Unmanned aerial vehicle express cabinet and storage assembly thereof

Abstract

The utility model provides an unmanned aerial vehicle express cabinet and a storage assembly thereof. The storage assembly of the unmanned aerial vehicle express cabinet comprises a cabinet body and an express pick-and-place mechanism. The cabinet body is provided with an express pick-and-place bin, a parking area and a plurality of express storage bins. The express pick-and-place mechanism comprises a three-axis translation driving module and a fork arm module, the three-axis translation driving module is arranged on the cabinet body and is in driving connection with the fork arm module, and the fork arm module is configured to move among the express pick-and-place bin, the parking area and the express storage bin under the driving of the three-axis translation driving module. The storage assembly of the unmanned aerial vehicle express cabinet can move expresses to the express pick-and-place bin, the parking area and the express storage bins, the requirements for express sending and express taking of the unmanned aerial vehicle express cabinet can be met, the express pick-and-place bin, the parking area and the express storage bins are reasonable in position layout, the size of the cabinet body can be reduced, and the storage assembly is convenient to use. And the structure of the express pick-and-place module is simplified.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of drone technology, specifically to a drone express delivery locker and its storage components. Background Technology

[0002] Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) express refers to the use of unmanned, low-altitude aircraft controlled by radio remote control equipment and onboard program control devices to carry packages and automatically deliver them to their destinations. Its main advantages are solving delivery problems in remote areas, improving delivery efficiency, and reducing labor costs.

[0003] Current drone parcel lockers are limited by the structure of their storage components. They can usually only receive parcels delivered by logistics drones, but the storage components cannot transfer the parcels to the logistics drones. This makes it impossible to send parcels through drone parcel lockers, resulting in certain functional limitations and a poor user experience. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings and deficiencies in the existing technology and provide a drone express cabinet and its storage components.

[0005] One embodiment of this utility model provides a storage component for a drone delivery locker, comprising:

[0006] The cabinet is equipped with a parcel pickup and drop-off area, a parking area, and multiple parcel storage compartments.

[0007] The express delivery pick-up and drop-off mechanism includes a three-axis translation drive module and a fork arm module. The three-axis translation drive module is mounted on the cabinet and is drivenly connected to the fork arm module. The fork arm module is configured to move between the express delivery pick-up and drop-off compartment, the stopping area, and the express delivery storage compartment under the drive of the three-axis translation drive module.

[0008] The parcel pickup and drop-off area, the parking area, and the multiple parcel storage compartments are all located on the same side of the forklift module.

[0009] In some alternative implementations, the fork arm module includes multiple pick-and-place fork arms arranged side by side, and the three-axis translation drive module is driven connected to the pick-and-place fork arms.

[0010] In some optional embodiments, the express delivery picking and placing mechanism further includes two limiting baffles, which are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the fork arm module.

[0011] In some alternative embodiments, the end of the limiting baffle facing the express storage compartment is provided with a pick-up and put-down guide, and the pick-up and put-down guides of the two limiting baffles gradually move away from each other in the direction approaching the express storage compartment.

[0012] In some optional embodiments, the express storage compartment is provided with an express detection component that is signal-connected to the three-axis translation drive module, and the express detection component faces the interior of the express storage compartment.

[0013] In some optional embodiments, the bottom of the express delivery pick-up and / or express delivery storage compartment is provided with a fork arm clearance groove to allow the fork arm module to pass through.

[0014] In some optional embodiments, the parcel pickup and delivery compartment has a first pickup and delivery port on the side facing the fork arm module, and a second pickup and delivery port on the side away from the fork arm module. The parcel pickup and delivery compartment is provided with two guide plates, which are respectively arranged on both sides in the direction from the first pickup and delivery port to the second pickup and delivery port.

[0015] In some optional embodiments, the guide plate has a first express delivery guide portion at the end facing the first pick-up / placement opening, and the first express delivery guide portions of the two guide plates gradually move away from each other in the direction approaching the first pick-up / placement opening; and / or,

[0016] The guide plate is provided with a second express delivery guide at one end facing the second pick-up and drop-off port, and the second express delivery guides of the two guide plates gradually move away from each other in the direction close to the second pick-up and drop-off port.

