A device and method for installing a grounding ring on a live unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

Abstract

This invention discloses a device and method for installing a grounding ring on a live unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). It includes two clamping mechanisms, each comprising two V-shaped clamping plates and a mounting base. A lifting motor is located at the lower end of the mounting base, connected to a second connecting rod via a lead screw to open and close the two V-shaped clamping plates. The outer V-shaped clamping plates are connected to both ends of a fixed plate, and the inner V-shaped clamping plates are connected to both ends of a connecting plate. A vertical plate is located at the lower middle of the fixed plate, with a torque drill mounted on its lower part. A cross-shaped steering mechanism is located on the upper part of the vertical plate, with its input end connected to the output shaft of the torque drill and its output end penetrating the fixed plate to output rotational power. This invention significantly reduces time and effectively avoids problems such as the inability of the boom truck to access the work site and personal safety accidents involving workers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a grounding ring installation technique, and more particularly to a device and method for installing a grounding ring on a live unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of power distribution networks, most overhead lines used in cities at the prefecture level and above are now insulated conductors. However, considering that most overhead insulated conductors are not equipped with grounding rings during engineering design and construction, it is difficult for workers to install temporary grounding wires during maintenance. To solve this problem, the commonly used method is to install grounding rings while the line is energized. This involves workers wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and using an insulated boom truck to ascend to the conductor end, then installing the grounding ring using tools such as strippers, clamps, and wrenches. However, this method not only consumes a lot of time, manpower, and resources, but also poses a serious threat to the personal safety of workers at height during the installation process. In addition, due to factors such as available space and terrain conditions, it is often difficult for special vehicles such as insulated boom trucks to approach the work site, thus hindering the successful completion of the operation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a device for installing a grounding ring on a live unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that is reasonably designed, highly efficient and safe.

[0004] The technical solution of this invention is:

[0005] A device for installing a grounding ring on a live unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes two clamping mechanisms. Each clamping mechanism includes two V-shaped clamps and a mounting base. Each V-shaped clamp is rotatably connected to one side of the mounting base via two first connecting rods. The first connecting rods on the inner sides of the two V-shaped clamps are rotatably connected via second connecting rods. A lifting motor is provided at the lower end of the mounting base. The lifting motor is connected to the second connecting rod via a lead screw, which drives the second connecting rod to move up and down, thereby opening and closing the two V-shaped clamps.

[0006] The outer V-shaped clamping plates of the two clamping mechanisms are respectively connected to both ends of the fixed plate, and the inner V-shaped clamping plates of the two clamping mechanisms are connected to both ends of the connecting plate. Furthermore, each of the two outer V-shaped clamping plates is provided with a hook, and the connecting plate is provided with a latch and a cover plate; the two hooks are connected to the drone.

[0007] A vertical plate is provided at the lower middle end of the fixed plate. A torque drill is provided at the lower part of the vertical plate. A cross steering mechanism is provided at the upper part of the vertical plate. The input end of the cross steering mechanism is connected to the output shaft of the torque drill. The output end of the cross steering mechanism passes through the fixed plate and outputs rotational power.

[0008] Furthermore: a fixing member is provided on the connecting plate, and a torsion spring is provided on the fixing member, the torsion spring being connected to the cover plate; one end of the hook is connected to the upper end of the hook fixing member, and the lower end of the hook fixing member is connected to the connecting plate.

[0009] Furthermore, each clamping mechanism has two second connecting rods. The upper ends of the two second connecting rods are rotatably connected to the middle of the first connecting rods on the inner side of the two V-shaped clamps, and the lower ends of the two second connecting rods are rotatably connected to both ends of a horizontal plate. The middle of the horizontal plate is screwed into the lead screw.

[0010] Furthermore, at least one guide post is provided between the two V-shaped clamping plates of each clamping mechanism. One end of the guide post is connected to one of the V-shaped clamping plates, and the other end is slidably connected to a guide hole provided on the other V-shaped clamping plate.

[0011] Furthermore, each of the two V-shaped clamping plates of the clamping mechanism is provided with a guide plate at its upper end, and the guide plate is inclined and flared.

