Drone platform, drone hangar, drone system, and vehicle

Abstract

This invention discloses a drone platform, a drone hangar, a drone system, and a vehicle. The drone platform includes a lifting platform and a folding platform. The lifting platform is height-adjustable along its thickness direction; the folding platform is located on the circumferential outer side of the lifting platform and has a folded state and a stowed state. The folding platform is configured to switch between the folded and stowed states as the lifting platform moves. This allows for flexible adjustment of the drone platform's height, facilitating drone takeoff and landing. The foldable design of the drone platform can be achieved without additional drive, simplifying storage, reducing the space occupied by lifting and lowering the platform, improving space utilization, and reducing production costs. Furthermore, in the folded state, the folding platform, in conjunction with the lifting platform, provides a larger takeoff and landing platform for the drone, improving the safety and stability of takeoff and landing, and enhancing the reliability of the drone platform.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle-mounted unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, and in particular to a UAV platform, UAV hangar, UAV system, and vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, to achieve the lifting and lowering of drone platforms, drone platforms typically adopt an integrated lifting platform, which results in a large space occupation for lifting and lowering the drone platform and low space utilization. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a drone platform that reduces the space occupied by the drone platform for take-off and landing.

[0004] A second objective of this invention is to provide a drone library, including the drone platform described in the above embodiments.

[0005] A third objective of this invention is to provide an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system, including a UAV and the UAV platform described in the above embodiments.

[0006] A fourth objective of this invention is to provide a vehicle comprising the unmanned aerial vehicle platform, unmanned aerial vehicle hangar, or unmanned aerial vehicle system described in the above embodiments.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the drone platform includes: a lifting platform and a folding platform, the lifting platform being movable up and down along the thickness direction of the lifting platform; the folding platform is disposed on the circumferential outer side of the lifting platform, the folding platform having a folded state and a stowed state, the folding platform being configured to switch between the folded state and the stowed state as the lifting platform is raised or lowered.

[0008] According to embodiments of the present invention, the drone platform, by setting up a lifting platform, can flexibly adjust the height of the drone platform as the lifting platform rises and falls, facilitating the take-off and landing of the drone. Since the lifting platform can drive the folding platform to switch between a folded state and a storage state, the foldable design of the drone platform can be realized without additional drive, which facilitates the storage of the drone platform, reduces the space occupied by the lifting of the drone platform, improves space utilization, and reduces production costs. At the same time, the folding platform, in the folded state, works with the lifting platform to provide a larger take-off and landing platform for the drone, improving the safety and stability of the drone's take-off and landing, and improving the reliability of the drone platform.

[0009] In some embodiments, the lifting platform descends, the folding platform moves from the folded state to the stowed state, and the folding platform moves from a position horizontal relative to the lifting platform toward a position flipped by a predetermined angle relative to the lifting platform; the lifting platform rises, the folding platform moves from the stowed state to the folded state, and the folding platform moves from a position having the predetermined angle relative to the lifting platform toward a position horizontal relative to the lifting platform.

[0010] In some embodiments, when the folding platform is in the stowed state, the folding platform extends tilted downwards toward the direction close to the lifting platform.

[0011] In some embodiments, the folding platform is rotatably connected to the lifting platform, and the folding platform is adapted to be rotatably connected to the cabin of the drone hangar, so that the folding platform switches between the folded state and the stowed state as the lifting platform rises and falls.

[0012] In some embodiments, a clearance opening is formed on one side of the folding platform adjacent to the lifting platform, and the sidewall of the clearance opening is rotatably connected to the lifting platform. When the folding platform is in the folded state, the outer circumferential edge of the lifting platform is located within the clearance opening, and when the folding platform is in the stowed state, the outer circumferential edge of the lifting platform extends out of the clearance opening.

[0013] In some embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle platform further includes: an auxiliary link, one end of which is rotatably connected to the folding platform, the one end of which is located on the side of the clearance opening away from the lifting platform, and the other end of which is adapted to be rotatably connected to the cabin.

[0014] In some embodiments, the folding platform includes a plurality of sub-folding platforms, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the lifting platform in the width direction. The sub-folding platforms have a folded state and a stowed state, and are configured to switch between the folded state and the stowed state as the lifting platform rises and falls.

[0015] In some embodiments, the drone platform further includes: a base plate and a charging plate, the base plate being disposed below the lifting platform, and a fixing clamp being provided on the base plate; the charging plate being movably disposed on the lifting platform, the charging plate having a clamping state and a releasing state, wherein during the descent of the lifting platform, the fixing clamp contacts the charging plate, causing the charging plate to switch from the releasing state to the clamping state to be suitable for charging the drone parked on the lifting platform; during the ascent of the lifting platform, the fixing clamp releases the charging plate, causing the charging plate to switch from the clamping state to the releasing state to be suitable for stopping charging the drone.

[0016] In some embodiments, an installation port is formed on the lifting platform, and the charging pad is movably disposed at the installation port. When the charging pad is in the released state, the charging pad is placed inside the installation port. During the descent of the lifting platform, the fixing clamp pushes the charging pad out of the installation port to facilitate charging the drone.

[0017] In some embodiments, the charging pad is pivotally connected to the lifting platform via a rotating shaft, and an elastic reset member is provided between the charging pad and the lifting platform. When the charging pad is in the released state, the charging pad is held in the mounting opening under the action of the elastic reset member.

