Marine unmanned aerial vehicle folding and unfolding platform and unmanned aerial vehicle system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a marine unmanned aerial vehicle deploying and retracting platform and an unmanned aerial vehicle system, the platform comprises a platform base and four groups of clamping assemblies, the upper part of the platform base is provided with a table top, the table top is used for supporting an unmanned aerial vehicle, each clamping assembly comprises a vertical clamping arm, the clamping arms of every two groups of clamping assemblies are matched with each other, and the clamping arms of every two groups of clamping assemblies are matched with each other. The wings are used for clamping wings of the unmanned aerial vehicle; each clamping assembly has a clamping state and an opening state, and in the clamping state, the clamping arms of the two clamping assemblies get close to each other to clamp the wings of the unmanned aerial vehicle; and in the opening state, the clamping arms of the two clamping assemblies are far away from each other, and the wings of the unmanned aerial vehicle are released. The unmanned aerial vehicle can be opened, released, clamped and recycled, and the unmanned aerial vehicle can be released and recycled in the marine environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, and more specifically, to a marine UAV launch and recovery platform, and to a UAV system having the marine UAV launch and recovery platform. Background Technology

[0002] In marine environments, drones are typically used for observation, data collection, and deployment. Unlike typical terrestrial environments, marine environments require dedicated drone platforms for takeoff and landing. However, these platforms frequently encounter rough seas, causing them to sway and become unusable. This can prevent drones from properly taking off and landing, potentially causing them to slip off the platform and fall into the sea, thus disrupting normal takeoff and landing operations.

[0003] Therefore, a new solution is needed to address this problem. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a marine unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launch and recovery platform and UAV system.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A marine unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launch and recovery platform includes a platform base and four sets of clamping assemblies. The platform base has a platform surface on its upper part for supporting the UAV. Each clamping assembly includes a vertical clamping arm. The clamping arms of every two sets of clamping assemblies cooperate to clamp the UAV's wings. The clamping assemblies have a clamped state and an open state. In the clamped state, the clamping arms of the two sets of clamping assemblies approach each other to clamp the UAV's wings. In the open state, the clamping arms of the two sets of clamping assemblies move away from each other to release the UAV's wings.

[0007] The present invention is further configured such that a clamping gap is formed between the two clamping arms that cooperate with each other; when clamped, the distance of the clamping gap is adapted to the wing of the UAV.

[0008] The present invention is further configured such that the clamping assembly includes a rotating shaft and a connecting rod, the rotating shaft being rotatably connected to the platform base, the connecting rod being fixedly connected to the upper end of the rotating shaft, and the clamping arm being fixedly connected to the connecting rod and offset relative to the axis of the rotating shaft.

[0009] The present invention is further configured such that the clamping assembly also includes a motor, and the rotating shaft is driven to rotate by the motor.

[0010] The present invention is further configured such that the motor is a stepper motor, which can control the rotation angle of the shaft.

[0011] The present invention is further provided that a support frame is fixedly connected to the lower outer side of the platform base.

[0012] The present invention is further configured such that a pressure sensor is provided on the platform base, and the pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure of the drone on the platform.

[0013] The present invention is further configured such that a power supply and a satellite locator are provided inside the platform base.

[0014] This utility model also provides an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system, including a UAV and a marine UAV launch and recovery platform as described above.

[0015] The present invention is further configured such that the drone is a fixed-wing drone, comprising two wings.

[0016] In summary, this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] The platform base can support the drone, enabling its release and landing. Four clamping arms are installed on the platform base, with each pair of clamping arms working together to form a clamping structure that can clamp and secure the drone. By adjusting the opening and closing of the clamping arms, the drone can be released and retrieved, enabling the release and retrieval of the drone in marine environments. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a marine unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launch and recovery platform in this embodiment;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the clamped state in this embodiment;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a 3D view of the open state in this embodiment;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping component in this embodiment.

