Unmanned aerial vehicle solar wireless charging platform

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of drone charging technology and discloses a drone solar-powered wireless charging platform, including a mounting box, a support plate fixedly mounted on the top, a drone resting on the top of the support plate, a transmitting coil fixedly mounted in the inner cavity of the support plate, and a receiving coil fixedly mounted on the bottom of the drone. A lithium battery pack for powering the transmitting coil is fixedly mounted in the inner cavity of the mounting box, and a solar panel is laid on top of the mounting box and used to power the lithium battery pack. A UWB positioning system and limiting components are provided on the top of the support plate. The UWB positioning system is used to accurately locate the drone's landing position, and the limiting components are used to limit the drone's arms and ensure precise alignment of the transmitting and receiving coils. Through the cooperation of the transmitting and receiving coils, the drone can automatically charge upon landing without manual plugging and unplugging of cables, saving time, improving efficiency, reducing the risk of charging failure due to interface malfunctions, and ensuring stable charging.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of drone charging technology, and in particular to a drone solar wireless charging platform. Background Technology

[0002] Drone charging platforms can provide drones with autonomous endurance in the field, making them particularly suitable for long-term operation scenarios such as inspection, agriculture, and rescue.

[0003] Traditional drone charging relies on wired connections, which suffers from problems such as easily damaged interfaces, cumbersome manual operation, and limited deployment. While existing wireless charging technology has partially solved the plugging and unplugging problem, it still requires a fixed power source and cannot be used in areas without a power grid. In addition, insufficient drone landing accuracy may lead to low charging efficiency and high energy loss. Currently, wireless charging platforms on the market generally lack the ability to provide multi-energy coordinated power supply and have poor adaptability to complex environments. Utility Model Content

[0004] To overcome the above shortcomings, this utility model provides a solar-powered wireless charging platform for drones, aiming to improve the problems in the existing technology.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model adopts the following technical solution: a drone solar-powered wireless charging platform, comprising:

[0006] The mounting box has a support plate fixedly installed on the top, a drone rests on the top of the support plate, a transmitting coil is fixedly installed in the inner cavity of the support plate, a receiving coil is fixedly installed on the bottom of the drone, and a lithium battery pack for powering the transmitting coil is fixedly installed in the inner cavity of the mounting box.

[0007] Solar panels are installed on top of the mounting box to power the lithium battery pack. The top of the support plate is equipped with a UWB positioning system and limiting components. The UWB positioning system is used to accurately locate the landing position of the drone, while the limiting components are used to limit the drone's arms and ensure that the transmitting coil and receiving coil are precisely aligned.

[0008] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0009] The top of the mounting box has a mounting hole that communicates with its own internal cavity, and the support plate is fixedly installed in the internal cavity of the mounting hole.

[0010] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0011] A gravity sensor for controlling the power supply to and from the transmitting coil is fixed to the inner wall of the support plate.

[0012] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0013] The UWB positioning system includes base stations and tags. Multiple base stations are fixedly installed on the top edge of the support plate, and the tags are fixedly installed inside the drone. The tags are used to actively transmit / receive UWB signals.

[0014] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0015] The limiting component includes a limiting ring. The limiting ring is fixedly installed on the top of the support plate. The central axis of the limiting ring and the central axis of the support plate are on the same horizontal line. The top of the limiting ring has multiple limiting grooves distributed in a ring for limiting the drone arm.

[0016] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0017] The top of the limiting ring is fixedly equipped with multiple guide blocks in a ring shape. The two sides of the guide blocks are inclined, and the multiple guide blocks and multiple limiting grooves are staggered.

[0018] As a further description of the above technical solution:

[0019] The limiting component also includes a push plate and two bidirectional threaded rods. Two bidirectional threaded rods are rotatably installed at the top edge of the support plate. The two bidirectional threaded rods are staggered, and the outer walls of the two bidirectional threaded rods are threadedly fitted with two push plates.

[0020] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] 1. By using the transmitting and receiving coils together, the drone can automatically charge upon landing without the need for manual plugging and unplugging of cables, which saves time, improves efficiency, reduces the risk of charging failure due to interface failure, and ensures stable charging.

[0022] 2. Solar panels can convert light energy into electrical energy and then transmit the converted electrical energy to the lithium battery pack for storage, which can charge the lithium battery pack. This makes charging the lithium battery pack not limited by the length of the cable, thus enabling drones to take off, land, and charge in complex environments.

[0023] 3. A cable is installed at the charging interface of the lithium battery pack. When the lithium battery pack is depleted and cannot be charged by the solar panel, one end of the cable plug can be connected to a 220V AC power supply or a household power outlet to power the lithium battery pack, enabling the drone to meet the needs of various scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is an assembly drawing of the mounting box and lithium battery pack of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 This is an assembly drawing of the support plate and transmitting coil of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 This is an assembly drawing of the limiting ring and guide block of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 5 This is an assembly drawing of the push plate and mounting box of this utility model.

