Aircraft and aircraft control method

Abstract

The invention relates to an aircraft and an aircraft control method, relates to the technical field of unmanned aerial vehicles, and can realize long-distance and large-range operation. The aircraft is at least used for carrying an unmanned aerial vehicle, and the aircraft comprises a control device and a release device; the release device is used for releasing the unmanned aerial vehicle carried by the aircraft; and the control device is used for controlling the release device to release the unmanned aerial vehicle carried by the aircraft when the aircraft flies to a target area, so that the unmanned aerial vehicle works in the target area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of unmanned aerial vehicles, and in particular, to an aircraft and an aircraft control method. Background Art

[0002] The drone hangar allows drones to be safely stored, charged, transported over land, and equipped for takeoff at any time for drone operations.

[0003] Existing drone hangars are divided into vehicle-mounted and fixed types. Vehicle-mounted drone hangars are used for short-range aircraft operation scenarios, while fixed drone hangars are used for long-term fixed-point operation mission scenarios. The above two types of drone hangars only operate for medium and short-range operations. In the actual map data collection process, the collection range and scale are large, and the existing drone hangars cannot meet the needs of map data collection. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present disclosure provides an aircraft and an aircraft control method.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, in a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an aircraft, which is at least used to carry a drone, and the aircraft includes a control device and a release device; The release device is used to release the drone carried by the aircraft; The control device is used to control the release device to release the UAV carried by the aircraft when the aircraft flies to the target area, so that the UAV can operate in the target area.

[0006] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides an aircraft control method, wherein the aircraft is used to carry at least a drone, and the aircraft includes a control device and a release device, wherein the release device is used to release the drone carried by the aircraft, and the aircraft control method includes: When the aircraft flies to a target area, the release device is controlled to release the UAV carried by the aircraft, so that the UAV operates in the target area.

[0007] Through the above technical solution, when the aircraft flies to the target area, the control device of the aircraft controls the release device of the aircraft to release the drone carried by the aircraft, so that the drone can operate in the target area. By transporting the drone to the target area by aircraft, the transportation process is not restricted by ground traffic, which improves the transportation efficiency of the drone; at the same time, the drone directly operates in the target area, reducing the need for personnel or equipment to directly reach the work site in traditional operation methods, improving operation efficiency, and realizing long-distance and large-scale operations. In some complex or dangerous environments, by carrying drones on aircraft, the aircraft can fly at a relatively safe altitude, while the drone performs specific tasks in the target area, thereby effectively reducing the operation risk.

[0008] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be described in detail in the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the following specific embodiments, they are used to explain the present disclosure but do not constitute a limitation of the present disclosure. In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an aircraft according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2a 1 is a three-view diagram of an aircraft according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2b is a schematic diagram of a releasing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3a FIG. 1 is a top view of releasing a drone according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 3b is a front view showing a method of releasing a drone according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 3c FIG. 4 is another top view of a drone release method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is another front view of a method for releasing a drone according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram showing an aircraft releasing and recovering a drone according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 6ais a schematic diagram of a recycling device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 6b is a front view of a recovery drone according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of an aircraft according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 8 The present invention is a flowchart of an aircraft control method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig. 9 is another flow chart of an aircraft control method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Description of Reference Numerals 1 aircraft, 2 drone, 11 control device, 12 release device, 13 exit, 14 recovery device, 121 transmission device, 1211 sliding track, 1212 support plate, 12111 target track, 141 coil, 142 elastic cable, 143 winch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The specific implementation of the present disclosure is described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific implementation described herein is only used to illustrate and explain the present disclosure, and is not used to limit the present disclosure.

[0024] As mentioned in the background technology, a vehicle-mounted drone hangar is a simple combination of a vehicle and a hangar, such as setting a hangar on the vehicle to provide parking and charging for drones, and then controlling the drones to perform field operations after the vehicle arrives at the destination. A fixed drone hangar is a hangar installed in a location that requires periodic automated inspections, such as on the roof, mountain power facilities, reservoirs, etc., to control drones to perform scheduled missions, return, and cooperate with the hangar to charge and maintain drones.

