An airborne power distribution management device and a UAV

Abstract

The application relates to an airborne power distribution management device and a UAV, which comprises a case main body, a front panel, a rear panel, a back plate, a heat dissipation module and a blade device; the front panel is arranged at the front side of the case main body, the rear panel is arranged at the rear side of the case main body, the back plate is arranged at the right side of the case main body, and the heat dissipation module is arranged at the left side of the case main body. The blade device adopts a modular design and has good scalability, flexibility and maintainability, can quickly respond to and repair faults, thereby reducing downtime and maintenance costs; the high-power back plate provides mounting slots for the blade device, realizes power and signal interconnection between devices, has good structural strength, heat dissipation performance and electromagnetic compatibility, has sufficient vibration resistance and impact resistance, and can meet the requirements of a flight environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) avionics technology, specifically relating to an airborne power distribution management device and an UAV. Background Technology

[0002] For small drones, the number of electrical devices is relatively small, the control is simple, and the space and weight constraints are strict. They are often not equipped with a separate power distribution management computer. However, for medium and large drones, the number of airborne electrical devices is large, and the control of complex and important systems and equipment often requires multiple independent power supply measures to ensure power supply redundancy and improve the reliability and safety of the aircraft. Therefore, in order to adapt to the different power supply requirements of electrical systems and equipment, a power distribution management computer is needed to be responsible for reliably and effectively transporting electrical energy to each electrical system and equipment.

[0003] Because the power distribution computer is responsible for distributing the electrical energy of the entire aircraft, it carries a large current and generates a lot of heat. Therefore, it is currently mostly adopted in an integrated structure, that is, multiple power distribution units are integrated into a large chassis and connected to each other by cables. This results in the large size and weight of the entire power distribution management computer, and it is difficult to disassemble and maintain, with poor reliability, economy and maintainability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To overcome the problems of large UAV power distribution management computers being heavy and bulky, having complex internal cabling processes, being difficult to assemble, having high processing costs, and being poor maintainable, this invention provides an airborne power distribution management device and a UAV to solve the existing technical problems.

[0005] An airborne power distribution management device, the device comprising: a chassis body, a front panel, a rear panel, a back plate, a heat dissipation module, and blade devices;

[0006] The front panel is located on the front side of the chassis body and is used to seal the front side of the chassis body;

[0007] The rear panel is located on the rear side of the chassis body and is used to seal the rear side of the chassis body;

[0008] The backplate is located on the right side of the main body of the chassis and is used to mount several of the blade devices;

[0009] The heat dissipation module is located on the left side of the chassis body and is used to dissipate heat from the chassis body.

[0010] In addition to the aspects described above and any possible implementations, a further implementation is provided in which the heat dissipation module is a cooling fan, and there are at least two fans.

[0011] In addition to the aspects described above and any possible implementations, a further implementation is provided in which each of the blade devices includes a circuit board, a housing, a puller, and a locking bar, the circuit board being disposed inside the housing, and the puller and locking bar being disposed on the sides of the circuit board.

[0012] In addition to the aspects and any possible implementations described above, a further implementation is provided in which heat dissipation teeth are provided on the outer side of each of the housings and heat dissipation protrusions are provided on the inner side.

[0013] In addition to the aspects and any possible implementations described above, a further implementation is provided in which the backplane includes a main board, a sub-board, a flexible connecting plate, and a reinforcing structural member, the main board being provided with a mounting slot for accommodating the blade device, the main board and the sub-board being connected via the flexible connecting plate, and the reinforcing structural member being disposed on the sides of the main board and the sub-board.

[0014] In addition to the aspects and any possible implementations described above, a further implementation is provided in which the backplane includes a main board, a sub-board, a flexible connecting plate, and a reinforcing structural member, the main board being provided with a mounting slot for accommodating the blade device, the main board and the sub-board being connected via the flexible connecting plate, and the reinforcing structural member being disposed on the sides of the main board and the sub-board.

[0015] In addition to the aspects described above and any possible implementation, a further implementation is provided in which the mounting slots are at least eight.

[0016] In addition to the aspects and any possible implementations described above, a further implementation is provided in which a plurality of external connectors are provided on the outer side of the sub-plate.

[0017] In addition to the aspects described above and any possible implementations, a further implementation is provided in which each of the mounting slots is also provided with a mounting guide rail for slidingly connecting the blade device.

[0018] The present invention also provides a drone, wherein the drone uses the aforementioned airborne power distribution management device to distribute electrical energy.

