Unmanned aerial vehicle intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation matrix

By using an intelligent drone inspection system that combines RTK positioning and weather sensors in photovoltaic power generation arrays, efficient drone flight and power supply management have been achieved, solving the problems of long battery life and charging/battery swapping time, and improving inspection efficiency.

CN121799703APending Publication Date: 2026-04-07GUIZHOU WUJIANG HYDROPOWER DEV
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-01-18
Publication Date
2026-04-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing drones have limited battery life and take a long time to charge and swap, which affects the efficiency of photovoltaic power station inspections.

Method used

A drone-based intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays was designed, including a flight management system and a battery swapping system. The system utilizes RTK real-time centimeter-level high-precision positioning technology to ensure accurate drone landing, dynamically adjusts the flight path using meteorological sensors, and achieves rapid battery swapping through battery disassembly components and switching units on the landing platform.

Benefits of technology

It enables efficient flight management and power supply management for drones, solves the problems of limited drone battery life and long charging/battery swapping time, and improves inspection efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of unmanned aerial vehicle inspection, in particular to an unmanned aerial vehicle intelligent inspection system for a photovoltaic power generation matrix, and the system comprises a flight management system which comprises a control platform for remotely managing the flight line of an unmanned aerial vehicle body and a landing platform for guiding the unmanned aerial vehicle body to stop on site; and the battery replacing system is connected with the landing platform and comprises a battery disassembling assembly arranged on one side of the landing platform and a switching unit arranged on one side of the landing platform. Through mutual cooperation of the flight management system and the battery replacement system, flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle body can be managed, battery replacement can be carried out in time when the electric quantity of the unmanned aerial vehicle body is insufficient, and the problems that an existing unmanned aerial vehicle body is limited in electric quantity endurance and long in charging and battery replacement time, and the inspection efficiency is affected are solved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of drone inspection technology, and in particular to an intelligent drone inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays. Background Technology

[0002] The number of photovoltaic (PV) power plants is rapidly increasing, and the operation and maintenance (O&M) issues are becoming increasingly prominent. Quickly identifying problems among tens of thousands of PV modules and accurately and promptly reporting the problem locations has become a key focus and challenge in the PV industry's O&M. Addressing the pain points and difficulties in daily inspections of mountainous PV power plants, the industry has begun using drones for PV inspections to improve the identification and management capabilities of PV power plant defects. Utilizing drones' anti-interference flight, long-distance flight technology, high-precision positioning technology, and image analysis technology, based on key technologies for intelligent diagnosis and fault prediction of PV power plants and deterrence against theft and unauthorized intrusion, drones provide real-time warnings. This addresses the challenges of large numbers of PV modules, large management areas, and limited O&M personnel, making it difficult to quickly detect module faults. It enables remote centralized control and precise dispatching of PV O&M work, improving the efficiency of PV power plant O&M.

[0003] Because photovoltaic power plants cover a large area, multiple drones are typically needed for zoned inspections. However, existing drones have limited battery life, restricting inspection time and range. Furthermore, the lengthy charging and battery swapping process can lead to inspection interruptions. Therefore, it is necessary to provide drones with rapid charging and battery swapping capabilities to ensure efficient drone inspections. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this section is to outline some aspects of embodiments of the present invention and to briefly describe some preferred embodiments. Simplifications or omissions may be made in this section, as well as in the abstract and title of this application, to avoid obscuring the purpose of these documents; however, such simplifications or omissions should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0005] In view of the problems of limited battery life and long charging / battery swapping time of the drones in the existing technology, which affect the inspection efficiency, this invention is proposed.

[0006] Therefore, one of the objectives of this invention is to provide an intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

[0007] To solve the aforementioned technical problem, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an intelligent unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays, comprising,

[0008] The flight management system includes a control platform for remotely managing the flight path of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a landing platform for on-site guidance of the UAV to dock; and,

[0009] A battery swapping system, which is connected to the landing platform, includes a battery removal assembly located on one side of the landing platform and a switching unit located on the same side of the landing platform.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the unmanned aerial vehicle intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays described in this invention, the control platform uses meteorological sensors installed in the landing platform to detect meteorological conditions such as wind speed, light conditions, and rainfall, and dynamically adjusts the flight route plan accordingly.

[0011] The landing platform guides the UAV to land using RTK real-time centimeter-level high-precision positioning technology, ensuring precise docking between the UAV and the battery swapping system after landing.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) according to the present invention, the UAV body includes an inspection camera located on the side, a support foot located at the bottom and adapted to the landing platform, a battery pack installed on the back, and an installation component connecting the battery pack and the UAV body.

