Docking mechanism and transportation device for unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a docking mechanism for unmanned aerial vehicle and a transportation device, and belongs to the technical field of unmanned aerial vehicles. The docking mechanism for unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a male docking head, the male docking head comprises a first connecting seat and a clamping strip, further comprises a female docking head and a conductive part, the female docking head comprises a second connecting seat, a left clamping slipper and a right clamping slipper, a coil spring is arranged on the first connecting seat, and the coil spring is used for applying elastic forces in opposite directions to the left clamping slipper and the right clamping slipper; the conductive part comprises two first contact pins and two first contact blocks; when the clamping strip is squeezed between the left clamping slipper and the right clamping slipper, the left clamping slipper and the right clamping slipper clamp the clamping strip, the first contact blocks on the left clamping slipper are pressed on one first contact pin and are electrically connected with each other, and the first contact blocks on the right clamping slipper are pressed on another first contact pin and are electrically connected with each other. The docking mechanism for unmanned aerial vehicle can realize energy storage of the unmanned aerial vehicle or power supply to other devices while the unmanned aerial vehicle is docked with a power supply device or a power consumption device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, and specifically to a docking mechanism and transportation device for UAVs. Background Technology

[0002] Driven by the digital wave, the food delivery industry has developed rapidly. Urban traffic congestion makes it difficult for riders to deliver during peak hours, resulting in frequent delays, while rising labor costs further squeeze platform profits. Utilizing drone delivery can effectively solve these problems. However, during drone transportation, the heat inside the delivery box dissipates rapidly. Therefore, it is necessary to heat and insulate the delivery box. For safety and economic reasons, the delivery box is generally not equipped with a separate power supply. In this case, the drone needs to provide power to the delivery box during drone transportation.

[0003] Because the delivery box will vibrate to some extent due to airflow when the drone is in flight, in order to prevent the vibration of the delivery box from affecting the flight safety of the drone, the drone and the delivery box are mostly mounted by a soft connection. The delivery box is fixed to the bottom of the drone by hooks, locks and other components, and then the drone and the delivery box are electrically connected by plugs and other components to supply power to the delivery box.

[0004] However, in strong airflow environments, when the delivery box shakes, the existing docking mechanism is prone to loosening and poor contact between the plug and socket. Once the electrical connection is unstable, the insulation, preservation equipment or other electrical devices inside the delivery box will not work properly, making it difficult to guarantee the quality of the food. It may even cause electrical sparks due to poor contact, leading to short circuits and other safety hazards, affecting the normal operation of the entire drone transportation system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the problems in the prior art and provide a docking mechanism for drones. When a drone is transporting a takeout container, even if the takeout container shakes significantly due to airflow, this docking mechanism can still achieve a stable electrical connection between the drone and the takeout container.

[0006] This invention provides a docking mechanism for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including a male connector. The male connector includes a first connecting seat and a retaining strip, the retaining strip being disposed on the first connecting seat. It also includes:

[0007] The female connector includes a second connecting seat, a left slip and a right slip. The second connecting seat is mounted on the UAV. The left slip and the right slip are rotatably connected to the second connecting seat and are arranged opposite to each other. The second connecting seat is provided with a coil spring, which is used to apply opposing elastic forces to the left slip and the right slip.

[0008] The conductive part includes two first contact pins and two first contact blocks. Both the two first contact pins and the two first contact blocks are conductive. The two first contact pins are elastic and are electrically connected to the load. The two first contact pins are disposed on the first connecting seat. The two first contact blocks are disposed on the left and right sidewalls of the slip and are electrically connected to the power supply component of the UAV. When the clip is inserted between the left and right slips, the left and right slips clamp the clip under the action of the elastic force of the coil spring. The two first contact pins elastically contact and are electrically connected to the two first contact blocks respectively.

