An unmanned aerial vehicle airport canopy

Abstract

This invention discloses a drone airport canopy, comprising multiple arched frames and several arc-shaped solar panels. Each arched frame includes two arched plates and multiple connecting columns, with the two arched plates connected by these columns. A takeoff window is formed between adjacent connecting columns, and an annular support plate is installed within the takeoff window. Each solar panel corresponds to a takeoff window, with each solar panel placed on a corresponding annular support plate. A sealing ring is fitted onto the solar panel, ensuring tight contact with the sidewall of the takeoff window. An electrical connector is provided on the annular support plate, and an electrical connector post is connected to the bottom wall of the solar panel. The electrical connector post inserts into the electrical connector and can be separated from it. This structure provides excellent energy diversion and integrates solar panels, enabling the collection and conversion of solar energy into electrical energy for storage, thus supplementing the energy source for the airport or drones, resulting in energy conservation and environmental protection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) airport technology, and more specifically to a UAV airport canopy. Background Technology

[0002] A drone airport (also known as a drone hangar or drone nest) is an automated facility that provides services such as parking, charging, data downloading, and takeoff and landing for drones. To adapt to the outdoor environment, drone airports usually need to be equipped with a roof to protect the drones inside from the effects of sun, rain, snow, and other harsh weather conditions.

[0003] Most existing drone airport canopies are fixed structures, which provide some protection but have the following shortcomings:

[0004] 1) The top cover has a single function, serving only as a protective measure and cannot effectively utilize solar energy resources to replenish power for airports or drones;

[0005] 2) The take-off and landing of drones usually rely on dedicated entrances and exits set up at the front or rear of the airport. Drones need to fly from their parking positions to the entrances and exits, which restricts their flight paths and makes them inconvenient. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a drone airport canopy. This structure has excellent airflow guidance and integrates a solar panel that can collect solar energy and convert it into electrical energy for storage, thus providing energy and light sources for the airport or drones, which is energy-saving and environmentally friendly.

[0007] A drone airport canopy includes multiple arched frames spliced ​​together in a front-to-back direction, and several arc-shaped solar panels.

[0008] The arched frame includes two arched plates and multiple connecting columns. The two arched plates are distributed along the front-to-back direction and are connected by multiple connecting columns. A takeoff window is formed between two adjacent connecting columns. An annular support plate is provided inside the takeoff window. The solar cover plate corresponds to the takeoff window one by one, and each solar cover plate is placed on an annular support plate.

[0009] A sealing ring is fitted onto the solar panel cover, which is in close contact with the side wall of the takeoff window. An electrical connector is provided on the annular support plate, and an electrical connector post is connected to the bottom wall of the solar panel cover. The electrical connector post is inserted into the electrical connector and can be separated from the electrical connector.

[0010] Preferably, each of the arched frames is connected to a support frame at both the front and rear.

[0011] It also includes multiple cover plate drive units, each corresponding to a solar cover plate.

[0012] The cover plate driving unit includes two cover plate driving components distributed along the front-rear direction, each cover plate driving component being mounted on a support frame;

[0013] The bottom wall of the solar cover plate has two arc-shaped sliding grooves, which are located at the front and rear of the solar cover plate respectively. A slider is slidably installed in the arc-shaped sliding groove. The two ends of the arc-shaped sliding groove are distributed along the left and right directions. The arc-shaped sliding groove corresponds one-to-one with the cover plate driving component.

[0014] The cover plate drive assembly includes a lifting mechanism one, a lifting mechanism two, a horizontal drive mechanism, a spring, and a sleeve;

[0015] The bottom end of the lifting mechanism is connected to the support frame via a spring, and the output shaft of the lifting mechanism is connected to the slider. In the initial state, the slider is located on the left side of the arc-shaped groove.

[0016] The sleeve is connected to the support frame via a support column. The sleeve is fitted onto the lifting mechanism one, and the lifting mechanism one can move up and down relative to the sleeve.

