Drone hook assembly and drone
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MEITUAN TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-10
AI Technical Summary
The drone hook component requires manual assistance to load and unload cargo, which is cumbersome and inconvenient.
Design a drone hook assembly, including a base, two hooks and a drive unit. The drive unit reciprocates along a second direction, causing the two hooks to move closer or further apart along a first direction, thereby achieving automatic loading and unloading of goods.
The process of automatically loading and unloading cargo by drones requires no human intervention and is convenient and quick to operate.
Smart Images
Figure CN224477088U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, and more specifically, to a UAV hook assembly and a UAV. Background Technology
[0002] Drone delivery is a significant development direction in the logistics industry, and it has been widely used in various scenarios such as express delivery and medical supply transportation. However, the hook component of drones has a prominent drawback in related technologies, as the process of loading and unloading goods still requires manual assistance, making it cumbersome and inconvenient to operate. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a drone hook assembly and a drone to at least partially solve the problems existing in the related art.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this disclosure provides a drone hook assembly, comprising:
[0005] Matrix;
[0006] Two hooks are respectively installed on the base and arranged opposite to each other; and
[0007] The drive unit has two slides and is slidably connected to the two hooks respectively through the two slides; the drive unit is configured to move the two hooks along the slides during reciprocating motion in a second direction, so as to move closer to or further away from each other in a first direction.
[0008] Optionally, each of the two hooks has a protrusion that extends into the corresponding slide. When the drive unit reciprocates along the second direction, the inner walls of the two slides press against the corresponding protrusions, thereby causing the two hooks to move closer to or further away from each other along the first direction.
[0009] Optionally, the connection direction of the two ends of the slide is at an acute angle to the second direction.
[0010] Optionally, the slide is constructed as an oblong hole with an arc, and the protrusion is a cylindrical shape that extends into the oblong hole and matches the shape.
[0011] Optionally, the driving part is a moving plate, and the two slides are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the center line of the moving plate so that the two hooks can move synchronously when the moving plate reciprocates along the second direction.
[0012] Optionally, the base includes a guide post extending along the first direction, and the two hooks are respectively sleeved on the guide post.
[0013] Optionally, the cross-section of the guide post perpendicular to its extension direction is configured to restrict the hook from rotating about the guide post.
[0014] Optionally, the lower ends of the two hooks are respectively provided with auxiliary hook fingers, which are rotatably connected to the lower end portion and are in a horizontal state in the initial position; the auxiliary hook fingers are configured to rotate upward when subjected to an upward thrust and return to the initial position when the thrust is lost.
[0015] Optionally, the auxiliary hook is provided with an elastic element for driving the auxiliary hook to rotate at the initial position; and / or, the lower end of the hook is provided with a limit element for restricting the auxiliary hook from rotating downward from the initial position.
[0016] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a drone is provided, including the aforementioned drone hook assembly.
[0017] The above technical solution controls the drive unit to reciprocate along a second direction, causing the two hooks to move along corresponding tracks, thus moving them closer or further apart in the first direction. When the two hooks move further apart, the drone is controlled to descend, allowing the load to enter between the two hooks. Then, the two hooks are controlled to move closer together to hook the load from below, preventing it from detaching and completing the loading process. When transporting the load to its destination, the two hooks are controlled to move further apart, allowing the load to detach and complete the unloading process. The loading and unloading process requires no manual intervention, the drone requires no complex movements, and operation is convenient and quick.
[0018] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description
[0019] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the present disclosure, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a drone hook assembly exemplarily shown according to this disclosure;
[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image shows a front view of the drone hook assembly, with the two hooks positioned close to each other.
[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The image shows a front view of the drone hook assembly, with the two hooks positioned far apart from each other.
[0023] Figure 4This is a front view of another drone hook assembly illustrated by way of example according to this disclosure.
[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures
[0025] 1-Base; 11-Guide post; 2-Hook; 21-Protrusion; 3-Drive unit; 31-Slide rail; 32-Moving plate; 4-Auxiliary hook finger; 5-Elastic element; 6-Limiting element. Detailed Implementation
[0026] The specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this disclosure.
[0027] It should be noted that all actions involving the acquisition of signals, information, or data in this disclosure are carried out in compliance with the relevant data protection laws and policies of the country where the location is situated, and with authorization from the owner of the relevant device.