[0009] Preferably, both the end of the left slip away from the second connecting seat and the end of the right slip away from the second connecting seat have arc-shaped surfaces. Under the action of the elastic force of the two coil springs, the arc-shaped surfaces on the left slip and the right slip abut against each other. When the side wall of the locking strip abuts against the arc-shaped surfaces on the left slip and the right slip, it pushes the locking strip toward the side of the second connecting seat. The locking strip drives the left slip and the right slip to separate until the locking strip is inserted between the left slip and the right slip. The elastic force of the coil spring drives the inner walls of the left slip and the right slip to clamp onto the two side walls of the locking strip respectively.

[0010] Preferably, the second connecting seat is provided with a connecting shaft, and the middle parts of the left and right slips are rotatably connected to the connecting shaft. The second connecting seat is provided with a locking mechanism, which abuts against the end of the left slip away from its own arc surface and the end of the right slip away from its own arc surface. When the inner walls of the left and right slips are respectively locked onto the two side walls of the locking strip, the locking mechanism locks the posture of the left and right slips to restrict the rotation of the left and right slips.

[0011] Preferably, the locking mechanism includes a left locking part and a right locking part, the left locking part and the right locking part have the same structure, both of which include a piston cylinder. The piston cylinder is connected to a hydraulic control circuit, and the cylinder body of the piston cylinder is connected to the second connecting seat. When the inner wall of the left slip is locked on one side wall of the locking strip and the inner wall of the right slip is locked on the other side wall of the locking strip, the piston of the piston cylinder of the left locking part abuts against the end of the right slip away from its own arc surface, and the piston of the piston cylinder of the right locking part abuts against the end of the left slip away from its own arc surface.

[0012] Preferably, the left slip is provided with a first ear plate on the side wall away from the right slip, and the right slip is provided with a second ear plate on the side wall away from the left slip, with the two first contact blocks respectively disposed on the first ear plate and the second ear plate.

[0013] Preferably, the first contact block is provided with a groove, and the tip of the first contact pin is locked in the groove.

[0014] The present invention also provides a drone transportation device, including a docking mechanism for the drone, a takeaway box body and an electric heating layer. The first connecting seat of the male connector is disposed on the takeaway box body, and the two first contact blocks are electrically connected to the positive and negative terminals of the drone battery, respectively. The electric heating layer is disposed inside the takeaway box body, and the two first contact pins are electrically connected to the positive and negative terminals of the electric heating layer, respectively.

[0015] Preferably, it also includes two second conductive spring contacts and two second conductive contacts. The two second conductive spring contacts are electrically connected to the positive and negative terminals of the UAV battery, respectively. The two second conductive contacts are respectively disposed on the side wall of the left latch and the side wall of the right latch. Each second conductive contact is electrically connected to a first contact. When the inner walls of the left latch and the right latch are respectively clamped on the two side walls of the latch strip, one second conductive spring contact contacts and is electrically connected to one second conductive contact, and the other second conductive spring contact contacts and is electrically connected to the other second conductive contact.

[0016] Preferably, the first connector is provided with a guide mechanism, which is electrically connected to the UAV. The guide mechanism is used to guide the movement of the UAV to adjust the relative position of the male connector's locking strip and the female connector's left or right locking slip, so that the locking strip is inserted between the left and right locking slips.

[0017] Preferably, the first connector is detachably connected to the takeout container, and the second connector is detachably connected to the drone.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The docking mechanism for drones of the present invention uses an internal coil spring to apply elastic force to the left and right slips, driving the left slot on the left slip and the right slot on the right slip to respectively engage with the two side walls of the locking strip, so as to realize the rapid docking of the male and female connectors. One first contact pin contacts and electrically connects with the first contact block on the side wall of the left slip, and the other first contact pin contacts and electrically connects with the first contact block on the side wall of the right slip, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the drone and the delivery box. When the delivery box shakes under the influence of airflow, the left and right latches rotate slightly relative to the second connecting seat. Under the elastic force of the coil spring, the left and right latches remain firmly attached to the two side walls of the locking strip. Furthermore, due to the elasticity of the first contact pin, under the action of the elastic force of the coil spring and the elastic force of the first contact pin itself, stable contact and electrical connection between the first contact pin and the first contact block can be achieved. Thus, even when the delivery box shakes under the influence of airflow, a stable electrical connection between the delivery box and the power supply components inside the drone can be achieved.