[0017] In some alternative implementations, a courier limiting part is provided at the first pick-up and drop-off port.

[0018] Another embodiment of this utility model provides a drone delivery locker, including: a storage component of a drone delivery locker as described above.

[0019] Compared to existing technologies, the storage components of this utility model's drone parcel locker can move parcels to the parcel pickup and drop-off area, the parking area, and multiple parcel storage compartments, which can meet the needs of sending and picking up parcels using the drone parcel locker. Moreover, the location layout of the parcel pickup and drop-off area, the parking area, and multiple parcel storage compartments is reasonable, which helps to reduce the size of the locker and simplify the structure of the parcel pickup and drop-off module. In addition, the parcel pickup and drop-off compartments can place parcels in a standard position, enabling the parcel pickup and drop-off mechanism to pick up and drop off parcels stably.

[0020] To provide a clearer understanding of this invention, the specific embodiments of the invention will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the storage component of a drone express cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of a parcel pickup and drop mechanism according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the storage components of a drone express delivery locker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of one side of the storage component of a drone express cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0026] 10. Cabinet; 11. Express delivery pick-up and drop-off compartment; 111. Fork arm clearance groove; 112. First pick-up and drop-off port; 113. Second pick-up and drop-off port; 114. Guide plate; 115. First express delivery guide section; 116. Second express delivery guide section; 117. Express delivery limit section; 12. Stopping area; 13. Express delivery storage compartment; 14. Express delivery detection component; 20. Express delivery pick-up and drop-off mechanism; 21. Three-axis translation drive module; 22. Fork arm module; 221. Pick-up and drop-off fork arm; 222. Limiting baffle; 223. Pick-up and drop-off guide section. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model. In the description of the present utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more, and "a number" means one or more. In addition, unless otherwise stated, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some alternative implementations," or "some optional embodiments," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0031] Please see Figure 1 One embodiment of this utility model provides a storage component for a drone express delivery locker, comprising:

[0032] The cabinet 10 is equipped with a parcel pick-up and drop-off compartment 11, a stop area 12, and multiple parcel storage compartments 13.

[0033] The express delivery pick-up and drop-off mechanism 20 includes a three-axis translation drive module 21 and a fork arm module 22. The three-axis translation drive module 21 is mounted on the cabinet 10 and is drivenly connected to the fork arm module 22. The fork arm module 22 is used to support the express delivery. The fork arm module 22 is configured to move between the express delivery pick-up and drop-off compartment 11, the parking area 12, and the express delivery storage compartment 13 under the drive of the three-axis translation drive module 21. The three-axis translation drive module 21 can drive the fork arm module 22 into the logistics box of the logistics drone located in the parking area 12, the express delivery pick-up and drop-off compartment 11, and the express delivery storage compartment 13, thereby realizing the pick-up and drop-off operation of express delivery between the logistics box of the logistics drone, the express delivery pick-up and drop-off compartment 11, and the express delivery storage compartment 13.

[0034] The parcel pick-up and drop-off compartment 11, the stopping area 12, and multiple parcel storage compartments 13 are all located on the same side of the forklift module 22. This positional design ensures that the forklift module 22 operates in roughly the same manner when entering the parcel pick-up and drop-off compartment 11, the stopping area 12, and the multiple parcel storage compartments 13 to pick up and drop off parcels. This simplifies the structure of the three-axis translation drive module 21 and the forklift module 22, satisfying the parcel pick-up and drop-off function without requiring additional special structural design.

[0035] The forklift module 22 operates in roughly the same way in the logistics box, parcel pickup / drop-off compartment 11, and parcel storage compartment 13 of the logistics drone, placing and retrieving parcels in roughly the same manner. The following explanation uses the forklift module 22 in the parcel storage compartment 13 as an example: When placing a parcel, the three-axis translation drive module 21 drives the forklift module 22 to move into the parcel storage compartment 13. Then, the forklift module 22 descends, and after the bottom of the parcel touches the bottom of the parcel, the forklift module 22 continues to descend, thus detaching from the parcel and achieving stable placement. When retrieving a parcel, the three-axis translation drive module 21 drives the forklift module 22 to move to the bottom of the parcel storage compartment 13. Then, the forklift module 22 rises, lifting the parcel, and then detaches from the parcel storage compartment 13, thus retrieving the parcel from the parcel storage compartment 13.

