Electromagnetic throwing lock and mobile platform
By using an electromagnet-driven throwing lock and a double-hook linkage mechanism, the problem of insufficient signal feedback during the loading and unloading process of UAV throwing equipment is solved, enabling real-time monitoring and rapid response of the load status, and reducing the failure rate and loading cost.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520382304.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-24
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-03-06
AI Technical Summary
Existing drone-launched equipment lacks signal feedback during loading and unloading of cargo, making it impossible to monitor the loading status. The servo drive structure has a high failure rate, slow response speed, and high cost.
The throwing lock, driven by an electromagnet, combined with a double-hook linkage mechanism and an inductive switch, enables real-time monitoring of the load status and allows for manual operation in case of failure, reducing the failure rate and improving response speed and loading efficiency.
It enables real-time monitoring of load status and rapid loading and unloading, reducing the failure rate, improving response speed and loading efficiency, and is suitable for the dropping of heavy relief supplies.
Smart Images

Figure CN223934958U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of drone throwing technology, specifically to an electromagnetic throwing lock and a mobile platform. Background Technology
[0002] With the emergence of multi-rotor drone structures, the drone industry has entered a phase of rapid development. Drones, as flight platforms, can carry drop devices and are widely used in power line installation, rescue, police work, firefighting, and mobile horizontal bar suspension. However, as the application scope of drop devices continues to expand, their shortcomings are becoming increasingly apparent. When loading cargo, both the load and the drop device must be operated simultaneously; if the drop device is not activated, cargo cannot be loaded. If temporary unloading of cargo is required or the electric equipment malfunctions, manual unloading is not possible; the drop device must be activated via the controller. There is no signal feedback during loading and unloading, making it impossible to monitor whether cargo has been loaded or deployed on the drone or other mobile platform. The servo motors and their rocker arm mechanisms use gear structures, resulting in a high failure rate and high manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the response of the servo-driven drop lock is determined by the inherent structural characteristics of the servo motor itself, making extremely fast response times impossible. Utility Model Content
[0003] Technical problem to be solved by the utility model
[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide an electromagnetic throwing lock with high thrust, strong load capacity for throwing items, fast response, and low failure rate. When the throwing lock or controller fails or there are other needs, it can conveniently load or unload loads without relying on control circuits and power supply. When loading the throwing load, it can be completed by pushing in the hook, which is more efficient and faster. This throwing lock has a feedback switch to monitor whether the throwing equipment on the mobile platform has loaded or unloaded the goods. The cost of the throwing lock driven by the electromagnet is lower than that of the servo motor driven one.
[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a mobile platform suitable for realizing multi-channel integrated throwing equipment.
[0006] Technical solution
[0007] To solve the above problems, the technical solution provided by this utility model is as follows:
[0008] An electromagnetic throwing lock includes a lock case and an electromagnet. The electromagnet includes an iron core, a coil, and a return spring. The iron core passes through the coil. The manual end of the iron core extends out of the coil and the lock case. The actuating end of the iron core is rotatably connected to the driving end of a first locking hook and is provided with a return spring. The first locking hook is hinged to the lock case. The actuating end of the first locking hook has a latch protrusion and is fitted with a second locking hook. The second locking hook is hinged to the lock case. The second locking hook has a latch notch that engages with the latch protrusion. A torsion spring is provided on the opposite side of the latch notch. A snap-fit arc petal is provided on the same side of the latch notch, and after rotation, it hooks a load hook in a hook notch in the lock case. The side of the snap-fit arc petal facing the hook notch is inclined. The second locking hook is fitted with a sensor switch.
[0009] Electromagnetic drive replaces servo motors: Using electromagnets for drive, compared with the traditional servo motor gear structure, it eliminates the risk of mechanical wear, reduces the failure rate, and improves response speed (millisecond level), meeting the needs of emergency throwing.
[0010] Manual operation: The manual end of the iron core is exposed, allowing for direct manual pushing and pulling to unlock in case of power failure or malfunction, ensuring reliability in emergency situations.
[0011] Double-hook linkage mechanism: The first and second hooks form a two-stage locking mechanism through the buckle protrusion / notch. Combined with the torsion spring and the inclined guide of the buckle arc, it ensures the self-locking and rapid release of the load hook in the lock housing notch, improving the stability of throwing.
[0012] Status monitoring function: The sensor switch detects the position of the second locking hook in real time and provides feedback on the load loading / unloading status, which facilitates the monitoring of the operation process by the drone platform.
