A remote-controlled automatic unhooking device suitable for logistics drones
By remotely controlling the opening and closing of the grippers through a remote-controlled automatic unhooking mechanism, the problems of unhooking failure and unstable docking in existing drone cargo systems have been solved, achieving efficient automation and wide adaptability for drone cargo transportation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- YUFENG YUNTU (LESHAN) INTELLIGENT EQUIPMENT CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
AI Technical Summary
In existing drone cargo delivery systems, mechanical gravity-triggered hooks fail to detach due to unsuitable cargo weight, cargo swaying during flight easily leads to accidental detachment, and gear-slider locking mechanisms fail to dock due to landing position deviations, requiring manual adjustment and making high-altitude dropping impossible.
A remote-controlled automatic unhooking mechanism is introduced, which uses a servo motor to remotely control the opening and closing of the gripper. Combined with the contact action between the elliptical rotating block and the gripper handle, and the auxiliary power provided by the tension spring, friction and wear are reduced, and the gripping stability and accuracy are increased.
It achieves precise and controllable unhooking action in both low-altitude landing and high-altitude drop scenarios, improves the automation level and scenario adaptability of drone cargo transportation, reduces the probability of mechanical failure, and meets the requirements of lightweight design.
Smart Images
Figure CN224427795U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, specifically a remote-controlled automatic unhooking device suitable for logistics UAVs. Background Technology
[0002] With the rapid development of low-altitude logistics, drone cargo delivery systems urgently need efficient and reliable cargo loading and unloading technologies. Traditional gripper devices, as the core connecting components between drones and cargo, must meet core requirements such as lightweight design, high load capacity, and automatic unhooking.
[0003] However, existing technologies generally rely on manual intervention or simple mechanical structures, which suffer from drawbacks such as uncoupling failure, insufficient stability, and poor adaptability in complex scenarios. Existing technical solutions can be broadly categorized into two types, neither of which can achieve reliable automatic uncoupling under no-load conditions. Specific shortcomings are as follows:
[0004] The first type is a mechanical gravity-triggered hook, which works by controlling the opening and closing of the hook through the synergistic effect of a spring (such as a torsion spring or a tension spring) and the weight of the cargo. When the weight of the cargo acts on the hook, the spring is compressed, driving the hook to close and suspend the cargo stably. When the cargo lands, the gravity disappears, the elastic potential energy of the spring is released, and the hook automatically opens, completing the unhooking action. However, if the cargo is too light, the spring cannot rebound effectively, leading to unhooking failure; if it is too heavy, the spring structure may be crushed. At the same time, cargo swaying during flight can easily trigger accidental unhooking, and it cannot adapt to non-planar landings (such as sloping ground, trees, etc.). The second type is a gear-slider locking mechanism, which is linked by a slider on the side of the cargo box and a gear and rack structure on the drone's claw hook. When the claw hook is lifted, the gear and rack drive the slider to tighten, achieving clamping and locking of the cargo hook; during the unloading stage, the transmission relationship is released by the claw hook moving down, allowing the slider to reset and release the cargo hook. However, this technology has extremely high requirements for operational precision: if the drone's landing position is off, the alignment of the claw and the slider will be misaligned, which can easily lead to transmission failure and require manual intervention to adjust the alignment, seriously affecting automation efficiency; more importantly, its unhooking action depends on the drone's contact with the ground, and it only supports unloading after landing, which cannot meet the needs of high-altitude cargo throwing in emergency rescue and other scenarios, and its scope of application is greatly limited.
[0005] Therefore, this application provides a remote-controlled automatic unhooking device suitable for logistics drones to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content
[0006] This application provides a remote-controlled automatic unhooking device suitable for logistics drones, aiming to solve the problems mentioned in the background art, such as the failure of unhooking due to unsuitable cargo weight, the easy accidental unhooking due to cargo shaking during flight, and the inability to adapt to non-planar landing, as well as the failure of docking due to landing position deviation of gear-slider locking mechanism, the need for manual adjustment, and the inability to achieve high-altitude throwing.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution: a remote-controlled automatic unhooking device suitable for logistics drones, comprising a base, a mounting groove formed on the front side of the base and extending through one end therethrough, two grippers rotatably mounted on the mounting groove, and a remote-controlled automatic unhooking mechanism for driving the two grippers to automatically unhook; the remote-controlled automatic unhooking mechanism includes a rotating rod rotatably inserted into the mounting groove between the handle positions corresponding to the two grippers, an elliptical rotating block fixedly mounted on the rotating rod for contacting the inner side of the gripper handle, and a servo motor fixedly mounted on the rear side of the base for connection to an external remote control handle, the rear end of the rotating rod extending through the rear side of the base and fixedly connected to the output end of the servo motor. The remote-controlled automatic unhooking mechanism introduces remote control via a servo motor, completely eliminating the reliance on gravity or mechanical alignment inherent in traditional technologies, achieving precise and controllable unhooking action, and enabling stable operation in both low-altitude landing and high-altitude drop scenarios, significantly improving the automation level and scenario adaptability of drone freight. Meanwhile, the elliptical rotating block and the gripper handle make the structure simple and compact, reducing the probability of mechanical failure, and the lightweight design meets the payload requirements of drones.
