Tool-free quick release mechanism suitable for unmanned aerial vehicle pipe fitting connection

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of aviation aircraft design, and particularly relates to a tool-free quick release mechanism suitable for unmanned aerial vehicle pipe fitting connection, which comprises a large-diameter carbon fiber round pipe (1), an aluminum alloy concave sleeve (2), a small-diameter carbon fiber round pipe (3), an aluminum alloy convex sleeve (4), a locking pin (5), a spring (6), a limiting nut (7) and a limiting screw (8). The problem that a separation surface of an existing unmanned aerial vehicle tubular connection structure is complex in design can be effectively solved, and the disassembly, assembly and maintenance efficiency of an outfield flight test is improved. The mechanism is simple and light in scheme design, high in reliability, simple in production and manufacturing process, low in machining cost and beneficial to large-scale production and manufacturing, and has great application and popularization value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of aircraft design technology, specifically relating to a tool-free quick-release mechanism suitable for connecting pipe fittings in unmanned aerial vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the application of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) weapon systems in local conflicts around the world has become increasingly widespread. Therefore, improving the efficiency of battlefield operation, use and maintenance has become an important design element in the design phase of various types of UAV weapon systems.

[0003] Tool-free and quick-release designs for the connection mechanisms of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems are of great significance for improving the operation, use, and maintenance efficiency of the system equipment. On the one hand, adopting this type of design mechanism allows for rapid operation during component assembly and disassembly, shortening pre-flight preparation time and field maintenance time. On the other hand, the field flight tests of aircraft are characterized by diverse environments, all-weather conditions, and all-terrain characteristics, and the tool-free quick-release design helps to improve the efficiency of pre-flight inspection and preparation.

[0004] In various modern unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configurations, pipe-fitting designs are a frequently used structural connection method. Examples include tail strut connections in twin-tail fixed-wing UAVs, arm connections in multi-rotor UAVs, arm connections in compound-wing UAVs, and root carbon fiber tube connections in cannon-launched quadcopters. Traditional pipe-fitting designs often employ threaded fastenings or prefabricated quick-connect pins, which still require external tools for assembly and may result in loose parts or loss during operation.

[0005] Therefore, in order to effectively solve the problem of complex design of the separation surface of the existing tubular connection structure of UAVs and improve the disassembly and maintenance efficiency of field flight tests, it is necessary to innovatively design a tool-free quick-release mechanism suitable for UAV tubular connection. Utility Model Content

[0006] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is: how to provide a tool-free quick-release mechanism suitable for the connection of tubular components of UAVs, which can effectively solve the problems of complex separation surface design of existing UAV tubular connection structures and the impact on the disassembly and maintenance efficiency of field flight tests.

[0008] (II) Technical Solution

[0009] To solve the above technical problems, this utility model provides a toolless quick-release mechanism suitable for connecting pipe fittings of UAVs. The quick-release mechanism includes: a large-diameter carbon fiber round tube (1), an aluminum alloy concave sleeve (2), a small-diameter carbon fiber round tube (3), an aluminum alloy convex sleeve (4), a locking pin (5), a spring (6), a limiting nut (7), and a limiting screw (8).

[0010] The coarse-diameter carbon fiber tube (1) is bonded to the aluminum alloy concave sleeve (2) with adhesive.

[0011] The thin-diameter carbon fiber tube (3) is connected to the thick-diameter carbon fiber tube (1) by insertion.

[0012] The aluminum alloy convex sleeve (4) is bonded to the thin-diameter carbon fiber round tube (3) with adhesive.

[0013] The locking pin (5) is set on the assembly after the fine diameter carbon fiber round tube (3) and the aluminum alloy convex sleeve tube (4) are combined, and locks and limits the connection body after the fine diameter carbon fiber round tube (3) and the coarse diameter carbon fiber round tube (1) are inserted and connected.

[0014] The spring (6), the limiting nut (7), and the limiting screw (8) are configured such that after the thin-diameter carbon fiber tube (3) and the thick-diameter carbon fiber tube (1) are inserted, rotated, and assembled into place, the spring (6) is in its natural state, and the locking pin (5) locks and limits the connecting body in conjunction with the limiting nut (7) and the limiting screw (8).