[0013] The switching unit includes a charging platform located on one side of the landing platform, and at least one set of charging components adapted to the battery pack are provided on the top of the charging platform.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the unmanned aerial vehicle intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays described in this invention, wherein: plugs are provided on both the positive and negative sides of the battery pack, and the plugs are connected to the battery pack by wires;

[0015] The mounting component and the charging component have the same structure, both including a mounting box adapted to the bottom contour of the battery pack, a wiring part connecting the mounting box and the battery pack, and a limiting part located inside the mounting box and connected to the battery pack.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the UAV intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays described in this invention, the wiring section includes a docking box located at the bottom of the mounting box and adapted to the plug, a support block located at the bottom of the mounting box and adapted to the battery pack, an auxiliary connector located at the bottom of the battery pack for assisting in precise docking between the plug and the docking box, and a driving component located at the bottom of the mounting box for pushing the plug into the docking box.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of the intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays by unmanned aerial vehicles according to the present invention, the auxiliary connector includes a connector box located at the bottom of the battery pack and adapted to the docking box, a telescopic rod connected between the battery pack and the connector box, a receiving groove opened on one side of the connector box and adapted to the wire, a sliding groove opened inside the connector box and slidably connected to the plug, a movable pulley slidably connected in the sliding groove, and a first spring connected between the movable pulley and the sliding groove.

[0018] The wire passes around one side of the movable pulley and is rolled between the movable pulley and the plug. The plug is slidably connected to the connection box on the side near the docking box.

[0019] As a preferred embodiment of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays described in this invention, the driving component includes a fixed column fixedly connected to the bottom of the mounting box, a drive wheel rotatably connected to one side of the fixed column, a rack slidably connected to the bottom of the mounting box and adapted to the drive wheel, and a push block disposed on one side of the rack and adapted to the first connecting block.

[0020] One end of the fixed post is slidably connected to a pressing post adapted to the bottom of the battery pack. A second spring is provided between the pressing post and the fixed post. An arc-shaped first rotating groove is provided on the surface of the pressing post. A first guide rod adapted to the first rotating groove is provided on one side of the drive wheel.

[0021] As a preferred embodiment of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays described in this invention, the limiting part includes a limiting groove disposed on one side of the battery pack, a limiting rod rotatably connected to one side of the mounting box and adapted to the limiting groove, a second connecting block disposed on one side of the limiting rod, and a third spring connected between the second connecting block and the bottom of the mounting box.

[0022] A pressing rod is slidably connected to one side of the mounting box. The pressing rod is connected to the bottom of the mounting box by a fourth spring. The bottom side of the limiting rod matches the limiting groove, and the top side of the limiting rod is provided with an arc-shaped groove.

[0023] As a preferred embodiment of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays described in this invention, the switching unit further includes a control component that can adjust the position of the landing platform and a switching component disposed between the landing platform and the charging platform.

[0024] The switching assembly includes a support frame disposed on one side of the landing platform, a retractable support rod disposed between the landing platform and the support frame, a switching column rotatably connected to the end of the support rod and slidably connected to the support frame, a connecting frame disposed at the end of the switching column, a switching groove disposed on the surface of the switching column, and a second guide rod disposed on one side of the support frame and adapted to the switching groove.

[0025] The switching slot includes strip slots arrayed on the surface of the switching column and a second rotating slot connected between adjacent strip slots. The two ends of the second rotating slot are respectively connected to the strip slots near the middle.

[0026] As a preferred embodiment of the UAV intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays described in this invention, the battery disassembly assembly is located at the end of the connecting frame and includes a pick-and-place slot on one side of the battery pack and a clamping part on the top of the battery pack that is adapted to the pick-and-place slot.

[0027] The clamping part includes a mounting plate disposed at the end of the connecting frame and adapted to the top of the battery pack, a clamping block slidably connected to both sides of the mounting plate and adapted to the pick-and-place slot, and an adjusting member disposed on one side of the mounting plate for simultaneously driving the clamping block to move.

[0028] The pressing rod has a sloping groove on one side that is adapted to the clamping block.

[0029] The beneficial effects of the intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays using drones according to the present invention are as follows: The present invention manages the flight of the drone body by cooperating with the flight management system and the battery swapping system, and swaps the battery in time when the drone body is low on power, thus solving the problems of limited battery life and long charging and swapping time of existing drone bodies affecting inspection efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Wherein:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays according to the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the drone body of the intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays according to the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays of the present invention when the UAV body does not carry a battery pack.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the installation components and charging components of the UAV intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays according to the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the bottom connection box of the battery pack in the UAV intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the internal cross-sectional structure of the installation components and charging components of the UAV intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays according to the present invention.

[0037] Figure 7 For the present invention Figure 6 A magnified schematic diagram of the structure at point A shown.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the internal cross-sectional structure of the installation components and charging components of the unmanned aerial vehicle intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays of the present invention when installing the battery pack.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the landing platform of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays according to the present invention.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the actuation component of the UAV intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays according to the present invention.

[0041] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the switching unit of the UAV intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays according to the present invention.

[0042] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the internal cross-sectional structure of the switching unit of the UAV intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays according to the present invention.

[0043] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the clamping part of the UAV intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays according to the present invention.

[0044] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the switching column of the UAV intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays according to the present invention.

[0045] Figure 15 For the present invention Figure 14 A magnified schematic diagram of the structure at point B shown.

