A fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) hangar

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of unmanned aerial vehicle hangars, in particular to an unmanned aerial vehicle hangar for fixing a rotor-wing unmanned aerial vehicle, which comprises a hangar frame, an installation cavity is formed in the inner side of the hangar frame, and a receiving opening is formed in the side surface of the hangar frame; a receiving platform and a first lifting mechanism are arranged in the installation cavity; the receiving platform comprises an annular plate on the outer side and a positioning plate located in the middle part of the annular plate; the lifting end of the first lifting mechanism is connected with the annular plate; a homing mechanism is arranged on the annular plate; a second lifting mechanism for controlling the positioning plate to lift along the vertical direction is arranged on the side surface of the annular plate away from the receiving opening. Through the above technical scheme, the receiving platform is divided into the annular plate on the outer side and the positioning plate on the inner side, the positioning plate is lifted twice, the rotor-wing unmanned aerial vehicle can be further lowered and positioned and fixed, and the receiving platform occupies a smaller area for lifting, so that the space in the hangar can be effectively utilized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) hangar technology, and in particular to a UAV hangar for securing rotary-wing UAVs. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the rapid development of the Internet and the Internet of Things, drones have been widely used in many fields of modern society, such as forestry, power grids, marine operations, and surveying. In particular, drone hangar systems are increasingly being promoted and applied across many industries. A drone hangar is a drone system that integrates functions such as automatic return, storage, maintenance, and charging of drones.

[0003] The entire drone operation is controlled by the hangar system itself, requiring no human intervention. Currently, the most widely used and mature drone hangar system is the rotary-wing drone hangar. The main working principle of the current drone hangar system is as follows: when the drone issues a landing command, the hangar system opens the hatch. After the drone lands on the platform, the hangar's return module, through horizontal and vertical return movements, either single-step or synchronous, uses return components to push the drone's landing gear from the side, centering the drone at the center of the drone receiving platform. Then, the control platform descends vertically, entering the hangar.

[0004] However, when retrieving drones, this type of drone hangar can only control the platform to descend to a set height once, which means that the height requirement of this type of drone hangar is relatively high, and there is a large space requirement when transporting or using it. Secondly, the existing retrieval module cannot fix the drone after retrieval. Summary of the Invention

[0005] (a) Technical problems to be solved To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a drone hangar for securing rotary-wing drones. By dividing the receiving platform into an outer annular plate and an inner positioning plate, and controlling the secondary lifting and lowering of the positioning plate, the drone can be further lowered, thus limiting and securing the rotary-wing drone. At the same time, by occupying a small area of ​​the hangar for lifting and lowering, it is beneficial to make full use of the space within the hangar.

[0006] (II) Technical Solution To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a drone hangar for securing a rotary-wing drone, comprising a hangar frame, an installation cavity formed inside the hangar frame, and a receiving port formed on the side of the hangar frame; a receiving platform and a first lifting mechanism are provided within the installation cavity; the receiving platform includes an outer annular plate and a positioning plate located in the middle of the annular plate; the lifting end of the first lifting mechanism is connected to the annular plate and controls the annular plate to rise or fall vertically; a return mechanism is provided on the annular plate, which controls the movement of the rotary-wing drone landed on the receiving platform, so that the landing gear of the rotary-wing drone returns to the positioning plate; a second lifting mechanism is provided on the side of the annular plate away from the receiving port, which controls the positioning plate to rise or fall vertically.

[0007] Preferably, a positioning opening is formed on the side of the annular plate near the positioning plate, and a limiting frame is provided on the side of the annular plate away from the receiving port and at the positioning opening, with the positioning plate located inside the limiting frame.

[0008] Preferably, a positioning opening is formed on the side of the annular plate near the positioning plate, and a limiting frame is provided on the side of the annular plate away from the receiving port and at the positioning opening, with the positioning plate located inside the limiting frame.

[0009] Preferably, when the positioning plate is flush with the annular plate, the gap between the positioning plate and the annular plate is 0.5-1mm.

[0010] Preferably, the second lifting mechanism includes a mounting plate, a second drive motor, a second lead screw, a second drive tube, a second guide post, and a second guide tube; the mounting plate is fixed to the limiting frame and located at the end away from the positioning port; the second guide post and the second drive motor are fixedly arranged on the side of the mounting plate near the positioning port; the second guide tube and the second drive tube are fixedly arranged on the side of the positioning plate away from the receiving port, the free end of the second guide tube is sleeved on the second guide post and slidably connected to the second guide post; a plurality of matching second guide tubes and second guide posts are arranged between the mounting plate and the positioning plate; the second lead screw is vertically arranged, with one end rotatably connected to the mounting plate and the other end located inside the second drive tube, and the second lead screw and the second drive tube are threadedly connected; the output shaft of the second drive motor drives the second lead screw to rotate forward or reverse.