[0022] Reference numerals: Platform base 1; Tabletop 11; Support frame 12; Clamping assembly 2; Rotary shaft 21; Connecting rod 22; Clamping arm 23; Clamping gap 231; Motor 24; UAV 3; Wing 31. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0024] This embodiment discloses a marine unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launch and recovery platform, referring to... Figures 1-4 As shown, it includes a platform base 1 and four sets of clamping components 2. The upper part of the platform base 1 is provided with a table 11, which is used to support the drone 3.

[0025] In this embodiment, the drone 3 is a fixed-wing drone, including two wings 31. Each clamping assembly 2 includes an upright clamping arm 23. The clamping arms 23 of the four sets of clamping assemblies 2 are parallel to each other and can be adjusted relative to each other. The clamping arms 23 of each pair of clamping assemblies 2 cooperate with each other to form a clamping gap 231 between the two clamping arms 23, which can clamp the wings 31 of the drone 3 and clamp and limit the drone 3.

[0026] The clamping assembly 2 has a clamped state and an open state. A clamping gap 231 is formed between the two cooperating clamping arms 23, and the distance of the clamping gap 231 is adapted to the wing 31 of the drone 3. In the clamped state, the clamping arms 23 of the two sets of clamping assemblies 2 move closer to each other to clamp the wing 31 of the drone 3.

[0027] When in the open state, the clamping arms 23 of the two sets of clamping components 2 move away from each other, and the distance of the clamping gap 231 increases, thereby enabling the release of the wings 31 of the drone 3.

[0028] Reference Figure 4 As shown, the clamping assembly 2 also includes a rotating shaft 21 and a connecting rod 22. The rotating shaft 21 is rotatably connected to the platform base 1's table surface 11. The upper end of the rotating shaft 21 extends into the upper side of the table surface 11, and the connecting rod 22 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the rotating shaft 21. The clamping arm 23 is fixedly connected to the connecting rod 22 and is offset relative to the axis of the rotating shaft 21.

[0029] During the rotation of the shaft 21, the positions of the connecting rod 22 and the clamping arm 23 will deflect, thereby changing the clamping gap 231 between the two clamping arms 23. A smaller clamping gap 231 can clamp the drone 3, securing the drone during its descent and recovery; a larger clamping gap 231 can release the drone.

[0030] Furthermore, the lower end of the rotating shaft 21 extends into the lower side of the table 11 and into the inner cavity of the platform base 1, and is connected to the rotary driver, which can drive the rotating shaft 21 to rotate.

[0031] Specifically, the rotary driver is a motor 24, and the motor shaft is connected to the rotating shaft 21. The rotating shaft 21 can be driven to rotate by the motor 24, thereby enabling the clamping arm 23 to rotate and adjust between the clamping state and the open state. The motor 24 is a stepper motor, which can control the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 21.

[0032] To facilitate the installation and fixation of the platform base 1, a support frame 12 is fixedly connected to the lower outer side of the platform base 1. The support frame 12 can be connected to a vehicle in the ocean, thereby enabling the marine unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) deployment and recovery platform to be deployed in the ocean.

[0033] A satellite locator is installed inside the platform base 1, which can locate the position of the entire marine UAV launch and recovery platform. In addition, a power supply is also installed inside the platform base 1, which can supply power to all electrical components of the entire marine UAV launch and recovery platform.

[0034] Furthermore, a pressure sensor is installed on the platform base 1's surface 11, which can detect the pressure on the surface 11. When the drone 3 is placed on the platform base 1's surface 11, the drone 3 will apply pressure to the surface 11. When the drone falls, the pressure on the surface 11 will change, and the pressure sensor can detect the drone 3's deployment and retraction status.

[0035] This embodiment also discloses an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system, referring to... Figure 1 As shown, the system includes a drone 3 and a marine drone launch and recovery platform as described in the above embodiment. The drone 3 includes two wings 31 and can be a fixed-wing aircraft capable of vertical take-off and landing; it can also be a multi-rotor aircraft, as long as it has a clamping and fixing position on the drone 3.

