A drone storage device for drone logistics delivery systems

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of logistics and transportation technology, and provides a drone storage device for a drone logistics delivery system. The drone is equipped with a pod, and the drone storage device includes a main body, a movable plate, a moving mechanism, a flipping plate, and a transfer mechanism. The drone storage device provided by this invention, by setting a main body with a storage cavity, can store a single drone and its pod, thereby potentially reducing the space occupied by a single drone and its pod. Simultaneously, by setting a movable plate that can move out of the storage cavity and a flipping plate that is pivotable relative to the movable plate, and cooperating with a transfer mechanism for transferring the drone and its pod from the flipping plate to the movable plate or from the movable plate to the flipping plate, a single drone equipped with a pod can be directly retrieved into the device or launched from the device, ultimately enabling a single ground vehicle to carry more drones and goods.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of logistics and transportation technology, and more specifically, to a drone storage device for a drone logistics delivery system. Background Technology

[0002] The content in this section only provides background information related to this invention and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Drone-based logistics delivery systems are a developing logistics delivery technology and business. Because drones can reach any coordinate in three-dimensional space, they are very suitable for accurately delivering lightweight, time-sensitive items from the logistics end (including but not limited to express stations or suppliers) to the user end or from the user end to the logistics end. Therefore, drone logistics delivery systems are expected to become an important way of delivering goods in the logistics delivery field in the future.

[0004] In related technologies, one known type of drone logistics delivery system is the vehicle-mounted drone logistics delivery system. This type of system typically consists of a ground vehicle (such as a van or truck used for logistics transport) carrying the drone and the items to be delivered, along with the drone itself. The drone carries a pod for placing the items. In actual operation, the ground vehicle is first moved to the target location. Afterward, the logistics delivery can be broadly divided into two scenarios: one where the drone transports the ordered items from the ground vehicle to the user, and another where the drone transports items from the user's location (such as items to be returned) to the ground vehicle. The first scenario involves the drone launch process, while the second involves the drone retrieval process.

[0005] However, known vehicle-mounted drone logistics delivery systems typically require an additional independent platform on the ground vehicle for drone takeoff or landing in order to launch or recover drones. Since drones, along with their pods and the additional platform, occupy the limited internal space of the ground vehicle, how to load as many drones and goods as possible within the limited space of the ground vehicle and successfully launch or recover drones is a major challenge that current vehicle-mounted drone logistics delivery systems need to solve. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The inventors of this invention have discovered that if a drone and its pod can be stored together in the same device, and the device can directly launch or recover the drone, it is possible to minimize the internal space of the ground vehicle occupied by a single drone and its pod.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a drone storage device for a drone logistics delivery system. This device, by providing a main body with a storage cavity, can store a single drone and its pod, thereby potentially reducing the space occupied by a single drone and its pod. At the same time, by providing a movable plate that can be moved out of the storage cavity and a pivoting plate that can pivot relative to the movable plate, and in conjunction with a transfer mechanism for transferring the drone and its pod from the pivoting plate to the movable plate or from the movable plate to the pivoting plate, a single drone carrying a pod can be directly retrieved into the device or launched from the device, thereby ultimately enabling a single ground vehicle to carry more drones and goods.

[0008] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0009] A drone storage device for a drone logistics delivery system, wherein the drone is equipped with a pod, and the drone storage device includes:

[0010] The main body has a storage cavity; one side of the storage cavity has a first inlet and outlet communicating with its interior;

[0011] A movable plate is horizontally movable within the storage cavity; the movable plate has a first position when it is inside the storage cavity and a second position when it is outside the storage cavity.

[0012] A moving mechanism is used to drive the movable plate to move horizontally between the first inlet / outlet and the second position;

[0013] A flip plate is pivotally connected to the side of the movable plate away from the storage cavity when the movable plate is in the second position; when the movable plate is in the first position, the flip plate can pivot relative to the movable plate to seal the first inlet / outlet; when the movable plate is in the second position, the flip plate can pivot relative to the movable plate to be parallel to the movable plate.

[0014] A transfer mechanism for transferring the drone carrying the pod from the movable plate to the flip plate or from the flip plate to the movable plate.

[0015] In some possible embodiments, the movable plate is provided with a first channel that extends along the direction of movement of the movable plate and penetrates the movable plate;

[0016] The flip plate is provided with a second channel. When the flip plate pivots relative to the movable plate to be parallel to the movable plate, the second channel is aligned with and connected to the first channel.

[0017] The main body has a second inlet / outlet on the other side opposite to the first inlet / outlet, which communicates with the storage cavity;

[0018] The pod includes:

[0019] The cabin has a receiving cavity; a third inlet and a fourth inlet are respectively provided on opposite sides of the receiving cavity, which are connected to the receiving cavity; the bottom of the cabin has a push groove that can be aligned with the first channel, and the push groove extends through the cabin along the extension direction of the first channel.

[0020] A limiting mechanism is provided inside the cabin and is used to fix the items inside the receiving cavity;

[0021] The transfer mechanism includes:

[0022] The first transfer unit is disposed within the first channel;

[0023] The second transfer unit is connected to the first transfer unit; the second transfer unit can enter and exit the second channel under the drive of the first transfer unit.

[0024] A pusher is connected to the second transfer unit; the pusher is capable of reciprocating along the movement direction of the movable plate under the drive of the second transfer unit.

[0025] In some possible embodiments, the first transfer unit includes a first slider, a first transfer screw, and a first transfer motor;

[0026] The first slider is slidably disposed in the first channel, and the first transfer screw is rotatably disposed in the first channel and passes through the first slider. The first slider and the first transfer screw are threadedly connected, and one end of the first transfer screw is drivenly connected to the first transfer motor.

[0027] The second transfer unit includes a transfer chute, a second slider, a second transfer lead screw, and a second transfer motor;

[0028] The transfer groove extends along the axial direction of the first transfer screw and is connected to the first slider. The second slider is slidably disposed in the transfer groove. The second transfer screw is rotatably disposed in the transfer groove and passes through the second slider. The second slider is threadedly connected to the second transfer screw. One end of the second transfer screw is connected to the second transfer motor.

[0029] The pushing component includes a push plate and a push plate motor. The push plate is pivotally connected to the second slider, and the push plate motor is used to drive the push plate to pivot relative to the second slider.

[0030] The storage cavity is provided with a receiving groove on the side away from the first inlet and outlet. When the movable plate is in the first position, the push plate motor drives the push plate to pivot relative to the second slider and enter the receiving groove.

[0031] In some possible embodiments, the limiting mechanism includes a pressing component, which includes a pressure plate and a pushing bracket. The pressure plate is disposed in the receiving cavity and faces the pushing groove. The pushing bracket is disposed between the pressure plate and the inner top of the cabin. The pushing bracket is used to drive the pressure plate to reciprocate in the vertical direction.

[0032] In some possible embodiments, the limiting mechanism further includes a clamping assembly, which includes two clamping units, a clamping motor, a clamping screw, and a clamping slider;

[0033] The two clamping units are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the pressure plate. Each clamping unit includes a clamping plate and a clamping connecting rod. The clamping plate is slidably arranged on the pressure plate, and a portion of the clamping plate extends vertically to the bottom of the pressure plate.

