Intelligent express cabinet for unmanned aerial vehicle distribution

Abstract

The intelligent express cabinet comprises a cabinet body, a parking apron is arranged on the cabinet body, a goods through groove is formed in the center of the parking apron, a positioning assembly is arranged on the parking apron, and the positioning assembly comprises two first positioning plates and two second positioning plates which are slidably connected to the surface of the parking apron; the two first positioning plates are parallel to the length direction of the parking apron, the two second positioning plates are arranged above the two first positioning plates and parallel to the width direction of the parking apron, a driving assembly is arranged on the parking apron, and when the parking position of the unmanned aerial vehicle deviates, the driving assembly drives the two first positioning plates and the two second positioning plates to synchronously and oppositely move. The two first positioning plates and the positioning plate push the unmanned aerial vehicle to get close to the cargo through groove. The method and the device have the effect of improving the cargo distribution efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of drone delivery locker technology, and in particular to a smart delivery locker for drone delivery. Background Technology

[0002] Drone parcel lockers are automated delivery systems that combine drone technology and smart parcel lockers. They are designed to deliver parcels to designated locations via drones, with smart parcel lockers handling the storage and pickup of the packages.

[0003] In existing technology, a landing pad is set above the drone delivery locker, and sliding doors are set on both sides of the landing pad to cover it. A cargo passage is opened in the center of the landing pad. When a package is delivered, the sliding doors are opened to expose the landing pad, the drone lands above the cargo passage, and then delivers the package into the delivery locker through the cargo passage. The package is then placed into the corresponding storage compartment by the sorting system inside the delivery locker.

[0004] However, when drones deliver packages, they may encounter extreme weather or poor signal conditions. This can cause the drones to deviate from their docking positions, preventing the packages from passing smoothly through the cargo slots into the lockers or even causing them to fall outside the lockers. This reduces the efficiency of package delivery and has significant shortcomings. Utility Model Content

[0005] To improve the efficiency of goods delivery, this application provides a smart parcel locker for drone delivery.

[0006] The intelligent parcel locker for drone delivery provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A smart parcel locker for drone delivery includes a locker body with a landing pad. A cargo passage is provided at the center of the landing pad. A positioning component is provided on the landing pad, comprising two positioning plates slidably connected to the surface of the landing pad and two positioning plates parallel to the length direction of the landing pad. The two positioning plates are positioned above the two positioning plates and parallel to the width direction of the landing pad. A driving component is provided on the landing pad to drive the two positioning plates to move synchronously towards each other.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, when the drone's docking position deviates, the drive component drives two positioning plates (position 1 and positioning plates 2) to move synchronously towards each other. When positioning plates 1 move, they push the drone horizontally towards the cargo channel, and positioning plates 2 push the drone vertically towards the cargo channel, thereby correcting the drone's docking position. This effectively avoids the problem of drones deviating from their docking position in complex environments, reduces the occurrence of packages getting stuck, falling, or being damaged due to positional deviations, and thus improves the efficiency of goods delivery.

[0009] Optionally, the drive assembly includes a first bidirectional lead screw, a first guide rod, a second bidirectional lead screw, and a second guide rod. The first bidirectional lead screw and the first guide rod are arranged opposite each other and parallel to the width direction of the helipad. The second bidirectional lead screw and the second guide rod are arranged opposite each other and parallel to the length direction of the helipad. One end of each of the two first positioning plates is threaded to the two ends of the first bidirectional lead screw with opposite thread directions, and the other end is slidably connected to the first guide rod. One end of each of the two second positioning plates is threaded to the two ends of the second bidirectional lead screw with opposite thread directions, and the other end is slidably connected to the second guide rod. The cabinet is provided with a drive component that drives the first bidirectional lead screw and the second bidirectional lead screw to rotate synchronously.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, the driving component drives the two bidirectional lead screws 1 and 2 to rotate synchronously. Under the guidance and limitation of the guide rods 1 and 2, the two bidirectional lead screw 1 drives the two positioning plates 1 to move synchronously toward the cargo passage along the width direction, and the two bidirectional lead screw 2 drives the two positioning plates 2 to move synchronously toward the cargo passage along the length direction, thereby realizing the adjustment of the drone's docking position.

