Automatic battery replacing and charging system for unmanned aerial vehicle battery

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of unmanned aerial vehicles, in particular to an automatic battery changing and charging system for an unmanned aerial vehicle battery, which comprises an unmanned aerial vehicle platform used for parking an unmanned aerial vehicle; the box body is provided with a plurality of charging cavities, each charging cavity is internally provided with a supply module, and the supply modules are used for charging a battery of the unmanned aerial vehicle; the circulating distribution mechanism is used for conveying the to-be-charged battery of the unmanned aerial vehicle platform to the idle charging cavity and conveying the fully-charged battery to the unmanned aerial vehicle platform; the circulating battery replacing mechanism is arranged on the unmanned aerial vehicle platform and is used for installing the fully charged battery to the unmanned aerial vehicle and conveying the to-be-charged battery to the circulating distribution mechanism; and the control system is arranged on the unmanned aerial vehicle platform and is in control connection with the circulating distribution mechanism, the circulating battery replacement mechanism and the supply module. According to the invention, the battery of the unmanned aerial vehicle can be quickly charged and replaced, and the large-scale management of the battery of the unmanned aerial vehicle can be realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of unmanned aerial vehicles, and particularly relates to an automatic battery swapping and charging system for unmanned aerial vehicles. Background Art

[0002] An unmanned aerial vehicle is an unpiloted aircraft controlled by a radio remote control device and a self-contained program control device. With the rapid development of unmanned aerial vehicle technology, the concept of delivery unmanned aerial vehicles has emerged. Delivery unmanned aerial vehicles have the characteristics of being less restricted by ground road conditions, having lower labor costs, and being able to complete automatic delivery work in specific places, and can perform cargo delivery more quickly.

[0003] In the prior art, the charging and battery swapping processes of unmanned aerial vehicle batteries mostly still require manual operation, lack a system for large-scale storage and replacement of unmanned aerial vehicle batteries, and the stability and safety in the case of large-scale storage of unmanned aerial vehicle batteries need to be improved. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a solution that can achieve automatic battery swapping and charging of unmanned aerial vehicle batteries and has high safety. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] In view of the above deficiencies in the prior art, the present application provides an automatic battery swapping and charging system for unmanned aerial vehicle batteries.

[0005] The above object of the present application is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0006] An unmanned aerial vehicle platform for an unmanned aerial vehicle to dock;

[0007] A box body provided with a plurality of charging cavities, and a supply module is arranged in each charging cavity for charging the unmanned aerial vehicle battery;

[0008] A circulating delivery mechanism arranged between the box body and the unmanned aerial vehicle platform for transporting the battery to be charged on the unmanned aerial vehicle platform to an idle charging cavity and transporting the fully charged battery to the unmanned aerial vehicle platform;

[0009] A circulating battery swapping mechanism arranged on the unmanned aerial vehicle platform for installing the fully charged battery onto the unmanned aerial vehicle and transporting the battery to be charged to the circulating delivery mechanism;

[0010] A control system arranged on the unmanned aerial vehicle platform and controlling and connecting to the circulating delivery mechanism, the circulating battery swapping mechanism, and the supply module.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the charging cavity configured with a box structure facilitates providing storage positions for a large number of UAV batteries, with a stable and safe structure. Meanwhile, in cooperation with the replenishment module, it can provide a charging function for the UAV batteries. And by setting up a cyclic distribution mechanism and a cyclic battery swapping mechanism, under the action of the control system, the system can transport the batteries to be charged on the UAV platform to the idle charging cavity, and at the same time transport the fully charged batteries to the UAV platform, realizing the rapid replacement and charging of UAV batteries and achieving the large-scale management of UAV batteries.

[0012] In a preferred example, this application can be further configured as follows: The replenishment module includes a replenishment moving module and charging contacts. The charging contacts are electrically connected to an external power source and are used to contact the ports of the UAV batteries. When the UAV batteries are inside the charging cavity, the replenishment moving module is used to drive the charging contacts to perform three-axis movement inside the charging cavity.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, when the UAV batteries are inside the charging cavity, setting the replenishment moving module and the charging contacts can quickly and accurately locate and disconnect the ports of the UAV batteries, reducing the charging delay caused by inaccurate manual operation and improving the overall charging and battery swapping efficiency.

