An unmanned aerial vehicle transport case
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202611019426.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-07-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-18
AI Technical Summary
[0005]本发明提供了一种无人机运输箱,以解决现有运输箱无法与自动化装卸工位、智能机械臂设备形成标准化适配对接,货物装卸及取放作业高度依赖人工手动操作的问题
本无人机运输箱通过在箱体侧面设置第一舱门组件、在箱体底面设置第二舱门组件,同时利用控制结构分别控制两组舱门的开闭,既可以满足侧面装货、底部卸货的自动化作业需求,装卸过程无需人工操作,也能够分别为装货工位、卸货工位提供充足的作业空间,方便装货机械臂从侧面对接装货、卸货设备从底部承接货物,能够与自动化装卸工位、智能机械臂设备形成标准化适配对接,适配无人机物流全流程自动化作业体系,解决了现有运输箱无法适配自动化作业的问题。
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Figure CN122585539A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of drone transportation technology, and specifically to a drone transportation container. Background Technology
[0002] In recent years, the low-altitude economy industry has developed rapidly, and low-altitude drone technology has continued to mature. Drones, with their advantages of maneuverability, environmental adaptability, and high operational efficiency, have been widely applied in various fields. Among them, logistics drones, as an important intelligent carrier of smart logistics, have developed rapidly and have been widely deployed, effectively making up for the shortcomings of traditional ground logistics models and significantly improving the intelligence level and overall operational efficiency of last-mile delivery. Currently, drone logistics delivery has become an important technological approach to solving the "last mile" delivery problem in the logistics industry. For remote mountainous areas and areas with poor transportation that are difficult for traditional logistics to cover, logistics drones can overcome geographical limitations and quickly complete cargo delivery; for special scenarios such as emergency rescue and public health, logistics drones can achieve rapid transfer and delivery of emergency medical supplies and emergency support materials, ensuring the timeliness of material supply in special scenarios; at the same time, in routine logistics scenarios such as urban instant delivery and short-distance express delivery, they can effectively avoid ground traffic congestion, shorten delivery time, and reduce manual delivery costs, making them well-suited to the high-frequency, fast-paced operational needs of modern logistics.
[0003] In drone logistics delivery systems, the transport container is the core component for cargo carrying, protection, and automated delivery docking. Its opening and closing structure and pick-and-place layout directly determine the automated docking accuracy and overall operational efficiency of the drone logistics system. Most existing drone logistics transport containers adopt a fixed structure with a top opening or a single side door. Among them, the top-opening transport container has an upward opening structure, which is easily affected by factors such as obstruction by the container frame and cargo position displacement during the automated pick-and-place process of the robotic arm, making it impossible to achieve precise positioning and grasping. It is only suitable for manual top-down picking operations. The single-side door transport container only has a single-sided opening structure, and the opening angle and working space are limited, which cannot meet the automated operation requirements of multi-angle docking and bidirectional loading and unloading by the robotic arm.
[0004] In summary, existing transport containers cannot be standardized and compatible with automated loading and unloading stations and intelligent robotic arm equipment. Cargo loading, unloading and pick-up operations rely heavily on manual operation or require complex specialized ground auxiliary equipment such as lifting and flipping to complete the task, making it difficult to adapt to the automated operation system of drone logistics. Summary of the Invention
[0005] This invention provides a drone transport container to solve the problem that existing transport containers cannot be standardized and compatible with automated loading and unloading stations and intelligent robotic arm equipment, and that cargo loading, unloading and pick-up operations are highly dependent on manual operation.
[0006] This invention provides a drone transport container, comprising: The container has a cargo compartment; A first door assembly is mounted on at least one side of the container body. The first door assembly has a first door and a first drive structure. The first door has a first position for opening the cargo compartment and a second position for closing the cargo compartment. The first drive structure is kinetically connected to the first door. The second door assembly is mounted on the bottom surface of the container. The second door assembly has a second door and a second drive structure. The second door has a third position for opening the cargo compartment and a fourth position for closing the cargo compartment. The second drive structure is drively connected to the second door. A control structure is provided, which is signal-connected to the first drive structure and the second drive structure respectively, and the control structure has a communication module that is connected to the terminal.
[0007] Beneficial effects: This drone transport container features a first door assembly on the side and a second door assembly on the bottom. A control structure manages the opening and closing of both doors, enabling automated side loading and bottom unloading. The loading and unloading process requires no manual intervention and provides ample working space for both loading and unloading stations. This allows loading robotic arms to dock from the side and unloading equipment to receive goods from the bottom. It is compatible with automated loading and unloading stations and intelligent robotic arm equipment, forming a standardized fit for the entire automated drone logistics process, thus solving the problem of existing transport containers being unable to adapt to automated operations.
[0008] In one optional embodiment, a weighing structure and an alarm component are installed inside the enclosure. The weighing structure and the alarm component are respectively connected to the control structure so that the control structure triggers the alarm component based on the information transmitted by the weighing structure.
