An automatic battery replacement device and method for an eVTOL manned drone

Abstract

The invention discloses an automatic battery replacement device for an eVTOL manned unmanned aerial vehicle, and relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicles. The automatic battery replacement device for an eVTOL manned unmanned aerial vehicle comprises: a battery replacement crane unit, which is used to replace a battery pack unit for an eVTOL manned unmanned aerial vehicle unit; the battery replacement crane unit comprises: a vehicle chassis, which is used to lock the wheels when replacing the battery pack unit to ensure that no displacement occurs during the battery replacement process; compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the invention are as follows: the invention can solve the disadvantage of cumbersome manual battery replacement steps caused by the upper placement of the battery, and automatically disassembles and installs the battery through a mechanical arm, thereby reducing the workload and improving the efficiency; the battery replacement crane unit has the ability to move by itself, can adapt to different occasions, and does not require additional towing equipment; the battery removal can be manually controlled or guided by fully autonomous image recognition, and is more widely used and more intelligent; the battery adopts a modular quick-release design, and the replacement steps are simple, which is suitable for automated assembly line operations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and in particular to an automatic battery replacement device and method for an eVTOL manned UAV. Background Art

[0002] The potential future applications of eVTOL involve various scenarios such as urban passenger transport, cargo transport, personal aircraft, emergency medical services, etc. At present, eVTOL aircraft are also called flying cars in China, which are mainly used in urban air traffic and are currently a hot investment area.

[0003] Since the eVTOL "flying car" uses a pure electric drive, in order to ensure the flight time, the battery weight of the eVTOL "flying car" that usually carries two people is usually more than 50KG. Battery replacement is obviously a more difficult problem. Due to the heavy weight of the battery, in order to ensure the center of gravity, it can only be placed on the center axis or below. The advantage of the currently more commonly used method of placing the battery below is that it is easy to disassemble, but the disadvantage is that it lengthens the distance between the battery and the rotor motor, causing the power supply wire to become longer, resulting in increased power waste due to line resistance. Secondly, the battery compartment is under the seat. Due to the flammable and explosive properties of lithium batteries, it is impossible to evacuate in the first time when danger occurs, which further increases safety risks.

[0004] The advantage of placing the battery on top is that the line resistance voltage drop is lower, which can increase the rotor power and improve the energy utilization rate. On the other hand, it is safer. When a battery fails, the flame is above the personnel and isolated by the fuselage, so they can evacuate or make an emergency landing as soon as possible, buying precious time for escape. The only disadvantage is that manual replacement of batteries is cumbersome and needs to be improved. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an automatic battery replacement device and method for an eVTOL manned unmanned aerial vehicle to solve the problems raised in the above-mentioned background technology.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] An automatic battery replacement device for an eVTOL manned drone, comprising:

[0008] A battery replacement crane unit is used to replace a battery pack unit for an eVTOL manned drone unit; the battery replacement crane unit includes:

[0009] The vehicle chassis is used to lock the wheels when replacing the battery pack unit to ensure that there is no displacement during the battery replacement process;

[0010] The robot arm is used to move through the servo motor during the battery removal process to ensure that the robot claw grabs the battery pack unit;

[0011] Mechanical claws are used to accurately grasp the battery pack unit and remove or install the battery pack unit;

[0012] The vehicle chassis is connected to the robotic arm, and the robotic arm is connected to the robotic claw;

[0013] A battery pack unit for powering an eVTOL manned drone unit;

[0014] A battery fixing slot is provided on the surface of the battery pack unit, which is used to fix the battery pack unit on the drone;

[0015] The surface of the battery pack unit is also provided with battery terminal contacts, which are used for the battery pack unit to power the drone through the contacts;

[0016] eVTOL manned drone unit for powered working flight;

[0017] A battery compartment is provided above the eVTOL manned drone unit, which has the same size as the battery pack unit and is used to place the battery pack unit;

[0018] A battery slot is provided on the side of the battery compartment for fixing the battery pack unit;

[0019] Battery compartment terminal contacts are arranged in the battery compartment, and the battery compartment terminal contacts include a battery positive contact, a battery negative contact, and a data communication contact. The positive contact and the negative contact are used to power the eVTOL manned drone unit, and the data communication contact is used for data communication between the flight control and the battery pack unit.

[0020] The automatic battery replacement method for an eVTOL manned drone is applied to the automatic battery replacement device for an eVTOL manned drone as described above, and the method includes: step 1, the eVTOL manned drone unit stops at a designated area; step 2, the battery replacement crane unit moves to the vicinity of the eVTOL manned drone unit; step 3, the robotic arm controls the mechanical claw to approach the battery pack unit; step 4, the mechanical claw removes the battery pack unit; step 5, the mechanical claw installs a fully charged battery pack unit for the eVTOL manned drone unit; step 6, the battery replacement crane unit evacuates the drone area.

