Inspection device and inspection unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

The utility model discloses a routing inspection device and a routing inspection unmanned aerial vehicle, the routing inspection device comprises a shell, an end cover and an elastic mechanism, the shell is internally provided with an accommodating space, and the accommodating space is used for placing routing inspection equipment; the end cover is detachably connected with the shell, and the end cover can cover the opening of the shell; the elastic mechanism is arranged in the shell; when the end cover is mounted on the shell, the elastic mechanism applies a pre-tightening force to the inspection equipment; and when the end cover is detached from the shell, the elastic mechanism drives the inspection equipment to be separated from the accommodating space. The shell is provided with an accommodating space for placing the inspection equipment, the shell is provided with an end cover, an elastic mechanism is arranged in the shell, when the end cover covers an opening of the shell, the elastic mechanism is compressed, and the inspection equipment is clamped by the elastic mechanism and the end cover, so that the position stability of the inspection equipment is ensured; and when the end cover is detached from the shell, the elastic mechanism extends and applies elastic force to the inspection equipment to drive the inspection equipment to be separated from the accommodating space, so that the inspection equipment is conveniently taken out for overhaul and maintenance.

Description

An inspection device and an inspection drone Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of photovoltaic power station inspection technology, and in particular to an inspection device and an inspection drone. Background Technology

[0002] The importance of photovoltaic (PV) operation and maintenance (O&M) is increasing. To meet the requirements of remote centralized control, regional maintenance, and site security, inspection drones have emerged as a result of market demand. Inspection drones have widely replaced manual inspections in the photovoltaic field, reducing labor intensity. Inspection drones use the drone itself as a carrier, mounting optical cameras, infrared temperature detection equipment, and other devices to perform inspections during flight.

[0003] However, the current installation stability between inspection equipment and drones is low, which can easily lead to the inspection equipment and drones detaching or falling and being damaged. In addition, the ease of splicing and installing inspection equipment and drones is low, making it inconvenient to remove the inspection equipment for inspection and maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this application proposes an inspection device for carrying inspection equipment and facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the inspection equipment.

[0005] This application also proposes an inspection drone.

[0006] According to a first aspect embodiment of the present application, the inspection device includes a housing, an end cap, and an elastic mechanism. The housing has an internal accommodating space for placing inspection equipment. The end cap is detachably connected to the housing and can close to the opening of the housing. The elastic mechanism is disposed inside the housing. When the end cap is installed on the housing, the elastic mechanism applies a preload force to the inspection equipment. When the end cap is removed from the housing, the elastic mechanism drives the inspection equipment out of the accommodating space.

[0007] The inspection device according to the embodiments of this application has at least the following beneficial effects: the housing is provided with a accommodating space for placing the inspection equipment, the housing is provided with an end cap, and the interior of the housing is provided with an elastic mechanism. When the end cap is closed on the opening of the housing, the elastic mechanism is compressed, and the elastic mechanism and the end cap clamp the inspection equipment, thereby ensuring the positional stability of the inspection equipment; when the end cap is removed from the housing, the elastic mechanism extends, and the elastic mechanism applies elastic force to the inspection equipment, driving the inspection equipment out of the accommodating space, making it easy to remove the inspection equipment for inspection and maintenance.

[0008] According to some embodiments of this application, the housing is provided with a movable limiting frame inside. The limiting frame is connected to the inner wall of the housing through the elastic mechanism. The limiting frame defines the accommodating space. When the end cap is removed from the housing, the elastic mechanism pushes the inspection equipment out of the accommodating space through the limiting frame.

[0009] According to some embodiments of this application, the end cap is provided with a support component for supporting the inspection equipment. The support component is rotatably connected to the end cap. A positioning structure is provided between the support component and the limiting frame. The support component and the limiting frame are connected through the positioning structure.

[0010] According to some embodiments of this application, the support component and the limiting frame are connected by the positioning structure, the positioning structure including a hollow portion disposed on the limiting frame and a positioning post disposed on the support component, the positioning post being able to be inserted into the hollow portion.

[0011] According to some embodiments of this application, the end cap is provided with a rotating snap-fit ​​portion, the support component is provided with a slot, and the rotating snap-fit ​​portion is rotatably embedded in the slot.

[0012] According to some embodiments of this application, the elastic mechanism includes a first elastic frame and a second elastic frame that can be elastically deformed, the second elastic frame being disposed inside the first elastic frame, and the first elastic frame connecting the limiting frame and the inner wall of the housing.

