A suspension module for drones

Abstract

This utility model discloses a suspension module for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including a bracket. The bracket includes a first and second support rod that are cross-connected. A ratchet mechanism is provided at the connection between the first and second support rods. Both ends of the first and second support rods are pivotally connected to blocks. The lateral inner ends of the blocks can form a wrapping structure for the outer corner of the load. The four blocks, together with the ratchet mechanism and the bracket, form a clamping structure that can accommodate various load profiles and sizes. A suspension beam is movably connected between the top of the block at one end of the first support rod and the top of the block at one end of the adjacent second support rod. A connecting seat for connecting the UAV body is provided on the suspension beam. The suspension beam and the connecting seat on one side form a suspension structure. There are two suspension structures above the bracket. A limiting and locking structure is provided between the suspension beam and the blocks, which can control the attitude stability of the wrapping structure. This utility model helps to solve the problem of poor load adaptability of some current UAV hanger structures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, and in particular to a suspension module for UAVs. Background Technology

[0002] Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones for short, are unmanned aircraft controlled by radio remote control equipment and onboard program control devices. In recent years, UAV technology has developed rapidly, and its application scenarios have continued to expand and deepen. Using UAVs for cargo transportation has become a common and highly promising application. In the logistics and distribution field, UAVs can achieve fast and efficient cargo transportation, especially suitable for delivery tasks in remote areas or areas with traffic congestion. In agriculture, UAVs can be used for spraying pesticides, sowing seeds, and other operations, greatly improving agricultural production efficiency. In emergency rescue, UAVs can quickly deliver emergency supplies, buying valuable time for rescue work. In geographic surveying, UAVs equipped with specialized equipment can acquire high-precision geographic information data.

[0003] As the application scenarios for drones become increasingly diverse, the types of cargo they transport are also showing a trend of diversification. Currently, the commonly used drone suspension structures mainly consist of two forms: slings and gantry frames.

[0004] While using slings as a suspension structure offers simplicity and low cost, it also presents significant drawbacks. Due to the flexibility of the slings, the cargo is prone to swaying during transport, severely impacting the drone's flight stability. This swaying is particularly pronounced at higher speeds or when encountering turbulent air currents, potentially increasing the drone's balance and even leading to accidents. Furthermore, the slings are not always securely fastened to the cargo, posing a risk of detachment in complex flight environments, resulting in cargo loss and safety hazards.

[0005] In comparison, hangers offer advantages in terms of load stability and safety. Hangers are typically designed specifically for particular load types and profiles, providing robust support and fixation. However, this specialized design also leads to poor versatility. Because different loads vary significantly in shape, size, and weight, hangers designed for one type of load are often unsuitable for others. This necessitates frequent hanger replacements for different loads in practical applications, increasing operating costs and complexity, and limiting the flexibility and application range of drones.

[0006] Therefore, developing a drone suspension module that is both versatile and ensures the stability and safety of the payload is of great practical significance. Utility Model Content

[0007] This invention provides a suspension module for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which helps to solve the problem of poor load adaptability of some current UAV hanger structures.

[0008] This utility model is implemented as follows:

[0009] A suspension module for a drone includes a bracket, which includes a first and a second support rod that are cross-connected at their center. A ratchet mechanism is provided at the connection between the first and second support rods. Both ends of the first and second support rods are pivotally connected to blocks. The lateral inner ends of the blocks can form a wrapping structure for the outer corner of the load. The four blocks, together with the ratchet mechanism and the bracket, form a clamping structure that can accommodate various load profiles and sizes. A suspension beam is movably connected between the top of the block at one end of the first support rod and the top of the block at one end of the adjacent second support rod. A connecting seat for connecting the drone body is provided on the suspension beam. The suspension beam and the connecting seat on one side form a suspension structure. There are two suspension structures above the bracket. A limiting locking structure is provided between the suspension beam and the blocks. The limiting locking structure can control the attitude stability of the wrapping structure.

