An unmanned aerial vehicle automatic storage and transportation take-off device and method

Abstract

This invention relates to an automated storage, transportation, and takeoff device and method for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), belonging to the field of UAV storage and transportation technology. It solves the problems of high risks associated with manual launch and recovery operations of UAVs in existing technologies, or the large space requirements, inability to reuse, and lack of reusability of storage and transportation devices. The invention includes a storage and transportation box and a shock-absorbing mounting base. Each shock-absorbing mounting base can accommodate 2 to 4 storage and transportation boxes. The UAV is placed inside the storage and transportation box and can fly out of and land back inside the box. This invention is well-suited for vehicle-mounted environments, enabling automated UAV launch from inside the vehicle, achieving human-machine separation and improving operator safety. Furthermore, considering coaxial UAV models, the storage and transportation box has a compact structure, allowing for modular assembly, suitable for installation in confined vehicle spaces. The device is reusable and has low maintenance costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) storage and transportation technology, and in particular to an automatic storage, transportation, and takeoff device and method for UAVs. Background Technology

[0002] Small coaxial drones are characterized by their small size, high speed, and low cost, and have great development potential in future intelligent warfare, military and other fields.

[0003] Most vehicle-mounted drones on the market currently lack storage and transport devices, requiring manual launch and retrieval by personnel, which carries significant operational risks. Some drone systems are equipped with storage and transport devices, primarily for fixed-wing drones. These devices utilize high-pressure gas cylinders or explosions to provide launch energy. However, due to the drone's structure and power source, these devices are space-consuming and not compact, and can only launch a single drone. Furthermore, because of the power source limitations, these devices cannot be reused or reused, making them suitable only for single launches and resulting in higher costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on the above analysis, the present invention aims to provide an automatic storage, transport, and takeoff device and method for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to solve the problems of high risks in the manual launch and recovery operations of existing UAVs, or the large space occupied by storage and transport devices, and the inability to reuse and launch them.

[0005] On one hand, the present invention provides an automatic storage and take-off device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including a storage box and a shock-absorbing mounting base. Each shock-absorbing mounting base can accommodate 2 to 4 storage boxes. The UAV is placed inside the storage box and can fly out of the storage box and land back in the storage box.

[0006] Furthermore, the storage and transportation box includes a box body, which includes four side panels of the same size, a top cover, and a bottom plate.

[0007] Furthermore, the shock-absorbing mounting base includes a housing mounting plate, and the top of the housing mounting plate is provided with two parallel wedge-shaped guide rails.

[0008] Furthermore, the bottom of the base plate is provided with a wedge-shaped groove that mates with the wedge-shaped guide rail.

[0009] Furthermore, the shock-absorbing mounting base also includes a spring pin, which passes through the housing mounting plate and connects to the base plate.

[0010] Furthermore, the storage and transportation box also includes a lifting mechanism, which is located inside the box.

[0011] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism includes an upper cover plate, a lifting plate, a lead screw, and a motor.

[0012] Furthermore, one end of the lead screw is rotatably connected to the upper cover plate, and the other end is connected to the motor. The motor is mounted on the base plate, and the lifting plate is threadedly connected to the lead screw.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a controller and a limit switch, both of which are located on the inner wall of the side panel of one of the storage and transportation boxes.

[0014] On the other hand, the present invention provides an automatic storage, transport and take-off method for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which uses the aforementioned automatic storage, transport and take-off device for UAVs for storage and take-off.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention can achieve at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0016] (1) The automatic storage and take-off device for unmanned aerial vehicles of the present invention can accommodate 2 to 4 storage boxes for each shock-absorbing mounting base. Each storage box can store and take off one unmanned aerial vehicle. Multiple shock-absorbing mounting bases can be installed on the transport vehicle, which improves the transport vehicle's storage, transportation and take-off capabilities for unmanned aerial vehicles.

[0017] (2) The automatic storage and takeoff device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of the present invention has a storage box placed on a box mounting plate. A shock-absorbing spring seat is provided between the bottom of the box mounting plate and the U-shaped mounting seat. A shock-absorbing spring seat is also provided between the side plate of the storage box and the U-shaped mounting seat, so that the storage box is connected to shock-absorbing spring seats in both the horizontal and vertical directions. When there is external vibration and impact, the impact on the UAV can be reduced. This can protect the UAV in the storage box in harsh working and transportation environments and avoid damage to the UAV.