[0015] The coarse-diameter carbon fiber tube (1) is formed by integral processing of carbon fiber composite material using molding or winding process, and has a wall thickness of 1-2 mm.

[0016] Among them, an upper through hole (1.1) and a lower through hole (1.2) are opened on the wall surface of the coarse diameter carbon fiber tube (1).

[0017] The aluminum alloy concave sleeve (2) is a hollow, thin-walled metal structure used to enhance the structural strength of the connection between the thin-diameter carbon fiber tube (3) and the thick-diameter carbon fiber tube (1). The inner wall of the aluminum alloy concave sleeve (2) is bonded to the outer wall of the thick-diameter carbon fiber tube (1).

[0018] The concave sleeve (2) is designed with an adhesive weight reduction hole (2.1) and a concave connection area (2.2).

[0019] The thin-diameter carbon fiber tube (3) is integrally formed by molding or winding carbon fiber composite material, and its outer diameter is the same as the inner diameter of the carbon tube (1).

[0020] The thin-diameter carbon fiber tube (3) has an upper through hole (3.1) on its upper wall and a key-shaped groove (3.2) on its lower wall.

[0021] The aluminum alloy convex sleeve (4) and concave sleeve (2) have the same structural material and processing technology, and are used to enhance the structural strength of the connection section between the thin diameter carbon fiber round tube (3) and the thick diameter carbon fiber round tube (1). The inner wall surface of the convex sleeve (4) and the outer wall surface of the thin diameter carbon fiber round tube (3) are glued together.

[0022] The aluminum alloy convex sleeve (4) is designed with a bonding weight reduction hole (4.1), a convex connection area (4.2), and a through hole (4.3).

[0023] The locking pin (5) is used to lock and limit the movement of the fine-diameter carbon fiber tube (3) and the coarse-diameter carbon fiber tube (1) after they are inserted, rotated and assembled. The locking pin (5) specifically includes a locking pin head (5.1), a locking pin post (5.2) and a through hole (5.3).

[0024] The spring (6), the limiting nut (7), and the limiting screw (8) are made of hard aluminum alloy.

[0025] After the thin-diameter carbon fiber tube (3) and the thick-diameter carbon fiber tube (1) are inserted, rotated and assembled in place, the spring (6) is in its natural state, the locking pin (5) will pass through the through holes of each component and be fully constrained by the structure, and the thin-diameter carbon fiber tube (3) and the thick-diameter carbon fiber tube (1) will be reliably connected.

[0026] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0027] Compared with existing technologies, this utility model proposes a tool-free quick-release mechanism suitable for UAV tubular connection, which can effectively solve the problem of complex separation surface design in existing UAV tubular connection structures and improve the efficiency of disassembly and maintenance during field flight tests. The mechanism design is simple, lightweight, and highly reliable, with a simple manufacturing process and low processing cost, which is conducive to large-scale production and has great application and promotion value.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0029] (1) Based on the existing pipe fitting structure, only a few metal collars and locking pins need to be designed and installed; the design is simple, reliable, simple in process, low in processing cost and light in weight;

[0030] (2) Field tests are complex. This utility model adopts a tool-free structural assembly and disassembly design, which is particularly convenient for test support and can improve test efficiency.

[0031] (3) This utility model is suitable for connecting various UAV pipe structures, including fixed-wing, compound-wing, and multi-rotor UAVs, and has wide applicability. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is an overall outline drawing of the UAV pipe fitting connection structure of this utility model.

[0033] Figure 2 This is an external view of the first UAV pipe fitting connection assembly of this utility model.

[0034] Figure 3 This is an external view of the second UAV pipe fitting connection component of this utility model.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the connection process of the structure of this utility model.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the UAV pipe fitting connection structure of this utility model.

[0037] Figure 6 This is an external view of structural component 1 of this utility model.

[0038] Figure 7 This is an external view of structural component 2 of this utility model.

[0039] Figure 8 This is an external view of structural component 3 of this utility model.

[0040] Figure 9 This is an external view of structural component 4 of this utility model.

[0041] Figure 10 The figures show the external shapes of structural components 5 to 8 of this utility model.

