A modular multi-condition UAV jetting device and its working method

Abstract

This invention discloses a modular multi-condition UAV spraying device and its operating method. The device includes a ground transport trolley and a detachable support structure mounted on the UAV, a spray tank assembly, a battery pack, a micro booster pump, and an adaptive spraying mechanism. The support structure is connected to the landing gear of the UAV. The spray tank assembly, battery pack, micro booster pump, and adaptive spraying mechanism are respectively installed in the spaces on the landing gear through the support structure. The spray tank assembly and battery pack are modular structures. The adaptive spraying mechanism is connected to the spray tank assembly through the micro booster pump. The UAV and the adaptive spraying mechanism are electrically connected to the battery pack. The adaptive spraying mechanism is detachably connected to the ground transport trolley. This invention enables flexible switching between the UAV and the ground transport trolley working in conjunction with each other and working independently. It can complete high-altitude spraying operations with multiple working conditions, greatly improving efficiency and enhancing the applicability of the UAV spraying device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a drone jetting device, and more particularly to a modular multi-condition drone jetting device and its operating method. Background Technology

[0002] Drone spraying technology is now widely used in the painting of the exterior surfaces of large buildings such as ship hulls, building walls, and bridges. On the other hand, drone spraying technology is also used for cleaning high-altitude windows. The advantages of drone spraying include: saving manpower, strong versatility, and high efficiency.

[0003] Currently, a relatively mature method for this technology is to combine the drone spraying device with a ground transmission device to ensure the drone's endurance and continuous material supply. For example, the drone spraying device provided by invention patent CN112844915A can realize the linkage between the drone spraying device and the ground material cart to complete some simple spraying tasks. However, when facing high-altitude painting or touch-up painting operations, it is limited by the length of the material conveying pipe. The large ground slope will also interfere with the movement of the material cart. In addition, the drone spraying device and the ground conveying cart must be linked, making the spraying device relatively simple and rigid. It cannot be flexibly switched and disassembled when facing the change of spraying scenario. There are also certain difficulties in long-distance transportation and storage. Therefore, the applicable working conditions of this patent are relatively narrow.

[0004] In real life, painting and touch-up painting work needs to deal with a variety of complex painting scenarios. It requires real-time personalized assembly of the painting equipment according to the painting requirements of different working conditions. In addition, drone spraying technology needs to deal with diverse spraying objects. Drone spraying technology with specific working objects will be difficult to meet market needs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Purpose of the Invention: To address the aforementioned problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a modular multi-condition UAV jetting device that improves efficiency, intelligence, and applicability, enabling flexible switching of UAV configurations and flexible switching between coordinated and independent operation. The invention also provides its operating method.

[0006] Technical Solution: A modular multi-condition UAV spraying device includes a ground transport trolley and a detachable support structure, spray tank assembly, battery assembly, micro booster pump, and adaptive spraying mechanism mounted on the UAV. The support structure is connected to the landing gear under the UAV. The spray tank assembly, battery assembly, micro booster pump, and adaptive spraying mechanism are respectively set in the empty spaces on the landing gear through the support structure. The spray tank assembly and battery assembly are both modular structures. The adaptive spraying mechanism is connected to the spray tank assembly through the micro booster pump. The UAV and the adaptive spraying mechanism are respectively electrically connected to the battery assembly. The adaptive spraying mechanism is detachably connected to the ground transport trolley.

[0007] Furthermore, the support structure includes a support frame, an auxiliary plane, and a support plate. The auxiliary plane is horizontally installed on the upper part of the landing gear by multiple support frames spaced apart along its circumference. The support plates are arranged parallel to each other below the auxiliary plane. The outer circumference of the support plate is connected to the landing gear. The spray tank assembly, battery pack assembly, and micro booster pump are threaded onto the support plate, and the adaptive spraying mechanism is threaded onto the auxiliary plane.

[0008] Ideally, both the support frame and support plate are made of carbon fiber. The auxiliary plane and support plate are square. One end of the support frame is threaded to the auxiliary plane, and the other end is connected to the upper part of the landing gear via a single-pass structure. Each of the four corners of the support plate is connected to the lower part of the landing gear via a three-pass structure. The support frame and support plate are made of carbon fiber, offering high strength while maintaining light weight.