[0018] In some embodiments, the drone platform further includes a centering mechanism disposed within the lifting platform, the centering mechanism being adapted to adjust the position of the drone parked on the lifting platform.

[0019] In some embodiments, the centering mechanism includes: a centering motor, a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod, a plurality of first sweeping rods, and a plurality of second sweeping rods. The centering motor is mounted on the lifting platform. The first connecting rod is drivenly connected to the centering motor. The second connecting rod is drivenly connected to the first connecting rod. The plurality of first sweeping rods are drivenly engaged with the first connecting rod. The plurality of second sweeping rods are drivenly engaged with the second connecting rod. When the centering motor is working, the centering motor drives the first connecting rod to move. The first connecting rod drives the plurality of first sweeping rods to swing, and the first connecting rod drives the plurality of second sweeping rods to swing through the second connecting rod, so that the plurality of first sweeping rods and the plurality of second sweeping rods switch between a retracted state moving toward each other and an extended state moving away from each other.

[0020] In some embodiments, the lifting platform includes a first lifting platform and a second lifting platform, the second lifting platform being disposed below the first lifting platform, and the centering mechanism being disposed between the first lifting platform and the second lifting platform; the folding platform is flush with the second lifting platform in the folded state.

[0021] The drone library according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the drone platform described in any one of the above embodiments.

[0022] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system includes: an UAV platform and a UAV, wherein the UAV platform is any one of the above embodiments; and the UAV is parked on a lifting platform of the UAV platform.

[0023] The vehicle according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes the unmanned aerial vehicle platform as described in any of the above embodiments, or the unmanned aerial vehicle hangar as described in the above embodiments, or the unmanned aerial vehicle system as described in the above embodiments.

[0024] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a folding platform in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged schematic diagram of region P in the middle; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the folding platform in a stowed state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a drone parked on a drone platform according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the folding platform in a folded state; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a drone parked on a drone platform according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the folded platform in a stowed state; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a fixing clamp lifting a charging plate according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a partial schematic diagram of the lifting mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a plurality of first sweeping rods and a plurality of second sweeping rods in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a plurality of first sweeping rods and a plurality of second sweeping rods in a retracted state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the unmanned aerial vehicle platform being fully stowed inside the cabin according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the unmanned aerial vehicle platform fully deployed inside the cabin according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure label: 100. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform; 10. Lifting platform; 101. First lifting platform; 102. Second lifting platform; 11. Folding platform; 111. Sub-folding platform; 12. Clearance opening; 13. Auxiliary connecting rod; 14. Base plate; 15. Charging plate; 16. Fixing clamp; 17. Groove; 18. Mounting port; 20. Drones; 30. Lifting mechanism; 31. Lifting fork arm; 32. Main fork arm; 33. Secondary fork arm; 34. Lifting motor; 35. Slide rail; 36. Output fork arm; 40. Centering mechanism; 41. Centering motor; 42. First connecting rod; 43. Second connecting rod; 44. First sweeping rod; 45. Second sweeping rod; 46. Transmission gear; 1. Cabin. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary. Figures 1-11 A drone platform 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. The drone platform 100 includes a lifting platform 10 and a folding platform 11.

[0028] Specifically, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the lifting platform 10 can be raised and lowered along the thickness direction of the lifting platform 10; the folding platform 11 is located on the circumferential outer side of the lifting platform 10, and the folding platform 11 has a folded state and a stowed state. The folding platform 11 is configured to switch between the folded state and the stowed state as the lifting platform 10 is raised and lowered.

[0029] The drone platform 100 is suitable for parking the drone 20. The drone platform 100 includes a lifting platform 10 and a folding platform 11 located on the outer periphery of the lifting platform 10. The lifting platform 10 can move upward and downward in its thickness direction. The folding platform 11 is fully unfolded in the folded state and has a large degree of folding in the stowed state. As the lifting platform 10 rises and falls, the folding platform 11 switches between the folded state and the stowed state. For example, when the lifting platform 10 gradually rises, the folding platform 11 gradually switches from the stowed state to the folded state. The lifting platform 10 and the folding platform 11 together provide a take-off and landing platform for the drone 20. When the lifting platform 10 gradually falls, the folding platform 11 gradually switches from the folded state to the stowed state, realizing the stowage of the drone platform 100.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the drone platform 100, by setting up a lifting platform 10, can flexibly adjust the height of the drone platform 100 as the lifting platform 10 rises and falls, facilitating the take-off and landing of the drone 20. Since the lifting platform 10 can drive the folding platform 11 to switch between a folded state and a storage state, the foldable design of the drone platform 100 can be realized without additional drive, which facilitates the storage of the drone platform 100, reduces the space occupied by the lifting of the drone platform 100, improves space utilization, and reduces production costs. At the same time, the folding platform 11, in the folded state, cooperates with the lifting platform 10 to provide a larger take-off and landing platform for the drone 20, improves the safety and stability of the drone 20's take-off and landing, and improves the reliability of the drone platform 100.

[0031] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, when the lifting platform 10 descends, the folding platform 11 moves from the folded state to the stowed state, and the folding platform 11 moves from a position horizontal relative to the lifting platform 10 toward a position that is flipped at a predetermined angle relative to the lifting platform 10; when the lifting platform 10 rises, the folding platform 11 moves from the stowed state to the folded state, and the folding platform 11 moves from a position having a predetermined angle relative to the lifting platform 10 toward a position horizontal relative to the lifting platform 10.