[0021] As a further solution of the present invention: Step 1: The eVTOL manned drone unit that needs to replace the battery is parked in a designated area, the drone is powered off, and the personnel are evacuated.

[0022] As a further solution of the present invention: Step 2: The battery replacement crane unit is moved by controlling the handle (if the aircraft is parked in a fixed position, it can be automatically driven along a preset route) to the vicinity of the eVTOL manned drone unit.

[0023] As a further solution of the present invention: Step 3: Manipulate the robotic arm and the battery replacement crane unit, and adjust the position so that the robotic claw is close to the battery pack unit.

[0024] As a further solution of the present invention: Step 4: The mechanical claw grabs the battery pack unit on the eVTOL manned drone unit and disassembles and removes it.

[0025] As a further solution of the present invention: Step 5: After the robotic arm moves to the battery storage area, the robotic claw releases and releases the battery pack unit.

[0026] As a further solution of the present invention: Step 6: The mechanical claw grabs the fully charged battery pack unit and installs it on the eVTOL manned drone unit.

[0027] As a further solution of the present invention: Step 7: After the replacement of the battery pack unit is completed, the battery replacement crane unit evacuates the drone area.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the present invention can solve the disadvantage of cumbersome manual battery replacement steps caused by the upper placement of the battery, and automatically disassemble and install the battery through a robotic arm, thereby reducing workload and improving efficiency; the battery replacement crane unit has the ability to move on its own and can adapt to different occasions without the need for additional towing equipment; battery removal can be carried out by manual control or fully autonomous image recognition guidance, which is more widely used and more intelligent; the battery adopts a modular quick-release design, and the replacement steps are simple, which is suitable for automated assembly line operations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 The present invention is a structural schematic diagram of an automatic battery replacement device and method for an eVTOL manned drone.

[0030] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the crane unit for battery replacement.

[0031] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the eVTOL manned drone unit.

[0032] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a battery pack unit.

[0033] In the figure: 1-battery replacement crane unit, 2-eVTOL manned drone unit, 3-battery pack unit, 11-vehicle chassis, 12-mechanical arm, 13-mechanical claw, 21-battery slot, 22-battery compartment end contact, 31-battery fixing slot, 32-battery end contact. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] See also Figures 1 to 4 , an automatic battery replacement device for an eVTOL manned drone, comprising:

[0036] The battery replacement crane unit 1 is used to replace the battery pack unit 3 for the eVTOL manned drone unit 2; the battery replacement crane unit 1 includes:

[0037] The vehicle chassis 11 is used to lock the wheels when replacing the battery unit 3 to ensure that no displacement occurs during the battery replacement process;

[0038] The mechanical arm 12 is used to move through the servo motor during the battery removal process to ensure that the mechanical claw 13 grabs the battery pack unit 3;

[0039] The mechanical claw 13 is used to accurately grasp the battery pack unit 3 and disassemble or install the battery pack unit 3;

[0040] The vehicle chassis 11 is connected to the mechanical arm 12, and the mechanical arm 12 is connected to the mechanical claw 13;

[0041] A battery pack unit 3, used to supply power to the eVTOL manned drone unit 2;

[0042] A battery fixing slot 31 is provided on the surface of the battery pack unit 3 for fixing the battery pack unit 3 on the drone;

[0043] The surface of the battery pack unit 3 is also provided with a battery terminal contact 32, which is used for the battery pack unit 3 to supply power to the drone through the contact;

[0044] eVTOL manned drone unit 2, for powered working flight;

[0045] A battery compartment is provided above the eVTOL manned drone unit 2, which has the same size as the battery pack unit 3 and is used to place the battery pack unit 3;

[0046] A battery slot 21 is provided on the side of the battery compartment for fixing the battery pack unit 3;

[0047] A battery compartment terminal contact 22 is arranged in the battery compartment, and the battery compartment terminal contact 22 includes a battery positive contact, a battery negative contact, and a data communication contact. The positive contact and the negative contact are used to supply power to the eVTOL manned drone unit 2, and the data communication contact is used for data communication between the flight control and the battery pack unit 3.

[0048] The automatic battery replacement method for an eVTOL manned drone is applied to the automatic battery replacement device for an eVTOL manned drone as described above, and the method includes: step 1, the eVTOL manned drone unit 2 stops at a designated area; step 2, the battery replacement crane unit 1 moves to the vicinity of the eVTOL manned drone unit 2; step 3, the mechanical arm 12 controls the mechanical claw 13 to approach the battery pack unit 3; step 4, the mechanical claw 13 disassembles the battery pack unit 3; step 5, the mechanical claw 13 installs a fully charged battery pack unit 3 for the eVTOL manned drone unit 2; step 6, the battery replacement crane unit 1 evacuates the drone area.