[0034] The clamping screw is rotatably mounted on the pressure plate, the axial direction of the clamping screw is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the clamping plate, and one end of the clamping screw is connected to the clamping motor.

[0035] The clamping slider is slidably disposed on the pressure plate. The clamping slider is sleeved on the outer wall of the clamping screw and threadedly connected to the clamping screw. One end of the clamping connecting rod of the clamping unit is hingedly connected to the corresponding clamping plate, and the other end of the clamping connecting rod is hingedly connected to the clamping slider.

[0036] In some possible embodiments, the drone storage device further includes a centering mechanism disposed on the flip plate, the centering mechanism comprising two centering units and a centering drive assembly;

[0037] The two centering units are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the flip plate with the direction of movement of the movable plate as the axis;

[0038] The centering unit includes a centering plate, which is slidably disposed on the top surface of the flipping plate. The sliding path of the centering plate is perpendicular to the movement direction of the movable plate. The centering drive assembly is used to drive the centering plates of the two centering units to move closer or further apart from each other.

[0039] In some possible embodiments, the centering drive assembly includes a centering motor, a centering lead screw, and a centering slider;

[0040] The centering screw is rotatably mounted on the flip plate, the axis of the centering screw is parallel to the direction of movement of the movable plate, and one end of the centering screw is connected to the centering motor drive.

[0041] The centering slider is slidably disposed on the flip plate, and the centering slider is sleeved on the outer wall of the centering screw and threadedly connected to the centering screw;

[0042] The centering unit also includes a centering connecting rod, one end of which is hinged to the centering plate, and the other end of which is hinged to the centering slider;

[0043] The longitudinal section of the centering plate is stepped, and the centering plate gradually moves away from the centering screw from top to bottom.

[0044] In some possible embodiments, the drone storage device further includes a fixing mechanism disposed on the movable plate, the fixing mechanism comprising two fixing units symmetrically disposed on both sides of the movable plate about the direction of movement of the movable plate;

[0045] The fixing unit includes a fixing motor, a fixing screw, a fixing slider, and a fixing plate; the fixing screw is rotatably mounted on the movable plate, the axis of the fixing screw is perpendicular to the movement direction of the movable plate, and one end of the fixing screw is connected to the fixing motor for transmission.

[0046] The fixed slider is slidably mounted on the fixed frame. The sliding path of the fixed slider is perpendicular to the movement direction of the movable plate. The fixed slider is sleeved on the outer wall of the fixed screw and threadedly connected to the fixed screw. The fixed plate is connected to the fixed slider and located on the top surface of the movable plate.

[0047] In some possible embodiments, the moving mechanism includes two moving units, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the movable plate with the direction of movement of the movable plate as the axis.

[0048] The moving unit includes a moving motor, a driving arm, a driven arm, and a moving shaft; the moving motor is mounted on the main body, one end of the driving arm is connected to the moving motor, the other end of the driving arm is hinged to one end of the driven arm, and the other end of the driven arm is hinged to the moving shaft.

[0049] The main body has a limiting groove corresponding to each of the moving units. The limiting groove extends along the movement direction of the movable plate. The moving shaft of the moving unit is slidably disposed in the corresponding limiting groove, and the moving shaft is connected to the movable plate.

[0050] In some possible embodiments, the drone storage device further includes two flexible members, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the flip plate with the direction of movement of the movable plate as the axis. One end of the flexible member is connected to the flip plate, and the other end of the flexible member is connected to the main body.

[0051] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention have at least the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0052] The drone storage device provided by this invention, by setting a main body with a storage cavity, can store a single drone and its pod, thereby reducing the space occupied by a single drone and its pod. At the same time, by setting a movable plate that can be moved out of the storage cavity and a flip plate that can pivot relative to the movable plate, and cooperating with a transfer mechanism for transferring the drone and its pod from the flip plate to the movable plate or from the movable plate to the flip plate, a single drone with a pod can be directly retrieved into the device or launched from the device, thereby ultimately enabling a single ground vehicle to carry more drones and items. Attached Figure Description

[0053] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the drone storage device when the movable plate is in the first position and the flip plate is pivoted to seal the first inlet and outlet, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the drone storage device from another perspective;

[0055] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the UAV storage device when the movable plate is in the second position and the flip plate is pivoted to be parallel to the movable plate, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 4 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of the main body;

[0057] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view of the main body of the drone storage device is shown.

[0058] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pod provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the pod from another perspective is shown;

[0060] Figure 8 for Figure 6 The diagram shows the structure of the limiting mechanism.

[0061] Figure 9 for Figure 8 The diagram shows the structure of the pressing component;

[0062] Figure 10 for Figure 8 The diagram shows the structure of the clamping assembly.

[0063] Figure 11 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the structure of the drone storage device, omitting the main body, movable plate, and flip plate, including the moving mechanism, centering mechanism, and fixing mechanism;

[0064] Figure 12 for Figure 11 The diagram shows the structure of the moving mechanism.

[0065] Figure 13 for Figure 11 The diagram shows the structure of the centering mechanism.

[0066] Figure 14 for Figure 11 The diagram shows a structural schematic of a single fixing unit of the fixing mechanism.

[0067] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the drone storage device when the drone carrying the pod lands on the flip-up board according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 16 This is a simplified structural diagram of the drone storage device provided in this embodiment of the invention when applied to a ground vehicle.

[0069] Icons: 10-Drone storage device, 11-Main body, 111-Storage cavity, 112-First inlet / outlet, 113-Second inlet / outlet, 114-Limiting groove, 115-Mezzanine, 116-Accommodation groove, 12-Moving plate, 121-First channel, 13-Moving mechanism, 131-Moving unit, 1311-Moving motor, 1312-Active arm, 1313-Driven arm, 1314-Moving shaft, 14-Flipping plate, 141-Second channel, 15-Transfer mechanism, 151-First transfer unit, 1511-First slider, 1512-First transfer screw, 1513-First transfer motor, 152-Second Transfer unit, 1521-transfer chute, 1522-second slider, 1523-second transfer screw, 1524-second transfer motor, 153-push member, 1531-push plate, 1532-push plate motor, 16-flexible member, 17-centering mechanism, 171-centering unit, 1711-centering plate, 1712-centering connecting rod, 172-centering drive assembly, 1721-centering motor, 1722-centering screw, 1723-centering slider, 18-fixing mechanism, 181-fixing unit, 1811-fixing motor, 1812-fixing screw, 1813-fixing slider, 1814-fixing plate;

[0070] 20-Pod, 21-Cargo body, 211-Receiving cavity, 212-Third inlet / outlet, 213-Fourth inlet / outlet, 214-Pushing groove, 22-Limiting mechanism, 221-Pressing assembly, 2211-Pressure plate, 2212-Pushing bracket, 222-Clamping assembly, 2221-Clamping unit, 22211-Clamping plate, 22212-Clamping connecting rod, 2222-Clamping motor, 2223-Clamping screw, 2224-Clamping slider, 23-Inclined slide. Detailed Implementation

[0071] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0072] Please refer to Figures 1 to 15 The present invention provides a drone storage device 10 for a drone logistics delivery system. This device can store drones (not shown in the figure) equipped with pods 20, and can also retrieve and launch drones, thereby minimizing the volume of the drones and their pods 20 after storage. This is expected to increase the number of drones and items that can be loaded on a single ground vehicle 30 (not shown in the figure) in a vehicle-mounted drone logistics delivery system.

