Two-axis optoelectronic pod

Abstract

The application relates to the field of photoelectric pods, and provides a two-axis photoelectric pod which comprises a connecting head, a pod body and a rotating frame; the connecting head is provided with a first air hole which is in communication with the inside of the connecting head, the connecting head is used for being connected with a carrier, and the first air hole is located at the front end of the connecting head when the connecting head moves along with the carrier; the pod body comprises a shell and a cooling fin, the shell has a ventilation interlayer, and the cooling fin is arranged in the inside of the shell and partially penetrates into the ventilation interlayer; the rotating frame comprises a connecting arm and two side covers, the two side covers are respectively arranged on the opposite sides of the pod body, the two side covers are hollow in the inside and are in communication with the ventilation interlayer; the connecting arm is connected with the connecting head and the two side covers respectively, the inside of the connecting arm is provided with an air channel, the air channel is directly in communication with the inside of one of the side covers; and the other side cover is provided with a second air hole. The application solves the problem that the photoelectric pod cannot simultaneously consider heat dissipation and compact design.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of optoelectronic pods, and more particularly to a two-axis optoelectronic pod. Background Technology

[0002] A two-axis electro-optical pod is a stable platform equipped with electro-optical sensors and other devices. It achieves target observation, tracking, and imaging through two rotation axes (usually azimuth and pitch axes). Two-axis electro-optical pods are typically installed on flying equipment such as airships or drones.

[0003] A two-axis optoelectronic pod typically includes components such as a connector, connecting arm, and pod body. The pod body houses sensors, circuit boards, and other operating devices. These devices generate heat during operation; if this heat cannot be dissipated promptly, it may cause damage.

[0004] Currently, the industry generally adopts the following design solutions to improve the working performance of two-axis optoelectronic pods: one is to increase the surface area by adding external heat dissipation fins for natural cooling; the other is to use built-in small fans for forced ventilation to promote airflow and achieve cooling.

[0005] However, Method 1 increases wind resistance for the optoelectronic pod and makes the heat dissipation fins more susceptible to damage. In addition, current two-axis optoelectronic pods typically follow a compact design concept. In Method 2, if a fan is installed inside the pod body, not only is a large space required to house the fan and its power supply, but the fan itself also needs a large working space to achieve good heat dissipation, which does not conform to the development concept of optoelectronic pods. Furthermore, Method 2 requires an exhaust port on the pod body, which can easily allow dust and moisture to enter the pod body, thereby affecting the normal operation of circuit boards and other equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the issue of the inability of optoelectronic pods to simultaneously achieve heat dissipation and a compact design, this application provides a two-axis optoelectronic pod.

[0007] The technical solution for a two-axis optoelectronic pod provided in this application is as follows: A two-axis optoelectronic pod, comprising: The connector has a first air hole communicating with its interior. The connector is used to connect with the carrier. When the connector moves with the carrier, the first air hole is located at the front end of the connector. The pod body includes a shell and a heat sink. The shell includes an inner shell and an outer shell, and a ventilated interlayer is provided between the inner shell and the outer shell. The heat sink is located inside the inner shell and partially penetrates the ventilated interlayer. The rotating frame includes a connecting arm and two side covers, which are respectively located on opposite sides of the pod body. Both side covers are hollow inside and communicate with the ventilation interlayer. The connecting arm is connected to the connecting head and the two side covers respectively. The connecting arm has an air passage inside, which is directly connected to the inside of one of the side covers. The other side cover is provided with a second air hole.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, the airflow generated during the flight of the carrier aircraft enters through the first air vent at the front, flows through the air passages in the rotating frame and the side cover into the ventilation jacket of the shell, carrying away the heat from the heat sink, and finally exits through the second air vent. This design eliminates the need for a large-volume fan inside the pod body, saving valuable internal space and meeting the requirements of a compact design for the optoelectronic pod. At the same time, the cooling airflow is independently cooled through the ventilation jacket, preventing external dust and moisture from directly entering the pod body containing precision components, thus protecting the safety of the internal equipment. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for easily damaged large-area heat dissipation fins on the outside of the shell, effectively reducing the pod's flight drag.