[0036] The following describes the process of receiving packages using the storage component of a drone delivery locker according to an embodiment of this utility model: The logistics drone docks in the parking area 12, then the opening of the logistics box of the logistics drone opens, the package retrieval mechanism 20 moves to the parking area 12, then retrieves the package from the logistics box, and then moves the package to the package storage compartment 13 for temporary storage. When the user needs to retrieve the package, the package retrieval mechanism 20 moves the package to the package retrieval compartment 11, and the user retrieves the package from the package retrieval compartment 11.

[0037] The following describes the process of sending a package using the storage component of the drone express cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention: The user places the package in the package pickup and delivery compartment 11. The package pickup and delivery mechanism 20 takes the package out of the package pickup and delivery compartment 11 and puts it into the package storage compartment 13 for temporary storage. After the logistics drone docks in the parking area 12, the package pickup and delivery mechanism 20 can take the corresponding package out of the package storage compartment 13 and then put it into the logistics box of the logistics drone.

[0038] Since users pick up and send packages at the package pickup and drop-off warehouse 11, based on the need for anti-theft, the drone express cabinet only needs to design anti-theft measures at the package pickup and drop-off warehouse 11, while the package storage warehouse 13 can be built into the cabinet body 10 and not open to the outside. Therefore, there is no need to design anti-theft measures for each package storage warehouse 13. Thus, the storage components of the drone express cabinet of this utility model also help to simplify the structure of the drone express cabinet.

[0039] In this embodiment, the three-axis translation drive module 21 can drive the fork arm module 22 to move in the X, Y, and Z directions. The express storage compartment 13 can be arranged along the X and / or Z directions. The express pickup and drop-off compartment 11, the parking area 12, and multiple express storage compartments 13 are all located on one side of the fork arm module 22 in the X direction. The three-axis translation drive module 21 can drive the fork arm module 22 to adjust its position in the X and Z directions, so that the fork arm module 22 is located on one side of the express pickup and drop-off compartment 11, the parking area 12, and the express storage compartment 13. The three-axis translation drive module 21 can drive the fork arm module 22 to move in the Y direction, thereby extending into the express pickup and drop-off compartment 11, the logistics box of the logistics drone, or the express storage compartment 13 to realize the pickup and drop-off of express packages. The structure and principle of the three-axis translation drive module 21 are technologies known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0040] Please see Figure 2 In some optional embodiments, the forklift module 22 includes multiple side-by-side pick-and-place forklifts 221, and a three-axis translation drive module 21 is drivenly connected to the pick-and-place forklifts 221. The multiple side-by-side pick-and-place forklifts 221 help improve the stability of the forklift module 22 in supporting the bottom of the package, preventing the package from falling off the forklift module 22. Of course, the structure of the forklift module 22 is not limited to this, and those skilled in the art can choose other suitable structures based on the teachings of this utility model.

[0041] In some optional embodiments, the express delivery picking and placing mechanism 20 also includes two limiting baffles 222, which are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the fork arm module 22. The limiting baffles 222 can restrict the sides of the express delivery to prevent the express delivery from falling off the sides of the fork arm module 22.

[0042] When the forklift module 22 approaches the package, in order to avoid interference between the end of the limiting baffle 222 and the package, which would cause squeezing between the limiting baffle 222 and the package, in some optional embodiments, a pick-and-place guide 223 is provided at the end of the limiting baffle 222 facing the package storage compartment 13. The pick-and-place guides 223 of the two limiting baffles 222 gradually move away from each other in the direction of approaching the package storage compartment 13. When the forklift module 22 approaches the package, the side of the package can abut against the pick-and-place guide 223. The pick-and-place guide 223 guides the package between the two limiting baffles 222, which is conducive to picking up the package more smoothly and improving the success rate of picking up and placing the package.

[0043] Please see Figure 3In some optional embodiments, a package detection component 14 connected to the three-axis translation drive module is provided at the package storage compartment 13. The package detection component 14 faces the inside of the package storage compartment 13 and is used to detect whether there is a package in the package storage compartment 13, so as to avoid the three-axis translation drive module driving the fork arm module 22 to move the package into the package storage compartment 13 containing the package, which would cause misoperation.