[0010] Based on the above technical solution, the first support rod and the second support rod are respectively provided with a length telescopic adjustment structure.

[0011] Based on the above technical solution, the inner ends of the first and second support rods are provided with fixed rods, and the outer side of the fixed rods is movably connected with a movable rod. The connection position between the movable rod and the fixed rod can be adjusted laterally inward and outward.

[0012] Based on the above technical solution, the first support rod has a bottom shell at its center, which is a circular shell structure with an open top. A ratchet is provided on the inner side wall of the bottom shell, and a rotating shaft is provided at the center of the inner cavity of the bottom shell. The second support rod has a ratchet at its bottom center, and a socket hole adapted to the rotating shaft is provided at the bottom center of the ratchet. After the ratchet is fitted into the inner cavity of the bottom shell through the socket hole, the ratchet and the ratchet form a ratchet mechanism.

[0013] Based on the above technical solution, the block is composed of three plates that are perpendicular to each other, forming an outer wrapping structure that fits the three-dimensional triangular contour.

[0014] Based on the above technical solution, a first pivot member is provided between the bottom of each block and the first or second support rod. The pivot axis of the first pivot member is vertically set, and the block can rotate around the pivot axis of the first pivot member.

[0015] Based on the above technical solution, each block is provided with a second pivot member at the top. The pivot axis of the second pivot member is set vertically. The second pivot member is a sleeve with a "T" shaped structure. The suspension beam passes through the transverse through hole at the top of the second pivot member. A locking bolt is provided on the top side wall of the second pivot member. The locking bolt can fix the connection position between the suspension beam and the second pivot member.

[0016] Based on the above technical solution, the connecting seat includes a horizontally arranged mounting frame with mounting holes of a strip-shaped through-hole structure. The mounting holes are connected to the main body of the drone after being fitted with bolts. A connecting seat is provided at the bottom of the mounting frame, and the bottom of the connecting seat is connected to the cantilever beam.

[0017] Based on the above technical solution, a recessed platform is provided at the top of the mounting hole.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following advantages:

[0019] 1. This utility model, through the ratchet mechanism between the first and second support rods and the stop block at the outer end of the first and second support rods, constitutes a flexible and adaptable bracket that can adjust the clamping position of the stop block in one direction. It can adapt to a variety of loads with different profiles and sizes, without the need to design a special hanger for each load, which greatly improves the versatility of the suspension module and reduces the cost of use.

[0020] 2. This utility model adopts an outer wrapping structure of blocks and a limiting locking structure, which can firmly wrap and fix the cargo from multiple directions, effectively preventing the cargo from swinging or falling off during transportation, and improving the stability and safety of drone cargo transportation.

[0021] 3. This utility model adopts a three-dimensional triangular outer wrapping structure of the block and a limiting and locking structure, which can not only limit and constrain the bottom support and wrapping structure, but also firmly wrap and fix the load from multiple directions. It can also improve the connection stability between the suspension module and the main body of the drone, effectively prevent the load from swinging or falling off during transportation, and improve the stability and safety of drone-borne cargo transportation. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the suspension module used in a drone in one embodiment;

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Top view;

[0025] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the connection between the first and second support rods;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the ratchet's installation structure;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the ratchet mounting structure;

[0028] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A magnified view of part A in the image;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the connector in section 1;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting hole in another embodiment.

[0031] The diagram is labeled as follows: 100, bracket; 110, first support rod; 111, bottom shell; 112, ratchet; 113, pivot; 120, second support rod; 121, ratchet; 122, insertion hole; 200, stop block; 300, first pivot; 400, second pivot; 410, sleeve; 420, locking bolt; 500, cantilever beam; 600, connecting seat; 610, mounting bracket; 611, mounting hole; 612, countersunk platform; 620, connecting seat; 621, socket. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this utility model provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed utility model, but merely to represent selected embodiments of this utility model.

[0033] In the description of this utility model, 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 indicated technical features. 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.