[0014] In a preferred example, this application can be further configured as follows: The cyclic distribution mechanism includes a distribution linear module and a stacking rack. The stacking rack is slidably arranged on the distribution linear module. The distribution linear module is used to cyclically transport the stacking rack between the UAV platform and the box body. The stacking rack is provided with a first clamping component and a clamping moving module. The first clamping component is used to pick up and place UAV batteries, and the clamping moving module is used to drive the first clamping component to perform three-axis movement.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the distribution linear module drives the stacking rack to move cyclically on a preset track. When the stacking rack reaches the UAV platform or the box body, the clamping moving module drives the first clamping component to perform three-axis precise movement, and the first clamping component then grabs or releases the UAV batteries, completing the automated distribution process of the UAV batteries between the charging cavity and the UAV platform and improving the overall charging and battery swapping efficiency.

[0016] In a preferred example, this application can be further configured as follows: The cyclic distribution mechanism includes a distribution linear module and a manipulator. The manipulator is slidably arranged on the distribution linear module. The distribution linear module is used to cyclically transport the manipulator between the UAV platform and the box body. The manipulator is provided with a second clamping component. The second clamping component is used to pick up and place UAV batteries, and the manipulator is used to drive the second clamping component to perform multi-axis movement.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the distribution linear module drives the manipulator to move cyclically on the preset track. When the manipulator reaches the UAV platform or the box body, the manipulator drives the second clamping component to perform multi-axis precise movement. Then, the second clamping component grabs or releases the UAV battery, completing the automated distribution process of the UAV battery between the charging cavity and the UAV platform, and improving the overall charging and swapping efficiency.

[0018] In a preferred example of the present application, it can be further configured that: the cyclic battery swapping mechanism includes a third clamping component and a battery swapping moving module. The third clamping component is used for picking and placing the UAV battery, and the battery swapping moving module is used to drive the third clamping component to perform three-axis movement.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, when the cyclic distribution mechanism is located at the UAV platform, the battery swapping moving module drives the third clamping component to perform three-axis precise movement, so that the third clamping component picks up the battery to be charged of the parked UAV on the UAV platform, then transports it to the cyclic distribution mechanism, and installs the fully charged battery transported by the cyclic distribution mechanism at the UAV, completing the automated distribution process of the UAV battery between the UAV and the charging cavity, and improving the overall charging and swapping efficiency.

[0020] In a preferred example of the present application, it can be further configured that: the UAV platform includes a tower body. The tower body is divided into several docking layers along its height direction. A number of docking parts are connected and arranged along the circumferential direction of each docking layer. Each docking part is used to receive the UAV. An elevating and conveying room for placing the UAV battery and an elevating module for driving the elevating and conveying room to ascend and descend are slidably arranged inside the tower body along its height direction. The cyclic battery swapping mechanism is arranged inside the elevating and conveying room. When the elevating and conveying room is located at any one of the docking layers, the elevating and conveying room communicates with all the docking parts corresponding to the docking layer. The cyclic distribution mechanism is used to transport the battery to be charged in the elevating and conveying room to the idle charging cavity and transport the fully charged battery to the elevating and conveying room.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, when the circular distribution mechanism is located on the UAV platform, the circular distribution mechanism conveys the fully charged battery into the lifting and conveying chamber. The circular battery swapping mechanism inside the lifting and conveying chamber conveys the battery to be charged to the circular distribution mechanism to complete the automated distribution process of the UAV battery between the circular distribution mechanism and the circular battery swapping mechanism. Then, the lifting and conveying chamber cooperates with the lifting module to drive the fully charged battery to move to the corresponding docking layer. Under the action of the circular battery swapping mechanism, the UAV battery is transferred to the UAV at the corresponding docking part to complete the battery swapping work. The whole process requires no manual intervention, forming a seamless and efficient UAV battery swapping and charging system. Moreover, a number of docking layers arranged along the height direction of the tower body and the docking parts of each docking layer form a multi-layer and multi-position docking system to provide docking workstations for multiple UAVs, which can improve the distribution efficiency and the utilization rate of the vertical space, reduce the floor area, and the tower body, as a tower-shaped structure, can provide outdoor wind protection for the whole UAV platform, enhancing the stability and safety of the battery swapping operation of the UAV platform under bad weather conditions.