[0049] Further: Step 1: The eVTOL manned drone unit 2 that needs to replace the battery is parked in a designated area, the drone is powered off, and the personnel are evacuated.

[0050] The eVTOL manned drone unit 2 that needs to have its battery replaced is parked in a designated area, the drone system power supply and power supply are manually cut off, and personnel are evacuated.

[0051] Going one step further: Step 2: The battery replacement crane unit 1 is moved by means of a handle control (if the aircraft is parked in a fixed position, it can be automatically driven along a preset route) to the vicinity of the eVTOL manned drone unit 2 .

[0052] The battery replacement crane unit 1 has a handle remote control movement function, and the implementation principle is: the handle displacement control signal can be transmitted to the battery replacement crane unit 1 controller through a wired connection to issue its displacement command. When the semi-autonomous mode is used to replace the battery, the battery replacement crane unit 1 is manually controlled by the handle to move to the vicinity of the eVTOL manned drone unit 2; if the battery is replaced in a fully autonomous mode, since the battery replacement crane unit 1 has a driving path planning and automatic driving function, the implementation principle is: manually input the driving route and destination GPS location information of the battery replacement crane unit 1 controller, the battery replacement crane unit 1 determines its own position through the onboard GPS receiver, and the controller adjusts its own position in real time through position comparison to achieve accurate automatic driving along the preset route to the preset destination of the eVTOL manned drone unit 2.

[0053] Going further: Step 3: Manipulate the robotic arm 12 and the battery replacement crane unit 1, and adjust the position so that the robotic claw 13 is close to the battery pack unit 3.

[0054] When the semi-autonomous mode is used to replace the battery, the robot arm operating handle has the same handle operation function as the battery replacement crane unit 1 control handle, and the two operating handles are integrated together to control both the displacement of the battery replacement crane unit 1 and the movement of the robot arm. The manual operating handle controls the robot arm 12 and the battery replacement crane unit 1, and adjusts the position so that the robot claw 13 is close to the battery pack unit 3. If the fully autonomous mode is used to replace the battery, turn on the automatic position adjustment switch on the handle. The camera on the robot claw 13 has the function of accurately identifying the battery pack unit 3 through deep learning of the program, and can adjust the battery replacement crane unit 1 and the robot arm so that the robot claw is automatically positioned above the battery pack unit 3, ready to grab the battery.

[0055] Going one step further: Step 4: The mechanical claw 13 grabs the battery pack unit 3 on the eVTOL manned drone unit 2 and disassembles and removes it.

[0056] When the battery is replaced in semi-autonomous mode, the mechanical claw 13 is manually operated to grab the battery pack unit 3 on the eVTOL manned drone unit 2 and remove it. If the battery is replaced in fully autonomous mode, just press the removal button on the handle.

[0057] Further: Step 5: After the robot arm 12 moves to the battery storage area, the robot claw 13 releases the battery pack unit 3.

[0058] When the semi-autonomous mode is used to replace the battery, the manual operation handle controls the mechanical arm 12 to move to the battery storage area, releases the mechanical claw 13 and puts down the battery pack unit 3. When the fully autonomous mode is used to replace the battery, a battery storage area is preset and the program is automatically executed.

[0059] Going one step further: Step 6: The mechanical claw 13 grabs the fully charged battery pack unit 3 and installs it for the eVTOL manned drone unit 2.

[0060] When replacing the battery in semi-autonomous mode, the manual operation handle controls the mechanical claw 13 of the mechanical arm 12 to grab the fully charged battery pack unit 3 and install it for the eVTOL manned drone unit 2. When replacing the battery in fully autonomous mode, the process is the same as the disassembly process. The camera image recognizes the battery pack unit 3, and the program automatically executes the installation procedure.

[0061] Going one step further: Step 7: After the replacement of the battery pack unit 3 is completed, the battery replacement crane unit 1 evacuates the drone area.

[0062] After the replacement of the battery pack unit 3 is completed, the battery replacement crane unit 1 can evacuate the drone area by two methods: manual operation of the handle\autonomous driving along a preset route.

[0063] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential features of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of the equivalent elements of the claims be included in the invention. Any reference numeral in a claim should not be considered as limiting the claim to which it relates.

