Lifting appliance as well as lifting device and lifting appliance system using lifting appliance

Abstract

The invention provides a lifting appliance which comprises a support, a power source, an electromagnetic device and a controller are arranged on the support, the power source is electrically connected with the electromagnetic device, the controller can control a switch of the power source so that the electromagnetic device can generate magnetic force, and therefore the lifting appliance can attract a carrying device matched with the lifting appliance. The invention further provides a lifting device and a lifting appliance system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of lifting appliances, and particularly relates to a lifting appliance with an electromagnetic device. Background Art

[0002] The background art provided here is used to generally introduce the background of this application. The work of the currently named inventors to the extent described in this background art section, and aspects of this description that do not constitute prior art at the time of application, are neither expressly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art conflicting with this application.

[0003] Lifting appliances have a wide range of applications in the industrial field and daily life. When lifting an object, the lifting appliance needs to accurately locate the position of the object in order to place the lifting appliance at an appropriate position above the object, which is very important in application scenarios such as freight aircraft. In the prior art, in addition to relying on the human eye to locate the position of an object, electronic positioning technologies are also used, and the electronic positioning technologies include the following several types:

[0004] 1. Visual Markers: That is, specific visual markers such as QR codes and AprilTags are used to mark on the object and are recognized and located by a camera to achieve relative position positioning between objects. However, if long-distance recognition is required, a larger AprilTag label is needed.

[0005] 2. Laser Range Finding: That is, a laser rangefinder or a laser sensor is used to measure the distance and angle between objects, and the relative position of the object is calculated by methods such as triangulation. However, using laser ranging may be affected by factors such as light scattering and obstacles, and the cost is relatively high.

[0006] 3. Ultrasonic Ranging: That is, an ultrasonic sensor is used to measure the distance between objects, and the relative position of the object is calculated by the time difference between sending and receiving ultrasonic signals. However, the accuracy of ultrasonic ranging is relatively low and is easily affected by environmental noise and interference.

[0007] 4. Radar Ranging: That is, a radar system is used to measure the distance and angle between objects, and the relative position of the object is calculated by the time difference between sending and receiving electromagnetic waves. However, radar ranging equipment is relatively expensive, and the positioning accuracy for small-sized objects is relatively low.

[0008] 5. GPS positioning (Global Positioning System): It uses a satellite system for global positioning, measures the position of an object through multiple GPS receivers, and calculates the relative positions between objects. However, GPS positioning is affected by factors such as weather and building occlusion, and has relatively low positioning accuracy in indoor or dense urban environments.

[0009] 6. Inertial Navigation: It uses inertial sensors such as accelerometers and gyroscopes to measure the acceleration and angular velocity of an object, and calculates the relative position of the object through integration. However, the integration error of inertial navigation ranging accumulates over time, resulting in a gradual decrease in positioning accuracy.

[0010] Moreover, during the process of extending and retracting the spreader, when the spreader is affected by factors such as wind, it will swing, which may cause the spreader to fail to accurately contact the object to be lifted. In addition, the spreaders in the prior art usually use mechanical grippers or hooks to lift objects, which makes the structure of the spreader complex or the lifting process complicated.

[0011] Therefore, a new spreader is needed to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0012] This section introduces the selection of inventive concepts in a simplified form, which will be further embodied in the following detailed description. This section is not intended to identify the key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0013] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, on the one hand, the present application provides a spreader, which includes a bracket. A power supply, an electromagnetic device and a controller are arranged on the bracket. The power supply is electrically connected to the electromagnetic device. The controller can control the switch of the power supply to enable the electromagnetic device to generate magnetic force, so that the spreader can adsorb a matching load-carrying device.

[0014] Preferably, the bracket includes a first support platform and a second support platform. The first support platform is arranged at the bottom of the second support platform. The bracket is provided with a first through hole penetrating the first support platform and the second support platform. The controller is arranged on the top of the second support platform and covers the top end of the first through hole. Moreover, the spreader further includes a camera, and the camera is arranged on the controller and is located in the first through hole.