[0008] Preferably, to facilitate the opening of the gripper jaws, the remote-controlled automatic unhooking mechanism further includes a tension spring disposed within the mounting slot, with both ends of the tension spring fixedly connected to the inner sides of the handles of the two grippers. The tension spring provides auxiliary power for the opening and closing of the grippers, effectively reducing the load on the servo motor and extending its service life. When the grippers need to open, the spring's rebound force ensures a rapid response, avoiding unhooking delays due to mechanical jamming; when the grippers close, the spring's tension enhances the gripping force on the cargo, preventing accidental cargo loss during flight and improving gripping stability.
[0009] Preferably, to reduce wear on the rotating rod, the rotating rod is connected to the base via a bearing. The introduction of the bearing significantly reduces the coefficient of friction between the rotating rod and the base, reducing wear during relative rotation and extending the service life of both the rotating rod and the base.
[0010] Preferably, to facilitate the protection of the servo motor, a protective shell is fitted onto the outside of the servo motor and fixedly connected to the base. The protective shell can buffer external impacts, reduce the risk of damage to the servo motor due to external forces, and improve the reliability and service life of the entire remote control automatic disengagement mechanism.
[0011] Preferably, in order to protect the gripper: a protective plate is fixedly installed on the front side of the base by bolts, and a pin that passes through the base and the protective plate is rotatably inserted into one end of the gripper near its chuck through a through hole.
[0012] Preferably, to reduce wear between the gripper and the pin, the gripper is connected to the pin via a bearing. This bearing reduces frictional wear between the gripper and the pin, making the gripper's rotation more flexible and smooth, reducing lag, and ensuring rapid response in both disengagement and clamping actions.
[0013] This application introduces a remote-controlled automatic unhooking mechanism that utilizes servo motors for remote control, completely eliminating the reliance on gravity or mechanical alignment inherent in traditional technologies. This achieves precise and controllable unhooking action, enabling stable operation in both low-altitude landing and high-altitude drop scenarios, significantly improving the automation level and scenario adaptability of drone cargo transportation. Simultaneously, the abutting engagement between the elliptical rotating block and the gripper handle results in a simple and compact structure, reducing the probability of mechanical failure, and the lightweight design meets the payload requirements of drones.
[0014] The tension spring in this application provides auxiliary power for the opening and closing of the gripper, effectively reducing the load on the servo motor and extending its service life. When the gripper needs to open, the spring's rebound force ensures a rapid response and avoids delays in disengagement due to mechanical jamming; when the gripper closes, the spring's tension enhances the gripping force of the gripper on the cargo, preventing accidental cargo loss during flight and improving gripping stability. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a remote-controlled automatic unhooking device suitable for logistics drones;
[0016] Figure 2 This is the main view of the structure inside the mounting slot;
[0017] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The rear view of the structure in the middle;
[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the protective shell.
[0019] In the picture:
[0020] 1. Base; 11. Mounting slot; 2. Gripper; 21. Pin; 3. Remote control automatic unhooking mechanism; 31. Rotating rod; 32. Oval rotating block; 33. Servo motor; 331. Protective shell; 34. Tension spring; 4. Protective plate. Detailed Implementation
[0021] 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 a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0022] Example 1
[0023] This embodiment provides a remote-controlled automatic unhooking device suitable for logistics drones, such as... Figure 1-4 As shown, the automatic unhooking device includes a base 1, a mounting groove 11 opened on the front side of the base 1 and extending through one end therethrough, two grippers 2 rotatably mounted on the mounting groove 11, and a remote-controlled automatic unhooking mechanism 3 for driving the two grippers 2 to automatically unhook; the base 1 provides a stable mounting foundation to ensure that the connection between the entire device and the drone is firm and reliable; the relative rotation design of the two grippers 2 can realize stable clamping and release of goods, adapting to goods of different specifications.