[0046] Figure 16 For the present invention Figure 10 A magnified schematic diagram of the structure at point C is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0047] To make the objectives, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0049] Secondly, the term "one embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in different places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a single or selective embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0050] Example 1

[0051] Reference Figures 1-7 This is the first embodiment of the present invention, which provides an intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system enables flight and power supply management of the inspection UAVs and includes a flight management system 200 and a battery swapping system 300. The flight management system 200 controls the flight of the UAV 100, including planning flight routes based on weather, remaining battery power, and mission requirements to efficiently perform inspection tasks. The battery swapping system 300 recharges the UAV 100 when its battery is low after landing, enabling subsequent flights.

[0052] Specifically, the flight management system 200 includes a control platform 201 for remotely managing the flight path of the UAV 100 and a landing platform 202 for on-site guidance of the UAV 100 to dock. Flight control is performed through the control platform 201, and landing is guided through the landing platform 202.

[0053] Furthermore, the battery swapping system 300, connected to the landing platform 202, includes a battery removal assembly 400 and a switching unit 500 located on one side of the landing platform 202. The battery swapping system 300 is conveniently located on one side of the landing platform 202, saving swapping time. The battery removal assembly 400 allows for the removal of low-charge batteries, and the switching unit 500 replaces them with fully charged batteries.

[0054] The control platform 201 uses meteorological sensors installed on the landing platform 202 to detect weather conditions such as wind speed, light conditions, and rainfall, and dynamically adjusts the flight plan accordingly. By installing meteorological sensors on the landing platform 202 to detect weather conditions such as wind speed, light conditions, and rainfall, the flight plan can be dynamically adjusted, allowing for timely suspension of takeoff or recall of the UAV 100 in adverse weather conditions. A built-in server acquires meteorological data within the coverage area, and all sensor data is transmitted in real time to the server database via the local network, establishing a comprehensive historical data archive.

[0055] Preferably, the landing platform 202 guides the UAV 100 to land using RTK real-time centimeter-level high-precision positioning technology, ensuring precise docking between the UAV 100 and the battery swapping system 300 after landing. Real-time dynamic carrier phase differential technology (RTK) is a differential method for processing the carrier phase observations of two measurement stations in real time. The base station sends the collected carrier phase to the mobile receiver, and the difference is calculated to achieve high-precision positioning. Applying RTK technology to intelligent inspection devices enables precise point-to-point landing. The coverage of RTK services depends on the spacing between ground base stations. The centimeter-level positioning platform must be able to receive base station data from multiple satellite navigation systems such as BeiDou, GPS, and GLONASS in the ground-based augmentation network, and generate high-precision differential corrections in real time to provide real-time positioning services. All base station data must have a unified coordinate framework, providing a unified benchmark for collecting UAV inspection data from different routes and time periods. This allows data to be compared and overlaid based on the same benchmark, improving data analysis efficiency and effectiveness.

[0056] To ensure that the UAV 100 lands accurately at the battery swapping point on the landing platform 202, an RTK and vision-based landing guidance system needs to be implemented on the intelligent aircraft. During the landing phase, differential RTK services broadcast by the RTK high-precision positioning service platform, combined with image recognition, guide the precise landing with the eccentricity error controlled within 10cm. The airborne system needs to integrate RTK and vision functions to achieve a higher level of redundancy.

[0057] In summary, by setting up the flight management system 200 and the battery swapping system 300 to work together, the flight route can be dynamically adjusted according to weather conditions and remaining battery power, and the drone body 100 can be charged and swapped in a timely manner, thus realizing the flight and power supply management of the inspection drone.

[0058] Example 2

[0059] Reference Figures 1-10 and Figure 16 This is the second embodiment of the present invention. Unlike the previous embodiment, this embodiment provides an installation component 104 and a charging component 502, which solves the problem of automatic connection and disassembly between the battery pack 103 and the drone body 100.

[0060] Specifically, the drone body 100 includes a side inspection camera 101, a bottom support foot 102 adapted to the landing platform 202, a battery pack 103 mounted on the back, and a mounting assembly 104 connecting the battery pack 103 and the drone body 100. In this embodiment, the landing platform 202 is provided with a positioning assembly 202a for defining the position of the drone body 100. The positioning assembly 202a includes an insert on the landing platform 202 adapted to the support foot 102. The slot 202a-1, the positioning slot 202a-2 provided on one side of the support foot 102, and the positioning block 202a-3 slidably connected in the slot 202a-1 and adapted to the positioning slot 202a-2; by controlling the moving positioning block 202a-3 to move to different positions in the slot 202a-1, the positioning block 202a-3 can avoid the insertion of the support foot 102, or cooperate with the positioning slot 202a-2 to restrict the support foot 102, so as to limit the position of the UAV body 100.