[0019] After the male connector and female connector are mated, the first contact pin contacts and connects with the first contact block. Then, the locking mechanism is controlled to lock the left and right slips, ensuring that the first contact blocks on the left and right slips are in close contact with the first contact pin on the first connector and that they are stably connected, thus ensuring the stability of current transmission. Attached Figure Description

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

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

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

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the docking mechanism on the transportation device of the present invention after connection;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the AA surface of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the BB surface of the present invention.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0027] 1. Drone, 101. First connecting seat, 102. Locking bar, 103. Second connecting seat, 104. Left locking slip, 105. Right locking slip, 106. Left locking slot, 107. Right locking slot, 108. Coil spring, 109. First contact pin, 110. First contact block, 2. Arc-shaped surface, 3. Connecting shaft, 401. Cylinder, 402. Piston, 501. First ear plate, 502. Second ear plate, 6. Groove, 701. Takeout box body, 702. Electric heating layer, 703. Battery, 801. Second conductive spring contact pin, 802. Second conductive contact block, 9. Guiding mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1-6 The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, but it should be understood that the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] like Figure 1As shown, the present invention provides a docking mechanism for a drone, including a male connector, which includes a first connecting seat 101 and a locking strip 102, the locking strip 102 being disposed on the first connecting seat 101. It also includes a female connector and a conductive part. The female connector includes a second connecting seat 103, a left locking slip 104, and a right locking slip 105. The second connecting seat 103 is disposed on the drone 1. The left locking slip 104 and the right locking slip 105 are rotatably connected to the second connecting seat 103 and are arranged opposite to each other. A coil spring 108 is provided on the second connecting seat 103, the coil spring 108 being used to apply opposing elastic forces to the left locking slip 104 and the right locking slip 105. The conductive part includes two first contact pins 109. The system includes two first contact blocks 110, two first contact pins 109 and two first contact blocks 110, both of which are conductive. The two first contact pins 109 are elastic and electrically connected to the load. The two first contact pins 109 are located on the first connecting seat 101. The two first contact blocks 110 are respectively located on the side wall of the left slip 104 and the side wall of the right slip 105. The two first contact blocks 110 are electrically connected to the power supply component 703 of the UAV 1. When the locking strip 102 is inserted between the left slip 104 and the right slip 105, under the action of the elastic force of the coil spring 108, the left slip 104 and the right slip 105 clamp the locking strip 102. The two first contact pins 109 respectively make elastic contact with the two first contact blocks 110 and are electrically connected.

[0030] The working principle of the above embodiments is briefly described below:

[0031] The left slip 104 of this docking mechanism has a left slot 106 on the side near the right slip 105, and the right slip 105 has a right slot 107 on the side near the left slip 104. When this docking mechanism is in use, the first contact block 110 on the left slip 104 and the first contact block 110 on the right slip 105 are respectively connected to the positive and negative terminals of the power supply component 703 of the UAV 1. Under normal conditions, the left slip 104 and the right slip 105 abut against each other under the action of the elastic force of the coil spring 108. When the male and female connectors are mated, the first connecting seat 101 of the male connector moves closer to the second connecting seat 103 of the female connector, thereby driving the locking bar 102 to move closer to the left and right locking plates 104 and 105. When the locking bar 102 is inserted between the left and right locking plates 104 and 105, the left and right locking plates 104 and 105 separate under the compression of the locking bar 102. The coil spring 108 is compressed and coiled up. The elastic force applied by the coil spring 108 to the left and right locking plates 104 and 105 drives the left locking groove 106 on the left locking plate 104 and the right locking groove 107 on the right locking plate 105 to respectively engage with the locking bar 102. The two side walls are used to clamp the locking strip 102 between the left locking plate 104 and the right locking plate 105. The left locking groove 106 and the right locking groove 107 restrict the movement of the locking strip 102, thereby restricting the movement of the first connecting seat 101 relative to the second connecting seat 103, so as to realize the quick docking of the male and female connectors. At the same time, a first contact pin 109 provided on the first connecting seat 101 contacts and electrically connects with the first contact block 110 on the side wall of the left locking plate 104, and another first contact pin 109 provided on the first connecting seat 101 contacts and electrically connects with the first contact block 110 on the side wall of the right locking plate 105, thereby realizing the electrical connection of the conductive parts, and thus completing the circuit connection between the drone 1 and the docking equipment (such as the takeaway box 701). When the takeaway box 701 shakes under the action of airflow, the left slip 104 and the right slip 105 rotate slightly relative to the second connecting seat 103 to prevent the shaking of the takeaway box 701 from affecting the flight of the drone 1. Under the action of the elastic force of the coil spring 108, the left slip 104 and the right slip 105 can always stick to the two side walls of the clip 102. And because the first contact pin 109 has a certain elasticity, under the action of the elastic force of the coil spring 108 and the elastic force of the first contact pin 109 itself, the first contact pin 109 can make stable contact and electrical connection with the first contact block 110. Thus, when the takeaway box 701 shakes under the action of airflow, the takeaway box 701 can also achieve a stable electrical connection with the power supply components inside the drone 1.

