Unmanned aerial vehicle logistics airport

By designing a drone logistics airport and integrating functional units such as tarmac, logistics transmission and storage bin, the problem of difficulty in collaborating between drone logistics distribution and ground logistics distribution is solved, and efficient, automated and flexible logistics distribution is achieved.

CN119551243AActive Publication Date: 2025-03-04SHENZHEN HEISHA TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411755693.5
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-03
Publication Date
2025-03-04
Estimated Expiration
2044-12-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing drone logistics supporting facilities have single functions and lack effective integration with other logistics links, which makes it difficult for drone distribution and ground logistics distribution to work in concert, and logistics efficiency is inefficient.

Method used

A drone logistics airport was designed, including a tarmac unit, a logistics transmission unit and a storage bin, equipped with a battery charging box, a robot, a lifting mechanism, a positioning platform and a warehouse door, to achieve seamless connection between drone distribution and other logistics distribution methods.

Benefits of technology

It improves the automation level, efficiency and flexibility of logistics distribution, reduces operating costs, and improves the reliability and adaptability of the entire logistics distribution system.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The unmanned aerial vehicle logistics airport comprises a parking apron unit, the parking apron unit is provided with a plurality of sets of parking aprons, logistics transmission units are arranged between the parking aprons, each parking apron is provided with a storage bin, a battery charging box, a robot, a lifting mechanism, a positioning platform and a bin door are arranged in each storage bin, and the positioning platform is installed at the top of the corresponding lifting mechanism; the robot is arranged on the side of the positioning platform and provided with a mechanical arm and a control box, the control box is installed at the bottom of the robot and controls the mechanical arm to work on the positioning platform, the battery charging box is located on the control box, the bin door is arranged at the top of the storage bin, and the positioning platform is parallel to the bin door. The system has the advantages of improving the automation level, efficiency and flexibility of logistics distribution.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of logistics and transportation facilities, and in particular, to the improvement of drone logistics airports. Background Art

[0002] With the widespread application of drone technology in the logistics industry, the existing drone logistics supporting facilities have many limitations. On the one hand, the traditional drone apron has a single function and can only provide a simple take-off and landing site. It lacks effective integration with other logistics links, which makes it difficult for drone delivery and ground logistics delivery to work together, and the logistics efficiency is low. On the other hand, there is a lack of systematic solutions in terms of drone battery management, cargo loading and unloading, and equipment maintenance. For example, the battery charging facilities are simple, the charging efficiency is low, and there is a lack of a spare battery replacement mechanism, which affects the drone's endurance and operation frequency. At the same time, the cargo loading and unloading process mostly relies on manual operation, with a low degree of automation, prone to errors and low efficiency. In addition, the existing apron has a fixed structure, which is difficult to adapt to the logistics and distribution needs of different scales and terrains, and lacks flexibility and scalability. Summary of the invention

[0003] 1. Technical issues to be resolved

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a drone logistics airport, which has the advantages of improving the automation level, efficiency and flexibility of logistics distribution, thereby solving the problems of the existing apron structure being fixed, difficult to adapt to logistics distribution needs of different scales and terrains, and lacking flexibility and scalability.

[0005] (II) Technical solution

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned advantages of improving the automation level, efficiency and flexibility of logistics distribution, the specific technical scheme adopted by the present invention is as follows: it includes an apron unit, the apron unit is provided with an array of aprons, and a logistics transmission unit is arranged between the aprons. The apron is provided with a storage bin, and the storage bin is equipped with a battery charging box, a robot, a lifting mechanism, a positioning platform and a bin door. The positioning platform is installed on the top of the lifting mechanism, and the robot is arranged on the side of the positioning platform. The robot is provided with a mechanical arm and a control box, and the control box is installed at the bottom of the robot. The control box controls the mechanical arm to operate on the positioning platform, the battery charging box is located on the control box, the bin door is arranged on the top of the storage bin, and the positioning platform is parallel to the bin door.

[0007] Furthermore, the helipad unit is provided with a multi-layer structure, the top layer is a drone delivery area, and the bottom layer is a car or manpower delivery area.

