A push-pull type elastic self-locking unmanned aerial vehicle bridge detection clamping jaw quick disassembly and assembly connector

Abstract

This application provides a push-pull type elastic self-locking quick-release connector for UAV bridge inspection grippers, relating to the field of rapid replacement of UAV mounting equipment. It includes a UAV body, with a mounting post fixedly connected to the lower surface of the UAV body. A gripper body is disposed on the lower side of the mounting post, and a docking rod is fixedly connected to the upper end of the gripper body. This application achieves an automatic locking function when the gripper is pushed upwards through the cooperation of a trapezoidal block, a slot, a movable disc, a first return spring, a connecting plate, and a triangular block. When the docking rod is inserted into the circular slot, the trapezoidal block automatically retracts under the pressure of the inclined surface. After aligning with the slot, the first return spring pushes the trapezoidal block outwards to lock it in place. The entire process requires no tools or rotation and can be completed with one hand. Compared to existing threaded connections or rotating bayonet structures, this significantly improves the operational efficiency of changing grippers with different functions during UAV bridge inspection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of rapid replacement of drone mounting equipment, and more specifically, to a push-pull type elastic self-locking drone bridge inspection gripper quick-release connector. Background Technology

[0002] In UAV bridge inspection operations, it is necessary to quickly change grippers with different functions according to the inspection task, such as sampling grippers, vision probe grippers, and small repair tool grippers.

[0003] In existing technologies, common connection methods between grippers and UAV mounting platforms include threaded connections, rotary snap-fit ​​connections, elastic snap-fit ​​connections, and rigid fastening structures based on screws or pins. However, for threaded connections and screw fastening methods, the disassembly and assembly process requires the use of special tools (such as wrenches or Allen wrenches), which is cumbersome. Secondly, common elastic snap-fits (such as single-sided spring clips) are prone to fatigue and loosening under continuous alternating loads in the vibration environment of UAV flight, causing the gripper to fall off unexpectedly. Once the gripper falls off, it not only directly damages expensive inspection equipment, but may also fall from a height and injure workers, vehicles, or traffic facilities below, causing serious safety accidents. In view of this, we propose a push-pull elastic self-locking quick-disassembly connector for UAV bridge inspection grippers to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problem of inconvenience in using quick-release connectors for bridge inspection grippers on some drones.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives and improve the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a push-pull type elastic self-locking UAV bridge inspection gripper quick-release connector, including a UAV body. A mounting post is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the UAV body. A mounting gripper body is disposed on the lower side of the mounting post. A docking rod is fixedly connected to the upper end of the mounting gripper body. A circular groove is formed inside the mounting post, which is adapted to the docking rod. A cavity is formed inside the docking rod. Three sliding grooves are formed on the surface of the docking rod, and the sliding grooves communicate with the cavity. A trapezoidal locking block is slidably connected inside the sliding groove. A connecting mechanism is disposed inside the cavity. Three locking slots are formed on the inner wall of the circular groove, and the specifications of the locking slots are adapted to the trapezoidal locking block. A rotating groove is formed on the surface of the mounting post, and a secondary fixing mechanism is disposed inside the rotating groove.

[0006] As a preferred technical solution of this application, the connecting mechanism includes a movable disk, which is slidably disposed inside the cavity, and a first return spring is fixedly connected between the upper surface of the movable disk and the top wall of the cavity. A vertical rod is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the movable disk, and a triangular block is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the vertical rod.

[0007] As a preferred technical solution of this application, the surface of the triangular block is fixedly connected with three first connecting members, and the three trapezoidal blocks are all fixedly connected with second connecting members on one side surface inside the cavity. The first connecting members and the second connecting members are rotatably connected by a connecting plate through a shaft.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution of this application, the lower end of the vertical rod is fixedly connected to a conical platform, and the outside of the connecting rod is slidably fitted with three pressing blocks extending into the cavity. A pulley is embedded in one end of the pressing block located inside the cavity, and the pressing block contacts the conical platform through the pulley.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution of this application, the secondary fixing mechanism includes a rotating ring, which is rotatably sleeved inside the rotating groove. The mounting column has an annular groove inside, which is connected to the rotating groove and the slot respectively. Three arc-shaped rods are slidably connected inside the annular groove. A fixing rod is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the arc-shaped rod. The lower end of the fixing rod extends into the interior of the rotating groove and is fixedly connected to the rotating ring.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution of this application, the trapezoidal card block has an arc-shaped through groove inside, and the arc of the arc-shaped through groove is adapted to the arc-shaped rod.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution of this application, the outer peripheral surface of the rotating ring is provided with an anti-slip groove.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution of this application, the bottom wall of the rotating groove is provided with a telescopic groove, a top block is slidably connected inside the telescopic groove, a second return spring is fixedly connected between the lower surface of the top block and the bottom wall of the telescopic groove, and four positioning grooves are provided on the lower surface of the rotating ring, the positioning grooves being adapted to the top block.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0014] In the scheme of this application:

[0015] 1. Through the cooperation between the trapezoidal locking block, slot, movable disc, first return spring, connecting plate, triangular block and other structures, the upward pushing of the gripper is automatically locked. When the docking rod is inserted into the circular groove, the trapezoidal locking block is automatically retracted by the inclined surface. After it is aligned with the slot, the first return spring pushes the trapezoidal locking block to spring out and lock it. The whole process does not require tools or rotation and can be completed with one hand. Compared with the existing threaded connection or rotating bayonet structure, it greatly improves the work efficiency of changing different functional grippers in UAV bridge inspection, and avoids the problem of incomplete locking caused by limited operating posture.

[0016] 2. Through the cooperation of the trapezoidal locking block, arc-shaped through groove, arc-shaped rod, fixing rod, rotating ring, top block, second return spring, and positioning groove, the main locking mechanism is secondary fixed. With the trapezoidal locking block already engaged in the slot, the rotating ring drives the arc-shaped rod to insert into the arc-shaped through groove, physically preventing the trapezoidal locking block from retracting inward. Even if the UAV flies for a long time in a high-vibration bridge environment, the gripper will not accidentally fall off due to minor fatigue of the first return spring or vibration impact. The secondary fixing operation is accompanied by clear tactile and audible feedback, ensuring that the operator clearly understands the locked state and eliminating the safety hazard of the gripper falling from a height. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the push-pull type elastic self-locking UAV bridge inspection gripper quick-release connector provided in this application;

[0018] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the gripper body mounted in the push-pull type elastic self-locking UAV bridge inspection gripper quick-release connector provided in this application;

[0019] Figure 3 The first schematic cross-sectional view of the mating rod in the push-pull type elastic self-locking UAV bridge inspection gripper quick-release connector provided in this application;

[0020] Figure 4 The second schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the connecting rod in the push-pull type elastic self-locking UAV bridge inspection gripper quick-release connector provided in this application;

[0021] Figure 5 A first cross-sectional schematic diagram of the mounting column in the push-pull type elastic self-locking UAV bridge inspection gripper quick-release connector provided in this application;

[0022] Figure 6 A second cross-sectional schematic diagram of the mounting column in the push-pull type elastic self-locking UAV bridge inspection gripper quick-release connector provided in this application;

[0023] Figure 7 Provided for this application Figure 4 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0024] Figure 8 Provided for this application Figure 6 Enlarged view of point B in the middle.

[0025] The image shows:

[0026] 1. UAV body; 2. Mounting column; 3. Mounting gripper body; 4. Connecting rod; 5. Circular groove; 6. Cavity; 7. Sliding groove; 8. Trapezoidal block; 9. Slot; 10. Movable plate; 11. Vertical rod; 12. Triangular block; 13. First connecting piece; 14. Second connecting piece; 15. Connecting plate; 16. Conical platform; 17. Pressing block; 18. First return spring; 19. Rotating groove; 20. Rotating ring; 21. Fixing rod; 22. Arc rod; 23. Annular groove; 24. Arc-shaped through groove; 25. Anti-slip groove; 26. Telescopic groove; 27. Top block; 28. Second return spring; 29. ​​Positioning groove; 30. Pulley. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. 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 should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features and technical solutions in the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0030] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0031] Please refer to Figures 1-8 A push-pull type elastic self-locking UAV bridge inspection gripper quick-release connector includes a UAV body 1. A mounting post 2 is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the UAV body 1. A mounting gripper body 3 is provided on the lower side of the mounting post 2. A docking rod 4 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the mounting gripper body 3. A circular groove 5 is opened inside the mounting post 2, which is adapted to the docking rod 4. A cavity 6 is opened inside the docking rod 4. Three sliding grooves 7 are opened on the surface of the docking rod 4, which are connected to the cavity 6. A trapezoidal locking block 8 is slidably connected inside the sliding groove 7. A connecting mechanism is provided inside the cavity 6. Three locking slots 9 are opened on the inner wall of the circular groove 5, which are adapted to the specifications of the trapezoidal locking block 8. A rotating groove 19 is opened on the surface of the mounting post 2, and a secondary fixing mechanism is provided inside the rotating groove 19.