[0011] Preferably, the second lifting mechanism includes a mounting plate, a second drive motor, a second lead screw, a second drive tube, a second guide post, and a second guide tube; the mounting plate is fixed to the limiting frame and located at the end away from the positioning port; the second guide post and the second drive motor are fixedly arranged on the side of the mounting plate near the positioning port; the second guide tube and the second drive tube are fixedly arranged on the side of the positioning plate away from the receiving port, the free end of the second guide tube is sleeved on the second guide post and slidably connected to the second guide post; a plurality of matching second guide tubes and second guide posts are arranged between the mounting plate and the positioning plate; the second lead screw is vertically arranged, with one end rotatably connected to the mounting plate and the other end located inside the second drive tube, and the second lead screw and the second drive tube are threadedly connected; the output shaft of the second drive motor drives the second lead screw to rotate forward or reverse.

[0012] Preferably, the first lifting mechanism includes a guide assembly and a lifting assembly; a set of guide assemblies is provided at each of the four corners of the mounting cavity; the lifting assembly includes a first lead screw, an L-shaped drive block, and a first drive motor; one first lead screw is provided on each side of the limiting frame, the first lead screw is vertically arranged, and rotatably connected to the hangar frame; the L-shaped drive block includes a vertical connecting part and a horizontal driving part, the connecting part is fixedly connected to the annular plate, and the driving part has a threaded hole along the vertical direction, the first lead screw passes through the threaded hole and is threadedly connected to the threaded hole; the first drive motor drives the two first lead screws to rotate synchronously.

[0013] Preferably, the guiding assembly includes a first guide post and an L-shaped guide plate; the first guide post is located at the four corners of the mounting cavity, and the L-shaped guide plate is provided on the side of the annular plate away from the receiving port. The horizontal end of the L-shaped guide plate has a guide hole, and the first guide post slides through the guide hole.

[0014] Preferably, the repositioning mechanism includes two parallel lateral limiting rods and two parallel longitudinal limiting rods. A transmission assembly is provided on the annular plate, which drives the two lateral limiting rods or the two longitudinal limiting rods to move toward one side closer to the other or further away from the other.

[0015] Preferably, the hangar frame is provided with a hatch.

[0016] (III) Beneficial Effects This invention provides a drone hangar for securing rotary-wing drones. By dividing the receiving platform into an outer annular plate and an inner positioning plate, and controlling the positioning plate to descend a second time, the rotary-wing drone is lowered further, reducing the overall height of the hangar while simultaneously limiting and securing the drone. This method provides a larger area for the drone to land, facilitating its descent. After landing, the receiving platform performs its first descent, and the positioning plate can then control the drone to descend a second time. The positioning plate occupies a relatively small area within the hangar, enabling further descent of the drone while maximizing the efficient use of hangar space through its limited area for raising and lowering. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram of a drone hangar for securing a rotary-wing drone according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view highlighting the connection between the receiving platform and the second lifting mechanism in this invention. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view highlighting the positioning groove of the present invention; Figure 4 A cross-sectional view highlighting the guide component of this invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram highlighting the receiving platform of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the repositioning mechanism of the present invention.

[0018] Marked in the attached diagram: 100. Hangar frame; 110. Mounting cavity; 120. Receiving port; 130. Door; 200. Receiving platform; 210. Annular plate; 211. Positioning port; 220. Positioning plate; 221. Guide hole; 222. Ball bearing; 230. Limiting frame; 231. Positioning groove; 300. First lifting mechanism; 310. Guide assembly; 311. First guide post; 312. L-shaped guide plate; 320. Lifting assembly; 321. First lead screw; 322. L-shaped drive block; 322a, connecting part; 322b, drive part; 322c, threaded hole; 323, first drive motor; 400, return mechanism; 410, lateral limit rod; 420, longitudinal limit rod; 500, second lifting mechanism; 510, mounting plate; 520, second drive motor; 530, second lead screw; 540, second drive tube; 550, second guide post; 560, second guide tube; 570, limit switch; 580, L-shaped plate. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] Example This invention provides a drone hangar for securing rotary-wing drones, see [link / reference]. Figures 1-6 The system includes a hangar frame 100, with an installation cavity 110 formed inside the hangar frame 100, and a receiving port 120 formed on the upper side of the hangar frame 100; a hatch 130 is provided on the hangar frame 100. The hatch 130 is capable of opening or closing the receiving port 120.