[0013] Optionally, the first lock hook is provided with a limiting protrusion, and the inner wall of the lock housing contacts and limits the movement of the limiting protrusion.
[0014] The limiting protrusion contacts and limits the movement of the lock housing, preventing the first locking hook from overtraveling, avoiding structural deformation or jamming, and enhancing mechanical durability.
[0015] Optionally, the inner side of the snap-fit arc flap is adapted to the load hook.
[0016] The inner shape of the snap-fit arc flap matches the load hook, increasing the contact area, dispersing stress, and preventing localized wear.
[0017] Optionally, the tip of the snap-fit arc flap has a rounded corner structure.
[0018] The rounded corners at the tip reduce frictional resistance with the hook, preventing surface scratches, extending component life, and improving the smoothness of hook insertion.
[0019] Optionally, the second locking hook is rotatably connected to the lock housing via a second pin, and the torsion spring is snapped onto the second pin. The pressing end of the torsion spring abuts against the second locking hook, and the limiting end of the torsion spring abuts against the limiting post protrusion of the lock housing.
[0020] The torsion spring is fixed by the second pin to ensure that the end of the torsion spring always effectively abuts against the second locking hook, avoiding elastic failure caused by vibration and maintaining the stability of the locking hook's automatic reset.
[0021] Optionally, the opposite end of the latch notch of the second hook is provided with a sensing flap that abuts against the sensing spring of the inductive switch.
[0022] The limiting contact design between the sensing flap and the sensing spring ensures accurate switching of the switch state when the second locking hook is in place, avoiding false alarms or missed alarms.
[0023] Optionally, the contact surface of the sensing lobe is a convex arc surface.
[0024] The convex arc surface reduces contact wear between the sensing flap and the spring, extending the service life of the sensing element and reducing mechanical noise.
[0025] Optionally, the contact area between the first and second locking hooks is provided with a wear-resistant coating.
[0026] The lock hook contact surface is coated with a wear-resistant coating (such as ceramic or Teflon), which significantly reduces wear during high-frequency locking / unlocking actions and is suitable for long-term high-load operation scenarios.
[0027] A mobile platform includes the aforementioned electromagnetic throwing lock, comprising a throwing device frame, a throwing controller and several mounting rods on the throwing device frame, the throwing controller being electrically connected to the electromagnet, and a throwing lock being mounted on the mounting rods.
[0028] The launcher frame and mounting rod design supports the parallel installation of multiple locks, facilitating the construction of multi-channel launching systems (such as simultaneously launching multiple rescue packs). The launching controller centrally manages the electromagnet power supply, achieving precise timing control, reducing system complexity and wiring costs, and adapting to space-constrained mobile platforms such as drones.
[0029] Beneficial effects
[0030] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution provided by this utility model has the following advantages:
[0031] The technical solution provided by this utility model directly drives the locking hook with an electromagnet, eliminating the complex gear structure of traditional servo motors and the risks of gear wear and jamming, thus improving mechanical stability and reducing the failure rate by more than 70%. The exposed manual end of the iron core allows for direct manual unlocking in case of power failure or circuit malfunction, avoiding the "inability to unload in emergencies" problem caused by the single drive method of traditional electric throwing locks. The electromagnet's power on / off state controls the locking hook's movement, reducing the response time from hundreds of milliseconds for servo motors to milliseconds, meeting the needs of emergency throwing scenarios. The interlocking design of the first and second locking hooks, combined with the torsion spring and self-locking of the latch arc, can withstand greater load impacts and is suitable for suspending heavy rescue supplies or power equipment. The inductive switch works in conjunction with the inductive flap of the second locking hook to provide real-time feedback on the hook's locking / unlocking status to the controller, solving the "blind operation" problem of traditional throwing locks and facilitating automated monitoring of the operation process on UAV platforms. When the load hook is pushed into the locking housing notch, the inclined surface of the latch arc automatically guides and locks it, eliminating the need to pre-start the throwing equipment and improving loading efficiency by more than 50%. Attached Figure Description
[0032] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of an electromagnetic throwing lock proposed for an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 1 ;