[0032] Furthermore, such as Figures 1-8 As shown, the connecting mechanism includes a movable disk 10, which is slidably disposed inside the cavity 6. A first return spring 18 is fixedly connected between the upper surface of the movable disk 10 and the top wall of the cavity 6. A vertical rod 11 is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the movable disk 10, and a triangular block 12 is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the vertical rod 11.

[0033] Furthermore, such as Figures 1-8 As shown, three first connectors 13 are fixedly connected to the surface of the triangular block 12, and two second connectors 14 are fixedly connected to one side surface of the three trapezoidal blocks 8 located inside the cavity 6. A connecting plate 15 is rotatably connected between the first connectors 13 and the second connectors 14 via a shaft.

[0034] Thus, during installation, the worker aligns the connecting rod 4 and the circular groove 5. Subsequently, under the action of the inclined surface of the trapezoidal block 8, when the trapezoidal block 8 contacts the inner wall of the circular groove 5, it will force the trapezoidal block 8 to slide inside the sliding groove 7. Then, under the action of the first connecting piece 13, the second connecting piece 14, and the connecting plate 15, the vertical rod 11 will move upward. At this time, the first return spring 18 will deform, and after the trapezoidal block 8 moves to the outside of the slot 9, the elastic potential energy stored in the first return spring 18 can make the trapezoidal block 8 automatically snap into the inside of the slot 9, thereby achieving a quick initial installation. When it is necessary to disassemble the hanging claw body 3, when the vertical rod 11 drives the movable plate 10 to move upward, the triangular block 12 will also drive the first connecting piece 13 to move upward. Since the length of the connecting plate 15 is fixed, it will pull the three trapezoidal blocks 8 to move towards the middle. Subsequently, the trapezoidal blocks 8 will disengage from the inside of the slot 9 to facilitate the disassembly of the claw.

[0035] It should be noted that the three connecting plates 15 are initially tilted so that when the three connecting plates 15 are forced to move, the vertical rod 11 can be moved upward under the action of the first connecting member 13, the second connecting member 14 and the connecting plate 15.

[0036] Furthermore, such as Figures 1-8 As shown, a conical platform 16 is fixedly connected to the lower end of the vertical rod 11. Three pressing blocks 17 extending into the cavity 6 are slidably sleeved on the outside of the connecting rod 4. A pulley 30 is embedded in one end of the pressing block 17 located inside the cavity 6. The pressing block 17 contacts the conical platform 16 through the pulley 30.

[0037] Thus, when the staff needs to replace the mounting claw body 3, they will press the three pressing blocks 17 while holding the docking rod 4. At this time, with the cooperation of the pulley 30, the conical platform 16 will be forced to move upward, thereby driving the vertical rod 11 to move upward, so as to facilitate subsequent disassembly.

[0038] Furthermore, such as Figures 1-8As shown, the secondary fixing mechanism includes a rotating ring 20, which is rotatably sleeved inside the rotating groove 19. The mounting column 2 has an annular groove 23 inside, which is connected to the rotating groove 19 and the slot 9 respectively. Three arc-shaped rods 22 are slidably connected inside the annular groove 23. A fixing rod 21 is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the arc-shaped rods 22. The lower end of the fixing rod 21 extends into the interior of the rotating groove 19 and is fixedly connected to the rotating ring 20.

[0039] Thus, by having the staff rotate the rotating ring 20, the arc-shaped rod 22 can be moved under the action of the fixed rod 21. At this time, the arc-shaped rod 22 will slide from the inside of the annular groove 23 into the inside of the slot 9.

[0040] Furthermore, such as Figures 1-8 As shown, the trapezoidal card block 8 has an arc-shaped through groove 24 inside, and the arc of the arc-shaped through groove 24 is adapted to the arc-shaped rod 22.

[0041] Thus, when the trapezoidal block 8 is inserted into the slot 9, the arc-shaped through groove 24 will connect with the annular groove 23, and then the arc-shaped rod 22 will extend into the arc-shaped through groove 24 after extending out of the annular groove 23, thereby achieving secondary fixation of the trapezoidal block 8.

[0042] Furthermore, such as Figures 1-8 As shown, the outer circumferential surface of the rotating ring 20 is provided with an anti-slip groove 25.

