An unmanned aerial vehicle dispenser

Abstract

This utility model relates to a drone dispenser, comprising: a shell having a slot and a mounting cavity communicating with the slot; a hook rotatably mounted in the mounting cavity for opening or closing the slot; a drive assembly disposed on the shell, the output end of which extends into the mounting cavity; and a rotatable limiting block disposed between the hook and the drive assembly, the first end of the limiting block abutting against the output end of the drive assembly, and the second end having an elastic element; wherein, when the hook moves from the open slot to the closed slot, it pushes the second end until it reaches the closed position, at which point the second end engages the hook under the action of the elastic element, preventing the hook from rotating in the direction of opening the slot; the output end of the drive assembly can push the first end, causing the second end to overcome the rotation of the elastic element and release the hook engagement. This utility model allows for quick closure of the slot by manually moving the hook each time an item is re-attached, making it simpler and more convenient to use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and more specifically, to a UAV delivery device. Background Technology

[0002] Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are aircraft that can be remotely controlled or fly autonomously, and are widely used in reconnaissance, surveillance, traffic management, firefighting, agriculture, and entertainment. UAVs are commonly used for transporting goods, such as emergency equipment and express delivery. In related technologies, UAVs need to load and drop goods during transport. Currently, the common method is to install a dedicated rack on the UAV, and load the goods by attaching them to a sliding push-pull rod on the rack. The extension or retraction of the push-pull rod is then controlled by a motor to load or drop the goods. However, in actual use, it has been found that after each item is dropped, the push-pull rod is retracted. To load another item, the rod must be extended and reset again using the remote control after loading, which is inconvenient and heavily reliant on the remote control, resulting in significant limitations in its use. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a drone dispenser that is easy to reset.

[0004] The objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0005] A drone dispenser, comprising:

[0006] The outer casing has a slot and a mounting cavity communicating with the slot;

[0007] The hook installed in the mounting cavity can be rotated to open or close the slot.

[0008] A drive assembly located in the housing has its output end extending into the mounting cavity;

[0009] A limiting block is rotatably positioned between the hook and the drive assembly. The first end of the limiting block abuts against the output end of the drive assembly, and the second end is provided with an elastic element.

[0010] When the hook moves from opening the slot to closing the slot, it pushes the second end until it reaches the closed position. At this point, the second end engages with the hook under the action of the elastic member to prevent the hook from rotating in the direction of opening the slot.

[0011] The output end of the drive component can push the first end, causing the second end to rotate against the elastic element to release the hook.

[0012] In the above technical solution, by utilizing the cooperation between the limiting block and the elastic element, when the hook closes the slot, the second end of the limiting block can automatically engage the hook under the action of the elastic element, preventing it from rotating in the opening direction, thereby achieving reliable locking of the hook and ensuring the safety of the object during transportation; when it is necessary to open the hook to release the object, the output end of the drive component can push the first end of the limiting block, so that the second end of the limiting block overcomes the rotation of the elastic element and releases the hook engagement.

[0013] In this device, the output of the drive component automatically resets to its initial state after the first end of the drive limiting block moves and unlocks. At this time, the limiting block returns to its closed slot state under the action of the elastic element. When a closing operation is required, the hook can be manually moved to push the second end until it engages with the second end. Thus, the dispenser of this invention can quickly close the slot by manually moving the hook each time an item is re-attached, eliminating the need for remote control of the drive component as in traditional methods, making it simpler and more convenient to use.

[0014] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the hook includes a limiting part and a resetting part, the limiting part is provided with a hanging opening, the resetting part is provided with an arc-shaped side and a locking slot, and the second end of the limiting block is provided with a protrusion that cooperates with the locking slot.

[0015] In the above technical solution, the hook limiting part is provided with a hanging opening, which provides a clear hanging position for the object, so that the object can be hung on the hook quickly and accurately; the arc-shaped side design of the reset part plays a good guiding role during the rotation of the hook, ensuring that the hook can rotate smoothly; and the cooperation design between the reset part latch and the second end protrusion of the limiting block can ensure the locking effect of the hook when it is in the closed position.

[0016] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the housing is provided with a groove, and the lever is movably inserted into the groove, the groove matching the rotation trajectory of the lever.

[0017] In the above technical solution, the design of matching the rotation trajectory of the slide and the lever provides clear and explicit operation guidance for the operator. The slide can also provide guiding and limiting functions. When it is necessary to close the slot with the hook, you only need to move the lever, which is simple and convenient to operate.

[0018] Optionally, in one possible implementation, a fixing block is provided inside the mounting cavity, and the elastic element is located between the second end of the fixing block and the limiting block.