[0024] The remote-controlled automatic unhooking mechanism 3 includes a rotating rod 31 rotatably inserted into the mounting slot 11 between the handle positions of the two grippers 2, an elliptical rotating block 32 fixedly mounted on the rotating rod 31 for contacting the inner side of the handle of the grippers 2, and a servo motor 33 fixedly mounted on the rear side of the base 1 for connection to an external remote control handle. The rear end of the rotating rod 31 passes through the rear side of the base 1 and is fixedly connected to the output end of the servo motor 33. The remote-controlled automatic unhooking mechanism 3 introduces remote control via the servo motor 33, completely eliminating the reliance on gravity or mechanical alignment inherent in traditional technologies. This achieves precise and controllable unhooking action, enabling stable operation in both low-altitude landing and high-altitude drop scenarios, significantly improving the automation level and scenario adaptability of UAV cargo transportation. Simultaneously, the contact and engagement between the elliptical rotating block 32 and the handle of the grippers 2 results in a simple and compact structure, reducing the probability of mechanical failure, and the lightweight design meets the payload requirements of UAVs. The base 1 provides mounting space for the gripper 2 and the remote-controlled automatic unhooking mechanism 3 via the mounting slot 11. The external remote control handle sends commands to the servo motor 33, and the output end of the servo motor 33 drives the rotating rod 31 to rotate, thereby causing the elliptical rotating block 32 fixed on the rotating rod 31 to rotate synchronously. When the short side of the elliptical rotating block 32 abuts against the inside of the gripper 2 handle, the gripper 2 handle experiences less force, and the gripper head is in the open state. When the long side of the elliptical rotating block 32 abuts against the inside of the gripper 2 handle, the handle is opened, causing the gripper 2 to rotate around the rotating axis, so that the gripper heads abut against each other to form a closed state, thereby achieving the gripping of goods.
[0025] To facilitate the opening of the grippers 2, the remote-controlled automatic unhooking mechanism 3 also includes a tension spring 34 housed in the mounting slot 11. Both ends of the tension spring 34 are fixedly connected to the inner sides of the handles of the two grippers 2. The tension spring 34 provides auxiliary power for the opening and closing of the grippers 2, effectively reducing the load on the servo motor 33 and extending its service life. When the grippers 2 need to open, the spring's rebound force ensures a rapid response, preventing unhooking delays due to mechanical jamming. When the grippers 2 close, the spring's tension enhances the gripping force of the grippers 2 on the cargo, preventing accidental cargo loss during flight and improving gripping stability. The tension spring 34 is initially stretched and stores elastic potential energy. When the short side of the elliptical rotating block 32 contacts the handle of the gripper 2, the resistance force on the handle decreases, the tension spring 34 releases its elasticity and contracts, pulling the handles of the two grippers 2 closer together, causing the clamps to rotate around the axis and move away from each other, thus achieving automatic unhooking; when the long side of the elliptical rotating block 32 contacts the handle, the handle is opened, the tension spring 34 is further stretched and stores force, forcing the handles of the grippers 2 to move away from each other, and the clamps to move closer together and close to clamp the goods.
[0026] To reduce wear on the rotating rod 31, it is connected to the base 1 via a bearing. The bearing significantly reduces the coefficient of friction between the rotating rod 31 and the base 1, reducing wear during relative rotation and extending the service life of both. Simultaneously, the reduced frictional resistance makes the rotation of the rotating rod 31 smoother, ensuring the elliptical rotating block 32 can quickly respond to the drive of the servo motor 33, improving the accuracy and sensitivity of the gripper 2's opening and closing actions, and reducing the probability of disengagement due to jamming. The inner ring of the bearing is fixedly connected to the rotating rod 31, and the outer ring is fixedly fitted to the mounting hole in the base 1. When the rotating rod 31 rotates, the inner ring of the bearing rotates synchronously with the rotating rod 31, while the outer ring remains stationary. By replacing traditional sliding friction with rolling friction through the rolling of the internal rolling elements of the bearing, the sliding friction between the rotating rod 31 and the base 1 is transformed into rolling friction, thereby reducing frictional resistance and wear.
[0027] To facilitate protection of the servo motor 33, a protective shell 331, which is fixedly connected to the base 1, is fitted onto the outer side of the servo motor 33. The protective shell 331 can buffer external impacts (such as vibrations during drone landing or collisions during cargo loading and unloading), reducing the risk of damage to the servo motor 33 due to external forces and improving the reliability and service life of the entire remote-controlled automatic unhooking mechanism 3. The protective shell 331 is fixedly fitted onto the outer side of the servo motor 33 and connected to the base 1, forming a closed or semi-closed protective space. It absorbs external impact forces through its own structural strength, reducing the vibration and stress transmitted to the servo motor 33.