[0009] Optionally, the rotating frame further includes a first rotating shaft and two second rotating shafts, wherein the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shafts are hollow inside and open at both ends; The connector is rotatably connected to the rotating frame via the first rotating shaft, and the interior of the connector is connected to the air passage via the first rotating shaft; The side cover and the second rotating shaft correspond one-to-one. The side cover is rotatably connected to the housing through the corresponding second rotating shaft, and the interior of the side cover is connected to the ventilation interlayer through the corresponding second rotating shaft.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, the hollow structure of the first and second rotating shafts is cleverly reused as an airflow channel. While achieving a stable rotating connection between the connector and the rotating frame, and between the side cover and the pod body, it eliminates the need for additional ventilation ducts, further improving the utilization rate of the pod's internal space and the compactness of the overall structure, and ensuring the smooth transmission of cooling airflow.

[0011] Optionally, the two side covers include a first side cover and a second side cover; the first side cover is directly connected to the air passage; the second air hole is provided on the second side cover; The dual-axis optoelectronic pod also includes a fan, which is located inside the second side cover and is used to exhaust the gas inside the second rotating shaft.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, a fan is installed inside the second side cover, making the fan independent of the pod body, thus avoiding occupying the valuable space inside the pod where core equipment is placed; and when the carrier aircraft is hovering or flying at low speed, resulting in insufficient natural air intake, the fan can provide active forced ventilation, thereby ensuring that the pod can obtain excellent heat dissipation in various working conditions.

[0013] Optionally, the two side covers include a first side cover and a second side cover; the first side cover is directly connected to the air passage; the second air hole is provided on the second side cover; The dual-axis optoelectronic pod also includes a fan, which is located inside the first side cover and is used to introduce gas into the second rotating shaft.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, forced air can be delivered to the ventilation jacket, thereby improving the cooling effect.

[0015] Optionally, a Peltier is embedded in the inner shell, with the cold end of the Peltier facing the interior of the inner shell and its hot end facing the ventilated interlayer.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solutions, the fan can achieve forced convection cooling, improving heat dissipation efficiency; the addition of the Peltier device further enhances heat dissipation capacity; the Peltier on the inner shell ensures that the equipment inside the inner shell is at a suitable operating temperature, while the ventilated jacket serves as a heat exchange channel to prevent heat accumulation. Overall, these designs significantly improve the overall temperature control performance and operational stability of the two-axis optoelectronic pod.

[0017] Optionally, the second rotating shaft is connected to the inner shell, and a third air hole for communicating with the ventilation interlayer is provided on the side wall of the second rotating shaft; The inner shell is provided with a fourth air hole for communicating with the end of the second rotating shaft; The two-axis optoelectronic pod also includes a drive unit and a sealing unit. The drive unit is connected to the sealing unit and is used to drive the sealing unit to move or change its posture, thereby allowing the sealing unit to switch between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the seal blocks the third vent but does not block the fourth vent; In the second state, the seal blocks the fourth vent but does not block the third vent.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, effective control of the gas flow path inside the two-axis optoelectronic pod is achieved. Specifically, by setting a third vent on the side wall of the second rotating shaft and opening a fourth vent on the inner shell, combined with the synergistic effect of the drive component and the sealing component, the sealing component can precisely block or open the corresponding vents under different conditions, thereby flexibly adjusting the gas flow direction. This design not only improves the heat dissipation efficiency inside the pod but also enhances the stability and reliability of the system, ensuring that the equipment maintains good working performance under complex operating conditions.

[0019] Optionally, the seal includes a plurality of sealing units evenly spaced along the circumference.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the sealing element is composed of multiple sealing units evenly spaced circumferentially. This design allows the sealing element to switch flexibly in different states, thereby selectively sealing the third or fourth vent. It also allows for multiple third and fourth vents, increasing gas flow efficiency.