[0013] According to some embodiments of this application, the interior of the second elastic frame is provided with an elastic component, which is used to drive the second elastic frame and the first elastic frame to undergo elastic deformation.

[0014] According to some embodiments of this application, the elastic component includes a first sliding component and a second sliding component, with a first elastic component and a second elastic component disposed between the first sliding component and the second sliding component, and the first elastic component and the second elastic component being used to drive the first sliding component and the second sliding component to slide relative to each other.

[0015] According to some embodiments of this application, the first elastic member is disposed inside the first sliding member, the second sliding member is inserted into the first sliding member and abuts against the first elastic member, the second elastic member is sleeved on the outside of the second sliding member, one end of the second elastic member abuts against the end of the first sliding member, and the other end of the second elastic member abuts against the bottom plate of the second sliding member.

[0016] According to a second aspect of this application, the inspection drone includes a drone body and the aforementioned inspection device, wherein the inspection device is mounted on the inspection drone.

[0017] The inspection device according to the embodiments of this application has at least the following beneficial effects: The inspection device according to the first aspect of this application includes a housing, an end cap, and an elastic mechanism. The housing has a receiving space for placing the inspection device. The housing has an end cap, and the housing has an elastic mechanism inside. When the end cap is closed to the opening of the housing, the elastic mechanism is compressed, and the elastic mechanism and the end cap clamp the inspection device, thereby ensuring the positional stability of the inspection device. When the end cap is removed from the housing, the elastic mechanism extends, and the elastic mechanism applies a spring force to the inspection device, driving the inspection device out of the receiving space, making it easy to remove the inspection device for inspection and maintenance.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The present application will be further illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that the embodiments illustrated in the following drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application, and should not be construed as limiting the present application.

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the inspection device of this application installed on the UAV body;

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the inspection device in the embodiment of this application when the end cover is removed from the housing;

[0022] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the inspection device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 4 is a partial enlarged view of part A in Figure 3 of the inspection device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 5 is a partial enlarged view of part B in Figure 3 of the inspection device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure label:

[0026] 100. Housing; 101. Limiting bracket; 102. Camera module; 103. Infrared temperature detection module;

[0027] 200. End cap; 201. Support component; 202. Positioning post; 203. Rotary locking part;

[0028] 300. Elastic mechanism; 301. First elastic frame; 302. Second elastic frame; 303. First sliding component; 304. Second sliding component; 305. First elastic component; 306. Second elastic component;

[0029] 400. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) body; 401. Inspection device; 402. Battery pack; 403. Controller. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0031] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "middle", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0032] In the description of this application, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0033] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0034] In the description of this application, the use of terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "an example," "some instances," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," and "some examples" indicates that the specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. 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.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, this application embodiment provides an inspection device 401, which includes a housing 100, an end cap 200, and an elastic mechanism 300. The inspection equipment is placed inside the housing 100, and the end cap 200 is installed at the bottom opening of the housing 100. It is understood that the end cap 200 can support the bottom of the inspection equipment, preventing it from falling.

[0036] Furthermore, the elastic mechanism 300 is disposed inside the housing 100 and is able to apply its own elastic force to the inspection equipment.

[0037] Specifically, when the end cap 200 is installed on the housing 100, the elastic mechanism 300 is in a contracted state and applies a downward elastic force as a pre-tightening force to the inspection equipment. At the same time, the end cap 200 applies an upward supporting force to the inspection equipment. Under the combined action of the elastic force and the supporting force, the inspection equipment can be kept in the preset position, thereby improving the positional stability of the inspection equipment.

[0038] When the end cap 200 is removed from the housing 100, the end cap 200 no longer provides support for the inspection equipment. At this time, the elastic mechanism 300 can spontaneously undergo elastic deformation to convert to an extended state. During this process, the elastic force applied by the elastic mechanism 300 to the inspection equipment can drive the inspection equipment to detach from the housing 100, thereby facilitating the disassembly of the inspection equipment.

[0039] The contents of this application are described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be noted that the following description is merely illustrative and not a specific limitation of this application.

[0040] In some examples, the interior of the housing 100 has a storage space for housing inspection equipment. This inspection equipment includes a camera module 102. It is understood that the camera module 102 can survey the mountainous environment, preventing the drone driving the inspection device 401 from colliding with trees and bushes in the mountains. Simultaneously, the camera module 102 can perform inspection operations on mountain photovoltaic power stations.