[0009] Beneficial effects: The drone transport container of this invention can identify overweight cargo in a timely manner during the loading stage, avoiding flight safety risks caused by drones transporting overweight cargo. At the same time, it eliminates the need for manual verification of cargo weight, further improving the efficiency of automated operations.
[0010] In one alternative embodiment, the weighing structure is a weight sensor mounted on the end face of the second hatch facing the cargo hold, and the alarm assembly includes a warning light having a first light mode for indicating no overload and a second light mode for indicating overload.
[0011] Beneficial effects: The weight sensor is directly installed inside the second hatch, with a compact structure that does not require additional loading space inside the cargo hold. This maximizes the use of the container's internal space for loading goods. Meanwhile, the warning lights use different lighting modes to intuitively indicate the weight status, allowing on-site loading personnel to quickly determine the cargo status without the need for a terminal, further improving the efficiency of loading operations.
[0012] In one optional embodiment, the top of the housing has a connecting structure, the housing is mounted on the bottom of the drone via the connecting structure, the connecting structure has a power supply interface, and the control structure is electrically connected to the drone via the power supply interface.
[0013] Beneficial effects: The connection structure simultaneously achieves fixed connection between the container and the drone, power supply, and signal transmission. It has a high degree of integration, eliminating the need for additional external wiring and avoiding interference with drone flight. It also eliminates the need for a separate battery for the transport container, effectively reducing the overall weight of the transport container, increasing cargo capacity, and meeting the weight restrictions of drones.
[0014] In one alternative embodiment, the housing is equipped with a backup battery, which is connected to the control structure.
[0015] Beneficial effects: The backup battery can directly supply power to the control structure and various electrical components when the connection between the connecting structure and the drone fails and power is unavailable. This ensures that the hatch can be opened and closed normally to complete the operation, avoiding the inability to open or close the hatch and complete loading and unloading operations due to power outages. This further improves the reliability of the transport container and prevents drone logistics and delivery operations from being affected by power failures.
[0016] In one alternative embodiment, the cargo hold is equipped with a guide structure, which, when the second hatch is in the third position, guides the cargo in the cargo hold to the bottom of the container.
[0017] Beneficial effects: The cargo inside the hold can slide along the inclined guide structure to the bottom opening of the container. It can be automatically unloaded by its own weight without additional pushing, avoiding the cargo getting stuck in the corners of the hold and ensuring smooth unloading operations, thus further improving the reliability of automated unloading.
[0018] In one alternative embodiment, the guide structure has a vertical portion and an oblique extension portion. The vertical portion is fixed to the bottom of the cargo hold and is located on the side of the second hatch near the cargo hold sidewall. The oblique extension portion is connected from the end of the vertical portion away from the bottom of the cargo hold to the adjacent cargo hold sidewall, and the end face of the oblique extension portion forms a guide slope.
[0019] Beneficial effects: The guide structure avoids interference with the movement structure of the second door by using the vertical part to avoid the transmission components of the second door assembly, ensuring smooth opening and closing of the second door. At the same time, the guide slope formed by the inclined extension guides the cargo to slide down, and can complete the automatic unloading by relying on the weight of the cargo itself, without the need for an additional pushing structure. This further simplifies the internal structure of the container, reduces the weight of the transport container, and prevents the cargo from getting stuck in the cargo hold, ensuring a complete and smooth unloading operation and improving the reliability of automated unloading.
[0020] In one optional embodiment, the first door assembly further has a first transmission structure that corresponds one-to-one with the first door, and the first drive structure is connected to the first transmission structure to drive the first door to move. The second hatch assembly also has a second transmission structure that corresponds one-to-one with the second hatch, and the second drive structure is connected to the second transmission structure to drive the second hatch to move.
[0021] Beneficial effects: The dual-side synchronous drive structure ensures the synchronicity of movement of the first pair of doors and the second pair of doors, avoiding the inability to open and close normally due to jamming of one side of the door, ensuring smooth door operation, adapting to the complex working conditions of outdoor logistics transportation, reducing the incidence of door jamming failure, and improving the overall reliability of the transport container operation.
[0022] In one optional embodiment, the first transmission structure includes a first lead screw, a first lead screw nut, a first connecting rod, and a first door swing arm. One end of the first lead screw is connected to the first drive structure, the first lead screw nut is threadedly connected to the first lead screw, the first end of the first connecting rod is hinged to the first lead screw nut, the second end of the first connecting rod is hinged to the first end of the first door swing arm, the second end of the first door swing arm is fixedly connected to the first door, and the first door swing arm rotates to drive the first door to move to a first position or a second position. The second transmission structure includes a second lead screw, a second lead screw nut, a second connecting rod, and a second door swing arm. One end of the second lead screw is connected to the second drive structure. The second lead screw nut is threadedly connected to the first lead screw. The first end of the second connecting rod is hinged to the second lead screw nut. The second end of the second connecting rod is hinged to the first end of the second door swing arm. The second end of the second door swing arm is fixedly connected to the second door. The second door swing arm rotates to drive the second door to move to a first position or a second position.