[0012] A method for installing a grounding ring on a drone using the aforementioned device for live installation of a grounding ring on a drone includes the following steps:

[0013] a. Precise positioning work: Precisely locate the target conductor for which the grounding ring needs to be attached;

[0014] b. Preliminary preparations: check whether the mechanical parts of the drone are intact, whether the battery is fully charged, and whether the remote controller and receiver are working properly.

[0015] c. When the drone takes off, connect the drone to the grounding ring mounting device, and then control the drone to move the device it carries to the target wire.

[0016] d. Grounding ring installation work: Personnel operate the grounding ring installation device through a remote control to firmly install the grounding ring on the target conductor;

[0017] e. Drone return operation: After the grounding ring is securely installed and tested to confirm that it can work properly, control the drone to return to the ground.

[0018] Further: In step d, initially, the two V-shaped clamps are open to facilitate the entry of the overhead conductor. The lifting motor starts, driving the lead screw to rotate, causing the second connecting rod to move downward, which closes the two V-shaped clamps and clamps the overhead conductor. The torque drill starts and, by turning, converts the output power to the horizontal direction, then rotates the nut. The nut and bolt work together to press the grounding wire pressure plate, clamping the overhead conductor and completing the installation of the grounding wire hanging ring. After installation, the operation is reversed, and the two V-shaped clamps open, releasing the overhead conductor.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0020] 1. This invention enables the drone device and the grounding ring installation device to work closely together, thereby significantly reducing the time required for installing the grounding ring while it is energized, and effectively avoiding problems such as the inability of the boom truck to enter the site due to terrain or other factors, and the accidental personal safety accidents of high-altitude workers.

[0021] 2. The V-shaped component of this invention consists of two opposing V-shaped supports, which can then fix the overhead conductor at the opening formed in the middle. This fixing method not only ensures a stable and reliable connection between the grounding ring and the conductor, guaranteeing the grounding safety of electrical equipment, but also provides support and stability, reducing the large-scale swaying of the overhead conductor caused by factors such as vibration and wind.

[0022] 3. The torque electric drill of this invention can provide rotational power, and can perform operations such as tightening and loosening screws and bolts remotely during the installation of grounding rings, thereby reducing operation time and greatly improving installation efficiency.

[0023] 4. In this invention, the operator uses a remote control control unit to drive the torque drill, clamps, nuts, and other drive devices, thereby moving and operating the entire device. At the same time, components such as limit switches, horizontal fixing plates, and connecting rods also work together to ensure that the hanging ring can be accurately installed on the equipment and maintain good contact and fixation.

[0024] 5. This invention has a simple structure, high working efficiency and good safety, and can ensure the smooth installation of the grounding ring and the safe operation of the equipment. It has a wide range of applications and will have good economic benefits after its promotion. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a device for installing a grounding ring on a live unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV);

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Left view of the device shown;

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Rear view of the device shown;

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A perspective view of the device shown;

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of a portion of the image;

[0030] Figure 6 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the usage status of a device for installing a grounding ring on a live drone. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Example: See Figure 1 — Figure 6 In the diagram, 1-hook, 2-cross steering mechanism, 3-torque drill, 4-hook, 5-hook fixing piece, 6-vertical plate, 7-limiting strip, 8-guide plate, 9-fixing plate, 10-first connecting rod, 11-limit switch, 12-horizontal fixing plate, 13-nut, 14-second connecting rod, 15-lead screw, 16-fixing piece, 17-torsion spring, 18-guide column, 19-control unit, 20-lifting motor, 21-grounding ring pressure plate, 22-V-shaped clamp.

[0032] A device for installing a grounding ring on a live unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes two clamping mechanisms. Each clamping mechanism includes two V-shaped clamps 22 and a mounting base. Each V-shaped clamp 22 is rotatably connected to one side of the mounting base via two first connecting rods 10. The first connecting rods 10 on the inner sides of the two V-shaped clamps 22 are rotatably connected via second connecting rods 14. A lifting motor 20 is provided at the lower end of the mounting base. The lifting motor 20 is connected to the second connecting rods 14 via a lead screw 15, which drives the second connecting rods 14 to move up and down, thereby opening and closing the two V-shaped clamps 22. Alternatively, the lead screw can be a screw rod with a nut 13 at its upper end.

