Track power supply low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a track power supply low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle system which comprises an unmanned aerial vehicle, a power taking assembly and a power supply assembly. The electricity taking assembly is arranged at the bottom of the unmanned aerial vehicle, rotating rods extend from the bottom of the unmanned aerial vehicle to the two sides respectively, and electricity taking heads are arranged at the heads of the rotating rods; the power supply assembly comprises a power supply cable; the power taking head is in lap joint with the power supply cable so that the unmanned aerial vehicle can be charged in the flying process. By adjusting the position of the unmanned aerial vehicle, the power taking head, close to one side of the power supply cable, of the unmanned aerial vehicle is in lap joint with the power supply cable, so that the power supply cable supplies power to the unmanned aerial vehicle through the power taking head, the unmanned aerial vehicle is always kept in an electrified state in the cargo transportation process, and the problem that long-distance transportation cannot be carried out due to insufficient endurance is solved; and the unmanned aerial vehicle does not need to wait for charging or battery replacement at the base station, the cargo transportation efficiency of the unmanned aerial vehicle is improved, and energy consumption and tail gas emission of the freight vehicle are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this utility model belong to the field of low-altitude power supply technology, and more specifically, relate to a low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle system powered by rail. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of modern transportation, trade networks are becoming increasingly complex, leading to a surge in demand for cargo transportation and a dramatic increase in the number of freight vehicles on the road. Freight vehicles generally have higher fuel consumption and emit more exhaust fumes, accelerating energy consumption and environmental pollution. Furthermore, because freight vehicles share roads with passenger cars, and are larger and slower, a large number of freight vehicles can significantly impact traffic flow and affect the travel experience of citizens. Freight vehicles are also highly susceptible to accidents in complex road conditions, which can result in substantial injuries and losses.

[0003] Currently, a method for transporting goods using drones has emerged in the market. This method involves drones carrying goods at low altitudes for point-to-point transport. Specifically, the shipper loads the goods into a specialized carrier on the drone, such as a trawler net beneath the drone. The drone then takes off and heads to the unloading location. Upon arrival, the drone lands, and the receiving personnel at the unloading location open the carrier to retrieve the goods. This method of transporting goods avoids obstructing traffic lanes, mitigating the risk of congestion. Furthermore, drones consume electricity, reducing the use of non-renewable energy sources, and ensuring safe transport.

[0004] However, while using drones for cargo transport is effective for short distances due to their electric propulsion, their limited size and the insufficient battery life of current models make them unsuitable for long-distance transport. Therefore, a low-altitude, orbitally powered drone system is needed to simultaneously charge the drones while they are transporting goods, thus compensating for the insufficient range of cargo drones. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned deficiencies or improvement needs of existing technologies, this utility model provides a track-powered low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system. During flight, the UAV adjusts its position so that the power take-up head on the side closest to the power cable is connected to the power cable, allowing the power cable to supply power to the UAV through the power take-up head. This ensures that the UAV remains powered throughout the cargo transportation process, avoiding the problem of insufficient battery life preventing long-distance transportation. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to wait for the UAV to recharge or have its battery swapped at a base station, improving the efficiency of UAV cargo transportation, solving the problem of occupying road resources with a large number of freight vehicles, and reducing the energy consumption and exhaust emissions of freight vehicles.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a track-powered low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system, comprising: a UAV, a power collection component, and a power supply component;

[0007] The power-collecting component is located at the bottom of the drone, and rotating rods extend from the bottom of the drone to both sides, with a power-collecting head at the head of the rotating rod.

[0008] The power supply component includes a power supply cable;

[0009] The power take-up head is connected to the power supply cable to enable the drone to charge during flight.

[0010] Furthermore, the power-taking head includes a reset box, a power-taking rod, and a spring;

[0011] The reset box is fixedly connected to the head of the rotating rod, and it is a box with an open front end;

[0012] The rear end of the power-collecting rod is located inside the reset box, and its rear end is rotatably connected to the reset box via a rotating shaft;

[0013] The spring is located between the upper and lower sides of the power-collecting rod and the reset box.

[0014] Furthermore, the front end of the power-collecting pole is arc-shaped, with the front side of the power-collecting pole bent downwards and the rear side of the power-collecting pole bent upwards.

