Wireless telescopic charging device for unmanned aerial vehicle of power transmission line

Abstract

The invention discloses a wireless telescopic charging device for a power transmission line unmanned aerial vehicle, relates to wireless charging equipment for the unmanned aerial vehicle, and aims to solve the problem that the unmanned aerial vehicle cannot overcome interference of a high-voltage electric field and is safely charged in a high-voltage power transmission line environment. An insulating suspension mechanism is used for suspending a to-be-charged unmanned aerial vehicle below an electricity taking structure, the electricity taking structure is used for converting a current magnetic field in a power transmission line into a high-frequency magnetic field, and a receiving high-frequency coil and the electricity taking structure generate magnetic field coupling. The terminal of the receiving high-frequency coil is used for being electrically connected with a storage battery binding post of a to-be-charged unmanned aerial vehicle, so that the to-be-charged unmanned aerial vehicle can be wirelessly charged through magnetic field coupling between the receiving high-frequency coil and the power taking structure. The beneficial effects are that the damage risk of a high-voltage electric field and electromagnetic interference to the unmanned aerial vehicle is thoroughly eliminated, and the safety of wireless charging is significantly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a wireless charging device for drones. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of the low-altitude economy, a large number of drones have been deployed in vast spaces. However, due to current power system limitations, ordinary drones are battery-powered, and their battery capacity is limited, requiring frequent charging. Without an intermediate charging link, long-distance flight is difficult. For power transmission lines, especially long-distance transmission lines in mountainous areas, drones cannot achieve long-distance line inspection without power supply. Using a current transformer (CT) to draw power can convert the energy of the current in the transmission line into low-voltage electrical energy, which can then be supplied to the drone for charging via wireless charging or a plug connection. However, because the voltage of long-distance transmission lines is high, when a drone approaches a high-voltage transmission line, the high-voltage electric field and the resulting electromagnetic interference can have a significant impact on the drone. In particular, when a drone lands and comes into contact with or becomes equipotential with a high-voltage transmission line, its own electric field distribution and sensitive components will be subject to significant distortion or interference, potentially causing damage to the drone. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problem of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) being unable to safely charge in high-voltage power transmission line environments due to interference from high-voltage electric fields. This invention proposes a wireless telescopic charging device for UAVs operating on power transmission lines.

[0004] The present invention provides a wireless telescopic charging device for a power transmission line drone, comprising a power-collecting structure, an insulating suspension mechanism, and a high-frequency receiving coil.

[0005] The insulated suspension mechanism is used to suspend the drone to be charged below the power-collecting structure. The power-collecting structure is used to convert the magnetic field of the current in the power transmission line into a high-frequency magnetic field. The receiving high-frequency coil generates magnetic field coupling with the power-collecting structure. The terminals of the receiving high-frequency coil are used to electrically connect with the battery terminals of the drone to be charged, so that the magnetic field coupling between the receiving high-frequency coil and the power-collecting structure can enable wireless charging of the drone to be charged.

[0006] Furthermore, the insulated suspension mechanism includes a guide rod and a conductive fixing structure;

[0007] One end of the guide rod is fixed to the bottom of the power extraction structure;

[0008] The conductive fixing structure includes a telescopic mechanism and a fixing ring; wherein, one end of the telescopic mechanism is used to connect to the bottom of the drone to be charged, and the fixing ring is fixed to the other end of the telescopic mechanism, so that the drone to be charged can be suspended on the guide rod through the fixing ring.

[0009] Furthermore, the telescopic mechanism is composed of several links connected by three rotating shafts;

[0010] The three rotating axes include a connecting rod intermediate shaft located on one side of the connecting rod and connecting rod edge shafts located on both sides of the connecting rod. The connecting rod intermediate shaft is offset to one side of the connecting rod to form an asymmetrical structure, so that the telescopic mechanism forms a curved shape when it extends.

[0011] Furthermore, the conductive fixing structure also includes a coil fixing rope;

[0012] One end of the coil fixing rope is fixed to the bottom of the drone to be charged; the other end of the coil fixing rope is fixed to the outer wall of the receiving high-frequency coil.

[0013] Furthermore, the guide rod has a smooth surface, and its fixed end gradually tapers towards the suspended end, forming a sharp structure.

[0014] Furthermore, the guide rod is made of epoxy resin material, has an arc-shaped structure, and its suspended end faces upward.