[0034] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0035] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0036] Example 1: Combination Figures 1 to 7 This embodiment discloses a suspension module for drones, which aims to solve the problem of poor load adaptability of some current drone hanger structures, while improving the stability and safety of drones during cargo transportation, reducing usage costs, and enhancing the application flexibility of drones.

[0037] In this embodiment, the suspension module specifically includes a bracket 100, which is the basic support structure of the entire suspension module. Combined with... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the support 100 includes a first support rod 110 and a second support rod 120 that are cross-connected at the center. This cross-connection method gives the support 100 good structural stability and strength, and enables it to bear a certain weight of load.

[0038] To further improve the adaptability of the support 100, the first support rod 110 and the second support rod 120 are respectively provided with length telescopic adjustment structures. Through this structure, the lengths of the first support rod 110 and the second support rod 120 can be flexibly adjusted according to the size of the load, thereby changing the overall size of the support 100 to accommodate loads of different specifications. In this embodiment, the inner ends of the first support rod 110 and the second support rod 120 are provided with fixed rods, and movable rods are movably connected to the outer sides of the fixed rods. The connection structure between the two includes several insertion holes provided on the outer ends of the fixed rods and the inner ends of the movable rods. The insertion holes on the fixed rods and the insertion holes on the movable rods are adapted to each other, and can be connected and fixed by pins after longitudinal alignment, allowing the connection position of the movable rod and the fixed rod to be adjusted laterally. This design further enhances the adaptability of the support 100 to the contours of the load. By adjusting the position of the movable rods, it can better fit the side contours of the load, providing more stable support.

[0039] A ratchet mechanism is provided at the connection between the first support rod 110 and the second support rod 120. This mechanism is a key component for adjusting and fixing the angle of the bracket 100.

[0040] Specifically, in combination Figure 3-5 First, the first support rod 110 has a bottom shell 111 at its center. The bottom shell 111 is a circular shell structure with an open top. A ratchet 112 is provided on the inner side wall of the bottom shell 111. A rotating shaft 113 is provided at the center of the inner cavity of the bottom shell 111. The second support rod 120 has a ratchet 121 at its bottom. The bottom center of the ratchet 121 has a socket 122 that matches the rotating shaft 113. After the ratchet 121 is fitted into the inner cavity of the bottom shell 111 through the socket 122, the ratchet 121 and the ratchet 112 form a ratchet mechanism.

[0041] The working principle of the ratchet mechanism is as follows: When it is necessary to adjust the angle between the first support rod 110 and the second support rod 120, a certain external force is applied to the second support rod 120, causing it to rotate around the pivot 113. The ratchet 121 rotates synchronously with the second support rod 120 and slides on the ratchet scale 112, thereby adjusting the angle. When the appropriate angle is reached, the ratchet 121 and the ratchet scale 112 engage with each other, preventing the second support rod 120 from rotating in the opposite direction, thus fixing the first support rod 110 and the second support rod 120 at the required angle and ensuring the stability of the support 100 structure. This ratchet mechanism has the advantages of simple operation, flexible adjustment, and reliable fixation, and can meet the angle requirements of different shaped loads on the support 100.

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, both ends of the first support rod 110 and the second support rod 120 are pivotally connected to a stop block 200. The inner lateral end of the stop block 200 can form a wrapping structure for the outer corner of the load. The stop block 200 plays the role of wrapping the outer corner and fixing the load in the suspension module. The stop block 200 is composed of three plates that are perpendicular to each other, forming an outer wrapping structure that conforms to the three-dimensional triangular contour. This three-dimensional triangular structure can wrap the outer corner of the load from multiple directions, increasing the contact area with the load and improving the stability of the fixation.