[0023] Beneficial effects: The transmission structure, which uses a lead screw and nut in conjunction with a connecting rod and swing arm, has high overall transmission precision. It can accurately control the rotation angle of the first and second hatches, ensuring that the hatches open and close properly. At the same time, the transmission structure operates stably and has strong anti-interference capabilities, making it suitable for complex outdoor operating environments and further reducing the incidence of jamming failures.
[0024] In one optional embodiment, the housing is equipped with a position sensor, which is electrically connected to the control structure, and the position sensor is used to detect the positions of the first lead screw nut and the second lead screw nut.
[0025] Beneficial effects: Position sensors can provide real-time feedback on the position of the lead screw nut, thereby accurately reflecting the opening and closing status of the hatch. This helps the control structure achieve precise closed-loop control, ensuring that the hatch opens and closes properly, avoiding incomplete closure or opening that could affect operations. It also prevents the drive structure from operating under overload for extended periods, extending the service life of the drive structure and improving overall operational reliability. Attached Figure Description
[0026] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0027] Figure 1 This is an attached view of a drone transport container according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first hatch being opened according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the interior of the box according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the second hatch being opened according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the interior of the box according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 .
[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Cargo box; 11. Cargo hold; 2. First door assembly; 21. First door; 211. First pivot; 22. First drive structure; 23. First transmission structure; 231. First lead screw; 232. First lead screw nut; 233. First connecting rod; 234. First door swing arm; 235. First lead screw support; 3. Second door assembly; 31. Second door; 311. Second pivot; 32. Second drive structure; 33. Second transmission structure; 331. Second lead screw; 332. Second lead screw nut; 333. Second connecting rod; 334. Second door swing arm; 335. Second lead screw support; 4. Weighing structure; 5. Alarm assembly; 51. Warning light; 6. Connecting structure; 7. Guide structure; 71. Vertical part; 72. Angled extension part; 8. Position sensor. Detailed Implementation
[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a drone transport container is provided, comprising: a container body 1, a first door assembly 2, a second door assembly 3, and a control structure. The container body 1 has a cargo compartment 11. The first door assembly 2 is mounted on at least one side of the container body 1, and has a first door 21 and a first drive structure 22. The first door 21 has a first position for opening the cargo compartment 11 and a second position for closing the cargo compartment 11, and the first drive structure 22 is driveably connected to the first door 21. The second door assembly 3 is mounted on the bottom surface of the container body 1, and has a second door 31 and a second drive structure 32. The second door 31 has a third position for opening the cargo compartment 11 and a fourth position for closing the cargo compartment 11, and the second drive structure 32 is driveably connected to the second door 31. The control structure is signal-connected to the first drive structure 22 and the second drive structure 32 respectively, and the control structure has a communication module connected to a terminal.
[0031] Specifically, in Figures 1 to 4In this design, one side and bottom of the container 1 have openings connecting to the cargo hold 11. A first door assembly 2 and a second door assembly 3 are respectively installed at the openings on the side and bottom of the container 1, thus sealing the cargo hold 11. When loading cargo into the cargo hold 11, the first door assembly 2 on the side of the container 1 opens, while the second door assembly 3 on the bottom of the container 1 remains closed. When a drone carrying the container 1 moves to a designated location for unloading, the second door assembly 3 opens, the first door assembly 2 closes, and the cargo inside the cargo hold 11 falls from the bottom of the container 1 to the unloading station. It should be noted that the unloading station has a buffer structure to cushion the impact of falling cargo and prevent damage. A robotic arm is located on one side of the unloading station, which can transfer the cargo within the unloading station to a designated storage location or delivery station, achieving automated unloading. The control structure is connected to a terminal via a communication module. Users can obtain the status of the container 1 through the terminal and control the opening or closing of the first door assembly 2 and the second door assembly 3 through the terminal. The first door assembly 2 and the second door assembly 3 each have a pair of first doors 21 and a pair of second doors 31, which are respectively installed at the openings on the side and bottom of the container 1. The control structure is electrically connected to the first drive structure 22 and the second drive structure 32. When loading cargo into the cargo hold 11, the user sends a command to the control structure via a terminal. The control structure then controls the first drive structure 22 to move the first door 21 to the first position, opening the cargo hold 11. After loading is complete, the user sends a command to the control structure via a terminal, which then controls the first drive structure 22 to move the first door 21 to the second position, closing the cargo hold 11. Similarly, when the container reaches the unloading position, the user sends a command to the control structure via a terminal, which then controls the second drive structure 32 to move the second door 31 to the third position, opening the cargo hold 11. After loading is complete, the user sends a command to the control structure via a terminal, which then controls the second drive structure 32 to move the second door 31 to the fourth position, closing the cargo hold 11. Optionally, the control structure is a PCB board, and the terminal is a smartphone, computer, or drone flight control system. Users can select the corresponding control terminal according to the actual use scenario to adapt to the operation requirements of different scenarios.