[0021] A receiving platform 200 and a first lifting mechanism 300 are provided within the mounting cavity 110. During operation, the receiving platform 200 is used to receive landings of rotary-wing UAVs or to provide a platform for UAV takeoff. The lifting end of the first lifting mechanism 300 is connected to the receiving platform 200 and controls the receiving platform 200 to rise or fall vertically.

[0022] Specifically, the receiving platform 200 includes an outer annular plate 210 and a positioning plate 220 located in the middle of the annular plate 210; the lifting end of the first lifting mechanism 300 is connected to the annular plate 210 and controls the annular plate 210 to rise or fall in the vertical direction.

[0023] A return mechanism 400 is provided on the annular plate 210. The return mechanism 400 controls the movement of the rotor drone that lands on the receiving platform 200, so that the landing gear of the rotor drone returns to the positioning plate 220. A second lifting mechanism 500 is provided on the side of the annular plate 210 away from the receiving port 120 to control the positioning plate 220 to rise and fall in the vertical direction.

[0024] With this scheme, after the drone returns to its initial position, it sits on the positioning plate 220. At this point, the second lifting mechanism 500 controls the positioning plate 220 to descend vertically. Then, the return mechanism 400 operates again to limit and secure the landing gear. At this time, part of the drone's landing gear is below the annular plate 210, and part is above it. Simultaneously, the return mechanism 400 moves again to limit and secure the drone.

[0025] This application utilizes the cooperation of the first lifting mechanism 300 and the second lifting mechanism 500 to place the drone into the installation cavity 110. This method can further reduce the height requirement of the installation cavity 110 and further reduce the volume of the drone hangar.

[0026] Specifically, a positioning opening 211 is formed on the side of the annular plate 210 near the positioning plate 220. A limiting frame 230 is provided on the side of the annular plate 210 away from the receiving port 120 and at the positioning opening 211. The positioning plate 220 is located inside the limiting frame 230. The limiting frame 230 is used to limit the positioning plate 220.

[0027] The positioning plate 220 has multiple guide holes 221 on its vertical sidewall near the limiting frame 230. Ball bearings 222 are installed within the guide holes 221, and these ball bearings 222 abut against the inner wall of the limiting frame 230. This further reduces the friction between the positioning plate 220 and the limiting frame 230, facilitating the vertical movement of the positioning plate 220 and significantly reducing the friction between the positioning plate 220 and the limiting frame 230 / annular plate 210. It is understood that when the positioning plate 220 is flush with the annular plate 210, the ball bearings 222 abut against the limiting frame 230 or the annular plate 210.

[0028] When the positioning plate 220 is flush with the annular plate 210, the gap between the positioning plate 220 and the annular plate 210 is 0.5-1mm.

[0029] The second lifting mechanism 500 includes a mounting plate 510, a second drive motor 520, a second lead screw 530, a second drive tube 540, a second guide column 550, and a second guide tube 560.

[0030] The mounting plate 510 is fixed to the limiting frame 230 and is located at the end away from the positioning port 211. A second guide post 550 and a second drive motor 520 are fixedly provided on the side of the mounting plate 510 near the positioning port 211.

[0031] A second guide tube 560 and a second drive tube 540 are fixedly installed on the side of the positioning plate 220 away from the receiving port 120. The free end of the second guide tube 560 is sleeved on the second guide post 550 and slidably connected to the second guide post 550. A plurality of matching second guide tubes 560 and second guide posts 550 are provided between the mounting plate 510 and the positioning plate 220.

[0032] The second lead screw 530 is vertically arranged, with one end rotatably connected to the mounting plate 510 and the other end located inside the second drive tube 540. The second lead screw 530 and the second drive tube 540 are threadedly connected. The output shaft of the second drive motor 520 drives the second lead screw 530 to rotate forward or in reverse. Preferably, the output shaft of the second drive motor 520 can drive the second lead screw 530 to rotate via a belt, gear, or chain.