[0043] Correspondingly, a first pivot member 300 is provided between the bottom of each stop 200 and the first support rod 110 or the second support rod 120. The pivot axis 113 of the first pivot member 300 is vertically set, and the stop 200 can rotate around the pivot axis 113. Through this rotational design, the stop 200 can be flexibly adjusted according to the actual contour of the load, better fit the corners of the load, and achieve effective wrapping of loads of different shapes. The four stops 200, together with the ratchet mechanism and the bracket 100, form a clamping structure that can adapt to various load contours and sizes, and can meet the suspension needs of different types of loads.

[0044] Furthermore, a suspension beam 500 is movably connected between the top of the stop block 200 at one end of the first support rod 110 and the top of the stop block 200 at one end of the adjacent second support rod 120. A connecting seat 600 for connecting the drone body is provided on the suspension beam 500. The suspension beam 500 and connecting seat 600 on one side constitute a suspension structure, and there are two suspension structures above the bracket 100. This dual-suspension structure design makes the connection between the suspension module and the drone body more stable, disperses the force of the load on the drone, and improves flight stability.

[0045] A limiting and locking structure is provided between the cantilever beam 500 and the stop block 200. This structure controls the attitude stability of the encapsulation structure. During UAV flight, the payload may be subjected to various external forces, causing changes in the attitude of the stop block 200 and affecting its fixation. By restricting the relative movement between the stop block 200 and the cantilever beam 500, the limiting and locking structure ensures that the stop block 200 maintains a suitable attitude after adaptively encapsulating and clamping the payload, firmly securing it and preventing it from loosening or falling off, thus ensuring UAV flight safety.

[0046] Specifically, in combination Figure 6As shown, each stop 200 has a second pivot 400 at its top. The pivot axis 113 of the second pivot 400 is vertically arranged. The second pivot 400 is a "T"-shaped sleeve 410. The cantilever beam 500 passes through the transverse through hole at the top of the second pivot 400. A locking bolt 420 is provided on the top side wall of the second pivot 400. The locking bolt 420 can fix the connection position between the cantilever beam 500 and the second pivot 400. After adjusting the posture of the stop 200, tightening the locking bolt 420 will tightly fix the second pivot 400 and the cantilever beam 500, thereby realizing the limiting and locking function.

[0047] like Figure 7 As shown, the connecting seat 600 includes a horizontally arranged mounting bracket 610. The mounting bracket 610 has a mounting hole 611 with a strip-shaped through-hole structure. After the mounting hole 611 is engaged with a bolt, it connects to the main body of the drone. The mounting hole 611 with a certain adjustment margin allows for fine-tuning of the connection position during installation according to the actual situation, ensuring accurate docking between the suspension module and the main body of the drone. The bottom of the mounting bracket 610 is provided with a connecting seat 620. The bottom of the connecting seat 620 is connected and fixed to the middle position of the suspension beam 500 through a sleeve part 621, realizing a stable connection between the connecting seat 600 and the suspension beam 500.

[0048] In practical applications, the assembly and use process of the suspension module for UAVs according to this invention is as follows: First, adjust the lengths of the first support rod 110 and the second support rod 120 according to the size and shape of the load, and further adapt to the side profile of the load by adjusting the lateral side of the movable rod. Then, use a ratchet mechanism to adjust the included angle between the first support rod 110 and the second support rod 120, so that the bracket 100 forms a frame structure suitable for the load. Next, rotate the stop block 200 around the first pivot axis 113, so that its three-dimensional triangular outer wrapping structure fits the outer corner of the load, achieving initial wrapping constraint on the load. Afterwards, install the suspension beam 500 and the connecting seat 600 to connect the suspension module to the UAV body, and adjust the attitude of the stop block 200 and limit and lock it through the second pivot 400 and the locking bolt 420 to ensure that the load is firmly fixed. Finally, check whether the connection of each component is reliable, and the UAV can carry out the load transportation task.

[0049] Example 2: Based on Example 1, combined with Figure 8 As shown, the mounting hole 611 has a countersunk plate 612 at the top. The countersunk plate 612 can provide space for the bolt head, making the connection flatter and reducing the impact on the flight of the drone. The countersunk plate 612 can also serve as a space for the elastic pad, making the connection between the suspension module and the drone body more secure and stable.