[0042] Wherein: 1 is a coarse-diameter carbon fiber round tube, 2 is an aluminum alloy concave sleeve, 3 is a fine-diameter carbon fiber round tube, 4 is an aluminum alloy convex sleeve, 5 is a locking pin, 6 is a spring, 7 is a limit nut, and 8 is a limit screw.

[0043] 1.1 is the upper via, and 1.2 is the lower via.

[0044] 2.1 is the bonding weight reduction hole, and 2.2 is the concave connection area.

[0045] 3.1 is the upper via, and 3.2 is the keyway.

[0046] 4.1 is the bonding weight reduction hole, 4.2 is the convex connection area, and 4.3 is the through hole.

[0047] 5.1 is the locking pin head, 5.2 is the locking pin post, and 5.3 is the through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To make the objectives, contents, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples.

[0049] Example 1

[0050] This utility model proposes a tool-free quick-release mechanism suitable for connecting pipe fittings in drones, and its component connection process is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting connection structure is as follows: Figure 5 As shown. The assembled connecting structure component is as follows... Figure 2 As shown, another connecting component is as follows: Figure 3 As shown.

[0051] First, align the concave connecting area (2.2) of structural component one with the convex connecting area (4.2) of structural component two, and pull up the locking pin head (5.1) of the locking pin (5) to insert the carbon tube along the axis of the tube. When the carbon tube is inserted into place and the front end face of the convex connecting area (4.2) contacts the bottom end face of the concave connecting area (2.2), rotate connecting component two to make the through holes of each component coaxial. Finally, lower the locking pin head (5.1) so that the locking pin (5) passes through the bottom through hole and is fully structurally constrained.

[0052] In this application example, the entire process achieved a quick and reliable connection between two pipe sections using a drone without the use of any tools. Similarly, when performing the reverse operation, the two pipe sections can be quickly disassembled without tools.

[0053] Example 2

[0054] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a tool-free quick-release mechanism suitable for connecting tubular components of UAVs, which can effectively solve the problems of complex separation surface design of existing UAV tubular connection structures and the impact on the disassembly and maintenance efficiency of field flight tests.

[0055] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model proposes a tool-free quick-release mechanism suitable for connecting pipe fittings in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It mainly consists of a coarse-diameter carbon fiber round tube (1), an aluminum alloy concave sleeve (2), a fine-diameter carbon fiber round tube (3), an aluminum alloy convex sleeve (4), a locking pin (5), a spring (6), a limiting nut (7), and a limiting screw (8), etc. The overall outline is shown in the figure below. Figure 1 As shown.

[0056] The shape of the large-diameter carbon fiber cylindrical tube (1) is as follows: Figure 6As shown. The tube is integrally formed by molding or winding carbon fiber composite material, with a wall thickness of 1-2 mm. Under the same size conditions, it has good specific strength and specific stiffness. On the wall surface of the round carbon tube (1), there are upper through holes (1.1) and lower through holes (1.2) to achieve the fit with the shaft hole of the locking pin (5).

[0057] The shape of the aluminum alloy concave sleeve (2) is as follows Figure 7 As shown. The whole is a hollow, thin-walled metal structure. Considering the specific strength requirements, it can be CNC machined from aluminum alloy of different grades. In order to enhance the structural strength of the two pipe sections of the UAV at the connection section, the inner wall of the concave sleeve (2) is bonded to the outer wall of the coarse diameter carbon fiber round tube (1). The concave sleeve (2) is designed with 6 ring-shaped bonding weight reduction holes (2.1), which can realize structural weight reduction on the one hand, and bonding reinforcement can be carried out at this hole position on the other hand. The concave sleeve (2) is also designed with a concave connection area (2.2), which is structurally matched with the convex connection area (4.2) of the convex sleeve (4).

[0058] The shape of the thin-diameter carbon fiber cylindrical tube (3) is as follows Figure 8 As shown. This fitting is also made of carbon fiber composite material and is integrally processed by molding or winding process, which has good specific strength and specific stiffness. The outer diameter of the round carbon tube (3) is the same as the inner diameter of the round carbon tube (1). The hole fit design has a certain tolerance, which ensures that the two round carbon tubes can be easily inserted and fitted at the same time, and that there is no structural shaking. The upper wall of the round carbon tube (3) has an upper through hole (3.1) and the lower wall has a key-shaped groove (3.2). The upper and lower through holes must be coaxial to realize the shaft hole assembly with the round carbon tube (1) and the locking pin (5).

