Drone Logistics Airport

Abstract

This invention discloses a drone logistics airport, comprising a helipad unit with multiple helipads connected by a logistics transmission unit. Each helipad has a storage compartment containing a battery charging box, a robot, a lifting mechanism, a positioning platform, and a door. The positioning platform is mounted on top of the lifting mechanism, and the robot is positioned beside the positioning platform. The robot has a robotic arm and a control box mounted on its bottom, controlling the robotic arm's operation on the positioning platform. The battery charging box is located on the control box, and the door is positioned on top of the storage compartment, with the positioning platform parallel to the door. This design offers advantages in improving the automation level, efficiency, and flexibility of logistics distribution.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of logistics and transportation facilities, and more specifically, to improvements in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) logistics airports. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread application of drone technology in the logistics industry, existing drone logistics infrastructure has several limitations. On the one hand, traditional drone helipads are functionally limited, providing only simple take-off and landing sites and lacking effective integration with other logistics links. This makes it difficult for drone delivery and ground logistics to coordinate, resulting in low logistics efficiency. On the other hand, there is a lack of systematic solutions for drone battery management, cargo loading and unloading, and equipment maintenance. For example, battery charging facilities are rudimentary, with low charging efficiency and a lack of spare battery replacement mechanisms, affecting the drone's endurance and operational frequency. Simultaneously, cargo loading and unloading processes rely heavily on manual operation, resulting in low automation, errors, and inefficiency. Furthermore, existing helipad structures are fixed, making it difficult to adapt to logistics delivery needs of different scales and terrains, lacking flexibility and scalability. Summary of the Invention

[0003] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a drone logistics airport, which has the advantages of improving the automation level, efficiency, and flexibility of logistics distribution. This solves the problems of existing helipads having fixed structures, making it difficult to adapt to logistics distribution needs of different scales and terrains, and lacking flexibility and scalability.

[0005] (II) Technical Solution

[0006] To achieve the aforementioned advantages of improving the automation level, efficiency, and flexibility of logistics distribution, the specific technical solution adopted by this invention is as follows: It includes a helipad unit, which has multiple helipads and a logistics transmission unit between them. Each helipad has a storage compartment, which contains a battery charging box, a robot, a lifting mechanism, a positioning platform, and a door. The positioning platform is installed on top of the lifting mechanism, and the robot is positioned on the side of the positioning platform. The robot has a robotic arm and a control box, which is installed at the bottom of the robot and controls the robotic arm to operate on the positioning platform. The battery charging box is located on the control box, and the door is located on top of the storage compartment. The positioning platform is parallel to the door.

[0007] Furthermore, the helipad unit has a multi-layered structure, with the top layer being the drone delivery area and the bottom layer being the vehicle or manual delivery area.

[0008] Furthermore, the logistics conveying unit consists of an array of conveying mechanisms that extend at an angle, allowing for 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 multiple battery replacement modules 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 located inside the support column, the top end of the lifting rod is provided with an adjusting gear, and the coupling is fixedly installed on the fixed frame and meshes with the adjusting gear.

[0012] Furthermore, at least three sets of the 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 door is a roller shutter structure and is equipped with a roller box, a roller, a roller drive motor, an electrical control box, a roller shutter door, and a limit bracket. The roller is located inside the roller box and is driven by the drive motor. The electrical control box is located on one side of the drive motor. Two sets of the limit brackets are located below the roller box, and the roller shutter door is opened between the two sets of the limit brackets.

[0015] Furthermore, the surface of the roller shutter door is provided with a stop sign.

[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] By integrating functional units such as helipads, logistics transmission, storage warehouses, and related automated equipment, it achieves seamless integration of drone delivery with other logistics delivery methods, improves the automation level, efficiency, and flexibility of logistics delivery, reduces operating costs, and enhances the reliability and adaptability of the entire logistics delivery system. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

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

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

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the helipad of the present invention;

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

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the storage door 8 of the present invention.