[0019] Beneficial effects of the present invention

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] The airborne power distribution management device of the present invention includes: a chassis body, a front panel, a rear panel, a backplate, a heat dissipation module, and blade devices; the front panel is disposed on the front side of the chassis body for sealing the front side of the chassis body; the rear panel is disposed on the rear side of the chassis body for sealing the rear side of the chassis body; the backplate is disposed on the right side of the chassis body for mounting a plurality of blade devices; the heat dissipation module is disposed on the left side of the chassis body for dissipating heat from the chassis body. The chassis adopts a cable-free design, with no cables arranged inside the chassis. The blade devices achieve power and signal interconnection through slots on the high-power backplate, and ultimately transmit power to the entire aircraft through aviation connectors. Due to the elimination of cables, the size and weight of the chassis are significantly reduced, while the assembly process is simplified and manufacturing costs are reduced.

[0022] The standardized CPCI blade device provided by this invention enables quick disassembly and replacement through accessories such as locking bars and pullers, and has good basic maintenance capabilities.

[0023] The high-power backplane provided by this invention has good thermal performance and structural strength, and can carry a large current of more than 200A, thus realizing reliable power transmission. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the device of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the blade device of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the back plate of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To better understand the technical solution of this invention, the content of this invention includes, but is not limited to, the specific embodiments described below. Similar technologies and methods should be considered within the scope of protection of this invention. To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, a detailed description will be provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0028] It should be understood that the embodiments described in this invention are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0029] The terminology used in the embodiments of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used in the embodiments of this invention and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the airborne power distribution management device of the present invention includes: a chassis body 5, a front panel 1, a rear panel 2, a back plate 6, a heat dissipation module, blade devices 4, and a mounting rail 7, wherein the chassis is equipped with multiple blade devices to provide power distribution functions for the entire UAV.

[0031] The front panel 1 is located on the front side of the chassis body 5, used to seal the front side of the chassis body 5, and is easy to disassemble. After installation, the front and rear panels should be flush with the outer surface of the chassis body, and the mating surfaces should fit tightly. After the front panel 1 is removed, the blade device can be inserted and removed, and the rear panel is used to fix the external connector on the back plate 6.

[0032] The rear panel 2 is disposed on the rear side of the chassis body 5 and is used to seal the rear side of the chassis body 5;

[0033] The back plate 6 is located on the right side of the chassis body 5 and is used to mount a plurality of the blade devices 4;

[0034] The heat dissipation module is located on the left side of the chassis body 5 and is used to dissipate heat from the chassis body 5. The heat dissipation module is implemented by cooling fans 3, and at least two are installed, with their positions opposite to the back panel.

[0035] The chassis body 5 of this invention adopts a cableless design, which has the advantages of miniaturization, lightweight and low cost. The internal modular blade equipment is easy to disassemble and assemble, and has good economic efficiency.

[0036] The external connectors of the chassis body 5 are soldered to the back plate 6 and fixed to the chassis body 5 through the rear panel 2. The rear panel is marked with corresponding labels for each connector, and has input reverse connection protection function. All interfaces have anti-misinsertion function, which has good security.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the blade unit 4 has overvoltage protection, overcurrent protection, surge suppression, and alarm functions, enabling it to identify and handle power supply and distribution faults in the blade unit. It comprises a circuit board 41, a housing 42, an inter-board connector 43, a puller 44, and a locking strip 45. Its thermal design employs a combination of conductive cooling and air cooling. The housing has external heat dissipation fins and internal heat dissipation bosses, with thermally conductive pads filling the gap between the bosses and the circuit board 41. Heat dissipated by the blade unit is conducted to the outside of the chassis via a cooling fan on the chassis.

[0038] The circuit board 41 is installed inside the housing 42 and is used to realize high power distribution function. The circuit board is equipped with a multi-power combiner circuit, a power conversion circuit, a switch control circuit, a communication circuit, a voltage detection circuit, and a power supply output circuit.

[0039] The inter-board connector 43 is soldered onto the circuit board 41 to receive multiple power inputs and provide multiple power outputs after combining and converting them.

[0040] A puller 44 is mounted on the top side of the housing 42 for easy removal of the blade device;

[0041] Locking strips 45 are installed on both sides of housing 42, using a wedge-shaped locking mechanism, and are locked by bolts, using friction to firmly connect with mounting rails 7.

[0042] This invention employs standardized CPCI blade equipment, enabling rapid disassembly and replacement via accessories such as locking bars and pullers, providing excellent basic maintainability. The blade equipment utilizes modular design technology, with modules designed according to function to improve interchangeability. Components or parts with identical electrical and mechanical functions are interchangeable as much as possible. High-failure-rate, easily damaged, and critical parts or units should have good replaceability, versatility, and maintainability.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the backplane 6 is a high-power backplane, comprising a main board 61, a sub-board 62, a flexible connection board 63, a reinforcing structural component 64, copper pillars 65, mounting slots 67, and external connectors 68. The main board 61 has at least eight mounting slots 67 arranged parallel to each other from top to bottom. Each mounting slot accommodates one blade device, and each mounting slot 67 is also equipped with a mounting guide rail 7. (See attached image for mounting guide rail 7.) Figure 1 As shown, eight external aviation connectors are mounted on the sub-board 62, serving as the power input and output interfaces for the chassis, transmitting electrical energy to various power systems and equipment. The main board 61 and sub-board 62 are connected via a flexible connecting plate 63 and copper pillars 65, thus achieving electrical connection. Through this structure, the internal circuit boards of the blade device achieve stable power output, ensuring the 6kW output power of the power distribution management device. High-current signals are transmitted through the copper pillars 65, while low-current signals are transmitted through the flexible connecting plate 63. The entire backplane can withstand currents exceeding 200A.