[0032] This drone transport container features a first door assembly 2 on the side of the container 1 and a second door assembly 3 on the bottom of the container 1. A control structure is used to control the opening and closing of both doors, enabling automated side loading and bottom unloading. The loading and unloading process requires no manual operation and provides ample working space for both loading and unloading stations. This allows loading robotic arms to dock from the side and unloading equipment to receive goods from the bottom. It can be standardized and compatible with automated loading and unloading stations and intelligent robotic arm equipment, fitting seamlessly into the entire automated drone logistics system and solving the problem of existing transport containers being unable to adapt to automated operations.
[0033] In one embodiment, a weighing structure 4 and an alarm component 5 are installed inside the housing 1. The weighing structure 4 and the alarm component 5 are respectively connected to a control structure so that the control structure triggers the alarm component 5 according to the information transmitted by the weighing structure 4.
[0034] Specifically, in Figure 1 In this system, a weighing structure 4 is installed inside the cargo hold 11. The weighing structure 4 can weigh the goods inside the cargo hold 11 after loading is completed and the first hatch 21 is closed. An alarm component 5 is installed in the container 1. The alarm component 5 can issue an alarm when the goods in the cargo hold 11 are overweight, reminding loading personnel to readjust the weight of the goods. The weighing structure 4 and the alarm component 5 are electrically connected to the control structure. The weighing structure 4 weighs the goods multiple times and transmits the weight information from these multiple measurements to the control structure. The control structure calculates the average value based on the multiple weight measurements and compares the calculated average value with a set weight. The control structure simultaneously transmits the calculated average value to the terminal. If the average value is not less than the set weight, it is determined that the goods in the cargo hold 11 are overweight; if the average value is less than the set weight, it is determined that the goods in the cargo hold 11 are not overweight. When the control structure receives information that the goods are overweight, it controls the alarm component 5 to issue an alarm and transmits the alarm to the terminal.
[0035] The drone transport container in this embodiment can identify overweight goods in a timely manner during the loading stage, avoiding flight safety risks caused by drones transporting overweight goods. At the same time, it eliminates the need for manual verification of cargo weight, further improving the efficiency of automated operations.
[0036] In one embodiment, the weighing structure 4 is a weight sensor installed on the end face of the second hatch 31 facing the cargo hold 11, and the alarm component 5 includes an alarm light 51 having a first light mode for indicating no overload and a second light mode for indicating overload.
[0037] Specifically, in Figure 1 and Figure 5In this configuration, a weight sensor is fixedly installed on the inner side of the second hatch 31. When the second hatch 31 is closed, the bottom of the cargo inside the cargo hold 11 directly contacts the weight sensor, allowing the sensor to directly acquire the cargo's weight information. This eliminates the need for an additional weighing structure 4 within the container 1, simplifying the internal structure of the container 1. An warning light 51 is installed on the outer wall of the container 1. Loading personnel can quickly determine if the cargo is overweight by observing the light mode of the warning light 51: when the warning light 51 switches to the first light mode, it indicates that the cargo weight meets the requirements and can be taken off for transport; when the warning light 51 switches to the second light mode, it indicates that the cargo is overweight and the weight needs to be adjusted promptly, facilitating quick identification of the status by on-site personnel. Optionally, the first light mode emits green light, and the second light mode emits red light.
[0038] The weight sensor is directly installed inside the second hatch 31. The structure is compact and does not require additional loading space inside the cargo hold 11. This maximizes the use of the internal space of the container 1 for loading goods. At the same time, the warning light 51 uses different lighting modes to intuitively indicate the weight status. On-site loading personnel can quickly judge the status of the goods without the need for a terminal, further improving the efficiency of loading operations.
[0039] Furthermore, the alarm component 5 also includes a buzzer, which is electrically connected to the control structure. When the control structure determines that the goods are overweight, in addition to triggering the warning light 51 to switch to the second light mode, it also simultaneously controls the buzzer to emit a warning sound. In scenarios with poor lighting conditions, it can also allow loading personnel to receive overweight warnings in a timely manner, avoiding the omission of alarm information due to light obstruction, and further improving the reliability of overweight warnings.
[0040] In one embodiment, the top of the housing 1 has a connecting structure 6, the housing 1 is mounted on the bottom of the drone through the connecting structure 6, the connecting structure 6 has a power supply interface, and the control structure is electrically connected to the drone through the power supply interface.
[0041] Specifically, in Figure 1 and Figure 3In this embodiment, the connecting structure 6 is fixedly installed on the top of the housing 1, and the bottom of the drone has a docking support that is fixedly connected to the connecting structure 6. After the connecting structure 6 docks with the docking support, the housing 1 and the drone are fixed together. At the same time, the power supply interface can also be plugged in simultaneously, directly obtaining the power required for operation from the drone. There is no need to equip the housing 1 with a separate power supply, which simplifies the structure of the housing 1 and reduces the overall weight of the housing 1, making it suitable for the payload requirements of the drone. In this embodiment, the power supply interface includes power pins and communication pins. The power pins are used to transmit power to the control structure, and the control structure transmits power to the first drive structure 22, the second drive structure 32, the weighing structure 4, and the alarm component 5. The communication pins enable signal transmission between the drone flight control system and the control structure. The flight control system can directly send door opening and closing commands to the control structure without the need for an additional third-party terminal to complete the operation, further simplifying the operation process of automated operation and meeting the operational requirements of completing unloading operations directly in the flight control system during drone flight. Optionally, the connecting structure 6 is a flange.