[0033] The outer V-shaped clamping plates 22 of the two clamping mechanisms are connected to both ends of the fixed plate 9, and the inner V-shaped clamping plates 22 of the two clamping mechanisms are connected to both ends of the connecting plate. Furthermore, a hook 1 is provided on each of the two outer V-shaped clamping plates 22, and a latch 4 and an insulating cover are provided on the connecting plate. The insulating cover is not shown in the figure.

[0034] A vertical plate 6 is set at the lower middle of the fixed plate 9. A torque drill 3 is set at the lower part of the vertical plate 6 (with a limit strip 7 at the installation location). A cross steering mechanism 2 is set at the upper part of the vertical plate 6 (installed through a horizontal fixed plate 12). The input end of the cross steering mechanism 2 is connected to the output shaft of the torque drill 3. The output end of the cross steering mechanism 2 passes through the fixed plate 9 and outputs rotational power.

[0035] Limit bar 7 and limit switch 11 mainly serve to limit the movement of the grounding ring, ensuring its installation quality and safety. Limit bar 7 is used to limit the rotation of torque drill 3, and limit switch 11 is used to limit the nut to its extreme position, ensuring that the nut is in the correct position and is neither too tight nor too loose.

[0036] Preferred solution: A fixing member 16 is provided on the connecting plate, and a torsion spring 17 is provided on the fixing member 16. The torsion spring 17 is connected to the insulating cover; one end of the hook 4 is connected to the upper end of the hook fixing member 5, and the lower end of the hook fixing member 5 is connected to the connecting plate. The hook 4 is mainly used to open the grounding wire cover, so as to facilitate contact with the grounding wire and perform corresponding operations, thereby ensuring the stability and safety of the installation process.

[0037] Preferred solution: Each clamping mechanism has two second connecting rods 14. The upper ends of the two second connecting rods 14 are rotatably connected to the middle of the first connecting rods 10 inside the two V-shaped clamping plates 22, and the lower ends of the two second connecting rods 14 are rotatably connected to the two ends of a horizontal plate. The middle of the horizontal plate is screwed into the lead screw.

[0038] Preferred solution: At least one guide post 18 is provided between the two V-shaped clamping plates 22 of each clamping mechanism. One end of the guide post 18 is connected to one V-shaped clamping plate 22, and the other end is slidably connected to the guide hole provided on the other V-shaped clamping plate 22.

[0039] Preferred solution: Each clamping mechanism has a guide plate 8 at the upper end of the two V-shaped clamping plates 22. The guide plates 8 are inclined and flared.

[0040] The guide plate 8 and guide post 18 mainly serve a guiding function. They are used in conjunction with the V-shaped clamp to guide the overhead conductors into the V-shaped clamp, which not only effectively avoids problems such as conductor twisting or jamming, but also further improves installation efficiency and reduces installation time and difficulty.

[0041] The method for installing a grounding ring on a live drone includes the following steps:

[0042] a. Precise positioning work: Precisely locate the target conductor for which the grounding ring needs to be attached;

[0043] b. Preliminary preparations: check whether the mechanical parts of the drone are intact, whether the battery is fully charged, and whether the remote controller and receiver are working properly.

[0044] c. When the drone takes off, connect the drone to the grounding ring mounting device, and then control the drone to move the device it carries to the target wire.

[0045] d. Grounding ring installation work: Personnel operate the grounding ring installation device through a remote control to firmly install the grounding ring on the target conductor;

[0046] e. Drone return operation: After the grounding ring is securely installed and tested to confirm that it can work properly, control the drone to return to the ground.

[0047] Preferred solution: In step d, initially, the two V-shaped clamps are open to facilitate the entry of the overhead conductor. The lifting motor starts, driving the lead screw to rotate, causing the second connecting rod to move downward, which closes the two V-shaped clamps and clamps the overhead conductor. The torque drill starts and, by turning, converts the output power to the horizontal direction, then rotates the nut. The nut and bolt cooperate to press the grounding wire pressure plate 21 (there are two grounding wire pressure plates 21, with a bolt between them), so that the grounding wire pressure plate 21 clamps the overhead conductor, completing the installation of the grounding wire hanging ring. After installation, the operation is reversed, and the two V-shaped clamps open, releasing the overhead conductor.

