A loading device of a logistics unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a loading device of a logistics unmanned aerial vehicle and relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle logistics, which comprises a main body of the unmanned aerial vehicle, the bottom of the main body of the unmanned aerial vehicle is provided with landing gears, the landing gears are provided with symmetrical vertical extension parts, the surface of the landing gears is provided with a base plate which is symmetrically and vertically slidably arranged, a clamping component is arranged on the inner side of the base plate, a stretchable air bag is connected between the clamping component and the base plate, the stretchable air bag is connected with an air pump, the air pump supplies air to the stretchable air bag, the stretchable air bag is inflated to push the clamping component to clamp goods, the surface of the landing gears is provided with a first stretchable air rod, the first stretchable air rod is connected with the base plate, the stretchable air bag is inflated to push the clamping component to extrude and position goods, the stretchable air bag continuously extrudes the push plate to move the clamping plate to open the air valve assembly, air enters the first stretchable air rod and the second stretchable air rod, the first stretchable air rod drives the base plate to move upwards to lift the goods, and the second stretchable air rod pushes the clamping plate to overturn and hook the bottom of the goods, so that the goods are automatically clamped and loaded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of drone logistics, and more particularly to a loading device for a logistics drone. Background Technology

[0002] Logistics drones offer superior delivery efficiency. They typically load cargo onto the lower part of the drone's fuselage using methods such as suspension or clamping. Suspension involves using ropes to lift cargo, but this method causes significant cargo swaying, hindering precise positioning and delivery. Clamping, on the other hand, clamps cargo between the landing gear, achieving stable loading and providing higher delivery accuracy, making it suitable for automated loading and unloading systems.

[0003] While the loading method using logistics drones can locate goods, it requires a bottom-supporting action to stabilize and support the goods. The bottom-supporting action can also distribute the force of the clamping action and prevent the packaging box from deforming due to excessive clamping force. However, when loading goods, since the goods are placed on the bottom, the goods need to be lifted manually so that the bottom-supporting components can move underneath to support the goods. Therefore, it cannot achieve automated clamping and bottom-supporting loading of goods. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a loading device for logistics drones, which solves the problem that when a drone loads goods, the goods are placed on the bottom surface and require manual lifting to move the bottom support component to support the goods, thus failing to achieve automated clamping and bottom loading of goods.

[0005] To address the problems of the prior art, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0006] A loading device for a logistics drone includes a drone body with a landing gear at the bottom of the drone body. The landing gear has symmetrical vertical extensions. A base plate is symmetrically and vertically slidably arranged on the surface of the landing gear. A clamping component is arranged on the inner side of the base plate. A telescopic airbag is connected between the clamping component and the base plate. The telescopic airbag is connected to an air pump. The air pump supplies air to the telescopic airbag, causing the telescopic airbag to expand and push the clamping component to close and clamp the goods.

[0007] The landing gear surface is provided with a first telescopic air rod, which is connected to the base plate. The telescopic airbag is connected to the first telescopic air rod through an air valve assembly. The first telescopic air rod is inflated and retracted to push the base plate upward.

[0008] The bottom of the clamping component is elastically torsionally set with a right-angle claw by a torsion spring. Above the right-angle claw is a second telescopic air rod. The second telescopic air rod is connected to a telescopic air bladder through an air valve assembly. When the second telescopic air rod is inflated, it extends to push the right-angle claw to reverse and hook the bottom of the goods.

[0009] Preferably, the clamping component includes a clamping plate, which slides linearly with the substrate via multiple sets of guide rods. A push plate is provided between the clamping plate and the substrate, and the push plate is slidably connected to the guide rods. A compression spring is connected between the push plate and the clamping plate. The telescopic airbag is connected to the push plate, and a contraction spring is connected between the substrate and the push plate inside the telescopic airbag.

[0010] Preferably, a pressure sensor is installed inside the telescopic airbag, and the pressure sensor is connected to the air pump via a controller.

[0011] Preferably, the valve assembly includes a valve cylinder and a valve stem. The valve cylinder is fixed to the surface of the push plate. The valve cylinder has a reduced diameter cavity inside and an expanded diameter cavity at its port. The valve stem is connected to a clamping plate and slides through the reduced diameter cavity. The valve stem has a valve plug at its end, which slides and adapts to the expanded diameter cavity. The diameter of the valve stem is smaller than the diameter of the reduced diameter cavity. The expanded diameter cavity of the valve cylinder passes through a telescopic air bladder. The reduced diameter cavity is connected to a first telescopic air rod and a second telescopic air rod via air pipes.