[0015] Furthermore, a circular groove is formed along the arc direction at the inner ring of the front end of the power collection pole, and multiple balls are provided in the circular groove, which roll freely in the circular groove.

[0016] The outer ring at the front end of the power collection pole is also provided with an insulating layer.

[0017] Furthermore, the power-collecting component also includes a support foot, which is located at the bottom of the drone propeller and has an internally hollowed-out bottom end. The rotating rod is rotatably connected to the bottom end of the support foot.

[0018] The support foot is also equipped with a second motor, and the output end of the second motor is equipped with a gear, which meshes with the semi-circular gear at the rear end of the rotating rod.

[0019] Furthermore, the power supply component also includes an adjustment box and a drive adjustment unit. The adjustment box is located at the center of the bottom of the drone, and the drive adjustment unit is located in the adjustment box.

[0020] Furthermore, the adjustment box is a hollow box body with openings on both sides. Two mounting ears extend outward from each opening, and the rotating rod is rotatably connected to the mounting ears.

[0021] One rotating rod is provided on each mounting ear, and a semi-circular gear is also provided at its rear end.

[0022] Furthermore, the drive adjustment unit includes a drive wheel and a first drive wheel. The first drive wheel is located on one side of the drive wheel. The first drive wheel meshes with the drive wheel and a semi-circular gear at the rear end of one of the rotating rods on one side. The drive wheel also meshes with a semi-circular gear at the rear end of one of the rotating rods on the other side.

[0023] Furthermore, the drive adjustment unit also includes an intermediate wheel and a second drive wheel. The second drive wheel is located on one side of the intermediate wheel and meshes with the semi-circular gear at the rear end of the intermediate wheel and another rotating rod on one side. The intermediate wheel also meshes with the semi-circular gear at the rear end of another rotating rod on the other side.

[0024] Furthermore, the intermediate wheel is located on the front or rear side of the driving wheel and meshes with the driving wheel.

[0025] In summary, compared with the prior art, the above-described technical solution conceived by this utility model can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0026] 1. The low-altitude system of this utility model allows the drone to adjust its position during flight so that the power take-up head on the side closest to the power cable is connected to the power cable. This allows the power cable to supply power to the drone through the power take-up head, ensuring that the drone always has power during cargo transportation. This avoids the problem of insufficient battery life preventing long-distance transportation, and eliminates the need to wait for the drone to charge or swap batteries at a base station. This improves the efficiency of drone cargo transportation, solves the problem of occupying road resources with a large number of freight vehicles, and reduces the energy consumption and exhaust emissions of freight vehicles.

[0027] 2. In the low-altitude system of this utility model, when the first motor drives the drive wheel to rotate, on the one hand, the drive wheel drives the first drive wheel and a rotating rod to rotate, and the first drive wheel drives a rotating rod to rotate; on the other hand, the drive wheel drives the intermediate wheel to rotate, thereby driving the second drive wheel and a rotating rod to rotate, and the second drive wheel drives a rotating rod to rotate. This causes the rotating rods on both sides of the adjusting box to separate simultaneously, achieving the purpose of tilting for power extraction.

[0028] 3. In the low-altitude system of this utility model, charging is achieved by the front end of the power-collecting pole contacting the power supply cable during the power collection process of the UAV. During flight, pressure inevitably arises between the power-collecting pole and the power supply cable. If the pressure between the two is too great, it can cause the power supply cable to break. Therefore, the power-collecting pole rotates in the reset box, and a spring provides elasticity to prevent excessive pressure from being generated when the two come into contact, thus playing a shock-absorbing role and avoiding damage to the equipment.

[0029] 4. In the low-altitude system of this utility model, during the process of power collection in flight, the power collection rod and the power supply cable are in a relatively sliding state. The rod is connected to the power supply cable through the ball bearings set inside it. Its rotation reduces the friction between it and the power supply cable, thereby reducing wear and not affecting the conductivity.