[0017] The horizontal drive mechanism is mounted on the support frame. The output shaft of the horizontal drive mechanism is connected to the second lifting mechanism. The horizontal drive mechanism can drive the second lifting mechanism to move left and right. The output shaft of the second lifting mechanism is connected to the right side of the bottom wall of the solar cover plate.

[0018] Preferably, the lifting mechanism is a cylinder.

[0019] Preferably, the second lifting mechanism is a cylinder.

[0020] Preferably, the horizontal drive mechanism is a cylinder.

[0021] Preferably, adjacent arched frames are welded together.

[0022] Preferably, the multiple connecting columns between the two arched plates are evenly distributed in the left-right direction.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this invention are reflected in:

[0024] Multifunctional integration: The top cover adopts an arched frame structure, which has good structural strength and airflow guiding effect. At the same time, it integrates a solar panel, which can collect solar energy and convert it into electrical energy for storage, replenishing the energy of airports or drones, thus saving energy and protecting the environment.

[0025] High ease of takeoff and landing: By setting multiple takeoff windows on the arched frame and configuring independent cover drive units, the UAV can take off or land vertically directly from the window above the parking position without having to move horizontally to the entrance or exit at the end of the airport, which greatly improves the flexibility of the flight path and the efficiency of takeoff and landing.

[0026] The opening and closing mechanism is stable and reliable: The cover drive unit employs two lifting mechanisms, one connected to each of the four corners of the solar cover's bottom wall. Combined with an arc-shaped sliding groove and spring structure, this achieves smooth lifting, horizontal movement, and precise return of the cover. The springs compensate for height changes caused by the arc-shaped bottom wall of the solar cover during horizontal movement, preventing motion interference. During return, the four drive points apply force evenly, ensuring a tight fit between the sealing ring and the window sidewall, effectively preventing seal failure due to unilateral tilting. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0029] In the attached diagram, 1-arched plate, 2-connecting column, 3-solar cover plate, 4-takeoff window, 5-ring support plate, 6-support frame, 7-lifting mechanism one, 8-lifting mechanism two, 9-horizontal drive mechanism, 10-spring, 11-sleeve, 12-support column. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The embodiments of the technical solution of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical solution of the present invention and are therefore intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] It should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the technical or scientific terms used in this application should have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a drone airport roof, including multiple arched frames spliced ​​along the front-to-back direction, and several arc-shaped solar panels 3;

[0034] The arched frame includes two arched plates 1 and multiple connecting columns 2. The two arched plates 1 are distributed along the front-to-back direction and are connected by multiple connecting columns 2. A takeoff window 4 is formed between two adjacent connecting columns 2. An annular support plate 5 is provided inside the takeoff window 4. The solar cover 3 corresponds one-to-one with the takeoff window 4, and each solar cover 3 is placed on an annular support plate 5.

[0035] A sealing ring is fitted onto the solar cover plate 3, and the sealing ring is in close contact with the side wall of the takeoff window 4. An electrical connector is provided on the annular support plate 5, and an electrical connector post is connected to the bottom wall of the solar cover plate 3. The electrical connector post is inserted into the electrical connector and can be separated from the electrical connector.

[0036] In this embodiment, several arched frames are provided, which have good structural strength and airflow guiding effect. Multiple takeoff windows 4 are formed within each arched frame, and an annular support plate 5 is provided within each takeoff window 4. A solar panel cover 3 is placed on each annular support plate 5, and a sealing ring (not shown in the figure) is fitted on the solar panel cover 3. The sealing ring is in close contact with the side wall of the takeoff window 4 to ensure a sealing effect and prevent rainwater from entering.

[0037] An electrical connector (not shown in the figure) is installed on the annular support plate 5. The electrical connector is electrically connected to the battery inside the airport to store the electrical energy collected by the solar cover plate 3. This ensures the arc-shaped airflow guiding effect of the top cover while facilitating the installation of the solar cover plate 3 and realizing the function of collecting and storing electrical energy.

