Unmanned aerial base station and unmanned aerial system

Abstract

The embodiment of the application relates to the technical field of unmanned planes, and discloses an unmanned plane base station and an unmanned plane system, the unmanned plane base station comprising a support, a parking apron, a charging mechanism and a temperature adjusting mechanism, the support being provided with a containing cavity, the parking apron separating the containing cavity into an upper chamber and a lower chamber, the temperature adjusting mechanism comprising a semiconductor module, a first ventilation assembly, a second ventilation assembly and a third ventilation assembly, the semiconductor module being partially arranged in the first ventilation assembly and partially arranged in the second ventilation assembly; the first ventilation assembly being configured to dissipate heat from the upper chamber; the second ventilation assembly being configured to dissipate heat from part of the semiconductor module; and the third ventilation assembly being configured to dissipate heat from the lower chamber. In the above manner, the unmanned plane base station can dissipate heat from multiple regions of the unmanned plane base station in a targeted manner, thereby effectively improving the working performance of the unmanned plane base station.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, and in particular to a UAV base station and UAV system. Background Technology

[0002] Because of their flexible operation, drones are generally used for tasks such as aerial photography, pesticide spraying, or exploration. As a supporting facility for drones, drone base stations are generally used to provide at least docking, cleaning, and charging services for drones when they are not performing missions.

[0003] In implementing the embodiments of this application, the inventors discovered that the existing drone base station's heat dissipation system is simple and straightforward, with most relying on direct fan cooling. However, when a drone is docked at a drone base station for charging, both the drone's temperature and the drone base station's temperature are relatively high. The simple heat dissipation system cannot effectively reduce the temperature of the drone and the base station, thus reducing the charging efficiency of the drone base station for the drone. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main technical problem solved by the embodiments of this application is to provide a drone base station and drone system that can target multiple areas of the drone base station for heat dissipation, thereby effectively improving the working performance of the drone base station.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted in this application embodiment is as follows: A drone base station is provided, comprising a support frame, a landing pad, a charging mechanism, and a temperature regulating mechanism. The support frame has a receiving cavity; the landing pad divides the receiving cavity into an upper compartment and a lower compartment, and the landing pad is configured to dock drones; the charging mechanism is configured to provide power to the drones docked at the landing pad; the temperature regulating mechanism is disposed in the lower compartment, and the temperature regulating mechanism includes a semiconductor module, a first ventilation component, a second ventilation component, and a third ventilation component. A portion of the semiconductor module is disposed in the first ventilation component, and a portion is disposed in the second ventilation component; the first ventilation component is configured to dissipate heat from the upper compartment; the second ventilation component is configured to dissipate heat from a portion of the semiconductor module; and the third ventilation component is configured to dissipate heat from the lower compartment.

[0006] Optionally, the first ventilation component includes a first fan and a first air duct. The first air duct has a first opening and a second opening communicating with the upper compartment. The first fan is disposed in the first opening, and the upper end of the semiconductor module is located inside the first air duct.

[0007] Optionally, the second ventilation component includes a second fan and a second air duct. The second air duct has a third opening and a fourth opening that communicate with the outside. The second fan is disposed in the third opening, and the lower end of the semiconductor module is located inside the second air duct.

[0008] Optionally, the temperature regulation mechanism further includes an adapter, which is electrically connected to the semiconductor module, the first fan, and the second fan respectively; when the semiconductor module is powered by the adapter, the upper end of the semiconductor module is in a cooling state and the lower end of the semiconductor module is in a heat dissipation state.

[0009] Optionally, the temperature regulation mechanism further includes a first backup battery, which is electrically connected to the adapter and the semiconductor module respectively; when the semiconductor module is powered by the first backup battery, the upper end of the semiconductor module is in a heat dissipation state and the lower end of the semiconductor module is in a cooling state.

[0010] Optionally, the temperature regulation mechanism further includes a second backup battery, which is electrically connected to the adapter and configured to store electrical energy and supply electrical energy to the adapter.

[0011] Optionally, the third ventilation component includes a third fan and a third air duct. The third air duct is connected to the lower compartment and has a fifth opening and a sixth opening that communicate with the outside. The third fan is disposed in the fifth opening. The third fan is used to provide airflow power to dissipate heat from the charging mechanism, the adapter, and the first backup battery located in the third air duct.

[0012] Optionally, the third ventilation assembly further includes a fourth fan disposed at the sixth opening. The third fan is configured to draw outside air into the third air duct and to blow air from the third air duct to the outside.