[0030] 5. The low-altitude system of this utility model adjusts the distance between the two rotating rods on the same side and the power-collecting head by driving the adjustment unit. The distance is reduced when the drone's flight tilt angle is large and increased when the drone's flight tilt angle is small, ensuring that the power-collecting head can always contact the power supply cable during flight and avoiding excessive interaction force between the two. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a track-powered low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the power collection component structure of a track-powered low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the closing of the rotating rod structure of a track-powered low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the opening of the rotating rod structure of a track-powered low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the drive adjustment unit structure of a track-powered low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the power take-up head structure of a track-powered low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the power supply component structure of a track-powered low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another track-powered low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the supporting foot dangling structure of another track-powered low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same technical features, specifically: 1-UAV, 2-Power supply component, 21-Adjustment box, 22-Drive adjustment unit, 221-Drive wheel, 222-First drive wheel, 223-Intermediate wheel, 224-Second drive wheel, 225-First motor, 23-Rotating rod, 24-Power supply head, 241-Reset box, 242-Power supply rod, 243-Spring, 244-Insulating skin, 245-Ball bearing, 25-Support foot, 26-Second motor, 3-Power supply component, 31-Bracket, 32-Power supply cable. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of the present utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0042] When a drone is hovering normally, it is in a horizontal position. However, when it is flying forward, it is in a state where the front end is lowered and the rear end is raised.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] like Figure 1-7 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a track-powered low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system, including: a UAV 1, a power collection component 2, and a power supply component 3. The power collection component 2 is located at the bottom of the UAV 1, with rotating rods 23 extending from the bottom of the UAV 1 to both sides. Each rotating rod 23 has a power collection head 24 at its head. The power supply component 3 includes a bracket 31 and a power cable 32. The power cable 32 is mounted on the bracket 31, and the power collection head 24 is attached to the power cable 32 to collect power. During flight, the UAV 1 adjusts its position so that the power collection head 24 on the side closest to the power cable 32 is attached to the power cable 32, allowing the power cable 32 to supply power to the UAV 1 through the power collection head 24. This ensures that the UAV 1 remains powered during cargo transport, avoiding the problem of insufficient range preventing long-distance transport. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to wait for the UAV 1 to recharge or swap batteries at a base station, improving the efficiency of cargo transport and solving the problem of using numerous freight vehicles occupying road resources, thus reducing the energy consumption and exhaust emissions of freight vehicles.

[0045] The power supply component 2 also includes an adjustment box 21 and a drive adjustment unit 22. The adjustment box 21 is located at the bottom center of the UAV 1, and the drive adjustment unit 22 is located inside the adjustment box 21. The adjustment box 21 is a hollow box with openings on both sides. Two mounting ears extend outward from each opening, and the rotating rod 23 is rotatably connected to the mounting ears.

[0046] As a further preferred embodiment, the drone 1 is pre-installed with a battery, and the input end of the battery is connected to the power take-up head 24 via a wire.

[0047] The rotating rod 23 on the same side rotates forward and backward to separate the power-collecting heads 24 on its head so that they are far apart. When the drone 1 is hovering, neither of them is in contact with the power supply cable 32. When it moves forward, the drone 1 tilts, causing the two power-collecting heads 24 on the same side to connect to the neutral wire and the live wire of the power supply cable 32 respectively, thus forming a circuit and charging the drone 1 through the power-collecting heads 24.

[0048] The rear end of the rotating rod 23 is also provided with a semi-circular gear. The drive adjustment unit 22 includes a drive wheel 221 and a first drive wheel 222. The first drive wheel 222 is located on one side of the drive wheel 221. The first drive wheel 222 meshes with the drive wheel 221 and the semi-circular gear at the rear end of one of the rotating rods 23 on one side. The drive wheel 221 also meshes with the semi-circular gear at the rear end of one of the rotating rods 23 on the other side. The drive adjustment unit 22 also includes an intermediate wheel 223 and a second drive wheel 224. The second drive wheel 224 is located on one side of the intermediate wheel 223. The second drive wheel 224 meshes with the intermediate wheel 223 and the semi-circular gear at the rear end of another rotating rod 23 on one side. The intermediate wheel 223 also meshes with the semi-circular gear at the rear end of another rotating rod 23 on the other side. The intermediate wheel 223 is located in front of or behind the drive wheel 221 and meshes with the drive wheel 221. The drive wheel 221 is also connected to a first motor 225, which drives the drive wheel 221 to rotate.