[0025] The inventors found that the existing drone hangars only operate for medium and short-distance businesses, with small operation scale, low intelligence level, and low overall mobility efficiency. If a large number of drones are to be carried at one time, the ability of the drone hangar to carry out operations cannot be guaranteed. For example, in the actual map data collection process, since it is necessary to collect road data, lane data, and roadside facility data in various regions, the collection range and scale are large, and the drone needs to be able to move quickly to switch between different regions for data collection, and the existing drone hangars are difficult to meet the needs of map data collection. That is, the existing drone hangars are difficult to meet the needs of long-distance and large-scale operations.

[0026] In view of this, the present disclosure provides an aircraft and an aircraft control method, which can realize long-distance and large-scale operations.

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an aircraft according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, such as Figure 1 As shown, the aircraft 1 is used to carry at least a UAV 2, and the aircraft 1 includes a control device 11 and a release device 12; The releasing device 12 is used to release the UAV 2 carried by the aircraft 1.

[0028] The control device 11 is used to control the release device 12 to release the UAV 2 carried by the aircraft 1 when the aircraft 1 flies to the target area, so that the UAV 2 can operate in the target area.

[0029] Among them, the operation types of drones include but are not limited to measuring, identifying, following, monitoring and attacking targets. Aircraft and drones work together to flexibly allocate resources according to mission requirements. For example, when large-area monitoring or reconnaissance is required, aircraft can carry multiple drones for continuous release to form a wider coverage and more efficient operation network. Moreover, as relatively independent systems, aircraft and drones can be maintained and upgraded separately. This means that when one of them needs to be updated or repaired, the other can continue to be used, thus ensuring the continuous operation capability and adaptability of the overall system.

[0030] It is worth noting that if Figure 1 As shown, the aircraft has the characteristics of long flight distance, high flight speed and strong air retention ability, and the aircraft can also be equipped with intelligent equipment such as energy storage equipment, lighting system and navigation signs according to operational requirements. A large-capacity carrying cabin is provided inside the aircraft 1, which can carry a large number of drones 2. When the aircraft 1 flies to the target area, the control device 11 controls the release device 12 to release the drones 2 in the carrying cabin, so that the drones 2 can operate in the target area. The minimum flight speed of the aircraft is about 74km / h, and the maximum flight speed can reach 805km / h. Figure 2a As shown, the aircraft is equipped with two blades on both sides of the wings, forming a lift fan system, which enables the aircraft to take off and land vertically and hover in a short distance and adapt to various complex terrains and environments.

[0031] It should be understood that after completing the release of drones in the target area, the aircraft can continue to enter the next area to release drones, or it can reasonably perform operations such as concealment and hovering according to its own needs.

[0032] In the disclosed embodiment, the control device of the aircraft controls the release device of the aircraft to release the drone carried by the aircraft when the aircraft flies to the target area, so that the drone can operate in the target area. By transporting the drone to the target area by the aircraft, the transportation process is not restricted by ground traffic, which improves the transportation efficiency of the drone, and the release time and position of the drone can be accurately controlled to maximize the use efficiency of the drone, reducing unnecessary flight time and energy consumption; at the same time, the drone directly operates in the target area, reducing the need for personnel or equipment to directly reach the work site in traditional operation methods, improving operation efficiency, and realizing long-distance and large-scale operations. In some complex or dangerous environments, by carrying drones on aircraft, the aircraft can fly at a relatively safe altitude, while the drone performs specific tasks in the target area, thereby effectively reducing the operation risk.

[0033] In order to help those skilled in the art to better understand the aircraft provided by the present disclosure, the aircraft is described in detail below.

[0034] In a feasible implementation manner, the aircraft 1 and the UAV 2 are networked in an autonomous network or a base station network.