[0009] Furthermore, the spray box assembly includes a spray box base, a portable spray box, a threaded hose, and a plug-in connection structure. There are at least two spray box bases arranged alternately, and adjacent spray box bases are connected by threaded hoses. Each spray box base has a portable spray box on top, and the portable spray box is connected to the spray box base through the plug-in connection structure. The spray box bases are threadedly connected to the support structure, and a micro booster pump is connected to one of the spray box bases.

[0010] Ideally, the plug-in connection structure includes a smart head structure, a smart seat structure, and a smart cover structure. The smart cover structure is located at the bottom of the portable spray box, the smart seat structure is located at the center of the top of the spray box base and is connected to it, and the smart head structure is installed at the center of the top surface of the smart seat structure and is plugged into and connected to the smart cover structure. Both the smart seat structure and the spray box base have hollow structures inside for containing the spray.

[0011] Ideally, a sealing structure is provided at the connection between the smart head structure and the smart seat structure, as well as at the connection between the smart head structure and the smart cover structure.

[0012] Furthermore, the battery pack includes a battery pack, a connecting component, a folding structure, and a fixing structure. Two fixing structures are symmetrically spaced apart, with at least two battery packs arranged sequentially between them. The battery packs are connected in series through the connecting component. The two fixing structures are connected by two folding structures that are spaced apart from each other, so that the outer sides of the first and last battery packs respectively abut against a corresponding fixing structure. The fixing structure is threadedly connected to the support structure.

[0013] Furthermore, the adaptive spraying mechanism includes a rotating platform, a guide rail, a spray bar, a universal camera, an adaptive nozzle, and a control unit. The rotating platform and the control unit are mounted on the support structure and connected to each other. The spray bar is slidably connected to the rotating platform via the guide rail. One end of the spray bar is threadedly sealed to the adaptive nozzle, and the other end is connected to the spray tank assembly via a material conveying hose. The universal camera is mounted on the front of the spray bar and is signal-connected to the control unit. The control unit is signal-connected to the ground conveying trolley.

[0014] The omnidirectional camera is used to collect spray parameters, the control unit is used to adjust the spray state in real time, the rotating platform is used to adjust the angle of the spray boom, and the guide rail is detachably connected to the rotating platform through a slot to control the extension length of the spray boom.

[0015] Furthermore, the ground conveying trolley includes a trolley body and a paint tank, battery pile, drone platform, ground control unit, trolley braking mechanism, and material delivery pipeline deployment and retraction device installed on it. The drone platform is installed on the top of the trolley body, and the paint tank, battery pile, ground control unit, and material delivery pipeline deployment and retraction device are arranged below it. The trolley braking mechanism is installed at the wheels of the trolley body. The trolley braking mechanism and the adaptive injection mechanism are respectively connected to the ground control unit via signals.

[0016] The paint tank and battery pack provide the vehicle with power and paint spraying through delivery pipelines, while the ground control unit adjusts the movement of the vehicle in real time based on the drone's position parameters.

[0017] A method for operating the above-mentioned modular multi-condition UAV jetting device includes the following steps:

[0018] Step 1: Comprehensively analyze the working environment and work quality requirements, and select either the air-ground joint working mode or the drone-only working mode for drone spraying.

[0019] Step Two:

[0020] 2-1: In step one, when the air-ground linkage working mode is adopted, the ground conveying trolley is configured according to the requirements of the spraying scheme. At the same time, the spray box group, battery box group and micro booster pump on the UAV are disassembled. The paint on the ground conveying trolley is connected to the adaptive spraying mechanism through the material conveying pipeline. The optional installation is completed.

[0021] When using the drone to work alone, the spray tank and battery pack on the drone are assembled according to the spraying scheme requirements. The spray tank is connected to the inlet of the micro booster pump, and the outlet of the micro booster pump is connected to the adaptive spraying mechanism. The aforementioned components are installed on the support structure, and the assembly is completed.