[0049] Understandably, when the first motor 225 drives the drive wheel 221 to rotate, on the one hand, the drive wheel 221 drives the first drive wheel 222 and a rotating rod 23 to rotate, and the first drive wheel 222 drives the rotating rod 23 to rotate; on the other hand, the drive wheel 221 drives the intermediate wheel 223 to rotate, thereby driving the second drive wheel 224 and a rotating rod 23 to rotate, and the second drive wheel 224 drives the rotating rod 23 to rotate. This causes the rotating rods 23 on both sides of the adjusting box 21 to separate simultaneously, achieving the purpose of tilting for power extraction.

[0050] The power-collecting head 24 includes a reset box 241, a power-collecting rod 242, and a spring 243. The reset box 241 is fixedly connected to the head of the rotating rod 23 and is an open-front box. The rear end of the power-collecting rod 242 is located inside the reset box 241 and is rotatably connected to the reset box 241 via a pivot. Springs 243 are also provided between the upper and lower ends of the power-collecting rod 242 and the reset box 241, providing a restoring force when the power-collecting rod 242 rotates.

[0051] Understandably, during the power-gathering process of the drone 1, charging is achieved by the front end of the power-gathering pole 242 contacting the power supply cable 32. During flight, pressure inevitably arises between the power-gathering pole 242 and the power supply cable 32. If the pressure between the two is too great, it may cause the power supply cable 32 to break. Therefore, the power-gathering pole 242 rotates within the reset box 241, with spring 243 providing elasticity, so that excessive pressure is not generated when the two come into contact, thus playing a shock-absorbing role and preventing damage to the equipment.

[0052] The front end of the power-collecting pole 242 is arc-shaped, with the front side of the pole bending downwards and the rear side bending upwards. A circular groove is formed along the arc direction on the inner ring of the front end of the power-collecting pole 242, and multiple ball bearings 245 are arranged within the groove, allowing them to roll freely. An insulating sheath 244 is also provided on the outer ring of the front end of the power-collecting pole 242 to prevent accidental contact with the opposite power supply cable 32.

[0053] As a further preferred embodiment, the ball bearing 245 is made of a conductive and wear-resistant material. It is understood that during power collection in flight, the power collection rod 242 and the power supply cable 32 are in a relatively sliding state. The ball bearing 245, which is internally located, engages with the power supply cable 32, and its rotation reduces friction with the cable, thereby reducing wear without affecting conductivity.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the power supply cable 32 draws power from a street light, and a transformer is provided to ensure that the voltage meets the charging requirements of the drone 1.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the neutral and live wires of the power supply cable 32 are arranged parallel to each other in the same vertical plane, with a gap between them. When the UAV 1 draws power, the rotating rod 23 is first separated and hovered next to the power supply cable 32, aligning the power-drawing rod 242 with the gap between the neutral and live wires of the power supply cable 32. Then, it is moved laterally so that the power-drawing rod 242 reaches between the neutral and live wires. Then, during the forward flight, the two power-drawing rods 242 respectively connect with the neutral and live wires to complete the power draw.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the cross-sections of the neutral and live wires of the power supply cable 32 are both elliptical to facilitate connection and sliding with the power take-up pole 242.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the bracket 31 is also provided with a protective cover to protect the power supply cable 32 from rain and prevent the power supply cable 32 from being exposed and damaged.

[0058] The drone 1 has a built-in battery. During the drone's movement, the power pole 242 and the power cable 32 may experience a brief disconnection. In this case, the drone 1 is powered by the battery to avoid power failure.

[0059] Example 2

[0060] like Figure 8 , 9 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides another orbit-powered low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle system, which differs from embodiment 1 in that:

[0061] The power-collecting component 2 includes a rotating rod 23, and the head of the rotating rod 23 is provided with a power-collecting head 24. The structure of the rotating rod 23 and the power-collecting head 24, as well as the connection relationship between them, are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0062] The power-collecting component 2 also includes a support foot 25 and a second motor 26. The support foot 25 is located at the bottom of the propeller of the UAV 1, and its bottom end is hollowed out. The rotating rod 23 is rotatably connected to the bottom end of the support foot 25. The support foot 25 is also equipped with a second motor 26. The output end of the second motor 26 is equipped with a gear, which meshes with a semi-circular gear at the rear end of the rotating rod 23, thereby driving the rotating rod 23 to rotate.