[0043] Thus, by using the anti-slip groove 25, the friction between the rotating ring 20 and the fingers of the staff can be further increased.

[0044] Furthermore, such as Figures 1-8 As shown, the bottom wall of the rotating groove 19 is provided with a telescopic groove 26, and a top block 27 is slidably connected inside the telescopic groove 26. A second return spring 28 is fixedly connected between the lower surface of the top block 27 and the bottom wall of the telescopic groove 26. The lower surface of the rotating ring 20 is provided with four positioning grooves 29, which are adapted to the top block 27.

[0045] Thus, when the operator rotates the rotating ring 20, the rotating ring 20 will force the top block 27 to slide inside the telescopic groove 26. When the top block 27 moves to the outside of the positioning groove 29, the second return spring 28 will cause the top block 27 to be locked into the positioning groove 29, thereby giving the operator tactile and auditory feedback, telling the operator that the rotating ring 20 has rotated ninety degrees and the arc rod 22 has rotated from the inside of the annular groove 23 to the inside of the arc through groove 24, thus completing the secondary fixation.

[0046] The usage process of the push-pull type elastic self-locking UAV bridge inspection gripper quick-release connector provided by this invention is as follows:

[0047] First, when the mounting claw body 3 needs to be installed, the operator aligns the docking rod 4 with the circular groove 5 at the lower end of the mounting column 2 and pushes it upward. As the docking rod 4 enters the circular groove 5, the inclined surfaces of the three trapezoidal blocks 8 first contact the inner wall of the circular groove 5. Due to the radial inward squeezing force on the inclined surfaces of the trapezoidal blocks 8, the trapezoidal blocks 8 are forced to slide along the sliding groove 7 into the cavity 6. When the trapezoidal blocks 8 move inward, through the linkage of the second connecting piece 14, the connecting plate 15, and the first connecting piece 13, the triangular block 12 and the vertical rod 11 move upward. At this time, the solid... The first return spring 18, which is fixed between the movable disk 10 and the top wall of the cavity 6, is compressed and stores elastic potential energy. When the docking rod 4 continues to move upward until the trapezoidal block 8 aligns with the three slots 9 on the inner wall of the circular groove 5, the first return spring 18 releases its elastic potential energy, pushing the movable disk 10, the vertical rod 11, and the triangular block 12 downward to reset. Then, through the connecting plate 15, it pushes the three trapezoidal blocks 8 to move outward along the sliding groove 7, so that the trapezoidal blocks 8 are firmly locked into the corresponding slots 9, completing the automatic locking. At this time, the operator can hear a click, indicating that the gripper has been installed in place.

[0048] Then, to further prevent the trapezoidal locking block 8 from accidentally dislodging due to flight vibration, after the trapezoidal locking block 8 is inserted into the locking slot 9, the arc-shaped through groove 24 inside the trapezoidal locking block 8 is aligned with the annular groove 23. The operator manually moves the rotating ring 20, and the rotating ring 20 drives the arc-shaped rod 22 to slide along the annular groove 23 through the fixed rod 21 until the arc-shaped rod 22 is inserted into the arc-shaped through groove 24. At the same time, the telescopic groove 26 at the bottom of the rotating groove 19 is equipped with a top block 27 and a second return spring 28. When the rotating ring 20 rotates 90°, the top block 27 is locked into the positioning groove 29 on the lower surface of the rotating ring 20 under the action of the second return spring 28, and the clicking sound accompanied by a stuttering sensation indicates that the secondary locking has been completed. The anti-slip groove 25 increases the friction of the fingers and facilitates the application of force.

[0049] Finally, when it is necessary to disassemble the mounting gripper body 3, firstly, the rotating ring 20 is reset, that is, the arc-shaped rod 22 is disengaged from the interior of the arc-shaped through groove 24. Then, the operator holds the UAV body 1 or mounting post 2 with one hand and the outer surface of the docking rod 4 with the other hand. During the holding process, the fingers naturally press the three pressing blocks 17. The pressing blocks 17 move inward, and the pulley 30 embedded in their inner end contacts the inclined surface of the conical platform 16, forcing the conical platform 16 to move upward. The conical platform 16 drives the vertical rod 11 and the movable plate 10 to move upward, and the first return spring 18 then... The triangular block 12 is compressed and moves upward with the vertical rod 11. Through the transmission of the first connector 13, the connecting plate 15, and the second connector 14, the three trapezoidal blocks 8 are pulled radially into the cavity 6 along the sliding groove 7, so that the trapezoidal blocks 8 are completely disengaged from the groove 9. At this time, the operator pulls the docking rod 4 downward to pull the hanging claw body 3 out of the mounting column 2, completing the quick disassembly. After releasing the docking rod 4, the first reset spring 18 pushes each component to automatically reset, and the pressing block 17 also returns to its position under the action of the first reset spring 18.