[0022] 2-2: Based on specific work quality requirements, supplement the types and quantities of sensors to complete the personalized selection of the adaptive injection mechanism (500);

[0023] Step 3: Put the selected drone spraying device into use for spraying operations.

[0024] The adaptive spraying mechanism ensures spraying quality, while the ground transport vehicle, sprayer, and battery pack provide a continuous supply of materials and energy, improving the drone's endurance and increasing the operable area.

[0025] Beneficial effects: Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are:

[0026] ① It can assemble and disassemble drones in modules according to working conditions, and switch between them flexibly, which improves the applicability of drone jet devices.

[0027] ② The modular design allows the drone spraying mechanism to operate independently of the trolley, enabling it to complete some challenging spraying operations.

[0028] ③ The control unit of the adaptive spraying mechanism and the ground control unit of the ground conveying trolley work together to achieve real-time adjustment of spraying parameters and ensure high reliability of spraying.

[0029] ④ The portable disassembly structure of the spray box and battery box can save time for changing materials and greatly improve efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a side view of the structure of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the spray tank assembly;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the spray tank assembly;

[0034] Figure 5 This is one of the partial structural diagrams of the battery pack;

[0035] Figure 6 This is the second partial structural diagram of the battery pack;

[0036] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the ground transport trolley. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0038] A modular multi-condition UAV jetting device, referring to Figures 1 to 7 The system includes a support structure 100, a spray tank assembly 200, a battery assembly 300, a micro booster pump 400, an adaptive spraying mechanism 500, and a ground transport trolley 600. The support structure 100 is a detachable slot fixed to the UAV's landing gear. The spray tank assembly 200, battery assembly 300, and micro booster pump 400 are all detachably fixed to the support structure 100. The adaptive spraying mechanism 500 is detachably inserted through the middle of the support structure 100. The ground transport trolley 600 is placed on the ground and detachably connected to the adaptive spraying mechanism via a delivery hose. Both the spray tank assembly 200 and battery assembly 300 are modular structures. The UAV and the adaptive spraying mechanism 500 are electrically connected to the battery assembly 300.

[0039] According to the multi-condition UAV spraying device of the above technical solution, each component can be easily disassembled to adapt to different working conditions. The support assembly 100 includes an auxiliary plane 120 fixed by multiple support frames 100 and a bottom plane composed of at least one support plate 130. The support plate 130 and the support frames 100 are detachably fixed to the UAV body. The spray tank assembly 200, the battery box assembly 300 and the micro booster pump 400 are all detachably fixed to the bottom plane. The adaptive spraying mechanism 500 is detachably fixed to the auxiliary plane. The ground transport trolley 600 can work in conjunction with the UAV. At the same time, the UAV can also work independently by relying on its own spray material and power supply without the trolley. The spray tank assembly 200 and the battery box assembly 300 are both modular design structures that can be customized for assembly, greatly improving the applicability of the UAV spraying device.

[0040] Reference Figures 1 to 2 In some embodiments, the support structure 100 includes at least four support frames 110, an auxiliary plane 120, and a support plate 130. The support plates 130 are arranged parallel to each other below the auxiliary plane 120. The support frames 110 are fixed to the upper part of the UAV landing gear by a single-pass fixing seat, and the other end is detachably threaded to the auxiliary plane 120. The support plates 130 are provided with T-junctions at their four corners, which are detachably connected to the UAV landing gear. Both the support plates 130 and the auxiliary plane 120 are provided with several threaded holes for fixing and installing the spray tank assembly 200, the battery tank assembly 300, the micro booster pump 400, and the adaptive spraying mechanism 500, ensuring stability during the spraying process.

[0041] In some embodiments, the support frame 110 and the support plate 130 are made of carbon fiber material, which has high strength while reducing weight.