[0032] The docking mechanism for drones of the present invention can achieve rapid docking of drone 1 and takeaway box 701, and even if takeaway box 701 shakes significantly under the action of airflow, it can still achieve a stable electrical connection between drone 1 and takeaway box 701, thereby achieving continuous and stable power supply from drone 1 to takeaway box 701.

[0033] Based on the above embodiments, in order to ensure a stable electrical connection between the first contact pin 109 and the first contact block 110, thereby ensuring a stable current transmission.

[0034] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the left slip 104 and the right slip 105, both located away from the second connecting seat 103, have arc-shaped surfaces 2. Under the elastic force of the two coil springs 108, the arc-shaped surfaces 2 on the left slip 104 and the right slip 105 abut against each other. When the side wall of the locking strip 102 abuts against the arc-shaped surfaces 2 on the left slip 104 and the right slip 105, the locking strip 102 is squeezed toward the second connecting seat 103. The locking strip 102 drives the left slip 104 and the right slip 105 to separate until the locking strip 102 is inserted between the left slip 104 and the right slip 105. The elastic force of the coil springs 108 drives the inner walls of the left slip 104 and the right slip 105 to be locked onto the two side walls of the locking strip 102 respectively.

[0035] When the male and female connectors are mated, driven by the elastic force of the coil spring 108, the arc-shaped surface 2 on the left slip 104 abuts against the arc-shaped surface 2 on the right slip 105. Simply drive the male and female connectors closer together until the locking bar 102 of the male connector first abuts against the arc-shaped surfaces 2 on both the left and right slips 104 and 105. The locking bar 102 then moves towards the side closest to the second connecting seat 103. By pushing against the arc-shaped surfaces 2 on the left and right slips 104 and 105, the locking bar 102 secures the left and right slips 104 and 105 together. The clip 102 is pushed open until it is inserted between the left slip 104 and the right slip 105. Then, under the elastic force of the coil spring 108, the left slot 106 on the left slip 104 is pressed against the outer wall on the left side of the clip 102, and the right slot 107 on the right slip 105 is pressed against the outer wall on the right side of the clip 102. This automatically achieves rapid docking of the male and female connectors, so as to stably clamp the clip 102 between the left slip 104 and the right slip 105, ensuring a stable electrical connection between the first contact pin 109 and the first contact block 110, thereby ensuring a stable current transmission.