[0021] Optionally, the sealing unit includes a first sealing part and a second sealing part, wherein the first sealing part is used to block the third vent, the second sealing part is used to block the fourth vent, and the second sealing part is fan-shaped.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, selective sealing of the third and fourth vents is achieved. Specifically, the first sealing part can precisely seal the third vent to prevent gas flow; the second sealing part is responsible for sealing the fourth vent, and its fan-shaped design makes the spatial layout more reasonable, improving the sealing effect while ensuring the compactness and reliability of the structure. This design allows the two-axis optoelectronic pod to flexibly adjust the ventilation path under different operating conditions, thereby optimizing internal heat dissipation performance or airflow management efficiency.

[0023] Optionally, dustproof nets are provided at both the first and second air holes.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, dust can be effectively prevented from entering the two-axis optoelectronic pod at the first and second vents. Specifically, dustproof nets are added to the first vent of the connector and the second vent on the side cover to prevent particulate matter from the external environment from flowing into the pod with the gas, thereby protecting the internal precision components from contamination and improving the reliability and service life of the equipment.

[0025] Optionally, the connecting arm is provided with a brush, which slidably fits against the dustproof mesh at the first air hole when the connecting arm rotates relative to the connecting head.

[0026] By adopting the above technical solution, a brush can be used to clean the dustproof screen at the first air vent during the rotation of the connecting arm. Specifically, the sliding contact between the brush and the dustproof screen effectively removes accumulated dust and other impurities, thereby maintaining the unobstructed flow of the first air vent and ensuring unimpeded air circulation. This design helps improve the heat dissipation efficiency and operational stability of the entire two-axis optoelectronic pod, while extending the service life of the equipment.

[0027] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. This application provides a design for air cooling by utilizing the oncoming airflow generated by the movement of the carrier aircraft. By cleverly constructing an integrated flow channel from the connector, rotating frame to the pod ventilation interlayer, it eliminates the need for built-in large cooling fans and external protruding fins, achieving the design goals of a highly compact pod and low wind resistance. It also perfectly isolates dust and moisture from entering the core working cavity, significantly improving the safety and working performance of the equipment. 2. The mechanical shaft is hollowed out and reused in the gas transmission channel, further reducing the internal space occupied; a small auxiliary fan is set up, combined with Peltier active cooling and intelligent gas path switching mechanism, to ensure that the pod can achieve powerful and safe heat dissipation as needed in stationary, low-speed flight or extreme weather conditions; 3. By incorporating a dustproof net and a rotating cleaning brush, the heat dissipation air intake channel is endowed with excellent self-cleaning capabilities, significantly reducing the cost of manual maintenance and enhancing the pod's ability to operate continuously and stably. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the two-axis optoelectronic pod provided in this application.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the first embodiment of the two-axis optoelectronic pod provided in this application.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the second embodiment of the two-axis optoelectronic pod provided in this application.

[0031] Figure 4 This application provides Figure 3 Enlarged diagram of point A in the middle.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a partial side sectional view of the second embodiment of the two-axis optoelectronic pod provided in this application.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Connector; 11. First air vent; 2. Pod body; 21. Shell; 211. Inner shell; 2111. Fourth vent; 212. Outer shell; 213. Ventilation interlayer; 22. Heat sink; 3. Rotating frame; 31. Connecting arm; 311. Air passage; 32. First rotating shaft; 33. Second rotating shaft; 331. Third air port; 34. First side cover; 35. Second side cover; 351. Second air port; 4. Fan; 5. Brush; 6. Drive unit; 7. Sealing element; 71. First sealing part; 72. Second sealing part. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1 to 5 This application will be described in further detail.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown in the figure, this application discloses a two-axis optoelectronic pod, including a connector 1, a pod body 2, a rotating frame 3, an azimuth motor, a pitch motor, a fan 4, a dustproof net, and a brush 5.