[0063] During landing, the second motor 26 drives the rotating rod 23 and the power-collecting head 24 to a drooping state to provide support for the UAV 1; during flight, the second motor 26 drives the rotating rod 23 and the power-collecting head 24 to a horizontal state, so that the power-collecting head 24 on one side extends between the neutral wire and the live wire of the power supply cable 32, so as to collect power while flying.

[0064] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A track powered low altitude unmanned aerial vehicle system, characterized in that, The utility model relates to an unmanned aerial vehicle (1), a power taking assembly (2) and a power supply assembly (3). The power taking assembly (2) is arranged at the bottom of the unmanned aerial vehicle (1) and extends to both sides from the bottom of the unmanned aerial vehicle (1) to form rotating rods (23), and the heads of the rotating rods (23) are provided with power taking heads (24). The power supply assembly (3) comprises a power supply cable (32). The power taking head (24) and the power supply cable (32) are overlapped to realize charging of the unmanned aerial vehicle (1) during flight. The power taking head (24) comprises a reset box (241), a power taking rod (242) and a spring (243).

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The reset box (241) is fixedly connected to the head of the rotating rod (23) and is a box body with an open front end. The rear end of the power taking rod (242) is arranged in the reset box (241), and the rear end of the power taking rod (242) is rotatably connected to the reset box (241) through a rotating shaft. The spring (243) is arranged between the reset box (241) and the upper and lower sides of the power taking rod (242). The front end of the power taking rod (242) is arc-shaped, the front side of the power taking rod (242) is downwardly curved, and the rear side of the power taking rod (242) is upwardly curved.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein, A circular groove is formed in the inner ring of the front end of the power taking rod (242) along the arc direction, a plurality of rolling balls (245) are arranged in the circular groove, and the rolling balls (245) are freely rolled in the circular groove.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein, An insulating skin (244) is further arranged on the outer ring of the front end of the power taking rod (242). The power taking assembly (2) further comprises a supporting leg (25), the supporting leg (25) is arranged at the bottom of the propeller of the unmanned aerial vehicle (1), the bottom end of the supporting leg (25) is hollowed out, and the rotating rod (23) is rotatably connected to the bottom end of the supporting leg (25).

5. A track powered low altitude drone system according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, A second motor (26) is further arranged on the supporting leg (25), and the output end of the second motor (26) is provided with a gear that is engaged with the semicircular gear at the rear end of the rotating rod (23). The power taking assembly (2) further comprises an adjusting box (21) and a driving adjustment unit (22), the adjusting box (21) is arranged at the central position of the bottom of the unmanned aerial vehicle (1), and the driving adjustment unit (22) is arranged in the adjusting box (21).

6. A catenary powered low altitude unmanned aircraft system according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The adjusting box (21) is a hollow box body, and the two sides of the adjusting box (21) are open, two mounting ears are arranged on the outer side of each open side, and the rotating rod (23) is rotatably connected to the mounting ears.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein, One rotating rod (23) is arranged on each mounting ear, and a semicircular gear is further arranged at the rear end of the rotating rod (23). The driving adjustment unit (22) comprises a driving wheel (221) and a first driving wheel (222), the first driving wheel (222) is arranged on one side of the driving wheel (221), the first driving wheel (222) is engaged with the semicircular gear at the rear end of one rotating rod (23) on one side and the semicircular gear at the rear end of the other rotating rod (23) on the other side, and the driving wheel (221) is further engaged with the semicircular gear at the rear end of one rotating rod (23) on the other side.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein, ​ 9. The system of claim 8, wherein, The driving adjusting unit (22) further comprises an intermediate wheel (223) and a second driving wheel (224), the second driving wheel (224) is arranged on one side of the intermediate wheel (223), the second driving wheel (224) is respectively engaged with the intermediate wheel (223) and the semicircular gear at the rear end of the other rotating rod (23) on the one side, and the intermediate wheel (223) is further engaged with the semicircular gear at the rear end of the other rotating rod (23) on the other side.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein, The intermediate wheel (223) is arranged on the front side or the rear side of the driving wheel (221) and is engaged with the driving wheel (221).

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