[0035] Among them, autonomous networks have significant advantages in flexibility, anti-interference and coordination, and are suitable for scenarios that require rapid deployment, complex environment communications and collaborative operations. Therefore, drones can use autonomous networks for task coordination. Base station networking has outstanding performance in coverage, communication quality and management and maintenance, and is suitable for scenarios that require large-scale monitoring, high-quality communications and stable network structures. Therefore, aircraft can exchange, transfer and integrate signals through base station networking to issue tasks to drones, monitor drone operations, exchange data, and dispatch and command.

[0036] In a possible implementation, if Figure 2b As shown, the release device 12 includes a conveying device 121, and the aircraft 1 also includes an exit port 13; The control device 11 is used to control the opening of the exit port 13 , and after the exit port 13 is opened, control the conveying device 121 to convey the drone 2 carried by the aircraft 1 to the exit port 13 , so that the drone 2 is released from the exit port 13 .

[0037] Among them, the aircraft is provided with an exit port for automatically releasing the drone, and the exit port can be set at the bottom of the aircraft. When the aircraft flies to the target area, the exit port is controlled to open, and the conveying device conveys the drone carried by the aircraft to the exit port so that the drone is released from the exit port.

[0038] In the disclosed embodiment, the control device controls the opening of the exit and the operation of the conveying device to release the drone. The whole process is highly automated, reducing the complexity and risk of manual operation. The aircraft is allowed to release drones at different altitudes, speeds and positions. It has strong adaptability and can be used in a variety of complex mission environments. It can be easily expanded to larger aircraft or carry more drones to meet the needs of future mission expansion. It can also achieve the simultaneous release of multiple drones by adding additional conveying devices and exits, thereby improving the efficiency of mission execution.

[0039] In a possible implementation, if Figure 3a and Figure 3b As shown, the conveying device 121 includes a sliding track 1211, and the sliding track 1211 includes a target track 12111 disposed above the warehouse outlet; The control device 11 is used to control the start of the drone 2 after the drone 2 carried by the aircraft 1 is transferred to the exit 13 through the sliding track 1211, and when the lift of the drone 2 reaches a preset threshold, control the target track 12111 to open downward so that the drone 2 is released from the gap formed by the target track 12111.

[0040] Among them, the preset threshold value can be preset according to the working environment or the performance of the drone itself, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0041] It is worth noting that if Figure 3a As shown, the conveying device 121 includes a sliding track 1211 and a support plate 1212, and the support plate 1212 can move with the sliding of the sliding track 1211. The sliding track 1211 includes a target track 12111, and the support plate 1212 is composed of two panels.

[0042] For example, Figure 3b As shown, the UAV 2 is placed above the support plate 1212, and when the sliding track 1211 drives the support plate 1212 to move toward the exit 13 and transfers the UAV 2 to the target track 12111 on the other side of the exit 13, the UAV 2 is controlled to start; when the lift of the UAV 2 increases with its rotation speed and reaches a preset threshold, the target track 12111 is controlled to open downward, and at this time, the two panels of the support plate 1212 are disconnected from the panel connection, thereby forming a gap through which the UAV 2 can pass; after losing the support force of the support plate 1212, the UAV 2 is released from the gap under the action of its own gravity, and the UAV 2 continues to increase its rotation speed to a normal operating level and perform operations.

[0043] In the disclosed embodiment, the UAV enters the flight state before leaving the warehouse. When the lift of the UAV reaches a preset threshold, the target track is controlled to open downward, ensuring that the UAV is released with sufficient lift, avoiding the risk of falling due to insufficient lift, ensuring the stability and safety of the UAV, and can be used to release UAVs with lower performance.

[0044] In a possible implementation, if Figure 3c As shown, the control device 11 is used to control the sliding track 1211 to transport the drone 2 away from the exit 13 within a preset time after the drone 2 is started, if the lift of the drone 2 does not reach a preset threshold.

[0045] Among them, the preset duration can be preset according to the power performance or delivery efficiency of the drone, and the present disclosure does not limit this.

[0046] It is worth mentioning that after starting the drone, the status of the drone 2 can be monitored in real time. In the event of an abnormality or failure in the drone 2, the sliding track 1211 can also be controlled to transfer the drone 2 in the direction of the exit 13 to avoid the release of drones that cannot operate normally, thereby improving operating efficiency.