[0015] Preferably, the electromagnetic device is arranged at the bottom of the first support platform and does not block the bottom end of the first through hole. A second through hole is arranged on the electromagnetic device, and the geometric center of the second through hole is aligned with the geometric center of the first through hole.

[0016] Preferably, the power supply is arranged on the top of the first support platform and surrounds the second support platform.

[0017] Preferably, the sling further includes a top cover, which is connected to the first support platform and covers the top of the first support platform, the second support platform, the power supply, and the controller.

[0018] Preferably, a charging device is provided on the outer surface of the top cover, and the charging device is electrically connected to the power supply to charge the power supply.

[0019] Preferably, the charging device is two metal rings surrounding the top cover.

[0020] Preferably, the top cover is generally in the shape of a water droplet.

[0021] Preferably, a lifting ring is provided on the top cover.

[0022] Preferably, a first groove surrounding the second support platform in the circumferential direction is provided on the second support platform, and the top of the first support platform forms the bottom wall of the first groove, and the power supply is arranged in the first groove.

[0023] Preferably, a second groove is provided at the bottom of the first support platform, and the electromagnetic device is arranged in the second groove.

[0024] In another aspect of the present application, a hoisting device is further provided, and the hoisting device is connected to the sling according to the principle of the present application through a rope.

[0025] Preferably, the hoisting device is an unmanned aerial vehicle.

[0026] In still another aspect of the present application, a sling system is further provided, including the sling according to the principle of the present application or the hoisting device according to the principle of the present application. The sling system further includes a load box, and a magnetic adsorption disk adapted to the electromagnetic device is provided on the top of the load box.

[0027] Preferably, the magnetic adsorption disk is provided with a third groove, and the bottom of the third groove is made of magnetic metal.

[0028] Preferably, the inner wall of the third groove is an inclined surface, and the opening of the third groove is larger than the bottom of the third groove.

[0029] Preferably, the magnetic adsorption disk and the load box are connected by threaded parts or cable ties.

[0030] Preferably, a takeoff and landing platform is further included. The takeoff and landing platform includes an identification area and a load area. The identification area is provided with visual identification features, and the load area is used for placing the load box.

[0031] The sling, the hoisting device, and the sling system according to the principle of the present application can accurately position and adsorb the object to be hoisted through magnetic force, have high positioning accuracy and are not affected by the surrounding environment, and reduce the swing of the sling, simplifying the structure of the sling and the hoisting process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Other or additional features, advantages and details are presented by way of example only in the following detailed description of the embodiments. In the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 Schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a spreader according to the principles of the present application,

[0034] Figure 2 Schematically shows a bottom view of a spreader according to the principles of the present application,

[0035] Figure 3 Schematically shows a front view of a spreader according to the principles of the present application,

[0036] Figure 4 Schematically shows a cargo box according to the principles of the present application,

[0037] Figure 5 Schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a magnetic adsorption disk according to the principle of the present application,

[0038] Figure 6 The schematic diagram shows the connection between the magnetic adsorption plate and the top of the cargo box according to the principle of the present application.

[0039] Figure 7 Schematically shows another way of connecting the magnetic adsorption plate and the top of the cargo box according to the principle of the present application.

[0040] Figure 8 A take-off and landing platform according to the principles of the present application is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present application, applications, or uses. Furthermore, no intention is to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, and summary or the following detailed description. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals identify similar or corresponding parts or features.

[0042] The present application will now be further elaborated. In the following paragraphs, different aspects of the present application are defined in more detail. Unless clearly indicated to the contrary, each aspect so defined may be combined with any other (multiple) aspects. In particular, any feature indicated as preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other (multiple) features indicated as preferred or advantageous.