[0018] (3) The automatic storage and take-off device for unmanned aerial vehicles of the present invention includes a rotating chuck with three claws, each claw having an arc-shaped groove. The lifting plate has three arc-shaped holes and a landing gear slot corresponding to the arc-shaped groove. When the unmanned aerial vehicle lands on the lifting plate and the landing gear of the unmanned aerial vehicle is placed in the landing gear slot, the servo motor drives the rotating chuck to rotate, so that the arc-shaped groove locks the landing gear of the unmanned aerial vehicle, thus firmly fixing the unmanned aerial vehicle on the lifting plate.

[0019] (4) In the automatic storage and takeoff device for UAVs of the present invention, the limiting strip is connected to the cover opening servo and rotates under the drive of the cover opening servo. One end of the torsion spring is connected to the top cover and the other end is connected to the side plate. An arc-shaped groove is provided on the top cover, and a strip-shaped hole is provided in the arc-shaped groove. The limiting strip can pass through the strip-shaped hole. When the limiting strip and the strip-shaped hole are collinear, the top cover is opened under the action of the torsion spring. When the limiting strip and the strip-shaped hole are not collinear, the limiting strip is stuck on the remaining plate of the arc-shaped groove, restricting the top cover from opening, realizing the opening of the box, which facilitates the takeoff and recovery of the UAV.

[0020] (5) The automatic storage and take-off device for unmanned aerial vehicles of the present invention is well applicable to vehicle environments, and can realize the automatic launch of unmanned aerial vehicles inside the vehicle, realizing the separation of man and machine and improving the safety of operators; at the same time, combined with coaxial unmanned aerial vehicle models, the storage and transportation box has a compact structure, which can realize modular assembly and is suitable for installation in the narrow space of the vehicle; and the device can be reused and has low maintenance costs.

[0021] (6) The automatic storage and take-off method for drones of the present invention can quickly realize the take-off and box entry operation of drones. During the take-off and box entry process, the drone can be stably connected with the lifting plate, avoiding the adverse effects of the movement of the lifting plate on the drone. At the same time, the drone does not need to be manually touched during the take-off and box entry process, making the operation safer. The storage and transport box can repeatedly take off and retrieve drones, saving costs.

[0022] In this invention, the above-described technical solutions can be combined with each other to achieve more preferred combinations. Other features and advantages of this invention will be set forth in the following description, and some advantages may become apparent from the description or be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of this invention can be realized and obtained from what is particularly pointed out in the description and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same parts.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automated storage, transport, and takeoff device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) according to a specific embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a storage and transportation box with one side panel removed, according to a specific embodiment.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the enclosure and the enclosure mounting plate in a specific embodiment;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the lifting mechanism and the supporting mechanism in a specific embodiment;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the lifting plate in the uppermost position according to a specific embodiment.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the supporting mechanism and the lifting plate in a specific embodiment;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating chuck clamping state in a specific embodiment;

[0031] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the rotary chuck in a non-clamped state according to a specific embodiment;

[0032] Figure 9 This is a top view of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) automatic storage, transport, and takeoff device according to a specific embodiment;

[0033] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the closed state of the top cover of the box in a specific embodiment;

[0034] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the box with the lid open in a specific embodiment;

[0035] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the controller, waterproof connector, limit switch, and side plate in a specific embodiment.

[0036] Figure label:

[0037] 1-Storage and transport box; 11-Box body; 111-Side panel; 112-Top cover; 1121-Groove; 1122-Arc-shaped groove; 1123-Strip hole; 113-Bottom plate; 1131-Wedge groove; 12-Lifting mechanism; 121-Top cover plate; 1211-Round hole; 122-Lifting plate; 1221-Arc-shaped hole; 1222-Foot mounting slot; 1223-Positioning rod; 123-Lead screw; 124-Motor; 125-Guide rod; 13-Holding mechanism; 131-Holding servo; 132-Servo mounting box; 133-Rotating chuck; 1331-Claw; 1332-Arc-shaped groove; 134-Stop plate; 14-Opening mechanism; 141-Opening servo; 142-Limit strip; 143-Torsion spring; 144-Connecting rod;

[0038] 2-Shock-absorbing mounting base; 21-Box mounting plate; 211-Wedge guide rail; 22-U-shaped mounting base; 221-Horizontal plate; 222-Vertical plate; 223-First weight-reducing hole; 224-Second weight-reducing hole; 23-Shock-absorbing spring seat; 231-First connecting plate; 232-Second connecting plate; 233-Spring; 24-Spring pin;

