A drone logistics transportation docking structure, transportation system and method

Abstract

This invention discloses a drone logistics transportation docking structure, transportation system, and method. The docking structure includes a first docking structure and a second docking structure. The first docking structure is mounted on the drone, and the second docking structure is mounted on the cargo container. The first docking structure includes two opposing lifting baffles and two opposing lifting platforms. The second docking structure includes a docking plate installed on the cargo container. The lifting platforms engage with the docking plates to complete the docking. This invention enables the drone to dock with the cargo container during cargo transportation. The lifting platforms and lifting baffles stably clamp and fix the cargo container. Compared with existing suspension structures, this invention can fix the cargo container while the drone is in flight, preventing cargo swaying from affecting the flight attitude and avoiding the risk of cargo falling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) logistics transportation technology, specifically relating to a UAV logistics transportation docking structure, transportation system, and method. Background Technology

[0002] The statements herein provide only background information in relation to this invention and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are unmanned aircraft controlled by radio remote control equipment and self-contained program control devices, or operated autonomously by an onboard computer, either completely or intermittently. Currently, UAV technology is very mature. In the civilian sector, UAV + industry applications are the real necessity of UAVs. Applications in fields such as aerial photography, agriculture, plant protection, miniature selfies, express delivery, disaster relief, wildlife observation, infectious disease monitoring, surveying, news reporting, power line inspection, disaster relief, and film and television shooting have greatly expanded the uses of UAVs. The advantages of UAV technology in the logistics field are: (1) Speed: UAVs in the logistics field are mainly used for product delivery. By programming equipment and then using the corresponding program, the UAV can be transmitted from the headquarters to the designated area, which can ensure the smooth delivery of goods and avoid the impact of traffic congestion or bad weather. (2) Efficiency: The use of UAV technology in the logistics field can broaden the scope of work of logistics companies and make their work more efficient. (3) Labor costs: The use of UAV technology is equivalent to multiple logistics employees, which can reduce the number of employees and reduce labor costs for logistics companies. (4) Advantages such as safety and accuracy.

[0004] In existing technologies, loading and unloading of goods by drones is labor-intensive. Furthermore, goods are typically suspended from the drone for transport. For example, Chinese patent CN214986094U discloses a magnet for easy suspension in drone transport. A demagnetizing electromagnet is installed at the bottom of the drone, with a hook connected to it. In use, a rope is tied to the goods, and then the rope is suspended from the hook to transport the goods. However, this suspension structure suffers from significant impact on the drone's flight attitude due to the swaying of the goods in flight. Additionally, this structure cannot achieve a stable connection between the drone and the goods, posing a safety hazard of goods falling during transport. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a drone logistics transportation docking structure, transportation system and method that can ensure the stability of the docking between the drone and the cargo, while improving the efficiency of long-distance logistics transportation.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution:

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a drone logistics transportation docking structure, including a first docking structure and a second docking structure. The first docking structure is disposed on the drone, and the second docking structure is disposed on the cargo box. The first docking structure includes two oppositely arranged lifting baffles and two oppositely arranged lifting platforms. The second docking structure includes a docking plate installed on the cargo box, and the lifting platforms engage with the docking plate to complete the docking.

[0008] As a further technical solution, a lifting baffle screw is connected to the top center of the lifting baffle, and the lifting baffle screw is driven by a lifting baffle motor to lift the lifting baffle.

[0009] As a further technical solution, a lifting platform screw is connected to the top center of the lifting platform, and the lifting platform screw is driven by the lifting platform motor to lift the lifting platform.

[0010] As a further technical solution, both the lifting baffle motor and the lifting platform motor are fixedly installed on the drone.

[0011] As a further technical solution, the docking plate is fixed to the upper surface of the cargo box by multiple studs.

[0012] As a further technical solution, the lifting platform includes a first plate and a second plate, the first plate and the second plate are arranged vertically, the first plate is arranged vertically and the second plate is arranged horizontally, forming an L-shaped structure.

[0013] As a further technical solution, the distance between the two second plates of the two lifting platforms is less than the side length of the docking plate, and the distance between the two first plates of the two lifting platforms is greater than the side length of the docking plate.

[0014] As a further technical solution, the two lifting baffles and the two lifting platforms form a rectangular frame structure. During docking, the two lifting platforms descend first, and after the lifting platforms and docking plates are engaged, the two lifting baffles descend again.

[0015] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a drone logistics transportation system, including the drone logistics transportation docking structure described in the first aspect, a drone, an autonomous driving flatbed vehicle, and a cargo box. The cargo box contains goods to be transported, and the cargo box is placed on the autonomous driving flatbed vehicle. The drone and the cargo box are docked through the docking structure to complete the handover of goods.