[0019] In the above technical solution, the setting of the fixing block can provide a clear installation position for the elastic element, so that the elastic element is accurately positioned between the second end of the fixing block and the limiting block, avoiding displacement or skewing of the elastic element in the installation cavity, and the elastic element can apply elastic force evenly during the rotation of the hook.

[0020] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the second end of the limiting block is provided with a mounting hole on the side away from the hook, one end of the elastic member is inserted into the mounting hole and the other end abuts against the fixing block.

[0021] In the above technical solution, the setting of the mounting hole can further improve the accuracy of the installation position of the elastic element, and one end of the elastic element is inserted into the mounting hole, which greatly increases the connection strength between the elastic element and the limiting block compared with the simple surface contact fixing method.

[0022] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the drive assembly includes a motor disposed on the housing and a transmission unit connected to the output end of the motor, the transmission unit extending into the mounting cavity.

[0023] In the above technical solution, the output end of the motor controls the position of the first end of the limit block through the transmission unit, which makes the installation position of the motor more flexible and allows for more reasonable use of space.

[0024] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the transmission unit includes a crank connected to the output end of the motor and a connecting rod hinged to the crank, the connecting rod being slidably inserted into the mounting cavity.

[0025] In the above technical solution, the combination of crank and connecting rod can convert the rotational motion output by the motor into the linear sliding motion of the connecting rod within the mounting cavity. This allows the drive assembly to better adapt to the movement requirements of the hook and the limit block, accurately transmitting the motor's power to the limit block, realizing the locking and unlocking operation of the hook, and improving the efficiency and accuracy of power transmission.

[0026] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the housing is provided with a clearance hole communicating with the mounting cavity, and the crank passes through the clearance hole.

[0027] In the above technical solution, the placement of the clearance hole allows the crank to pass directly through the outer shell, resulting in a more compact and rational layout of the drive assembly and components within the mounting cavity. There is no need to reserve extra space for the crank's movement, avoiding increased dispenser size due to structural redundancy. Efficient integration of components is achieved within a limited space, contributing to a reduction in the overall size of the drone dispenser.

[0028] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the housing includes a first housing and a second housing, which are detachably connected.

[0029] In the above technical solution, the detachable design of the outer shell facilitates the assembly and disassembly of internal components, reduces installation difficulty, improves assembly efficiency, and is also beneficial for daily maintenance.

[0030] Alternatively, in one possible implementation, the elastic element is a metal spring or elastic rubber.

[0031] In the above technical solution, the metal spring has a high elastic coefficient and stiffness, providing a large elastic force. When the dispenser requires a large locking force to ensure that the hook remains stably engaged in complex flight environments, the metal spring, with its strong elastic force, can firmly engage the limit block with the hook, preventing accidental opening and ensuring the safe carrying of the dispensed item. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of one embodiment.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of one embodiment.

[0035] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the overall structure of one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the changing states of one embodiment.

[0037] Reference numerals: 1-Outer shell; 11-First shell; 111-Slide groove; 12-Second shell; 121-Fixing block; 122-Allowing hole; 2-Groove; 3-Mounting cavity; 4-Hook; 41-Limiting part; 411-Hanging opening; 42-Reset part; 421-Arc-shaped side; 422-Bayonet; 5-Drive assembly; 51-Motor; 52-Transmission unit; 521-Crank; 522-Connecting rod; 6-Limiting block; 61-First end; 62-Second end; 63-Protrusion; 7-Elastic element; 8-Lever. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0039] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0040] Please refer to Figures 1-3 This embodiment provides a drone dispenser, including: a housing 1 with a slot 2 and a mounting cavity 3 communicating with the slot 2; a hook 4 rotatably mounted in the mounting cavity 3 for opening or closing the slot 2; a drive assembly 5 disposed on the housing 1, the output end of which extends into the mounting cavity 3; and a limiting block 6 rotatably disposed between the hook 4 and the drive assembly 5, the first end 61 of the limiting block 6 abutting against the output end of the drive assembly 5, and the second end 62 having an elastic element 7; wherein, when the hook 4 moves from opening the slot 2 to closing the slot 2, it pushes the second end 62 until it reaches the closed position, at which point the second end 62 engages the hook 4 under the action of the elastic element 7, thereby preventing the hook 4 from rotating in the direction of opening the slot 2; the output end of the drive assembly 5 can push the first end 61, causing the second end 62 to rotate against the elastic element 7 to release the engagement of the hook 4. Specifically, both the hook 4 and the limiting block 6 can be rotatably disposed in the mounting cavity 3 via a pivot, with part of the hook 4 located in the mounting cavity 3 and part located in the slot 2.