[0028] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, the directional terms "inner" and "outer," "upper" and "lower" used may be defined based on the actual direction of use of the relevant components, or they may be based on their own structure. For example, the "inner" walls of the two slides can respectively compress the corresponding protrusions, where "inner" wall refers to the inner side wall of the slide; the auxiliary hook finger is configured to rotate "upper" when subjected to an "upper" thrust, where "upper" refers to the side away from the ground; and it is used to limit the auxiliary hook finger from rotating "downper" from its initial position, where "downper" refers to the side closer to the ground. The "first direction" and "second direction" used can be referred to with reference to the arrow directions in the accompanying drawings.
[0029] In addition, the terms "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure are for distinguishing one element from another and do not have sequential or importance. When the following description refers to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements.
[0030] Reference Figures 1-3 This disclosure illustrates an example of a drone hook assembly, including: a base 1, two hooks 2 respectively mounted on the base 1 and arranged opposite to each other, and a drive unit 3. The drive unit 3 has two slide rails 31 and is slidably connected to the two hooks 2 via the two slide rails 31. "Slidably connected" means that the slide rails 31 and the hooks 2 interact and can move relative to each other. The drive unit 3 is configured to move the two hooks 2 along the slide rails 31 during reciprocating motion in a second direction, so as to move closer to or further away from each other in a first direction. Here, "arranged opposite to each other" means that the lower ends of the two hooks 2 for attaching the load extend towards each other, so that the load can be hooked from below when they are close to each other. Figure 2 When the two hooks 2 are close to each other, they can be used to restrict the load to be mounted between the two hooks 2. Figure 3 The two hooks are positioned far apart, allowing the object to be loaded to be inserted between the two hooks 2.
[0031] This disclosure does not limit the specific structure of the drive unit 3 or the cooperation form between the slide rail 31 and the hook 2, as long as the drive unit 3 can drive the two hooks 2 to move closer or further apart in the first direction when it reciprocates in the second direction. The movement of the drive unit 3 can be achieved by a power component such as a motor, and this disclosure does not limit this.
[0032] By using the above technical solution, the drive unit 3 is controlled to reciprocate along the second direction, causing the two hooks 2 to move along the corresponding slide rails 31, thereby moving them away from or towards each other in the first direction. When the two hooks 2 move away from each other, the drone is controlled to descend, allowing the load to enter between the two hooks 2. Then, the two hooks 2 are controlled to move closer together so that the load can be hooked from below, preventing it from detaching from the hooks 2 and completing the loading. When transporting the load to the destination, the two hooks 2 are controlled to move away from each other so that the load can detach from the hooks 2 and complete the unloading. The loading and unloading process requires no manual intervention, the drone does not require complex movements, and the operation is convenient and quick.
[0033] Reference Figures 1-3 In some embodiments of this disclosure, the two hooks 2 may each have a protrusion 21 extending into a corresponding slide rail 31. When the drive unit 3 reciprocates along the second direction, the inner walls of the two slide rails 31 may respectively press the corresponding protrusion 21, thereby causing the two hooks 2 to move closer or further apart along the first direction. The two protrusions 21 may be integrally formed with the corresponding hooks 2 and may be located on the same side of the two hooks 2 to facilitate interaction with the drive unit 3. By providing the slide rails 31 and the protrusions 21 extending into them, when the drive unit 3 drives the slide rails 31 to move along the second direction, the inner walls of the slide rails 31 may press the corresponding protrusions 21, thereby causing the hooks 2 to move. This combination of protrusions 21 and slide rails 31 has the advantages of simple structure and low cost.
[0034] Reference Figures 1-3 In the embodiments of this disclosure, the connection direction of the two end points of the slide 31 can form an acute angle with the second direction. Here, "two end points" refers to the center point of the end of the slide 31. "Forming an acute angle" means that it is not perpendicular or parallel to the second direction, so that when the slide 31 moves, its inner wall can move along the extrusion protrusion 21 in the first direction, thereby driving the hook 2 to move in the first direction. The specific angle between the connection direction of the two end points of the slide 31 and the second direction can be 45 degrees, 30 degrees, etc.