[0016] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for operating a drone logistics transportation system. A cargo handover point and a cargo unloading area are selected based on the locations of the cargo origin and cargo destination. A first autonomous driving flatbed truck is used for cargo transportation between the cargo origin and the cargo handover point. A drone is used for cargo transportation between the cargo handover point and the cargo unloading area. A second autonomous driving flatbed truck is used for cargo transportation between the cargo unloading area and the cargo destination. The distance between the cargo origin and the cargo handover point, and the distance between the cargo unloading area and the cargo destination, are both less than the distance between the cargo handover point and the cargo unloading area.

[0017] At the cargo handover point, the cargo on the first autonomous flatbed truck is loaded onto the drone via a docking structure; at the cargo unloading area, the cargo on the drone is unloaded onto the second autonomous flatbed truck via a docking structure.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the above embodiments of the present invention are as follows:

[0019] The drone logistics transportation docking structure provided by this invention can dock the drone with the cargo box during the drone's cargo transportation process. The set lifting platform and lifting baffle can stably clamp and fix the cargo box. Compared with the existing suspension structure, the drone can fix the cargo box when flying in the air, preventing the cargo from shaking and affecting the flight attitude, and also avoiding the risk of the cargo falling.

[0020] The UAV logistics transportation docking structure provided by this invention includes a first docking structure and a second docking structure. The first docking structure is installed on the UAV, and the second docking structure is installed on the cargo box. The two lifting platforms in the first docking structure are L-shaped plates that overlap with the docking plates on the cargo box to support the cargo. The two lifting baffles in the second docking structure block the overlapping docking plates to prevent them from slipping off the lifting platforms, thus achieving a stable docking between the UAV and the cargo box.

[0021] The UAV logistics transportation docking structure provided by this invention has a first docking structure installed inside the UAV. Two lifting platforms and two lifting baffles are all connected to a motor through studs, enabling them to lift and lower under the drive of the motor. This realizes the automatic docking function between the UAV and the cargo box, thereby enabling the UAV to automatically load and unload cargo, saving manpower.

[0022] The drone logistics transportation docking structure provided by this invention is simple and easy to implement compared with the existing complex docking structures. It can achieve automatic docking between drones and cargo containers without the need for complex docking structures, while ensuring that the cargo does not shake during the drone's flight.

[0023] The drone logistics transportation system and method provided by this invention are suitable for long-distance cargo transportation. The system automatically switches between an autonomous flatbed truck and a drone. First, the cargo is transported short distances precisely via the autonomous flatbed truck and loaded onto the drone. Then, the drone performs long-distance aerial transport. Finally, the drone accurately unloads the cargo back onto the autonomous flatbed truck, which is then used for the final stage of cargo transportation. This method effectively solves the problems of limited transport distance for autonomous flatbed trucks and the need for manual operation during drone cargo transport, significantly improving overall logistics efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the UAV logistics transportation docking structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the components of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) logistics transportation according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the drone logistics transportation method of Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0028] The diagram is for illustrative purposes only.

[0029] Among them, 1. Drone; 2. Docking structure; 3. Cargo box; 4. Autonomous driving flatbed truck; 21. Lifting platform motor; 22. Lifting platform screw; 23. Lifting platform; 24. Lifting baffle motor; 25. Lifting baffle screw; 26. Lifting baffle; 27. Docking plate; 28. Stud. Detailed Implementation

[0030] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are exemplary and intended to provide further illustration of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0031] Example 1

[0032] In a typical embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1As shown, a drone logistics transportation docking structure is provided, including a first docking structure and a second docking structure. The first docking structure is installed on the drone, and the second docking structure is installed on the cargo box. The first docking structure includes two oppositely arranged lifting baffles 26 and two oppositely arranged lifting platforms 23. The second docking structure includes a docking plate 27 installed on the cargo box, and the lifting platforms 23 engage with the docking plate 27 to complete the docking.

[0033] Specifically, the lifting baffle 26 is connected to the top middle position of the lifting baffle screw 25, and the lifting baffle screw 25 drives the lifting baffle 26 to rise and fall through the lifting baffle motor drive 24. The lifting platform 23 is connected to the top middle position of the lifting platform screw 22, and the lifting platform screw 22 drives the lifting platform 23 to rise and fall through the lifting platform motor 21.

[0034] In this embodiment, both the lifting baffle motor 24 and the lifting platform motor 21 are fixedly mounted on the UAV. Both the lifting baffle motor 24 and the lifting platform motor 21 adopt existing structures. The output shafts of the lifting baffle motor 24 and the lifting platform motor 21 are connected to the lifting baffle screw 25 and the lifting platform screw 22 respectively through a threaded structure. By converting the rotational motion of the motor into the linear motion of the screw, the lifting function of the lifting baffle and the lifting platform is realized.