[0036] As a preferred option, such as Figures 3-5As shown, the second connecting seat 103 is provided with a connecting shaft 3. The middle part of the left slip 104 and the middle part of the right slip 105 are rotatably connected to the connecting shaft 3. The second connecting seat 103 is provided with a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism abuts against the end of the left slip 104 away from its own arc surface 2 and the end of the right slip 105 away from its own arc surface 2. When the inner wall of the left slip 104 and the inner wall of the right slip 105 are respectively locked on the two side walls of the locking strip 102, the locking mechanism locks the posture of the left slip 104 and the right slip 105 to restrict the rotation of the left slip 104 and the right slip 105. When the locking bar 102 moves in the opposite direction by pushing the arc surface 2 on the left locking plate 104 and the arc surface 2 on the right locking plate 105 until the locking bar 102 is inserted between the left locking plate 104 and the right locking plate 105, the locking bar 102 is clamped by the left locking plate 104 and the right locking plate 105 under the action of the elastic force of the coil spring 108. At the same time, the first contact pin 109 contacts and is electrically connected to the first contact block 110. Then, the locking mechanism is controlled to lock the posture of the left locking plate 104 and the right locking plate 105, ensuring that the first contact block 110 on the left locking plate 104 and the right locking plate 105 are in close contact with the first contact pin 109 on the first connecting seat 101 and are stably electrically connected, thus ensuring the stability of current transmission.

[0037] As a preferred option, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the locking mechanism includes a left locking part and a right locking part. The left locking part and the right locking part have the same structure. Both include a piston cylinder. The piston cylinder is connected to a hydraulic control circuit. The cylinder body 401 of the piston cylinder is connected to the second connecting seat 103. When the inner wall of the left slip 104 is locked on one side wall of the locking strip 102 and the inner wall of the right slip 105 is locked on the other side wall of the locking strip 102, the piston 402 of the piston cylinder of the left locking part abuts against the end of the right slip 105 away from its own arc surface 2, and the piston 402 of the piston cylinder of the right locking part abuts against the end of the left slip 104 away from its own arc surface 2. When the inner walls of the left slip 104 and the right slip 105 are respectively clamped onto the two side walls of the locking strip 102, the locking strip 102 is clamped by the left slip 104 and the right slip 105, controlling the hydraulic control circuit to operate. The hydraulic control circuit fills the cylinder body 401 inside the piston cylinder with hydraulic oil, thereby driving the piston 402 of the hydraulic cylinder to move towards the end of the left slip 104 away from its own arc surface 2 or the end of the right slip 105 away from its own arc surface 2, until the piston 402 is adjacent to the end of the left slip 104 away from its own arc surface 2 or the end of the right slip 105 away from its own arc surface 2. When the piston 402 abuts, it applies a compressive force to the left slip 104 or the right slip 105. Since both the left slip 104 and the right slip 105 are hinged to the second connecting seat 103, under the compression of the piston 402, according to the lever principle, the left slip 104 can be pressed against the left outer wall of the locking strip 102, and the right slip 105 can be pressed against the right outer wall of the locking strip 102. This restricts the rotation of the left slip 104 or the right slip 105, further preventing the left slip 104 and the right slip 105 from shaking, and ensuring a stable electrical connection between the first contact pin 109 and the first contact block 110.

[0038] As a preferred option, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the left slip 104 has a first ear plate 501 on its sidewall away from the right slip 105, and the right slip 105 has a second ear plate 502 on its sidewall away from the left slip 104. Two first contact blocks 110 are respectively disposed on the first ear plate 501 and the second ear plate 502. By setting the first ear plate 501 and the second ear plate 502, the distance between the first contact block 110 on the left slip 104 and the rotation center of the left slip 104, and the distance between the first contact block 110 on the right slip 105 and the rotation center of the right slip 105, can be increased. This allows the piston 402 of the locking mechanism to press the first contact block 110 against the first contact pin 109 with only a small movement, thereby further ensuring the stability of the current transmission of the entire docking mechanism.

[0039] As a preferred option, such as Figure 4As shown, the first contact block 110 has a groove 6, and the tip of the first contact pin 109 is locked in the groove 6. By providing the groove 6 in the first contact block 110, when the first contact pin 109 contacts the first contact block 110, the first contact pin 109 is locked in the groove 6. Under the limiting effect of the groove 6, relative sliding between the first contact pin 109 and the first contact block 110 can be prevented, thereby further ensuring stable contact and electrical connection between the first contact pin 109 and the first contact block 110.

[0040] The present invention also provides an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) transport device, such as... Figures 2-6 As shown, the device includes a docking mechanism for drones, a takeout container 701, and an electric heating layer 702. The first connecting seat 101 of the male connector is located on the takeout container 701. The two first contact blocks 110 are electrically connected to the positive and negative terminals of the drone battery 703, respectively. The electric heating layer 702 is located inside the takeout container 701, and the two first contact pins 109 are electrically connected to the positive and negative terminals of the electric heating layer 702, respectively.