[0064] In addition, it should be understood that although the present specification is described according to implementation modes, not every implementation mode contains only one independent technical solution. This description of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment may also be appropriately combined to form other implementation modes that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An automatic battery replacement device for an eVTOL manned drone, characterized in that: The automatic battery replacement device for the eVTOL manned drone includes: A battery replacement crane unit is used to replace a battery pack unit for an eVTOL manned drone unit; the battery replacement crane unit includes: The vehicle chassis is used to lock the wheels when replacing the battery pack unit to ensure that there is no displacement during the battery replacement process; The robot arm is used to move through the servo motor during the battery removal process to ensure that the robot claw grabs the battery pack unit; Mechanical claws are used to accurately grasp the battery pack unit and remove or install the battery pack unit; The vehicle chassis is connected to the robotic arm, and the robotic arm is connected to the robotic claw; A battery pack unit for powering an eVTOL manned drone unit; A battery fixing slot is provided on the surface of the battery pack unit, which is used to fix the battery pack unit on the drone; The surface of the battery pack unit is also provided with battery terminal contacts, which are used for the battery pack unit to power the drone through the contacts; eVTOL manned drone unit for powered working flight; A battery compartment is provided above the eVTOL manned drone unit, which has the same size as the battery pack unit and is used to place the battery pack unit; A battery slot is provided on the side of the battery compartment for fixing the battery pack unit; A battery compartment terminal contact is arranged in the battery compartment, and the battery compartment terminal contact includes a battery positive contact, a battery negative contact, and a data communication contact. The positive contact and the negative contact are used to power the eVTOL manned drone unit, and the data communication contact is used for data communication between the flight control and the battery pack unit. The battery replacement crane unit has a handle remote control movement function, and the implementation principle is: the handle displacement control signal can be transmitted to the battery replacement crane unit controller through a wired connection to issue its displacement command; when the battery is replaced in semi-autonomous mode, the battery replacement crane unit is manually controlled by the handle to move to the vicinity of the eVTOL manned drone unit; if the battery is replaced in fully autonomous mode, since the battery replacement crane unit has the driving path planning and automatic driving functions, the implementation principle is: manually input the driving route and destination GPS location information of the battery replacement crane unit controller, the battery replacement crane unit determines its own position through the onboard GPS receiver, and the controller adjusts its own position in real time through position comparison to achieve accurate automatic driving along the preset route to the preset destination of the eVTOL manned drone unit; When replacing the battery in semi-autonomous mode, the robot arm operating handle has the same handle operation function as the battery replacement crane unit control handle, and the two operating handles are integrated together to control both the displacement of the battery replacement crane unit and the movement of the robot arm; the manual operating handle controls the robot arm and the battery replacement crane unit, and adjusts the position so that the robot claw is close to the battery pack unit; if the battery is replaced in full autonomous mode, turn on the automatic position adjustment switch on the handle, and the camera on the robot claw has the function of accurately identifying the battery pack unit through deep learning of the program, and can adjust the battery replacement crane unit and the robot arm so that the robot claw is automatically positioned above the battery pack unit, ready to grab the battery; After the battery pack unit is replaced, the battery replacement crane unit can evacuate the drone area by manually operating the handle or autonomously driving along a preset route.

2. An automatic battery replacement method for an eVTOL manned drone, applied to the automatic battery replacement device for an eVTOL manned drone according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method comprises: step 1, the eVTOL manned drone unit stops at a designated area; step 2, the battery replacement crane unit moves to the vicinity of the eVTOL manned drone unit; step 3, the robotic arm controls the mechanical claw to approach the battery pack unit; step 4, the mechanical claw removes the battery pack unit; step 5, the mechanical claw installs a fully charged battery pack unit for the eVTOL manned drone unit; step 6, the battery replacement crane unit evacuates the drone area.

3. The automatic battery replacement method for an eVTOL manned drone according to claim 2, characterized in that: Step 1: The eVTOL manned drone unit that needs to have its battery replaced is parked in a designated area, the drone is powered off, and personnel are evacuated.

4. The automatic battery replacement method for an eVTOL manned drone according to claim 2, characterized in that: Step 2: The battery replacement crane unit is moved to the vicinity of the eVTOL manned drone unit by controlling the handle.

5. The automatic battery replacement method for an eVTOL manned drone according to claim 2, characterized in that: Step 3: Manipulate the robotic arm and the battery replacement crane unit and adjust the position so that the robotic claw is close to the battery pack unit.

6. The automatic battery replacement method for an eVTOL manned drone according to claim 2, characterized in that: Step 4: The mechanical claw grabs the battery pack unit on the eVTOL manned drone unit and removes it.

7. The automatic battery replacement method for an eVTOL manned drone according to claim 2, characterized in that: Step 5: After the robotic arm moves to the battery storage area, the robotic claw releases and releases the battery pack unit.

8. The automatic battery replacement method for an eVTOL manned drone according to claim 2, characterized in that: Step 6: The robotic claw grabs the fully charged battery pack unit and installs it for the eVTOL manned drone unit.

9. The automatic battery replacement method for an eVTOL manned drone according to claim 2, characterized in that: Step 7: After the battery pack unit is replaced, the battery replacement crane unit evacuates the drone area.

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