[0033] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of an electromagnetic throwing lock proposed for an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 2 ;
[0034] Figure 3 A top-view schematic diagram of a mobile platform proposed for an embodiment of this utility model;
[0035] Figure 4 A slanted upward view of a mobile platform according to an embodiment of this utility model;
[0036] 1. Throwing lock; 11. Iron core; 12. Coil; 13. Return spring; 14. First locking hook; 141. Limiting protrusion; 142. First pin; 143. Buckle protrusion; 15. Second locking hook; 151. Second pin; 152. Buckle notch; 153. Sensing flap; 154. Snap-on arc flap; 16. Torsion spring; 17. Induction switch; 171. Induction spring; 18. Load hook; 19. Mounting hole; 120. Lock housing; 1201. Limiting post protrusion; 1202. Limiting shell protrusion; 1203. Hook notch; 2. Throwing device frame; 3. Fixing hole; 4. Throwing controller; 5. Wiring harness; 6. Mounting rod. Detailed Implementation
[0037] To further understand the content of this utility model, a detailed description of this utility model will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0038] Example
[0039] Combined with appendix Figure 1-2 An electromagnetic throwing lock includes a lock housing 120 and an electromagnet. The lock housing 120 is made of aluminum alloy, and the electromagnet is fixedly installed inside. The iron core 11 of the electromagnet is a cylindrical magnetic steel. Its manual end extends to the outside of the lock housing 120 to form a push-pull handle, and its actuating end is hinged to a first lock via a pin. A return spring 13 is sleeved on the actuating end of the iron core 11, keeping the iron core 11 in a retracted state under normal conditions. The electromagnet includes an iron core 11, a coil 12, and a return spring 13, and the electromagnet is located at the top inside the lock housing 120. The lock housing 120 is rectangular, with a mounting hole 19 at the top for fixing to a mounting rod 6 with screws. The top inside the lock housing 120 has mounting ribs for fixing the outer shell of the coil 12.
[0040] The iron core 11 passes through the coil 12. The manual end of the iron core 11 protrudes from the coil 12 and the lock housing 120. The lock housing 120 has a through hole for the manual end of the iron core 11 to pass through. The actuating end of the iron core 11 is rotatably connected to the driving end of the first locking hook 14 and is equipped with a return spring 13. A limit ring is fixed to the actuating end of the iron core 11. The return spring 13 is connected to the outer shell of the coil 12 and the limit ring. After the iron core 11 moves to the left, it can be elastically reset to the right by the return spring 13. The driving end of the first locking hook 14 is an extension rod. The extension rod extends into the actuating end of the iron core 11 and is limited by a pin. The end of the extension rod is slightly larger for limiting and preventing it from coming out.
[0041] The first locking hook 14 is hinged to the lock housing 120 via a first pin 142, which is located to the left of the first locking hook 14. A limiting protrusion 141 is provided on the right side of the first locking hook 14. A limiting shell protrusion 1202 on the inner wall of the lock housing 120 contacts and limits the locking position against the limiting protrusion 141. The first locking hook 14 is vertical and swings left and right via the first pin 142. The first locking hook 14 is hinged to the inside of the lock housing 120, and its driving end is rotatably connected to the actuating end of the iron core 11. The actuating end has a latch protrusion 143. The limiting shell protrusion 1202 on the inner wall of the lock housing 120 contacts the limiting protrusion 141 of the first locking hook 14, limiting its swing angle to no more than 30°.
[0042] The first locking hook 14 has a latch protrusion 143 on the left side of its actuating end (bottom) and a second locking hook 15 therebetween. The second locking hook 15 is hinged to the lock housing 120 via a second pin 151 and is horizontally positioned. The second locking hook 15 has a latch notch 152 that mates with the latch protrusion 143. The latch notch 152 is located at the right end of the second locking hook 15. A torsion spring 16 is located on the opposite side of the latch notch 152 (i.e., the top of the second locking hook 15) for compression. On the same side of the latch notch 152 (i.e., the bottom of the second locking hook 15), a snap-fit arc petal 154 is located, which, after rotation, hooks the load hook 18 in the hook notch 1203 of the lock housing 120. The snap-fit arc petal 154 is almost parallel to the second locking hook 15. The second locking hook 15 is hinged to the lock housing 120 via a second pin 151. One end of the second locking hook 15 has a latch notch 152 that matches the latch protrusion 143, and the other end has a snap-fit arc petal 154. The inner side of the buckle flap 154 is an arc-shaped concave surface that matches the load hook 18, and the tip adopts an R2 rounded corner design. A torsion spring 16 is installed on the second pin 151, and its pressing end abuts against the second locking hook 15, forcing the buckle notch 152 to always press against the first locking hook 14.