[0012] Preferably, the surface of the valve cylinder is provided with a solenoid valve, which is connected to the reduced diameter cavity.

[0013] Preferably, the valve stem is threadedly connected to the clamping plate.

[0014] Preferably, the right-angle claw is located at the bottom of the clamping plate, and a push block is fixed to the telescopic end of the second telescopic air rod. The push block is flat against the surface of the clamping plate, and the push block can push the right-angle claw to flip it to a state flush with the clamping plate.

[0015] Preferably, the first telescopic air rod includes a cylinder and a telescopic rod. A sliding plug is adapted to slide inside the cylinder. The telescopic rod is inserted into the cylinder from the front end and connected to the sliding plug. A return spring is connected between the sliding plug and the cylinder. Air ports are respectively provided at the front and rear parts of the cylinder. The second telescopic air rod has the same structure as the first telescopic air rod, but the air intake direction of the second telescopic air rod is opposite to that of the first telescopic air rod.

[0016] Preferably, a position sensor is mounted on the surface of the landing gear, and the position sensor is used to monitor the height of the base plate.

[0017] Preferably, a pressure sensor is installed on the surface of the goods being hooked by the right-angle claw.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0019] This invention utilizes the expansion of a telescopic airbag to push the clamping component to squeeze and position the goods. The telescopic airbag continuously squeezes the push plate close to the clamping plate, opening the air valve assembly and allowing gas to enter the first and second telescopic air rods. The first telescopic air rod drives the base plate to move upward and lift the goods, while the second telescopic air rod pushes the clamping plate to flip and hook the bottom of the goods, thus achieving automated clamping and bottom loading of the goods. Attached Figure Description

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

[0021] Figure 2 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the connection structure between the clamping component and the substrate of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a second schematic diagram of the connection structure between the clamping component and the substrate of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the air valve assembly and the telescopic airbag of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the closed state of the air valve assembly of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the valve assembly of the present invention in the open state;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the first telescopic pneumatic rod structure of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8 This is one of the schematic diagrams showing the loading status of goods according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 9 This is the second schematic diagram of the cargo loading status of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 10 This is the third schematic diagram of the cargo loading status of the present invention.

[0030] Reference numerals: 1. Main body of the UAV; 11. Landing gear; 12. Position sensor;

[0031] 2. First telescopic rod; 21. Cylinder; 22. Telescopic rod; 23. Sliding plug;

[0032] 3. Air pump;

[0033] 4. Second telescopic air spring; 41. Push block;

[0034] 5. Substrate; 51. Air inlet connector;

[0035] 6. Telescopic airbag; 61. Air pressure sensor;

[0036] 7. Push plate;

[0037] 8. Clamping plate; 81. Guide rod; 82. Right-angle claw; 83. Pressure sensor;

[0038] 9. Valve assembly; 91. Valve cylinder; 92. Valve stem; 93. Valve plug; 94. Solenoid valve; 95. Reduction chamber; 96. Expansion chamber. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0040] Loading devices for logistics drones, such as Figure 1 As shown, the device includes a drone body 1, with a landing gear 11 fixedly mounted on the bottom of the drone body 1. The landing gear 11 has two symmetrical vertical extensions, and two base plates 5 are symmetrically distributed on the surfaces of the two vertical extensions of the landing gear 11. The base plates 5 have slots on both sides, which are vertically slidably connected to the vertical extensions of the landing gear 11. Two sets of first telescopic gas rods 2 are symmetrically mounted on the tops of the two vertical extensions of the landing gear 11, and the telescopic ends of the first telescopic gas rods 2 are fixedly connected downward to the top of the base plates 5.

[0041] like Figure 2-4 As shown, a clamping component is provided on the inner side of the substrate 5. The clamping component includes a clamping plate 8. Four sets of guide rods 81 are fixed at the four apex positions of the surface of the clamping plate 8. The guide rods 81 are linearly slidably inserted into the substrate 5. A push plate 7 is provided between the clamping plate 8 and the substrate 5. The push plate 7 is slidably connected to the guide rods 81. A compression spring is provided between the push plate 7 and the clamping plate 8 on the outer side of the guide rods 81. The telescopic airbag 6 is made of corrugated rubber tubing. The two ends of the telescopic airbag 6 are respectively sealed and connected to the substrate 5 and the push plate 7, so that a sealed chamber is formed inside the telescopic airbag 6. A contraction spring is provided inside the telescopic airbag 6. The contraction spring connects the substrate 5 and the push plate 7. The contraction spring applies an elastic force to the push plate 7 to move towards the substrate 5.