[0039] 3-Controller; 4-Waterproof aviation connector; 5-Limit switch. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which constitute a part of the present invention and are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to illustrate the principles of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] A specific embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 1-12 As shown, an automatic storage, transport, and takeoff device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is disclosed. Figure 1As shown, the UAV automatic storage and takeoff device includes a storage container 1 and a shock-absorbing mounting base 2. At least two storage containers 1 are provided, and each shock-absorbing mounting base 2 can accommodate two to four storage containers 1 simultaneously. The storage containers 1 can be interconnected through screw holes on the side walls of the container.

[0043] Each shock-absorbing mounting base 2 can accommodate 2 to 4 storage and transport containers 1. Each storage and transport container 1 can store and launch one drone, enabling each shock-absorbing mounting base 2 to store, transport, and launch multiple drones, thus improving storage, transport, and launch capabilities. Furthermore, multiple shock-absorbing mounting bases 2 can be installed on transport vehicles, further enhancing the drone storage, transport, and launch capabilities.

[0044] In this embodiment, the storage and transportation box 1 is placed on the shock-absorbing mounting base 2, which can effectively protect the drone inside the storage and transportation box 1 in harsh working and transportation environments. When affected by vibrations from the external environment, the shock-absorbing mounting base 2 will buffer some of the vibrations to reduce the damage to the drone inside the storage and transportation box 1.

[0045] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the storage and transportation box 1 includes a box body 11, which is a rectangular box, including four side panels 111 of the same size, a top cover 112, and a bottom plate 113.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the shock-absorbing mounting base 2 includes a housing mounting plate 21, a U-shaped mounting base 22, and shock-absorbing spring seats 23. There are four shock-absorbing spring seats 23, two of which are located between the horizontal plate 221 of the U-shaped mounting base 22 and the housing mounting plate 21, and the other two are located on the two vertical plates 222 of the U-shaped mounting base 22.

[0047] Understandably, the U-shaped mounting base 22 includes a horizontal plate 221 and two vertical plates 222 with identical structures. The two vertical plates 222 are parallel and respectively disposed at both ends of the horizontal plate 221. The vertical plates 222 are perpendicularly connected to the horizontal plate 221 to form a U-shaped structure. Preferably, the U-shaped mounting base 22 is integrally formed.

[0048] To reduce the weight of the U-shaped mounting base 22, such as Figure 1 As shown, the horizontal plate 221 is provided with a first weight reduction hole 223, and the vertical plate 222 is provided with a second weight reduction hole 224. Specifically, there are multiple first weight reduction holes 223, which are evenly distributed between the two shock-absorbing spring seats 23, and the second weight reduction holes 224 are located below the shock-absorbing spring seats 23.

[0049] In this embodiment, weight-reducing holes are provided on both the horizontal plate 221 and the vertical plate 222, which can effectively reduce the weight of the U-shaped mounting base 22, thereby reducing the weight of the shock-absorbing mounting base 2, making the transport vehicle lighter.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, the shock-absorbing spring seat 23 includes a first connecting plate 231, a second connecting plate 232, and a spring 233, with the spring 233 disposed between the first connecting plate 231 and the second connecting plate 232. Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, for the shock-absorbing spring seat 23 placed on the horizontal plate 221, the first connecting plate 231 is connected to the horizontal plate 221, and the second connecting plate 232 is connected to the box mounting plate 21. For the shock-absorbing spring seat 23 placed on the vertical plate 222, the first connecting plate 231 is connected to the connecting block inside the vertical plate 222, and the second connecting plate 232 is connected to the side plate 111 of the storage and transportation box 1.

[0051] For example, the shock-absorbing spring seat 23 installed on the horizontal plate 221 fixes the first connecting plate 231 and the horizontal plate 221 with screws, and fixes the second connecting plate 232 to the box mounting plate 21 with screws. The shock-absorbing spring seat 23 installed on the vertical plate 222 fixes the first connecting plate 231 to the connecting block inside the vertical plate 222 with screws, and fixes the second connecting plate 232 to the side plate 111 of the storage and transportation box 1 with screws.