[0073] Specifically, the drone storage device 10 includes a main body 11, wherein, as Figure 3As shown, the main body 11 is provided with a storage cavity 111 for accommodating the drone and its pod 20. In actual implementation, the main body 11 can adopt a box structure, the interior of which serves as the storage cavity 111. A first inlet and outlet 112 communicating with the interior is provided on one side of the storage cavity 111. The first inlet and outlet 112 is used for transferring the drone and its pod 20 from the outside of the storage cavity 111 to the inside of the storage cavity 111 or from the inside of the storage cavity 111 to the outside of the storage cavity 111.

[0074] It should be noted that, for the purpose of explaining the drone storage device 10 provided in this embodiment, as follows: Figure 6 or Figure 7 As shown, the pod 20 mounted on the drone in this embodiment has a rectangular shell structure. Of course, the structure of the pod 20 is not limited to this, and it can also be any pod 20 known in the prior art that can be mounted on a drone and can hold corresponding items.

[0075] At the same time, such as Figure 2 or Figure 4 As shown, in actual implementation, the storage cavity 111 has a second inlet / outlet 113 on the opposite side from the first inlet / outlet 112, which communicates with the interior of the storage cavity 111. That is, both sides of the main body 11 are open structures. Since the UAV storage device 10 provided in this embodiment is used inside the ground vehicle 30, and the ground vehicle 30 often has a corresponding item storage area, by adding the second inlet / outlet 113, it is beneficial to add a transfer device 40 inside the ground vehicle 30 that is aligned with the second inlet / outlet 113. The transfer device 40 can be used to transfer items in the pod 20 inside the storage cavity 111 to the item storage area of ​​the ground vehicle 30, or the transfer device 40 can be used to transfer items placed in the item storage area inside the ground vehicle 30 to the pod 20 inside the storage cavity 111.

[0076] Specifically, when the drone carrying the pod 20 loaded with goods moves into the storage cavity 111, the transfer device 40 can be used to transfer the goods from the pod 20 to the goods storage area inside the ground vehicle 30. Correspondingly, when it is necessary to use the drone to transport designated goods to the user, the transfer device 40 is first used to transfer the designated goods from the goods storage area inside the ground vehicle 30 to the pod 20 in the storage cavity 111, and then the drone can be launched to complete the subsequent delivery of goods.

[0077] Based on this, in order to enable the drone and its pod 20 to move from the outside of the storage cavity 111 to the inside of the storage cavity 111 or from the inside of the storage cavity 111 to the outside of the storage cavity 111, the drone storage device 10 provided in this embodiment also includes a movable plate 12, a moving mechanism 13, a flipping plate 14, and a transfer mechanism 15.

[0078] In this embodiment, the movable plate 12 is horizontally movable within the storage cavity 111, meaning that the movable plate 12 can move horizontally within the storage cavity 111. At this time, as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the movable plate 12 has a first position when it is inside the storage cavity 111 and a second position when it is outside the storage cavity 111.

[0079] The moving mechanism 13 is used to drive the movable plate 12 to move horizontally between the first inlet and outlet 112 and the second position. That is, the moving mechanism 13 can drive the movable plate 12 from the inside of the storage cavity 111 through the first inlet and outlet 112 to the outside of the storage cavity 111, or drive the movable plate 12 from the outside of the storage cavity 111 through the first inlet and outlet 112 to the inside of the storage cavity 111.

[0080] To achieve the above functions, this embodiment provides a relatively simple moving mechanism 13. Of course, the specific structure of the moving mechanism 13 is not limited to the description in this embodiment. Specifically, the moving mechanism 13 includes two moving units 131, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the movable plate 12 with the moving direction of the movable plate 12 as the axis, so as to drive the movable plate 12 to move horizontally by the two moving units 131 together.

[0081] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, the moving unit 131 includes a moving motor 1311, an active arm 1312, a driven arm 1313, and a moving shaft 1314. The moving motor 1311 is mounted on the main body 11. One end of the active arm 1312 is connected to the moving motor 1311 for transmission, so that the active arm 1312 can be driven to rotate by the moving motor 1311. The other end of the active arm 1312 is hinged to one end of the driven arm 1313, and the other end of the driven arm 1313 is hinged to the moving shaft 1314.

[0082] Meanwhile, the main body 11 is provided with a limiting groove 114 corresponding to the moving unit 131. The limiting groove 114 extends along the movement direction of the movable plate 12. The moving shaft 1314 of the moving unit 131 is slidably disposed in the corresponding limiting groove 114. The moving shaft 1314 is connected to the movable plate 12.

[0083] With this configuration, when the moving mechanism 13 needs to drive the movable plate 12 to move horizontally, it is only necessary to start the moving motors 1311 of the two moving units 131 at the same time. Since the two moving units 131 have the same operating principle, this embodiment will use the operating principle of one of the moving units 131 as an example for explanation.

[0084] Specifically, when the moving motor 1311 of the moving unit 131 is working, the moving motor 1311 will drive the corresponding active arm 1312 to rotate. At this time, since the moving shaft 1314 is limited by the limiting groove 114, the circular motion of the active arm 1312 will be transformed into the linear motion of the moving shaft 1314 along the limiting groove 114 under the transmission action of the moving arm 1313. That is to say, the moving shaft 1314 can move horizontally along the limiting groove 114, thereby achieving the purpose of driving the movable plate 12 to move horizontally through the moving shaft 1314. On this basis, it is only necessary to reasonably control the moving motor 1311 to drive the active arm 1312 to rotate forward or reverse to achieve the horizontal reciprocating movement of the movable plate 12 by the moving shaft 1314, thereby enabling the movable plate 12 to move from outside the storage cavity 111 to inside the storage cavity 111 or from inside the storage cavity 111 to outside the storage cavity 111 through the first inlet and outlet 112.

[0085] It should be noted that, in order to avoid the moving motor 1311, the driving arm 1312, and the driven arm 1313 constituting the moving unit 131 occupying the space inside the storage cavity 111, such as... Figure 2 , Figure 3 or Figure 4 As shown, in actual implementation, the moving motor 1311 can be set on the outer wall of the body 11. At the same time, a compartment 115 corresponding to the moving unit 131 can be set inside the body 11 and located next to the storage cavity 111. The active arm 1312 and the driven arm 1313 of a single moving unit 131 are set in the corresponding compartment 115.

[0086] In this embodiment, the flip plate 14 is pivotally connected to the side of the movable plate 12 away from the storage cavity 111 when the movable plate 12 is in the second position, and when the movable plate 12 is in the first position, as... Figure 1 or Figure 2 As shown, the tilting plate 14 can pivot relative to the movable plate 12 to seal the first inlet / outlet 112; correspondingly, when the movable plate 12 is in the second position, as Figure 3 As shown, the flip plate 14 can pivot relative to the movable plate 12 to be parallel to the movable plate 12.