[0035] In this embodiment, the lifting platform 23 includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate and the second plate are arranged vertically, wherein the first plate is arranged vertically and the second plate is arranged horizontally to form an L-shaped structure. The second plate serves as a load-bearing plate and overlaps with the docking plate 27 on the cargo box to realize the docking of the drone and the cargo box.

[0036] To ensure that the lifting platform can engage with the docking plate, the distance between the two second plates of the two lifting platforms is less than the corresponding side length of the docking plate, and the distance between the two first plates of the two lifting platforms is greater than the corresponding side length of the docking plate. The docking plate can be positioned between the first plates of the two lifting platforms by horizontally moving the drone or cargo container, while the second plates of the two lifting platforms are positioned below the docking plate.

[0037] In this embodiment, the docking plate 27 is fixed to the upper surface of the cargo box 3 by a plurality of studs 28. In order to avoid the studs affecting the docking process between the lifting platform and the docking plate, the studs should be set in the middle position at the bottom of the connecting plate as much as possible, so as to ensure that the studs will not obstruct the second plate on the lifting platform when the drone or cargo is moved horizontally.

[0038] In this embodiment, two lifting baffles 26 are arranged opposite each other and at a certain distance, and two lifting platforms 23 are arranged opposite each other and at a certain distance, so that the two lifting baffles 26 and the two lifting platforms 23 form a rectangular frame structure.

[0039] The specific working process of the UAV logistics transportation docking structure provided in this embodiment is as follows:

[0040] During docking, the two lifting platforms 23 descend first, and after the lifting platforms 23 and docking plate 27 engage, the two lifting baffles 26 descend next. Through the two lifting platforms and two lifting baffles, the docking plate on the cargo container is wrapped and engaged, achieving docking between the drone and / or the cargo container. The advantage of the drone logistics transportation docking mechanism lies in its simple structure, enabling automatic loading and unloading of goods, and its ability to secure goods during flight to prevent movement from affecting flight attitude.

[0041] Example 2

[0042] In a typical embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, a drone logistics transportation system is provided, including the drone logistics transportation docking structure 2 described in Embodiment 1, a drone 1, an autonomous driving flatbed 4, and a cargo box 3. The cargo box 3 contains the goods to be transported. The cargo box 3 is placed on the autonomous driving flatbed 4. The drone 1 and the cargo box 3 are docked through the docking structure 2 to complete the handover of goods.

[0043] In this embodiment, the drone is equipped with two fixed landing gears at its bottom. There is enough space between the two fixed landing gears to allow the autonomous driving flatbed truck loaded with goods to drive and park under the drone. The cargo box is a fixed-size cargo box designed according to actual needs. The autonomous driving flatbed truck is an autonomous vehicle that can drive automatically and has object recognition capabilities. This ensures that the autonomous driving flatbed truck can automatically identify the drone's position and accurately park the vehicle in the corresponding position.

[0044] The first docking structure is located inside the drone's fuselage. Two types of motors are connected to their corresponding screws, which in turn connect to a lifting platform and a lifting baffle. The motors and screws are concealed within the drone and are not visible from the outside. The lifting platform and lifting baffle can move up and down via their respective motors. When the lifting platform and lifting baffle retract into the drone, their bottoms are flush with the drone's base. The second structure uses studs to connect the docking plate and the cargo box, fixing them as a single unit. Therefore, when the upper lifting platform and the docking plate on the cargo box are aligned and tightened, the drone can load and secure the cargo box.

[0045] Example 3

[0046] In a typical embodiment of the present invention, a cargo handover point and a cargo unloading area are selected based on the locations of the cargo origin and cargo destination. A first autonomous driving flatbed truck is used for cargo transportation between the cargo origin and the cargo handover point, a drone is used for cargo transportation between the cargo handover point and the cargo unloading area, and a second autonomous driving flatbed truck is used for cargo transportation between the cargo unloading area and the cargo destination. The distance between the cargo origin and the cargo handover point, and the distance between the cargo unloading area and the cargo destination, are both less than the distance between the cargo handover point and the cargo unloading area.

[0047] At the cargo handover point, the cargo on the first autonomous flatbed truck is loaded onto the drone via a docking structure; at the cargo unloading area, the cargo on the drone is unloaded onto the second autonomous flatbed truck via a docking structure.