[0042] The right-angle claw 82 is elastically mounted on the bottom of the clamping plate 8 via a torsion spring. Under normal conditions, the right-angle claw 82 is in an expanded and flipped state under the action of elastic force. The second telescopic air rod 4 is mounted on the surface of the clamping plate 8. The telescopic end of the second telescopic air rod 4 is fixed downward with a push block 41, which presses against the right-angle claw 82.

[0043] Air pump 3 is installed on the bottom surface of drone body 1. The surface of base plate 5 is equipped with an air inlet connector 51 that communicates with telescopic airbag 6. The exhaust end of air pump 3 is connected to air inlet connector 51 through a hose. The surface of push plate 7 is equipped with air valve assembly 9 that communicates with telescopic airbag 6. Air valve assembly 9 is connected to first telescopic air rod 2 and second telescopic air rod 4.

[0044] like Figure 4-6As shown, the valve assembly 9 includes a valve cylinder 91 and a valve stem 92. The valve cylinder 91 is fixed to the surface of the push plate 7. The port of the valve cylinder 91 extends inward through the telescopic air bag 6. The valve cylinder 91 has a reduced diameter cavity 95 inside and an expanded diameter cavity 96 at its port. The valve stem 92 is connected to the clamping plate 8 and slides through the reduced diameter cavity 95. The end of the valve stem 92 has a valve plug 93, which slides and adapts to the expanded diameter cavity 96. The diameter of the valve stem 92 is smaller than the diameter of the reduced diameter cavity 95. The reduced diameter cavity 95 is connected to the first telescopic air rod 2 and the second telescopic air rod 4 respectively through a hose.

[0045] The working principle of cargo loading is as follows:

[0046] like Figure 8-10 As shown, the landing gear 11 contacts the ground to support the main body of the drone 1. The cargo is located between the two clamping plates 8. The air pump 3 is turned on to supply air to the telescopic airbag 6, causing the telescopic airbag 6 to expand. Under the guidance of the guide rod 81, the telescopic airbag 6 pushes the push plate 7 and the clamping plate 8 to move, so that the two clamping plates 8 move closer to the cargo.

[0047] When the clamping plate 8 contacts the goods, it stops moving. The air pump 3 continuously supplies air into the telescopic airbag 6, causing the telescopic airbag 6 to push the push plate 7 to move continuously. This causes the push plate 7 to compress the spring and gradually reduce the distance between it and the clamping plate 8. The clamping plate 8 is subjected to the pressure of the spring and applies a clamping force to the surface of the goods.

[0048] Since the valve stem 92 is fixed to the clamping plate 8 and the valve cylinder 91 is fixed to the push plate 7, as the push plate 7 moves closer to the clamping plate 8, the valve cylinder 91 moves relative to the valve stem 92 until the valve plug 93 slides out of the expansion chamber 96. Then the gas in the telescopic airbag 6 enters the contraction chamber 95 through the expansion chamber 96 and is guided through the pipeline to the first telescopic air rod 2 and the second telescopic air rod 4.

[0049] The first telescopic air rod 2 retracts and inhales, causing the base plate 5 to slide upwards, so that the clamping plate 8 clamps and lifts the goods. The second telescopic air rod 4 extends and inhales, pushing the push block 41 downwards, so that the push block 41 presses down and the right-angle claw 82 flips and hooks the bottom of the goods, thus completing the automatic clamping and bottom loading of the goods.

[0050] A solenoid valve 94 is mounted on the surface of the valve cylinder 91. The solenoid valve 94 is connected to the reduced-diameter cavity 95 and is connected to the controller of the UAV body 1. The unloading working principle is as follows:

[0051] As the main body of the drone 1 approaches the unloading point, the controller opens the solenoid valve 94, allowing the gas in the first telescopic air rod 2 and the second telescopic air rod 4 to be discharged through the constriction chamber 95 and the solenoid valve 94. This causes the first telescopic air rod 2 to extend and push the base plate 5 to descend and reset, while the second telescopic air rod 4 retracts, causing the right-angle claw 82 to elastically flip and reset. Simultaneously, the gas in the telescopic airbag 6 is discharged through the expansion chamber 96 and the constriction chamber 95 via the solenoid valve 94, gradually reducing the pressure inside the telescopic airbag 6. The spring pushes the push plate 7 to gradually increase the distance between it and the clamping plate 8 until the valve plug 93 re-seals the expansion chamber 96, stopping the exhaust of the telescopic airbag 6. At this point, the cargo is secured solely by the clamping force of the clamping plate 8. When the main body of the drone 1 lands on the ground, the air pump 3 is activated to evacuate the telescopic airbag 6. This, combined with the spring force, causes the telescopic airbag 6 to contract, driving the push plate 7 and the clamping plate 8 to expand, releasing the cargo and completing the unloading process.