[0032] Figure 1 The folding platform 11 is in a folded state. Both the folding platform 11 and the lifting platform 10 are parallel to the horizontal plane. When the drone platform 100 needs to be stored, the lifting platform 10 is lowered, and the folding platform 11 is rotated relative to the lifting platform 10 at a predetermined angle. There is a certain angle between the folding platform 11 and the lifting platform 10. Figure 3As shown, at this time, the folding platform 11 switches from the folded state to the storage state, thereby realizing the storage of the drone platform 100; when the drone 20 needs to take off or land, the lifting platform 10 is raised, and the lifting platform 10 drives the folding platform 11 to move from a position with a predetermined angle to a position parallel to the horizontal plane, that is, the folding platform 11 switches from the storage state to the folded state, thereby realizing the unfolding of the drone platform 100.

[0033] Therefore, by raising and lowering the lifting platform 10, the folding platform 11 is driven to move between a horizontal position relative to the lifting platform 10 and a position with a predetermined angle of rotation relative to the lifting platform 10. This facilitates the switching of the folding platform 11 between the folded state and the storage state, facilitates the take-off and landing of the drone 20, reduces the space required for the drone platform 100 in the storage state, and improves the reliability of the drone platform 100.

[0034] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, when the folding platform 11 is in the stowed state, the folding platform 11 extends tilted from top to bottom toward the direction close to the lifting platform 10.

[0035] In this application, when the folding platform 11 is in the storage position, that is, when there is a certain angle between the folding platform 11 and the lifting platform 10, one end of the folding platform 11 is connected to the outer periphery of the lifting platform 10, and the other end of the folding platform 11 extends from bottom to top along the thickness direction of the lifting platform 10 and inclines away from the lifting platform 10 along the width direction of the lifting platform 10.

[0036] Therefore, by extending the folding platform 11 at an angle, it is easy to form a certain angle between the folding platform 11 and the lifting platform 10, and also to form a certain angle between the folding platform 11 and the horizontal plane, thereby realizing the storage of the drone platform 100, reducing the space occupied by the drone platform 100, and facilitating the arrangement of the drone platform 100.

[0037] Optionally, combined Figure 1 When the folding platform 11 is in the folded state, one end of the folding platform 11 is connected to the outer periphery of the lifting platform 10, and the other end of the folding platform 11 extends away from the lifting platform 10 along the width direction of the lifting platform 10. The included angle between the folding platform 11 and the lifting platform 10 can be 0°.

[0038] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the folding platform 11 is rotatably connected to the lifting platform 10. The folding platform 11 is adapted to be rotatably connected to the cabin 1 of the drone hangar so that the folding platform 11 can switch between the folded state and the storage state as the lifting platform 10 rises and falls.

[0039] In this application, one end of the folding platform 11 along its width direction is rotatably connected to the outer periphery of the lifting platform 10, and both ends of the folding platform 11 along its length direction are rotatably connected to the cabin 1 in the drone hangar. As the lifting platform 10 moves up and down along its thickness direction, the part of the folding platform 11 rotatably connected to the lifting platform 10 is driven by the folding platform 11, thereby causing the connection between the folding platform 11 and the lifting platform 10 to rotate around the connection between the folding platform 11 and the cabin 1.

[0040] Thus, by forming a rotatable connection between the folding platform 11 and the lifting platform 10 and the cabin 1 of the drone hangar, when the lifting platform 10 is raised or lowered, the folding platform 11 can be rotated without additional drive, so that the folding platform 11 can move between a horizontal position relative to the lifting platform 10 and a position with a predetermined angle of rotation relative to the lifting platform 10, thereby realizing the switching between the folding platform 11 in the folded state and the storage state, improving the stability and reliability of the movement of the folding platform 11, and reducing the cost of driving the movement of the folding platform 11.

[0041] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a clearance opening 12 is formed on one side of the folding platform 11 adjacent to the lifting platform 10. The side wall of the clearance opening 12 is rotatably connected to the lifting platform 10. When the folding platform 11 is in the folded state, the outer circumferential edge of the lifting platform 10 is located inside the clearance opening 12. When the folding platform 11 is in the stowed state, the outer circumferential edge of the lifting platform 10 extends out of the clearance opening 12.

[0042] In this application, the folding platform 11 has a clearance opening 12 formed on one side of the lifting platform 10 along its width direction. The lifting platform 10 is rotatably connected to the side wall of the clearance opening 12, thereby realizing the rotatable connection between the lifting platform 10 and the folding platform 11. Optionally, combined with Figure 1 When the folding platform 11 is in the folded state, both the folding platform 11 and the lifting platform 10 are parallel to the horizontal plane, and the angle between the folding platform 11 and the lifting platform 10 is 0°. At this time, the outer edge of the lifting platform 10 adjacent to the folding platform 11 is located within the clearance opening 12. When it is necessary to store the drone platform 100, the outer edge of the lifting platform 10 adjacent to the folding platform 11 causes the folding platform 11 to rotate, so that the folding platform 11 rotates relative to the lifting platform 10 by a predetermined angle, such as... Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, there is a certain angle between the folding platform 11 and the lifting platform 10, and the lifting platform 10 extends out of the clearance opening 12 near the outer edge of the folding platform 11. At this time, the folding platform 11 is in the storage state.