[0015] Furthermore, the power extraction structure includes a CT power extraction transformer, a composite insulator, and a high-frequency transmitting coil;

[0016] The CT power supply transformer is installed on the power transmission line;

[0017] One end of the composite insulator is fixed to the CT current transformer, and the other end of the composite insulator is a suspended end;

[0018] The transmitting high-frequency coil is nested on the outer wall of the composite insulator, and the wiring terminals of the transmitting high-frequency coil are electrically connected to the wiring terminals of the CT current transformer; wireless charging is achieved through magnetic field coupling between the receiving high-frequency coil and the transmitting high-frequency coil.

[0019] One end of the guide rod is fixed to the suspended end of the composite insulator.

[0020] Furthermore, the power extraction structure also includes an equalizing ring;

[0021] The equalizing ring is nested on the CT current transformer, and the plane on which the equalizing ring is located is parallel to the plane on which the high-frequency transmitting coil is located.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0023] This invention eliminates the electrical connection between the receiving high-frequency coil and the power extraction structure, allowing energy to be transferred to the battery of the drone being charged via a coupled magnetic field. Therefore, the receiving high-frequency coil and the power extraction structure, especially the drone platform, do not maintain equipotential, resulting in a gradually decreasing electric field along the power transmission line. Consequently, the potential of the drone platform and its vicinity is significantly reduced relative to the power transmission line. This lower electric field strength helps reduce interference with the drone and lowers the probability of damage. By physically isolating the drone from the high-voltage power transmission line using an insulating guide rod (made of epoxy resin), combined with wireless charging (magnetic coupling rather than electrical connection), the drone can be charged without contacting the high-voltage line, completely eliminating the risk of damage from high-voltage electric fields and electromagnetic interference, and significantly improving the safety of wireless charging. The equalizing ring... By balancing the electric field distribution, the risk of partial discharge is further reduced, protecting sensitive components of the drone. The device can be directly deployed in mountainous areas and long-distance power transmission lines. The drone can autonomously complete a closed-loop mission of "flight-charging-re-flight," solving the problem that existing drones cannot conduct long-distance line inspections due to battery capacity limitations. The drone is hung upside down on a guide rod via a fixed ring. After charging, it uses the bending characteristics of the telescopic mechanism and its own power to rotate and detach, without the need for external auxiliary equipment. Therefore, this invention, through the technical route of "high-voltage induction power extraction - magnetic field coupling - insulation isolation - autonomous detachment," overcomes the charging bottleneck of drones in high-voltage power transmission line scenarios due to interference from high-voltage electric fields. It takes into account the requirements of safety, efficiency, and unattended operation, and is especially suitable for long-distance line inspections and emergency inspections in remote areas, significantly improving the intelligence and sustainability of drone power operation and maintenance. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a wireless telescopic charging device for a power transmission line UAV, in which the power taking structure is vertically suspended below the power transmission line in Specific Implementation Method 1.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a wireless telescopic charging device for a power transmission line UAV, in which the power taking structure is fixed horizontally in Specific Implementation Method 1.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the conductive fixing structure in Specific Implementation Method 1;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the fixing structure of the power extraction structure and the guide rod in the second specific implementation method;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the telescopic mechanism in the fourth specific implementation method.

[0029] In the diagram, 1 is the power transmission line; 2 is the current transformer (CT); 3 is the equalizing ring; 4 is the composite insulator; 5 is the transmitting high-frequency coil; 6 is the guide rod; 7 is the drone to be charged; 8 is the telescopic mechanism; 8-1 is the connecting rod; 8-2 is the intermediate shaft of the connecting rod; 8-3 is the edge shaft of the connecting rod; 9 is the fixing ring; 10 is the coil fixing rope; and 11 is the receiving high-frequency coil. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Specific Implementation Method 1: Combination Figures 1 to 3 This embodiment describes a wireless telescopic charging device for a power transmission line drone, which includes a power-collecting structure, an insulated suspension mechanism, and a high-frequency receiving coil 11.

[0031] The insulated suspension mechanism is used to suspend the drone 7 to be charged below the power-collecting structure. The power-collecting structure is used to convert the current magnetic field in the transmission line 1 into a high-frequency magnetic field. The receiving high-frequency coil 11 generates magnetic field coupling with the power-collecting structure. The terminal of the receiving high-frequency coil 11 is used to electrically connect with the battery terminal of the drone 7 to be charged, so that the magnetic field coupling between the receiving high-frequency coil 11 and the power-collecting structure can enable wireless charging of the drone 7 to be charged.

[0032] In this embodiment, since there is no electrical connection between the receiving high-frequency coil 11 and the power extraction structure, energy is transferred to the battery of the drone 7 to be charged through the coupled magnetic field. Therefore, the receiving high-frequency coil 11 and the power extraction structure, especially the platform of the drone 7 to be charged, will not maintain the same potential, and thus the electric field gradually decreases along the transmission line 1. Therefore, the potential of the drone 7 platform and its vicinity is greatly reduced relative to the transmission line 1. The lower electric field strength helps to reduce interference with the drone 7 to be charged and reduce the probability of damage.