[0041] When the drone 1 transports takeout food, the airflow from the drone 1 accelerates the heat dissipation of the takeout food, which is detrimental to its heat preservation. The drone docking mechanism of this invention allows the male connector on the takeout container 701 to dock with the female connector on the drone 1. In this docking, the two first contact pins 109 on the male connector contact and are electrically connected to the two first contact blocks 110 on the female connector. The battery 703 on the drone 1 is electrically connected to the electric heating layer 702 on the takeout container 701 through its entire conductive portion, thereby supplying power to the electric heating layer 702 inside the takeout container 701. The electric heating layer 702 heats the takeout container 701, thus heating and preserving the takeout food while it is being transported using the drone 1 and the takeout container 701. This prevents the takeout food from cooling down too quickly and ensures its temperature and texture.

[0042] As a preferred option, such as Figures 3-5As shown, it also includes two second conductive spring contact pins 801 and two second conductive contact blocks 802. The two second conductive spring contact pins 801 are electrically connected to the positive and negative terminals of the UAV 1 battery 703, respectively. The two second conductive contact blocks 802 are respectively disposed on the side wall of the left latch 104 and the side wall of the right latch 105. Each second conductive contact block 802 is electrically connected to a first contact block 110. When the inner wall of the left latch 106 is clamped on one side wall of the latch 102 and the inner wall of the right latch 107 is clamped on the other side wall of the latch 102, one second conductive spring contact pin 801 contacts and is electrically connected to one second conductive contact block 802, and the other second conductive spring contact pin 801 contacts and is electrically connected to the other second conductive contact block 802. When the male connector and female connector are mated, the left and right slips 104 and 105 rotate under the pushing of the locking strip 102. This causes the first contact 110 on the left slip 104 to contact and be electrically connected to a first contact pin 109 on the first connecting seat 101, while the second conductive contact 802 on the left slip 104 contacts and is electrically connected to a second conductive spring contact pin 801. Similarly, the first contact 110 on the right slip 105 contacts and is electrically connected to another first contact pin 109 on the first connecting seat 101, while the second conductive contact 802 on the right slip 105 contacts and is electrically connected to another second conductive spring contact pin 801. This achieves a stable electrical connection from the drone battery 703 to the electric heating layer 702 on the takeaway box 701. By setting the second conductive spring contact pin 801 and the second conductive contact block 802, even with frequent rotation of the left slip 104 or the right slip 105, a stable electrical connection between the left slip 104 or the right slip 105 and the UAV 1 battery 703 can be guaranteed, ensuring the reliability of the current transmission of the entire device.

[0043] As a preferred option, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first connecting seat 101 is provided with a guide mechanism 9, which is electrically connected to the drone 1. The guide mechanism 9 is used to guide the movement of the drone 1, so as to guide the drone 1 to adjust the relative position of the male connector's locking strip 102 and the female connector's left locking slip 104 or right locking slip 105, so that the locking strip 102 can be inserted between the left locking slip 104 and the right locking slip 105. By setting the guide mechanism 9, when the drone 1 docks with the takeaway box 701, the movement of the drone 1 is guided, thereby guiding the drone 1 to adjust the position of the locking strip 102 relative to the left locking slip 104 or the right locking slip 105, so that the locking strip 102 can be accurately inserted between the left locking slip 104 and the right locking slip 105.

[0044] As a preferred option, such as Figure 1As shown, the first connecting seat 101 is detachably connected to the takeout container 701, and the second connecting seat 103 is detachably connected to the drone 1. By making the first connecting seat 101 and the takeout container 701 detachably connected, it is convenient to assemble and disassemble the male connector and the takeout container 701, thereby facilitating the maintenance of the entire transportation device.