[0042] The connection structure 6 simultaneously realizes the fixed connection, power supply and signal transmission between the container 1 and the drone. It has a high degree of integration, does not require additional external wiring, avoids interference with the drone's flight, and does not require a separate battery for the transport container, effectively reducing the overall weight of the transport container, increasing the cargo loading capacity, and adapting to the drone's load limit requirements.
[0043] In one embodiment, the housing 1 is equipped with a backup battery, which is connected to the control structure.
[0044] Specifically, once the connection structure 6 is docked with the drone, the drone can power the control structure and charge the backup battery through the connection structure 6. If the connection between the connection structure 6 and the drone fails and power cannot be supplied, the backup battery can directly supply power to the control structure and various electrical components, ensuring that the hatch can be opened and closed normally to complete the operation. This avoids the inability to open and close the hatch due to power outages, thus preventing the loading and unloading operations from being completed. This further improves the reliability of the transport container and avoids the impact of power failures on drone logistics and delivery operations.
[0045] In one embodiment, the cargo hold 11 is equipped with a guide structure 7, which is used to guide the cargo in the cargo hold 11 to the bottom of the container 1 when the second hatch 31 is in the third position.
[0046] Specifically, in Figure 5In this system, the guide structure 7 is installed on at least one pair of opposing cargo compartments 11. The pair of guide structures 7 are inclined downwards and retract towards the center of the bottom of the container 1. When the second door 31 is opened, the cargo in the cargo compartment 11 can slide along the inclined guide structure 7 to the opening position at the bottom of the container 1. It can automatically unload the cargo by its own weight without additional pushing, thus avoiding the cargo from getting stuck at the corner of the cargo compartment 11 and being unable to fall. This ensures that the unloading operation is completed smoothly and further improves the reliability of automated unloading.
[0047] In one embodiment, the guide structure 7 has a vertical portion 71 and an oblique extension 72. The vertical portion 71 is fixed to the bottom of the cargo hold 11 and is located on the side of the second hatch 31 near the side wall of the cargo hold 11. The oblique extension 72 is connected from the end of the vertical portion 71 away from the bottom of the cargo hold 11 to the side wall of the adjacent cargo hold 11, and the end face of the oblique extension 72 forms a guide slope.
[0048] Specifically, in Figure 5 In the design, the guide structure 7 includes a vertical section 71 extending vertically along the cargo hold 11, and an oblique extension 72 extending obliquely upward from the upper end of the vertical section 71 away from the center of the cargo hold 11 and connected to the side wall of the adjacent cargo hold 11. The vertical section 71 is located below the oblique extension 72 and is located on one side of the opening. The vertical section 71 avoids the transmission structure of the second hatch 31, thus avoiding interference with the opening and closing process of the second hatch 31. The oblique extension 72 forms a narrowing channel from top to bottom. At the same time, the guide slope formed by the oblique extension 72 can guide the cargo to slide along the guide slope to the center position of the bottom opening of the container 1, ensuring that the cargo falls smoothly between the opened second hatches 31, avoiding getting stuck in the corners inside the cargo hold 11, ensuring complete unloading, eliminating the need for secondary manual cleaning, and adapting to the requirements of automated unmanned operation.
[0049] The guide structure 7 avoids the transmission components of the second door 31 through the vertical part 71, thus avoiding interference with the movement structure of the second door assembly 3 and ensuring smooth opening and closing of the second door 31. At the same time, the guide slope formed by the inclined extension 72 guides the cargo to slide down, and can complete the automatic unloading by relying on the weight of the cargo itself. There is no need to set up an additional pushing structure, which further simplifies the internal structure of the container 1, reduces the weight of the transport container, and prevents the cargo from getting stuck in the cargo compartment 11, ensuring a complete and smooth unloading operation and improving the reliability of automated unloading.
[0050] In one embodiment, the first door assembly 2 further has a first transmission structure 23 corresponding to the first door 21, and a first drive structure 22 is drivenly connected to the first transmission structure 23 to drive the first door 21 to move. The second door assembly 3 further has a second transmission structure 33 corresponding to the second door 31, and a second drive structure 32 is drivenly connected to the second transmission structure 33 to drive the second door 31 to move.