[0047] For example, Figure 3c As shown, the UAV 2 is placed above the support plate 1212, and when the sliding track 1211 drives the support plate 1212 to move toward the exit 13 and transmits the UAV 2 to the target track 12111 on the side of the exit 13, the UAV 2 is controlled to start; within a preset time after the UAV 2 is started, if the lift of the UAV 2 does not reach a preset threshold, the sliding track 1211 is controlled to transmit the UAV 2 in a direction away from the exit 13.

[0048] In the disclosed embodiment, when a drone cannot generate sufficient lift due to insufficient power or other reasons, the drone is promptly moved away from the released position to avoid the release of drones that cannot take off or operate normally. In the case where multiple drones need to be released continuously for operation, drones that fail to take off can be quickly processed to avoid overall takeoff delays caused by the takeoff identification of a single drone, thereby improving operation efficiency.

[0049] In a possible implementation, if Figure 4 As shown, the conveying device 121 includes a sliding track 1211, and the sliding track 1211 includes a target track 12111 disposed above the warehouse outlet 13; The control device 11 is used to control the target track 12111 to open downwards. After the target track 12111 is opened, the sliding track 1211 is controlled to transfer the drone 2 carried by the aircraft 1 to the exit.

[0050] For example, Figure 4 As shown, the target track 12111 controlling the exit 13 is open downward; the UAV 2 is placed on the support plate 1212, and the sliding track 1211 drives the support plate 1212 to move toward the exit 13; when the UAV 2 is transferred to the target track 12111 on the exit 13, the panel close to the exit of the two panels of the support plate 1212 is flipped downward, and the two panels are 90°, thereby forming a gap through which the UAV 2 can pass. After losing the support force of the support plate 1212, the UAV 2 is released from the gap under the action of its own gravity.

[0051] In the disclosed embodiment, the target track above the exit is controlled to always be in a downwardly open state. When the sliding track transports the drone to the top of the exit, the drone is released from the exit by its own gravity, which can greatly save the release time of the drone. Under the premise of excellent drone performance, a large number of drones can be released in a short time.

[0052] In a feasible implementation manner, the sliding track 1211 includes a tic-tac-toe shaped track, and / or the sliding track 1211 includes multiple layers of stacked tracks.

[0053] It is worth noting that when the sliding track is a tic-tac-toe track, the drone can be transported to the exit from the front, back, left, and right directions of the exit at the same time and released, further shortening the release time of the drone. When the sliding track is a stacked multi-layer track, the load capacity and space utilization of the aircraft can be increased.

[0054] In a feasible implementation manner, it further includes a scheduling device; The control device 11 is also used to send the target operation task to the scheduling device; The scheduling device is used to split the target operation task into sub-operation tasks corresponding to the drone, and send the sub-operation tasks to the corresponding drone, so that the drone can execute the sub-operation tasks in the target area after being released.

[0055] It is worth mentioning that the scheduling device supports autonomous network signal transmission and can issue task instructions to the drone. The task instructions include but are not limited to hovering, landing, returning, pausing tasks, changing tasks, starting tasks, and ending tasks; and the scheduling device supports monitoring of the drone's trajectory, posture, and power.

[0056] It should be understood that before releasing the drone in the target area, the control device sends the target operation task to the scheduling device, and the scheduling device splits the target operation task into self-operation tasks for the corresponding drones, and sends the self-operation tasks to the corresponding drones. That is, the scheduling device can issue tasks to multiple drones and realize synchronous control of multiple drones to improve the distribution and processing efficiency of tasks.

[0057] In a feasible embodiment, it further includes a recovery device 14; The recovery device 14 is used to recover the released UAV 2; The control device 11 is used to control the release device 12 to release the UAVs 2 carried by the aircraft 1 according to the target sequence, and to control the recovery device 14 to recover the released UAVs 2 according to the target sequence.