[0011] Optionally, the driving component is a motor mounted on the cabinet, the output shaft of the motor is coaxially mounted with the bidirectional lead screw, a worm gear is coaxially mounted at the end of the first bidirectional lead screw, and a worm wheel that meshes with the worm gear is mounted at the end of the second bidirectional lead screw.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the motor starts and drives the first bidirectional lead screw to rotate. The first bidirectional lead screw drives the second bidirectional lead screw to rotate through the meshing transmission of the worm and worm wheel, thereby realizing the synchronous rotation of the first and second bidirectional lead screws and ensuring the synchronous movement of the first and second positioning plates. At the same time, through the self-locking characteristics of the worm and worm wheel, the first and second positioning plates are effectively prevented from shifting due to external forces during the movement, thereby improving the movement accuracy and stability of the positioning components and ensuring the precise adjustment of the UAV's docking position.

[0013] Optionally, a cargo door is slidably connected to the cargo passage, and a connection area communicating with the cargo door is opened inside the cabinet. A connection assembly is provided in the connection area, and the connection assembly includes multiple connection cylinders. The output shaft of the connection cylinder is provided with a support plate for carrying the cargo.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, after the positioning components are adjusted, the drone docks above the cargo chute. At this time, the cargo door automatically opens, and the connecting cylinder drives the support plate to rise along the length of the connecting area to the landing pad. The drone releases the cargo onto the surface of the support plate, and then the connecting cylinder drives the support plate to descend. The support plate carries the cargo into the connecting area to await further sorting. The support plate effectively receives the cargo, buffers the impact of the package falling, and prevents the package from being damaged by collision, ensuring the smooth transfer of cargo from the drone to the express cabinet.

[0015] Optionally, a protective frame is slidably connected inside the cargo passage, and sliding blocks are provided on both sides of the protective frame. A sliding groove is provided on the inner side wall of the cargo passage to slide with the sliding blocks. When the sliding blocks move to the end of the sliding groove near the parking apron, the protective frame extends out of the cargo passage and covers the outer surface of the cargo.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, when the connecting cylinder drives the bearing plate to move into the cargo passage, the bearing plate pushes the protective frame to rise along the length of the sliding groove. The bearing plate drives the protective frame to extend out of the cargo passage and cover the outer surface of the cargo, preventing the package from falling to the outer surface of the express cabinet due to vibration or tilting during the transfer process, and further ensuring the stability and safety of the package in the connecting area.

[0017] Optionally, a return spring is provided in the sliding groove. One end of the return spring is provided on the inner side wall of the sliding groove, and the other end is provided on the sliding block. In the natural state of the return spring, the top surface of the protective frame is positioned below the cargo door.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, when the carrier plate moves the cargo into the transfer area, the carrier plate detaches from the protective frame, the supporting force on the return spring disappears, and the return spring resets, causing the protective frame to reset into the cargo passage, thereby preventing the protective frame from extending and obstructing the automatic closing of the cargo door.

[0019] Optionally, the inner wall of the cargo channel is provided with an inclined surface, and the inclined surface is inclined from top to bottom toward the center of the apron.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, when the drone needs to pass through the cargo channel during the correction process, the inclined surface provides a smooth transition surface for the drone's movement, avoiding any jamming during the drone's movement and ensuring the smooth progress of the drone's correction process.

[0021] Optionally, rubber pads are provided on the surfaces of both positioning plates one and two facing the center of the helipad.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the rubber pads effectively increase the friction between the positioning plate 1 and positioning plate 2 and the UAV, effectively preventing the UAV from sliding or deviating during the correction process, ensuring that the UAV is stably docked in the center of the landing pad, and improving positioning accuracy.