[0087] It is understandable that by setting a pivotable flip plate 14, when the movable plate 12 is in the second position, the flip plate 14 will pivot to be parallel to the movable plate 12. Therefore, the length of the movable plate 12 can be effectively extended by the flip plate 14. When the UAV storage device 10 is placed inside the ground vehicle 30 for use, it is only necessary to adjust the position of the UAV storage device 10 appropriately (for example, setting the UAV storage device 10 close to the opening 31 of the ground vehicle 30 sealed by the compartment door). When the compartment door of the ground vehicle 30 is opened to expose the opening 31 of the ground vehicle 30, and the flip plate 14 pivots to be parallel to the movable plate 12, and the movable plate 12 moves to the second position, the movable plate 12 and / or the flip plate 14 are just outside the ground vehicle 30. This is conducive to the UAV carrying the pod 20 landing on the flip plate 14 or taking off directly from the flip plate 14, and the UAV can be successfully recovered or launched while minimizing the volume of the UAV storage device 10.

[0088] Correspondingly, when the movable plate 12 is in the first position, the flip plate 14 pivots to be perpendicular to the movable plate 12 to seal the first inlet and outlet 112. At this time, the flip plate 14 can protect the drone and its pod 20 inside the storage cavity 111 and can effectively reduce the volume of the entire drone storage device 10 when the movable plate 12 is in the first position.

[0089] It should be noted that in order to realize the pivoting of the flip plate 14, the flip plate 14 can be pivotally connected to the movable plate 12 through the pivot shaft. In addition, in actual implementation, a flip motor (not shown in the figure) for driving the pivoting of the flip plate 14 can be added, that is, the flip motor is connected to the pivot shaft for transmission, so as to realize the automatic pivoting of the flip plate 14.

[0090] Meanwhile, in order to improve the load-bearing capacity of the tilting plate 14 when it pivots to be parallel with the movable plate 12, such as Figure 3 As shown, the drone storage device 10 may further include two flexible members 16, wherein the two flexible members 16 are respectively arranged on both sides of the flip plate 14 with the movement direction of the movable plate 12 as the axis. One end of the flexible member 16 is connected to the flip plate 14, and the other end of the flexible member 16 is connected to the main body 11. Specifically, as shown... Figure 5 As shown, the end of the flexible member 16 away from the flip plate 14 extends into the corresponding interlayer 115 and is connected to the body 11, thereby avoiding the flexible member 16 occupying the space inside the storage cavity 111.

[0091] It is understood that the aforementioned flexible element 16 can be, but is not limited to, a flexible rope. With this configuration, when the flip plate 14 pivots to seal the first inlet / outlet 112, the flexible element 16 is in a relaxed state. When the flip plate 14 pivots to be parallel with the movable plate 12, the flexible element 16 will be in a tensioned state. In this state, the flexible element 16 can apply a pulling force to the flip plate 14, thereby improving the load-bearing capacity of the flip plate 14 when it pivots to be parallel with the movable plate 12.

[0092] In this embodiment, the transfer mechanism 15 is used to transfer the drone carrying the pod 20 from the movable plate 12 to the flip plate 14 or vice versa. That is, when the drone needs to be recovered, after the drone carrying the pod 20 loaded with items lands on the flip plate 14, the transfer mechanism 15 can transfer the drone and its pod 20 from the flip plate 14 to the movable plate 12. This allows the drone and its pod 20 to move through the first inlet / outlet 112 into the storage cavity 111 when the movable plate 12 moves horizontally into the storage cavity 111. Conversely, when the drone needs to be launched, after the movable plate 12 moves horizontally from inside the storage cavity 111 to outside the storage cavity 111, the transfer mechanism 15 can transfer the drone and its pod 20 from the movable plate 12 to the flip plate 14, which is conducive to the smooth take-off of the drone.

[0093] Considering that the flip plate 14 in this embodiment is pivotally connected to the movable plate 12, in order to ensure that the transfer mechanism 15 can smoothly complete the transfer of the UAV and its pod 20 between the flip plate 14 and the movable plate 12, and to avoid the transfer mechanism 15 occupying additional space, this embodiment further limits the structure of the movable plate 12 and the flip plate 14. At the same time, in order to enable the transfer mechanism 15 to simultaneously transfer the items in the pod 20 from inside the pod 20 to outside the storage cavity 111 when the UAV and its pod 20 are inside the storage cavity 111, so as to facilitate the transfer of the items to the corresponding item storage area in conjunction with the transfer device 40 set inside the ground vehicle 30, this embodiment further limits the structure of the pod 20 and provides an improved transfer mechanism 15.

[0094] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the movable plate 12 is provided with a first channel 121, which extends along the movement direction of the movable plate 12 and passes through the movable plate 12; at the same time, the flip plate 14 is provided with a second channel 141, and when the flip plate 14 pivots relative to the movable plate 12 to be parallel to the movable plate 12, the second channel 141 is aligned with and connected to the first channel 121.

[0095] At this time, as Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the pod 20 includes a pod body 21 and a limiting mechanism 22. The pod body 21 is provided with a receiving cavity 211 for accommodating items. On opposite sides of the receiving cavity 211, there are a third inlet / outlet 212 and a fourth inlet / outlet 213 communicating with the receiving cavity 211. That is, the pod body 21 is a shell structure with openings at both ends. When the pod 20 is located in the storage cavity 111, the third inlet / outlet 212 is aligned with the first inlet / outlet 112, and the fourth inlet / outlet 213 is aligned with the second inlet / outlet 113. At the same time, the bottom of the pod body 21 is provided with a pushing groove 214 that can be aligned with the first channel 121. The pushing groove 214 extends through the pod body 21 along the extension direction of the first channel 121.

[0096] The limiting mechanism 22 is located inside the cabin 21 and is used to secure the items inside the receiving cavity 211. That is, during the flight of the drone carrying the pod 20, the items inside the receiving cavity 211 are always secured by the limiting mechanism 22, preventing them from sliding out of the receiving cavity 211. Furthermore, in actual implementation, such as... Figure 7 As shown, a corresponding inclined slide 23 can also be provided at the bottom of the side of the cabin 21 corresponding to the fourth inlet / outlet 213, so that items can enter and exit the receiving cavity 211 more smoothly through the fourth inlet / outlet 213.

[0097] Combination Figure 3 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the transfer mechanism 15 includes a first transfer unit 151, a second transfer unit 152, and a pusher 153. The first transfer unit 151 is disposed within the first channel 121, and the second transfer unit 152 is connected to the first transfer unit 151 and can move in and out of the second channel 141 under the drive of the first transfer unit 151. Correspondingly, the pusher 153 is connected to the second transfer unit 152 and can reciprocate along the movement direction of the movable plate 12 under the drive of the second transfer unit 152.