[0037] Specifically, connector 1 is used to connect with carrier aircraft such as drones, and connector 1 contains air. A first air hole 11 communicating with the interior is provided on the front side of connector 1.

[0038] The pod body 2 includes a shell 21, a heat sink 22, and working components. The working components include circuit boards, cameras, and sensors, which are conventional technologies and will not be described in detail here. The shell 21 includes an inner shell 211 and an outer shell 212, with the working components located within the inner shell 211. A ventilation interlayer 213 exists between the inner shell 211 and the outer shell 212, and the heat sink 22 is located inside the inner shell 211 and partially extends into the ventilation interlayer 213.

[0039] The rotating frame 3 includes a connecting arm 31, a first rotating shaft 32, two side covers, and two second rotating shafts 33. Both the first and second rotating shafts 32 and 33 are hollow and open at both ends. The connecting arm 31 is connected to the two side covers and has an air passage 311 inside. The connector 1 is rotatably connected to the connecting arm 31 via the first rotating shaft 32, and the interior of the connector 1 communicates with the air passage 311 via the first rotating shaft 32. The side covers and second rotating shafts 33 correspond one-to-one, and the side covers are rotatably connected to the housing 21 via their corresponding second rotating shafts 33. The interior of the side covers communicates with the ventilation interlayer 213 via their corresponding second rotating shafts 33. The side walls of the first and second rotating shafts 32 and 33 can be provided with through holes communicating with their interiors, thereby increasing the gas flow area. The two side covers include a first side cover 34 and a second side cover 35. The first side cover 34 is directly connected to the air passage 311, and the second side cover 35 has a second air hole 351.

[0040] An orientation motor is located inside the connector 1 and connected to the first rotating shaft 32. The orientation motor is used to drive the first rotating shaft 32 to rotate, thereby causing the rotating frame 3 to rotate together with the pod body 2, thus realizing the orientation change of the pod body 2.

[0041] The pitch motor is located inside the first side cover 34 and is connected to the corresponding second rotating shaft 33. The pitch motor is used to drive the second rotating shaft 33 to rotate, thereby enabling the pod body 2 to perform pitching motion.

[0042] As the two-axis electro-optical pod moves forward with the carrier aircraft, outside cold air can spontaneously pass through the first vent 11. Furthermore, the air velocity outside the second vent 351 is higher than the air velocity inside, allowing air inside the second side cover 35 to spontaneously exit into the outside through the second vent 351. Therefore, when the two-axis electro-optical pod moves forward with the carrier aircraft, a directional airflow can spontaneously form inside the pod to achieve heat dissipation, helping to save energy. Specifically, outside cold air enters the connector 1 from the first vent 11 on the front side of the connector 1, and then flows sequentially through the first rotating shaft 32, air passage 311, first side cover 34, one of the second rotating shafts 33, ventilation interlayer 213, the other second rotating shaft 33, second side cover 35, and second vent 351.

[0043] The system allows cold air to sequentially dissipate heat from the azimuth motor, pitch motor, and the working components located within the inner housing 211. Furthermore, the cold air cools the working components by flowing through the ventilation jacket 213, eliminating the need for it to enter the inner housing 211 and preventing dust and moisture from entering. Secondly, since the azimuth and pitch motors operate for short periods, the temperature of the working components is typically higher than that of the azimuth and pitch motors themselves. By allowing cold air to dissipate heat from the pitch motor first before cooling the working components, hot air from the ventilation jacket 213 can be prevented from entering the first side cover 34, thus avoiding a rapid temperature rise in the pitch motor. In the long run, this reduces the operating time of the pitch motor in high-temperature environments.