[0022] In a preferred example of the present application, it can be further configured that: multiple groups of the circular distribution mechanism and the circular battery swapping mechanism are provided, multiple boxes are provided, and multiple groups of the circular distribution mechanism and multiple boxes are radially distributed around the tower body.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the radial distribution design centered on the tower body is adopted, which is convenient for each group of the circular distribution mechanism and the circular battery swapping mechanism to simultaneously process the distribution and battery swapping work of multiple UAV batteries, significantly improving the parallel processing ability of the system and the operation and maintenance efficiency of the UAV battery automatic swapping and charging system.

[0024] In a preferred example of the present application, it can be further configured that: the box is provided with an automatic fire protection system, the automatic fire protection system is controlledly connected to the control system, and the automatic fire protection system includes a number of fire sprinklers and a number of cooling fans, and both the fire sprinklers and the cooling fans are arranged inside the charging cavity.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, when the control system monitors that the temperature in the charging cavity rises abnormally or the smoke concentration exceeds the standard, the cooling fans are started first to accelerate the air circulation in the charging cavity to dissipate heat and cool down. If the temperature or smoke condition continues to deteriorate and reaches the preset threshold, the fire sprinklers will be automatically activated to spray gaseous fire extinguishing agents or water mist, etc. to extinguish the initial fire source, thereby effectively curbing the spread of the fire and protecting the safety of the box and the surrounding environment.

[0026] In a preferred example, the present application can be further configured as follows: the automatic fire protection system further includes a fireproof frame and a fireproof rolling shutter. The fireproof frame is disposed around the outside of the box body, and the fireproof rolling shutter is disposed outside the fireproof frame and is used to enclose the fireproof frame. When the fireproof rolling shutter encloses the fireproof frame, the fireproof rolling shutter and the fireproof frame enclose a closed space for enclosing the box body.

[0027] By adopting the above technical solution, in the event of a fire, the control system first controls the fireproof rolling shutter to quickly descend and enclose the fireproof frame. At this time, the fireproof rolling shutter and the fireproof frame jointly enclose a closed space to block the fire and smoke, thereby playing a role in jointly protecting the safety of the box body and the surrounding environment and improving the safety of the equipment.

[0028] In a preferred example, the present application can be further configured as follows: the automatic fire protection system further includes a plurality of fireproof wall panels, and the box body is divided into a plurality of charging cavities by the plurality of fireproof wall panels.

[0029] By adopting the above technical solution, by setting the fireproof wall panels, the box body can be divided into independent charging cavities, which can prevent the spread of fire inside the box body in the event of a fire, facilitate the timely control of the fire, and further enhance the overall fire prevention ability and safety of the equipment.

[0030] In summary, the present application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0031] 1. The charging cavities configured with the box structure are convenient for providing storage positions for a large number of drone batteries. The structure is stable and safe. At the same time, in cooperation with the replenishment module, it can provide a charging function for the drone batteries. By setting the circulating distribution mechanism and the circulating battery swapping mechanism, under the action of the control system, the system can transport the batteries to be charged on the drone platform to the idle charging cavities, and at the same time transport the fully charged batteries to the drone platform, realizing the rapid replacement and charging of the drone batteries and realizing the large-scale management of the drone batteries.

[0032] 2. When the circulating distribution mechanism is located on the drone platform, the circulating distribution mechanism transports the fully charged batteries into the lifting and conveying room. The circulating battery swapping mechanism inside the lifting and conveying room transports the batteries to be charged to the circulating distribution mechanism to complete the automatic distribution process of the drone batteries between the circulating distribution mechanism and the circulating battery swapping mechanism. Then, the lifting and conveying room cooperates with the lifting module to drive the fully charged batteries to move to the corresponding docking layer. Under the action of the circulating battery swapping mechanism, the drone batteries are transferred to the drones at the corresponding docking parts to complete the battery swapping work. The whole process does not require manual intervention, forming a seamless and efficient drone battery swapping and charging system.