[0013] Optionally, the bracket is provided with a first ventilation opening and a second ventilation opening, the second ventilation component intakes air from the first ventilation opening and exhausts air from the second ventilation opening; the third ventilation component intakes air from the first ventilation opening and exhausts air from the second ventilation opening; the drone base station further includes a first object blocking net and a second object blocking net, the first object blocking net being disposed at the first ventilation opening and the second object blocking net being disposed at the second ventilation opening.

[0014] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted in this application embodiment is to provide an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system, including a UAV and the aforementioned UAV base station.

[0015] This application embodiment of the drone base station includes a support frame, a landing pad, a charging mechanism, and a temperature regulation mechanism. The support frame includes an upper cover and a lower cover. The landing pad is used to dock drones. The temperature regulation mechanism includes a semiconductor module, a first ventilation component, a second ventilation component, and a third ventilation component. The upper end of the semiconductor module is disposed in the first ventilation component, the lower end of the semiconductor module is disposed in the second ventilation component, and the charging mechanism and other components are disposed in the third ventilation component. Through the above structure, the ventilation and heat dissipation channels of the drone base station can be clearly divided, enabling targeted heating and heat dissipation, and effectively improving the working performance of each component. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0017] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a drone base station from one perspective in an embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the drone base station from another perspective in an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the lower cover of the drone base station according to an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the temperature regulation mechanism of the drone base station according to an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the temperature regulation mechanism of the drone base station according to an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram from one perspective of the temperature regulation mechanism of the drone base station in an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram from one perspective of another embodiment of the unmanned aerial vehicle system of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more detailed description is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that when an element is described as "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. When an element is described as "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. The terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "vertical," "horizontal," etc., used in this specification indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0026] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0027] Please see Figures 1 to 3 The drone base station 100 includes a support frame 10, a landing pad 20, a temperature regulation mechanism 30, and a charging mechanism 40. The support frame 10 has a receiving cavity, and the landing pad 20 is disposed within the receiving cavity for drones to dock. The charging mechanism 40 is disposed within the receiving cavity and is used to provide power to the drones docked on the landing pad 20. The temperature regulation mechanism 30 is disposed within the receiving cavity and is used to regulate the temperature within the receiving cavity to maintain it within a suitable temperature range for drone charging, thereby ensuring the charging efficiency of the drone base station 100 for drones.

[0028] The support frame 10 includes an upper cover 11 and a lower cover 12. When the upper cover 11 and the lower cover 12 are closed, they form a closed receiving cavity. Furthermore, the upper cover 11 has an upper chamber 111, and the lower cover 12 has a lower chamber 121. The landing pad 20 is disposed on the lower cover 12. The upper chamber 111 is used to receive the UAV, and the lower chamber 121 is used to receive the temperature regulation mechanism 30 and the charging mechanism 40.

[0029] In some embodiments, the inner wall surface of the upper cover 11 facing the lower cover 12 is arc-shaped. When the upper cover 11 closes to the lower cover 12 to form a closed receiving cavity, the arc-shaped inner wall surface of the upper cover 11 is more conducive to the flow of air generated when the temperature regulating mechanism 30 regulates the temperature of the upper chamber 111, effectively avoiding the phenomenon of airflow turbulence.

[0030] Please see Figure 2 The drone base station 100 also includes a first thermal insulation layer 41. The first thermal insulation layer 41 is disposed on the inner wall surface of the upper compartment cover 11, and is configured to reduce the heat exchange efficiency between the upper compartment 111 and the outside. As an example, the first thermal insulation layer 41 can be thermal insulation cotton, ceramic fiber layer, etc.

[0031] Please see Figure 3 The lower compartment cover 12 is provided with a first ventilation opening 122 and a second ventilation opening 123 that connect the lower compartment 121 to the outside. Both the first ventilation opening 122 and the second ventilation opening 123 are used to connect to the temperature regulation mechanism 30, so that the temperature regulation mechanism 30 can dissipate heat from the lower compartment 121.

[0032] Understandably, since the drone base station 100 is typically installed outdoors, in order to prevent animals and debris from entering the lower compartment 121 and affecting the normal operation of the drone base station 100, the drone base station 100 also includes a first barrier net 42 and a second barrier net 43. The first barrier net 42 is detachably installed at the first ventilation opening 122, and the second barrier net 43 is detachably installed at the second ventilation opening 123.