[0033] Specific Implementation Method Two: This implementation method further defines the wireless telescopic charging device for a power transmission line UAV described in Specific Implementation Method One. In this implementation method, the insulating suspension mechanism includes a guide rod 6 and a conductive fixing structure.

[0034] One end of the guide rod 6 is fixed to the bottom of the power extraction structure;

[0035] The conductive fixing structure includes a telescopic mechanism 8 and a fixing ring 9; wherein, one end of the telescopic mechanism 8 is used to connect to the bottom of the drone 7 to be charged, and the fixing ring 9 is fixed to the other end of the telescopic mechanism 8, so that the drone 7 to be charged can be suspended on the guide rod 6 through the fixing ring 9.

[0036] In this embodiment, the telescopic mechanism 8 is a scissor-fork type telescopic mechanism; the inner diameter of the fixing ring 9 is larger than the maximum diameter of the guide rod 6; when the drone 7 in the air needs charging, the position can be controlled to fit the fixing ring 9 onto the suspended end of the guide rod 6. After it is confirmed to be fitted, the drone 7 to be charged can turn off its power; due to gravity, it hangs upside down on the guide rod 6 through the fixing ring 9. At this time, there are two ways to fix it on the power transmission line 1. The first way is to arrange it inverted: that is, the power taking structure is below the power transmission line 1 and vertically downward; at this time, the receiving high-frequency coil 11 of the drone 7 to be charged is basically parallel to the coil of the power transmission line 1. Through the magnetic field coupling between the receiving high-frequency coil 11 and the power taking structure, wireless charging of the drone is realized. Because the drone 7 to be charged is far from the power transmission line 1, its potential is low, and its electric field strength and the magnetic field generated by the current in the power transmission line are also small, reducing interference from the high-voltage power transmission line. After charging is completed, the telescopic mechanism 8 bends to a certain extent, so the drone 7 to be charged is in an inclined state. When its thrust fan rotates, it generates a rotational torque, which helps the drone 7 to be charged to rotate under the restriction of the fixing ring 9, and then return from the inverted state to the upright state. Since the far end of the guide rod 6 is suspended and points to the sky, the drone 7 to be charged can continue to move upward and detach from the guide rod 6. Another connection method is a horizontal arrangement, that is, the power taking structure is on both sides of the power transmission line 1, parallel to the ground. When the drone 7 to be charged is hung upside down on the suspended end of the guide rod 6 through the fixing ring 9, the coil plane of the power taking structure is perpendicular to the ground. The plane of the receiving high-frequency coil 11 on the drone 7 to be charged is parallel to the ground, but because the coils of the receiving high-frequency coil 11 and the power taking structure still maintain a certain mutual inductance interaction, they can still transmit electrical energy to the drone 7 to be charged. Therefore, the wireless telescopic charging device for power transmission line drones described in this embodiment supports vertical suspension ( Figure 1 ) or horizontally fixed ( Figure 2 ( ), to adapt to different route layouts.

[0037] In this embodiment, the drone 7 to be charged does not need to directly touch the power line 1; it can be charged through magnetic field coupling, fundamentally avoiding direct interference from the high-voltage electric field on the drone 7 itself and improving safety. The inverted posture creates a large spatial distance between the drone 7 and the power line 1, significantly reducing the potential and greatly decreasing electric field distortion and electromagnetic interference, thus lowering the probability of damage to the drone 7. After charging is completed, the rotational torque generated by the bending of the telescopic mechanism 8 can help the drone automatically detach from the guide rod, realizing unattended operation throughout the entire "charging-detachment" process. The power collection structure can be arranged in two ways: "inverted" or "horizontal," adapting to different terrains and power lines with different orientations, providing high installation flexibility.

[0038] Specific Implementation Method 3: This implementation method further defines the wireless telescopic charging device for a power transmission line UAV described in Specific Implementation Method 2. In this implementation method, the telescopic mechanism 8 is composed of several connecting rods 8-1 connected by three rotating shafts.

[0039] The three rotating shafts include a connecting rod intermediate shaft 8-2 located on one side of the connecting rod 8-1 and connecting rod edge shafts 8-3 located on both sides of the connecting rod 8-1. The connecting rod intermediate shaft 12 is biased towards one side of the connecting rod 8-1 to form an asymmetrical structure so that the telescopic mechanism 8 forms a curved shape when it extends.