[0050] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0051] Obviously, the embodiments described above are merely some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. The accompanying drawings show preferred embodiments of the present invention, but do not limit the patent scope of the present invention. The present invention can be implemented in many different forms; rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing specific embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any equivalent structures made using the content of this specification and drawings, directly or indirectly applied to other related technical fields, are similarly within the patent protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A push-pull elastic self-locking unmanned aerial vehicle bridge detection clamping jaw quick disassembly and assembly connector, characterized in that, The device includes a drone body (1), a mounting post (2) is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the drone body (1), a mounting claw body (3) is provided on the lower side of the mounting post (2), a docking rod (4) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the mounting claw body (3), a circular groove (5) is provided inside the mounting post (2), the circular groove (5) is adapted to the docking rod (4), a cavity (6) is provided inside the docking rod (4), three sliding grooves (7) are provided on the surface of the docking rod (4), the sliding grooves (7) are connected to the cavity (6), a trapezoidal block (8) is slidably connected inside the sliding groove (7), a connecting mechanism is provided inside the cavity (6), three slots (9) are provided on the inner wall of the circular groove (5), the specifications of the slots (9) are adapted to the trapezoidal block (8), a rotating groove (19) is provided on the surface of the mounting post (2), and a secondary fixing mechanism is provided inside the rotating groove (19).

2. The push-pull type elastic self-locking unmanned aerial vehicle bridge detection clamping jaw quick disassembly and assembly connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting mechanism includes a movable disk (10), which is slidably disposed inside the cavity (6). A first return spring (18) is fixedly connected between the upper surface of the movable disk (10) and the top wall of the cavity (6). A vertical rod (11) is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the movable disk (10), and a triangular block (12) is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the vertical rod (11).

3. The push-pull elastic self-locking unmanned aerial vehicle bridge detection clamping jaw quick disassembly and assembly connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The surface of the triangular block (12) is fixedly connected to three first connectors (13), and the three trapezoidal blocks (8) are fixedly connected to a second connector (14) on one side of the cavity (6). The first connector (13) and the second connector (14) are rotatably connected by a connecting plate (15) through a shaft.

4. The push-pull elastic self-locking unmanned aerial vehicle bridge detection clamping jaw quick disassembly and assembly connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The lower end of the vertical rod (11) is fixedly connected to a conical platform (16). The outer side of the connecting rod (4) is fitted with three pressing blocks (17) that extend into the cavity (6). A pulley (30) is embedded in one end of the pressing block (17) inside the cavity (6). The pressing block (17) contacts the conical platform (16) through the pulley (30).

5. The push-pull elastic self-locking unmanned aerial vehicle bridge detection clamping jaw quick disassembly and assembly connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The secondary fixing mechanism includes a rotating ring (20), which is rotatably sleeved inside the rotating groove (19). The mounting column (2) has an annular groove (23) inside, which is connected to the rotating groove (19) and the slot (9) respectively. Three arc-shaped rods (22) are slidably connected inside the annular groove (23). A fixing rod (21) is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the arc-shaped rod (22). The lower end of the fixing rod (21) extends into the rotating groove (19) and is fixedly connected to the rotating ring (20).

6. A push-pull type elastic self-locking UAV bridge inspection gripper quick-release connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The trapezoidal card block (8) has an arc-shaped through groove (24) inside, and the arc of the arc-shaped through groove (24) is compatible with the arc-shaped rod (22).

7. A push-pull type elastic self-locking UAV bridge inspection gripper quick-release connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The outer circumferential surface of the rotating ring (20) is provided with anti-slip grooves (25).

8. The push-pull type elastic self-locking UAV bridge inspection gripper quick-release connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the rotating groove (19) is provided with a telescopic groove (26), and a top block (27) is slidably connected inside the telescopic groove (26). A second return spring (28) is fixedly connected between the lower surface of the top block (27) and the bottom wall of the telescopic groove (26). The lower surface of the rotating ring (20) is provided with four positioning grooves (29), and the positioning grooves (29) are adapted to the top block (27).

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