[0059] The shape of the aluminum alloy convex sleeve (4) is as follows Figure 9 As shown, the structure, material, and processing technology are basically the same as those of the concave sleeve (2). To enhance the structural strength of the two sections of the UAV pipes at the connection point, the inner wall of the convex sleeve (4) is bonded to the outer wall of the thin-diameter carbon fiber round tube (3). The convex sleeve (4) is designed with six annular bonding weight reduction holes (4.1), which can reduce the structural weight on the one hand, and can be bonded and reinforced at the hole position on the other hand. The convex sleeve (4) is also designed with a convex connection area (4.2) and a through hole (4.3), which are structurally matched with the concave sleeve (2) and the locking pin (5).

[0060] The locking pin (5) has the following shape: Figure 10As shown. After the two sections of carbon fiber tubes of the UAV are inserted, rotated, and assembled into place, they are locked and limited by the locking pin (5). The locking pin (5) specifically includes a locking pin head (5.1), a locking pin post (5.2), and a through hole (5.3). Among them, a spring (6) is pre-installed on the locking pin post (5.2), and the outer diameter of the locking pin post (5.2) and the inner diameter of the spring (6) are designed to have a gap of 1-2 mm to ensure that the spring moves smoothly when compressed.

[0061] The shape of the spring (6) is as follows Figure 10 As shown. When the round carbon tube (1) and the round carbon tube (3) are connected by insertion, firstly... Figure 3 Pull the locking pin head (5.1) of the central locking pin (5) upwards, at which point the spring (6) will be in a compressed state. After the insertion is completed, Figure 2 The component is rotated slightly to achieve the engagement of the concave connecting area (2.2) and the convex connecting area (4.2). At this time, the locking pin head (5.1) is lowered, and the spring (6) will be in its natural state.

[0062] The shapes of the limiting nut (7) and the limiting screw (8) are as follows: Figure 10 As shown, it is made of hard aluminum alloy. The limit screw (8) and the locking pin (5.2) are fitted with a hole and shaft, and a fitting clearance is designed with the key groove (3.2). After the two sections of the UAV's round carbon tubes are inserted, rotated, and assembled into place, the spring (6) will be in its natural state, and the locking pin (5) will pass through the lower through hole (1.2) of the round carbon tube (1), the key groove (3.2) of the round carbon tube (3), and the through hole (4.3) of the convex sleeve tube (4), and be fully constrained by the structure. The two sections of the UAV's tubes are reliably connected, and the entire process can achieve a fast and reliable connection without the use of any tools. The specific connection process is as follows: Figure 4 As shown.

[0063] When disassembling the two pipe sections, follow the instructions. Figure 4 The operation process can be reversed. First, pull up the locking pin head (5.1) of the locking pin (5), the spring (6) will be in a compressed state, and then rotate... Figure 2 Connecting component one, and pulling out the carbon nanotube, allows for connection with... Figure 3 The connection components can be quickly and reliably disconnected.

[0064] This invention proposes a tool-free quick-release mechanism for connecting tubular components in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It effectively solves the problem of complex separation surface design in existing UAV tubular connection structures, improving the efficiency of disassembly and maintenance during field flight tests. The mechanism is simple, lightweight, and highly reliable. Its manufacturing process is simple and cost-effective, facilitating large-scale production and possessing significant application and promotion value.

[0065] In summary, this utility model belongs to the field of aircraft design technology, specifically relating to a tool-free quick-release mechanism suitable for connecting tubular components in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It effectively solves the problem of complex separation surface design in existing UAV tubular connection structures, thereby improving the efficiency of disassembly and maintenance during field flight tests. This utility model is applicable to the connection of tubular components in various UAVs, including fixed-wing, compound-wing, and multi-rotor aircraft.