[0051] Specifically, in Figure 1 and Figure 3 In this configuration, a first transmission structure 23 drives a first hatch 21, and a second transmission structure 33 drives a second hatch 31. A first drive structure 22 is positioned between and simultaneously connected to both first transmission structures 23; a second drive structure 32 is positioned between and simultaneously connected to both second transmission structures 33. The first drive structure 22 synchronously drives the two first transmission structures 23 to move simultaneously, thereby causing the two first hatches 21 to move synchronously towards each other to open or close. Similarly, the second drive structure 32 synchronously drives the two second transmission structures 33 to move simultaneously, thereby causing the two second hatches 31 to move synchronously towards each other to open or close. This ensures the synchronicity of the two hatches, preventing one hatch from jamming and ensuring smooth hatch operation. Optionally, both the first transmission structure 23 and the second transmission structure 33 are gear and rack structures, and both the first drive structure 22 and the second drive structure 32 are drive motors. Gear and rack transmissions offer high precision and stable operation, adapting to complex outdoor operating environments and effectively reducing the probability of jamming failures.
[0052] The dual-side synchronous drive structure ensures the synchronicity of the movement of the pair of first doors 21 and the pair of second doors 31, avoids the inability to open and close normally due to jamming of one side door, ensures smooth door operation, can adapt to the complex working conditions of outdoor logistics transportation, reduce the occurrence of door jamming failure, and improve the overall reliability of the transport container operation.
[0053] In one embodiment, the first transmission structure 23 includes a first lead screw 231, a first lead screw nut 232, a first connecting rod 233, and a first door swing arm 234. One end of the first lead screw 231 is connected to the first drive structure 22, the first lead screw nut 232 is threadedly connected to the first lead screw 231, the first end of the first connecting rod 233 is hinged to the first lead screw nut 232, the second end of the first connecting rod 233 is hinged to the first end of the first door swing arm 234, the second end of the first door swing arm 234 is fixedly connected to the first door 21, and the first door swing arm 234 rotates to drive the first door 21 to move to a first position or a second position. The second transmission structure 33 includes a second lead screw 331, a second lead screw nut 332, a second connecting rod 333, and a second door swing arm 334. One end of the second lead screw 331 is connected to the second drive structure 32. The second lead screw nut 332 is threadedly connected to the first lead screw 231. The first end of the second connecting rod 333 is hinged to the second lead screw nut 332. The second end of the second connecting rod 333 is hinged to the first end of the second door swing arm 334. The second end of the second door swing arm 334 is fixedly connected to the second door 31. The second door swing arm 334 rotates to drive the second door 31 to move to the first position or the second position.
[0054] Specifically, in Figures 1 to 4 In this configuration, a first lead screw 231 is axially rotatable and mounted on the housing 1. One end of the first lead screw 231 is connected to the first drive structure 22. A first lead screw support 235 is provided inside the housing 1, and the other end of the first lead screw 231 is rotatably connected to the first lead screw support 235 to achieve axial positioning of the first lead screw 231 and ensure stable rotation of the first lead screw 231. The first hatch 21 has a first rotating shaft 211 on the side away from the other first hatch 21. The first hatch 21 can rotate around the rotating shaft to a first position or a second position. The first end of the first hatch swing arm 234 is hinged to the second end of the first connecting rod 233, and the second end of the first hatch swing arm 234 is fixedly connected to the first rotating shaft 211. When the first drive structure 22 drives the first lead screw 231 to rotate, the first lead screw nut 232 moves along the axial direction of the first lead screw 231, thereby pushing the first connecting rod 233 to move. The first connecting rod 233 drives the first door swing arm 234 to rotate around the pivot, and the first door swing arm 234 can drive the first door 21 to rotate, thus completing the opening or closing action of the first door 21.
[0055] Similarly, the second lead screw 331 is axially rotatable and mounted on the housing 1. One end of the second lead screw 331 is connected to the second drive structure 32. A second lead screw support 335 is provided inside the housing 1, and the other end of the second lead screw 331 is rotatably connected to the second lead screw support 335 to achieve axial positioning of the second lead screw 331 and ensure stable rotation of the second lead screw 331. The second hatch 31 has a second rotating shaft 311 on the side away from the other second hatch 31. The second hatch 31 can rotate around the rotating shaft to a third or fourth position. The first end of the second hatch swing arm 334 is hinged to the second end of the second connecting rod 333, and the second end of the second hatch swing arm 334 is fixedly connected to the second rotating shaft 311. When the second drive structure 32 drives the second lead screw 331 to rotate, the second lead screw nut 332 moves along the axial direction of the second lead screw 331, thereby pushing the second connecting rod 333 to move. The second connecting rod 333 drives the second door swing arm 334 to rotate around the pivot, and the second door swing arm 334 can drive the second door 31 to rotate, thus completing the opening or closing action of the second door 31.
[0056] Optionally, both the first drive structure 22 and the second drive structure 32 are drive motors, and the drive motors have two drive shafts on both sides, which are respectively connected to lead screws on both sides.
[0057] The transmission structure, which uses a lead screw and nut in conjunction with a connecting rod and swing arm, has high overall transmission precision. It can accurately control the rotation angle of the first hatch 21 and the second hatch 31, ensuring that the hatches open and close properly. At the same time, the transmission structure operates stably and has strong anti-interference capabilities, making it suitable for complex outdoor operating environments and further reducing the incidence of jamming failures.