[0044] The specific structure of the express delivery detection component 14 can be selected according to actual needs. For example, the express delivery detection component 14 can use infrared sensors, photoelectric sensors, proximity sensors, etc. The detection principles of infrared sensors, photoelectric sensors, proximity sensors, etc., of the express delivery detection component 14 are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here. In this embodiment, the express delivery detection component 14 uses a laser beam sensor, which includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter and receiver are respectively set on both sides of the express storage compartment 13. The receiver is signal-connected to the three-axis translation drive module. The laser emitted by the transmitter passes through the express storage compartment and is received by the receiver. If there is an express delivery in the express storage compartment 13, the express delivery will block the laser, causing the receiver to be unable to receive the laser signal. Thus, it can be determined whether there is an express delivery in the express storage compartment 13.

[0045] In some optional embodiments, the bottom of the parcel pickup / dispatch compartment 11 and / or parcel storage compartment 13 is provided with a fork arm clearance groove 111 to allow the fork arm module 22 to pass through. In this embodiment, both the parcel pickup / dispatch compartment 11 and the parcel storage compartment 13 are provided with fork arm clearance grooves 111. The fork arm clearance grooves 111 are used to allow the fork arm module 22 to rise and fall at the bottom of the parcel pickup / dispatch compartment 11 and the parcel storage compartment 13, thereby enabling the fork arm module 22 to lift and lower the parcel. The bottom of the logistics box of the logistics drone can also be provided with a corresponding clearance groove for avoiding the fork arm module 22.

[0046] Because the position of the package relative to the package pickup compartment 11 is not fixed when the user places the package into the package pickup compartment 11 through the second pickup port 113, this can lead to the package falling due to incorrect posture relative to the fork arm module 22 when it is lifted by the fork arm module 22. For example, the center of gravity of the package may be biased to one side of the fork arm module 22, causing the package to tip over from one side of the fork arm module 22. Therefore, in some optional embodiments, the package pickup compartment 11 has a first pickup port 112 on the side facing the fork arm module 22, and a second pickup port 113 on the side away from the fork arm module 22. Two guide plates 114 are provided inside the package pickup compartment 11, and the two guide plates 114 are respectively arranged in... From the first pick-up / placement port 112 to the second pick-up / placement port 113, guide plates 114 are used on both sides to guide and adjust the position of the package relative to the package pick-up / placement compartment 11. When the user places the package into the package pick-up / placement compartment 11, the guide plates 114 can guide the package to move towards the accurate position, ensuring that the package's posture relative to the package pick-up / placement compartment 11 is fixed. This prevents the package from falling when the fork arm module 22 lifts it due to incorrect posture relative to the fork arm module 22. In this embodiment, when the fork arm module 22 extends into the package pick-up / placement compartment 11, it is positioned between the two guide plates 114. Because the package is guided by the two guides and its posture is correct, the fork arm module 22 can stably lift the package. When the fork arm module 22 places the package into the guide plate 114, the guide plate 114 also aligns the package with the first pick-up / placement port 112, making it convenient for the user to retrieve the package and preventing the package from interfering with other structures in the package pick-up / placement compartment 11 due to incorrect posture, which could lead to difficulties in retrieving the package.

[0047] In some alternative embodiments, a first express delivery guide portion 115 is provided at one end of the guide plate 114 facing the first pick-up / placement port 112, and the first express delivery guide portions 115 of the two guide plates 114 gradually move away from each other in the direction approaching the first pick-up / placement port 112; and / or, a second express delivery guide portion 116 is provided at one end of the guide plate 114 facing the second pick-up / placement port 113, and the second express delivery guide portions 116 of the two guide plates 114 gradually move away from each other in the direction approaching the second pick-up / placement port 113. In this embodiment, the first express delivery guide portion 115 is provided at one end of the guide plate 114 facing the first pick-up / placement port 112, and the second express delivery guide portion 116 is provided at one end of the guide plate 114 facing the second pick-up / placement port 113.