[0058] For example, Figure 5 As shown, after the aircraft flies to the target area, it continues to fly from the starting point of this round to the end point of this round. In the process of moving to the end point, the operating drones are released to both sides of the aircraft's heading according to the target sequence; after the aircraft reaches the end point of this round and completes the release of all operating drones, it returns to the starting point of this round and flies to the end point of this round again, and recovers the previously released operating drones according to the target sequence; after the aircraft reaches the end point of this round again and completes the recovery of the left and right operating drones, this operation ends.

[0059] In the disclosed embodiment, the release and recovery order of drones is precisely controlled, and the high endurance of the aircraft itself is utilized to indirectly enhance the endurance of the drones carried, thereby avoiding unnecessary waste of resources and repeated investment, thereby optimizing resource utilization, and ensuring that the drones perform tasks at the scheduled time and location, reducing interference and conflicts between drones, thereby improving the efficiency of overall task execution and ensuring that the overall task can proceed smoothly. The release and recovery order of drones can also be flexibly adjusted according to task requirements to adapt to different environmental scenarios.

[0060] In a possible implementation, if Figure 6a As shown, the control device 11 is used to control the recovery device 14 to recover the released drone 2 according to the target sequence when there is a drone 2 at a preset height above the aircraft 1.

[0061] The preset height may be preset according to the flight status between the aircraft and the drone, for example, the drone will not interfere with the flight status of the aircraft at the preset height. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0062] It is worth noting that when recovering a drone, preparations for drone recovery are required. The drone flies in the same direction as the aircraft at a specified altitude and at maximum speed. The aircraft's altitude is slightly lower than the drone's altitude. When the aircraft approaches the drone, it slows down in advance and maintains the minimum speed of the aircraft's current flight altitude when it reaches the drone. At this time, the control device controls the recovery device to recover the released drone.

[0063] In a possible implementation, if Figure 6a and Figure 6bAs shown, the recovery device 14 includes a coil 141, an elastic cable 142 and a winch 143, the coil 141 is connected to a first end of the elastic cable 142, and a second end of the elastic cable 142 is fixed to the winch 143, and the control device 11 is used to: Control the winch 143 to release the elastic cable 142 and energize the coil 141 so that the coil 141 generates an electromagnetic attraction to absorb the released drone; After the coil 141 is attracted to the released target UAV, the target UAV is controlled to shut down its power system. After the target UAV shuts down its power system, the winch 143 is controlled to retract the elastic cable 142 until the target UAV returns to the aircraft 1 .

[0064] The coil can be painted in a striking color so that the drone can recognize the color of the coil and recycle it when it is recovered.

[0065] For example, Figure 6a As shown, after the recovery preparation of the UAV 2 is completed, the speed of the aircraft 1 is slightly lower than or close to the speed of the UAV 2, and the control device 11 controls the winch 143 to release the elastic cable 142 and energize the coil 141 connected to the other end of the elastic cable 142, so that the coil 141 generates electromagnetic attraction; Figure 6b As shown, the drone 2 confirms the position of the coil 141 through its own identification ability and approaches the coil 141. After the drone 2 is in the adsorption range of the coil 141, the coil 141 will be firmly adsorbed on the base of the drone 2. At this time, the drone 2 is controlled to shut down the power system, and after the drone shuts down the power system, the winch 143 is controlled to recycle the elastic cable 142. When all the released elastic cables 142 are rolled up by the winch 143, the drone 2 returns to the aircraft 1, and then the drone 2 is grabbed by the mechanical arm for recovery, and the coil 141 is stopped from being powered on.

[0066] In the disclosed embodiment, the electromagnetic attraction generated by the coil can quickly and smoothly absorb the target drone, reducing the time consumption in the recovery process, avoiding damage caused by collision or impact, and ensuring that no damage is caused to the drone during the recovery process; through the rapid release of the winch and the recovery of the elastic cable, the drone can be quickly recovered from the air to the aircraft, improving the recovery efficiency. And by adjusting the electromagnetic attraction of the coil and the pulling force of the winch, it can adapt to drones of different sizes and weights, without being restricted by the model of the drone.