[0044] Furthermore, dustproof screens are provided at both the first air vent 11 and the second air vent 351 to prevent external dust from entering. Additionally, a brush 5 is provided on the connecting arm 31. When the azimuth motor drives the connecting arm 31 to rotate relative to the connecting head 1, the brush 5 can engage with and move relative to the dustproof screen at the first air vent 11, thereby removing dust from the screen and ensuring smooth airflow. Similarly, a brush 5 can also be provided on the pod body 2. When the pitch motor drives the pod body 2 to pitch, the brush 5 can clean the dustproof screen at the second air vent 351.

[0045] like Figure 2As shown, in some embodiments, the fan 4 is disposed within the second side cover 35 or the second rotating shaft 33 connected to the second side cover 35. One side of the fan 4 faces the second rotating shaft 33, and the other side faces the second vent 351. In this case, the fan 4 is used to exhaust the gas inside the second rotating shaft 33 and discharge it to the outside through the second vent 351. The cooling purpose is achieved by drawing hot air from the ventilation jacket 213 into the second side cover 35 and finally introducing it to the outside.

[0046] In other embodiments, the fan 4 is disposed within the first side cover 34 or the second rotating shaft 33 connected to the first side cover 34. The fan 4 is used to guide air from the air passage 311 into the ventilation interlayer 213.

[0047] The heat dissipation effect can be enhanced by adding a Peltier. For example, a Peltier is embedded in the inner shell 211, with the cold end of the Peltier facing the inside of the inner shell 211 and its hot end facing the ventilation jacket 213. The heat inside the inner shell 211 is introduced into the ventilation jacket 213 through the Peltier and is eventually carried away by the airflow.

[0048] Example 2

[0049] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the flow direction of the airflow within the biaxial optoelectronic pod has been optimized.

[0050] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the end of the second rotating shaft 33 is connected to the inner shell 211, and the side wall of the second rotating shaft 33 is provided with a third vent 331 for communicating with the ventilation interlayer 213. The inner shell 211 is provided with a fourth vent 2111 for communicating with the end of the second rotating shaft 33.

[0051] The two-axis optoelectronic pod also includes a drive unit 6 and a seal 7. The drive unit 6 is connected to the seal 7 and is used to drive the seal 7 to move or change its attitude, thereby allowing the seal 7 to switch between a first state and a second state.

[0052] For example, the drive unit 6 can be located inside the pod body 2, and the drive unit 6 can be a motor. The motor drives the seal 7 to rotate, thereby switching the state of the seal 7.

[0053] In the first state, the seal 7 blocks the third vent 331 but does not block the fourth vent 2111. At this time, the airflow can flow through the fourth vent 2111 through the interior of the inner shell 211, so that the airflow can directly contact the working parts inside the inner shell 211.

[0054] In the second state, the seal 7 blocks the fourth vent 2111 but does not block the third vent 331. At this time, the airflow flows through the third vent 331 through the ventilation jacket 213, indirectly dissipating heat from the working parts by carrying away the hot air in the ventilation jacket 213.

[0055] In practice, the seal 7 can be switched to different states depending on the operating conditions. For example, when there is little dust or moisture in the outside air, or when rapid heat dissipation of the working parts is required, the seal 7 can be switched to the first state, allowing heat exchange through direct airflow contact with the working parts, thereby enhancing the heat dissipation effect.

[0056] When there is a lot of dust or moisture in the outside air, the seal 7 can be switched to the second state, thereby indirectly dissipating heat from the working parts and preventing dust or moisture from entering the interior of the inner shell 211.

[0057] A dustproof mesh may be installed inside the fourth vent 2111. The sealing element 7 may include multiple sealing units evenly spaced circumferentially. Each sealing unit includes a first sealing part 71 and a second sealing part 72. The first sealing part 71 may be an arc-shaped plate and is used to block the third vent 331. The second sealing part 72 is used to block the fourth vent 2111. Both the second sealing part 72 and the fourth vent may be fan-shaped.