[0025] In the diagram: 1. Helipad unit; 2. Logistics transmission unit; 21. Conveying mechanism; 3. Storage compartment; 4. Battery charging box; 5. Robot; 6. Lifting mechanism; 7. Positioning platform; 8. Door; 51. Robotic arm; 52. Control box; 61. Support column; 62. Lifting rod; 63. Fixed frame; 64. Coupling; 81. Reel box; 82. Reel; 83. Reel drive motor; 84. Electrical control box; 85. Roller shutter door; 86. Limit bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To further illustrate the various embodiments, the present invention provides accompanying drawings, which are part of the disclosure of the present invention. These drawings 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 drawings, those skilled in the art should be able to understand other possible implementation methods and the advantages of the present invention. The components in the drawings 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 will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, such as... Figure 1-5 As shown, the drone logistics airport according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a helipad unit 1, which has an array of helipads and a logistics transmission unit 2 between them. The helipads are equipped with a storage compartment 3, which contains a battery charging box 4, a robot 5, a lifting mechanism 6, a positioning platform 7, and a compartment door 8. The positioning platform 7 is installed on top of the lifting mechanism 6, and the robot 5 is located on the side of the positioning platform 7. The robot 5 has a robotic arm 51 and a control box 52. The control box 52 is installed at the bottom of the robot 5 and controls the robotic arm 51 to operate on the positioning platform 7. The battery charging box 4 is located on the control box 52, and the compartment door 8 is located on top of the storage compartment 3. The positioning platform 7 and the compartment door 8 are parallel.

[0029] In one embodiment, the helipad unit 1 has a multi-layered structure, with the top layer designated for drone delivery and the bottom layer for vehicle or manual delivery. The multi-layered design, with the top layer serving as the drone delivery area, utilizes a high-strength, non-slip material with shock-absorbing properties, such as a specially formulated concrete and rubber composite, to ensure the stability and safety of drone takeoff and landing. The top-layer helipad area includes several helipads, each designed according to the model and size of common drones, typically 3-10 meters long and 3-8 meters wide, with clear markings and guide lines to facilitate precise drone landings. The bottom layer is designated for vehicle or manual delivery, connected to the top layer via internal passageways or elevators, facilitating the transfer of goods between different delivery methods. This multi-layered design effectively utilizes space, enabling drone delivery and ground delivery to operate collaboratively within the same facility.

[0030] In one embodiment, the logistics conveying unit 2 consists of an array of conveying mechanisms 21, which are arranged at an angle. This allows for 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 angled according to the actual site layout and logistics needs, such as straight, L-shaped, S-shaped, and other layout forms to adapt to different logistics route plans. The conveyor belt is made of wear-resistant and high-temperature-resistant rubber material with anti-slip textures to ensure that goods do not slip during transportation. The drive motor is a high-efficiency and energy-saving type, and its power can be adjusted according to the weight of the goods and the conveying speed requirements, enabling fast and stable transfer of goods between the apron and between the apron and the storage warehouse.

[0031] In one embodiment, the robotic arm 51 is a six-axis multi-angle robotic arm. Each of its six joints is equipped with high-precision sensors and servo motors, enabling precise gripping, handling, and placement of goods. The end effector of the robotic arm 51 is interchangeable based on the type and shape of the goods, and can be equipped with various gripping devices such as suction cups, grippers, and pallets to adapt to different loading and unloading needs. The control box 52 is installed at the bottom of the robot 5 and integrates a high-performance processor, controller, and communication module. It can autonomously plan the movement path and operation sequence of the robotic arm based on preset task programs and sensor feedback information, achieving automated loading and unloading of goods and equipment maintenance operations.

[0032] In one embodiment, the battery charging box 4 is equipped with several replaceable battery packs and maintenance tools. The type and specifications of the battery packs are adapted to the drone model used, covering common drone battery types on the market, such as lithium-ion batteries and lithium polymer batteries. Each battery pack is equipped with an independent charging management module, enabling switching between multiple charging modes such as fast charging and trickle charging to meet different battery states and delivery task requirements. The charging box also has a battery status monitoring system that can monitor battery power, voltage, temperature, and other parameters in real time. Once an abnormality is detected, an alarm will be issued in a timely manner and corresponding protective measures will be taken. Maintenance tools include commonly used screwdrivers, wrenches, multimeters, etc., facilitating simple repairs 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 on the upper end of the support column 61, the lifting rod 62 is disposed inside the support column 61, and the top end of the lifting rod 62 is provided with an adjusting gear. The coupling 64 is fixedly installed on the fixed frame 63 and meshes with the adjusting gear.