[0041] In this embodiment, the cooperation between the limiting block 6 and the elastic element 7 allows the second end 62 of the limiting block 6 to automatically engage with the hook 4 under the action of the elastic element 7 when the hook 4 closes the slot 2, preventing it from rotating in the opening direction and thus reliably locking the hook 4 to ensure the safety of the item during transportation. When it is necessary to open the hook 4 to place an item, the output end of the drive component 5 can push the first end 61 of the limiting block 6, causing the second end 62 of the limiting block 6 to overcome the rotation of the elastic element 7 and release the hook 4 from engagement.

[0042] In this device, the output end of the drive component 5 automatically resets to its initial state after the first end 61 of the drive limiting block 6 moves and unlocks. That is, the output end of the drive component 5 performs an extension and retraction action. At this time, the limiting block 6 returns to its closed slot 2 state under the action of the elastic element 7. When a closing operation is required, simply manually move the hook 4 to push the second end 62 until it engages with the hook 62. Thus, the dispenser of this invention can quickly close the slot 2 by manually moving the hook 4 each time an item is re-attached, eliminating the need for remote control of the drive component 5 as in traditional methods, making it simpler and more convenient to use.

[0043] In this embodiment, the hook 4 includes a limiting part 41 and a resetting part 42. The limiting part 41 is provided with a hanging opening 411, and the resetting part 42 is provided with an arc-shaped side 421 and a latch 422. The second end 62 of the limiting block 6 is provided with a protrusion 63 that cooperates with the latch 422.

[0044] The hook 4's limiting part 41 has a hanging opening 411, which provides a clear hanging position for the object, allowing the object to be hung on the hook 4 quickly and accurately. The design of the arc-shaped side 421 of the reset part 42 plays a good guiding role during the rotation of the hook 4, ensuring that the hook 4 can rotate smoothly. The cooperation design between the locking slot 422 of the reset part 42 and the protrusion 63 at the second end 62 of the limiting block 6 ensures the locking effect of the hook 4 when it is in the closed position.

[0045] Please refer to Figure 4 The limiting part 41 and the reset part 42 are integrally formed structures. The hanging opening 411 has a U-shaped structure. When the hook 4 is in the closed slot 2 state, the U-shaped hanging opening 411 is in a horizontal state. At this time, the limiting part 41 abuts against the top of the mounting cavity 3, and the protrusion 63 is simultaneously engaged at the slot 422. At this time, the hook 4 cannot rotate in any direction, thus achieving the locking state.

[0046] When it is necessary to open the slot 2, the drive assembly 5 drives the first end 61 of the limiting block 6 to rotate, and the protrusion 63 releases the restriction on the limiting part 41, allowing the item to pull the hook 4 to rotate and open the slot 2 under the action of gravity. At this time, since the output end of the drive assembly 5 is reset, that is, no force is applied to the limiting block 6, the limiting block 6 will abut against the arc-shaped side 421 of the reset part 42 under the action of the elastic member 7. If it is necessary to close the slot 2, it is only necessary to manually move the limiting part 41 to make the arc-shaped side 421 of the reset part 42 press against the protrusion 63 until the protrusion 63 is engaged at the latch 422 to complete the locking again.

[0047] In this embodiment, the outer casing 1 is provided with a groove 111, and the lever 8 is movably inserted into the groove 111. The groove 111 matches the rotation trajectory of the lever 8. One end of the lever 8 is fixedly mounted on the limiting block 6, and the other end extends from the groove 111 to the outside of the outer casing 1. That is, the operator can move the lever 8 from the outside of the mounting cavity 3 to make the lever 8 drive the limiting block 6 to rotate.

[0048] By matching the rotation trajectory of the slide 111 with that of the lever 8, clear and explicit operation guidance is provided for the operator. The slide 111 also provides guiding and limiting functions. When it is necessary to close the slot 2 with the hook 4, it is only necessary to move the lever 8, which is simple and convenient to operate.

[0049] In this embodiment, a fixing block 121 is provided in the mounting cavity 3, and an elastic element 7 is located between the fixing block 121 and the second end 62 of the limiting block 6. The second end 62 of the limiting block 6 is provided with a mounting hole (not shown in the figure) on the side away from the hook 4. One end of the elastic element 7 is inserted into the mounting hole, and the other end abuts against the fixing block 121.

[0050] The fixing block 121 provides a clear installation position for the elastic element 7, ensuring its precise positioning between the fixing block 121 and the second end 62 of the limiting block 6. This prevents the elastic element 7 from shifting or tilting within the mounting cavity 3, and ensures that the elastic element 7 applies elastic force evenly during the rotation of the hook 4. The mounting hole further enhances the accuracy of the elastic element 7's installation position, and with one end of the elastic element 7 inserted into the mounting hole, the connection strength between the elastic element 7 and the limiting block 6 is significantly increased compared to a simple surface contact fixing method.