[0052] It is worth noting that the shock-absorbing spring seat 23 installed on the horizontal plate 221 is connected to the middle of the box mounting plate 21 in the width direction, and the shock-absorbing spring seat 23 installed on the vertical plate 222 is also located in the middle of the width direction of the vertical plate 222, so that half of the shock-absorbing spring seat 23 corresponds to one storage and transportation box 1. This setting can reduce the number of shock-absorbing spring seats 23, and ensure that each storage and transportation box 1 is connected to a corresponding shock-absorbing spring seat 23, thus ensuring the shock absorption effect.

[0053] In this embodiment, the storage and transportation box 1 is placed on the box mounting plate 21, and the bottom plate 113 is connected to the box mounting plate 21. A shock-absorbing spring seat 23 is provided between the bottom of the box mounting plate 21 and the horizontal plate 221. A shock-absorbing spring seat 23 is also provided between the side plate 111 and the vertical plate 222 of the storage and transportation box 1, so that the storage and transportation box 1 is connected to the shock-absorbing spring seat 23 in both the horizontal and vertical directions. When there is external vibration and impact, the spring 233 of the shock-absorbing spring seat 23 will reduce the impact on the drone, which can realize the protection of the drone in the storage and transportation box 1 in harsh working and transportation environments and avoid damage to the drone.

[0054] Furthermore, the horizontal plate 221 is provided with four shock-absorbing spring seats 23, each of which is located directly below the storage and transportation box 1. The vertical plate 222 is provided with two shock-absorbing spring seats 23, which are located at the same horizontal height and are respectively connected to one storage and transportation box 1. This arrangement ensures that each storage and transportation box 1 corresponds to two shock-absorbing spring seats 23, which can effectively prevent external vibrations from affecting the drone inside the storage and transportation box 1.

[0055] To prevent the storage and transportation box 1 from shifting horizontally and vertically on the shock-absorbing mounting base 2, such as Figure 3 As shown, the top of the box mounting plate 21 is provided with two parallel wedge-shaped guide rails 211. The wedge-shaped guide rails 211 are perpendicular to the vertical plate 222. The bottom of the bottom plate 113 is provided with a wedge-shaped groove 1131. The wedge-shaped groove 1131 is a dovetail groove. The dovetail groove cooperates with the wedge-shaped guide rails 211 of the box mounting plate 21 to restrict the movement of the storage and transportation box 1 in the vertical direction perpendicular to the wedge-shaped guide rails 211.

[0056] With the cooperation of the wedge-shaped guide rail 211 and the dovetail groove, the storage and transportation box 1 can still move along the length direction of the wedge-shaped guide rail 211. In order to restrict this degree of freedom of movement, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the shock-absorbing mounting base 2 also includes a spring pin 24, which corresponds one-to-one with the storage and transportation box 1. The spring pin 24 passes through the box mounting plate 21 and is connected to the bottom plate 113 of the storage and transportation box 1.

[0057] In this embodiment, the bottom of the storage and transportation box 1 is mounted on the box mounting plate 21 by a wedge assembly and spring pin 24 to prevent the storage and transportation box 1 from shifting horizontally and vertically during transportation, thus avoiding the impact of the shaking of the storage and transportation box 1 on the drone inside. At the same time, the storage and transportation box 1 and the box mounting plate 21 are as a whole. When the external vibration is large, the shock-absorbing spring seats 23 connected to the bottom of the box mounting plate 21 and the side wall of the storage and transportation box 1 can effectively buffer the vibration and reduce the impact of the vibration on the drone.

[0058] Furthermore, in order to prevent the storage and transportation box 1 from shifting horizontally and vertically on the shock-absorbing mounting base 2, the top of the box mounting plate 21 is provided with two parallel T-shaped guide rails, which are perpendicular to the vertical plate 222. The bottom of the base plate 113 is provided with a T-shaped groove. The T-shaped groove of the storage and transportation box 1 cooperates with the T-shaped guide rails of the box mounting plate 21 to restrict the movement of the storage and transportation box 1 in the vertical direction perpendicular to the direction of the T-shaped guide rails.

[0059] Since the storage and transportation box 1 and the box mounting plate 21 are connected by a wedge-shaped guide rail 211 and a dovetail groove, the storage and transportation box 1 needs to be inserted from one end of the wedge-shaped guide rail 211. Also, since the box mounting plate 21 is located between two vertical plates 222 and the storage and transportation box 1 has a certain width, it is necessary to connect the storage and transportation box 1 to the box mounting plate 21 first, and then connect the box mounting plate 21 to the U-shaped mounting base 22, in order to prevent the storage and transportation box 1 from being unable to be placed after connecting the box mounting plate 21 to the U-shaped mounting base 22 first.