[0058] In one embodiment, the housing 1 is equipped with a position sensor 8, which is electrically connected to the control structure. The position sensor 8 is used to detect the position of the first lead screw nut 232 and the second lead screw nut 332.
[0059] Specifically, in Figure 1 and Figure 3 In this configuration, a position sensor 8 is installed on one side of each first lead screw 231 and each second lead screw 331. One position sensor 8 located on one side of the first lead screw 231 is used to detect the position information of the first lead screw nut 232 reaching the first position, and the other position sensor 8 is used to detect the position information of the first lead screw nut 232 reaching the second position. When the first lead screw nut 232 reaches the first position, the first hatch 21 is in the open state; when the first lead screw nut 232 reaches the second position, the first hatch 21 is in the closed state. The control structure can obtain the position of the first lead screw nut 232 through the position sensor 8, and thus accurately determine the opening and closing state of the first hatch 21. When the first hatch 21 moves to the correct position, the control structure can control the first drive structure 22 to stop running, avoiding continuous idling of the first drive structure 22 and damage to the components, while also ensuring that the first hatch 21 can accurately open and close to the correct position each time. Similarly, two position sensors 8 located on one side of the second lead screw 331 are used to detect the position information of the second lead screw nut 332 reaching the third and fourth positions, respectively, corresponding to the opening and closing states of the second hatch 31. This helps the control structure accurately determine the action state of the second hatch 31, achieving precise closed-loop control of the hatch action. Optionally, the position sensors 8 are Hall sensors.
[0060] Position sensor 8 can provide real-time feedback on the position of the lead screw nut, thereby accurately reflecting the opening and closing status of the hatch. This helps the control structure achieve precise closed-loop control, ensuring that the hatch opens and closes properly, avoiding incomplete closure or opening that could affect operations. It also prevents the drive structure from operating under overload for extended periods, extending the service life of the drive structure and improving overall operational reliability.
[0061] Furthermore, when the control structure obtains information that the first lead screw nut 232 has reached the second position, it determines that loading is complete and the first hatch 21 has been closed. Subsequently, the weighing structure 4 is activated to detect the weight of the cargo in the cargo hold 11. Based on the weight detection result, the control structure controls the alarm component 5 to output the corresponding prompt signal.
[0062] The drone transport container in this embodiment works on the following principle: During loading, the drone carrying the transport container lands on the loading platform. The drone sends a command to the control structure to open the first hatch 21 via the CAN bus. Upon receiving the command, the control structure verifies the authorization and current status. The current status must meet the following conditions: the second hatch 31 is closed and there is no overload. The control structure controls the first drive structure 22 to move. Through the cooperation of the first lead screw 231, the first lead screw nut 232, the first connecting rod 233, and the first hatch swing arm 234, the first hatch 21 is opened. After the position sensor 8 detects that the first lead screw nut 232 has moved to the first position, the control structure determines that the first hatch 21 is fully opened and controls the first drive structure 22 to stop moving. The control structure indicates that loading is possible by setting the warning light 51 to the first lighting mode. An external robotic arm or conveyor belt pushes the goods into the cargo compartment 11 through the first hatch 21. After loading is completed, the drone sends a command to close the first hatch 21. 1. The control structure drives the first drive structure 22 to move. Through the cooperation of the first lead screw 231, the first lead screw nut 232, the first connecting rod 233 and the first door swing arm 234, the first door 21 is closed. After the position sensor 8 detects that the first lead screw nut 232 has moved to the second position, the control structure determines that the first door 21 is closed and controls the first drive structure 22 to stop moving. After a specified delay, the weight sensor is activated to continuously collect cargo weight data and take the average value to obtain the cargo net weight. The control structure sends the weight data to the UAV. If the cargo weight is not greater than the preset threshold, the warning light 51 is lit in the first light mode, and the transport box enters the sleep mode, waiting for the takeoff command. If the cargo weight is greater than the preset threshold, the warning light 51 is lit in the second light mode, the control structure sends an alarm message, and the UAV is prohibited from taking off upon receiving the message, and the operator is prompted to handle the overweight cargo.