[0034] In one embodiment, at least three sets of the support column 61 and the lifting rod 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 door 8 is a roller shutter structure and is provided with a roller box 81, a roller 82, a roller drive motor 83, an electrical control box 84, a roller shutter door 85, and a limiting bracket 86. The roller 82 is located inside the roller box 81 and is driven by the drive motor 83. The electrical control box 85 is located on one side of the drive motor 83. Two sets of the limiting brackets 86 are located below the roller box 81, and the roller shutter door 84 is opened between the two sets of the limiting brackets 86.

[0037] In one embodiment, the surface of the roller shutter door 85 is provided with a stop sign.

[0038] Working Principle: When the drone performs logistics delivery tasks, it first lands precisely on the designated helipad according to the guidance markings on the top floor of the helipad unit 1. At this time, the logistics management system controls the logistics transmission unit 2 to transport the goods to be loaded and unloaded to the vicinity of the corresponding helipad based on the cargo delivery information. Simultaneously, the robot 5 in the storage compartment 3, under the command of the control box 52, adjusts the positioning platform 7 to a suitable height via the lifting mechanism 6 and moves it to a position close to the helipad. When the drone needs to replace its battery, the robotic arm 51 of the robot 5, under the control of the control box 52, opens the compartment door 8, enters the battery charging box 4 in the storage compartment 3, takes out the fully charged battery pack, and then moves it under the drone to remove the old battery and replace it with a new one. During the cargo loading and unloading process, the robotic arm 51 selects the appropriate end effector according to the type and shape of the cargo, grabs the cargo from the helipad or the conveyor mechanism 21, and places it on the positioning platform 7, or moves the cargo on the positioning platform 7 to the drone or the conveyor mechanism 21. Positioning sensors on positioning platform 7 monitor the real-time position information of the goods and robotic arm 51, and feed this information back to control box 52 of robot 5. Control box 52 adjusts the movement path and operation sequence of robotic arm 51 based on this information to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of loading and unloading goods. Throughout the process, the various units interact and cooperate with each other through wireless communication technology or preset electrical connections, achieving seamless integration of drone logistics delivery with other logistics links.

[0039] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "setting," "connection," "fixing," "screw connection," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Unless otherwise explicitly limited, those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this 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 principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Drone logistics airport, comprising a landing pad unit (1), characterized in that: The apron unit (1) is provided with a plurality of aprons, and a logistics transmission unit (2) is arranged between the aprons, and 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), 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), the control box (52) is installed on the bottom of the robot (5), the control box (52) controls the mechanical arm (51) to work 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); The apron unit (1) is provided with a multi-layer structure, and the top layer is a drone distribution area, and the bottom layer is an automobile or manpower distribution area; The lifting mechanism (6) comprises a support column (61), a lifting rod (62), a fixed frame (63) and a shaft coupling (64), the fixed frame (63) is installed on the upper end of the support column (61), the lifting rod (62) is arranged in the support column (61), the top end of the lifting rod (62) is provided with an adjusting gear, and the shaft coupling (64) is fixedly installed on the fixed frame (63) and is engaged with the adjusting gear; The bin door (8) is a roller shutter door structure, and is provided with a roller shaft box (81), a roller shaft (82), a roller shaft drive motor (83), an electric control box (84), a roller shutter door (85) and a limiting support (86), the roller shaft (82) is arranged in the roller shaft box (81) and is driven by the roller shaft drive motor (83), the electric control box (84) is arranged on one side of the roller shaft drive motor (83), two groups of the limiting supports (86) are arranged below the roller shaft box (81), and the roller shutter door (85) is arranged between the two groups of limiting supports (86).

2. The UAV logistics airport of claim 1, wherein: The logistics transmission unit (2) is composed of a plurality of conveying mechanisms (21), and the conveying mechanisms (21) are arranged at an angle.

3. The UAV logistics airport of claim 1, wherein: The mechanical arm (51) is a six-axis multi-angle mechanical arm.

4. The UAV logistics airport of claim 1, wherein: The battery charging box (4) is provided with a plurality of replacement battery groups and repair tools.

5. The UAV logistics airport of claim 1, wherein: The support column (61) and the lifting rod (62) are provided with at least three groups.

6. The UAV logistics airport of claim 1, wherein: The bottom periphery of the positioning platform (7) is connected with the top of the lifting rod (62).

7. The drone logistics airport of claim 1, wherein: The surface of the roller shutter door (85) is provided with a stop mark.

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