[0033] 3. When the control system detects that the temperature in the charging cavity rises abnormally or the smoke concentration exceeds the standard, the cooling fan starts first to accelerate the air circulation in the charging cavity for heat dissipation and temperature reduction. If the temperature or smoke condition continues to deteriorate and reaches the preset threshold, the fire sprinkler will be automatically activated to spray gaseous fire extinguishing agent, water mist, etc. to extinguish the initial fire source, thereby effectively curbing the spread of the fire and protecting the safety of the box body and the surrounding environment. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the unmanned aerial vehicle battery automatic swapping and charging system in an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the box body in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a partial enlarged schematic diagram of part A in

[0037] Figure 4 is Figure 2 a partial enlarged schematic diagram of part B in

[0038] Figure 5 is a partial schematic diagram of the structure of the cyclic distribution mechanism in another embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 6 is a partial schematic diagram of the structure inside the tower body in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure inside the lifting and conveying room in an embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Reference Numerals: 1, unmanned aerial vehicle platform; 11, tower body; 12, docking layer; 13, docking part; 14, lifting and conveying room; 2, box body; 3, cyclic distribution mechanism; 31, distribution linear module; 32, stacking rack; 33, first clamping assembly; 34, clamping moving module; 35, manipulator; 36, second clamping assembly; 4, cyclic battery swapping mechanism; 41, third clamping assembly; 42, battery swapping moving module; 5, charging cavity; 6, supply module; 61, supply moving module; 62, charging contact; 7, unmanned aerial vehicle battery; 8, clamping member; 9, pneumatic finger; 10, fire sprinkler; 15, cooling fan; 16, fireproof rack; 17, fireproof wall panel. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0042] The exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Various details of the embodiments of the present application are included to facilitate understanding, and they should be considered merely exemplary. Therefore, those of ordinary skill in the art should recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the present application. Similarly, descriptions of well-known functions and structures are omitted in the following description for clarity and conciseness.

[0043] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the present utility model are used to distinguish similar objects and do not necessarily describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances so that the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present disclosure.

[0044] In addition, the term "and / or" herein is merely a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " herein generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after, unless otherwise specified.

[0045] A drone battery automatic replacement and charging system of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Refer to Figures 1 to 7 , where, as Figure 1 and Figure 4As shown in the figure, the automatic battery replacement and charging system for drones includes a drone platform 1, a box body 2, a cyclic delivery mechanism 3, a cyclic battery replacement mechanism 4, and a control system. The drone platform 1 is used for drones to dock. The box body 2 is provided with a number of charging cavities 5, and a replenishment module 6 is arranged in each charging cavity 5. The replenishment module 6 is used to charge the drone battery 7. The cyclic delivery mechanism 3 is arranged between the box body 2 and the drone platform 1, and is used to transport the to-be-charged battery on the drone platform 1 to the idle charging cavity 5 and transport the fully-charged battery to the drone platform 1. The cyclic battery replacement mechanism 4 is arranged on the drone platform 1 and is used to install the fully-charged battery onto the drone and transport the to-be-charged battery to the cyclic delivery mechanism 3. The control system is arranged on the drone platform 1 and is controllably connected to the cyclic delivery mechanism 3, the cyclic battery replacement mechanism 4, and the replenishment module 6. By adopting the charging cavities 5 configured in a box structure, it is convenient to provide storage positions for a large number of drone batteries 7, with stable and safe structure. At the same time, in cooperation with the replenishment module 6, it can provide a charging function for the drone battery 7. And by setting the cyclic delivery mechanism 3 and the cyclic battery replacement mechanism 4, under the action of the control system, the system can transport the to-be-charged battery on the drone platform 1 to the idle charging cavity 5, and at the same time transport the fully-charged battery to the drone platform 1, realizing the rapid replacement and charging of the drone battery 7 and achieving the mass management of the drone battery 7.