[0043] Therefore, by forming a clearance opening 12 on one side of the folding platform 11 adjacent to the lifting platform 10, the lifting platform 10 can be rotatably connected to the folding platform 11 at the clearance opening 12. During the lifting of the lifting platform 10 and the switching between the folded and stowed states of the folding platform 11, the clearance opening 12 can provide a rotatable connection between the lifting platform 10 and the folding platform 11, and can also avoid interference between the lifting platform 10 and the folding platform 11 during movement, thus providing sufficient movement space for the lifting platform 10 and the folding platform 11 and improving the reliability of the drone platform 100.

[0044] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 1-6 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, the unmanned aerial vehicle platform 100 further includes: an auxiliary link 13, one end of which is rotatably connected to the folding platform 11, one end of which is located on the side of the clearance opening 12 away from the lifting platform 10, and the other end of which is adapted to be rotatably connected to the cabin 1.

[0045] In this application, the folding platform 11 has auxiliary connecting rods 13 at both ends along its length. The auxiliary connecting rods 13 are located on the side of the clearance opening 12 away from the lifting platform 10 along its width. One end of the auxiliary connecting rod 13 is hinged to the folding platform 11, and the other end of the auxiliary connecting rod 13 is hinged to the boom of the drone hangar 1. When the lifting platform 10 is raised or lowered, the end of the folding platform 11 connected to the lifting platform 10 is raised or lowered with the lifting platform 10. The other end of the folding platform 11 connected to the auxiliary connecting rod 13 can rotate around the end of the auxiliary connecting rod 13 connected to the hangar 1, that is, the lifting platform 10 drives the folding platform 11 to flip.

[0046] Therefore, by setting up an auxiliary link 13, with both ends of the auxiliary link 13 forming a rotatable connection with the folding platform 11 and the cabin 1 respectively, the reliability of the connection between the folding platform 11 and the cabin 1 can be improved, as can the stability of the movement of the folding platform 11. When the lifting platform 10 is raised or lowered, the end of the folding platform 11 connected to the auxiliary link 13 rotates around the end of the auxiliary link 13 connected to the cabin 1, which facilitates the movement of the folding platform 11 between a horizontal position relative to the lifting platform 10 and a position with a predetermined rotation angle relative to the lifting platform 10. This enables stable switching of the folding platform 11 between the folded state and the stowed state, improving the overall reliability and stability of the unmanned aerial vehicle platform 100.

[0047] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the folding platform 11 includes multiple sub-folding platforms 111, which are respectively located on both sides of the width direction of the lifting platform 10. The sub-folding platforms 111 have a folded state and a stowed state, and are configured to switch between the folded state and the stowed state as the lifting platform 10 is raised and lowered.

[0048] In this application, the folding platform 11 includes two sub-folding platforms 111, which are respectively located on both sides of the lifting platform 10 along its width direction. Both sub-folding platforms 111 can switch between a folded state and a stowed state. When the lifting platform 10 descends, it can rotate the two sub-folding platforms 111 towards each other at a predetermined angle, switching them from the folded state to the stowed state. When the lifting platform 10 rises, it can rotate the two sub-folding platforms 111 away from each other until they are parallel to the horizontal plane, switching them from the stowed state to the folded state.

[0049] Therefore, by placing multiple sub-folding platforms 111 on both sides of the width direction of the lifting platform 10, the folding platforms 11 are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the width direction of the lifting platform 10. Furthermore, the sub-folding platforms 111 can switch between folded and stowed states as the lifting platform 10 rises and falls, which can improve the stability of the movement of the folding platforms 11, thereby improving the overall stability of the drone platform 100. At the same time, the multiple sub-folding platforms 111 and the lifting platform 10 provide a larger take-off and landing platform for the drone 20, improving the safety and stability of the drone 20's take-off and landing.

[0050] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 4-6 As shown, the drone platform 100 further includes: a base plate 14 and a charging plate 15. The base plate 14 is located below the lifting platform 10, and a fixing clamp 16 is provided on the base plate 14. The charging plate 15 is movably disposed on the lifting platform 10. The charging plate 15 has a clamping state and a releasing state. During the descent of the lifting platform 10, the fixing clamp 16 contacts the charging plate 15, causing the charging plate 15 to switch from the releasing state to the clamping state to facilitate charging the drone 20 parked on the lifting platform 10. During the ascent of the lifting platform 10, the fixing clamp 16 releases the charging plate 15, causing the charging plate 15 to switch from the clamping state to the releasing state to facilitate stopping charging the drone 20.

[0051] The base plate 14 and the lifting platform 10 are arranged opposite each other along the thickness direction of the lifting platform 10, with the base plate 14 located below the lifting platform 10. A fixing clamp 16 is provided on the side surface of the base plate 14 adjacent to the lifting platform 10. A charging plate 15 is provided on the lifting platform 10. Preferably, when the fixing clamp 16 contacts and lifts the charging plate 15, the charging plate 15 is clamped between the fixing clamp 16 and the drone 20, and the charging plate 15 is in a clamped state. When the fixing clamp 16 is not in contact with the charging plate 15, the charging plate 15 is in a released state. The fixing clamp 16 can drive the charging plate 15 to rotate on the lifting platform 10, thereby realizing the switching between the clamped state and the released state of the charging plate 15.