[0043] In response to the problems existing in the prior art, the present application provides a sling, which is provided with an electromagnetic device that can generate magnetic force, so that a carrying device matched with the sling and equipped with an object to be lifted can be adsorbed on the sling to complete the lifting operation.

[0044] Refer to the attachedFigure 1 schematically shows a lifting device 100 according to the principles of the present application, including a bracket 110, a power supply 120, an electromagnetic device 130, and a controller 140 provided on the bracket 110. The power supply 120 is electrically connected to the electromagnetic device 130, so as to be able to supply power to the electromagnetic device 130. The controller 140 can control the switch of the power supply 120, so that the power supply 120 supplies power to the electromagnetic device 130 or cuts off power from the electromagnetic device 130. During use, the lifting device 100 can be suspended on a lifting device (not shown) by a rope (not shown). When the lifting device 100 approaches a loading device that matches it and carries an object to be lifted, the controller 140 controls the power supply 120 to energize the electromagnetic device 130 to generate a magnetic force. The electromagnetic device that generates the magnetic force can adsorb the loading device to the lifting device 100. Subsequently, the rope is retracted to lift the loading device, thus completing the lifting process. This avoids the complex operations when lifting the loading device by a mechanical gripper or a hook, making the lifting operation simpler. In addition, due to the magnetic attraction between the lifting device 100 and the loading device, the lifting device 100 is not likely to deviate or swing during the process of approaching the loading device.

[0045] Refer to the appendix Figure 1 Advantageously, the bracket 110 includes a first support platform 111 and a second support platform 112. The first support platform 111 is provided at the bottom of the second support platform, and a first through hole 113 penetrating the first support platform and the second support platform is provided on the entire bracket 110. The port of the first through hole 113 at the second support platform 112 is the top end, and the port at the first support platform 111 is the bottom end. The controller 140 is provided at the top of the second support platform 112 and covers the top end of the first through hole 113. Advantageously, the lifting device 100 further includes a camera 150. The camera 150 is provided on the controller 140 and is located in the first through hole 113. The camera 150 can collect images of the loading device and its location, and transmit the image information to the controller 140. The controller 140 can analyze the image information to judge the distance between the lifting device 100 and the loading device. When the controller 140 judges that the distance between the lifting device 100 and the loading device is within a preset numerical range, for example, less than 10 meters or less than 5 meters, the controller 140 can turn on the switch of the power supply 120 to supply power to the electromagnetic device 130 to generate a magnetic force, so that the lifting device 100 adsorbs the loading device. In addition, the camera 150 can also be used to locate the position of the loading device. For example, in an application scenario where the lifting device is an aircraft, the camera can search for and collect the position of the loading device, so as to locate the loading device accurately so that the lifting device can accurately position the loading device for lifting operations. The loading device is provided with a magnetic metal part so that it can be adsorbed by the magnetic force of the lifting device 100. The loading device can be a loading box, a loading cage or any other form of device that can load objects.

[0046] Refer to the attached Figure 1 and the attached Figure 2 , the electromagnetic device 130 is disposed at the bottom of the first support platform 111 and does not block the bottom end of the first through hole 113. A second through hole 114 is provided on the electromagnetic device 130, and the geometric center of the second through hole 114 is aligned with the geometric center of the first through hole 113. That is, the electromagnetic device 130 is an annular object disposed at the bottom of the first support platform 111 and does not block the bottom end of the first through hole 113, thereby ensuring that the field of view of the camera 150 located in the first through hole 113 is not blocked. Advantageously, the power supply 120 is disposed on the top of the first support platform 111 and surrounds the second support platform 112, making the spatial layout of the spreader 100 more compact. The power supply 120 can be composed of multiple batteries, such as 18650 lithium batteries or 21700 lithium batteries.