[0047] Among them, as Figure 2 and Figure 4 shown, in order to realize the function of automatic charging of drones, the replenishment module 6 includes a replenishment moving module 61 and a charging contact 62. The charging contact 62 is electrically connected to an external power supply and is used to contact the port of the drone battery 7. When the drone battery 7 is inside the charging cavity 5, the replenishment moving module 61 is used to drive the charging contact 62 to perform three-axis movement inside the charging cavity 5. When the drone battery 7 is inside the charging cavity 5, by setting the replenishment moving module 61 and the charging contact 62, it is possible to quickly and accurately locate and disconnect the port of the drone battery 7, reducing the charging delay caused by inaccurate manual operation and improving the overall charging and battery replacement efficiency.

[0048] In an embodiment, as Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown in the figure, the cyclic delivery mechanism 3 includes a delivery linear module 31 and a stacking rack 32. The stacking rack 32 is slidably arranged on the delivery linear module 31. The delivery linear module 31 is used to cyclically transport the stacking rack 32 between the drone platform 1 and the box body 2. The stacking rack 32 is provided with a first clamping component 33 and a clamping movement module 34. The first clamping component 33 is used to pick up and place the drone battery 7. The clamping movement module 34 is used to drive the first clamping component 33 to perform three-axis movement. During operation, the delivery linear module 31 drives the stacking rack 32 to cyclically move on a preset track. When the stacking rack 32 reaches the drone platform 1 or the box body 2, the clamping movement module 34 drives the first clamping component 33 to perform three-axis precise movement. The first clamping component 33 then grabs or releases the drone battery 7, completing the automated delivery process of the drone battery 7 between the charging cavity 5 and the drone platform 1, and improving the overall charging and swapping efficiency.

[0049] In another embodiment, as Figure 5 shown, the cyclic delivery mechanism 3 includes a delivery linear module 31 and a manipulator 35. The manipulator 35 is slidably arranged on the delivery linear module 31. The delivery linear module 31 is used to cyclically transport the manipulator 35 between the drone platform 1 and the box body 2. The manipulator 35 is provided with a second clamping component 36. The second clamping component 36 is used to pick up and place the drone battery 7. The manipulator 35 is used to drive the second clamping component 36 to perform multi-axis movement. During operation, the delivery linear module 31 drives the manipulator 35 to cyclically move on a preset track. When the manipulator 35 reaches the drone platform 1 or the box body 2, the manipulator 35 drives the second clamping component 36 to perform multi-axis precise movement. The second clamping component 36 then grabs or releases the drone battery 7, completing the automated delivery process of the drone battery 7 between the charging cavity 5 and the drone platform 1, and improving the overall charging and swapping efficiency. Among them, the manipulator 35 is a multi-axis manipulator 35. The staff can use a three-axis manipulator 35, a four-axis manipulator 35, a five-axis manipulator 35 or a six-axis manipulator 35 according to the actual working conditions to realize the multi-axis movement function of the second clamping component 36.

[0050] In addition, as Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, the cyclic battery swapping mechanism 4 includes a third clamping component 41 and a battery swapping movement module 42. The third clamping component 41 is used to pick up and place the drone battery 7. The battery swapping movement module 42 is used to drive the third clamping component 41 to perform three-axis movement. When the cyclic delivery mechanism 3 is located at the drone platform 1, the battery swapping movement module 42 drives the third clamping component 41 to perform three-axis precise movement, so that the third clamping component 41 clamps the battery to be charged of the parked drone on the drone platform 1, then transports it to the cyclic delivery mechanism 3, and installs the fully charged battery transported by the cyclic delivery mechanism 3 at the drone, completing the automated delivery process of the drone battery 7 between the drone and the charging cavity 5, and improving the overall charging and swapping efficiency.