[0098] With this setup, when recovering the drone, such as Figure 15As shown, the movable plate 12 is first positioned in the second position and the flip plate 14 is pivoted to be parallel to the movable plate 12. At this time, the first channel 121 on the movable plate 12 is aligned and connected with the second channel 141 on the flip plate 14. Subsequently, the first transfer unit 151 drives the second transfer unit 152 to move from the first channel 121 to the second channel 141. Based on this, the second transfer unit 152 drives the pusher 153 to move in the second channel 141 to a position away from the first channel 121. When the drone carrying the pod 20 lands on the flip plate 14, the drone and its pod 20 are just between the pusher 153 and the first inlet / outlet 112. At this time, the items in the receiving cavity 211 of the cabin 21 are fixed by the limiting mechanism 22, and the push groove 214 at the bottom of the cabin 21 is just aligned with the second channel 141.

[0099] Subsequently, the first transfer unit 151 drives the second transfer unit 152 to move in the direction of the first inlet / outlet 112. At this time, the pusher 153 can push the items fixed by the limiting mechanism 22 in the receiving cavity 211 of the cabin 21, thereby realizing the transfer of the drone and its pod 20 from the flip plate 14 to the movable plate 12 by the pusher 153. Finally, the movable plate 12 is driven by the moving mechanism 13 to move from the second position to the first position through the first inlet / outlet 112, thereby realizing the storage of the drone and its pod 20 in the storage cavity 111.

[0100] After the drone and its pod 20 move into the storage cavity 111, the push groove 214 at the bottom of the cabin 21 aligns with the first channel 121. Then, the limiting mechanism 22 releases the fixation of the items in the storage cavity 211. After that, the second transfer unit 152 drives the pusher 153 to move in the direction of the second inlet and outlet 113. At this time, the pusher 153 enters the storage cavity 211 from the third inlet and outlet 212 of the cabin 21 and pushes the items in the storage cavity 211 in the direction of the fourth inlet and outlet 213 along the push groove 214 until the pusher 153 pushes the items out of the storage cavity 211 from the fourth inlet and outlet 213. Then, in conjunction with the transfer device 40 set in the ground vehicle 30, the items can be transferred to the corresponding item storage area from the second inlet and outlet 113 of the main body 11. Thus, the recovery of the drone and its pod 20 and the transfer of items in the pod 20 are realized.

[0101] Conversely, when it is necessary to launch the drone, the items are first transferred from the second inlet / outlet 113 of the main body 11 and the fourth inlet / outlet 213 of the cabin 21 to the receiving cavity 211 of the cabin 21 via the transfer device 40 in the ground carrier 30, and the items are fixed by the limiting mechanism 22. Then, the flip plate 14 is pivoted to be parallel to the movable plate 12. At this time, the drone and its pod 20 located in the storage cavity 111 are located between the first inlet / outlet 112 and the pusher 153. After that, the movable plate 12 moves from the first position to the second position via the first inlet / outlet 112. Based on this, the first transfer unit 151 drives the second transfer unit 152 to move towards the second channel 141. At this time, the items fixed by the limiting mechanism 22 in the receiving cavity 211 of the cabin 21 can be pushed by the pusher 153, thereby realizing the transfer of the drone and its pod 20 from the movable plate 12 to the flip plate 14 by the pusher 153, and then the drone can be launched.

[0102] In order to realize the use of the first transfer unit 151 to drive the second transfer unit 152 to enter and exit the second channel 141, such as Figure 12 As shown, the first transfer unit 151 includes a first slider 1511, a first transfer screw 1512, and a first transfer motor 1513. The first slider 1511 is slidably disposed within the first channel 121, and the first transfer screw 1512 is rotatably disposed within the first channel 121 and passes through the first slider 1511. The first slider 1511 and the first transfer screw 1512 are threadedly connected. One end of the first transfer screw 1512 is connected to the first transfer motor 1513 for transmission, so that the first transfer motor 1513 drives the first transfer screw 1512 to rotate. The second transfer unit 152 is connected to the first slider 1511.

[0103] With this configuration, when the first transfer motor 1513 drives the first transfer screw 1512 to rotate, based on the principle of screw transmission, the first slider 1511 will move linearly along the axis of the first transfer screw 1512, thereby achieving the purpose of driving the second transfer unit 152 to move through the first slider 1511. At this time, it is only necessary to reasonably control the first transfer motor 1513 to drive the first transfer screw 1512 to rotate forward or reverse, so as to use the first slider 1511 to drive the second transfer unit 152 to reciprocate to enter and exit the second channel 141.

[0104] Accordingly, in order to realize the reciprocating motion of the pusher 153 along the movement direction of the movable plate 12 by using the second transfer unit 152, continue to refer to Figure 12The second transfer unit 152 includes a transfer groove 1521, a second slider 1522, a second transfer screw 1523, and a second transfer motor 1524. The transfer groove 1521 extends axially along the first transfer screw 1512 and connects to the first slider 1511. The second slider 1522 is slidably disposed within the transfer groove 1521. The second transfer screw 1523 is rotatably disposed within the transfer groove 1521 and passes through the second slider 1522. The second slider 1522 is threadedly connected to the second transfer screw 1523. One end of the second transfer screw 1523 is connected to the second transfer motor 1524 for transmission, so that the second transfer motor 1524 drives the second transfer screw 1523 to rotate. The pusher 153 is connected to the second slider 1522.

[0105] With this configuration, when the second transfer motor 1524 drives the second transfer screw 1523 to rotate, based on the principle of screw transmission, the second slider 1522 will move linearly along the axis of the second transfer screw 1523, thereby achieving the purpose of driving the pusher 153 to move through the second slider 1522. At this time, it is only necessary to reasonably control the second transfer motor 1524 to drive the second transfer screw 1523 to rotate forward or reverse, so as to realize the reciprocating motion of the pusher 153 along the movement direction of the movable plate 12 by using the second slider 1522 to drive the pusher 153.

[0106] Based on this, in order to ensure that when the movable plate 12 is in the first position, the pusher 153 does not occupy the movable space of the storage cavity 111, and at the same time facilitates the transfer device 40 to transfer the items in the item storage area to the receiving cavity 211 of the body 21 via the second inlet / outlet 113 of the body 11, continue referring to Figure 12 In this embodiment, the pushing member 153 includes a push plate 1531 adapted to the pushing groove 214 and a push plate motor 1532. The push plate 1531 is pivotally connected to the second slider 1522. The push plate motor 1532 is used to drive the push plate 1531 to pivot relative to the second slider 1522. That is, the push plate 1531 can pivot to a vertical position under the drive of the push plate motor 1532 and be located above or below the top surface of the movable plate 12. At this time, as Figure 4 As shown, a receiving groove 116 is provided on the side of the storage cavity 111 away from the first inlet / outlet 112 (i.e., the side corresponding to the second inlet / outlet 113). When the movable plate 12 is in the first position and the transfer device 40 is needed to transfer the items in the storage area to the receiving cavity 211 of the cabin 21, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the pusher motor 1532 drives the pusher 1531 to pivot downward relative to the second slider 1522 and enter the receiving groove 116, thereby making the pusher 1531 hidden in the receiving groove 116, so as to fully expose the second inlet and outlet 113 of the body 11.