[0043] The right end of the hook notch 152 (i.e. the top of the second hook 15) is an arc surface, and the upper end of the corresponding hook protrusion 143 is a matching concave arc surface. The arc surface and the concave arc surface cooperate to provide rotation space when the second hook 15 rotates, so that it will not get stuck.
[0044] The side of the snap-fit arc petal 154 facing the hook notch 1203 is a slope, more specifically a sloping arc surface. In a broader sense, if only the attribute of "inclination" is considered, the sloping arc surface can be considered a special kind of slope, because it also has an angle of inclination relative to the horizontal plane. The right end of the slope is higher and the left end is lower. When the load hook 18 is hooked into the hook notch 1203, the second locking hook 15 is rotated counterclockwise by the force of the slope. The snap-fit arc petal 154 makes way for the hook notch 1203, allowing the load hook 18 to reach the deepest part of the hook notch 1203. After it is in place, the second locking hook 15 rotates clockwise to reset and engages with the first locking hook 14 to lock.
[0045] The inner side of the snap-fit arc petal 154 is adapted to the load hook 18. The part of the load hook 18 used for hooking is a thin rod structure, and the inner side of the snap-fit arc petal 154 is a circular recess that is adapted to the thin rod structure.
[0046] The tip of the snap-on arc flap 154 has a rounded corner structure.
[0047] The second locking hook 15 is rotatably connected to the lock housing 120 via the second pin 151. A torsion spring 16 is fastened to the second pin 151. The pressing end of the torsion spring 16 abuts against the second locking hook 15, and the limiting end of the torsion spring 16 abuts against the limiting post protrusion 1201 of the lock housing 120.
[0048] The second locking hook 15 is equipped with a sensor switch 17. The opposite end of the latch notch 152 of the second locking hook 15 has a sensor flap 153, which abuts against the sensor spring 171 of the sensor switch 17. The sensor switch 17 is connected to the throwing controller 4.
[0049] The contact surface of the sensing petal 153 is a convex arc surface. The connection between the sensing petal 153 and the second locking hook 15 is a groove to prevent interference between the sensing spring 171 and the connection, thus affecting the triggering of the inductive switch 17. The sensing petal 153 extends from the opposite side of the latch notch 152 of the second locking hook, and its contact surface is a convex arc surface, which abuts against the spring of the micro switch (inductive switch 17) inside the lock housing 120. The contact surfaces of the first locking hook 14 and the second locking hook 15 are coated with a tungsten carbide wear-resistant coating.
[0050] The contact area between the first hook 14 and the second hook 15 is provided with a wear-resistant coating.
[0051] Combined with appendix Figure 3-4 A mobile platform includes an electromagnetic throwing lock 1 and a throwing device frame 2. The throwing device frame 2 is equipped with a throwing controller 4 and several mounting rods 6. The throwing controller 4 is electrically connected to an electromagnet via a wiring harness 5. The throwing lock 1 is mounted on each of the mounting rods 6. The throwing device frame 2 has fixing holes 3 for mounting screws. In this embodiment, there are three mounting rods 6, with the throwing lock 1 mounted at both ends of the mounting rods 6, and the throwing device frame 2 connected to the middle of the mounting rods 6.
[0052] Working principle:
[0053] The controller drives the electromagnet coil 12, causing the iron core 11 to move linearly. The front end of the iron core 11 is hinged to the first locking hook 14, which drives the first locking hook 14 to rotate, thereby causing the second locking hook 15 to disengage. The load hook 18 hanging on the second locking hook 15 is released from the second locking hook 15 after the second locking hook 15 is released, realizing the throwing function.
[0054] During loading, the load hook 18 engages with the second locking hook 15 from bottom to top. Due to the action of the electromagnet's return spring 13, the first locking hook 14 automatically locks when the second locking hook 15 is engaged, ensuring the load is fixed on the throwing lock 1. If necessary, the iron core 11 can be manually pulled out to temporarily unload the loaded goods. The second locking hook 15, in both locked and unhooked positions, will trigger the induction switch 17 to identify whether the load is attached to the throwing device.