[0051] It should be noted that the above first clamping assembly 33, second clamping assembly 36 and third clamping assembly 41 can each include two symmetrically arranged clamping members 8, and a driving member for driving the two clamping members 8 to move towards each other or away from each other. The first clamping assembly 33, second clamping assembly 36 and third clamping assembly 41 can also be optionally pneumatic fingers 9. The pneumatic fingers 9 are driven by the clamping moving module 34, multi-axis manipulator 35 or battery swapping moving module 42 to move to a specified position to complete the picking and placing of the UAV battery 7. The distribution linear module 31 can directly select a linear module to drive the stacking rack 32 or the manipulator 35 to perform a linear cyclic conveying operation;

[0052] The replenishment moving module 61, clamping moving module 34 and battery swapping moving module 42 all include an X-axis moving module, a Y-axis moving module and a Z-axis moving module, which are respectively responsible for driving the charging contact 62, the first clamping assembly 33 or the third clamping assembly 41 to move on the X, Y and Z axes to achieve three-axis movement. Among them, the X-axis moving module and the Y-axis moving module are driven by motors and are equipped with guide rails or linear slide rails to achieve smooth horizontal movement. The Z-axis moving module is driven by a motor and is equipped with a ball screw or a linear guide rail, and can also be driven by an electric cylinder to achieve precise vertical movement. And they are all common moving module configurations, and the staff can configure them according to needs, which is common knowledge for those skilled in the art and will not be elaborated here.

[0053] In addition, such as Figure 1 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown in the figure, the drone platform 1 includes a tower body 11. The tower body 11 is divided into several docking layers 12 along its height direction. A number of docking parts 13 are connected and arranged along the circumferential direction of each docking layer 12. Each docking part 13 is used to receive drones. Inside the tower body 11, a lifting and conveying room 14 for placing the drone battery 7 and a lifting module (not shown in the figure) for driving the lifting and conveying room 14 to lift are slidably arranged along the height direction of the tower body 11. A circulating power exchange mechanism 4 is arranged inside the lifting and conveying room 14. When the lifting and conveying room 14 is located at any docking layer 12, the lifting and conveying room 14 communicates with all the docking parts 13 of the corresponding docking layer 12. The circulating distribution mechanism 3 is used to convey the battery to be charged in the lifting and conveying room 14 to the idle charging cavity 5 and convey the fully charged battery to the lifting and conveying room 14. When the circulating distribution mechanism 3 is located on the drone platform 1, the circulating distribution mechanism 3 conveys the fully charged battery into the lifting and conveying room 14. The circulating power exchange mechanism 4 inside the lifting and conveying room 14 conveys the battery to be charged to the circulating distribution mechanism 3 to complete the automated distribution process of the drone battery 7 between the circulating distribution mechanism 3 and the circulating power exchange mechanism 4. Then, the lifting and conveying room 14 cooperates with the lifting module to drive the fully charged battery to move to the corresponding docking layer 12. Under the action of the circulating power exchange mechanism 4, the drone battery 7 is transferred to the drone at the corresponding docking part 13 to complete the battery power exchange work. The whole process does not require manual intervention, forming a seamless and efficient drone battery power exchange and charging system. In addition, several docking layers 12 arranged along the height direction of the tower body 11 and the docking parts 13 of each docking layer 12 form a multi-layer and multi-position docking system to provide docking workstations for multiple drones, which can improve the distribution efficiency and the utilization rate of the vertical space, reduce the floor area, and the tower body 11, as a tower structure, can provide the overall outdoor wind protection for the drone platform 1, enhancing the stability and safety of the power exchange operation of the drone platform 1 under bad weather conditions.

[0054] Among them, the lifting module can adopt a wire reel with a driving motor. By setting a rope at the top of the lifting and conveying room 14, the rope is wound on the wire reel, and then the driving motor drives the wire reel to rotate to control the winding or unwinding of the rope, so as to realize the control of the lifting and lowering of the lifting and conveying room 14.

[0055] Furthermore, as Figure 1 shown, multiple groups of the circulating distribution mechanism 3 and the circulating power exchange mechanism 4 are arranged, and multiple boxes 2 are provided. Multiple groups of the circulating distribution mechanism 3 and multiple boxes 2 are radially distributed with the tower body 11 as the center. Through the radial distribution design with the tower body 11 as the center, it is convenient for each group of the circulating distribution mechanism 3 and the circulating power exchange mechanism 4 to simultaneously process the distribution and power exchange work of multiple drone batteries 7, significantly improving the parallel processing ability of the system and the operation and maintenance efficiency of the drone battery automatic power exchange and charging system.