[0038] Example 2

[0039] This embodiment further defines the features of Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, each of the arched frames is connected to a support frame 6 at both the front and rear.

[0040] It also includes multiple cover plate drive units, each of which corresponds one-to-one with the solar cover plate 3.

[0041] The cover plate driving unit includes two cover plate driving components distributed along the front-back direction, and each cover plate driving component is mounted on a support frame 6;

[0042] The bottom wall of the solar cover plate 3 has two arc-shaped sliding grooves, which are located at the front and rear of the solar cover plate 3 respectively. A slider is slidably installed in the arc-shaped sliding groove. The two ends of the arc-shaped sliding groove are distributed along the left and right directions. The arc-shaped sliding groove corresponds one-to-one with the cover plate driving component.

[0043] The cover plate drive assembly includes a lifting mechanism 1 (7), a lifting mechanism 2 (8), a horizontal drive mechanism (9), a spring (10), and a sleeve (11).

[0044] The bottom end of the lifting mechanism 7 is connected to the support frame 6 via a spring 10. The output shaft of the lifting mechanism 7 is connected to the slider. In the initial state, the slider is located on the left side of the arc-shaped groove.

[0045] The sleeve 11 is connected to the support frame 6 through the support column 12. The sleeve 11 is sleeved on the lifting mechanism 7, and the lifting mechanism 7 can move up and down relative to the sleeve 11.

[0046] The horizontal drive mechanism 9 is mounted on the support frame 6. The output shaft of the horizontal drive mechanism 9 is connected to the lifting mechanism 8. The horizontal drive mechanism 9 can drive the lifting mechanism 8 to move left and right. The output shaft of the lifting mechanism 8 is connected to the right side of the bottom wall of the solar cover plate 3.

[0047] Existing drone airports, by setting up dedicated entrances and exits on the front or back of the airport, require drones to detour from their parking positions to the entrances and exits when entering or leaving the airport, which is inconvenient for drones.

[0048] In this embodiment, a cover plate driving unit corresponding to the solar cover plate 3 is provided. Figure 1 The image only shows the specific structure of one solar cover plate 3 and one cover plate drive unit, which is used to explain the entire working process in detail.

[0049] Work process description:

[0050] When the drone needs to take off from takeoff window 4, lifting mechanisms 7 and 8 are activated simultaneously to lift the solar panel 3 upwards, making it higher than the highest point of the arched plate 1. Then, the horizontal drive mechanism 9 is activated, which drives lifting mechanism 8 to move to the left, thereby moving the solar panel 3 to the left as a whole, thus opening takeoff window 4. During this process, because the bottom wall of the solar panel 3 is curved, its height will change during horizontal movement. The spring 10 allows lifting mechanism 7 to float up and down according to the position of the slider in the curved groove, while the sleeve 11 provides guidance to ensure smooth and interference-free movement.

[0051] When the solar panel cover 3 needs to be closed, the horizontal drive mechanism 9 moves in the opposite direction, pulling the solar panel cover 3 back to directly above the takeoff window 4. Subsequently, lifting mechanisms 7 and 8 retract downwards simultaneously, smoothly pulling the solar panel cover 3 back onto the annular support plate 5. The synchronous downward movement of the four drive points (two lifting mechanisms 7 and two lifting mechanisms 8, two at the front and two at the rear) ensures that the solar panel cover 3 is evenly stressed, guaranteeing that the sealing ring fitted on it can be vertically and stably pressed against the side wall of the takeoff window 4, achieving reliable sealing and precise return. Without lifting mechanism 7, the solar panel cover 3 often has the problem of one side tilting up and failing to return to its precise position during return.