[0061] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 16 In this embodiment, four sets of support feet 102 are provided, arranged symmetrically in pairs. The positioning blocks 202a-3 are driven by the actuation component 202b. The actuation component 202b includes an actuation motor 202b-1 installed on one side of the landing platform 202, a threaded rod 202b-2 connected to the output end of the actuation motor 202b-1 and rotatably connected to the landing platform 202, two sets of adjusting blocks 202b-3 threadedly connected to one side of the threaded rod 202b-2, a guide rod 202b-4 penetrating the adjusting blocks 202b-3 and connected to the landing platform 202, and a guide groove 2 provided on one side of the adjusting blocks 202b-3 and slidably connected to the positioning blocks 202a-3. 02b-5, the adjusting block 202b-3 and the guide rod 202b-4 are slidably connected. The guide groove 202b-5 is obliquely set relative to the adjusting block 202b-3 in the direction of movement of the guide rod 202b-4. The guide groove 202b-5 and the positioning block 202a-3 move in the same direction in the slot 202a-1. The two adjusting blocks 202b-3 and the threaded rod 202b-2 are threaded in opposite directions. When the actuating motor 202b-1 drives, the adjusting block 202b-3 moves and pushes the positioning block 202a-3 to move through the guide groove 202b-5, thereby completing the avoidance and limitation of the insertion of the support foot 102.

[0062] Furthermore, the switching unit 500 includes a charging platform 501 disposed on one side of the landing platform 202. At least one set of charging components 502 adapted to the battery pack 103 is disposed on the top of the charging platform 501. Plugs 103a are disposed on both the positive and negative terminals of the battery pack 103, and the plugs 103a are connected to the battery pack 103 via wires 103b. The mounting component 104 has the same structure as the charging component 502, including a mounting box 104a adapted to the bottom contour of the battery pack 103, a wiring portion 104b connecting the mounting box 104a and the battery pack 103, and a limiting portion 104c disposed inside the mounting box 104a and connected to the battery pack 103. The mounting component 104 provides power to the drone body 100 after being electrically connected to the battery pack 103 via the wiring part 104b. The charging component 502, after being electrically connected to the battery pack 103, can charge the battery pack 103. The charging component 502 is equipped with multiple sets to charge the battery pack 103 during idle periods. When the drone body 100 needs a battery replacement, a fully charged battery pack 103 can be found and replaced in time. The battery pack 103 removed from the drone body 100 remains in the charging component 502 for charging, without affecting the drone body 100's continued operation. The limiting part 104c is set to fix the connection between the battery pack 103 and the drone body 100, preventing the battery pack 103 from falling off.

[0063] The wiring section 104b includes a docking box 104b-1 located at the bottom of the mounting box 104a and adapted to the plug 103a; a support block 104b-2 located at the bottom of the mounting box 104a and adapted to the battery pack 103; an auxiliary connector 104b-3 located at the bottom of the battery pack 103 to facilitate precise docking between the plug 103a and the docking box 104b-1; and a drive component 104b-4 located at the bottom of the mounting box 104a to push the plug 103a into the docking box 104b-1. The mounting box 104a and the battery pack 103 are adapted to form a positioning effect. After each position is aligned, the auxiliary connector 104b-3 limits the movement direction of the plug 103a, facilitating precise docking between the plug 103a and the docking box 104b-1. The drive component 104b-4 triggers the docking between the plug 103a and the docking box 104b-1.

[0064] Furthermore, the auxiliary connector 104b-3 includes a connector box 104b-3a located at the bottom of the battery pack 103 and adapted to the docking box 104b-1, a telescopic rod 104b-3b connected between the battery pack 103 and the connector box 104b-3a, a receiving groove 104b-3c located on one side of the connector box 104b-3a and adapted to the wire 103b, a slide groove 104b-3d located inside the connector box 104b-3a and slidably connected to the plug 103a, a movable pulley 104b-3e slidably connected in the slide groove 104b-3d, and a first spring 104b-3f connected between the movable pulley 104b-3e and the slide groove 104b-3d. In this embodiment, the telescopic rod 104b-3b has telescopic and reset characteristics. Therefore, when the battery pack 103 is not placed into the mounting box 104a, the telescopic rod 104b-3b is at its maximum length, the first spring 104b-3f is in a compressed state, and the connecting box 104b-3a is at its lowest point. Thus, during the process of placing the battery pack 103 into the mounting box 104a, when the trigger plug 103a of the driving component 104b-4 connects with the docking box 104b-1, the connecting box 104b-3a has already reached the bottom of the mounting box 104a and connected with the docking box 104b-1.

[0065] Furthermore, during the process of placing the battery pack 103 into the mounting box 104a, the connecting box 104b-3a gradually approaches the battery pack 103, and the first spring 104b-3f gradually stretches and recovers its deformation until the battery pack 103 is completely placed into the mounting box 104a, at which point the first spring 104b-3f returns to its normal state. This process ensures that the wire 103b is stretched and does not loosen.

[0066] The wire 103b passes around one side of the movable pulley 104b-3e and is tumbled between the pulley 104b-3e and the wire 103b-3e. The plug 103a is slidably connected to the docking box 104b-1 via a first connecting block 103a-1. By having the wire 103b pass around the movable pulley 104b-3e, which is connected to the first spring 104b-3f, the wire 103b is prevented from becoming tangled during the docking process between the plug 103a and the docking box 104b-1, and the connection between the movable pulley 104b-3e and the first spring 104b-3f is also made easier to separate during disassembly.

[0067] Preferably, the drive component 104b-4 includes a fixed post 104b-4a fixedly connected to the bottom of the mounting box 104a, a drive wheel 104b-4b rotatably connected to one side of the fixed post 104b-4a, a rack 104b-4c slidably connected to the bottom of the mounting box 104a and adapted to the drive wheel 104b-4b, and a push block 104b-4d disposed on one side of the rack 104b-4c and adapted to the first connecting block 103a-1.