[0045] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A docking mechanism for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), comprising a male connector, the male connector including a first connecting seat and a retaining strip, the retaining strip being disposed on the first connecting seat, characterized in that, Also includes: The female connector includes a second connecting seat, a left slip and a right slip. The second connecting seat is mounted on the UAV. The left slip and the right slip are rotatably connected to the second connecting seat and are arranged opposite to each other. The second connecting seat is provided with a coil spring, which is used to apply opposing elastic forces to the left slip and the right slip. The conductive part includes two first contact pins and two first contact blocks. Both the two first contact pins and the two first contact blocks are conductive. The two first contact pins are elastic and are electrically connected to the load. The two first contact pins are disposed on the first connecting seat. The two first contact blocks are disposed on the left and right sidewalls of the slip and are electrically connected to the power supply component of the UAV. When the clip is inserted between the left and right slips, the left and right slips clamp the clip under the action of the elastic force of the coil spring. The two first contact pins elastically contact and are electrically connected to the two first contact blocks respectively. The first contact block is provided with a groove, and the tip of the first contact pin is clamped in the groove. Both the left and right slips have arc-shaped surfaces at the ends away from the second connecting seat. Under the elastic force of the two coil springs, the arc-shaped surfaces on the left and right slips abut against each other. When the side wall of the locking bar abuts against the arc-shaped surfaces on the left and right slips, it pushes the locking bar toward the second connecting seat. The locking bar drives the left and right slips to separate until the locking bar is inserted between the left and right slips. The elastic force of the coil spring drives the inner walls of the left and right slips to clamp onto the two side walls of the locking bar respectively. The second connecting seat is provided with a connecting shaft, and the middle parts of the left and right slips are rotatably connected to the connecting shaft. The second connecting seat is provided with a locking mechanism, which abuts against the end of the left slip away from its own arc surface and the end of the right slip away from its own arc surface. When the inner walls of the left and right slips are respectively locked onto the two side walls of the locking strip, the locking mechanism locks the posture of the left and right slips to restrict the rotation of the left and right slips. The locking mechanism includes a left locking part and a right locking part. The left locking part and the right locking part have the same structure. Both include a piston cylinder. The piston cylinder is connected to a hydraulic control circuit. The cylinder body of the piston cylinder is connected to the second connecting seat. When the inner wall of the left slip is locked on one side wall of the locking strip and the inner wall of the right slip is locked on the other side wall of the locking strip, the piston of the piston cylinder of the left locking part abuts against the end of the right slip away from its own arc surface, and the piston of the piston cylinder of the right locking part abuts against the end of the left slip away from its own arc surface.

2. The docking mechanism for unmanned aerial vehicles as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The left slip is provided with a first ear plate on the side wall away from the right slip, and the right slip is provided with a second ear plate on the side wall away from the left slip. The two first contact blocks are respectively provided on the first ear plate and the second ear plate.

3. A drone transport device, characterized in that, The device includes the docking mechanism for drones as described in claim 1, and further includes a takeout box and an electric heating layer. The first connecting seat of the male connector is disposed on the takeout box, and the two first contact blocks are electrically connected to the positive and negative terminals of the drone battery, respectively. The electric heating layer is disposed inside the takeout box, and the two first contact pins are electrically connected to the positive and negative terminals of the electric heating layer, respectively.

4. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) transport device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes two second conductive spring contacts and two second conductive contacts. The two second conductive spring contacts are electrically connected to the positive and negative terminals of the drone battery, respectively. The two second conductive contacts are respectively located on the side wall of the left latch and the side wall of the right latch. Each second conductive contact is electrically connected to a first contact. When the inner walls of the left latch and the right latch are respectively clamped on the two side walls of the latch strip, one second conductive spring contact contacts and is electrically connected to one second conductive contact, and the other second conductive spring contact contacts and is electrically connected to the other second conductive contact.

5. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) transport device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first connector is provided with a guide mechanism, which is electrically connected to the UAV. The guide mechanism is used to guide the movement of the UAV to adjust the relative position of the male connector's locking strip and the female connector's left or right locking slip, so that the locking strip is inserted between the left and right locking slips.

6. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) transport device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first connector is detachably connected to the takeout box, and the second connector is detachably connected to the drone.

Images