[0052] In humid environments such as rainy days, drones can pass through entrances and exits. If it is necessary to open the solar panel 3, disconnect the electrical connector from the battery first to prevent short circuits or leakage due to water ingress when separating or inserting the electrical connector. Reconnect the electrical connection after the weather clears and the inside is dry.

[0053] In this embodiment, the lifting mechanism 7 is a cylinder. In this embodiment, the lifting mechanism 8 is a cylinder. In this embodiment, the horizontal drive mechanism 9 is a cylinder. Specifically, in this embodiment, lifting mechanism 7, lifting mechanism 8, and horizontal drive mechanism 9 all use cylinders for ease of control.

[0054] In this embodiment, adjacent arched frames are welded together for fixation. Welding improves the connection stability of the arched frames.

[0055] In this embodiment, multiple connecting columns 2 between the two arched plates 1 are evenly distributed in the left-right direction to ensure the uniformity of the size of the takeoff window 4.

[0056] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of the present invention.

Claims

1. A canopy for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) airport, characterized in that, It includes multiple arched frames spliced ​​along the front and back directions, as well as several arc-shaped solar panels (3). The arched frame includes two arched plates (1) and multiple connecting columns (2). The two arched plates (1) are distributed along the front-to-back direction. The two arched plates (1) are connected by multiple connecting columns (2). A takeoff window (4) is formed between two adjacent connecting columns (2). An annular support plate (5) is provided inside the takeoff window (4). The solar cover plate (3) corresponds to the takeoff window (4) one by one. Each solar cover plate (3) is placed on an annular support plate (5). A sealing ring is fitted on the solar cover (3), and the sealing ring is in close contact with the side wall of the takeoff window (4). An electrical connector is provided on the annular support plate (5). An electrical connector is connected to the bottom wall of the solar cover (3). The electrical connector is inserted into the electrical connector and can be separated from the electrical connector.

2. The UAV airport canopy according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the arched frames is connected to a support frame (6) at the front and rear. It also includes multiple cover plate drive units, each of which corresponds one-to-one with the solar cover plate (3). The cover plate driving unit includes two cover plate driving components distributed along the front-rear direction, each cover plate driving component being mounted on a support frame (6); The bottom wall of the solar cover plate (3) has two arc-shaped sliding grooves. The two arc-shaped sliding grooves are located at the front and rear of the solar cover plate (3) respectively. A slider is slidably installed in the arc-shaped sliding groove. The two ends of the arc-shaped sliding groove are distributed along the left and right directions. The arc-shaped sliding groove corresponds to the cover plate drive assembly one by one. The cover plate drive assembly includes a lifting mechanism one (7), a lifting mechanism two (8), a horizontal drive mechanism (9), a spring (10), and a sleeve (11). The bottom end of the lifting mechanism (7) is connected to the support frame (6) via a spring (10), and the output shaft of the lifting mechanism (7) is connected to the slider. In the initial state, the slider is located on the left side of the arc-shaped groove. The sleeve (11) is connected to the support frame (6) through the support column (12). The sleeve (11) is sleeved on the lifting mechanism (7), and the lifting mechanism (7) can move up and down relative to the sleeve (11). The horizontal drive mechanism (9) is installed on the support frame (6). The output shaft of the horizontal drive mechanism (9) is connected to the second lifting mechanism (8). The horizontal drive mechanism (9) can drive the second lifting mechanism (8) to move left and right. The output shaft of the second lifting mechanism (8) is connected to the right side of the bottom wall of the solar cover plate (3).

3. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) airport canopy according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism (7) is a cylinder.

4. The UAV airport canopy according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second lifting mechanism (8) uses a cylinder.

5. The UAV airport canopy according to claim 2, characterized in that, The horizontal drive mechanism (9) is a cylinder.

6. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) airport canopy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjacent arched frames are welded and fixed together.

7. The UAV airport canopy according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple connecting columns (2) between the two arched slabs (1) are evenly distributed in the left and right directions.

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