[0051] It should be noted that the elastic element 7 in this embodiment is a metal spring or elastic rubber. Metal springs have a high elastic coefficient and stiffness, providing significant elastic force. When the dispenser requires a large locking force to ensure the hook 4 remains stably engaged in complex flight environments, the metal spring, with its strong elastic force, can firmly engage the limit block 6 with the hook 4, preventing accidental opening and ensuring the safe transport of the dispensed item.

[0052] In this embodiment, the drive assembly 5 includes a motor 51 mounted on the housing 1 and a transmission unit 52 connected to the output end of the motor 51, the transmission unit 52 extending into the mounting cavity 3. The transmission unit 52 includes a crank 521 connected to the output end of the motor 51 and a connecting rod 522 hinged to the crank 521, the connecting rod 522 being slidably inserted into the mounting cavity 3.

[0053] The output end of the upper motor 51 controls the position of the first end 61 of the limiting block 6 through the transmission unit 52. This allows for more flexible installation of the motor 51 and more efficient use of space. The combination of the crank 521 and the connecting rod 522 converts the rotational motion output by the motor 51 into linear sliding motion of the connecting rod 522 within the mounting cavity 3. This enables the drive assembly 5 to better adapt to the movement requirements of the hook 4 and the limiting block 6, accurately transmitting the power of the motor 51 to the limiting block 6, realizing the locking and unlocking operation of the hook 4, and improving the efficiency and accuracy of power transmission.

[0054] It should be noted that the connecting rod 522 is restricted to sliding within the mounting cavity 3, with a certain amount of space between its two sides and the sides of the mounting cavity 3, so that the connection can only move in the direction of approaching or moving away from the limiting block 6. At this time, the output end of the motor 51 drives the crank 521 to rotate, and the crank 521 will drive one end of the connecting rod 522 to approach or move away from the limiting block 6.

[0055] In this embodiment, the outer casing 1 is also provided with a clearance hole 122 communicating with the mounting cavity 3, through which the crank 521 passes. The clearance hole 122 allows the crank 521 to pass directly through the outer casing 1, making the layout of the drive assembly 5 and the components in the mounting cavity 3 more compact and reasonable. No additional space needs to be reserved for the movement of the crank 521, avoiding an increase in the dispenser size due to structural redundancy. Efficient integration of various components is achieved within a limited space, helping to reduce the overall size of the UAV dispenser.

[0056] In this embodiment, the outer casing 1 includes a first casing 11 and a second casing 12, which are detachably connected. The detachable design of the outer casing 1 facilitates the assembly and disassembly of internal components, reduces installation difficulty, improves assembly efficiency, and is also beneficial for daily maintenance.

[0057] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0058] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0059] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A drone dispenser, characterized in that, include: The outer casing has a slot and a mounting cavity communicating with the slot; The hook installed in the mounting cavity can be rotated to open or close the slot. A drive assembly located in the housing has its output end extending into the mounting cavity; A limiting block is rotatably positioned between the hook and the drive assembly. The first end of the limiting block abuts against the output end of the drive assembly, and the second end is provided with an elastic element. When the hook moves from opening the slot to closing the slot, it pushes the second end until it reaches the closed position. At this point, the second end engages with the hook under the action of the elastic member to prevent the hook from rotating in the direction of opening the slot. The output end of the drive component can push the first end, causing the second end to rotate against the elastic element to release the hook.

2. The drone dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hook includes a limiting part and a resetting part. The limiting part is provided with a hanging opening, and the resetting part is provided with an arc-shaped side and a locking slot. The second end of the limiting block is provided with a protrusion that cooperates with the locking slot.

3. The drone dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hook is connected to a lever, and the outer casing is provided with a sliding groove. The lever is movably inserted into the sliding groove, and the sliding groove matches the rotation trajectory of the lever.

4. The drone dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting cavity is provided with a fixing block, and the elastic element is located between the second end of the fixing block and the limiting block.

5. The drone dispenser according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second end of the limiting block is provided with a mounting hole on the side away from the hook, and one end of the elastic element is inserted into the mounting hole and the other end abuts against the fixing block.

6. The drone dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a motor mounted on the housing and a transmission unit connected to the output end of the motor, the transmission unit extending into the mounting cavity.

7. The drone dispenser according to claim 6, characterized in that, The transmission unit includes a crank connected to the output end of the motor and a connecting rod hinged to the crank, the connecting rod being slidably inserted into the mounting cavity.

8. The drone dispenser according to claim 7, characterized in that, The outer casing is provided with a clearance hole that communicates with the mounting cavity, and the crank passes through the clearance hole.

9. The drone dispenser according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The outer casing includes a first casing and a second casing, which are detachably connected.

10. The drone dispenser according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The elastic element is a metal spring or elastic rubber.

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