[0052] like Figure 7 As shown, the first telescopic rod 2 includes a cylinder 21 and a telescopic rod 22. A sliding plug 23 is adapted to slide inside the cylinder 21. The telescopic rod 22 is inserted into the cylinder 21 from the front end and connected to the sliding plug 23. A return spring is connected between the sliding plug 23 and the cylinder 21. Air ports are provided at the front and rear parts of the cylinder 21 respectively. Air enters through the lower air port of the cylinder 21, pushing the sliding plug 23 to compress the spring and move it upward, causing the telescopic rod 22 to retract. When the gas is released, the spring force causes the sliding plug 23 to return to its original position and pushes the telescopic rod 22 to extend.

[0053] The second telescopic air rod 4 has the same structure as the first telescopic air rod 2. The air intake direction of the second telescopic air rod 4 is opposite to that of the first telescopic air rod 2. The second telescopic air rod 4 extends when it is inhaled and elastically contracts when it is deflated.

[0054] The telescopic airbag 6 is equipped with an air pressure sensor 61. The air pressure sensor 61 is connected to the air pump 3 through the controller. The landing gear 11 is equipped with a position sensor 12. The position sensor 12 is used to monitor the height of the base plate 5. The right-angle claw 82 is equipped with a pressure sensor 83 on the surface of the cargo it is hooking. Both the position sensor 12 and the pressure sensor 83 are connected to the drone's controller.

[0055] When loading cargo, the air pressure inside the telescopic airbag 6 is monitored by the air pressure sensor 61. When the air pressure reaches the set value, the air pump 3 stops working. At this time, the height of the base plate 5 is monitored by the position sensor 12 to determine whether the base plate 5 has moved up. The right-angle claw 82 is monitored by the pressure sensor 83 to see if it has hooked the bottom of the cargo. If the pressure sensor 83 and the position sensor 12 provide normal feedback, it means that the cargo loading is complete. If the feedback is abnormal, it means that there is a fault in the loading operation. The fault information can be transmitted to the operator through the drone controller.

[0056] The right-angle claw 82 is located at the bottom of the clamping plate 8. The push block 41 is flat against the surface of the clamping plate 8. The second telescopic air rod 4 extends to push the bottom of the push block 41 to flip the right-angle claw 82. When the right-angle claw 82 flips to be flush with the clamping plate 8, the push block 41 continues to descend so that its side is flat against the right-angle claw 82 to lock the angle of the right-angle claw 82.

[0057] The valve stem 92 is threadedly connected to the clamping plate 8. Rotating the valve stem 92 adjusts the position of the valve plug 93 relative to the expansion chamber 96. Adjusting the pressure of the telescopic airbag 6 on the push plate 7 when the valve plug 93 opens the expansion chamber 96 is used to adjust the pressure applied to the cargo when the clamping plate 8 clamps the cargo and lifts it up.