[0035] Reference Figures 1-3 In embodiments of this disclosure, the slide 31 can be configured as an oblong hole with an arc, and the protrusion 21 can be configured as a cylinder that extends into the oblong hole in a matching shape. This arc design and the cylindrical configuration of the protrusion 21 ensure smooth movement of the slide 31 along the first direction by the inner wall pressing against the protrusion 21 as it moves along the second direction, making the movement smoother. Of course, this disclosure also allows the slide 31 to be configured as a straight line forming an acute angle with the second direction; this disclosure does not limit this to the latter.
[0036] This disclosure does not impose any limitations on the specific structure of the drive unit 3, for example, in Figures 1-3 In the illustrated embodiment, the drive unit 3 can be a movable plate 32, meaning the movable plate 32 can reciprocate along the second direction. Two slide rails 31 can be symmetrically arranged on both sides of the centerline of the movable plate 32, so that the two hooks 2 can move synchronously when the movable plate 32 reciprocates along the second direction. Here, the centerline of the movable plate 32 refers to its centerline extending along the second direction. Furthermore, by setting the drive unit 3 as a movable plate 32, space can be effectively saved and space utilization improved. The plate-like structure is also more conducive to the installation of the slide rails 31. Of course, in some other embodiments, the drive unit 3 can also be constructed as a block structure. Here, "synchronous movement" means that when the drive unit 3 moves along the second direction, the two hooks 2 can produce the same displacement (in opposite directions) along the first direction. Symmetrically arranging the two slide rails 31 on one movable plate 32, compared to controlling the two slide rails 31 separately, makes it easier to calculate the displacement stroke during the loading and unloading process of the hooks 2, and makes loading and unloading easier to operate.
[0037] To ensure that hook 2 can only reciprocate in the first direction, thereby preventing it from moving in other directions under the pressure of the inner wall of slide 31, refer to... Figures 1-3 In some embodiments of this disclosure, the base 1 may include a guide post 11 extending along a first direction, and two hooks 2 may be respectively sleeved on the guide post 11. By sleeved on the guide post 11, when the protrusion 21 is squeezed by the inner wall of the slide 31, the hook 2 can be driven to reciprocate only along the first direction, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the mounting.
[0038] Reference Figures 1-3 In some embodiments of this disclosure, the cross-section of the guide post 11 along its extension direction perpendicular to the guide post 11 can be configured to restrict the rotation of the hook 2 around the guide post 11. That is, the cross-section is configured to be non-circular, such as in the positive direction, hexagonal, etc., so as to restrict the rotation of the hook 2 around the guide post 11, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the hook 2 during the loading process.
[0039] To facilitate understanding of the technical solution of this disclosure, the following is combined with... Figures 1-3The working process of the UAV hook assembly disclosed herein is described in detail as follows:
[0040] When loading is required, the control plate 32 moves downward in the second direction as shown in the drawing, and the two slide rails 31 follow suit. Since the hook 2 is fitted onto the guide post 11, and the two slide rails 31 gradually move away from each other from bottom to top ( Figure 3 Therefore, the inner walls of the two slide rails 31 can respectively squeeze the protrusions 21 and drive the corresponding hooks 2 to move away from each other, thereby forming a gap between the two hooks 2 for the workpiece to be inserted into the two hooks 2. After the workpiece is inserted into the two hooks 2, the control plate 32 moves upward in the second direction in the drawing, and the inner walls of the two slide rails 31 can respectively squeeze the protrusions 21 and drive the corresponding hooks 2 to move closer to each other so that they can hook the workpiece together on the lower side. Figure 3 ).
[0041] Reference Figure 4 In some embodiments of this disclosure, the lower ends of the two hooks 2 may each be provided with auxiliary hook fingers 4. The auxiliary hook fingers 4 can be rotatably connected to the lower ends and are initially horizontal. Of course, the horizontal here does not have to be absolutely horizontal, as long as it is generally horizontal, for example, it can have an angle of 5° or 10° with the horizontal plane. The auxiliary hook fingers 4 can be configured to rotate upward when subjected to an upward thrust and return to the initial position when the thrust is lost. By setting two auxiliary hook fingers 4, when the size of the object to be loaded is small, the two hooks 2 can be moved away from each other without driving them. The drone can be moved downward directly, or the object to be loaded can be moved upward manually so that the object to be loaded pushes the two auxiliary hook fingers 4 to rotate (subject to an upward thrust) until the object to be loaded is disengaged from the auxiliary hook fingers 4 (the thrust is lost). The auxiliary hook fingers 4 then return to the initial position to hook the object to be loaded from below, thus completing the loading process. This process does not require driving the two hooks 2 to move, making the operation more convenient and energy-saving.