Claims

1. A two-axis optoelectronic pod, characterized in that, include: The connector (1) is provided with a first air hole (11) communicating with its interior. The connector (1) is used to connect with the carrier. When the connector (1) moves with the carrier, the first air hole (11) is located at the front end of the connector (1). The pod body (2) includes a shell (21) and a heat sink (22). The shell (21) includes an inner shell (211) and an outer shell (212). There is a ventilation interlayer (213) between the inner shell (211) and the outer shell (212). The heat sink (22) is located inside the inner shell (211) and partially penetrates into the ventilation interlayer (213). The rotating frame (3) includes a connecting arm (31) and two side covers. The two side covers are respectively located on opposite sides of the pod body (2). Both side covers are hollow inside and communicate with the ventilation interlayer (213). The connecting arm (31) is connected to the connector (1) and the two side covers respectively. The connecting arm (31) has an air passage (311) inside. The air passage (311) communicates with the inside of the connector (1) and the inside of one of the side covers. The other side cover is provided with a second air hole (351).

2. The dual-axis optoelectronic pod according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating frame (3) also includes a first rotating shaft (32) and two second rotating shafts (33), both of which are hollow inside and open at both ends; The connector (1) is rotatably connected to the rotating frame (3) via the first rotating shaft (32), and the interior of the connector (1) is connected to the air passage (311) via the first rotating shaft (32); The side cover and the second rotating shaft (33) correspond one-to-one. The side cover is rotatably connected to the housing (21) through the corresponding second rotating shaft (33). The interior of the side cover is connected to the ventilation interlayer (213) through the corresponding second rotating shaft (33).

3. The dual-axis optoelectronic pod according to claim 2, characterized in that: The two side covers include a first side cover (34) and a second side cover (35); the first side cover (34) is directly connected to the air passage (311); the second air hole (351) is provided on the second side cover (35); The dual-axis optoelectronic pod also includes a fan (4), which is located inside the second side cover (35) and is used to exhaust the gas inside the second rotating shaft (33).

4. The dual-axis optoelectronic pod according to claim 2, characterized in that: The two side covers include a first side cover (34) and a second side cover (35); the first side cover (34) is directly connected to the air passage (311); the second air hole (351) is provided on the second side cover (35); The dual-axis optoelectronic pod also includes a fan (4), which is located inside the first side cover (34) and is used to introduce gas into the second rotating shaft (33).

5. The dual-axis optoelectronic pod according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: A Peltier is embedded in the inner shell (211), with the cold end of the Peltier facing the interior of the inner shell (211) and its hot end facing the ventilated interlayer (213).

6. The dual-axis optoelectronic pod according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second rotating shaft (33) is connected to the inner shell (211), and the side wall of the second rotating shaft (33) is provided with a third air hole (331) for communicating with the ventilation interlayer (213). The inner shell (211) is provided with a fourth vent (2111) for communicating with the end of the second rotating shaft (33). The two-axis optoelectronic pod also includes a drive unit (6) and a seal (7). The drive unit (6) is connected to the seal (7) and is used to drive the seal (7) to move or change its posture, thereby allowing the seal (7) to switch between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the seal (7) blocks the third vent (331) but does not block the fourth vent (2111). In the second state, the seal (7) blocks the fourth vent (2111) but does not block the third vent (331).

7. The dual-axis optoelectronic pod according to claim 6, characterized in that: The sealing element (7) includes a plurality of sealing units evenly spaced along the circumference.

8. The dual-axis optoelectronic pod according to claim 7, characterized in that: The sealing unit includes a first sealing part (71) and a second sealing part (72). The first sealing part (71) is used to block the third vent (331), and the second sealing part (72) is used to block the fourth vent (2111). The second sealing part (72) is fan-shaped.

9. The dual-axis optoelectronic pod according to claim 1, characterized in that: Dustproof nets are provided at both the first air hole (11) and the second air hole (351).

10. The dual-axis optoelectronic pod according to claim 9, characterized in that: The connecting arm (31) is provided with a brush (5). When the connecting arm (31) rotates relative to the connecting head (1), the brush (5) slides against the dustproof net at the first air hole (11).

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