[0107] At the same time, in order to reliably secure the items in the receiving cavity 211 of the cabin 21, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the limiting mechanism 22 in this embodiment includes a pressing component 221, which includes a pressure plate 2211 and a pushing bracket 2212. The pressure plate 2211 is disposed in the receiving cavity 211 and faces the pushing groove 214. The pushing bracket 2212 is disposed between the pressure plate 2211 and the inner top of the cabin 21, and is used to drive the pressure plate 2211 to reciprocate in the vertical direction.

[0108] With this configuration, when it is necessary to fix the items in the receiving cavity 211, it is only necessary to use the push bracket 2212 to drive the pressure plate 2211 to move downward to press the items. Conversely, it is only necessary to use the push bracket 2212 to drive the pressure plate 2211 to move upward to release the fixation of the items.

[0109] It is understandable that the aforementioned push bracket 2212 can be, but is not limited to, a scissor-type lifting bracket. Using a scissor-type lifting bracket helps to make the pressure plate 2211 applied to the item more even, thereby improving the fixing effect.

[0110] In addition, in order to further improve the fixing effect of the item and prevent the fixed item from swaying left and right, the limiting mechanism 22 in this embodiment further includes a clamping component 222, which includes two clamping units 2221, a clamping motor 2222, a clamping screw 2223 and a clamping slider 2224.

[0111] Among them, such as Figure 8 and 10 As shown, two clamping units 2221 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the pressure plate 2211. Each clamping unit 2221 includes a clamping plate 22211 and a clamping connecting rod 22212. The clamping plate 22211 is slidably mounted on the pressure plate 2211, with a portion extending vertically below the pressure plate 2211. Simultaneously, a clamping screw 2223 is rotatably mounted on the pressure plate 2211. The axial direction of the clamping screw 2223 is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the clamping plate 22211. One end of 3 is connected to the clamping motor 2222 for transmission, so as to drive the clamping screw 2223 to rotate through the clamping motor 2222. The clamping slider 2224 is slidably set on the pressure plate 2211, and the clamping slider 2224 is sleeved on the outer wall of the clamping screw 2223 and threadedly connected to the clamping screw 2223. One end of the clamping connecting rod 22212 of the clamping unit 2221 is hinged to the corresponding clamping plate 22211, and the other end of the clamping connecting rod 22212 is hinged to the clamping slider 2224.

[0112] With this configuration, in the initial state, the distance between the clamping plates 22211 of the two clamping units 2221 is greater than the width of the item in the receiving cavity 211. When it is necessary to fix the item, in conjunction with the above description, the push bracket 2212 drives the pressure plate 2211 to move downward to press the item. After that, the clamping motor 2222 works to drive the clamping screw 2223 to rotate. Based on the principle of thread transmission, the clamping slider 2224 will move linearly along the axis of the clamping screw 2223. At this time, the clamping plates 22211 of the two clamping units 2221 will move in opposite directions under the transmission action of their respective clamping connecting rods 22212, so that the clamping plates 22211 of the two clamping units 2221 will move closer to each other to clamp the item by using the part of the two clamping plates 22211 extending to the bottom of the pressure plate 2211. Conversely, by controlling the clamping motor 2222 to drive the clamping screw 2223 to rotate in the opposite direction, the clamping plates 22211 of the two clamping units 2221 can move in opposite directions, thereby releasing the clamping and fixing of the item.

[0113] Based on this, in order to limit the position of the pod 20 when the drone carrying the pod 20 lands on the flip plate 14, so that the push groove 214 of the pod 21 can be aligned with the second channel 141, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the drone storage device 10 also includes a centering mechanism 17 disposed on the flip plate 14.

[0114] Specifically, in combination Figure 11 and Figure 13 The centering mechanism 17, as shown, includes two centering units 171 and a centering drive assembly 172. The two centering units 171 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the flipping plate 14 about the axis of motion of the movable plate 12. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, two centering units 171 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the flip plate 14 with the second channel 141 as the axis. Each centering unit 171 includes a centering plate 1711, which is slidably disposed on the top surface of the flip plate 14 (i.e., the upper surface corresponding to when the flip plate 14 is pivoted to be parallel with the movable plate 12). The sliding path of the centering plate 1711 is perpendicular to the movement direction of the movable plate 12. The centering drive assembly 172 is used to drive the centering plates 1711 of the two centering units 171 to move closer to or further away from each other.

[0115] With this configuration, in the initial state, the distance between the centering plates 1711 of the two centering units 171 is relatively large. When the drone is being recovered, after the drone carrying the pod 20 moves onto the flip plate 14, the drone and its pod 20 are positioned between the two centering plates 1711. Then, the centering drive assembly 172 can drive the centering plates 1711 of the two centering units 171 to move closer to each other, thereby clamping and fixing the drone and its pod 20 together, thus achieving centering of the drone and its pod 20. When it is necessary to transfer the drone and its pod 20 to the movable plate 12 using the transfer mechanism 15, it is only necessary to first drive the two centering plates 1711 away from each other using the centering drive assembly 172 to release the clamping and fixing of the drone and its pod 20.

[0116] Based on this, in order to achieve the synchronous approach or distance of the two centering plates 1711 using the centering drive component 172, continue to refer to Figure 13 The centering drive assembly 172 includes a centering motor 1721, a centering screw 1722, and a centering slider 1723. The centering screw 1722 is rotatably mounted on the tilting plate 14, and its axis is parallel to the direction of movement of the movable plate 12. Furthermore, as... Figure 11 As shown, the centering screw 1722 can be disposed within the second channel 141 and located below the second transfer unit 152. One end of the centering screw 1722 is connected to the centering motor 1721 for transmission, so that the centering screw 1722 can be driven to rotate by the centering motor 1721. The centering slider 1723 is slidably disposed within the second channel 141 on the flip plate 14. The centering slider 1723 is sleeved on the outer wall of the centering screw 1722 and threadedly connected to the centering screw 1722. The centering slider 1723 is also located below the second transfer unit 152 to avoid interference between the centering slider 1723 and the second transfer unit 152 when the centering slider 1723 moves.

[0117] At this time, the centering unit 171 also includes a centering connecting rod 1712, one end of which is hinged to the centering plate 1711, and the other end of which is hinged to the centering slider 1723.

[0118] With this configuration, when the centering motor 1721 drives the centering screw 1722 to rotate, based on the principle of threaded transmission, the centering slider 1723 will move linearly along the axial direction of the centering screw 1722. During this process, for a single centering unit 171, since the sliding path of the centering slider 1723 is perpendicular to the movement direction of the movable plate 12 (i.e., the extension direction of the second channel 141), under the transmission action of the centering connecting rod 1712, the centering slider 1723 will slide relative to the flipping plate 14 in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the movable plate 12. At this time, by simply controlling the centering motor 1721 to drive the centering screw 1722 to rotate forward or backward, the centering plates 1711 of the two centering units 171 can be made to move closer or further apart synchronously.

[0119] It is understandable that in actual implementation, such as Figure 13 As shown, the longitudinal section of the centering plate 1711 can be set as a stepped shape, and the centering plate 1711 gradually moves away from the centering screw 1722 from top to bottom. That is to say, the upper part of the centering plate 1711 is closer to the centering screw 1722. This design helps to improve the centering limit range of the centering plate 1711, thus making it suitable for clamping and fixing various specifications of pods 20.

