching from the first body 1.

[0037] In other embodiments, the guide limiting structure 4 can be an existing structure such as a guide rail, a slide, or a guide post.

[0038] In this embodiment, the driving structure 3 includes: The first base 31 is fixedly connected to the other end of the first body 1; The second base 32 is fixedly connected to the other end of the second body 2. The second base 32 is located on the side of the first base 31 away from the first bent part 12. The second base 32 is provided with a threaded through hole. Bolt 33 is threaded into the threaded through hole. One end of bolt 33 is used to contact one side of the first base 31, and the other end of bolt 33 is used to apply torque.

[0039] The surface of the first bent portion 12 near the bearing 63 is used to contact the bearing 63. The surface of the second bend 22 near the moving ring 61 is used to contact the moving ring 61.

[0040] In another embodiment, the second base 32 is located on the side of the first base 31 near the first bend 12, the surface of the first bend 12 near the stationary ring 62 is used to contact the stationary ring 62, and the surface of the second bend 22 near the moving ring 61 is used to contact the moving ring 61.

[0041] Optionally, the tooling may also include: The fastening component 51 is fixedly connected to the tooling. Safety rope 52, one end of which is connected to the anchoring component 51, and the other end of which is used to connect to the automatic tilting device.

[0042] In this embodiment, the tethering component 51 is fixedly connected to the first base 31, one end of the safety rope 52 is connected to the tethering component 51, and the other end of the safety rope 52 is connected to the moving ring 61.

[0043] Specifically, the installation of safety rope 52 reduces the possibility of tooling accidentally falling into the machine body and causing an accident when the operator is disassembling bearing 63 on the machine, thus improving safety.

[0044] Optionally, a circular groove is provided on one side of the first base 31, which is used to mate with one end of the bolt 33.

[0045] Specifically, the circular groove can restrict the position of the bolt 33, ensuring that the bolt 33 can always be pressed against the same position of the first base 31, thus ensuring the stability of the displacement trajectory during operation.

[0046] Optionally, the thickness of the first bend 12 and the second bend 22 is both less than the gap between the moving ring 61 and the stationary ring 62.

[0047] Specifically, the second bending portion 22 is disposed within the hollow portion 13 of the first bending portion 12. The thickness of both the first bending portion 12 and the second bending portion 22 is less than the gap between the moving ring 61 and the stationary ring 62, which can ensure that the first bending portion 12 and the second bending portion 22 can be smoothly inserted into the gap.

[0048] In this embodiment, the working principle and usage method of the disassembly device are as follows: There are two working conditions when using this disassembly device to remove bearing 63. One working condition is ground operation. The automatic tilting device of the vertical lift UAV is removed from the machine and placed on a table. The automatic tilting device is inverted so that the top of the moving ring 61 contacts the table. At this point, the bearing 63 will fall onto the moving ring 61 after being disassembled upwards. In this condition, first, the bolts 33 are adjusted so that the second body 2 is located within the hollow portion 13 of the first body 1. Then, a pair of fixtures are symmetrically arranged relative to bearing 63, and the first bent portion 12 and the second bent portion 22 are inserted together into the gap between the moving ring 61 and the stationary ring 62. The bolts 33 of the two fixtures are adjusted alternately and slowly to spread the first bent portion 12 and the second bent portion 22 within the gap until bearing 63 is slowly removed from the moving ring 61. In this condition, only one operator is needed to complete the disassembly work independently. The disassembly fixture for the automatic tilting device of the vertical lift UAV is simple to operate, achieving low labor costs for the maintenance of the bearing 63 of the automatic tilting device of the vertical lift UAV.