[0028] To protect the gripper 2: a protective plate 4 is bolted to the front of the base 1, and a pin 21, which passes through the base 1 and the protective plate 4, is rotatably inserted into the end of the gripper 2 near its chuck through a through hole. The protective plate 4 is bolted to the front of the base 1, and its position corresponds to the mounting groove 11, forming a physical barrier; the end of the gripper 2 near its chuck is sleeved on the pin 21 through a through hole, and both ends of the pin 21 pass through the base 1 and the protective plate 4 respectively and are fixed, so that the gripper 2 can rotate around the pin 21 as an axis to realize the opening and closing action.
[0029] To reduce wear between the gripper 2 and the pin 21, the gripper 2 is connected to the pin 21 via a bearing. This bearing reduces frictional wear between the gripper 2 and the pin 21, making the rotation of the gripper 2 more flexible and smooth, reducing lag, and ensuring rapid response in disengagement and clamping actions. Simultaneously, reduced wear extends the service life of both the gripper 2 and the pin 21, lowers maintenance costs, and improves the overall reliability of the device. The inner ring of the bearing is fixed to the pin 21, and the outer ring is fixed to the inner wall of the through hole in the gripper 2. When the gripper 2 rotates around the pin 21, the inner ring of the bearing remains stationary, while the outer ring rotates with the gripper 2. The rolling of the rolling elements converts the sliding friction between the two into rolling friction, effectively reducing frictional resistance and wear.
[0030] The wiring diagram of the servo motor 33 in this utility model is common knowledge in the field. Its working principle is a well-known technology. The appropriate model is selected according to the actual use. Therefore, the control method and wiring layout of the servo motor 33 will not be explained in detail.
[0031] The control method of this application is through a controller. The control circuit of the controller can be implemented by a person skilled in the art through simple programming. The power supply is also common knowledge in the art. Since this application is mainly used to protect mechanical devices, the control method and circuit connection will not be explained in detail here.
[0032] All electrical components mentioned in the text are electrically connected to the main controller and power supply. The main controller can be a conventional and known device such as a computer, and the existing publicly available power connection technology will not be elaborated in the text.
[0033] It should be noted that many of the standard parts used in this application are available on the market, while non-standard parts can be specially customized. The connection method used in this application is also a very common method in the mechanical field, and will not be described in detail here.
[0034] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application, based on the technical solution and concept of this application, should be included within the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. A remote-controlled automatic unhooking device suitable for logistics drones, characterized in that: It includes a base (1), a mounting groove (11) opened on the front side of the base (1) and extending through one end thereto, two grippers (2) rotatably disposed on the mounting groove (11), and a remote-controlled automatic unhooking mechanism (3) for driving the two grippers (2) to automatically unhook. The remote control automatic unhooking mechanism (3) includes a rotating rod (31) that is rotatably inserted into the mounting slot (11) between the handle positions of the two grippers (2), an elliptical rotating block (32) that is fixedly mounted on the rotating rod (31) for contacting the inner side of the handle of the gripper (2), and a servo motor (33) that is fixedly mounted on the rear side of the base (1) for connecting to an external remote control handle. The rear end of the rotating rod (31) passes through the rear side of the base (1) and is fixedly connected to the output end of the servo motor (33).
2. The remote-controlled automatic unhooking device for logistics drones according to claim 1, characterized in that: The remote-controlled automatic unhooking mechanism (3) also includes a tension spring (34) disposed in the mounting groove (11), and the two ends of the tension spring (34) are respectively fixedly connected to the inner side of the handle of the two grippers (2).
3. The remote-controlled automatic unhooking device for logistics drones according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating rod (31) is connected to the base (1) via a bearing.
4. The remote-controlled automatic unhooking device for logistics drones according to claim 1, characterized in that: To facilitate the protection of the servo motor (33): the outer side of the servo motor (33) is fitted with a protective shell (331) that is fixedly connected to the base (1).
5. The remote-controlled automatic unhooking device for logistics drones according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front side of the base (1) is fixedly installed with a protective plate (4) by bolts. The end of the gripper (2) near its chuck is rotatably inserted through a through hole with a pin (21) that passes through the base (1) and the protective plate (4).
6. The remote-controlled automatic unhooking device for logistics drones according to claim 5, characterized in that: The gripper (2) is connected to the pin (21) via a bearing.