[0023] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0024] 1. In this embodiment of the application, by setting a positioning component and a driving component, when the drone's docking position deviates, the driving component drives two positioning plates one and two positioning plates two to move synchronously towards each other. When the two positioning plates one move, they push the drone to approach the cargo channel in the horizontal direction, and the two positioning plates two push the drone to approach the cargo channel in the vertical direction, thereby correcting the drone's docking position. This effectively avoids the problem of drones docking deviation in complex environments, reduces the situation of packages getting stuck, falling or being damaged due to position deviation, and thus improves the delivery efficiency of goods.

[0025] 2. By setting up a connecting component and a protective frame, when the connecting cylinder drives the bearing plate to move into the cargo passage, the bearing plate pushes the protective frame to rise along the length of the sliding groove. The bearing plate drives the protective frame to extend out of the cargo passage and cover the outer surface of the cargo, preventing the package from falling to the outer surface of the express cabinet due to vibration or tilting during the transfer process, and further ensuring the stability and safety of the package in the connecting area. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this application.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the cargo channel and connecting area in an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning component and the driving component in the embodiments of this application.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Cabinet; 2. Helipad; 3. Cargo passageway; 31. Cargo door; 32. Sliding groove; 321. Return spring; 4. Connecting area; 5. Positioning assembly; 51. Positioning plate one; 52. Positioning plate two; 53. Rubber pad; 6. Drive assembly; 61. Double-acting lead screw one; 62. Guide rod one; 63. Double-acting lead screw two; 64. Guide rod two; 65. Drive component; 651. Motor; 652. Worm gear; 653. Worm wheel; 7. Connecting assembly; 71. Connecting cylinder; 72. Bearing plate; 8. Protective frame; 81. Sliding block. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-3 This application will be described in further detail.

[0031] This application discloses an intelligent express delivery locker for drone delivery.

[0032] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 A smart parcel locker for drone delivery includes a cabinet body 1, a landing pad 2 for drones to land on the cabinet body 1, a cargo channel 3 communicating with the interior of the cabinet body 1 at the center of the landing pad 2, and a cargo door 31 for covering the cargo channel 3 slidably connected inside the cargo channel 3. In this embodiment, the cargo door 31 is opened and closed by a hydraulic cylinder. A transfer area 4 communicating with the cargo channel 3 is opened at the top of the cabinet body 1 near the landing pad 2. The transfer area 4 is used for cargo transfer.

[0033] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 A positioning component 5 is provided on the helipad 2. The positioning component 5 includes two positioning plates 51 and two positioning plates 52 that are slidably connected to the surface of the helipad 2. The two positioning plates 51 are parallel to the length direction of the helipad 2, and the two positioning plates 52 are located above the two positioning plates 51 and parallel to the width direction of the helipad 2.

[0034] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 Rubber pads 53 are fixedly connected to the surfaces of the two positioning plates 51 and the two positioning plates 52 facing the center of the landing pad 2. The rubber pads 53 increase the friction between the positioning plates 51 and 52 and the UAV, preventing the UAV from sliding or deviating during the correction process.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3The helipad 2 is equipped with a drive assembly 6. Specifically, the drive assembly 6 includes a first bidirectional lead screw 61, a first guide rod 62, a second bidirectional lead screw 63, and a second guide rod 64. The first bidirectional lead screw 61 and the first guide rod 62 are arranged opposite each other and parallel to the width direction of the helipad 2. The second bidirectional lead screw 63 and the second guide rod 64 are arranged opposite each other and parallel to the length direction of the helipad 2. One end of each of the two positioning plates 51 is threaded to the two ends of the first bidirectional lead screw 61 with opposite thread directions, and the other end is slidably connected to the first guide rod 62. One end of each of the two positioning plates 52 is threaded to the two ends of the second bidirectional lead screw 63 with opposite thread directions, and the other end is slidably connected to the second guide rod 64.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The cabinet 1 is equipped with a drive component 65. Specifically, the drive component 65 is a motor 651 fixedly installed on the cabinet 1. The output shaft of the motor 651 is coaxially and fixedly connected to a double-acting lead screw 61. A worm gear 652 is coaxially and fixedly connected to the end of the double-acting lead screw 61. A worm wheel 653 that meshes with the worm gear 652 is coaxially and fixedly connected to the end of the double-acting lead screw 63.