[0029] Legend:

[0030] 1. Mounting box; 2. Support plate; 3. Solar panel; 4. Base station; 5. Guide block; 6. Limiting ring; 7. Lithium battery pack; 8. Transmitting coil; 9. Bidirectional threaded rod; 10. Push plate; 11. Guide rod. Detailed Implementation

[0031] 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 protection scope of the present utility model.

[0032] Reference Figure 1-5 One embodiment of this utility model provides a solar-powered wireless charging platform for drones, comprising:

[0033] The mounting box 1 has a support plate 2 fixedly mounted on its top. A drone is placed on the top of the support plate 2. The top of the mounting box 1 has a mounting hole that communicates with its own inner cavity. The support plate 2 is fixedly installed in the inner cavity of the mounting hole. The outer wall of the support plate 2 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the mounting hole. The mounting hole provides a mounting position for the support plate 2, which is conducive to the connection between the support plate 2 and the top of the mounting box 1.

[0034] The combination of mounting box 1 and support plate 2 can provide docking space for drones, which is beneficial for drone take-off and landing.

[0035] A transmitting coil 8 is fixedly installed in the inner cavity of the support plate 2, and a receiving coil is fixedly installed on the bottom of the drone. A lithium battery pack 7 for powering the transmitting coil 8 is fixedly installed in the inner cavity of the mounting box 1. A gravity sensor (model MPU6050, which can be purchased directly on the market) for controlling the power supply of the transmitting coil 8 is fixed on the inner wall of the support plate 2. When the drone lands on the top of the support plate 2, the transmitting coil 8 is located directly below the receiving coil. At the same time, the gravity sensor detects the weight of the drone and outputs an analog voltage or digital signal. The microcontroller judges the device status according to the signal threshold and triggers the relay switch circuit to power the transmitting coil 8 of the lithium battery pack 7. After the transmitting coil 8 is powered on, it generates an alternating magnetic field. At this time, the receiving coil installed on the bottom of the drone cuts the magnetic field lines and generates an induced current. After rectification, it charges the internal battery of the drone, so that the drone can automatically charge upon landing without the need for manual plugging and unplugging of wires. This saves time, improves efficiency, reduces the risk of charging failure due to interface failure, and ensures stable charging.

[0036] When the drone takes off, the gravity sensor outputs an analog voltage or digital signal again. The microcontroller judges the device status based on the signal threshold and triggers the relay switch circuit to disconnect the power to the lithium battery pack 7 transmitting coil 8, preventing the lithium battery pack 7 from being in a discharge state for a long time and causing power loss.

[0037] Solar panel 3 is installed on top of mounting box 1 and is used to power lithium battery pack 7. Solar panel 3 can convert light energy into electrical energy and transmit the converted electrical energy to lithium battery pack 7 for storage, thus enabling the charging of lithium battery pack 7. This makes the charging of lithium battery pack 7 not limited by cable length. At the same time, due to the miniaturization of mounting box 1 and support plate 2, it can be flexibly deployed on warehouse roofs, vehicle roofs, in the field, building roofs, etc., expanding the range of drone activities and operations, thereby allowing drones to take off, land and charge in complex environments.

[0038] If the drone needs to be parked indoors or used for a long time in the dark, the solar panel 3 cannot continuously power the lithium battery pack 7. When the lithium battery pack 7 runs out of power, it cannot power the drone, causing the drone to fail to meet the usage needs of various scenarios.

[0039] When the mounting box 1 is installed on the roof of the vehicle, the charging interface inside the vehicle is connected to the charging interface of the lithium battery pack 7 using a charging cable. When the vehicle is in motion, the lithium battery pack 7 can be charged through the charging cable to prevent the device from running out of power when the lithium battery pack 7 is used in the vehicle, so that the device can provide power to the drone in real time when in the vehicle.

[0040] To address the aforementioned technical issues, a cable is installed at the charging interface of the lithium battery pack 7. When the lithium battery pack 7 is depleted and cannot be charged using the solar panel 3, one end of the cable plug can be connected to a 220V AC power supply or a household power outlet to power the lithium battery pack 7, enabling the drone to meet the usage needs of various scenarios.

[0041] The UWB positioning system includes base stations 4 and tags. Multiple base stations 4 are fixedly installed on the top edge of the support plate 2. Four base stations 4 are evenly installed in a ring on the top edge of the support plate 2. The coordinate center points of the four base stations 4 are aligned with the central axis of the support plate 2. At the same time, the height of the four base stations 4 is higher than the top of the support plate 2, so as to avoid signal obstruction of the base stations 4.