[0052] Combination Figure 5 and Figure 6 The lifting platform 10 gradually descends, the fixed clamping plate 16 contacts and lifts the charging plate 15, the charging plate 15 flips to a vertical position, the charging plate 15 switches from a released state to a clamping state, and the charging plug of the charging plate 15 is inserted into the charging contact on the rib of the drone 20 to realize the charging of the drone 20; combined with Figure 4 As the lifting platform 10 gradually rises, the fixed clamping plate 16 separates from the charging plate 15, the charging plate 15 switches from the clamping state to the releasing state, the charging plug of the charging plate 15 separates from the charging contact of the drone 20, and the charging plate 15 stops charging the drone 20.

[0053] Therefore, by setting a fixed clamping plate 16 on the base plate 14 and setting a charging plate 15 on the lifting platform 10, the fixed clamping plate 16 can contact or separate from the charging plate 15 during the lifting process. Without additional drive, the charging plate 15 can be automatically triggered to charge or stop charging the drone 20, ensuring that the drone 20 can be replenished with power in a timely manner and reducing production costs.

[0054] Optionally, combined Figure 4 The lifting platform 10 is provided with two charging plates 15, and the base plate 14 is provided with two fixing plates 16. The charging plates 15 and the fixing plates 16 are spaced apart along the length of the lifting platform 10, and the charging plates 15 and the fixing plates 16 are arranged opposite to each other along the thickness of the lifting platform 10, so as to ensure that the fixing plates 16 can accurately lift the charging plates 15.

[0055] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 6 As shown, the lifting platform 10 has an installation port 18, and the charging plate 15 is movably disposed at the installation port 18. When the charging plate 15 is in the released state, the charging plate 15 is placed in the installation port 18. During the descent of the lifting platform 10, the fixing clamp 16 pushes the charging plate 15 out of the installation port 18 to facilitate charging of the drone 20.

[0056] In this application, the lifting platform 10 has two mounting openings 18, which penetrate the lifting platform 10 along its thickness direction. The mounting openings 18 and the fixing plate 16 are positioned opposite each other along the thickness direction of the lifting platform 10. Two charging plates 15 are movably positioned at their respective mounting openings 18. Figure 6 The lifting platform 10 descends, the fixing clamp 16 contacts the charging plate 15 and passes through the mounting port 18, causing the charging plate 15 to flip and at least a portion of the charging plate 15 to protrude from the mounting port 18. At this time, the charging plate 15 is in a clamped state, thereby enabling the charging plate 15 to charge the drone 20; combined with Figure 4 When the lifting platform 10 rises, the fixed clamp 16 separates from the charging plate 15. At this time, the charging plate 15 is located in the mounting port 18 and is in the released state. The charging plate 15 stops charging the drone 20. Preferably, the charging plate 15 is parallel to the horizontal plane, that is, the charging plate 15 is horizontally set in the mounting port 18, which can improve the space utilization of the lifting platform 10 and avoid interference between the charging plate 15 and other structural components.

[0057] Therefore, by forming an installation port 18 on the lifting platform 10, a movement space is provided for the charging plate 15 and the fixing clamp 16. During the lifting process of the lifting platform 10, the fixing clamp 16 can push the charging plate 15 out of the installation port 18, so that the charging plate 15 can charge the drone 20, avoid interference between the charging plate 15 and the lifting platform 10, and ensure that the charging plate 15 can be flipped smoothly.

[0058] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the charging plate 15 is pivotally connected to the lifting platform 10 via a rotating shaft, and an elastic reset member is provided between the charging plate 15 and the lifting platform 10. When the charging plate 15 is in the released state, the charging plate 15 is held in the mounting port 18 under the action of the elastic reset member.

[0059] The charging plate 15 is pivotally connected to the side wall of the mounting port 18 via a pivot, allowing the charging plate 15 to rotate around the pivot. An elastic reset member is provided between the charging plate 15 and the lifting platform 10, connecting both the charging plate 15 and the side wall of the mounting port 18. The elastic reset member can be a pre-tensioned coil spring. When the lifting platform 10 descends, the fixing plate 16 lifts the charging plate 15, causing it to rotate into a clamped state, at which point the elastic reset member is stretched. When the lifting platform 10 rises, the fixing plate 16 separates from the charging plate 15, and the elastic reset member drives the charging plate 15 to return to its released state, ensuring that the charging plate 15 remains horizontally positioned within the mounting port 18.

[0060] Therefore, the charging plate 15 is pivotally connected to the lifting platform 10 via a pivot, facilitating the connection between the charging plate 15 and the lifting platform 10. This also allows the charging plate 15 to rotate relative to the lifting platform 10. During the lifting process of the lifting platform 10, the charging of the drone 20 can be automatically triggered or stopped by the fixing clamp 16. The elastic reset component facilitates the rapid reset of the charging plate 15 to the released state after the fixing clamp 16 separates from it, improving the reset efficiency of the charging plate 15 and enhancing the stability and reliability of the charging plate 15 when switching between the clamped and released states.

[0061] Optionally, combined Figure 4 and Figure 7 A lifting mechanism 30 is provided between the base plate 14 and the lifting platform 10. The lifting mechanism 30 includes structural components such as a lifting fork arm 31, a lifting motor 34, a slide groove 35, and an output fork arm 36. The lifting motor 34 is located on the base plate 14. The lifting fork arm 31 includes a main fork arm 32 and a secondary fork arm 33. The main fork arm 32 and the secondary fork arm 33 are hinged to each other. One end of the main fork arm 32 and the secondary fork arm 33 adjacent to the lifting platform 10 is respectively hinged to the bottom of the lifting platform 10 to form a rotatable connection. The other end of the main fork arm 32 adjacent to the lifting motor 34 is provided with a hinge point that is hinged to the slider on the lead screw of the lifting motor 34 to form a rotatable connection. The slider is limited in the slide groove 35. The hinge point can slide horizontally in a straight line under the push of the output fork arm 36. The other end of the auxiliary fork arm 33 is located away from the lifting motor 34 and is fixedly hinged to the base plate 14. That is, one end of the lifting fork arm 31 is fixedly hinged to the lifting platform 10, and the other end of the lifting fork arm 31 is slidably hinged to the lifting motor 34. Under the linear drive of the lifting motor 34, the lifting fork arm 31 can drive the lifting platform 10 to move up and down, thereby realizing the lifting and retraction of the UAV platform 100.