[0066] This utility model's quick-release mechanism mainly consists of a coarse-diameter carbon fiber round tube (1), an aluminum alloy concave sleeve (2), a fine-diameter carbon fiber round tube (3), an aluminum alloy convex sleeve (4), a locking pin (5), a spring (6), a limiting nut (7), and a limiting screw (8). When connecting two sections of the tube, first align the concave connecting area of ​​structural component one with the convex connecting area, pull up the locking pin head, and insert the carbon tube along the tube's axis. When the carbon tube is inserted in place and the front end face of the convex connecting area contacts the bottom end face of the concave connecting area, rotate connecting component two to make the through holes of each component coaxial. Finally, lower the locking pin head so that the locking pin passes through the bottom through hole and is fully structurally constrained. In this operational application example, the entire process can achieve a quick and reliable connection of two sections of the tube from a UAV without the aid of any tools. When performing the reverse operation, tool-free and quick disassembly of the two sections of the tube can be achieved.

[0067] The key advantages of this invention are: it proposes a tool-free quick-release mechanism suitable for connecting tubular components in UAVs, which effectively solves the problem of complex separation surface design in existing UAV tubular connection structures, improving the efficiency of disassembly and maintenance during field flight tests. The mechanism is simple, lightweight, and highly reliable, with a simple manufacturing process and low processing cost, facilitating large-scale production and possessing significant application and promotion value.

[0068] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A tool-free quick-release mechanism for connecting pipe fittings in unmanned aerial vehicles, characterized in that, The quick-release mechanism includes: a coarse-diameter carbon fiber tube (1), an aluminum alloy concave sleeve (2), a fine-diameter carbon fiber tube (3), an aluminum alloy convex sleeve (4), a locking pin (5), a spring (6), a limiting nut (7), and a limiting screw (8). The coarse-diameter carbon fiber tube (1) is bonded to the aluminum alloy concave sleeve (2) with adhesive. The thin-diameter carbon fiber tube (3) is connected to the thick-diameter carbon fiber tube (1) by insertion. The aluminum alloy convex sleeve (4) is bonded to the thin-diameter carbon fiber round tube (3) by adhesive bonding. The locking pin (5) is set on the assembly after the fine diameter carbon fiber round tube (3) and the aluminum alloy convex sleeve tube (4) are combined, and locks and limits the connection body after the fine diameter carbon fiber round tube (3) and the coarse diameter carbon fiber round tube (1) are inserted and connected. The spring (6), the limiting nut (7), and the limiting screw (8) are configured such that after the thin-diameter carbon fiber tube (3) and the thick-diameter carbon fiber tube (1) are inserted, rotated, and assembled, the spring (6) is in its natural state, and the locking pin (5) locks and limits the connecting body in conjunction with the limiting nut (7) and the limiting screw (8).

2. The tool-free quick-release mechanism for connecting pipe fittings in unmanned aerial vehicles as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The coarse-diameter carbon fiber tube (1) is integrally formed by molding or winding carbon fiber composite material, with a wall thickness of 1~2mm.

3. The tool-free quick-release mechanism for connecting pipe fittings in unmanned aerial vehicles as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The aluminum alloy concave sleeve (2) is a hollow, thin-walled metal structure used to enhance the structural strength of the connection between the thin-diameter carbon fiber tube (3) and the thick-diameter carbon fiber tube (1). The inner wall of the aluminum alloy concave sleeve (2) and the outer wall of the thick-diameter carbon fiber tube (1) are bonded together.

4. The tool-free quick-release mechanism for connecting pipe fittings in unmanned aerial vehicles as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The thin-diameter carbon fiber tube (3) is integrally formed by molding or winding carbon fiber composite material, and its outer diameter is the same as the inner diameter of the thick-diameter carbon fiber tube (1).

5. The tool-free quick-release mechanism for connecting pipe fittings in unmanned aerial vehicles as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The spring (6), the limiting nut (7), and the limiting screw (8) are made of hard aluminum alloy; After the thin-diameter carbon fiber tube (3) and the thick-diameter carbon fiber tube (1) are inserted, rotated and assembled in place, the spring (6) is in its natural state, the locking pin (5) will pass through the through holes of each component and be fully constrained by the structure, and the thin-diameter carbon fiber tube (3) and the thick-diameter carbon fiber tube (1) will be reliably connected.

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