[0042] Reference Figures 1 to 4In some embodiments, the spray box assembly 200 includes a spray box base 210 and a portable spray box 220. Multiple spray box bases 210 are detachably connected via threaded hoses 211. The portable spray box 220 is equipped with a threaded cover 221 and a smart cover structure 222. A smart head structure 212 and a smart seat structure 213 are located in the center of the spray box base 210. The portable spray box 220 achieves quick insertion and removal and good sealing through the mating relationship between the threaded cover 221, the smart cover structure 222, and the smart head structure 212. The smart seat structure 213 has a hollow interior for conveying and containing the spray, while ensuring that the center of gravity of the stored spray is located in the center, thus ensuring the stability of the spraying process. The spray box assembly 200 is detachably connected to the micro booster pump 400 via threaded hoses. The bottom of the spray box base 210 has several protruding threaded holes, and the spray box base 210 and the support plate 130 are detachably connected via bolts.

[0043] In some embodiments, the spray box holder 210 can have different shapes and be detachably connected to form a passage. It is understood that the portable spray box 220 has a variety of different types, and different types and quantities of spray boxes can be selected according to different working conditions. At the same time, the detachable structure of the threaded box cover 221 provides conditions for rapid filling of spray.

[0044] Reference Figures 5 to 6 In some embodiments, the battery pack 300 includes a battery pack 310, a connecting assembly 320, a folding structure 330, and a fixing structure 340. The battery pack 310 consists of multiple battery blocks, which are detachably connected in series via the connecting assembly 320. The number of batteries can be selected according to different operating conditions. The battery pack 310 is placed inside the folding structure 330 for adjustable fixing. The fixing assembly 340 has multiple threaded holes, and the fixing assembly 340 is bolted to detachably fix the battery pack to the support plate 130. The battery pack 300 supplies power to the drone and jetting equipment via a connecting cable.

[0045] In some embodiments, the battery pack 300 can switch the type and quantity of battery packs 310 according to different working conditions, and the folding structure 330 can have multiple types to achieve dynamic fixing of the battery packs 310.

[0046] Reference Figures 1 to 2The adaptive spraying mechanism 500 includes a rotating platform 510, a guide rail 520, a spray bar 530, a universal camera 540, an adaptive nozzle 550, and a control unit 560. The control unit 560 is fixed to the auxiliary plane by bolts. The rotating platform 510 is fixed to the control unit 560. The guide rail 520 is fixed to the rotating platform by a slot. The spray boom 530 is detachably fixed to the guide rail 520. One end of the boom is detachably threaded to the adaptive nozzle 550, and the other end is detachably threaded to the material conveying hose. The guide rail 510 is powered by a stepper motor driving a gear set and a screw and nut mechanism to provide power for the forward and backward movement of the spray boom 530. The horizontal rotation of the spray boom 530 is achieved through the rotating platform 510 composed of a worm gear and a worm wheel. The slider guide rail reduces the resistance of the spray boom movement, making the telescopic movement more reasonable. The universal camera 540 is fixed to the front of the spray boom 530 to collect spray parameters and transmit them to the control unit 560. The control unit 560 makes real-time adjustments based on the spray parameters. By controlling the rotating platform 510, the guide rail 520, and the adaptive nozzle 550, the spray attitude of the UAV is adjusted, which greatly improves the spray quality.

[0047] In some embodiments, the spray boom 530 and adaptive nozzle 550 are available in various types, allowing for personalized selection based on specific requirements such as spray characteristics, spray pressure, and spray distance, thereby expanding the applicability of the invention. Additionally, additional sensors can be added to capture other parameters of the drone's spray, enabling more accurate control and ensuring spray quality.

[0048] Reference Figure 7 In some embodiments, the ground transport vehicle 600 includes a paint tank 610, a battery pile 620, a drone platform 630, a ground control unit 640, a vehicle braking mechanism 650, and a material delivery pipeline retraction device 660. The paint tank 610 and the battery pile 620 are detachably threadedly connected to the adaptive spraying mechanism 500 through the material delivery pipeline retraction device 660 to deliver paint and power to the drone. The ground control unit 640 and the control unit 560 coordinate control to ensure that the vehicle follows in real time during the spraying process. In large-area spraying on flat ground, the drone can work for a long time, improving the efficiency of the spraying work.