[0041] Furthermore, the inspection equipment also includes an infrared temperature detection module 103. The infrared temperature detection module 103 can detect the temperature of the photovoltaic power station, preventing damage to the equipment and effectively preventing safety issues such as wildfires.

[0042] Specifically, both the camera module 102 and the infrared temperature detection module 103 need to operate outside the housing 100. Therefore, a through groove is provided on the side wall of the housing 100 to facilitate the extension of the camera module 102 and the infrared temperature detection module 103 out of the housing 100. In addition, the through groove extends to the bottom opening of the housing 100 to facilitate the installation or removal of the camera module 102 and the infrared temperature detection module 103 along the bottom opening of the housing 100.

[0043] In addition, the end cap 200 is detachably connected to the housing 100. Specifically, the end cap 200 and the housing 100 are connected by threads.

[0044] In some examples, the elastic mechanism 300 is disposed inside the housing 100 and is connected to the top wall of the housing 100. When the inspection device is installed in the receiving space along the bottom opening of the housing 100, the inspection device is located at the bottom of the elastic mechanism 300. It is understood that the elastic mechanism 300 can apply a force to the inspection device through elastic deformation.

[0045] During the process of the inspection equipment entering the accommodating space, the inspection equipment gradually squeezes the elastic mechanism 300, causing the elastic mechanism 300 to be compressed in the manner of elastic deformation. At this time, the elastic mechanism 300 applies a downward preload to the inspection equipment. During the process of the inspection equipment leaving the accommodating space, the compressed elastic mechanism 300 gradually returns to its extended state, thereby pushing the inspection equipment to detach from the housing 100.

[0046] In some examples, the housing 100 is cylindrical, and correspondingly, the elastic mechanism 300 is formed into a ring shape. Meanwhile, devices such as the camera module 102 and the infrared temperature detection module 103 are circumferentially distributed within the interior space of the housing 100.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3, in some examples, a limiting frame 101 is provided inside the housing 100. The shape of the limiting frame 101 corresponds to the shape of the inner wall of the housing 100, which facilitates the movement of the limiting frame 101 in the internal space of the housing 100.

[0048] Furthermore, the limiting frame 101 is generally formed as a plate-like structure. When the housing 100 is cylindrical, the limiting frame 101 remains horizontal inside the housing 100, that is, the limiting frame 101 is approximately parallel to the top wall of the housing 100. Therefore, the limiting frame 101 and the inner wall of the housing 100 define a cylindrical space inside the housing 100. This cylindrical space is located at the top of the limiting frame 101 and is used to house the elastic mechanism 300. At the same time, the limiting frame 101 also defines a space at its bottom for installing inspection equipment.

[0049] It is understandable that the inspection equipment contacts the limit frame 101 at the bottom, and the elastic mechanism 300 applies force to the inspection equipment through the limit frame 101.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4, in some examples, the end cap 200 is provided with a support member 201, which is used to support the inspection equipment. The support member 201 is attached to the end face of the end cap 200 and is rotatably connected to the end cap 200.

[0051] It is understandable that when the end cap 200 is threadedly connected to the housing 100, the end cap 200 needs to be installed or removed from the housing 100 by rotation. When the end cap 200 is rotated, since the support member 201 and the end cap 200 are rotatably connected, the rotation of the end cap 200 will not affect the support effect of the support member 201.

[0052] Furthermore, a positioning structure is provided between the support component 201 and the limiting frame 101, which can position the support component 201 and the limiting frame 101 as a whole. It can be understood that when the support component 201 and the limiting frame 101 form a whole, the limiting frame 101 and the support component 201 are vertically aligned, and the inspection equipment is located between the limiting frame 101 and the support component 201. That is, the limiting frame 101, the support component 201, and the inner wall of the housing 100 define the accommodating space.

[0053] Specifically, the support component 201 and the limiting frame 101 are connected by a positioning structure, which includes a hollow portion and a positioning post 202. The hollow portion is located on the limiting frame 101, and the positioning post 202 is located on the support component 201. The hollow portion is positioned at the center of the limiting frame 101, and the positioning post 202 protrudes from the center of the support component 201, ensuring a correspondence between the hollow portion and the positioning post 202. This facilitates the insertion of the positioning post 202 into the hollow portion, thus achieving the connection.