[0008] Furthermore, the logistics conveying unit is composed of an array conveying mechanism, and the array conveying mechanism is arranged to extend at an angle, so as to have the effect of flexible assembly and disassembly.

[0009] Furthermore, the robotic arm is a six-axis multi-angle robotic arm.

[0010] Furthermore, the battery charging box is equipped with an array of replacement battery packs and maintenance tools.

[0011] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism includes a support column, a lifting rod, a fixed frame, and a coupling. The fixed frame is installed at the upper end of the support column, the lifting rod is arranged inside the support column, and an adjusting gear is provided at the top of the lifting rod. The coupling is fixedly installed on the fixed frame and meshes with the adjusting gear.

[0012] Furthermore, at least three groups of support columns and lifting rods are provided.

[0013] Furthermore, the bottom periphery of the positioning platform is connected to the top of the lifting rod.

[0014] Furthermore, the warehouse door is a rolling door structure and is provided with a reel box, a reel, a reel drive motor, an electric control box, a rolling door, and a limit bracket. The reel is arranged inside the reel box and is driven by the drive motor. The electric control box is arranged on one side of the drive motor. Two groups of limit brackets are arranged below the reel box, and the rolling door is opened between the two groups of limit brackets.

[0015] Furthermore, a stop sign is provided on the surface of the rolling door.

[0016] (III) Beneficial effects

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a drone logistics airport, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] It integrates functional units such as aprons, logistics transmission, storage warehouses and related automation equipment to achieve seamless connection between drone delivery and other logistics delivery methods, improve the automation level, efficiency and flexibility of logistics delivery, reduce operating costs, and enhance the reliability and adaptability of the entire logistics delivery system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0020] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of the apron of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the storage bin 3 of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of the warehouse door 8 of the present invention.

[0025] In the figure: apron unit 1, logistics transmission unit 2, conveying mechanism 21, storage bin 3, battery charging box 4, robot 5, lifting mechanism 6, positioning platform 7, bin door 8, robotic arm 51, control box 52, support column 61, lifting rod 62, fixed frame 63, coupling 64, reel box 81, reel 82, reel drive motor 83, electric control box 84, rolling door 85, and limit bracket 86. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] To further illustrate each embodiment, the present invention provides drawings, which are part of the disclosure of the present invention and are mainly used to illustrate the embodiments and can be used in conjunction with the relevant descriptions in the specification to explain the operating principles of the embodiments. With reference to these contents, ordinary technicians in the field should be able to understand other possible implementations and advantages of the present invention. The components in the figures are not drawn to scale, and similar component symbols are generally used to represent similar components.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a drone logistics airport is provided.

[0028] The present invention is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Figure 1-5 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a drone logistics airport includes a helipad unit 1, wherein the helipad unit 1 is provided with an array of helipads, and a logistics transmission unit 2 is arranged between the helipads. The helipad is provided with a storage bin 3, and the storage bin 3 is provided with a battery charging box 4, a robot 5, a lifting mechanism 6, a positioning platform 7 and a bin door 8. The positioning platform 7 is installed on the top of the lifting mechanism 6, and the robot 5 is arranged on the side of the positioning platform 7. The robot 5 is provided with a mechanical arm 51 and a control box 52, and the control box 52 is installed at the bottom of the robot 5. The control box 52 controls the mechanical arm 51 to operate on the positioning platform 7, the battery charging box 4 is located on the control box 52, and the bin door 8 is arranged on the top of the storage bin 3, and the positioning platform 7 is parallel to the bin door 8.

[0029] In one embodiment, the apron unit 1 is provided with a multi-layer structure, the top layer is a drone delivery area, and the bottom layer is a car or manpower delivery area. A multi-layer structure design is adopted, and the top layer is used as a drone delivery area. Its surface is paved with high-strength, non-slip and shock-absorbing materials, such as special concrete and rubber composite materials, to ensure the stability and safety of drone take-off and landing. An array of aprons is planned in the top apron area. The size of each apron is designed according to the model and size of common drones. The general length is between 3-10 meters and the width is between 3-8 meters. It is also equipped with obvious signs and guide lines to facilitate the precise landing of drones. The bottom layer is set as a car or manpower delivery area, which is connected to the top layer through internal passages or elevators to facilitate the transfer of goods between different delivery methods. The design of the multi-layer structure effectively utilizes space, so that drone delivery and ground delivery can work together in the same facility.