[0033] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 The drone base station 100 also includes a drive assembly 44. The drive assembly 44 is mounted on the bracket 10 and is configured to drive the upper cover 11 to move relative to the lower cover 12, thereby opening or closing the receiving cavity. The drive assembly 44 is connected to a controller, which can further enhance the intelligence level of the drone base station 100.

[0034] It is understandable that, in order to reduce the space occupied by the upper cover 11 after it is opened, the outer wall of the lower cover 12 is arc-shaped. When the drive assembly 44 drives the upper cover 11 to open the upper compartment 111, at least part of the upper cover 11 and at least part of the lower cover 12 are nested together.

[0035] Please see Figure 3To further improve the sealing performance of the upper cover 11 and lower cover 12 after they are closed, the UAV base station 100 also includes a first sealing component 45. The first sealing component 45 seals the gap between the upper cover 11 and the lower cover 12, and includes a first sealing element 451 and a second sealing element 452. The first sealing element 451 is located on the side of the lower cover 12 facing the upper cover 11, and the second sealing element 452 is located on the side of the lower cover 12 facing away from the upper cover 11. This arrangement reduces the gap after the upper cover 11 and lower cover 12 are rotated and closed, effectively improving the airtightness of the upper compartment 111.

[0036] For the aforementioned apron 20, please refer to... Figure 1 The helipad 20 is provided with a first circulating air vent 21 and a second circulating air vent 22 that penetrate the helipad 20, so that the airflow between the upper compartment 111 and the lower compartment 121 is connected. Both the first circulating air vent 21 and the second circulating air vent 22 are connected to the temperature regulation mechanism 30. The temperature regulation mechanism 30, located in the lower compartment 121, exchanges airflow with the upper compartment 111 through the first circulating air vent 21 and the second circulating air vent 22, thereby regulating the temperature in the upper compartment 111.

[0037] It is understood that in some other embodiments, the number of first circulating air vents 21 is at least two, either arranged in an array or randomly. The number of second circulating air vents 22 is at least two, either arranged in an array or randomly. Having at least two first circulating air vents 21 allows for a smaller aperture for each vent. Similarly, having at least two second circulating air vents 22 allows for a smaller aperture for each vent, such as 1mm, 3mm, or 5mm. This effectively prevents debris entering the upper chamber 111 from continuing to enter the lower chamber 121 and affecting the normal operation of the temperature regulation mechanism 30.

[0038] For the temperature regulating mechanism 30 mentioned above, please refer to Figures 4 to 6The temperature regulation mechanism 30 includes a semiconductor module 31, a first ventilation component, a second ventilation component, a third ventilation component, and an adapter 35. A portion of the semiconductor module 31 is disposed within the first ventilation component. The first ventilation component and the portion of the semiconductor module 31 located within it work together to regulate the temperature of the upper chamber 111. A portion of the semiconductor module 31 is disposed within the second ventilation component. The second ventilation component dissipates heat from the portion of the semiconductor module 31 located within it, preventing the semiconductor module 31 from overheating during operation and affecting its performance. The third ventilation component is connected to the lower chamber 121 and is used to promptly dissipate heat generated by components such as the charging mechanism 40 during operation to the outside, preventing heat accumulation in the lower chamber 121 and causing the temperature of the lower chamber 121 to become too high. The adapter 35 is disposed within the lower chamber 121 and is electrically connected to the semiconductor module 31, providing power to the semiconductor module 31.

[0039] The first ventilation assembly includes a first fan 321 and a first air duct 322. The first air duct 322 has a first opening 3221 and a second opening 3222 communicating with the upper compartment 111. The first opening 3221 communicates with the first circulating air vent 21 of the apron 20, and the second opening 3222 communicates with the second circulating air vent 22 of the apron 20. The upper end 311 of the semiconductor module 31 is located within the first air duct 322, and the upper end 311 of the semiconductor module 31 can heat or cool the gas within the first air duct 322. The first fan 321 is disposed at the first opening 3221 and provides airflow power to generate hot or cold airflow within the first air duct 322, which is then blown into the upper compartment 111, thereby regulating the temperature of the upper compartment 111.