[0049] In some embodiments, the configuration of the UAV spraying device can be adjusted to meet various spraying scenarios. In large-area painting, the ground transport trolley 600 and the UAV adaptive spraying mechanism 500 work together to achieve stable spraying output. When facing some special or difficult spraying tasks, the battery pack 300, spray pack 200, adaptive nozzle 550, spray bar 530 and micro booster pump 400 are modularly assembled and can operate independently of the ground transport trolley 600, thereby avoiding interference from ground conditions and saving manpower and resources. This modular design and disassembly improves the applicability of UAV spraying technology.

[0050] The above-mentioned modular multi-condition UAV jetting device operates by including the following steps:

[0051] Step 1: Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the working environment and work quality requirements to formulate the optimal modular selection scheme;

[0052] Step 2: ① If the air-ground linkage working mode is adopted, the paint tank 610 and charging pile 620 are configured according to the specific configuration scheme. At the same time, the spray box group 200, battery box group 300 and micro booster pump 400 on the drone are disassembled. The paint tank is connected to the adaptive spraying mechanism through the material delivery pipeline. The configuration is completed.

[0053] ② If the drone is used as a standalone working mode, the spray box 200 and battery box 400 on the drone are assembled according to the specific configuration scheme. The spray box 200 is connected to the inlet end of the micro booster pump 400 through the threaded hose 211. The outlet end of the micro booster pump 400 is connected to the adaptive spraying mechanism 500 through the hose. Each component is fixed on the support plate 130.

[0054] ③ Based on specific work quality requirements, supplement the types and quantities of sensors to complete the personalized selection of the adaptive injection mechanism 500.

[0055] Step 3: Put the selected drone spraying device into use. The adaptive spraying mechanism 500 can ensure the spraying quality. The ground transport trolley 600, spray tank group 200 and battery box group 300 can ensure the continuous supply of materials and energy, improve the drone's endurance and increase the working area.

Claims

1. A method for operating a modular multi-condition UAV spraying device, the device comprising a ground transport trolley (600) and a detachable support structure (100), a spray tank assembly (200), a battery assembly (300), a micro booster pump (400), and an adaptive spraying mechanism (500) mounted on the UAV. The support structure (100) is connected to the landing gear at the bottom of the UAV. The spray tank assembly (200), the battery assembly (300), the micro booster pump (400), and the adaptive spraying mechanism (500) are respectively set in the empty spaces on the landing gear through the support structure (100). The spray tank assembly (200) and the battery assembly (300) are both modular structures. The adaptive spraying mechanism (500) is connected to the spray tank assembly (200) through the micro booster pump (400). The UAV and the adaptive spraying mechanism (500) are respectively electrically connected to the battery assembly (300). The adaptive spraying mechanism (500) is detachably connected to the ground transport trolley (600). The working method includes the following steps: Step 1: Comprehensively analyze the working environment and work quality requirements, and select either the air-ground joint working mode or the drone-only working mode for drone spraying. Step Two: 2-1: In step one, when the air-ground linkage working mode is adopted, the ground conveying trolley (600) is configured according to the requirements of the spraying scheme. At the same time, the spray box group (200), battery box group (300) and micro booster pump (400) on the UAV are disassembled. The paint on the ground conveying trolley (600) is connected to the adaptive spraying mechanism (500) through the material conveying pipeline. The optional installation is completed. When using the drone in standalone working mode, the spray tank assembly (200) and battery assembly (300) on the drone are assembled according to the spraying scheme requirements. The spray tank assembly (200) is connected to the inlet end of the micro booster pump (400), and the outlet end of the micro booster pump (400) is connected to the adaptive spraying mechanism (500). The spray tank assembly (200), battery assembly (300), micro booster pump (400), and adaptive spraying mechanism (500) are respectively installed on the support structure (100) and the optional assembly is completed. 2-2: Based on specific work quality requirements, supplement the types and quantities of sensors to complete the personalized selection of the adaptive injection mechanism (500); Step 3: Put the selected drone spraying device into use for spraying operations.