[0054] In some examples, to ensure the rotatable connection between the end cap 200 and the support member 201, the end cap 200 is provided with a rotatable latching part 203, and correspondingly, the support member 201 is provided with a latching groove. The rotatable latching part 203 is embedded inside the latching groove and can rotate inside the latching groove.

[0055] Furthermore, the side wall of the rotating snap-fit ​​part 203 is provided with a protrusion extending outward, and the side wall of the slot is provided with a corresponding recessed structure. When the rotating snap-fit ​​part 203 is inserted into the slot, the protrusion on the rotating snap-fit ​​part 203 can be inserted into the recessed structure, thereby realizing the snap-fit ​​between the rotating snap-fit ​​part 203 and the slot and preventing the rotating snap-fit ​​part 203 from coming out of the slot.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, in some examples, the elastic mechanism 300 includes a first elastic frame 301 and a second elastic frame 302. Both the first elastic frame 301 and the second elastic frame 302 are hollow structures, and both the first elastic frame 301 and the second elastic frame 302 are capable of elastic deformation, which facilitates the elastic mechanism 300 to apply elastic force to the inspection equipment at the bottom.

[0057] The first elastic frame 301 is formed into a ring structure, and the second elastic frame 302 is disposed inside the first elastic frame 301. In order to adapt to the shape of the first elastic frame 301, the second elastic frame 302 is also formed into a ring structure.

[0058] Furthermore, the first elastic frame 301 is provided with two second elastic frames 302 inside. The two second elastic frames 302 have different diameters, that is, one second elastic frame 302 is closer to the center of the first elastic frame 301, and the other second elastic frame 302 is closer to the edge of the first elastic frame 301.

[0059] Meanwhile, the first elastic frame 301 is fixedly connected between the limiting frame 101 and the top wall of the housing 100, which facilitates the elastic mechanism 300 to apply force to the limiting frame 101 at the bottom. When the limiting frame 101 receives the force applied by the elastic mechanism 300, the limiting frame 101 then applies the force to the inspection equipment at the bottom.

[0060] In some examples, the second elastic frame 302 is provided with an elastic component inside, which can drive the second elastic frame 302 to undergo elastic deformation, thereby driving the first elastic frame 301 to undergo elastic deformation, and thus transmitting the elastic force to the limiting frame 101.

[0061] Specifically, since the second elastic frame 302 is formed into a ring structure, in order to ensure that the second elastic frame 302 applies the force evenly to the limiting frame 101, each second elastic frame 302 is provided with several elastic components, and each elastic component is evenly distributed in a circle inside the second elastic frame 302.

[0062] In some examples, the elastic component includes a first sliding member 303 and a second sliding member 304, the first sliding member 303 and the second sliding member 304 being slidably connected, and a first elastic member 305 and a second elastic member 306 being provided between the first sliding member 303 and the second sliding member 304.

[0063] Specifically, the first elastic component 305 and the second elastic component 306 can apply elastic force to the first sliding component 303 and the second sliding component 304, thereby driving the first sliding component 303 and the second sliding component 304 to slide relative to each other. It can be understood that during the relative sliding process of the first sliding component 303 and the second sliding component 304, the elastic components can drive the second elastic frame 302 and the first elastic frame 301 to undergo elastic deformation, thereby applying a force to the inspection equipment at the bottom.

[0064] In some examples, the first sliding member 303 is located on top of the second sliding member 304, the first elastic member 305 is disposed inside the first sliding member 303, and the second sliding member 304 is inserted into the first sliding member 303 and has a flat surface at its end that abuts against the first elastic member 305. Therefore, one end of the first elastic member 305 abuts against the top wall of the first sliding member 303, and the other end abuts against the second sliding member 304.

[0065] Meanwhile, the second elastic member 306 is sleeved on the outside of the second sliding member 304, the bottom of the first sliding member 303 is provided with a flat surface for abutting against the second elastic member 306, and the bottom of the second elastic member 306 is provided with a base plate for abutting against the second elastic member 306. Therefore, the first end of the second elastic member 306 abuts against the bottom of the first elastic member 305, and the other end abuts against the bottom of the second elastic member 306.

[0066] Specifically, both the first elastic component 305 and the second elastic component 306 are springs.

[0067] Understandably, when the elastic mechanism 300 is in a compressed state, the elastic component is also compressed. The length of the portion of the second sliding member 304 that enters the first sliding member 303 gradually increases, while the length of the elastic component decreases, thus compressing the first elastic member 305 and the second elastic member 306. At this time, the elastic force applied by the elastic mechanism 300 to the bottom limiting frame 101 and the inspection equipment gradually increases until the inspection equipment is installed in place.