[0040] The drone base station 100 also includes a second heat insulation layer 46, which is disposed on the inner wall of the first air duct 322. Since the air heated or cooled by the upper end 311 of the semiconductor module 31 within the first air duct 322 is supplied to the upper chamber 111 to regulate the temperature within the upper chamber 111, the placement of the second heat insulation layer 46 on the inner wall of the first air duct 322 reduces heat exchange between the hot or cold air and the outside environment, thereby improving the temperature regulation efficiency of the upper chamber 111 and enabling rapid heating or cooling of the upper chamber 111. For example, the second heat insulation layer 46 can be insulation cotton, a ceramic fiber layer, etc.

[0041] The drone base station 100 also includes a second sealing component 47, which is disposed between the landing pad 20 and the first ventilation component. The second sealing component 47 is configured to seal the gap between the first opening 3221 of the first air duct 322 and the first circulating air outlet 21 of the landing pad 20, and to seal the gap between the second opening 3222 of the first air duct 322 and the second circulating air outlet 22 of the landing pad 20. This prevents hot or cold air from leaving the first air duct 322 through the gaps, reducing the temperature regulation efficiency of the upper compartment 111. At the same time, it can also prevent noise from being generated when the airflow in the first air duct 322 flows out through the gaps, thereby improving the quality of the drone base station 100.

[0042] The second ventilation assembly includes a second fan 331 and a second air duct 332. The second air duct 332 has a third opening 3321 and a fourth opening 3322. The third opening 3321 is in airflow communication with the first ventilation port 122 of the lower compartment cover 12, and the fourth opening 3322 is in airflow communication with the second ventilation port 123 of the lower compartment cover 12. The lower end 312 of the semiconductor module 31 is located within the second air duct 332. When the upper end 311 of the semiconductor module 31 is in a cooling state, the lower end 312 of the semiconductor module 31 is in a heating state. The second fan 331 is used to promptly exhaust the heat generated by the lower end 312 of the semiconductor module 31 to the outside through the second air duct 332. It is understood that... Figure 5 The paths L1 and L2 formed by the middle arrows represent the airflow within the first air duct 322 and the second air duct 332, respectively. It is worth noting that the direction of the arrows does not restrict the direction of airflow.

[0043] The third ventilation assembly includes a third fan 341 and a third air duct 342. The third air duct 342 has a fifth opening 3421 and a sixth opening 3422 communicating with the lower compartment 121. The fifth opening 3421 and the sixth opening 3422 are in airflow communication with the first vent 122 of the lower compartment cover 12. Components such as the charging mechanism 40 and the adapter 35 are housed within the third air duct 342. The third fan 341 is located in the fifth opening 3421 and provides airflow power to promptly dissipate the heat generated by the charging mechanism 40, adapter 35, and other components during operation to the outside.

[0044] In other embodiments, to further improve airflow within the lower compartment 121 and enhance heat dissipation, the third ventilation assembly also includes a fourth fan 343, which is located at the sixth opening 3422. The third fan 341 and the fourth fan 343 work together to dissipate heat from the components within the lower compartment 121 through a combination of blowing and suction. As one embodiment, the third fan 341 draws relatively cool outside air into the lower compartment 121, and the relatively warm air, after convective cooling of components such as the charging mechanism 40 and adapter 35, is blown out by the fourth fan 343 to complete the blowing and suction process. It is understood that... Figure 6 The path L3 formed by the middle arrow represents the airflow within the third air duct 342. It is worth noting that the direction of the arrow does not restrict the direction of airflow.

[0045] Please see Figure 1 The temperature regulation mechanism 30 also includes a first backup battery 36. The first backup battery 36 is disposed in the lower compartment 121 and located within the third air duct 342. The first backup battery 36 is electrically connected to both the adapter 35 and the semiconductor module 31, and is used to provide power to the semiconductor module 31. It is worth noting that the direction of the current when the adapter 35 directly supplies power to the semiconductor module 31 is opposite to the direction of the current when the adapter 35 supplies power to the semiconductor module 31 through the first backup battery 36, thus causing the upper end 311 and the lower end 312 of the semiconductor module 31 to operate in opposite states. For example, when the adapter 35 directly supplies power to the semiconductor module 31, the upper end 311 of the semiconductor module 31 is in a cooling state, and the lower end 312 of the semiconductor module 31 is in a heat dissipation state; when the adapter 35 supplies power to the semiconductor module 31 through the first backup battery 36, the upper end 311 of the semiconductor module 31 is in a heat dissipation state, and the lower end 312 of the semiconductor module 31 is in a cooling state.