[0060] Considering that the drone needs to lift and lower within the container 11, the storage and transport container 1 also includes a lifting mechanism 12, which is located inside the container 11.

[0061] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the lifting mechanism 12 includes an upper cover plate 121, a lifting plate 122, a lead screw 123 and a motor 124. One end of the lead screw 123 is rotatably connected to the upper cover plate 121, and the other end is connected to the motor 124. The lifting plate 122 is parallel to the upper cover plate 121 and is threadedly connected to the lead screw 123. The motor 124 is mounted on the base plate 113.

[0062] Furthermore, a bearing is provided at the connection between the lead screw 123 and the upper cover plate 121, and a rotating copper nut is provided at the connection between the lead screw 123 and the lifting plate 122. The rotating copper nut is fixed to the lifting plate 122 and moves up and down synchronously with the lifting plate 122.

[0063] In this embodiment, the drone lands on the lifting plate 122 before takeoff or after recovery. Through the threaded engagement between the lifting plate 122 and the lead screw 123, the motor 124 drives the lead screw 123 to rotate, and the lifting plate 122 moves up and down along the lead screw 123, thereby driving the drone to rise and fall inside the housing 11.

[0064] Since the lead screw 123 is threadedly connected to the lifting plate 122 and passes through the lifting plate 122, and the drone needs to be placed on the lifting plate 122, in order to avoid interference between the drone and the lead screw 123, the drone is not parked in the middle of the lifting plate 122, but on one side of the lifting plate 122, and the lead screw 123 is located next to the drone. In order to avoid the influence of the eccentric force on the lifting process, the lifting mechanism 12 also includes a guide rod 125.

[0065] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the upper end of the guide rod 125 is connected to the upper cover plate 121, and the lower end is connected to the bottom plate 113. The guide rod 125 passes through the lifting plate 122. There are at least two guide rods 125, preferably four, and the four guide rods 125 are located at the four corners of the lifting plate 122.

[0066] Considering that the drone needs to be stably mounted on the lifting platform 122 during transportation and as it is lifted and lowered, the storage and transportation box 1 also includes a holding mechanism 13, which is also located inside the box body 11 and connected to the lifting mechanism 12.

[0067] like Figure 6 As shown, the mounting mechanism 13 includes a mounting servo motor 131, a servo motor mounting box 132, and a rotary chuck 133. The mounting servo motor 131 is connected to the servo motor mounting box 132, and the servo motor mounting box 132 is connected to the bottom of the lifting plate 122. For example, the mounting servo motor 131 is mounted on the servo motor mounting box 132 with screws, and the servo motor mounting box 132 is mounted on the bottom of the lifting plate 122 with screws. The rotary chuck 133 is located on the other side of the lifting plate 122 and is connected to the output shaft of the mounting servo motor 131. Under the drive of the mounting servo motor 131, the rotary chuck 133 rotates.

[0068] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the rotary chuck 133 includes three jaws 1331, with adjacent jaws 1331 spaced at 120° intervals. Each jaw 1331 has an arc-shaped groove 1332, and a connecting post (not shown) is located at the bottom of each jaw 1331. Correspondingly, the lifting plate 122 has three arc-shaped holes 1221, which correspond to the arc-shaped grooves 1332. The connecting post is located in the arc-shaped hole 1221. When the rotary chuck 133 rotates through the center, the connecting post moves within the arc-shaped hole 1221. The central angles corresponding to the three arc-shaped holes 1221 are the rotation angles of the rotary chuck 133.

[0069] The lifting plate 122 is also provided with tripod mounting slots 1222. There are three tripod mounting slots 1222, which are evenly distributed around the output shaft of the support servo motor 131. The tripod mounting slots 1222 and the arc-shaped holes 1221 are arranged alternately. The tripod mounting slots 1222 match the tripod of the drone. When the drone lands on the lifting plate 122 and the tripod of the drone is placed in the tripod mounting slot 1222, the support servo motor 131 drives the rotating chuck 133 to rotate, so that the arc-shaped slot 1332 on the chuck 1331 locks the tripod of the drone.

[0070] In this embodiment, by cooperating with the rotating chuck 133, the tripod mounting slot 1222 on the lifting plate 122, and the tripod of the drone, the drone can be restricted to the lifting plate 122. The rotating chuck 133 can firmly hold the drone. The structure is ingenious and the operation is convenient.