[0068] When the elastic mechanism 300 is in the extended state, the elastic component also extends. The length of the second sliding member 304 entering the first sliding member 303 gradually decreases, while the length of the elastic component increases, causing the first elastic member 305 and the second elastic member 306 to extend. At this time, the elastic force applied by the elastic mechanism 300 to the bottom limiting frame 101 and the inspection equipment gradually decreases until the inspection equipment is removed from the accommodating space.

[0069] This application embodiment also provides an inspection drone, which includes a drone body 400 and the aforementioned inspection device 401.

[0070] The inspection device 401 is mounted on the bottom of the drone body 400. Furthermore, a support plate is provided on the bottom of the drone body 400, and the inspection device 401 is mounted on the bottom of the support plate. Meanwhile, a battery pack 402 and a controller 403 are located on the top of the support plate. It is understood that the battery pack 402 supplies power to the drone body 400 and the inspection device 401, and the controller 403 is used to control the operation of the inspection drone.

[0071] In actual implementation, the housing 100 has a accommodating space for accommodating the inspection equipment, and an end cap 200 is provided at the bottom opening of the housing 100. Additionally, an elastic mechanism 300 is disposed inside the housing 100. When the end cap 200 is closed with the bottom opening of the housing 100, the elastic mechanism 300 is compressed. At this time, the elastic mechanism 300 applies a preload to the inspection equipment and cooperates with the end cap 200 to clamp the inspection equipment, thereby ensuring the positional stability of the inspection equipment within the accommodating space. When the end cap 200 is removed from the bottom opening of the housing 100, the elastic mechanism 300 returns to its extended state and applies a spring force to the inspection equipment. Under the action of this spring force, the inspection equipment is more easily removed from the accommodating space, thus facilitating the removal of the inspection equipment and subsequent inspection and maintenance work.

[0072] The embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this application. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

Claims

1. An inspection device, characterized in that, include: The housing has an internal accommodating space for housing the inspection equipment; An end cap is detachably connected to the housing and can close to the opening of the housing; an elastic mechanism is disposed inside the housing; when the end cap is installed on the housing, the elastic mechanism applies a preload force to the inspection equipment; when the end cap is removed from the housing, the elastic mechanism drives the inspection equipment out of the receiving space.

2. The inspection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing is equipped with a movable limiting frame inside. The limiting frame is connected to the inner wall of the housing through the elastic mechanism. The limiting frame defines the accommodating space. When the end cover is removed from the housing, the elastic mechanism pushes the inspection equipment out of the accommodating space through the limiting frame.

3. The inspection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end cap is provided with a support component for supporting the inspection equipment. The support component is rotatably connected to the end cap. A positioning structure is provided between the support component and the limiting frame. The support component and the limiting frame are connected through the positioning structure.

4. The inspection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The supporting component and the limiting frame are connected by the positioning structure, which includes a hollow portion disposed on the limiting frame and a positioning post disposed on the supporting component. The positioning post can be inserted into the hollow portion.

5. The inspection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The end cap is provided with a rotating snap-fit ​​part, and the support component is provided with a slot, wherein the rotating snap-fit ​​part can be rotatably embedded into the slot.

6. The inspection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The elastic mechanism includes a first elastic frame and a second elastic frame that can be elastically deformed. The second elastic frame is disposed inside the first elastic frame, and the first elastic frame is connected to the limiting frame and the inner wall of the housing.

7. The inspection device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second elastic frame has an elastic component inside, which is used to drive the second elastic frame and the first elastic frame to undergo elastic deformation.

8. The inspection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The elastic component includes a first sliding component and a second sliding component, with a first elastic component and a second elastic component disposed between the first sliding component and the second sliding component, and the first elastic component and the second elastic component being used to drive the first sliding component and the second sliding component to slide relative to each other.

9. The inspection device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first elastic component is disposed inside the first sliding component, the second sliding component is inserted into the first sliding component and abuts against the first elastic component, the second elastic component is sleeved on the outside of the second sliding component, one end of the second elastic component abuts against the end of the first sliding component, and the other end of the second elastic component abuts against the bottom plate of the second sliding component.

10. An inspection drone, characterized in that, It includes the drone itself and the inspection device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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