[0044] Before being installed into the main body of the chassis, the high-power backplane has undergone thermal and strength design. It not only provides a reliable connection between the main body of the chassis and the blade device, but also realizes the power and signal interconnection of internal devices. The power and signal include, but are not limited to, multiple power output capabilities, 485 bus, CAN bus, switches, etc., realizing the transmission of 6kW high-power electrical energy with high reliability.

[0045] The device provided by this invention features a cableless chassis design, with no cables running inside. The blade devices are mounted on mounting slots on a high-power backplane, enabling power and signal interconnection. Ultimately, power is transmitted to the entire aircraft via an aviation connector on a sub-plate of the backplane. Eliminating cables significantly reduces the chassis size and weight, while also simplifying the assembly process and lowering manufacturing costs.

[0046] The device of this invention distributes electrical energy from the primary power distribution system, such as generators and batteries, to various airborne avionics devices via a power input connector on the backplane. Equipped with multiple external aviation connectors, the device provides multiple power output channels, enabling it to supply a high-power, stable power supply of at least 6kW to the UAV's electrical equipment. It boasts high reliability and safety, and can withstand complex flight environments. The blade devices employ a modular design, offering excellent scalability, flexibility, and maintainability, allowing for rapid response and fault repair, thereby reducing downtime and maintenance costs. The high-power backplane provides mounting slots for the blade devices, enabling power and signal interconnection between devices and handling currents exceeding 200A to ensure stable power transmission. The device exhibits excellent structural strength, heat dissipation performance, and electromagnetic compatibility, possessing sufficient vibration and shock resistance to meet the demands of the flight environment.

[0047] As an embodiment of the invention, the present invention also provides a drone equipped with the device of the present invention for distributing electrical energy to the drone. This device provides the drone with a high-power, stable power supply capability. The modularly designed blade assembly and high-power backplane improve the reliability and safety of the system, while reducing maintenance costs and downtime.

[0048] The foregoing description illustrates and describes several preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, as previously stated, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the forms disclosed herein and should not be construed as excluding other embodiments. It can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be altered within the scope of the inventive concept described herein through the foregoing teachings or techniques or knowledge in related fields. Any modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An airborne power distribution management device, characterized in that, The device includes: a chassis body, a front panel, a rear panel, a backplate, a heat dissipation module, and blade devices; The front panel is located on the front side of the chassis body and is used to seal the front side of the chassis body; The rear panel is located on the rear side of the chassis body and is used to seal the rear side of the chassis body; The backplate is located on the rear side of the main body of the chassis and is used to mount multiple blade devices; The heat dissipation module is located on the left side of the chassis body and is used to dissipate heat from the chassis body. Each blade device includes a circuit board, a housing, an inter-board connector, a puller, and a locking bar. The circuit board is located inside the housing and is used to realize high-power power distribution. The circuit board is equipped with a multi-power combiner circuit, a power conversion circuit, a switch control circuit, a communication circuit, a voltage detection circuit, and a power output circuit. The inter-board connector is soldered to the circuit board and is used to receive multiple power inputs and provide multiple power outputs after combining and conversion. The puller and locking bar are respectively disposed on the side of the circuit board; The backplane includes a main board, a sub-board, a flexible connecting board, copper pillars, and reinforcing structural components. The main board is provided with a mounting slot for accommodating the blade device. The main board and the sub-board are connected through the flexible connecting board and the copper pillars. The reinforcing structural components are located on the sides of the main board and the sub-board. High-current signals are transmitted through the copper pillars, and low-current signals are transmitted through the flexible connecting board. Multiple external connectors are provided on the outer side of the sub-board.

2. The airborne power distribution management device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat dissipation module is a cooling fan, and there are at least two of them.

3. The airborne power distribution management device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the outer shells is provided with heat dissipation teeth on the outer side and heat dissipation protrusions on the inner side.

4. The airborne power distribution management device according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are at least 8 mounting slots.

5. The airborne power distribution management device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the mounting slots is also provided with a mounting guide rail, which is used to slidably connect the blade device.

6. A drone, characterized in that, The UAV uses the airborne power distribution management device as described in any one of claims 1-5 to distribute electrical energy.

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