[0046] In some other embodiments, the temperature regulation mechanism 30 also includes a second backup battery. The second backup battery is electrically connected to both an external power source and the adapter 35. The second backup battery stores electrical energy to prevent the external power source from being unable to continuously supply power to the adapter 35. In special circumstances such as power outages or power failures, the second backup battery can continue to provide power to the adapter 35.

[0047] This embodiment of the drone base station 100 includes a support 10, a landing pad 20, a charging mechanism 40, a temperature regulation mechanism 30, and a first heat insulation layer 41. The support 10 includes an upper cover 11 and a lower cover 12. The landing pad 20 is used to dock drones. The temperature regulation mechanism 30 includes a semiconductor module 31, a first ventilation component, a second ventilation component, and a third ventilation component. The upper end 311 of the semiconductor module 31 is disposed in the first ventilation component, the lower end 312 of the semiconductor module 31 is disposed in the second ventilation component, and the charging mechanism 40 and other components are disposed in the third ventilation component. Through the above structure, the ventilation and heat dissipation channels of the drone base station 100 are clearly divided, enabling targeted heating and heat dissipation, and effectively improving the working performance of each component. In addition, the first heat insulation layer 41 is provided on the upper cover 11, which can effectively reduce the heat exchange efficiency between the upper cover 11 and the outside environment, thereby enabling the upper cover 11 to have a heat insulation function.

[0048] This application also provides 1000 embodiments of unmanned aerial vehicle systems; please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system 1000 includes a UAV base station 100 and a UAV 200. The UAV base station 100 provides at least docking and charging services for the UAV 200. The structure and function of the UAV base station 100 can be found in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0049] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A drone base station, characterized in that, include: The support has a receiving cavity; The landing pad divides the containment chamber into an upper compartment and a lower compartment, and the landing pad is configured to dock drones; The charging mechanism is configured to provide power to drones docked at the helipad; A temperature regulation mechanism is disposed in the lower compartment. The temperature regulation mechanism includes a semiconductor module, a first ventilation component, a second ventilation component, a third ventilation component, an adapter, and a first backup battery. The semiconductor module is partially disposed in the first ventilation component and partially disposed in the second ventilation component. The first ventilation component includes a first fan and a first air duct, and is configured to dissipate heat from the upper compartment; the second ventilation component includes a second fan and a second air duct, and is configured to dissipate heat from a portion of the semiconductor module; the third ventilation component is configured to dissipate heat from the lower compartment. The first backup battery is electrically connected to the adapter and the semiconductor module, and the adapter is electrically connected to the semiconductor module, the first fan, and the second fan. When the semiconductor module is powered by the adapter, the upper end of the semiconductor module is in a cooling state and the lower end of the semiconductor module is in a heat dissipation state. When the semiconductor module is powered by the first backup battery, the upper end of the semiconductor module is in a heat dissipation state, and the lower end of the semiconductor module is in a cooling state.

2. The UAV base station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first air duct has a first opening and a second opening that communicate with the upper compartment. The first fan is located in the first opening, and the upper end of the semiconductor module is located inside the first air duct.

3. The UAV base station according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second air duct has a third opening and a fourth opening that communicate with the outside. The second fan is located in the third opening, and the lower end of the semiconductor module is located inside the second air duct.

4. The UAV base station according to claim 3, characterized in that, The temperature regulation mechanism also includes a second backup battery, which is electrically connected to the adapter and is configured to store electrical energy and supply electrical energy to the adapter.

5. The UAV base station according to claim 3, characterized in that, The third ventilation component includes a third fan and a third air duct. The third air duct is connected to the lower compartment and has a fifth opening and a sixth opening that connect to the outside. The third fan is located at the fifth opening. The third fan provides airflow power to dissipate heat from the charging mechanism, the adapter, and the first backup battery located within the third air duct.

6. The UAV base station according to claim 5, characterized in that, The third ventilation component further includes a fourth fan disposed at the sixth opening. The third fan is configured to draw outside air into the third air duct and to blow air from the third air duct to the outside.

7. The UAV base station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket is provided with a first ventilation opening and a second ventilation opening. The second ventilation component takes in air from the first ventilation opening and exits air from the second ventilation opening. The third ventilation component takes in air from the first ventilation opening and exits air from the second ventilation opening. The drone base station also includes a first barrier net and a second barrier net, wherein the first barrier net is disposed at the first ventilation opening and the second barrier net is disposed at the second ventilation opening.

8. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system, characterized in that, This includes drones and drone base stations as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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