[0056] To improve the safety during the charging of the UAV battery 7, as Figure 2 and Figure 4 shown, the box body 2 is provided with an automatic fire protection system, and the automatic fire protection system is connected to the control system for control. The automatic fire protection system includes a number of fire sprinklers 10 and a number of cooling fans 15. Both the fire sprinklers 10 and the cooling fans 15 are arranged inside the charging cavity 5. When the control system monitors that the temperature in the charging cavity 5 rises abnormally or the smoke concentration exceeds the standard, the cooling fans 15 are activated first to accelerate the air circulation inside the charging cavity 5 for heat dissipation and temperature reduction. If the temperature or smoke condition continues to deteriorate and reaches a preset threshold, the fire sprinklers 10 will be automatically activated to spray gaseous fire extinguishing agents or water mist, etc. to extinguish the initial fire source, thereby effectively curbing the spread of the fire and protecting the safety of the box body 2 and the surrounding environment.

[0057] Furthermore, the automatic fire protection system further includes a fireproof frame 16 and a fireproof rolling shutter (not shown in the figure). The fireproof frame 16 is arranged around the outside of the box body 2, and the fireproof rolling shutter is arranged outside the fireproof frame 16 and is used to enclose the fireproof frame 16. When the fireproof rolling shutter encloses the fireproof frame 16, the fireproof rolling shutter and the fireproof frame 16 enclose a closed space for enclosing the box body 2. During a fire, the control system first controls the fireproof rolling shutter to quickly descend and enclose the fireproof frame 16. At this time, the fireproof rolling shutter and the fireproof frame 16 jointly enclose a closed space to block the fire and smoke, thereby playing a role in jointly protecting the safety of the box body 2 and the surrounding environment and improving the equipment safety.

[0058] Furthermore, the automatic fire protection system further includes a number of fireproof wall panels 17. The box body 2 is divided into a number of charging cavities 5 by the number of fireproof wall panels 17. By arranging the fireproof wall panels 17, the box body 2 can be divided into independent charging cavities 5, which can prevent the spread of the fire inside the box body 2 during a fire, facilitate the timely control of the fire, and further enhance the overall fire prevention ability and safety of the equipment.

[0059] The implementation principle of the automatic battery swapping and charging system for drones in the embodiments of this application is as follows: When the drone that needs to swap its battery returns to the corresponding docking part 13 of the drone platform 1, under the action of the control system, the lifting and conveying chamber 14 moves to the corresponding docking layer 12. After the circulating battery swapping mechanism 4 inside the lifting and conveying chamber 14 takes out the battery to be charged of the drone, it moves to the bottom of the tower body 11 through the lifting and conveying chamber 14. At the same time, the circulating distribution mechanism 3 takes out the fully charged battery from the corresponding charging cavity 5 inside the box body 2, moves it to the bottom of the tower body 11 and docks with the circulating battery swapping mechanism 4. After the battery swapping is completed inside the lifting and conveying chamber 14, the lifting and conveying chamber 14 moves to the corresponding docking layer 12, and the circulating battery swapping mechanism 4 installs the fully charged battery at the drone, completing the battery swapping work. The circulating distribution mechanism 3 transfers the battery to be charged into the idle charging cavity 5 inside the box body 2, and completes the charging work through the replenishment module 6. The whole process requires no manual intervention, forming a seamless and efficient drone battery swapping and charging system.

[0060] The above specific implementation manners do not constitute a limitation to the protection scope of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub - combinations and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principle of this application shall be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An automatic battery replacement and charging system for an unmanned aerial vehicle, characterized in that Comprising: A drone platform (1) for a drone to dock on. A box body (2) provided with a plurality of charging cavities (5), and a supply module (6) is arranged in each charging cavity (5) for charging the drone battery (7). A cyclic distribution mechanism (3) arranged between the box body (2) and the drone platform (1) for conveying the battery to be charged on the drone platform (1) to an idle charging cavity (5) and conveying the fully charged battery to the drone platform (1). A cyclic battery swapping mechanism (4) arranged on the drone platform (1) for installing the fully charged battery onto the drone and conveying the battery to be charged to the cyclic distribution mechanism (3). A control system arranged on the drone platform (1) and controlling and connecting to the cyclic distribution mechanism (3), the cyclic battery swapping mechanism (4) and the supply module (6).