[0068] Preferably, one end of the fixing post 104b-4a is slidably connected to a pressing post 104b-4e adapted to the bottom of the battery pack 103. A second spring 104b-4f is provided between the pressing post 104b-4e and the fixing post 104b-4a. An arc-shaped first rotating groove 104b-4g is provided on the surface of the pressing post 104b-4e. A first guide rod 104b-4h adapted to the first rotating groove 104b-4g is provided on one side of the drive wheel 104b-4b.

[0069] The rest of the structure is the same as in Example 1.

[0070] Battery pack 103 installation electrical connection process: Battery pack 103 is lowered after being aligned with mounting box 104a. The connecting box 104b-3a at the bottom of battery pack 103 first reaches the bottom of mounting box 104a and aligns with docking box 104b-1. Then, battery pack 103 moves down and presses the pressing post 104b-4e. The pressing post 104b-4e moves down along the fixing post 104b-4a and compresses the second spring 104b-4f, so that the first surface of the pressing post 104b-4e... The rotating groove 104b-4g pushes the first guide rod 104b-4h, thereby causing the drive wheel 104b-4b to rotate relative to the fixed column 104b-4a. The rotation of the drive wheel 104b-4b drives the rack 104b-4c to move, which in turn drives the push block 104b-4d to move. The push block 104b-4d moves until it drives the first connecting block 103a-1, which first reaches the bottom of the mounting box 104a, to move.

[0071] The first connecting block 103a-1 is pushed by the push block 104b-4d, which causes the plug 103a to move along the slide groove 104b-3d. The movement of the plug 103a will pull the wire 103b, thereby driving the pulley 104b-3e to move and stretch the first spring 104b-3f, keeping the wire 103b stretched and not tangled, until the battery pack 103 falls completely into the bottom of the mounting box 104a. The plug 103a moves along the slide groove 104b-3d and inserts into the docking box 104b-1 to complete the electrical connection.

[0072] In summary, by setting up the installation component 104 and the charging component 502, the circuit connection can be automatically completed during the process of placing the battery pack 103 into the installation box 104a, and the circuit connection can be automatically disconnected otherwise, thus solving the problem of automatic connection and disassembly between the battery pack 103 and the drone body 100.

[0073] Example 3

[0074] Reference Figures 11-15This is the third embodiment of the present invention. Unlike the previous embodiment, this embodiment provides a limiting part 104c, a control component 503 and a switching component 504, which solves the problem of switching between a low-power battery pack 103 and a fully charged battery pack 103.

[0075] Specifically, the limiting part 104c includes a limiting groove 104c-1 disposed on one side of the battery pack 103, a limiting rod 104c-2 rotatably connected to one side of the mounting box 104a and adapted to the limiting groove 104c-1, a second connecting block 104c-3 disposed on one side of the limiting rod 104c-2, and a third spring 104c-6 connected between the second connecting block 104c-3 and the bottom of the mounting box 104a. During the process of lowering the battery pack 103 into the mounting box 104a, the bottom side of the battery pack 103 will first press the limiting rod 104c-2. The arc-shaped groove on the top side of the limiting rod 104c-2 will deflect under the pressure. While driving the second connecting block 104c-3 to compress the third spring 104c-6, the limiting rod 104c-2 avoids the battery pack 103 until it engages with the limiting groove 104c-1. When the pressure is released at the limiting groove 104c-1, the limiting rod 104c-2 recovers its deformation under the elastic force of the third spring 104c-6, thereby causing the limiting rod 104c-2 to be stuck into the limiting groove 104c-1. Since the bottom side of the limiting rod 104c-2 matches the limiting groove 104c-1, the battery pack 103 can be prevented from detaching from the mounting box 104a without the action of external force.

[0076] Furthermore, a pressing rod 104c-4 is slidably connected to one side of the mounting box 104a. The pressing rod 104c-4 is connected to the bottom of the mounting box 104a by a fourth spring 104c-5. The bottom side of the limiting rod 104c-2 matches the limiting groove 104c-1, and the top side of the limiting rod 104c-2 is provided with an arc-shaped groove.

[0077] The switching unit 500 also includes a control component 503 that can adjust the position of the landing platform 202 and a switching component 504 disposed between the landing platform 202 and the charging platform 501. By setting the control component 503 to adjust the position of the landing platform 202, the drone body 100 with low battery on the landing platform 202 can be brought closer to the available charging component 502 on the charging platform 501. In this embodiment, the control component 503 is driven by a motor and can select the most suitable docking point according to the charging status of each charging component 502 on the charging platform 501.

[0078] The switching assembly 504 includes a support frame 504a disposed on one side of the landing platform 202, a retractable support rod 504b disposed between the landing platform 202 and the support frame 504a, a switching column 504c rotatably connected to the end of the support rod 504b and slidably connected to the support frame 504a, a connecting frame 504d disposed at the end of the switching column 504c, a switching groove 504e disposed on the surface of the switching column 504c, and a second guide rod 504f disposed on one side of the support frame 504a and adapted to the switching groove 504e. In this embodiment, the retractable support rod 504b is a hydraulic rod, but it can also be configured as a motor-driven support rod 504b that reciprocates. (Such reciprocating motion mechanisms have been described in detail in the prior art and will not be elaborated further here).