[0067] In a feasible embodiment, it also includes a supply device; The control device controls the supply device to replace the battery of the UAV, or controls the supply device to charge the battery of the UAV, or controls the supply device to replace the mount of the UAV.

[0068] It is worth noting that the mounts carried by the drone can be replaced with mounts required for other operations, and cluster drones can also be used for collaborative operations. A large number of drones can be released at one time in a specific area, and the various mounts carried by them can work together to measure, identify, follow, monitor, and strike targets. By taking advantage of the aircraft, the shortcomings of small-scale operational aircraft, such as short endurance, slow speed, and strong signal dependence, can be greatly compensated. At the same time, the advantages of small-scale operational drones, such as small size, precise routes, flexible movements, and support for a wide range of operations, can be brought into play.

[0069] In the disclosed embodiment, after the released drone is recovered, the supply device replaces the battery of the drone or charges the battery of the drone, which can improve the endurance of the drone; the supply device mounts and supplies the drone, and can deliver supplies when performing different tasks, thereby shortening the material supply time and improving the efficiency of task execution; the supply device mounts and replaces the drone, and can replace the required equipment when performing different tasks, thereby improving the flexibility and adaptability of the drone and enabling it to better cope with various complex tasks.

[0070] In a feasible implementation manner, the control device 11 is further used for: After the released UAV 2 is recovered, corresponding operation information is obtained from the UAV 2; Determine the operation completion degree of UAV 2 according to the operation information; When the degree of completion of the operation indicates that the operation is not completed, the release device 12 is controlled to release the drone again, so that the released drone performs the operation in the target area until the released drone completes the operation.

[0071] It is worth noting that, when the operation completion degree indicates that the operation is not completed, the drone released again by the control device 12 may be a drone that has previously operated in the target area, a new drone that has not operated before, or a drone that has operated in other areas. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0072] In the disclosed embodiment, the control device automatically obtains operation information from the drone, and determines the completion of the drone's operation based on the operation information, avoiding manual intervention, improving the automation level of monitoring and decision-making, thereby speeding up the progress of the operation, and in the case where the completion of the operation indicates that the operation is not completed, the drone is released again to operate, ensuring that the drone can operate efficiently in the target area, avoiding ineffective flight and waste of resources. The operation plan can also be dynamically adjusted based on the drone's operation information to ensure that the task is completed on time.

[0073] The operation process of the aircraft is described in a complete implementation method, such as Figure 7 As shown: First, the aircraft carries a large number of drones for long-distance flight until it reaches the target area. At this time, the aircraft continues to fly from the starting point of this round to the end point of this round. In the process of moving to the end point, the drones are released in batches according to the target order. Each drone performs the corresponding operation, and the aircraft performs hovering or concealment.

[0074] Secondly, after the aircraft reaches the end of this round and completes the release of all operating drones, it returns to the starting point of this round, moves toward the end of this round again, and recovers the released drones in the target order.

[0075] Finally, the recovered drone is powered, loaded, or charged, and the operation completion of the recovered drone is determined. If the operation completion indicates that the operation is not completed, the drone is released again, so that the released drone can operate in the target area until the released drone completes the operation; if the operation completion indicates that the operation is completed, the aircraft returns.

[0076] The following is an example of the collection and update of a large-scale three-dimensional tilt model across provinces.

[0077] Only using drones: One drone flight can collect about 0.68km 2 , 1.5cm resolution tilt data. If a single operator uses a single drone to operate, with sufficient battery supply, 100km 2 The mission requires approximately 147 sorties, with each sortie taking 40 minutes, and the total mission duration is approximately 98 hours, excluding the take-off and landing time of the drone and the time of driving.