[0063] During unloading, the drone lands on the unloading platform and sends a command to open the second hatch 31. The control structure verifies the status, which must meet the following conditions: the first hatch 21 is closed; the control structure drives the second drive structure 32 to move; and through the cooperation of the second lead screw 331, the second lead screw nut 332, the second connecting rod 333, and the second hatch swing arm 334, the second hatch 31 is opened. After the position sensor 8 detects that the second lead screw nut 332 has moved to the third position, the control structure determines that the second hatch 31 is fully opened and controls the second drive structure 32 to stop moving. The cargo slides down the guide ramp under gravity, completing the automatic unloading. The control structure sends status feedback to the drone, reporting that the second hatch 31 has been opened and the cargo has been unloaded. (Delay time...) After a set time to ensure the cargo is completely unloaded, the drone sends a command to close the second hatch 31. The control structure drives the second drive structure 32 to move. Through the cooperation of the second lead screw 331, the second lead screw nut 332, the second connecting rod 333, and the second hatch swing arm 334, the second hatch 31 is closed. After the position sensor 8 detects that the second lead screw nut 332 has moved to the fourth position, the control structure determines that the second hatch 31 is closed and controls the second drive structure 32 to stop moving. The weight sensor detects the current weight in the cargo compartment 11. If the current weight is 0 or close to 0, the control structure sends the final status feedback to the drone, reporting that unloading is complete and the weight of the container 1 is zero. After confirming that unloading is complete, the drone can perform the return flight or proceed to the next task.
[0064] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A drone transport container, characterized in that, include: The container (1) has a cargo compartment (11). A first door assembly (2) is mounted on at least one side of the container (1). The first door assembly (2) has a first door (21) and a first drive structure (22). The first door (21) has a first position for opening the cargo hold (11) and a second position for closing the cargo hold (11). The first drive structure (22) is drivenly connected to the first door (21). The second door assembly (3) is mounted on the bottom surface of the container (1). The second door assembly (3) has a second door (31) and a second drive structure (32). The second door (31) has a third position for opening the cargo hold (11) and a fourth position for closing the cargo hold (11). The second drive structure (32) is connected to the second door (31) in a transmission manner. The control structure is connected to the first drive structure (22) and the second drive structure (32) respectively, and the control structure has a communication module connected to the terminal.
2. The drone transport container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (1) is equipped with a weighing structure (4) and an alarm component (5). The weighing structure (4) and the alarm component (5) are respectively connected to the control structure so that the control structure triggers the alarm component (5) according to the information transmitted by the weighing structure (4).
3. The drone transport container according to claim 2, characterized in that, The weighing structure (4) is a weight sensor, which is installed on the end face of the second hatch (31) facing the cargo compartment (11). The alarm assembly (5) includes an alarm light (51) which has a first light mode for indicating no overweight and a second light mode for indicating overweight.
4. The drone transport container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the housing (1) has a connecting structure (6), the housing (1) is installed on the bottom of the drone through the connecting structure (6), the connecting structure (6) has a power supply interface, and the control structure is electrically connected to the drone through the power supply interface.
5. The drone transport container according to claim 4, characterized in that, The housing (1) is equipped with a backup battery, which is connected to the control structure.
6. The drone transport container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cargo hold (11) is equipped with a guide structure (7), and when the second hatch (31) is in the third position, the guide structure (7) is used to guide the cargo in the cargo hold (11) to the bottom of the container (1).
7. The drone transport container according to claim 6, characterized in that, The guide structure (7) has a vertical part (71) and an oblique extension (72). The vertical part (71) is fixed to the bottom of the cargo hold (11). The vertical part (71) is located on the side of the second hatch (31) near the side wall of the cargo hold (11). The oblique extension (72) is connected from the end of the vertical part (71) away from the bottom of the cargo hold (11) to the adjacent side wall of the cargo hold (11). The end face of the oblique extension (72) forms a guide slope.
8. The drone transport container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first hatch assembly (2) also has a first transmission structure (23) that is connected one-to-one with the first hatch (21), and the first drive structure (22) is connected to the first transmission structure (23) to drive the first hatch (21) to move. The second door assembly (3) also has a second transmission structure (33) that is connected one-to-one with the second door (31), and the second drive structure (32) is connected to the second transmission structure (33) to drive the second door (31) to move.
9. The drone transport container according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first transmission structure (23) includes a first lead screw (231), a first lead screw nut (232), a first connecting rod (233), and a first door swing arm (234). One end of the first lead screw (231) is connected to the first drive structure (22). The first lead screw nut (232) is threadedly connected to the first lead screw (231). The first end of the first connecting rod (233) is hinged to the first lead screw nut (232). The second end of the first connecting rod (233) is hinged to the first end of the first door swing arm (234). The second end of the first door swing arm (234) is fixedly connected to the first door (21). The first door swing arm (234) rotates to drive the first door (21) to move to a first position or a second position. The second transmission structure (33) includes a second lead screw (331), a second lead screw nut (332), a second connecting rod (333), and a second door swing arm (334). One end of the second lead screw (331) is connected to the second drive structure (32). The second lead screw nut (332) is threadedly connected to the first lead screw (231). The first end of the second connecting rod (333) is hinged to the second lead screw nut (332). The second end of the second connecting rod (333) is hinged to the first end of the second door swing arm (334). The second end of the second door swing arm (334) is fixedly connected to the second door (31). The second door swing arm (334) rotates to drive the second door (31) to move to the first position or the second position.
10. The drone transport container according to claim 9, characterized in that, The housing (1) is equipped with a position sensor (8), which is electrically connected to the control structure. The position sensor (8) is used to detect the positions of the first lead screw nut (232) and the second lead screw nut (332).