[0062] Alternatively, the lifting structure can employ lifting methods such as linear motors or pulley cables.

[0063] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the drone platform 100 further includes a centering mechanism 40, which is located within the lifting platform 10 and is adapted to adjust the position of the drone 20 parked on the lifting platform 10.

[0064] The centering mechanism 40 is located inside the lifting platform 10 along the thickness direction of the lifting platform 10. When the lifting platform 10 rises and the folding platform 11 is in a folded state, the drone 20 can be parked on the parking platform jointly formed by the lifting platform 10 and the folding platform 11. The centering mechanism 40 can adjust the feet of the drone 20.

[0065] Therefore, by setting up the centering mechanism 40, after the drone 20 is parked on the drone platform 100, it is convenient to adjust the feet of the drone 20, thereby adjusting the parking position of the drone 20 and improving the standardization of the parking of the drone 20.

[0066] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the centering mechanism 40 includes: a centering motor 41, a first connecting rod 42, a second connecting rod 43, multiple first sweeping rods 44, and multiple second sweeping rods 45. The centering motor 41 is mounted on the lifting platform 10. The first connecting rod 42 is drivenly connected to the centering motor 41. The second connecting rod 43 is drivenly connected to the first connecting rod 42. The multiple first sweeping rods 44 are drivenly engaged with the first connecting rod 42. The multiple second sweeping rods 45 are drivenly engaged with the second connecting rod 43. When the centering motor 41 is working, it drives the first connecting rod 42 to move. The first connecting rod 42 causes the multiple first sweeping rods 44 to swing, and the first connecting rod 42 drives the multiple second sweeping rods 45 to swing through the second connecting rod 43, so that the multiple first sweeping rods 44 and the multiple second sweeping rods 45 switch between a retracted state moving towards each other and an unfolded state moving away from each other.

[0067] In this application, a plurality of first sweeping rods 44 and a plurality of second sweeping rods 45 are hinged to the lifting platform 10, and the plurality of first sweeping rods 44 and a plurality of second sweeping rods 45 can swing in the horizontal plane.

[0068] When the centralizing motor 41 is working, the first connecting rod 42 is driven by the lead screw output shaft of the centralizing motor 41, causing the first connecting rod 42 to move along the length of the lifting platform 10. The first connecting rod 42 and the second connecting rod 43 are connected by a transmission gear 46, which transmits power in the opposite direction to the second connecting rod 43, causing the second connecting rod 43 to move along the length of the lifting platform 10. Due to the presence of multiple hinge points between the first sweeping rods 44 and the first connecting rod 42, and multiple hinge points between the second sweeping rods 45 and the second connecting rod 43, the first connecting rod 42 moves along the length of the lifting platform 10. The rack is equipped with toothed features, allowing multiple first sweeping rods 44 and multiple second sweeping rods 45 to mesh with a first connecting rod 42 and a second connecting rod 43, respectively. Driven by the first connecting rod 42 and the second connecting rod 43, the multiple first sweeping rods 44 and multiple second sweeping rods 45 can simultaneously retract towards each other, at which point they are in a retracted state. Conversely, the multiple first sweeping rods 44 and multiple second sweeping rods 45 can simultaneously extend away from each other, at which point they are in an extended state. The first connecting rod 42 is an active centering rack, and the second connecting rod 43 is a passive centering rack.

[0069] When the cabin 1 enters the takeoff preparation state, multiple first sweeping bars 44 and multiple second sweeping bars 45 are initially in a retracted state. The multiple first sweeping bars 44 and multiple second sweeping bars 45, together with the grooves 17 on the lifting platform 10, restrict the position of the drone 20's feet. When the centering motor 41 drives the multiple first sweeping bars 44 and multiple second sweeping bars 45 to swing and be in an extended state, the restriction on the drone 20's feet is lifted, and the takeoff command can be executed. When the cabin 1 enters the landing preparation state, the multiple first sweeping bars 44 and multiple second sweeping bars 45 are initially in an extended state. After the drone 20 lands on the lifting platform 10 and the folding platform 11, the centering motor 41 drives the multiple first sweeping bars 44 and multiple second sweeping bars 45 to swing and be in a retracted state. During the rotation, the multiple first sweeping bars 44 and multiple second sweeping bars 45 push the drone 20's feet one after another. During the sweeping process, the drone 20's feet are brought back into the corresponding grooves 17 in the middle position of the lifting platform 10, completing the adjustment of the drone 20's parking position.

[0070] Therefore, by setting up the centering mechanism 40, only a single centering motor 41 is needed to drive multiple first sweeping bars 44 and multiple second sweeping bars 45 to swing, so that the multiple first sweeping bars 44 and multiple second sweeping bars 45 can switch between a retracted state moving towards each other and an extended state moving away from each other, thereby achieving a platform sweeping effect over a larger area. After the UAV 20 lands, it can adjust the parking position of the UAV 20 and limit the movement of the UAV 20, improve the standardization and stability of the UAV 20's parking, meet the more complex landing posture reset requirements of the UAV 20, and improve the adaptability and reliability of the UAV platform 100.