[0037] When the drone's docking position deviates, motor 651 starts and drives the first bidirectional lead screw 61 to rotate. The first bidirectional lead screw 61 drives the second bidirectional lead screw 63 to rotate through the meshing transmission of worm gear 652 and worm wheel 653. Under the guidance and limitation of guide rod 62 and guide rod 64, the first bidirectional lead screw 61 drives the two positioning plates 51 to move synchronously towards each other in the width direction, and the second bidirectional lead screw 63 drives the two positioning plates 52 to move synchronously towards each other in the length direction. When the two positioning plates 51 move, they push the drone to approach the cargo channel 3 in the horizontal direction, and the two positioning plates 52 push the drone to approach the cargo channel 3 in the vertical direction. This corrects the drone's docking position and effectively avoids the problem of drone docking deviation in complex environments. It also reduces the situation of packages getting stuck, falling, or being damaged due to position deviation, thereby improving the efficiency of cargo delivery.

[0038] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 To prevent the drone from getting stuck during the correction process, an inclined surface (not shown in the figure) is integrally formed on the inner side wall of the cargo channel 3 near the top. The inclined surface is inclined from top to bottom towards the center of the landing pad 2. The inclined surface provides a smooth transition surface for the movement of the drone and avoids the drone getting stuck when passing through the cargo channel 3.

[0039] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3A connection assembly 7 is provided in the connection area 4. The connection assembly 7 includes multiple connection cylinders 71. In this embodiment, there are four connection cylinders 71. The four connection cylinders 71 are fixedly installed at the four corners of the connection area 4. The output shaft of the connection cylinder 71 is fixedly connected to a support plate 72 for carrying goods.

[0040] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 A protective frame 8 is slidably connected inside the cargo passage 3. Sliding blocks 81 are fixedly connected to the opposite sides of the protective frame 8. A sliding groove 32 is provided on the inner side wall of the cargo passage 3 to slide with the sliding blocks 81. The sliding groove 32 is vertically arranged. A return spring 321 is fixedly connected to the end of the sliding groove 32 near the docking area 4. The end of the return spring 321 away from the inner side wall of the sliding groove 32 is fixedly connected to the sliding block 81. In its natural state, the top surface of the protective frame 8 is set below the cargo door 31.

[0041] After the positioning component 5 is adjusted, the drone docks above the cargo passage 3. At this time, the cargo door 31 opens automatically, and the connecting cylinder 71 drives the bearing plate 72 to rise along the length of the connecting area 4. When the connecting cylinder 71 drives the bearing plate 72 to move into the cargo passage 3, the bearing plate 72 pushes the protective frame 8 to rise along the length of the sliding groove 32. The bearing plate 72 drives the protective frame 8 to extend out of the cargo passage 3 and cover the outer surface of the cargo to prevent the package from falling to the outer surface of the express cabinet due to vibration or tilt during the transfer process.

[0042] When the carrier plate 72 pushes the sliding block 81 to the maximum distance of the sliding groove 32, the carrier plate 72 moves to the top of the cargo passage 3. At this time, the drone releases the cargo onto the surface of the carrier plate 72. Then, the connecting cylinder 71 drives the carrier plate 72 to descend. When the carrier plate 72 is removed from the placement frame, the supporting force on the return spring 321 disappears. The return spring 321 resets and drives the protective frame 8 to reset inside the cargo passage 3. At this time, the cargo door 31 automatically closes, and the carrier plate 72 brings the cargo into the connecting area 4 to wait for further sorting.