[0071] To ensure that the drone's tripod accurately falls into the tripod mounting slot 1222 when the drone is placed on the lifting platform 122, combined with Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the lifting plate 122 is also equipped with positioning rods 1223, which are parallel to the guide rod 125. There are three positioning rods 1223, which are evenly distributed around the output shaft of the servo motor 131. The positioning rods 1223 are located between the arc-shaped hole 1221 and the landing gear mounting slot 1222. Correspondingly, the UAV is equipped with positioning holes that cooperate with the positioning rods 1223. When the UAV falls into the lifting plate 122, the positioning rods 1223 cooperate with the positioning holes on the UAV. After the UAV continues to fall, its landing gear is just placed in the landing gear mounting slot 1222. Then, the rotating chuck 133 is used to hold the UAV's landing gear in place. When the UAV needs to take off, the rotating chuck 133 is released from the constraint of the UAV's landing gear. The UAV first takes off vertically. After the UAV detaches from the positioning rods 1223, it can achieve free flight.

[0072] Considering that the drone's landing gear is located in the landing gear mounting slot 1222, the drone taking off from the lifting platform 122 may lift the lifting platform 122. To prevent the lifting platform 122 from being lifted, such as Figure 6 As shown, the clamping mechanism 13 also includes a stop plate 134, which is connected to the connecting column. For example, the stop plate 134 is connected to the connecting column by screws. The stop plate 134 moves synchronously with the connecting column. The claw 1331 and the stop plate 134 clamp the lifting plate 122 in the middle, which can prevent the lifting plate 122 from being lifted when the drone takes off.

[0073] Understandably, the bottom of the connecting column extends slightly beyond the bottom of the lifting plate 122 to avoid friction between the stop plate 134 and the lifting plate 122. Preferably, the bottom of the connecting column extends 0.3 mm beyond the bottom of the lifting plate 122.

[0074] It is worth noting that when the rotating chuck 133 is in the clamping state, the charging interface located at the bottom of the lifting plate 122 can be connected to the interface on the drone, enabling charging of the drone during storage and transportation.

[0075] Since the drone stored on the lifting platform 122 needs to take off from inside the container 11, the top cover 112 of the container 11 needs to be opened. Therefore, the storage container 1 also includes a cover opening mechanism 14, which is used to control the opening of the top cover 112.

[0076] like Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the cover opening mechanism 14 includes a cover opening servo 141, a limiting bar 142, a torsion spring 143, and a connecting rod 144. The cover opening servo 141 is mounted on the upper cover plate 121. The limiting bar 142 is connected to the output shaft of the cover opening servo 141 and rotates under the drive of the cover opening servo 141. The edge of the top cover 112 is provided with a groove 1121. The connecting rod 144 passes through the groove 1121 and is connected to the top cover 112. The torsion spring 143 is sleeved on the connecting rod 144 and located in the groove 1121. One end of the torsion spring 143 is connected to the top cover 112, and the other end is connected to the side plate 111. The top cover 112 is provided with an arc-shaped groove 1122. The arc-shaped groove 1122 is provided with a strip-shaped hole 1123. The limiting bar 142 can pass through the strip-shaped hole 1123.

[0077] When the limiting strip 142 is collinear with the strip hole 1123, the top cover 112 springs open under the action of the torsion spring 143. When the limiting strip 142 is not collinear with the strip hole 1123, in this embodiment, when the limiting strip 142 is perpendicular to the strip hole 1123, the limiting strip 142 is stuck on the remaining plate of the arc groove 1122, restricting the top cover 112 from opening.

[0078] In order for the drone to take off from or land back on the lifting platform 122, such as Figure 4and Figure 11 As shown, the upper cover plate 121 is also provided with a circular hole 1211, and the positioning rod 1223 is located within the contour of the circular hole 1211 so that when the lifting plate 122 rises to the top, the positioning rod 1223 passes through the circular hole 1211.

[0079] To control the lifting mechanism 12, the holding mechanism 13, and the opening mechanism 14, such as Figure 12 As shown, the UAV automatic storage, transport, and takeoff device also includes a controller 3. The controller 3 integrates a control module and a power module, which saves space while providing appropriate voltages for different electronic components and providing control signals. The controller 3 is located on the inside of one of the side plates 111, and the side plate 111 is also equipped with a waterproof connector 4. The control signals and power signals are connected to the controller 3 through the waterproof connector 4.