[0071] Optionally, combined Figure 8 The centering mechanism 40 includes two first sweeping rods 44 and two second sweeping rods 45. The two first sweeping rods 44 and the two second sweeping rods 45 are spaced apart along the width direction of the lifting platform 10, and the first sweeping rods 44 and the second sweeping rods 45 are spaced apart along the length direction of the lifting platform 10.

[0072] Optionally, the centering mechanism 40 can be equivalently implemented using opposing lead screw drives.

[0073] Optionally, in this application, the drone platform 100 adopts a three-fold design, which can be expanded to a five-fold or other form as needed to obtain a higher degree of folding.

[0074] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the lifting platform 10 includes a first lifting platform 101 and a second lifting platform 102. The second lifting platform 102 is located below the first lifting platform 101, and the centering mechanism 40 is located between the first lifting platform 101 and the second lifting platform 102. The folding platform 11 is flush with the second lifting platform 102 in the folded state.

[0075] In this application, the lifting platform 10 includes a first lifting platform 101 and a second lifting platform 102 disposed opposite to each other along the thickness direction of the lifting platform 10. The second lifting platform 102 is located below the first lifting platform 101. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The central motor 41 is mounted on the second lifting platform 102. The first connecting rod 42, the second connecting rod 43, the multiple first sweeping rods 44 and the multiple second sweeping rods 45 are located between the first lifting platform 101 and the second lifting platform 102. The multiple first sweeping rods 44 and the multiple second sweeping rods 45 are hinged to the second lifting platform 102. When the folding platform 11 is in the folded state, the folding platform 11 and the second lifting platform 102 are flush with each other along the thickness direction of the lifting platform 10. The first lifting platform 101 is higher than the folding platform 11 and the second lifting platform 102.

[0076] Therefore, by adopting the double-layer platform design of the lifting platform 10, which includes the first lifting platform 101 and the second lifting platform 102, it is convenient to place the centering mechanism 40 between the first lifting platform 101 and the second lifting platform 102, thereby reducing the space occupied by the first lifting platform 101, improving the space utilization of the lifting platform 10, not damaging the integrity of the first lifting platform 101, improving the flatness of the first lifting platform 101, providing sufficient space for the take-off and landing of the UAV 20, and at the same time avoiding interference with the feet of the UAV 20, reducing the probability of the UAV 20 getting stuck, and facilitating the smooth take-off and landing of the UAV 20.

[0077] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the drone library includes any of the drone platforms 100 described above.

[0078] In this application, combined with Figure 10 and Figure 11 The drone hangar has a cabin 1 with an inverted conical cavity. The drone platform 100 does not exceed the cavity when fully deployed or fully retracted within the cabin 1, thereby reducing the space required for the cabin 1, reducing the operating space required for the drone platform 100 to take off and land, reducing the volume occupied by the drone hangar, and improving space utilization.

[0079] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system includes: an UAV platform 100 and a UAV 20, wherein the UAV platform 100 is any of the above embodiments; and the UAV 20 is parked on the lifting platform 10 of the UAV platform 100.

[0080] Optionally, the drone platform 100 in the drone system includes a lifting platform 10, a folding platform 11, and a centering mechanism 40. When the drone 20 lands on the lifting platform 10 and the folding platform 11, the centering mechanism 40 folds the drone 20's feet into the corresponding groove 17 in the middle of the lifting platform 10, thus adjusting the drone 20's parking position. Furthermore, during the movement of the folding platform 11 from the folded state to the stowed state, the folding platform 11 can limit the movement of the drone 20. This improves the stability of the drone 20 when parked on the lifting platform 10 of the drone platform 100.

[0081] Optionally, when the drone platform 100 adopts a three-fold design, during the movement of the folding platform 11 from the folded state to the stowed state, the folding platform 11 can retract the wings of the drone 20. That is, when the lifting platform 10 descends, the folding platform 11 switches from the folded state to the stowed state. During the switching process, the folding platform 11 can retract the wings of the drone 20 parked on the drone platform 100 to a certain extent. This can avoid excessive wing deployment and interference with other structural components, prevent wing damage, extend the service life of the drone 20, and improve the reliability of the drone platform 100 and the drone system.

[0082] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a vehicle includes the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform 100 of any of the above embodiments, or the UAV hangar of the above embodiments, or the UAV system of the above embodiments. Thus, the UAV platform 100, the UAV hangar, or the UAV system can be integrated into the vehicle, improving the vehicle's space utilization, expanding the vehicle's three-dimensional perception and performance, enhancing the vehicle's safety and reliability, and improving the user experience.

[0083] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0084] In the description of this invention, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more of the features. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more. In the description of this invention, "above" or "below" the second feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or it may include contact between the first and second features not being in direct contact but through another feature between them. In the description of this invention, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicating that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature.

[0085] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0086] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A drone platform (100), characterized in that, include: A lifting platform (10) is movable along the thickness direction of the lifting platform (10); A folding platform (11) is located on the circumferential outer side of the lifting platform (10). The folding platform (11) has a folded state and a stowed state. The folding platform (11) is configured to switch between the folded state and the stowed state as the lifting platform (10) rises and falls.