[0040] In this embodiment, the curved and extended shape maintains the optimal coupling angle between the transmitting high-frequency coil 5 and the receiving high-frequency coil 11, improving transmission efficiency; the asymmetrical connecting rods 8-1 are stacked in layers when retracted, resulting in a smaller volume and minimal impact on the aerodynamic characteristics of the drone waiting to be charged; the curved shape itself forms "elasticity," making it easier to generate a release torque when the drone 7 starts its rotor, further improving release reliability.

[0041] Specific Implementation Method 4: This implementation method further defines the wireless telescopic charging device for a power transmission line UAV described in Specific Implementation Method 2. In this implementation method, the conductive fixing structure further includes a coil fixing rope 10.

[0042] One end of the coil fixing rope 10 is fixed to the bottom of the drone 7 to be charged; the other end of the coil fixing rope 10 is fixed to the outer wall of the receiving high-frequency coil 11.

[0043] In this embodiment, the coil fixing rope 10 forms a secondary suspension to prevent relative displacement between the receiving high-frequency coil 11 and the telescopic mechanism 8 when the drone 7 to be charged swings or vibrates in the wind, making the coupling distance more stable; even if the telescopic mechanism 8 fails unexpectedly, the coil fixing rope 10 can still hold the receiving high-frequency coil 11 to prevent the receiving high-frequency coil 11 from falling and causing short circuits or equipment damage, thereby improving system redundancy and safety.

[0044] Specific Implementation Method 5: This implementation method further defines the wireless telescopic charging device for a power transmission line UAV described in Specific Implementation Method 2. In this implementation method, the surface of the guide rod 6 is smooth, and its fixed end gradually tapers towards the suspended end, forming a sharp structure.

[0045] In this embodiment, the smooth surface of the guide rod 6 reduces the frictional resistance when the fixing ring is inserted, making it easier for the drone 7 to be charged to be aligned and inserted, and improving the positioning accuracy. The sharp structure acts as a "guide horn," which can quickly correct the position even in the event of lateral wind deviation, thereby improving the success rate of attachment. The sharp structure can also reduce the corona initiation voltage and further suppress corona discharge.

[0046] Specific Implementation Method Six: This implementation method further defines the wireless telescopic charging device for a power transmission line UAV described in Specific Implementation Method Two or Five. In this implementation method, the guide rod 6 is made of epoxy resin material, the guide rod 6 has an arc-shaped structure, and the suspended end of the guide rod 6 is set upward.

[0047] In this embodiment, epoxy resin is lightweight, high-strength, and has excellent insulation properties. It does not age or crack during long-term outdoor operation, resulting in low maintenance costs. The upward tilt of the suspended end allows the drone 7 to slide out naturally by overcoming only the component of gravity when it detaches from the guide rod 6, making the detachment action smoother and reducing the lift required by the drone 7, thus saving energy. The upward tilt angle can also suppress rainwater and snow from flowing along the rod to the power collection structure within a certain range, improving reliability under severe weather conditions.

[0048] Specific Implementation Method Seven: This implementation method further defines the wireless telescopic charging device for a power transmission line UAV described in Specific Implementation Method One. In this implementation method, the power extraction structure includes a CT power extraction transformer 2, a composite insulator 4, and a high-frequency transmitting coil 5.

[0049] The CT power supply transformer 2 is installed on the power transmission line 1;

[0050] One end of the composite insulator 4 is fixed to the CT current transformer 2, and the other end of the composite insulator 4 is a suspended end;

[0051] The transmitting high-frequency coil 5 is nested on the outer wall of the composite insulator 4, and the wiring terminal of the transmitting high-frequency coil 5 is electrically connected to the wiring terminal of the CT current transformer 2; wireless charging is achieved through the magnetic field coupling between the receiving high-frequency coil 11 and the transmitting high-frequency coil 5.

[0052] One end of the guide rod 6 is fixed to the suspended end of the composite insulator 4.

[0053] In this embodiment, the CT power transformer 2 is equipped with a high-frequency inverter circuit and a CT power extraction circuit. The CT power extraction circuit collects the magnetic field generated by the current in the transmission line 1 and generates a high-frequency magnetic field in the high-frequency transmitting coil 5 through the high-frequency inverter circuit. Due to mutual inductive coupling, high-frequency current is generated in multiple high-frequency transmitting coils 5. Several high-frequency transmitting coils 5 are installed on the composite insulator 4 at the same time.

[0054] In this embodiment, the CT power transformer 2 draws power directly from the transmission line 1 without the need for an external power source, achieving long-term maintenance-free "self-powered" operation; the composite insulator 4 serves as both mechanical support and coil frame, combining two functions in one, with a compact structure and light weight; the high-frequency inverter circuit inside the CT power transformer 2 efficiently converts the power frequency magnetic field into a high-frequency magnetic field, improving energy transmission efficiency and coupling distance; multiple high-frequency transmitting coils 5 are arranged along the axial direction of the composite insulator, which can be flexibly added or removed according to power requirements, providing good scalability.