[0078] The aircraft provided by the present invention is used for operations: the aircraft carries 10 drones to the destination for operations, and the operation grid is divided in advance. Starting from the start time of the task, the aircraft releases 2 drones at an interval of about 0.8km to be responsible for the operation grid tasks on the left and right sides of the aircraft route. After all the releases are completed, the aircraft returns to the starting point of the operation in a straight line, waits for the operation of the first two drones to be completed, and then recovers them, and recovers them according to the release order of the 10 drones according to the route they were originally released. After all the drones are recovered. Immediately start the next round of data collection. According to calculations, based on the moving speed of the aircraft of 144km / h, it takes 40s to recover a single drone. One round takes 45min. After collecting 100km 2 The tilted data requires 15 rounds and the total time is about 11.25h.

[0079] It is understandable that the duration of an aircraft's operation is mainly affected by the aircraft's carrying capacity. The more drones it carries, the shorter the time consumed. If the number of drones deployed is sufficient and the operating time of a single drone is greater than the time required for the aircraft to fly from the start to the end of the mission, the mission can be completed in one round.

[0080] Taking the above collection and update work as an example, if the aircraft carries 80 drones, it can complete 80 sorties in one round, including the time for drone recovery, and the total time is 1.33 hours. As the number of drones carried by the aircraft in a round increases, the total time for drone recovery will also increase. Taking the above 80 sorties as an example, the last released drone needs to continue hovering and waiting for about 12 minutes after the 40-minute operation is completed, waiting for the aircraft to be recovered.

[0081] In summary, the aircraft provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure realizes ultra-long-distance, ultra-large-range, and ultra-high-efficiency drone operation capabilities. Under the premise of ensuring endurance, the aircraft can move to, and then data is collected. In large-scale data collection projects with high precision requirements, especially the collection of oblique photography models, it can respond to task requirements efficiently, quickly, and automatically.

[0082] Based on the same inventive concept, the present disclosure also provides an aircraft control method, wherein the aircraft is used to carry at least a UAV, and the aircraft includes a control device and a release device, wherein the release device is used to release the UAV carried by the aircraft, such as Figure 8 As shown, the aircraft control method may include the following steps: In step S81, when the aircraft flies to the target area, the release device is controlled to release the drone carried by the aircraft so that the drone can operate in the target area.

[0083] In the disclosed embodiment, the control device of the aircraft controls the release device of the aircraft to release the drone carried by the aircraft when the aircraft flies to the target area, so that the drone can operate in the target area. By transporting the drone to the target area by the aircraft, the transportation process is not restricted by ground traffic, which improves the transportation efficiency of the drone, and the release time and position of the drone can be accurately controlled to maximize the use efficiency of the drone, reducing unnecessary flight time and energy consumption; at the same time, the drone directly operates in the target area, reducing the need for personnel or equipment to directly reach the work site in traditional operation methods, improving operation efficiency, and realizing long-distance and large-scale operations. In some complex or dangerous environments, by carrying drones on aircraft, the aircraft can fly at a relatively safe altitude, while the drone performs specific tasks in the target area, thereby effectively reducing the operation risk.

[0084] The following is a complete example to illustrate the above aircraft control method. Fig. 9 As shown, the aircraft control method may include the following steps: In step S91, when the aircraft flies to the target area, the drones carried by the aircraft are released in a target order so that the drones can operate in the target area.

[0085] In step S92, the target operation task is split into sub-operation tasks corresponding to the UAV, and the sub-operation tasks are sent to the corresponding UAV, so that the UAV executes the sub-operation tasks in the target area after being released.

[0086] In step S93, the released drones are recovered in target order.

[0087] In step S94, the recovered drone is subjected to operations such as battery replacement, charging, or mount replacement.

[0088] In step S95, corresponding operation information is obtained from the recovered drone, and the operation completion degree of the drone is determined based on the operation information. If the operation completion degree indicates that the operation is not completed, the drone is released again so that the released drone can operate in the target area until the released drone completes the operation.

[0089] The disclosed implementation can realize the ultra-long-distance, ultra-large-range, and ultra-high-efficiency UAV operation capability. Under the premise of ensuring the endurance, the aircraft can move to the location where data is collected. In large-scale data collection projects with high precision requirements, especially the collection of oblique photography models, it can respond to task requirements efficiently, quickly, and automatically.