[0047] Refer to the attached Figure 1 and the attached Figure 2 , the spreader 100 further includes a top cover 160. The top cover 160 is connected to the first support platform 111 and covers the top of the first support platform 111, the second support platform 112, the power supply 120, and the controller 130, thereby covering the above components. Advantageously, the edge of the top cover 160 is circumferentially connected to the first support platform 111 by means of snap connection or threaded connection. Refer to the attached Figure 3 , advantageously, a charging device 161 is provided on the outer surface of the top cover 160. The charging device 161 is electrically connected to the power supply 120 to charge the power supply 120. The charging device 161 can be a charging interface, and preferably can be two metal rings surrounding the top cover 160 to be respectively connected to the positive and negative poles of a charging power supply (not shown) for charging. When the lifting device is an aircraft, the charging power supply can be disposed inside the aircraft, and the spreader 100 can be charged when it is recovered into the aircraft. The annular charging device 161 can ensure that the spreader can always be connected to the charging interface of the charging power supply during charging, avoiding the problem that the charging device on the spreader 100 cannot be aligned with the charging interface of the charging power supply due to the rotation of the spreader itself during the retraction and extension process.

[0048] Refer to the attached Figure 1 , a first groove 115 surrounding the second support platform 112 in the circumferential direction can be provided on the second support platform 112, and the top of the first support platform 111 forms the bottom wall of the first groove 115. The power supply 120 is disposed in the first groove 115, so that the power supply 120 can be more stably fixed on the bracket 110. A second groove 116 can be provided at the bottom of the first support platform 111, and the electromagnetic device 130 is disposed in the second groove 116, so that the electromagnetic device 130 can be more stably mounted on the bracket 110.

[0049] Refer to the attached Figure 1 and the attached Figure 3, the top cover 160 is generally in a water droplet shape and has a streamlined surface, which is beneficial to reducing wind resistance and swing, making the spreader 100 more stable when suspended in the air. A lifting ring 162 is provided on the top cover 160 for tying a rope for lifting. The number of lifting rings 162 can be 1 or more than 2, but preferably 1.

[0050] In another aspect of the present application, a lifting device is also provided. The lifting device uses the spreader 100 according to the principle of the present application. The lifting device can be various lifting equipment such as a crane, or it can be a transportation device such as an aircraft, especially an unmanned aircraft. It is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the spreader according to the principle of the present application can be used in any application scenario that requires lifting heavy objects.

[0051] In still another aspect of the present application, a spreader system is also provided. The spreader system includes the spreader 100 according to the principle of the present application or a lifting device according to the principle of the present application. Referring to the attached Figure 4 , the spreader system may further include a load box 200 for loading the object to be lifted. A magnetic adsorption disk 210 adapted to the electromagnetic device 130 of the spreader is provided on the top of the load box 200, so that the load box 200 can be adsorbed by the electromagnetic device 130. Referring to the attached Figure 4 and the attached Figure 5 , the magnetic adsorption disk 210 is provided with a third groove or depression 211. The bottom 212 of the third groove 211 is made of magnetic metal, the side wall 213 of the third groove 211 is an inclined surface, and the opening 214 of the third groove 211 is larger than its bottom 212. This structure of the third groove 211 enables the electromagnetic device 130 to slide down from the inclined side wall 213 to the bottom 212 as the spreader 100 descends and approaches the magnetic adsorption disk 210. Even if the electromagnetic device 130 is not aligned with the bottom 212, as long as the electromagnetic device 130 can fall into the opening 214 of the magnetic adsorption disk 210, the electromagnetic device 130 can adsorb the load box 200, avoiding the problem that the load box 200 cannot be adsorbed because the electromagnetic device 130 is not aligned with the bottom 212.