[0049] Another working condition is on-board operation. The automatic tilting device of the vertical take-off and landing UAV is still on the main shaft, and the moving ring 61 is connected to the main shaft. After the bearing 63 is removed, it will fall due to the loss of support under the action of gravity, requiring an operator to hold it. In this condition, first adjust the bolt 33 so that the second body 2 is located in the hollow part 13 of the first body 1. Install the safety rope 52 between the hanging part 51 and the moving ring 61 to ensure that the disassembly device will not fall and damage other parts on the aircraft. Then, arrange a pair of tooling symmetrically relative to the bearing 63, and insert the first bending part 12 and the second bending part 22 together into the gap between the moving ring 61 and the stationary ring 62. Alternately and slowly adjust the bolts 33 of the two toolings to spread the first bending part 12 and the second bending part 22 apart in the gap until the bearing 63 is slowly removed from the moving ring 61. Two operators are required for onboard operations, with one person operating the disassembly device and the other holding the bearing 63 to prevent it from falling, thus achieving low labor costs for the maintenance of the automatic tilting bearing 63 of the vertical take-off and landing UAV.

[0050] The various embodiments of the present invention have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.

Claims

1. An automatic tilting bearing disassembly device for a vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), characterized in that, The device includes a pair of tooling fixtures, the tooling fixtures comprising: The first body (1) includes a first support part (11), one end of which is connected to a first bending part (12), the first bending part (12) is at 90° to the first support part (11), and the first bending part (12) is used to insert into the gap between the moving ring (61) and the stationary ring (62). The second body (2) is slidably connected to the first body (1). The second body (2) includes a second support part (21). The second support part (21) is arranged in the same direction as the first support part (11). One end of the second support part (21) is connected to a second bending part (22). The second bending part (22) is arranged in the same direction as the first bending part (12). The first bending part (12) is used to insert into the gap between the moving ring (61) and the stationary ring (62). The driving structure (3) is partially disposed at the other end of the first body (1) and partially disposed at the other end of the second body (2). The driving structure (3) is used to drive the first body (1) and the second body (2) to slide relative to each other along the length direction of the first support (11) and the second support (21).

2. The automatic tilter bearing disassembly device for a vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first body (1) is provided with a hollow part (13), the shape of which matches the shape of the second body (2), and the hollow part (13) is used to accommodate the second body (2).

3. The automatic tilter bearing disassembly device for a vertical take-off and landing UAV according to claim 2, characterized in that, The tooling also includes: The guide limiting structure (4) is used to restrict the second body (2) from sliding relative to each other in the hollow part (13) along the length direction of the first support part (11) and the second support part (21).

4. The automatic tilter bearing disassembly device for a vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The guide limiting structure (4) is a pair of baffles (41). Both baffles (41) are arranged along the width direction of the first support part (11). The pair of baffles (41) are respectively fixedly connected to the middle of the two sides of the first support part (11).

5. The automatic tilter bearing disassembly device for a vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that, The baffle (41) is connected to the first support (11) by screws (42).

6. The automatic tilter bearing disassembly device for a vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving structure (3) includes: The first base (31) is fixedly connected to the other end of the first body (1); The second base (32) is fixedly connected to the other end of the second body (2). The second base (32) is located on the side of the first base (31) away from the first bent part (12). The second base (32) is provided with a threaded through hole. Bolt (33), the bolt (33) is threaded into the threaded through hole, one end of the bolt (33) is used to contact one side of the first base (31), and the other end of the bolt (33) is used to apply torque.

7. The automatic tilter bearing disassembly device for a vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that, The surface of the first bent portion (12) near the moving ring (61) is used to contact the moving ring (61); The surface of the second bend (22) near the stationary ring (62) is used to contact the stationary ring (62).

8. The automatic tilter bearing disassembly device for a vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tooling also includes: A fastening component (51) is fixedly connected to the tooling. A safety rope (52), one end of which is connected to the tethering component (51), and the other end of which is used to connect to the automatic tilter.

9. The automatic tilter bearing disassembly device for a vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first base (31) has a circular groove on one side, which is used to engage with one end of the bolt (33).

10. The automatic tilter bearing disassembly device for a vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The thickness of the first bend (12) and the second bend (22) is less than the gap between the moving ring (61) and the stationary ring (62).

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