2. The automatic battery replacement and charging system for an unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The supply module (6) includes a supply moving module (61) and a charging contact (62). The charging contact (62) is electrically connected to an external power source and is used to contact the port of the drone battery (7). When the drone battery (7) is inside the charging cavity (5), the supply moving module (61) is used to drive the charging contact (62) to perform three-axis movement inside the charging cavity (5).

3. The automatic battery replacement and charging system for a drone according to claim 1, wherein The cyclic distribution mechanism (3) includes a distribution linear module (31) and a stacking rack (32). The stacking rack (32) is slidably arranged on the distribution linear module (31). The distribution linear module (31) is used to cyclically convey the stacking rack (32) between the drone platform (1) and the box body (2). The stacking rack (32) is provided with a first clamping component (33) and a clamping moving module (34). The first clamping component (33) is used to pick up and place the drone battery (7), and the clamping moving module (34) is used to drive the first clamping component (33) to perform three-axis movement.

4. The automatic battery replacement and charging system for an unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The cyclic distribution mechanism (3) includes a distribution linear module (31) and a manipulator (35). The manipulator (35) is slidably arranged on the distribution linear module (31). The distribution linear module (31) is used to cyclically convey the manipulator (35) between the drone platform (1) and the box body (2). The manipulator (35) is provided with a second clamping component (36). The second clamping component (36) is used to pick up and place the drone battery (7), and the manipulator (35) is used to drive the second clamping component (36) to perform multi-axis movement.

5. The automatic battery replacement and charging system for a drone according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cyclic battery swapping mechanism (4) includes a third clamping component (41) and a battery swapping moving module (42). The third clamping component (41) is used to pick up and place the drone battery (7), and the battery swapping moving module (42) is used to drive the third clamping component (41) to perform three-axis movement.

6. The automatic battery replacement and charging system for an unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that The UAV platform (1) includes a tower body (11), which is divided into several docking layers (12) along its height direction. A number of docking parts (13) are communicated and arranged along the circumferential direction of each docking layer (12). Each docking part (13) is used to receive a UAV. An elevating and conveying room (14) for placing a UAV battery (7) and an elevating module for driving the elevating and conveying room (14) to ascend and descend are slidably arranged inside the tower body (11) along its height direction. The circulating battery swapping mechanism (4) is arranged inside the elevating and conveying room (14). When the elevating and conveying room (14) is located at any one of the docking layers (12), the elevating and conveying room (14) communicates with all the docking parts (13) corresponding to the docking layer (12). The circulating distribution mechanism (3) is used to convey the battery to be charged in the elevating and conveying room (14) to the idle charging cavity (5) and convey the fully charged battery to the elevating and conveying room (14).

7. The automatic battery replacement and charging system for a drone according to claim 6, characterized in that, Multiple groups of the circulating distribution mechanism (3) and the circulating battery swapping mechanism (4) are provided. A plurality of boxes (2) are provided. Multiple groups of the circulating distribution mechanism (3) and the plurality of boxes (2) are radially distributed with the tower body (11) as the center.

8. The automatic battery swapping and charging system for an unmanned aerial vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The box (2) is provided with an automatic fire protection system, which is controlled and connected to the control system. The automatic fire protection system includes a number of fire sprinklers (10) and a number of cooling fans (15). The fire sprinklers (10) and the cooling fans (15) are both arranged inside the charging cavity (5).

9. The automatic battery replacement and charging system for a drone according to claim 8, characterized in that, The automatic fire protection system further includes a fireproof frame (16) and a fireproof rolling curtain. The fireproof frame (16) surrounds the outside of the box (2). The fireproof rolling curtain is arranged outside the fireproof frame (16) and is used to enclose the fireproof frame (16). When the fireproof rolling curtain encloses the fireproof frame (16), the fireproof rolling curtain and the fireproof frame (16) enclose a closed space for enclosing the box (2).

10. An automatic battery replacement and charging system for a drone as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The automatic fire protection system further includes a number of fireproof wall panels (17). The box (2) is divided into several charging cavities (5) by the number of fireproof wall panels (17).

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