[0052] Referring to the attached Figure 6 , the magnetic adsorption disk 210 may be provided with mounting holes 215, and the top of the load box 200 may be provided with mounting holes 216 adapted to the mounting holes 215, so that the magnetic adsorption disk 210 can be connected to the load box 200 through threaded parts or pins. Referring to the attached Figure 7, fixing holes 217 can be provided at the top of the load box 200 so as to use straps such as cable ties or wire to bundle the magnetic adsorption disc 210 to the top of the load box 200. This way of detachably connecting the magnetic adsorption disc 210 to the top of the load box 200 facilitates replacing the magnetic adsorption disc 210 with a new one or a magnetic adsorption disc 210 of a different size when necessary. Alternatively, the magnetic adsorption disc 210 can also be integrally formed with the top of the load box 200.

[0053] Refer to the appendix Figure 8 , the hoisting device system may further include a take-off and landing platform 300, and the take-off and landing platform includes an identification area 310 and a load area 320. Visual recognition features are provided in the identification area 310. The visual recognition features can be any pattern such as numbers, letters or any graphic, and the recognized visual features can also be any color, such as orange, red, etc., so that they can be recognized and positioned by the camera 150 of the hoisting device 100. Advantageously, the identification area 310 can be arranged to surround the load area 320. The load area 320 is used to place the load box 200, and the size of the load area 320 is set so that the load box 200 will not extend beyond the load area 320. During the hoisting operation, the hoisting device can identify the visual recognition features of the take-off and landing platform 300 through the camera 150 of the hoisting device 100 and thereby locate the position of the load device 200, so as to adjust the attitude and position of the hoisting device 100, so that the hoisting device 100 and the load box 200 are in a relative position suitable for hoisting, ensuring that the hoisting can proceed smoothly. Advantageously, the take-off and landing platform 300 further includes a fixing area 330. The fixing area 330 can be arranged to surround the identification area 310, and fixing holes 331 can be provided in the fixing area 330 so as to fix the take-off and landing platform to the horizontal plane by nails or ropes.

[0054] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been described in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that there are a large number of variations. It should also be understood that one exemplary embodiment or multiple exemplary embodiments described herein are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or construction of the present application in any way. On the contrary, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient guide for implementing one exemplary embodiment or multiple exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes, variations or alterations and the like can be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements without departing from the scope of the present application as set forth by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A lifting tool, characterized in that, It includes a bracket, on which a power supply, an electromagnetic device and a controller are provided. The power supply is electrically connected to the electromagnetic device, and the controller can control the switch of the power supply to enable the electromagnetic device to generate magnetic force, so that the lifting device can adsorb a matching load-carrying device.

2. The spreader according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket includes a first support platform and a second support platform. The first support platform is arranged at the bottom of the second support platform. The bracket is provided with a first through hole penetrating through the first support platform and the second support platform. The controller is arranged on the top of the second support platform and covers the top end of the first through hole. And the lifting device further includes a camera, and the camera is arranged on the controller and is located in the first through hole.

3. The spreader according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electromagnetic device is arranged at the bottom of the first support platform and does not block the bottom end of the first through hole. A second through hole is provided on the electromagnetic device, and the geometric center of the second through hole is aligned with the geometric center of the first through hole.

4. The spreader according to claim 3, wherein, The power supply is arranged on the top of the first support platform and surrounds the second support platform.

5. The spreader according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lifting device further includes a top cover, and the top cover is connected to the first support platform and covers the top of the first support platform, the second support platform, the power supply and the controller.

6. The spreader according to claim 5, characterized in that, A charging device is arranged on the outer surface of the top cover, and the charging device is electrically connected to the power supply to charge the power supply.

7. The spreader according to claim 6, characterized in that, The charging device is two metal rings surrounding the top cover.

8. The spreader according to claim 7, characterized in that, The top cover is generally in the shape of a water droplet.

9. A hoisting device, characterized in that, The load-carrying device is connected to the lifting device according to any one of claims 1-8 through a rope.

10. A lifting tool system, comprising the lifting tool according to any one of claims 1-8 or the load-carrying device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The lifting device system further includes a load box, and a magnetic adsorption disc adapted to the electromagnetic device is arranged on the top of the load box.

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