[0120] Furthermore, considering that the drone storage device 10 provided in this embodiment is typically installed inside the ground vehicle 30, and that the ground vehicle 30 may experience bumps or other disturbances during movement, in order to improve the stability of the drone and its pod 20 when they are inside the storage cavity 111, in some possible embodiments, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the drone storage device 10 also includes a fixing mechanism 18 disposed on the movable plate 12, which can reliably fix the drone and its pod 20 on the movable plate 12.

[0121] Specifically, in combination Figure 11 and Figure 14 As shown, the fixing mechanism 18 includes two fixing units 181, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the movable plate 12 with the direction of movement of the movable plate 12 as the axis. Furthermore, the two fixing units 181 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the movable plate 12 with the first channel 121 as the axis. Each fixing unit 181 includes a fixing motor 1811, a fixing lead screw 1812, a fixing slider 1813, and a fixing plate 1814.

[0122] The fixed lead screw 1812 is rotatably mounted on the movable plate 12. The axis of the fixed lead screw 1812 is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the movable plate 12. One end of the fixed lead screw 1812 is connected to the fixed motor 1811 for transmission, so that the fixed lead screw 1812 is driven to rotate by the fixed motor 1811. The fixed slider 1813 is slidably mounted on the movable plate 12. The sliding path of the fixed slider 1813 is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the movable plate 12. The fixed slider 1813 is sleeved on the outer wall of the fixed lead screw 1812 and threadedly connected to the fixed lead screw 1812. The fixed plate 1814 is connected to the fixed slider 1813 and is located on the top surface of the movable plate 12.

[0123] With this setup, in the initial state, the distance between the fixing plates 1814 of the two fixing units 181 is relatively large. After the drone and its pod 20 are transferred from the flip plate 14 to the movable plate 12, the drone and its pod 20 are positioned precisely between the fixing plates 1814 of the two fixing units 181. Furthermore, when it is necessary to fix the drone and its pod 20, the fixing motor 1811 of the fixing unit 181 drives the corresponding fixing screw 1812 to rotate. Based on the principle of threaded transmission, the fixing slider 1813 will move linearly along the axial direction of the fixing screw 1812. At this time, the fixing plates 1814 of the two fixing units 181 move closer together to clamp the drone and its pod 20, thus achieving the purpose of fixing the drone and its pod 20.

[0124] To provide a clearer and more intuitive understanding of the drone storage device 10 provided in this embodiment, the working principle of the drone storage device 10 will be further explained below in conjunction with specific application scenarios.

[0125] Specifically, such as Figure 16 As shown, the drone storage device 10 is placed inside a ground vehicle 30 for use. The ground vehicle 30 may be, but is not limited to, a van or truck used for logistics transportation. The drone storage device 10 is located adjacent to the opening 31 of the ground vehicle 30, which is sealed by a door, and the main body 11 is provided with a first inlet / outlet 112 of a flip plate 14 facing the opening 31 of the ground vehicle 30.

[0126] During the recovery of the drone and its pod 20, the door of the ground vehicle 30 is first opened to expose the opening 31 of the ground vehicle 30. Then, the flip plate 14 pivots relative to the movable plate 12 to be parallel to the movable plate 12, and the moving mechanism 13 drives the movable plate 12 to move from the first position to the second position through the first inlet and outlet 112. At this time, the flip plate 14 moves to the outside of the ground vehicle 30 through the opening 31 under the drive of the movable plate 12. During this process, the first transfer unit 151 drives the second transfer unit 152 to move from the first channel 121 to the second channel 141, and the second transfer unit 152 drives the push plate 1531 of the pusher 153 to move along the second channel 141 to a position away from the first channel 121. The push plate 1531 pivots to a vertical state and is located on the flip plate 14 under the drive of the push plate motor 1532.

[0127] When the drone carrying the pod 20 arrives at the location of the ground vehicle 30, as Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the drone lands so that the pod 20 is supported on the flip plate 14. At this time, the drone and its pod 20 are exactly between the two centering plates 1711 of the centering mechanism 17. Then, the two centering plates 1711 approach each other under the drive of the centering drive assembly 172 to clamp the pod 20. During this process, the two centering plates 1711 center and limit the pod 20 so that the push groove 214 at the bottom of the pod 20 body 21 is aligned with the second channel 141, and the push plate 1531 is directly facing the item in the receiving cavity 211 of the pod 21.

[0128] Secondly, the first transfer unit 151 drives the second transfer unit 152 to move in the direction of the movable plate 12. At the same time, the two centering plates 1711 move away from each other under the drive of the centering drive assembly 172 to release the fixation of the pod 20. When the push plate 1531 moves to contact the items in the cabin 21 under the drive of the second transfer unit 152, since the items in the cabin 21 are fixed by the limiting mechanism 22, the push plate 1531 will push the entire drone, pod 20 and items to move in the direction of the movable plate 12 until the drone and its pod 20 move onto the movable plate 12 and are located between the two fixed plates 1814 of the fixing mechanism 18.

[0129] Subsequently, the two fixing plates 1814 approach each other under the action of their respective fixing motors 1811, fixing screws 1812, and fixing sliders 1813 to clamp the pod 20, thereby fixing the drone and its pod 20 onto the movable plate 12. Afterward, the movable plate 12 moves from the second position to the first position under the drive of the moving mechanism 13, so that the drone and its pod 20 move into the storage cavity 111, and the flip plate 14 can pivot to seal the first inlet / outlet 112.

[0130] After the drone and its pod 20 move into the storage cavity 111 driven by the movable plate 12, the limiting mechanism 22 of the pod 20 releases the fixation of the items in the cabin 21. Then, the second transfer unit 152 drives the push plate 1531 of the pusher 153 to move in the direction of the second inlet and outlet 113. At this time, the push plate 1531 will enter the receiving cavity 211 through the third inlet and outlet 212 of the cabin 21 and push the items towards the fourth inlet and outlet 213 along the push groove 214 until the push plate 1531 pushes the items out of the receiving cavity 211 through the fourth inlet and outlet 213. At this time, the transfer device 4040 set in the ground vehicle 30 can be used to transfer the items to the item storage area of ​​the ground vehicle 30 for storage. Thus, the recovery of the drone and its pod 20 and the transfer of items are realized.

[0131] Correspondingly, when it is necessary to transport designated items within the ground vehicle 30 to the user terminal, that is, when it is necessary to launch a drone, the opposite method can be used.

[0132] In simple terms, the designated items in the storage area are first transferred to the receiving cavity 211 of the cabin 21 using the transfer device 4040 in the ground vehicle 30, and the limiting mechanism 22 fixes the items. Then, the moving mechanism 13 drives the movable plate 12 to move from the first position to the second position, and the flipping plate 14 pivots to be parallel to the movable plate 12.

[0133] Secondly, the fixing mechanism 18 releases the drone and its pod 20 from the fixing mechanism 18. Then, the transfer mechanism 15 can be used to drive the drone and its pod 20 from the movable plate 12 to the flip plate 14. After the drone and its pod 20 have moved to the flip plate 14, the drone can be launched.