[0030] In one embodiment, the logistics transmission unit 2 is composed of an array transmission mechanism 21, and the array transmission mechanism 21 is set at an angle. It has the effect of flexible assembly and disassembly. Its main structure includes a metal frame, a conveyor belt and a drive motor. The metal frame has sufficient strength and stability, and can be set at an angle according to the actual site layout and logistics needs, such as linear, L-shaped, S-shaped and other layout forms to adapt to different logistics route planning. The conveyor belt is made of wear-resistant and high-temperature resistant rubber material, and the surface is provided with anti-slip texture to ensure that the goods will not slip during transportation. The drive motor is selected to be energy-efficient, and the power can be adjusted according to the weight of the goods and the transmission speed requirements, which can realize the fast and stable transmission of goods between the aprons and between the storage warehouses.

[0031] In one embodiment, the robot arm 51 is a six-axis multi-angle robot arm. Its six joints are equipped with high-precision sensors and servo motors, which can realize accurate grasping, handling and placement operations of goods. The end effector of the robot arm 51 is designed to be replaceable according to the type and shape of the goods, such as being equipped with various types of grasping devices such as suction cups, grippers, trays, etc., to meet the loading and unloading requirements of different goods. The control box 52 is installed at the bottom of the robot 5, and a high-performance processor, controller and communication module are integrated inside. It can autonomously plan the movement path and operation sequence of the robot arm according to the preset task program and sensor feedback information, and realize automated cargo loading and unloading and equipment maintenance operations.

[0032] In one embodiment, the battery charging box 4 is equipped with an array of replaceable battery packs and maintenance tools. The type and specification of the battery pack are adapted according to the model of the drone used, covering common drone battery types on the market, such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, etc. Each battery pack is equipped with an independent charging management module, which can realize switching of multiple charging modes such as fast charging and trickle charging to meet different battery status and delivery mission requirements. The charging box is also equipped with a battery status monitoring system, which can monitor the battery power, voltage, temperature and other parameters in real time. Once an abnormality is found, an alarm will be issued in time and corresponding protective measures will be taken. Maintenance tools include commonly used screwdrivers, wrenches, multimeters, etc., which are convenient for simple repair and maintenance of drone batteries and related equipment.

[0033] In one embodiment, the lifting mechanism 6 includes a support column 61, a lifting rod 62, a fixed frame 63, and a coupling 64. The fixed frame 63 is installed at the upper end of the support column 61, the lifting rod 62 is arranged inside the support column 61, and an adjusting gear is provided at the top of the lifting rod 62. The coupling 64 is fixedly installed on the fixed frame 63 and meshes with the adjusting gear.

[0034] In one embodiment, at least three groups of the support columns 61 and the lifting rods 62 are provided.

[0035] In one embodiment, the bottom periphery of the positioning platform 7 is connected to the top of the lifting rod 62 .

[0036] In one embodiment, the warehouse door 8 is a rolling door structure and is provided with a reel box 81, a reel 82, a reel drive motor 83, an electric control box 84, a rolling door 85, and a limit bracket 86. The reel 82 is arranged inside the reel box 81 and is driven by the drive motor 83. The electric control box 85 is arranged on one side of the drive motor 83. Two groups of limit brackets 86 are arranged below the reel box 81, and the rolling door 84 is opened between the two groups of limit brackets 86.

[0037] In one embodiment, a stop sign is provided on the surface of the rolling door 85 .