[0048] When a package is placed into the package receiving compartment 11 through the first receiving port 112, the first package guide 115 prevents the end of the guide plate 114 from interfering with the package, allowing the package to smoothly enter between the two guide plates 114. Similarly, when a package is placed into the package receiving compartment 11 through the second receiving port 113, the second package guide 116 prevents the end of the guide plate 114 from interfering with the package, allowing the package to smoothly enter between the two guide plates 114.

[0049] Please see Figure 4 Since users need to reach into the parcel pickup compartment 11 when retrieving a package from the second pickup port 113, their hands may push the package towards the first pickup port 112, causing it to detach from the parcel pickup compartment 11. Therefore, in some optional embodiments, a parcel limiting part 117 is provided at the first pickup port 112 to restrict the package and prevent it from falling out of the first pickup port 112 when the user retrieves it. In this embodiment, the first pickup port 112 is provided with two parcel limiting parts 117, which are located on both sides of the fork arm clearance groove 111 at the bottom of the parcel limiting parts 117. The fork arm module 22 can pass between the parcel limiting parts 117, thereby enabling the parcel pickup mechanism 20 to place the package from the first pickup port 112 into the parcel pickup compartment 11.

[0050] The aforementioned storage components for drone delivery lockers can be applied to drone delivery lockers, which include: a storage component for a drone delivery locker as described above.

[0051] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A storage assembly of a UAV delivery locker, characterized in that, The application relates to a cabinet body provided with an express delivery taking and placing bin, a parking area and a plurality of express delivery storage bins. The express delivery taking and placing mechanism comprises a three-axis translation driving module and a fork arm module, the three-axis translation driving module is arranged on the cabinet body and is in driving connection with the fork arm module, and the fork arm module is configured to move between the express delivery taking and placing bin, the parking area and the express delivery storage bins under the driving of the three-axis translation driving module. The express delivery taking and placing bin, the parking area and the plurality of express delivery storage bins are located on the same side of the fork arm module. The fork arm module comprises a plurality of taking and placing fork arms arranged side by side, and the three-axis translation driving module is in driving connection with the taking and placing fork arms. 2.The unmanned aerial vehicle express cabinet storage assembly of claim 1, wherein: The express delivery taking and placing mechanism further comprises two limiting baffles, and the two limiting baffles are arranged on opposite sides of the fork arm module. 3.The unmanned aerial vehicle express cabinet storage assembly of claim 1, wherein: One end of the limiting baffle towards the express delivery storage bin is provided with a taking and placing guide part, and the taking and placing guide parts of the two limiting baffles gradually move away from each other in the direction close to the express delivery storage bin. 4.The unmanned aerial vehicle express cabinet storage assembly of claim 3, wherein: The express delivery storage bin is provided with an express delivery detection assembly in signal connection with the three-axis translation driving module, and the express delivery detection assembly corresponds to the inside of the express delivery storage bin. 5.The unmanned aerial vehicle express cabinet storage assembly of claim 1, wherein: The bottom of the express delivery taking and placing bin and / or the express delivery storage bin is provided with a fork arm avoiding groove for avoiding the passing of the fork arm module. 6.The unmanned aerial vehicle express cabinet storage assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: One side of the express delivery taking and placing bin towards the fork arm module is provided with a first taking and placing opening, and the other side of the express delivery taking and placing bin away from the fork arm module is provided with a second taking and placing opening, and the express delivery taking and placing bin is provided with two guide plates arranged on the two sides in the direction from the first taking and placing opening to the second taking and placing opening.

7. The unmanned aerial vehicle delivery cabinet storage assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: One end of the guide plate towards the first taking and placing opening is provided with a first express delivery guide part, and the first express delivery guide parts of the two guide plates gradually move away from each other in the direction close to the first taking and placing opening. 8.The unmanned aerial vehicle express cabinet storage assembly of claim 7, wherein: And / or, One end of the guide plate towards the second taking and placing opening is provided with a second express delivery guide part, and the second express delivery guide parts of the two guide plates gradually move away from each other in the direction close to the second taking and placing opening. The first taking and placing opening is provided with an express delivery limiting part. 9.The unmanned aerial vehicle express cabinet storage assembly of claim 7, wherein: The application relates to a warehouse component of an unmanned aerial vehicle express delivery cabinet.

10. A UAV express cabinet, characterized in that, The application relates to a warehouse component of an unmanned aerial vehicle express delivery cabinet. ​

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