[0050] In summary, the suspension module for UAVs of this invention, through its innovative structural design, effectively solves the problems existing in the suspension structure of UAVs. It has the advantages of strong versatility, stable fixation, and flexible adjustment, and has broad application prospects in the field of UAV technology.

[0051] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A suspension module for a drone, the suspension module comprising: The bracket (100) includes a first support rod (110) and a second support rod (120) that are cross-connected at their center. A ratchet mechanism is provided at the connection between the first support rod (110) and the second support rod (120). Both ends of the first support rod (110) and the second support rod (120) are pivotally connected to a stop block (200). The lateral inner end of the stop block (200) can form a wrapping structure for the outer corner of the load. The four stops (200), together with the ratchet mechanism and the bracket (100), form a clamping structure that can adapt to various load profiles and sizes. A suspension beam (500) is movably connected between the top of the stop block (200) at one end of the first support rod (110) and the top of the stop block (200) at one end of the adjacent second support rod (120). A connecting seat (600) for connecting the main body of the drone is provided on the suspension beam (500). The suspension beam (500) and the connecting seat (600) on one side constitute a set of suspension structures. There are two sets of suspension structures above the bracket (100). A limiting locking structure is provided between the suspension beam (500) and the stop block (200). The limiting locking structure can control the attitude stability of the wrapping structure.

2. The suspension module for a UAV of claim 1, wherein, The first support rod (110) and the second support rod (120) are respectively provided with length telescopic adjustment structures.

3. The suspension module for a UAV of claim 2, wherein, The inner ends of the first support rod (110) and the second support rod (120) are provided with fixed rods, and the outer side of the fixed rods is movably connected with movable rods. The connection position between the movable rods and the fixed rods can be adjusted laterally inward and outward.

4. The suspension module for a UAV of claim 1, wherein, The first support rod (110) has a bottom shell (111) at its center. The bottom shell (111) is a circular shell structure with an open top. A ratchet (112) is provided on the inner side wall of the bottom shell (111). A rotating shaft (113) is provided at the center of the inner cavity of the bottom shell (111). The second support rod (120) has a ratchet (121) at its bottom bottom center. A socket (122) that matches the rotating shaft (113) is provided at the bottom center of the ratchet (121). After the ratchet (121) is fitted into the inner cavity of the bottom shell (111) through the socket (122), the ratchet (121) and the ratchet (112) constitute a ratchet mechanism.

5. The suspension module for a UAV of claim 1, wherein, The stop block (200) consists of three plates that are perpendicular to each other, forming an outer wrapping structure that fits the three-dimensional triangular contour.

6. The suspension module for a UAV of claim 1, wherein, Each stop (200) has a first pivot (300) between its bottom and the first support rod (110) or the second support rod (120). The pivot axis (113) of the first pivot (300) is vertically set, and the stop (200) can rotate around the pivot axis (113) of the first pivot axis (113).

7. The suspension module for a UAV of claim 6, wherein, Each stop block (200) has a second pivot (400) at its top. The pivot axis (113) of the second pivot (400) is vertically set. The second pivot (400) is a sleeve (410) with a "T" structure. The cantilever beam (500) passes through the transverse through hole at the top of the second pivot (400). The top side wall of the second pivot (400) is provided with a locking bolt (420). The locking bolt (420) can fix the connection position between the cantilever beam (500) and the second pivot (400). 8.The suspension module for the UAV of claim 1, wherein, The connecting seat (600) includes a horizontally arranged mounting bracket (610), which has a mounting hole (611) with a strip-shaped through hole structure. The mounting hole (611) is connected to the main body of the drone after being engaged with a bolt. The bottom of the mounting bracket (610) is provided with a connecting seat (620), and the bottom of the connecting seat (620) is connected to the cantilever beam (500).

9. The suspension module for a UAV of claim 8, wherein, The mounting hole (611) is provided with a recessed platform (612) at the top.

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