[0036] The marine drone deployment and retrieval platform enables the release of drone 3 and also allows for its clamping and retrieval. When clamped and before landing, drone 3 maintains an upright position, with its orientation referenced to... Figure 1 As shown, it can achieve vertical take-off and landing of UAVs.

[0037] The marine UAV launch and landing platform works in conjunction with the UAV. The launch and landing process is as follows: When the platform receives a launch command, the gripping arm 23 releases the UAV 3 that was originally clamped, leaving a corresponding gripping gap 231, allowing the UAV 3 to take off and operate autonomously without obstruction. After the UAV 3 takes off, the gripping arm 23 moves to the outer edge of the platform, and the gripping gap 231 is widened to wait for the UAV 3 to return. When the UAV 3 returns, it first uses satellite navigation to locate itself and lands on the platform. When it lands at a distance of a set value from the platform's target center, the UAV 3 shuts down, and the platform's gripping arm 23 quickly rotates to capture and stabilize the UAV 3, then grips and recovers the UAV 3.

[0038] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model. The protection scope of this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of this utility model's concept are protected. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principle of this utility model should also be considered within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A marine unmanned aerial vehicle launching and recovery platform, characterized in that, The platform base (1) is provided with a table top (11) at the upper part for supporting the unmanned aerial vehicle (3), and each of the four sets of clamping assemblies (2) comprises a vertical clamping arm (23), and the clamping arms (23) of every two sets of clamping assemblies (2) are matched with each other for clamping the wings (31) of the unmanned aerial vehicle (3). The clamping assembly (2) has a clamping state and an open state, in the clamping state, the clamping arms (23) of the two sets of clamping assemblies (2) are close to each other to clamp the wings (31) of the unmanned aerial vehicle (3), and in the open state, the clamping arms (23) of the two sets of clamping assemblies (2) are away from each other to release the wings (31) of the unmanned aerial vehicle (3).

2. The unmanned marine drone launch and recovery platform of claim 1, wherein, The clamping gap (231) is formed between the two matched clamping arms (23), and the distance of the clamping gap (231) is matched with the wings (31) of the unmanned aerial vehicle (3) in the clamping state.

3. The unmanned marine vehicle launch and recovery platform of claim 1, wherein, The clamping assembly (2) further comprises a rotating shaft (21) and a connecting rod (22), the rotating shaft (21) is rotatably connected to the table top (11) of the platform base (1), the connecting rod (22) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the rotating shaft (21), and the clamping arm (23) is fixedly connected to the connecting rod (22) and is offset from the axis of the rotating shaft (21).

4. The unmanned marine drone launch and recovery platform of claim 3, wherein, The clamping assembly (2) further comprises a motor (24), and the rotating shaft (21) is driven to rotate by the motor (24).

5. The unmanned marine drone launch and recovery platform of claim 4, wherein, The motor (24) is a stepping motor, and the rotating angle of the rotating shaft (21) can be controlled.

6. The unmanned marine vehicle launch and recovery platform of claim 1, wherein, The lower part of the platform base (1) is fixedly connected with a support frame (12) on the outer side.

7. The unmanned marine vehicle launch and recovery platform of claim 1, wherein, The table top (11) of the platform base (1) is provided with a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the unmanned aerial vehicle (3) on the table top (11).

8. The unmanned marine vehicle launch and recovery platform of claim 1, wherein, The platform base (1) is provided with a power supply and a satellite locator.

9. A drone system, characterized by The unmanned aerial vehicle (3) and the unmanned aerial vehicle launching and landing platform for sea use according to any one of claims 1-8 are provided.

10. The drone system of claim 9, wherein, The unmanned aerial vehicle (3) is a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle, comprising two wings (31). The unmanned aerial vehicle (3) is a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle, comprising two wings (31).

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