[0080] In order to monitor the lifting status of the lifting platform 122, such as Figure 12 As shown, the side plate 111 is also equipped with a limit switch 5. There are two limit switches 5, one located on the upper inner side of the side plate 111 and the other located on the lower inner side of the side plate 111. When the lifting plate 122 rises to the position of the upper limit switch 5, the motor 124 stops working and the lifting plate 122 stops rising. When the lifting plate 122 falls to the lower limit switch 5, the motor 124 stops working and the lifting plate 122 stops falling.

[0081] Example 2

[0082] Another specific embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 1-12 As shown, an automatic storage, transport, and takeoff method for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is disclosed, employing the automatic storage, transport, and takeoff device of Embodiment 1, and includes the following steps:

[0083] Step 1: Determine if the drone is inside storage box 1. If yes, proceed to step 2; otherwise, proceed to step 3.

[0084] Step 2: Launch the drone.

[0085] Step 2.1: The opening mechanism 14 opens the top cover 112 of the box body 11.

[0086] Specifically, the controller 3 issues a command to control the opening servo motor 141 to move. The opening servo motor 141 drives the limit bar 142 to rotate, so that the limit bar 142 is collinear with the strip hole 1123, and the top cover 112 is opened by the action of the torsion spring 143.

[0087] Step 2.2: The lifting plate 122 rises to the upper limit position, and the holding mechanism 13 is unlocked.

[0088] Step 2.2.1: The controller 3 sends a command to the motor 124, which drives the lead screw 123 to rotate. The lifting plate 122 moves upward along the lead screw 123. When the lifting plate 122 touches the limit switch 5 on the inner side of the side plate 111, the motor 124 stops running and the lifting plate 122 rises to the highest position.

[0089] Step 2.2.2: When the lifting plate 122 rises to the highest position, the controller 3 sends a command to the support servo motor 131. The support servo motor 131 drives the rotating chuck 133 to move in the opposite direction. The arc-shaped slot 1332 on the chuck 1331 disengages from the drone's landing gear and no longer restricts the drone's movement.

[0090] Step 2.3: After the drone takes off, the lifting platform 122 descends and the top cover 112 is closed.

[0091] Specifically, first, control the drone to take off vertically upwards, so that the drone loses contact with the positioning rod 1223, and then control the drone to fly in any direction.

[0092] After the drone takes off, the controller 3 controls the motor 124 to reverse and the lifting plate 122 to descend. When the lifting plate 122 touches the limit switch 5 on the lower inner side of the side plate 111, the motor 124 stops running, the lifting plate 122 descends to the lower limit, and the top cover 112 is manually closed, thus completing the take-off of the drone.

[0093] Step 3: Pack the drone back into its container.

[0094] Step 3.1: The opening mechanism 14 opens the top cover 112 of the box body 11.

[0095] Specifically, the controller 3 issues a command to control the opening servo motor 141 to move. The opening servo motor 141 drives the limit bar 142 to rotate, so that the limit bar 142 is collinear with the strip hole 1123, and the top cover 112 is opened by the action of the torsion spring 143.

[0096] Step 3.2: Raise the lifting platform 122 to the upper limit position and control the drone to land on the lifting platform 122.

[0097] Specifically, the controller 3 sends a command to the motor 124, which drives the lead screw 123 to rotate. The lifting plate 122 moves upward along the lead screw 123. When the lifting plate 122 touches the limit switch 5 on the inner side of the side plate 111, the motor 124 stops running and the lifting plate 122 rises to the highest position. At this time, the control drone is dropped onto the lifting plate 122.

[0098] It should be noted that during the drone's descent, the positioning hole on the drone first engages with the positioning rod 1223 to position the drone, and then the descent continues until the drone's landing gear is placed in the landing gear slot 1222. The engagement of the positioning rod 1223 with the positioning hole ensures accurate drone positioning, allowing the drone's landing gear to accurately fall into the landing gear slot 1222, so that the holding mechanism 13 can lock the drone in place.

[0099] Step 3.3: Secure the drone with the support mechanism 13.

[0100] Specifically, after the drone's landing gear is placed into the landing gear mounting slot 1222, the controller 3 sends a command to the servo motor 131. The servo motor 131 drives the rotating chuck 133 to rotate, and the arc-shaped slot 1332 on the claw 1331 locks the drone's landing gear, fixing the drone onto the lifting plate 122. The use of three claws 1331 to cooperate with the drone's landing gear to fix the drone is ingenious and easy to operate.