[0058] 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 loading device for a logistics drone, comprising: The drone body (1) has a landing gear (11) at the bottom. The landing gear (11) has symmetrical vertical extensions. The landing gear (11) is characterized in that a base plate (5) is symmetrically and vertically slidably arranged on the surface of the landing gear (11). A clamping component is arranged on the inner side of the base plate (5). A telescopic airbag (6) is connected between the clamping component and the base plate (5). An air pump (3) is connected to the telescopic airbag (6). The air pump (3) supplies air to the telescopic airbag (6) so that the telescopic airbag (6) expands and pushes the clamping component to close and clamp the cargo. The landing gear (11) is provided with a first telescopic air rod (2), which is connected to the base plate (5). The telescopic airbag (6) is connected to the first telescopic air rod (2) through the air valve assembly (9). The first telescopic air rod (2) is inhaled and retracted to push the base plate (5) upward. The bottom of the clamping component is provided with a right-angle claw (82) by a torsion spring. Above the right-angle claw is a second telescopic air rod (4). The second telescopic air rod (4) is connected to the telescopic air bag (6) through the air valve assembly (9). The second telescopic air rod (4) is extended by air intake to push the right-angle claw (82) to reverse and hook the bottom of the goods. The clamping component includes a clamping plate (8), which slides linearly with the base plate (5) via multiple sets of guide rods (81). A push plate (7) is provided between the clamping plate (8) and the base plate (5), and the push plate (7) is slidably connected to the guide rods (81). A compression spring is connected between the push plate (7) and the clamping plate (8). The telescopic airbag (6) is connected to the push plate (7), and a contraction spring is connected between the base plate (5) and the push plate (7) inside the telescopic airbag (6). The valve assembly (9) includes a valve cylinder (91) and a valve stem (92). The valve cylinder (91) is fixed to the surface of the push plate (7). The valve cylinder (91) has a reduced diameter cavity (95) inside and an expanded diameter cavity (96) at the port of the valve cylinder (91). The valve stem (92) is connected to the clamping plate (8). The valve stem (92) slides through the reduced diameter cavity (95). The end of the valve stem (92) has a valve plug (93). The valve plug (93) slides and adapts to the expanded diameter cavity (96). The diameter of the valve stem (92) is smaller than the diameter of the reduced diameter cavity (95). The expanded diameter cavity (96) of the valve cylinder (91) passes through the telescopic air bag (6). The reduced diameter cavity (95) is connected to the first telescopic air rod (2) and the second telescopic air rod (4) through the air pipe. The right-angle claw (82) is set at the bottom of the clamping plate (8), and the extension end of the second telescopic air rod (4) is fixed with a push block (41). The push block (41) is flat against the surface of the clamping plate (8), and the push block (41) can push the right-angle claw (82) to flip it to be flush with the clamping plate (8). Turn on the air pump (3) to supply air into the telescopic airbag (6), causing the telescopic airbag (6) to expand. Under the guidance of the guide rod (81), the telescopic airbag (6) pushes the push plate (7) and the clamping plate (8) to move, so that the two clamping plates (8) move closer to the goods. When the clamp (8) stops moving after contacting the goods, the air pump (3) continuously supplies air into the telescopic airbag (6), causing the telescopic airbag (6) to push the push plate (7) to move continuously, thereby causing the push plate (7) to compress the spring and gradually reduce the distance between it and the clamp (8). The clamp (8) is subjected to the pressure of the spring and forms a clamping force on the surface of the goods. Since the valve stem (92) and the clamping plate (8) remain fixed, and the valve cylinder (91) and the push plate (7) remain fixed, as the push plate (7) moves closer to the clamping plate (8), the valve cylinder (91) moves relative to the valve stem (92) until the valve plug (93) slides out of the expansion chamber (96). Then, the gas in the telescopic air bag (6) enters the reduction chamber (95) through the expansion chamber (96) and is guided through the pipeline to the first telescopic air rod (2) and the second telescopic air rod (4). The first telescopic air rod (2) inhales and contracts, causing the base plate (5) to slide upward, so that the clamping plate (8) clamps and lifts the goods. The second telescopic air rod (4) inhales and extends, pushing the push block (41) downward, so that the push block (41) presses down the right-angle claw (82) to flip and hook the bottom of the goods, thus completing the automatic clamping and bottom loading of the goods.

2. The loading device for a logistics drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, The telescopic airbag (6) is equipped with a pressure sensor (61), which is connected to the air pump (3) via a controller.

3. The loading device for a logistics drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the valve cylinder (91) is provided with a solenoid valve (94), which is connected to the reduced diameter cavity (95).

4. The loading device for a logistics drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve stem (92) is threadedly connected to the clamp (8).

5. The loading device for a logistics drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first telescopic air rod (2) includes a cylinder (21) and a telescopic rod (22). A sliding plug (23) is adapted to slide inside the cylinder (21). The telescopic rod (22) is inserted into the cylinder (21) from the front end and connected to the sliding plug (23). A return spring is connected between the sliding plug (23) and the cylinder (21). Air ports are respectively provided at the front and rear parts of the cylinder (21). The second telescopic air rod (4) has the same structure as the first telescopic air rod (2). The air intake direction of the second telescopic air rod (4) is opposite to that of the first telescopic air rod (2).

6. The loading device for a logistics drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, A position sensor (12) is mounted on the surface of the landing gear (11), and the position sensor (12) monitors the height of the base plate (5) in alignment.

7. The loading device for a logistics drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, The right-angle claw (82) hooks the surface of the cargo and is equipped with a pressure sensor (83).

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