[0043] The implementation principle of a smart express cabinet for drone delivery in this application embodiment is as follows: When the drone's docking position deviates, the motor 651 starts and drives the bidirectional lead screw 61 to rotate. The bidirectional lead screw 61 drives the bidirectional lead screw 63 to rotate through the meshing transmission of the worm gear 652 and the worm wheel 653. Under the guidance and limitation of the guide rod 62 and the guide rod 64, the bidirectional lead screw 61 drives the two positioning plates 51 to move synchronously towards each other in the width direction, and the bidirectional lead screw 63 drives the two positioning plates 52 to move synchronously towards each other in the length direction. When the two positioning plates 51 move, they push the drone to approach the cargo channel 3 in the horizontal direction, and the two positioning plates 52 push the drone to approach the cargo channel 3 in the vertical direction, thereby correcting the drone's docking position. This effectively avoids the problem of drone docking deviation in complex environments, reduces the situation of packages getting stuck, falling or being damaged due to position deviation, and thus improves the delivery efficiency of goods.

[0044] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A smart parcel locker for drone delivery, comprising a locker body (1), wherein a landing pad (2) is provided on the locker body (1), and a cargo passage (3) is provided at the center of the landing pad (2), characterized in that, A positioning component (5) is provided on the helipad (2). The positioning component (5) includes two positioning plates (51) and two positioning plates (52) slidably connected to the surface of the helipad (2). The two positioning plates (51) are parallel to the length direction of the helipad (2). The two positioning plates (52) are located below the two positioning plates (51) and parallel to the width direction of the helipad (2). A driving component (6) is provided on the helipad (2) to drive the two positioning plates (51) and the two positioning plates (52) to move synchronously towards each other. A cargo door (31) is slidably connected to the cargo passage (3). A connection area (4) communicating with the cargo door (31) is opened inside the cabinet (1). A connection assembly (7) is provided in the connection area (4). The connection assembly (7) includes multiple connection cylinders (71). The output shaft of the connection cylinder (71) is provided with a support plate (72) for carrying cargo. A protective frame (8) is slidably connected inside the cargo passage (3). Sliding blocks (81) are provided on both sides of the protective frame (8). A connection between the sliding blocks and the inner sidewall of the cargo passage (3) is provided. (81) A sliding groove (32) with sliding fit. When the sliding block (81) moves to the end of the sliding groove (32) near the landing pad (2), the protective frame (8) extends out of the cargo passage (3) and covers the outer surface of the cargo. A return spring (321) is provided in the sliding groove (32). One end of the return spring (321) is provided on the inner side wall of the sliding groove (32), and the other end is provided on the sliding block (81). In the natural state of the return spring (321), the top surface of the protective frame (8) is located below the cargo door (31). 2.The smart delivery locker for UAV delivery of claim 1, wherein, The drive assembly (6) includes a first bidirectional lead screw (61), a first guide rod (62), a second bidirectional lead screw (63), and a second guide rod (64). The first bidirectional lead screw (61) and the first guide rod (62) are arranged opposite to each other and parallel to the width direction of the landing pad (2). The second bidirectional lead screw (63) and the second guide rod (64) are arranged opposite to each other and parallel to the length direction of the landing pad (2). One end of each of the two positioning plates (51) is threaded to the two ends of the first bidirectional lead screw (61) with opposite thread directions, and the other end is slidably connected to the first guide rod (62). One end of each of the two positioning plates (52) is threaded to the two ends of the second bidirectional lead screw (63) with opposite thread directions, and the other end is slidably connected to the second guide rod (64). The cabinet (1) is provided with a drive component (65) that drives the first bidirectional lead screw (61) and the second bidirectional lead screw (63) to rotate synchronously.

3. A smart parcel locker for drone delivery according to claim 2, characterized in that, The driving component (65) is a motor (651) mounted on the cabinet (1). The output shaft of the motor (651) is coaxially mounted with the first bidirectional lead screw (61). A worm gear (652) is coaxially mounted at the end of the first bidirectional lead screw (61). A worm wheel (653) that meshes with the worm gear (652) is mounted at the end of the second bidirectional lead screw (63). 4.The smart delivery locker for UAV delivery of claim 1, wherein, The inner wall of the cargo channel (3) is provided with an inclined surface, and the inclined surface is inclined from top to bottom toward the center of the parking apron (2).

5. A smart parcel locker for drone delivery according to claim 1, characterized in that, Rubber pads (53) are provided on the surfaces of the two positioning plates one (51) and the two positioning plates two (52) facing the center of the parking apron (2).

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