[0101] Step 3.4: The lifting plate 122 descends, and the top cover 112 closes, allowing the drone to enter the container.

[0102] Specifically, controller 3 controls motor 124 to reverse, and the drone descends together with the lifting platform 122. When the lifting platform 122 touches the limit switch 5 on the lower inner side of the side panel 111, motor 124 stops running, the lifting platform 122 descends to the lower limit, and the top cover 112 is manually closed. At this time, the drone is stored in the storage and transportation box 1 and can be transported with the vehicle.

[0103] The method of this embodiment enables the rapid take-off and container loading of drones. During both take-off and container loading, the drone is securely connected to the lifting plate 122, avoiding any adverse effects on the drone caused by the movement of the lifting plate 122. Furthermore, the drone does not require manual contact during take-off and container loading, making the operation safer. The storage container 1 can repeatedly take off and retrieve drones, saving costs.

[0104] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An unmanned aerial vehicle automatic storage and retrieval launch device, characterized by, The system includes a storage and transportation box and a shock-absorbing mounting base. Each shock-absorbing mounting base can accommodate 2 to 4 storage and transportation boxes. The drone is placed inside the storage and transportation box and can fly out of the storage and transportation box and land back inside the storage and transportation box. Each storage and transportation box can store and launch one drone. The shock-absorbing mounting base includes a box mounting plate, a U-shaped mounting base, and a shock-absorbing spring seat. The storage and transportation box is placed on the box mounting plate. A shock-absorbing spring seat is provided between the bottom of the box mounting plate and the horizontal plate of the U-shaped mounting base. A shock-absorbing spring seat is provided between the side plate of the storage and transportation box and the vertical plate of the U-shaped mounting base. The storage and transport box includes a box body, a lifting mechanism, and a holding mechanism. Both the lifting mechanism and the holding mechanism are located within the box body, and the holding mechanism is connected to the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism includes a lifting plate, and the holding mechanism includes a holding servo motor and a rotating chuck. The holding servo motor drives the rotating chuck to rotate. The rotating chuck includes three jaws, each with an arc-shaped groove for holding the drone's landing gear. A connecting post is located at the bottom of each jaw. The lifting plate has an arc-shaped hole corresponding to the arc-shaped groove, and the connecting post is located within the arc-shaped hole. The lifting plate also has landing gear slots spaced apart from the arc-shaped holes, which match the drone's landing gear. The lifting plate also has a positioning rod that engages with a positioning hole on the drone, located between the arc-shaped hole and the landing gear slot. When the drone falls onto the lifting plate, the positioning rod engages with the positioning hole on the drone. As the drone continues to fall, its landing gear is placed precisely into the landing gear slot, and then the rotating chuck secures the drone's landing gear.

2. The unmanned aerial vehicle automatic warehousing and taking-off device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The enclosure includes four side panels of the same size, a top cover, and a bottom plate.

3. The automatic storage, transport, and takeoff device for unmanned aerial vehicles according to claim 2, characterized in that, The top of the mounting plate of the enclosure is provided with two parallel wedge-shaped guide rails.

4. The automatic storage, transport, and takeoff device for unmanned aerial vehicles according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom of the base plate is provided with a wedge-shaped groove that mates with the wedge-shaped guide rail.

5. The automatic storage, transport, and takeoff device for unmanned aerial vehicles according to claim 3, characterized in that, The shock-absorbing mounting base also includes a spring pin, which passes through the housing mounting plate and connects to the base plate.

6. The automatic storage, transport, and takeoff device for unmanned aerial vehicles according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism also includes an upper cover plate, a lead screw, and a motor.

7. The automatic storage, transport, and takeoff device for unmanned aerial vehicles according to claim 6, characterized in that, One end of the lead screw is rotatably connected to the upper cover plate, and the other end is connected to the motor. The motor is mounted on the base plate, and the lifting plate is threadedly connected to the lead screw.

8. The automatic storage, transport, and takeoff device for unmanned aerial vehicles according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, It also includes a controller and a limit switch, both of which are located on the inner wall of the side panel of one of the storage and transportation boxes.

9. A method for automatic storage, transport, and takeoff of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), characterized in that, The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) automatic storage and takeoff device according to any one of claims 1-8 is used for storage and takeoff.

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