[0079] Preferably, the switching groove 504e includes strip grooves 504e-2 arrayed on the surface of the switching column 504c, and a second rotating groove 504e-1 connected between adjacent strip grooves 504e-2. The two ends of the second rotating groove 504e-1 are connected to the strip grooves 504e-2 near the middle. In this embodiment, the rotation angle of the second rotating groove 504e-1 is 90°. When the second guide rod 504f moves along the vertically arranged strip grooves 504e-2, the switching column 504c exhibits a vertical movement trajectory. When the second guide rod 504f moves from the strip grooves 504e-2 to the second rotating groove 504e-1, the switching column 504c not only continues to move in the vertical direction but also rotates laterally. The strip grooves 504e-2 and the second rotating groove 504e-1 are spaced apart, and the second rotating groove 504e-1 is connected to the middle section of the strip grooves 504e-2. In this embodiment, the second guide rod 504f is rotatably connected to the support frame 504a, and the end of the second guide rod 504f away from the second rotating groove 504e-1 is connected to the support frame 504a by a spring and a limiting stop, so that the second guide rod 504f can deflect to one side in the lateral direction.

[0080] In the initial state, the second guide rod 504f is located at the highest position of the vertical strip groove 504e-2. At this time, the clamping blocks 402b of the battery disassembly components 400 on both sides of the corresponding connecting frame 504d are aligned with the pick-and-place slots 401 of the target battery pack 103 of the landing platform 202 and the charging platform 501 respectively to clamp them. The spring on one side of the second guide rod 504f is in a compressed state. As the support rod 504b drives the switching column 504c to move upward, the second guide rod 504f moves downward relative to the strip groove 504e-2, and the battery pack 103 is clamped and moved upward to disengage from its corresponding mounting box 104a.

[0081] Furthermore, the battery removal assembly 400 is located at the end of the connecting frame 504d, including a pick-and-place slot 401 on one side of the battery pack 103, and a clamping part 402 on the top of the battery pack 103 that is adapted to the pick-and-place slot 401. The clamping part 402 includes a mounting plate 402a located at the end of the connecting frame 504d and adapted to the top of the battery pack 103, clamping blocks 402b slidably connected to both sides of the mounting plate 402a and adapted to the pick-and-place slot 401, and an adjusting member 402c located on one side of the mounting plate 402a for simultaneously driving the clamping blocks 402b to move. A beveled groove adapted to the clamping blocks 402b is provided on one side of the pressing rod 104c-4. The adjusting member 402c can control the clamping blocks 402b to perform clamping and releasing actions. In this embodiment, the adjusting member 402c is powered by the hydraulic rod 402c-1 to push the first slider 402c-2 to move linearly. When the first slider 402c-2 moves, it drives the second slider 402c-3 to move linearly through the first connecting rod 402c-3 rotatably connected to it. The second slider 402c-3 and the first connecting rod 402c-3 are also rotatably connected. At the same time as the second slider 402c-3 moves linearly, it also pushes the clamping block 402b to move linearly through the second connecting rod 402c-4 rotatably connected to it. The clamping block 402b and the second connecting rod 402c-4 are also rotatably connected. The clamping and releasing effects are achieved by controlling the two clamping blocks 402b to move closer and further apart.

[0082] The rest of the structure is the same as in Example 2.

[0083] Battery pack 103 disassembly process: The drive clamp 402b aligns with the pick-and-place slot 401 to perform a clamping action. During the process of the clamp 402b moving towards the pick-and-place slot 401, it will first squeeze the inclined groove on the side of the pressing rod 104c-4, thereby causing the pressing rod 104c-4 to be subjected to a component force and move downward. The pressing rod 104c-4 will compress the fourth spring 104c-5 and push the second connecting block 104c-3 on the side of the limiting rod 104c-2. The second connecting block 104c-3 on the side of the limiting rod 104c-2... When 4c-3 is subjected to force, the limiting rod 104c-2 flips, thereby separating the limiting rod 104c-2 from the limiting groove 104c-1 and no longer obstructing it. At this time, the clamping block 402b enters the pick-and-place slot 401 through the pressing rod 104c-4, maintaining the separation state of the limiting rod 104c-2 and the limiting groove 104c-1, while the drone body 100 is confined within the landing platform 202. At this time, moving the clamping block 402b upwards will remove the battery pack 103 and separate it from the drone body 100.

[0084] During the process of removing the battery pack 103 from the mounting box 104a, just as the battery pack 103 moves upward, the connecting box 104b-3a remains connected to the docking box 104b-1 under the action of the telescopic rod 104b-3b. The pressing column 104b-4e loses its compression, and under the elastic force of the second spring 104b-4f, the drive wheel 104b-4b rotates in the opposite direction, driving the push block 104b-4d away from the first connecting block 103a-1 on the side of the plug 103a through the rack 104b-4c. The plug 103a loses its limiting obstruction, and the first spring 104b-3f between the movable pulley 104b-3e and the slide groove 104b-3d resets and contracts, pulling the movable pulley 104b-3e, thereby pulling the plug 103a out of the docking box 104b-1 through the wire 103b, and the electrical connection is broken.