[0048] The Torque Drill 3 is an electric tool that provides rotational power and can be remotely controlled to tighten and loosen screws and bolts during the installation of grounding rings, thereby reducing operation time and significantly improving installation efficiency.

[0049] The main function of control unit 19 is to control the movement and operation of the device by receiving user input commands, while simultaneously monitoring the device's status in real time and taking corresponding protective measures. That is, the operator remotely controls the control unit to drive the torque drill, clamps, nuts, and other drive devices, thereby moving and operating the entire device. At the same time, components such as limit switches, horizontal fixing plates, and connecting rods also work together to ensure that the hanging ring can be accurately installed onto the equipment and maintain good contact and fixation.

[0050] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Any simple modifications made based on the technical essence of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for installing a grounding ring on a live unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), comprising two clamping mechanisms, characterized in that: Each clamping mechanism includes two V-shaped clamps and a mounting base. Each V-shaped clamp is rotatably connected to one side of the mounting base via two first connecting rods. The first connecting rods on the inner sides of the two V-shaped clamps are rotatably connected via second connecting rods. A lifting motor is provided at the lower end of the mounting base. The lifting motor is connected to the second connecting rod via a lead screw, which drives the second connecting rod to move up and down, thereby opening and closing the two V-shaped clamps. The outer V-shaped clamping plates of the two clamping mechanisms are respectively connected to both ends of the fixed plate, and the inner V-shaped clamping plates of the two clamping mechanisms are connected to both ends of the connecting plate. Furthermore, each of the two outer V-shaped clamping plates is provided with a hook, and the connecting plate is provided with a latch and a cover plate; the two hooks are connected to the drone. A vertical plate is provided at the lower middle end of the fixed plate. A torque drill is provided at the lower part of the vertical plate. A cross steering mechanism is provided at the upper part of the vertical plate. The input end of the cross steering mechanism is connected to the output shaft of the torque drill. The output end of the cross steering mechanism passes through the fixed plate and outputs rotational power. The connecting plate is provided with a fixing member, and the fixing member is provided with a torsion spring, which is connected to the cover plate; one end of the hook is connected to the upper end of the hook fixing member, and the lower end of the hook fixing member is connected to the connecting plate. Each clamping mechanism has two second connecting rods. The upper ends of the two second connecting rods are rotatably connected to the middle of the first connecting rods on the inner side of the two V-shaped clamping plates, and the lower ends of the two second connecting rods are rotatably connected to the two ends of a horizontal plate. The middle of the horizontal plate is screwed into the lead screw.

2. The device for installing a grounding ring on a live unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one guide post is provided between the two V-shaped clamping plates of each clamping mechanism. One end of the guide post is connected to one of the V-shaped clamping plates, and the other end is slidably connected to a guide hole provided on the other V-shaped clamping plate.

3. The device for installing a grounding ring on a live unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the two V-shaped clamping plates of the clamping mechanism is provided with a guide plate at its upper end. The guide plate is inclined and flared.

4. A method for installing a grounding ring on a UAV using a device for live installation of a grounding ring according to any one of claims 1-3, comprising the following steps: a. Precise positioning work: Precisely locate the target conductor for which the grounding ring needs to be attached; b. Preliminary preparations: check whether the mechanical parts of the drone are intact, whether the battery is fully charged, and whether the remote controller and receiver are working properly. c. When the drone takes off, connect the drone to the grounding ring mounting device, and then control the drone to move the device to the target wire. d. Grounding ring installation work: Personnel operate the grounding ring installation device through a remote control to firmly install the grounding ring on the target conductor; e. Drone return operation: After the grounding ring is securely installed and tested to confirm that it can work properly, control the drone to return to the ground.

5. A method for installing a grounding ring on a live unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) according to claim 4, characterized in that: In step d, initially, the two V-shaped clamps are open to facilitate the entry of the overhead conductor. The lifting motor starts, driving the lead screw to rotate, causing the second connecting rod to move downward, which closes the two V-shaped clamps and clamps the overhead conductor. The torque drill starts and, by turning, converts the output power to the horizontal direction, then rotates the nut. The nut and bolt work together to press the grounding wire pressure plate, clamping the overhead conductor and completing the installation of the grounding wire hanging ring. After installation, the operation is reversed, and the two V-shaped clamps open, releasing the overhead conductor.

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