[0048] Specific examples Figure 3 As shown, at the starting point, goods are manually loaded onto an autonomous flatbed truck (A). After loading, the truck travels to the cargo handover point, where an unloaded drone is already docked. The drone then automatically loads and secures the goods onto truck A. After loading, truck A returns to the starting point, and the cycle repeats. The drone then takes off and transports the goods to the unloading area. At the destination, an autonomous flatbed truck (B) is already docked. After the drone lands, goods are unloaded onto truck B. After unloading, the drone takes off again and returns to the cargo handover point to await the next handover, and the cycle repeats. Truck B then transfers goods to the destination for manual unloading. After unloading, it returns to the unloading area to await the next unloading, and the cycle repeats. This collaborative work between the drone and the autonomous flatbed truck enables efficient long-distance transportation of goods.

[0049] The docking process between the drone and the cargo container is as follows: First, the drone automatically loads the cargo. After the drone docks at a fixed location, the lifting platform motor lowers the lifting platform a certain distance via the movement of a screw. At this time, an autonomous flatbed truck carrying the cargo container moves over and accurately moves the cargo container docking plate, which is fixed above the cargo container, horizontally to a certain distance above the lifting platform. Simultaneously, there is a certain horizontal gap between the lifting platform and the cargo container docking plate on the other side to prevent collisions during docking and to increase redundancy. Once the relative positions of the lifting platform and the cargo container docking plate are stable, the lifting platform motor on the drone operates again to raise the lifting platform via a screw. At this time, the cargo container moves upward through the connection between the lifting platform and the cargo container docking plate and is fixed to the bottom of the drone. After the cargo is fixed, the lifting baffle motor operates to extend the lifting baffle out of the drone body via a screw so that it fits against the front and rear sides of the lifting platform and the cargo container docking plate. This restricts the forward and backward movement of the cargo container during aerial transportation, thus limiting its impact on the drone's flight attitude.

[0050] When the drone automatically unloads cargo, it first lands on the ground and waits. At this time, the autonomous flatbed truck drives to the bottom of the drone and stops. After stopping, the motor first retracts the lifting baffle into the drone. Then, the lifting platform motor on the drone works to lower the lifting platform, so that the cargo will fall onto the autonomous flatbed truck. Finally, the autonomous flatbed truck moves the cargo horizontally out of the bottom of the drone and finally transports the cargo to the destination.

[0051] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the 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 logistics transportation docking structure, characterized in that, The system includes a first docking structure and a second docking structure. The first docking structure is mounted on the drone, and the second docking structure is mounted on the cargo container. The first docking structure includes two oppositely arranged lifting baffles and two oppositely arranged lifting platforms. The second docking structure includes a docking plate installed on the cargo container. The lifting platforms engage with the docking plate to complete the docking. The lifting platform includes a first plate and a second plate, which are arranged vertically, with the first plate being vertically positioned and the second plate being horizontally positioned, forming an L-shaped structure. The distance between the two second plates of the two lifting platforms is less than the side length of the docking plate, and the distance between the two first plates of the two lifting platforms is greater than the side length of the docking plate. Two lifting baffles and two lifting platforms form a rectangular frame structure. During docking, the two lifting platforms descend first, and after the lifting platforms and docking plates engage, the two lifting baffles descend again.

2. The UAV logistics transportation docking structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting baffle is connected to the top center position of the lifting baffle screw, which is driven by the lifting baffle motor to raise and lower the lifting baffle.

3. The UAV logistics transportation docking structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The lifting platform is connected to a lifting platform screw at the top center position, and the lifting platform screw is driven by the lifting platform motor to lift the lifting platform.

4. The UAV logistics transportation docking structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Both the lifting baffle motor and the lifting platform motor are fixedly mounted on the UAV.

5. The UAV logistics transportation docking structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The docking plate is fixed to the upper surface of the cargo box by multiple studs.

6. A drone logistics transportation system, characterized in that, The system includes a drone logistics transportation docking structure as described in any one of claims 1-5, a drone, an autonomous driving flatbed vehicle, and a cargo container. The cargo container contains goods to be transported and is placed on the autonomous driving flatbed vehicle. The drone and the cargo container are docked through the docking structure to complete the handover of goods.

7. A method for operating the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) logistics transportation system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The cargo handover point and cargo unloading area are selected based on the locations of the cargo origin and cargo destination. A first automated driving flatbed truck is used for cargo transportation between the cargo origin and cargo handover point. A drone is used for cargo transportation between the cargo handover point and cargo unloading area. A second automated driving flatbed truck is used for cargo transportation between the cargo unloading area and cargo destination. The distance between the cargo origin and cargo handover point, and the distance between the cargo unloading area and cargo destination, are both less than the distance between the cargo handover point and cargo unloading area. At the cargo handover point, the cargo on the first autonomous flatbed truck is loaded onto the drone via a docking structure; at the cargo unloading area, the cargo on the drone is unloaded onto the second autonomous flatbed truck via a docking structure.

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