[0085] Battery pack 103 switching process: After the drone body 100 docks on the landing platform 202, the drone body 100 and the landing platform 202 move together by limiting and fixing the support foot 102. The movement of the landing platform 202 will drive the drone body 100 and the switching component 504 to move together. Then, the control component 503 drives the landing platform 202 to move closer to the appropriate charging component 502.

[0086] In the initial position, the second guide rod 504f is located at the highest position of the vertical strip groove 504e-2. At this time, the clamping blocks 402b of the battery disassembly assembly 400 on both sides of the corresponding connecting frame 504d are aligned with the pick-and-place slots 401 of the target battery pack 103 of the landing platform 202 and the charging platform 501 respectively to clamp it. The spring on one side of the second guide rod 504f is in a compressed state. As the support rod 504b drives the switching column 504c to move upward, the second guide rod 504f moves downward along the strip groove 504e-2. The battery pack 103 is clamped and moved upward to disengage from its corresponding mounting box 104a.

[0087] When the second guide rod 504f moves downward relative to the lowest point along the strip groove 504e-2, the support rod 504b drives the switching column 504c to move in the opposite direction and begin to move downward. Meanwhile, the second guide rod 504f moves upward relative to the strip groove 504e-2. When the second guide rod 504f moves to the middle of the strip groove 504e-2 and connects with the second rotating groove 504e-1, the second guide rod 504f deflects towards the second rotating groove 504e-1 under the action of the spring, thus causing the movement trajectory to deviate towards the second rotating groove 504e-1. This causes the switching column 504c to rotate 90° and move. Then, the connecting frame 504d moves vertically downwards along the adjacent strip groove 504e-2 to the lowest point. At this time, the connecting frame 504d is parallel to the landing platform 202 and the charging platform 501 on both sides, which facilitates the loading and unloading of the UAV body 100. Then, the switching column 504c moves up and down and rotates. During this process, the switching column 504c rotates 180° from the initial state. At this time, the battery packs 103 on both sides of the connecting frame 504d change positions. The battery packs 103 that were just removed from the landing platform 202 and the target battery packs 103 on the charging platform 501 are placed in the changed positions, completing the replacement process.

[0088] In summary, by using the limit part 104c, the control component 503, and the switching component 504 together, the low-power battery pack 103 and the fully charged battery pack 103 can be disassembled simultaneously, then switched in position, and reinstalled. This allows the fully charged battery pack 103 to be put into use, while the low-power battery pack 103 enters the charging state, thus solving the problem of switching between the low-power battery pack 103 and the fully charged battery pack 103.

[0089] It is important to note that the constructions and arrangements of this application shown in several different exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, those who consult this disclosure will readily understand that many modifications are possible (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of various elements, as well as parameter values ​​(e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.), installation arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described in this application. For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be inverted or otherwise altered, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be changed or altered. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or rearranged according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any "device plus function" clause is intended to cover the structure described herein that performs the function, and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may be made in the design, operation, and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, but extends to various modifications that still fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0090] Furthermore, in order to provide a concise description of exemplary embodiments, not all features of actual embodiments (i.e., those features that are not relevant to the best mode of carrying out the invention as currently considered, or those features that are not relevant to implementing the invention) may be omitted.

[0091] It should be understood that numerous specific implementation decisions can be made during the development of any practical implementation, such as in any engineering or design project. Such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure, the development effort will be a routine work of design, manufacturing, and production without requiring much experimentation.

[0092] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An intelligent unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays, characterized in that: include, A flight management system (200) includes a control platform (201) for remotely managing the flight path of the unmanned aerial vehicle (100) and a landing platform (202) for on-site guidance of the unmanned aerial vehicle (100) to dock; and, A battery swapping system (300) is connected to a landing platform (202) and includes a battery removal assembly (400) disposed on one side of the landing platform (202) and a switching unit (500) disposed on one side of the landing platform (202).

2. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The control platform (201) uses meteorological sensors located in the landing platform (202) to detect meteorological conditions such as wind speed, light conditions and rainfall, and dynamically adjust the flight route plan. The landing platform (202) guides the UAV body (100) to land using RTK real-time centimeter-level high-precision positioning technology, ensuring that the UAV body (100) accurately docks with the battery swapping system (300) after landing.

3. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The drone body (100) includes an inspection camera (101) located on the side, a support foot (102) located at the bottom and adapted to the landing platform (202), a battery pack (103) installed on the back, and a mounting assembly (104) connecting the battery pack (103) and the drone body (100). The switching unit (500) includes a charging platform (501) disposed on one side of the landing platform (202), and the top of the charging platform (501) is provided with at least one set of charging components (502) adapted to the battery pack (103).

4. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The battery pack (103) has plugs (103a) on both the positive and negative sides, and the plugs (103a) are connected to the battery pack (103) by wires (103b). The mounting assembly (104) has the same structure as the charging assembly (502), both including a mounting box (104a) adapted to the bottom contour of the battery pack (103), a wiring part (104b) connecting the mounting box (104a) and the battery pack (103), and a limiting part (104c) disposed inside the mounting box (104a) and connected to the battery pack (103).

5. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The wiring section (104b) includes a docking box (104b-1) disposed at the bottom of the mounting box (104a) and adapted to the plug (103a), a support block (104b-2) disposed at the bottom of the mounting box (104a) and adapted to the battery pack (103), an auxiliary connector (104b-3) disposed at the bottom of the battery pack (103) for assisting in precise docking between the plug (103a) and the docking box (104b-1), and a drive unit (104b-4) disposed at the bottom of the mounting box (104a) for pushing the plug (103a) into the docking box (104b-1).

6. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The auxiliary connector (104b-3) includes a connector box (104b-3a) disposed at the bottom of the battery pack (103) and adapted to the docking box (104b-1), a telescopic rod (104b-3b) connected between the battery pack (103) and the connector box (104b-3a), a receiving groove (104b-3c) opened on one side of the connector box (104b-3a) and adapted to the wire (103b), a slide groove (104b-3d) opened inside the connector box (104b-3a) and slidably connected to the plug (103a), a movable pulley (104b-3e) slidably connected in the slide groove (104b-3d), and a first spring (104b-3f) connected between the movable pulley (104b-3e) and the slide groove (104b-3d). The wire (103b) passes around one side of the movable pulley (104b-3e) and is slidably connected to the movable pulley (104b-3e). The plug (103a) is slidably connected to the first connecting block (103a-1) between the side of the plug (103a) near the docking box (104b-1) and the connecting box (104b-3a).

7. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The driving component (104b-4) includes a fixed post (104b-4a) fixedly connected to the bottom of the mounting box (104a), a drive wheel (104b-4b) rotatably connected to one side of the fixed post (104b-4a), a rack (104b-4c) slidably connected to the bottom of the mounting box (104a) and adapted to the drive wheel (104b-4b), and a push block (104b-4d) disposed on one side of the rack (104b-4c) and adapted to the first connecting block (103a-1); One end of the fixed post (104b-4a) is slidably connected to a pressing post (104b-4e) adapted to the bottom of the battery pack (103). A second spring (104b-4f) is provided between the pressing post (104b-4e) and the fixed post (104b-4a). An arc-shaped first rotating groove (104b-4g) is provided on the surface of the pressing post (104b-4e). A first guide rod (104b-4h) adapted to the first rotating groove (104b-4g) is provided on one side of the drive wheel (104b-4b).

8. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The limiting part (104c) includes a limiting groove (104c-1) disposed on one side of the battery pack (103), a limiting rod (104c-2) rotatably connected to one side of the mounting box (104a) and adapted to the limiting groove (104c-1), a second connecting block (104c-3) disposed on one side of the limiting rod (104c-2), and a third spring (104c-6) connected between the second connecting block (104c-3) and the bottom of the mounting box (104a); A pressing rod (104c-4) is slidably connected to one side of the mounting box (104a). The pressing rod (104c-4) is connected to the bottom of the mounting box (104a) by a fourth spring (104c-5). The bottom side of the limiting rod (104c-2) matches the limiting groove (104c-1). The top side of the limiting rod (104c-2) is provided with an arc-shaped groove.

9. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The switching unit (500) further includes a control component (503) that can adjust the position of the landing platform (202) and a switching component (504) disposed between the landing platform (202) and the charging platform (501); The switching assembly (504) includes a support frame (504a) disposed on one side of the landing platform (202), a telescopic support rod (504b) disposed between the landing platform (202) and the support frame (504a), a switching column (504c) rotatably connected to the end of the support rod (504b) and slidably connected to the support frame (504a), a connecting frame (504d) disposed at the end of the switching column (504c), a switching groove (504e) disposed on the surface of the switching column (504c), and a second guide rod (504f) disposed on one side of the support frame (504a) and adapted to the switching groove (504e). The switching slot (504e) includes strip slots (504e-2) arranged in an array on the surface of the switching column (504c) and a second rotating slot (504e-1) connected between adjacent strip slots (504e-2). The two ends of the second rotating slot (504e-1) are connected to the strip slots (504e-2) near the middle.

10. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intelligent inspection system for photovoltaic power generation arrays as described in claim 9, characterized in that: The battery disassembly assembly (400) is located at the end of the connecting frame (504d) and includes a pick-and-place slot (401) located on one side of the battery pack (103) and a clamping part (402) located on the top of the battery pack (103) and adapted to the pick-and-place slot (401). The clamping part (402) includes a mounting plate (402a) disposed at the end of the connecting frame (504d) and adapted to the top of the battery pack (103), a clamping block (402b) slidably connected to both sides of the mounting plate (402a) and adapted to the pick-and-place slot (401), and an adjusting member (402c) disposed on one side of the mounting plate (402a) for simultaneously driving the clamping block (402b) to move; The pressing rod (104c-4) has a beveled groove on one side that is adapted to the clamping block (402b).