[0134] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A drone storage device for a drone logistics delivery system, wherein the drone is equipped with a pod, characterized in that, The drone storage device includes: The main body has a storage cavity; one side of the storage cavity has a first inlet and outlet communicating with its interior; A movable plate is horizontally movable within the storage cavity; the movable plate has a first position when it is inside the storage cavity and a second position when it is outside the storage cavity. A moving mechanism is used to drive the movable plate to move horizontally between the first inlet / outlet and the second position; A flip plate is pivotally connected to the side of the movable plate away from the storage cavity when the movable plate is in the second position; when the movable plate is in the first position, the flip plate can pivot relative to the movable plate to seal the first inlet / outlet; when the movable plate is in the second position, the flip plate can pivot relative to the movable plate to be parallel to the movable plate; A transfer mechanism for transferring the UAV carrying the pod from the movable plate to the flip plate or from the flip plate to the movable plate; The movable plate is provided with a first channel, which extends along the direction of movement of the movable plate and penetrates the movable plate. The flip plate is provided with a second channel. When the flip plate pivots relative to the movable plate to be parallel to the movable plate, the second channel is aligned with and connected to the first channel. The main body has a second inlet / outlet on the other side opposite to the first inlet / outlet, which communicates with the storage cavity; The pod includes: The cabin has a receiving cavity; a third inlet and a fourth inlet are respectively provided on opposite sides of the receiving cavity, which are connected to the receiving cavity; the bottom of the cabin has a push groove that can be aligned with the first channel, and the push groove extends through the cabin along the extension direction of the first channel. A limiting mechanism is provided inside the cabin and is used to fix the items inside the receiving cavity; The transfer mechanism includes: The first transfer unit is disposed within the first channel; The second transfer unit is connected to the first transfer unit; the second transfer unit can enter and exit the second channel under the drive of the first transfer unit. A pusher is connected to the second transfer unit; the pusher is capable of reciprocating along the movement direction of the movable plate under the drive of the second transfer unit.

2. The drone storage device for a drone logistics delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first transfer unit includes a first slider, a first transfer screw, and a first transfer motor; The first slider is slidably disposed in the first channel, and the first transfer screw is rotatably disposed in the first channel and passes through the first slider. The first slider and the first transfer screw are threadedly connected, and one end of the first transfer screw is drivenly connected to the first transfer motor. The second transfer unit includes a transfer chute, a second slider, a second transfer lead screw, and a second transfer motor; The transfer groove extends along the axial direction of the first transfer screw and is connected to the first slider. The second slider is slidably disposed in the transfer groove. The second transfer screw is rotatably disposed in the transfer groove and passes through the second slider. The second slider is threadedly connected to the second transfer screw. One end of the second transfer screw is connected to the second transfer motor. The pushing component includes a push plate and a push plate motor. The push plate is pivotally connected to the second slider, and the push plate motor is used to drive the push plate to pivot relative to the second slider. The storage cavity is provided with a receiving groove on the side away from the first inlet and outlet. When the movable plate is in the first position, the push plate motor drives the push plate to pivot relative to the second slider and enter the receiving groove.

3. The drone storage device for a drone logistics delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting mechanism includes a pressing component, which includes a pressure plate and a pushing bracket. The pressure plate is located inside the receiving cavity and faces the pushing groove. The pushing bracket is located between the pressure plate and the inner top of the cabin. The pushing bracket is used to drive the pressure plate to reciprocate in the vertical direction.

4. The drone storage device for a drone logistics delivery system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The limiting mechanism also includes a clamping assembly, which includes two clamping units, a clamping motor, a clamping screw, and a clamping slider. The two clamping units are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the pressure plate. Each clamping unit includes a clamping plate and a clamping connecting rod. The clamping plate is slidably arranged on the pressure plate, and a portion of the clamping plate extends vertically to the bottom of the pressure plate. The clamping screw is rotatably mounted on the pressure plate, the axial direction of the clamping screw is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the clamping plate, and one end of the clamping screw is connected to the clamping motor. The clamping slider is slidably disposed on the pressure plate. The clamping slider is sleeved on the outer wall of the clamping screw and threadedly connected to the clamping screw. One end of the clamping connecting rod of the clamping unit is hingedly connected to the corresponding clamping plate, and the other end of the clamping connecting rod is hingedly connected to the clamping slider.

5. The drone storage device for a drone logistics delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a centering mechanism disposed on the flip plate, the centering mechanism comprising two centering units and a centering drive assembly; The two centering units are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the flip plate with the direction of movement of the movable plate as the axis; The centering unit includes a centering plate, which is slidably disposed on the top surface of the flipping plate. The sliding path of the centering plate is perpendicular to the movement direction of the movable plate. The centering drive assembly is used to drive the centering plates of the two centering units to move closer or further apart from each other.

6. The drone storage device for a drone logistics delivery system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The centering drive assembly includes a centering motor, a centering lead screw, and a centering slider; The centering screw is rotatably mounted on the flip plate, the axis of the centering screw is parallel to the direction of movement of the movable plate, and one end of the centering screw is connected to the centering motor drive. The centering slider is slidably disposed on the flip plate, and the centering slider is sleeved on the outer wall of the centering screw and threadedly connected to the centering screw; The centering unit also includes a centering connecting rod, one end of which is hinged to the centering plate, and the other end of which is hinged to the centering slider; The longitudinal section of the centering plate is stepped, and the centering plate gradually moves away from the centering screw from top to bottom.

7. The drone storage device for a drone logistics delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a fixing mechanism disposed on the movable plate, the fixing mechanism comprising two fixing units, the two fixing units being symmetrically disposed on both sides of the movable plate with the direction of movement of the movable plate as the axis; The fixing unit includes a fixing motor, a fixing screw, a fixing slider, and a fixing plate; the fixing screw is rotatably mounted on the movable plate, the axis of the fixing screw is perpendicular to the movement direction of the movable plate, and one end of the fixing screw is connected to the fixing motor for transmission. The fixed slider is slidably mounted on the fixed frame. The sliding path of the fixed slider is perpendicular to the movement direction of the movable plate. The fixed slider is sleeved on the outer wall of the fixed screw and threadedly connected to the fixed screw. The fixed plate is connected to the fixed slider and located on the top surface of the movable plate.

8. The drone storage device for a drone logistics delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The moving mechanism includes two moving units, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the movable plate with the direction of movement of the movable plate as the axis. The moving unit includes a moving motor, a driving arm, a driven arm, and a moving shaft; the moving motor is mounted on the main body, one end of the driving arm is connected to the moving motor, the other end of the driving arm is hinged to one end of the driven arm, and the other end of the driven arm is hinged to the moving shaft. The main body has a limiting groove corresponding to each of the moving units. The limiting groove extends along the movement direction of the movable plate. The moving shaft of the moving unit is slidably disposed in the corresponding limiting groove, and the moving shaft is connected to the movable plate.

9. The drone storage device for a drone logistics delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes two flexible components, which are respectively arranged on both sides of the flip plate with the direction of movement of the movable plate as the axis. One end of the flexible component is connected to the flip plate, and the other end of the flexible component is connected to the main body.

Images