[0055] Specific Implementation Method 8: This implementation method further defines the wireless telescopic charging device for a power transmission line UAV described in Specific Implementation Method 7. In this implementation method, the power extraction structure further includes an equalizing ring 3.

[0056] The equalizing ring 3 is nested on the CT current transformer 2, and the plane of the equalizing ring 3 is parallel to the plane of the transmitting high-frequency coil 5.

[0057] In this embodiment, the equalizing ring improves the surface potential distribution of the current transformer (CT), suppresses corona discharge, and extends insulation life; it reduces local electric field strength, reduces radio interference and audible noise, and improves electromagnetic compatibility; it can still maintain reliable insulation performance under harsh climates such as humidity and pollution, and has strong environmental adaptability.

[0058] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A wireless retractable charging device for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operating power transmission lines, characterized in that, It includes a power extraction structure, an insulating suspension mechanism, and a high-frequency receiving coil (11). The insulating suspension mechanism is used to suspend the drone (7) to be charged below the power collection structure. The power collection structure is used to convert the current magnetic field in the power transmission line (1) into a high-frequency magnetic field. The receiving high-frequency coil (11) generates magnetic field coupling with the power collection structure. The terminal of the receiving high-frequency coil (11) is used to electrically connect with the battery terminal of the drone (7) to be charged, so that the magnetic field coupling between the receiving high-frequency coil (11) and the power collection structure can wirelessly charge the drone (7) to be charged.

2. The wireless retractable charging device for power transmission line drones according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulating suspension mechanism includes a guide rod (6) and a conductive fixing structure; One end of the guide rod (6) is fixed to the bottom of the power extraction structure; The conductive fixing structure includes a telescopic mechanism (8) and a fixing ring (9); wherein, one end of the telescopic mechanism (8) is used to connect to the bottom of the drone (7) to be charged, and the fixing ring (9) is fixed to the other end of the telescopic mechanism (8), so that the drone (7) to be charged can be suspended on the guide rod (6) through the fixing ring (9).

3. The wireless retractable charging device for power transmission line drones according to claim 2, characterized in that, The telescopic mechanism (8) is composed of several connecting rods (8-1) connected by three rotating shafts; The three rotating shafts include a connecting rod intermediate shaft (8-2) located on one side of the connecting rod (8-1) and a connecting rod edge shaft (8-3) located on both sides of the connecting rod (8-1). The connecting rod intermediate shaft (12) is biased towards one side of the connecting rod (8-1) to form an asymmetrical structure so that the telescopic mechanism (8) forms a curved shape when it extends.

4. The wireless retractable charging device for power transmission line drones according to claim 2, characterized in that, The conductive fixing structure also includes a coil fixing rope (10); One end of the coil fixing rope (10) is fixed to the bottom of the drone (7) to be charged; the other end of the coil fixing rope (10) is fixed to the outer wall of the receiving high-frequency coil (11).

5. A wireless retractable charging device for power transmission line drones according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guide rod (6) has a smooth surface and its fixed end gradually tapers towards the suspended end, forming a sharp structure.

6. A wireless retractable charging device for a power transmission line UAV according to claim 2 or 5, characterized in that, The guide rod (6) is made of epoxy resin material. The guide rod (6) has an arc-shaped structure and the suspended end of the guide rod (6) is set upward.

7. A wireless retractable charging device for power transmission line drones according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply structure includes a CT power supply transformer (2), a composite insulator (4), and a high-frequency transmitting coil (5). The CT power transformer (2) is mounted on the transmission line (1); One end of the composite insulator (4) is fixed to the CT current transformer (2), and the other end of the composite insulator (4) is a suspended end; The transmitting high-frequency coil (5) is nested on the outer wall of the composite insulator (4), and the wiring terminal of the transmitting high-frequency coil (5) is electrically connected to the wiring terminal of the CT current transformer (2); wireless charging is achieved through magnetic field coupling between the receiving high-frequency coil (11) and the transmitting high-frequency coil (5); One end of the guide rod (6) is fixed to the suspended end of the composite insulator (4).

8. A wireless retractable charging device for a power transmission line UAV according to claim 7, characterized in that, The power extraction structure also includes an equalizing ring (3). The equalizing ring (3) is nested on the CT current transformer (2), and the plane of the equalizing ring (3) is parallel to the plane of the transmitting high-frequency coil (5).

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