[0038] Working principle: When the UAV performs logistics distribution tasks, it first accurately lands on the designated helipad according to the guidance signs on the top floor of the helipad unit 1. At this time, the logistics management system controls the logistics transmission unit 2 to transfer the goods to be loaded and unloaded to the vicinity of the corresponding helipad according to the cargo distribution information. At the same time, the robot 5 in the storage bin 3 adjusts the positioning platform 7 to a suitable height through the lifting mechanism 6 under the command of the control box 52, and moves it to a position close to the helipad. When the UAV needs to replace the battery, the robot 5's mechanical arm 51, under the control of the control box 52, opens the door 8, enters the battery charging box 4 in the storage bin 3 to take out the fully charged battery pack, and then moves to the bottom of the UAV to remove the old battery and replace it with a new battery. During the cargo loading and unloading process, the mechanical arm 51 selects a suitable end effector according to the type and shape of the cargo, grabs the cargo from the helipad or the conveying mechanism 21, and places it on the positioning platform 7, or moves the cargo on the positioning platform 7 to the UAV or the conveying mechanism 21. The positioning sensor on the positioning platform 7 monitors the position information of the cargo and the mechanical arm 51 in real time, and feeds this information back to the control box 52 of the robot 5. The control box 52 adjusts the movement path and operation sequence of the mechanical arm 51 according to this information to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of cargo loading and unloading. During the whole process, each unit exchanges data and works collaboratively through wireless communication technology or preset electrical connections, realizing seamless connection between drone logistics distribution and other logistics links.

[0039] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly stipulated and limited, the terms such as "installation", "setting", "connection", "fixation" and "screw-on" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral one; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. Unless otherwise clearly defined, ordinary technicians in this field can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0040] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A drone logistics airport, comprising a parking apron unit (1), characterized in that: The apron unit (1) is provided with an array of aprons, and a logistics transmission unit (2) is arranged between the aprons. The apron is provided with a storage bin (3), and the storage bin (3) is provided with a battery charging box (4), a robot (5), a lifting mechanism (6), a positioning platform (7) and a bin door (8). The positioning platform (7) is installed on the top of the lifting mechanism (6), and the robot (5) is arranged on the side of the positioning platform (7). The robot (5) is provided with a mechanical arm (51) and a control box (52), and the control box (52) is installed at the bottom of the robot (5). The control box (52) controls the mechanical arm (51) to operate on the positioning platform (7), and the battery charging box (4) is located on the control box (52). The bin door (8) is arranged on the top of the storage bin (3), and the positioning platform (7) and the bin door (8) are parallel.

2. The drone logistics airport according to claim 1 is characterized by: The helipad unit (1) is provided with a multi-layer structure, the top layer is a drone delivery area, and the bottom layer is a car or manpower delivery area.

3. The drone logistics airport according to claim 1 is characterized by: The logistics conveying unit (2) is composed of an array conveying mechanism (21), and the array conveying mechanism (21) is arranged to extend at an angle, and has the effect of flexible assembly and disassembly.

4. The drone logistics airport according to claim 1 is characterized by: The mechanical arm (51) is a six-axis multi-angle mechanical arm.

5. The drone logistics airport according to claim 1 is characterized by: The battery charging box (4) is equipped with a plurality of replacement battery packs and maintenance tools.

6. The drone logistics airport according to claim 1 is characterized by: The lifting mechanism (6) comprises a support column (61), a lifting rod (62), a fixed frame (63), and a coupling (64); the fixed frame (63) is mounted on the upper end of the support column (61); the lifting rod (62) is arranged inside the support column (61); an adjusting gear is arranged at the top end of the lifting rod (62); and the coupling (64) is fixedly mounted on the fixed frame (63) and meshes with the adjusting gear.

7. The drone logistics airport according to claim 6, characterized in that: At least three groups of the support columns (61) and lifting rods (62) are provided.

8. The drone logistics airport according to claim 1 is characterized by: The bottom periphery of the positioning platform (7) is connected to the top of the lifting rod (62).

9. The drone logistics airport according to claim 1, characterized in that: The warehouse door (8) is a rolling door structure and is provided with a reel box (81), a reel (82), a reel drive motor (83), an electric control box (84), a rolling door (85), and a limit bracket (86); the reel (82) is arranged inside the reel box (81) and driven by the drive motor (83); the electric control box (85) is arranged on one side of the drive motor (83); two groups of limit brackets (86) are arranged below the reel box (81); and the rolling door (84) is opened between the two groups of limit brackets (86).

10. The drone logistics airport according to claim 9, characterized in that: A stop sign is provided on the surface of the rolling door (85).

Citation Information

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