2. The unmanned aerial vehicle platform (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting platform (10) descends, the folding platform (11) moves from the folded state to the stowed state, and the folding platform (11) moves from a horizontal position relative to the lifting platform (10) toward a position that is flipped by a predetermined angle relative to the lifting platform (10); The lifting platform (10) rises, the folding platform (11) moves from the stored state to the folded state, and the folding platform (11) moves from a position having the predetermined angle relative to the lifting platform (10) toward a position horizontal relative to the lifting platform (10).

3. The unmanned aerial vehicle platform (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the folding platform (11) is in the stored state, the folding platform (11) extends tilted from top to bottom toward the direction close to the lifting platform (10).

4. The unmanned aerial vehicle platform (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The folding platform (11) is rotatably connected to the lifting platform (10), and the folding platform (11) is adapted to be rotatably connected to the cabin (1) of the drone hangar so that the folding platform (11) switches between the folded state and the stored state as the lifting platform (10) rises and falls.

5. The unmanned aerial vehicle platform (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, A clearance opening (12) is formed on one side of the folding platform (11) adjacent to the lifting platform (10), and the side wall of the clearance opening (12) is rotatably connected to the lifting platform (10). When the folding platform (11) is in the folded state, the outer circumferential edge of the lifting platform (10) is located inside the clearance opening (12). When the folding platform (11) is in the stowed state, the outer circumferential edge of the lifting platform (10) extends out of the clearance opening (12).

6. The unmanned aerial vehicle platform (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, Further includes: An auxiliary link (13) is provided, one end of which is rotatably connected to the folding platform (11). The other end of the auxiliary link (13) is located on the side of the clearance opening (12) away from the lifting platform (10). The other end of the auxiliary link (13) is adapted to be rotatably connected to the cabin (1).

7. The unmanned aerial vehicle platform (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The folding platform (11) includes multiple sub-folding platforms (111), which are respectively located on both sides of the lifting platform (10) in the width direction. The sub-folding platforms (111) have the folded state and the stowed state. The sub-folding platforms (111) are configured to switch between the folded state and the stowed state as the lifting platform (10) rises and falls.

8. The unmanned aerial vehicle platform (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Further includes: The base plate (14) is located below the lifting platform (10), and the base plate (14) is provided with a fixing clamp (16). A charging plate (15) is movably mounted on the lifting platform (10). The charging plate (15) has a clamping state and a released state. During the descent of the lifting platform (10), the fixed clamp (16) contacts the charging plate (15), causing the charging plate (15) to switch from the released state to the clamping state to be suitable for charging the drone (20) parked on the lifting platform (10); During the ascent of the lifting platform (10), the fixed clamp (16) releases the charging plate (15), causing the charging plate (15) to switch from the clamped state to the released state to stop charging the drone (20).

9. The unmanned aerial vehicle platform (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The lifting platform (10) has an installation port (18), and the charging plate (15) is movably disposed at the installation port (18). When the charging pad (15) is in the released state, the charging pad (15) is placed inside the mounting port (18); During the descent of the lifting platform (10), the fixing clamp (16) pushes the charging plate (15) out of the mounting port (18) to facilitate charging of the drone (20).

10. The unmanned aerial vehicle platform (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The charging plate (15) is pivotally connected to the lifting platform (10) via a rotating shaft. An elastic reset member is provided between the charging plate (15) and the lifting platform (10). When the charging plate (15) is in the released state, the charging plate (15) is held in the mounting port (18) under the action of the elastic reset member.

11. The unmanned aerial vehicle platform (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The unmanned aerial vehicle platform (100) further includes: Centering mechanism (40) is located inside the lifting platform (10) and is adapted to adjust the position of the drone (20) parked on the lifting platform (10).

12. The unmanned aerial vehicle platform (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The remediation mechanism (40) includes: A centering motor (41) is installed on the lifting platform (10); The first link (42) is drivenly connected to the centering motor (41); The second link (43) is connected to the first link (42) in a transmission manner; Multiple first sweeping rods (44) are engaged with the first connecting rod (42) in a transmission manner; Multiple second sweeping rods (45) are engaged with the second connecting rod (43) in a transmission manner. When the centering motor (41) is working, the centering motor (41) drives the first connecting rod (42) to move. The first connecting rod (42) drives multiple first sweeping rods (44) to swing, and the first connecting rod (42) drives multiple second sweeping rods (45) to swing through the second connecting rod (43), so that the multiple first sweeping rods (44) and the multiple second sweeping rods (45) switch between a retracted state moving toward each other and an extended state moving away from each other.

13. The unmanned aerial vehicle platform (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The lifting platform (10) includes a first lifting platform (101) and a second lifting platform (102), the second lifting platform (102) is located below the first lifting platform (101), and the centering mechanism (40) is located between the first lifting platform (101) and the second lifting platform (102); The folding platform (11) is flush with the second lifting platform (102) in the folded state.

14. A drone hangar, characterized in that, Includes the unmanned aerial vehicle platform (100) according to any one of claims 1-13.

15. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system, characterized in that, include: Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform (100), wherein the UAV platform (100) is the UAV platform (100) according to any one of claims 1-13. The drone (20) is parked on the lifting platform (10) of the drone platform (100).

16. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the unmanned aerial vehicle platform (100) according to any one of claims 1-13, or the unmanned aerial vehicle library according to claim 14, or the unmanned aerial vehicle system according to claim 15.

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