2. The operating method of the modular multi-condition UAV jetting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support structure (100) includes a support frame (110), an auxiliary plane (120), and a support plate (130). The auxiliary plane (120) is horizontally installed on the upper part of the landing gear by multiple support frames (110) spaced apart along its circumference. The support plate (130) is arranged parallel to each other below the auxiliary plane (120). The outer circumferential surface of the support plate (130) is connected to the landing gear. The spray tank assembly (200), the battery box assembly (300), and the micro booster pump (400) are threaded onto the support plate (130), respectively. The adaptive spraying mechanism (500) is threaded onto the auxiliary plane (120).

3. The operating method of the modular multi-condition UAV jetting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The support frame (110) and support plate (130) are both made of carbon fiber. The auxiliary plane (120) and support plate (130) are both square. One end of the support frame (110) is threaded to the auxiliary plane (120), and the other end is connected to the upper part of the landing gear through a single-pass structure. The four top corners of the support plate (130) are connected to the lower part of the landing gear through a three-pass structure.

4. The operating method of the modular multi-condition UAV jetting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spray box assembly (200) includes a spray box base (210), a portable spray box (220), a threaded hose (211), and a plug-in connection structure. There are at least two spray box bases (210) arranged in sequence with intervals. Adjacent spray box bases (210) are connected by a threaded hose (211). Each spray box base (210) is provided with a portable spray box (220) on top. The portable spray box (220) is connected to the spray box base (210) through the plug-in connection structure. The spray box bases (210) are threadedly connected to the support structure (100). A micro booster pump (400) is connected to one of the spray box bases (210).

5. The operating method of the modular multi-condition UAV jetting device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The plug-in connection structure includes a smart head structure (212), a smart seat structure (213), and a smart cover structure (222). The smart cover structure (222) is located at the bottom of the portable spray box (220). The smart seat structure (213) is located at the center of the top of the spray box seat (210) and is connected to it. The smart head structure (212) is installed at the center of the top surface of the smart seat structure (213) and is plugged into and connected to the smart cover structure (222). The smart seat structure (213) and the spray box seat (210) are both provided with a hollow structure for containing spray.

6. The operating method of a modular multi-condition UAV jetting device according to claim 5, characterized in that: A sealing structure is provided at the connection between the smart head structure (212) and the smart seat structure (213) and between the smart head structure (212) and the smart cover structure (222).

7. The operating method of the modular multi-condition UAV jetting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery pack (300) includes a battery pack (310), a connecting component (320), a folding structure (330), and a fixing structure (340). Two fixing structures (340) are symmetrically spaced apart, and at least two battery packs (310) are arranged alternately between them. The battery packs (310) are connected in series through the connecting component (320). The two fixing structures (340) are connected through two folding structures (330) that are arranged at relative intervals, so that the outer surfaces of the two battery packs (310) located at the first and last positions respectively abut against the corresponding fixing structure (340). The fixing structure (340) is threadedly connected to the support structure (100).

8. The operating method of the modular multi-condition UAV jetting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adaptive spraying mechanism (500) includes a rotating platform (510), a guide rail (520), a spray bar (530), a universal camera (540), an adaptive nozzle (550), and a control unit (560). The rotating platform (510) and the control unit (560) are mounted on the support structure (100) and connected to each other. The spray bar (530) is slidably connected to the rotating platform (510) through the guide rail (520). One end of the spray bar (530) is threadedly sealed to the adaptive nozzle (550), and the other end is connected to the spray box assembly (200) through the material conveying hose. The universal camera (540) is mounted on the front end of the spray bar (530) and is signal-connected to the control unit (560). The control unit (560) is signal-connected to the ground conveying trolley (600).

9. The operating method of a modular multi-condition UAV jetting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ground transport trolley (600) includes a trolley body and a paint tank (610), a battery pile (620), a drone platform (630), a ground control unit (640), a trolley braking mechanism (650), and a material conveying pipeline retraction device (660) installed on it. The drone platform (630) is installed on the top of the trolley body, and the paint tank (610), battery pile (620), ground control unit (640), and material conveying pipeline retraction device (660) are arranged below it. The trolley braking mechanism (650) is installed at the wheels of the trolley body. The trolley braking mechanism (650) and the adaptive spraying mechanism (500) are respectively connected to the ground control unit (640) by signal.

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