[0033] The inner wall of the limiting frame 230 has a positioning groove 231 in the vertical direction, which is offset from the ball bearing 222. Two limit switches 570 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction inside the positioning groove 231. An L-shaped plate 580 is fixedly arranged on the side of the positioning plate 220 away from the receiving port 120. The horizontal end of the L-shaped plate 580 is located in the positioning groove 231 and between the two limit switches 570. When the L-shaped plate 580 abuts against the limit switch 570, the positioning plate 220 stops moving. When the positioning plate 220 stops moving, it is flush with the annular plate 210 or located inside the limiting frame 230.

[0034] The first lifting mechanism 300 includes a guide assembly 310 and a lifting assembly 320.

[0035] A set of guide components 310 is provided at each of the four corners of the mounting cavity 110; the guide components 310 include a first guide post 311 and an L-shaped guide plate 312. The first guide post 311 is located at each of the four corners of the mounting cavity 110, and an L-shaped guide plate 312 is provided on the side of the annular plate 210 away from the receiving port 120. The horizontal end of the L-shaped guide plate 312 has a guide hole 221, through which the first guide post 311 slides. The guide components 310 are used to control the vertical movement of the annular plate 210.

[0036] The lifting assembly 320 includes a first lead screw 321, an L-shaped drive block 322, and a first drive motor 323.

[0037] One lead screw 321 is provided on each side of the limiting frame 230. The first lead screw 321 is vertically arranged and rotatably connected to the hangar frame 100. It can be understood that the first lead screw 321 and the first guide post 311 are parallel to each other and are both in the vertical direction.

[0038] The L-shaped drive block 322 includes a vertical connecting part and a horizontal drive part. The connecting part is fixedly connected to the annular plate 210. The drive part has a threaded hole 322c along the vertical direction. The first lead screw 321 passes through the threaded hole 322c and is threadedly connected to the threaded hole 322c. The first drive motor 323 drives the two first lead screws 321 to rotate synchronously. When the first lead screws 321 rotate, the annular plate 210 is controlled to rise and fall in the vertical direction through the L-shaped drive frame.

[0039] The positioning structure is an existing mature technology, and there are no specific limitations, as long as it can center and limit the landing gear of the drone.

[0040] The repositioning mechanism 400 includes two parallel lateral limiting rods 410 and two parallel longitudinal limiting rods 420. A transmission assembly is provided on the annular plate 210. Mounting slots are provided near the sides of the annular plate 210. The transmission assembly passes through the mounting slots and drives the two lateral limiting rods 410 or the two longitudinal limiting rods 420 to move towards or away from each other. When the two lateral limiting rods 410 move towards each other, and the two longitudinal limiting rods 420 move towards each other, the landing gear of the UAV is controlled to return to its original position, ultimately reaching the positioning plate 220. It should be noted that the lateral limiting rods 410 and the longitudinal limiting rods 420 are misaligned in the vertical direction, but their movement does not affect each other.

[0041] The transmission component can be driven by a lead screw or other methods, as long as it can drive the two lateral limit rods 410 or the longitudinal limit rods 420 to move synchronously.

[0042] This invention provides a drone hangar for securing rotary-wing drones. By dividing the receiving platform 200 into an outer annular plate 210 and an inner positioning plate 220, and controlling the positioning plate 220 to descend a second time, the rotary-wing drone is lowered further, reducing the height of the drone hangar while simultaneously limiting and securing the drone. This method provides a larger area for the drone to land, facilitating landing. After landing, the receiving platform 200 descends for the first time. Following this descent, the positioning plate 220 can control the drone to descend a second time. Occupying a small area within the hangar, the positioning plate 220 effectively lowers the drone and utilizes the limited hangar space for both raising and lowering.

[0043] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," "outer," "front," and "rear," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0044] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances. Without conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this invention can be combined with each other.

[0045] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of implementation methods of the present invention, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A drone hangar for securing rotary-wing drones, characterized in that, Includes a hangar frame (100), an installation cavity (110) is formed inside the hangar frame (100), and a receiving port (120) is formed on the side of the hangar frame (100). A receiving platform (200) and a first lifting mechanism (300) are provided inside the mounting cavity (110). The receiving platform (200) includes an outer annular plate (210) and a positioning plate (220) located in the middle of the annular plate (210); the lifting end of the first lifting mechanism (300) is connected to the annular plate (210) and controls the annular plate (210) to rise or fall in the vertical direction; A return mechanism (400) is provided on the annular plate (210). The return mechanism (400) controls the rotor drone that lands on the receiving platform (200) to move so that the landing gear of the rotor drone returns to the positioning plate (220). A second lifting mechanism (500) is provided on the side of the annular plate (210) away from the receiving port (120) to control the positioning plate (220) to rise and fall in the vertical direction.