[0055] Throwing phase:
[0056] Electromagnetic drive unlocking: The controller energizes the electromagnet coil 12 (in this embodiment, it is 24V-8A, but it can be used with different electromagnet specifications, and the applicable electrical parameters are wide-ranging and not fixed to a single value). The iron core 11 extends outward under the action of magnetic force, pushing the first locking hook 14 to swing counterclockwise, and its buckle protrusion 143 disengages from the buckle notch 152 of the second locking hook 15. The second locking hook 15 rotates rapidly clockwise under the action of the torsion spring 16, and the latching arc petal 154 releases the load hook 18, completing the throwing. Response speed: It takes 15ms from energization to the complete unlocking of the locking hook, and the load (50kg) is released from the drone under the action of gravity. Status reset: After throwing, the sensing petal 153 presses the micro switch spring, and the controller displays the "unloaded" status. Emergency manual operation: If the electromagnet power supply fails, the operator can directly pull the manual end of the iron core 11 outward to force the first locking hook 14 to disengage from the second locking hook 15, thus achieving manual operation. No power is required throughout the process. The emergency operation is only for use on the ground and is only used for unloading goods on the ground. It cannot be operated when throwing goods in the air.
[0057] Load Capacity Test: Simulating drone flight on a vibration table (frequency 20Hz, amplitude ±5mm), the throwing lock 1 stably supported a 15kg load without abnormal unlocking. Lifespan Test: After 5000 consecutive locking / unlocking cycles, the wear-resistant coating showed no peeling, and the lock hook clearance changed by less than 0.1mm. Environmental Adaptability: In an environment of -20℃ low temperature and 85% humidity, the electromagnet drive response time remained within 20ms, and the inductive switch 17 was triggered without error.
[0058] Application scenario example:
[0059] A firefighting drone is equipped with four sets of electromagnetic throwing locks (1), each independently controlled. During wildfire rescue missions, the drone flies above the fire and uses its camera to identify the location of trapped personnel. The controller simultaneously calculates the optimal throwing timing. Upon approaching the target point, all four throwing locks (1) release their fire extinguishing hooks simultaneously within 50ms, accurately delivering supplies. If one channel of the aerial throwing device malfunctions and cannot drop the load, the drone should land, ground personnel manually unload the cargo, and then load the cargo onto one of the other working channels on the throwing device to continue the mission. The entire process does not affect rescue efficiency.
[0060] The present invention and its embodiments have been described above illustratively. This description is not restrictive, and the figures shown are only one embodiment of the present invention; the actual structure is not limited thereto. Therefore, if those skilled in the art are inspired by this description and design similar structures and embodiments without departing from the inventive spirit of the present invention, such designs should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. An electromagnetic throwing lock, characterized in that, The device includes a lock case and an electromagnet. The electromagnet includes an iron core, a coil, and a return spring. The iron core passes through the coil, and the manual end of the iron core extends out of the coil and the lock case. The actuating end of the iron core is rotatably connected to the driving end of a first locking hook and is equipped with a return spring. The first locking hook is hinged to the lock case. The actuating end of the first locking hook has a latch protrusion and is equipped with a second locking hook. The second locking hook is hinged to the lock case and has a latch notch that mates with the latch protrusion. A torsion spring is provided on the opposite side of the latch notch. A snap-fit arc petal is provided on the same side of the latch notch, and after rotation, it hooks a load hook in the hook notch of the lock case. The side of the snap-fit arc petal facing the hook notch is inclined. The second locking hook is equipped with a sensor switch.
2. The electromagnetic throwing lock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first lock hook is provided with a limiting protrusion, and the inner wall of the lock shell contacts and limits the movement of the limiting protrusion.
3. The electromagnetic throwing lock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner side of the buckle arc is adapted to the load hook.
4. An electromagnetic throwing lock according to claim 3, characterized in that, The tip of the snap-fit arc flap has a rounded corner structure.
5. An electromagnetic throwing lock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second locking hook is rotatably connected to the lock housing via a second pin. The torsion spring is engaged on the second pin. The pressing end of the torsion spring abuts against the second locking hook, and the limiting end of the torsion spring abuts against the limiting post protrusion of the lock housing.
6. An electromagnetic throwing lock according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opposite end of the buckle notch of the second locking hook is provided with a sensing flap that abuts against the sensing spring of the induction switch.
7. An electromagnetic throwing lock according to claim 6, characterized in that, The contact surface of the sensing petal is a convex arc surface.
8. An electromagnetic throwing lock according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The contact area between the first and second locking hooks is provided with a wear-resistant coating.
9. A mobile platform comprising the electromagnetic throwing lock according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The device includes a throwing device frame, on which a throwing controller and several mounting rods are provided. The throwing controller is electrically connected to the electromagnet, and a throwing lock is installed on the mounting rod.