[0090] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings; however, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific details in the above embodiments. Within the technical concept of the present disclosure, a variety of simple modifications can be made to the technical solution of the present disclosure, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0091] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the present disclosure will not further describe various possible combinations.

[0092] In addition, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be arbitrarily combined, and as long as they do not violate the concept of the present disclosure, they should also be regarded as the contents disclosed by the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An aircraft, characterized in that: At least used to carry a UAV, and the aircraft includes a control device and a release device; The release device is used to release the drone carried by the aircraft; The control device is used to control the release device to release the UAV carried by the aircraft when the aircraft flies to the target area, so that the UAV can operate in the target area.

2. The aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that The release device includes a conveying device, and the aircraft also includes an exit port; The control device is used to control the opening of the exit port, and after the exit port is opened, control the conveying device to convey the drone carried by the aircraft to the exit port, so that the drone is released from the exit port.

3. The aircraft according to claim 2, characterized in that: The conveying device includes a sliding track, and the sliding track includes a target track arranged above the warehouse outlet; The control device is used to control the start of the drone after the drone carried by the aircraft is transferred to the exit via the sliding track, and when the lift of the drone reaches a preset threshold, control the target track to open downward so that the drone is released from the gap formed by the target track.

4. The aircraft according to claim 3, characterized in that The control device is used to control the sliding track to transport the drone away from the exit port if the lift of the drone does not reach the preset threshold within a preset time after the drone is started.

5. The aircraft according to claim 2, characterized in that: The conveying device includes a sliding track, and the sliding track includes a target track arranged above the warehouse outlet; The control device is used to control the target track to open downward, and after the target track is opened, control the sliding track to transport the drone carried by the aircraft to the exit.

6. The aircraft according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: The sliding track includes a tic-tac-toe track, and / or the sliding track includes multiple layers of stacked tracks.

7. The aircraft according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Also includes a recovery device; The recovery device is used to recover the released UAV; The control device is used to control the releasing device to release the UAVs carried by the aircraft in a target order, and to control the recovering device to recover the released UAVs in the target order.

8. The aircraft according to claim 7, characterized in that The control device is used to control the recovery device to recover the released drones according to the target sequence when there are drones at a preset height above the aircraft.

9. The aircraft according to claim 7, characterized in that: The control device is also used for: After recovering the released drone, obtaining corresponding operation information from the drone; Determining the operation completion degree of the UAV according to the operation information; When the operation completion degree indicates that the operation is not completed, the release device is controlled to release the drone again, so that the released drone performs the operation in the target area until the released drone completes the operation.

10. The aircraft according to claim 7, characterized in that: The recovery device comprises a coil, an elastic cable and a winch, wherein the coil is connected to a first end of the elastic cable, and a second end of the elastic cable is fixed to the winch, and the control device is used for: Controlling the winch to release the elastic cable and powering the coil so that the coil generates electromagnetic attraction to absorb the released drone; After the coil is attracted to the released target UAV, the target UAV is controlled to shut down the power system, and after the target UAV shuts down the power system, the winch is controlled to retract the elastic cable until the target UAV returns to the aircraft.

11. The aircraft according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Also includes a supply device; The control device is used to control the supply device to replace the battery of the drone, or to control the supply device to charge the battery of the drone, or to control the supply device to replace the mount of the drone.

12. The aircraft according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Also includes a dispatching device; The control device is also used to send the target operation task to the scheduling device; The scheduling device is used to split the target operation task into sub-operation tasks corresponding to the drone, and send the sub-operation tasks to the corresponding drone, so that the drone can execute the sub-operation tasks in the target area after being released.

13. The aircraft according to claim 1, characterized in that The aircraft and the unmanned aerial vehicle adopt an autonomous network or a base station network.

14. A method for controlling an aircraft, characterized in that: The aircraft is at least used to carry a drone, and the aircraft includes a control device and a release device, the release device is used to release the drone carried by the aircraft, and the aircraft control method includes: When the aircraft flies to a target area, the release device is controlled to release the UAV carried by the aircraft, so that the UAV operates in the target area.

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