2. The drone hangar for fixing rotary-wing drones according to claim 1, characterized in that, A positioning port (211) is formed on the side of the annular plate (210) near the positioning plate (220). A limiting frame (230) is provided on the side of the annular plate (210) away from the receiving port (120) and at the positioning port (211). The positioning plate (220) is located inside the limiting frame (230).

3. A drone hangar for fixing rotary-wing drones according to claim 2, characterized in that, The positioning plate (220) has multiple guide holes (221) on its vertical sidewall near the limiting frame (230). A ball bearing (222) is provided in the guide hole (221), and the ball bearing (222) abuts against the inner wall of the limiting frame (230).

4. A drone hangar for fixing rotary-wing drones according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the positioning plate (220) is flush with the annular plate (210), the gap between the positioning plate (220) and the annular plate (210) is 0.5-1mm.

5. A drone hangar for fixing rotary-wing drones according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second lifting mechanism (500) includes a mounting plate (510), a second drive motor (520), a second lead screw (530), a second drive tube (540), a second guide column (550), and a second guide tube (560); The mounting plate (510) is fixed on the limiting frame (230) and located at the end away from the positioning port (211); The mounting plate (510) is fixedly provided with a second guide post (550) and a second drive motor (520) on one side near the positioning port (211); the positioning plate (220) is fixedly provided with a second guide tube (560) and a second drive tube (540) on one side away from the receiving port (120), the free end of the second guide tube (560) is sleeved on the second guide post (550) and slidably connected with the second guide post (550); Multiple matching second guide tubes (560) and second guide posts (550) are provided between the mounting plate (510) and the positioning plate (220); The second lead screw (530) is vertically arranged, with one end rotatably connected to the mounting plate (510) and the other end located inside the second drive tube (540). The second lead screw (530) and the second drive tube (540) are threadedly connected. The output shaft of the second drive motor (520) drives the second lead screw (530) to rotate forward or reverse.

6. A drone hangar for fixing rotary-wing drones according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inner wall of the limiting frame (230) is provided with a positioning groove (231) in the vertical direction, and the positioning groove (231) is misaligned with the ball (222); Two limit switches (570) are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction inside the positioning groove (231). An L-shaped plate (580) is fixedly arranged on the side of the positioning plate (220) away from the receiving port (120). The horizontal end of the L-shaped plate (580) is located in the positioning groove (231) and between the two limit switches (570). When the L-shaped plate (580) abuts against the limit switch (570), the positioning plate (220) stops moving. When the positioning plate (220) stops moving, the positioning plate (220) is flush with the annular plate (210) or located inside the limiting frame (230).

7. A drone hangar for fixing rotary-wing drones according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first lifting mechanism (300) includes a guide assembly (310) and a lifting assembly (320). The guide assembly (310) is provided at each of the four corners of the mounting cavity (110); The lifting assembly (320) includes a first lead screw (321), an L-shaped drive block (322), and a first drive motor (323). The first lead screw (321) is provided on both sides of the limiting frame (230). The first lead screw (321) is vertically arranged and rotatably connected to the hangar frame (100). The L-shaped drive block (322) includes a vertical connecting part and a horizontal drive part. The connecting part is fixedly connected to the annular plate (210). The drive part has a threaded hole (322c) in the vertical direction. The first lead screw (321) passes through the threaded hole (322c) and is threadedly connected to the threaded hole (322c). The first drive motor (323) drives the two first lead screws (321) to rotate synchronously.

8. A drone hangar for fixing rotary-wing drones according to claim 7, characterized in that, The guide assembly (310) includes a first guide post (311) and an L-shaped guide plate (312). The first guide post (311) is located at the four corners of the mounting cavity (110). An L-shaped guide plate (312) is provided on the side of the annular plate (210) away from the receiving port (120). A guide hole (221) is provided at the horizontal end of the L-shaped guide plate (312). The first guide post (311) slides through the guide hole (221).

9. A drone hangar for fixing rotary-wing drones according to claim 1, characterized in that, The repositioning mechanism (400) includes two parallel transverse limiting rods (410) and two parallel longitudinal limiting rods (420). A transmission assembly is provided on the annular plate (210), which drives the two transverse limiting rods (410) or the two longitudinal limiting rods (420) to move toward one side closer to the other or further away from the other.

10. A drone hangar for fixing rotary-wing drones according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hangar frame (100) is provided with a hatch (130).

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