[0042] Reference Figure 4 In some embodiments of this disclosure, the auxiliary hook 4 may be provided with an elastic element 5 for driving the auxiliary hook 4 to rotate to an initial position. Specifically, when the auxiliary hook 4 is pushed to rotate by the load, the elastic element 5 has a reset force, which can drive the auxiliary hook 4 to reset when the load is disengaged from the auxiliary hook 4. This disclosure does not limit the elastic element 5. For example, when the auxiliary hook 4 is mounted to the hook 2 via a pivot, the elastic element 5 may be a torsion spring sleeved on the pivot. Alternatively, the elastic element 5 may also be a helical spring connected to the hook 2 and the auxiliary hook 4. Here, the initial position refers to the position of the auxiliary hook 4 when it is not subjected to external force.
[0043] Reference Figure 4In some embodiments of this disclosure, a limiting member 6 may be provided at the lower end of the hook 2 to restrict the auxiliary hook finger 4 from rotating downward from its initial position. By providing the limiting member 6, it can be ensured that the auxiliary hook finger 4 will not rotate downward under the gravity of the load when the load is attached, thereby ensuring the reliability of the attachment. Specifically, the limiting member 6 is a locking block supported on the lower side of the auxiliary hook finger 4 to restrict the downward rotation of the auxiliary hook finger 4. Alternatively, when the auxiliary hook finger 4 is connected to the hook 2 via a rotating shaft, the limiting member 6 may also be a protrusion formed on the surface of the rotating shaft. A groove for the protrusion to enter may be provided in the mating hole of the hook 2 into which the rotating shaft extends. This groove is configured to allow the auxiliary hook finger 4 to move upward only from its initial position.
[0044] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a drone is provided, including the aforementioned drone hook assembly, since the drone has all the beneficial effects of the aforementioned drone hook assembly, which will not be repeated here.
[0045] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of this disclosure, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of this disclosure.
[0046] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, this disclosure will not describe the various possible combinations separately.
[0047] Furthermore, various different embodiments of this disclosure can be combined in any way, as long as they do not violate the spirit of this disclosure, they should also be regarded as the content disclosed in this disclosure.
Claims
1. A drone hook assembly, characterized in that, include: Matrix; Two hooks are respectively installed on the base and arranged opposite to each other; as well as The drive unit has two slides and is slidably connected to the two hooks respectively through the two slides; the drive unit is configured to move the two hooks along the slides during reciprocating motion in a second direction, so as to move closer to or further away from each other in a first direction; The two hooks each have a protrusion that extends into the corresponding slide. When the drive unit reciprocates along the second direction, the inner walls of the two slides press against the corresponding protrusions, thereby causing the two hooks to move closer to or further away from each other along the first direction.
2. The UAV hook assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection direction between the two ends of the slide is at an acute angle to the second direction.
3. The UAV hook assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slide is constructed as an oblong hole with an arc, and the protrusion is a cylindrical shape that extends into the oblong hole and matches the shape.
4. The UAV hook assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving part is a moving plate, and the two slides are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the center line of the moving plate so that the two hooks can move synchronously when the moving plate reciprocates along the second direction.
5. The UAV hook assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base includes a guide post extending along the first direction, and the two hooks are respectively sleeved on the guide post.
6. The UAV hook assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cross-sectional configuration of the guide post along its extension direction is designed to restrict the hook from rotating about the guide post.
7. The UAV hook assembly according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The lower ends of the two hooks are respectively provided with auxiliary hook fingers. The auxiliary hook fingers are rotatably connected to the lower end portion and are in a horizontal state in the initial position. The auxiliary hook fingers are configured to rotate upward when subjected to an upward thrust and return to the initial position when the thrust is lost.
8. The UAV hook assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The auxiliary hook is provided with an elastic element for driving the auxiliary hook to rotate at the initial position; and / or, the lower end of the hook is provided with a limit element for restricting the auxiliary hook from rotating downward from the initial position.
9. A drone, characterized in that, Includes the drone hook assembly according to any one of claims 1-8.