[0042] The tag is fixedly installed inside the drone. The tag is used to actively transmit / receive UWB signals. The tag is installed away from the drone's motors and metal parts to reduce electromagnetic interference from the drone. At the same time, the tag's signal transmitting and receiving terminals and the drone's flight control system's signal transmitting and receiving terminals communicate through a serial port or CAN bus.

[0043] Both base station 4 and the tag support TRW (two-way ranging). The four base stations 4 provide known coordinates for reference and are responsible for communicating with the tag to measure distance. At the same time, the tag can calculate the position of the UAV relative to the central axis of support disk 2 (i.e., the center point of the coordinates of the four base stations 4) in real time and send the position of the central axis of support disk 2 to the UAV's flight control system. Meanwhile, the main control chip of the UAV's flight control system (model STM32, which can be purchased directly on the market) can process the tag's data and execute landing control algorithms (PID / MPC).

[0044] When the drone needs to land on the support plate 2 for charging or parking, the ground station sends a landing command to the drone. At this time, the flight control system activates tag positioning and begins to receive tag data. The tag interacts bidirectionally with the four base stations 4 via TRW. After the tag completes the distance measurement with the four base stations 4, the tag sends a command to the drone flight control system to control the drone to fly directly above the support plate 2 (horizontal error <0.5 meters). Then, the PID controller adjusts the drone's horizontal position to converge the error to <10 centimeters. Immediately afterwards, the flight control system operates the drone to descend slowly (speed 0.2-0.5 m / s) until the bottom support of the drone contacts the top of the support plate 2, thus guiding the drone to land accurately in the charging area, reducing energy loss and quickly completing the charging process.

[0045] The drone is equipped with an ultrasonic altimeter at its bottom. When the drone is in flight, the ultrasonic altimeter can monitor the distance between the bottom of the drone and the ground in real time. When the drone is directly above the support plate 2 and the distance between the bottom of the drone and the top of the support plate 2 is less than 0.1 meters, the ultrasonic altimeter controls the drone to shut down its motor. At this time, the drone loses power and falls directly above the support plate 2 under the action of gravity.

[0046] Base station 4 and the tag constitute the UWB positioning system, which is used to accurately locate the landing position of the UAV and control the UAV to land automatically by intervening in the UAV's flight control system.

[0047] A limiting ring 6 is fixedly installed on the top of the support plate 2. The central axis of the limiting ring 6 and the central axis of the support plate 2 are on the same horizontal line. The top of the limiting ring 6 has multiple limiting slots distributed in a ring for limiting the drone arms. The top of the support plate 2 is marked with a QR code for drone identification. The QR code is located between two adjacent limiting slots. At the same time, a camera for identifying the QR code is installed on the bottom of the drone's nose (between two adjacent arms). When the drone lands, the camera will identify the QR code on the top of the support plate 2. If the QR code is not directly below the drone's nose, the drone will turn its direction until the nose is directly above the QR code. As the drone slowly descends, the four arms of the drone will enter the inner cavity of the four limiting slots respectively, thereby further limiting the drone's descent trajectory and ensuring that the transmitting coil 8 and the receiving coil are accurately aligned, thereby improving the drone's charging efficiency. At the same time, it avoids the possibility of arm vibration caused by wind, vibration or drone self-stabilization adjustment when the drone lands outdoors, which may lead to misalignment or poor contact between the transmitting coil 8 and the receiving coil.

[0048] Based on the applicant's understanding of the existing technology, when drones are used outdoors, due to uncontrollable factors such as wind or vibration, the drone body is prone to swaying left and right during descent. If the swaying amplitude is large, the bottom of the drone arm may come into contact with the top of the limiting ring 6 during descent, preventing the drone arm from entering the inner cavity of the limiting groove and affecting the normal charging of the drone. This also affects the descent and subsequent use of the drone.

[0049] Multiple guide blocks 5 are fixedly installed in a ring on the top of the limiting ring 6. The guide blocks 5 are inclined on both sides, and the multiple guide blocks 5 and multiple limiting slots are staggered. If the drone's descent is caused by force majeure such as wind or vibration, and the drone's arms cannot enter the limiting slots due to the left and right swaying of the drone's body, the bottom of the drone's four arms will first contact the inclined sidewalls of the four guide blocks 5 simultaneously. As the drone descends, the inclined sidewalls of the guide blocks 5 apply a pushing force to the arms in the direction of approaching the limiting slots, so that the drone can finely adjust the angle of the body in the horizontal direction until the four arms enter the inner cavity of the four limiting slots. This allows the drone to charge normally through the transmitting coil 8 and the receiving coil, avoiding any impact on the drone's descent and subsequent use.

[0050] Two bidirectional threaded rods 9 are rotatably mounted on the top edge of the support plate 2. The two bidirectional threaded rods 9 are staggered, and the outer walls of the two bidirectional threaded rods 9 are threadedly fitted with two push plates 10. Support blocks are rotatably fitted at both ends of the two bidirectional threaded rods 9. The bottom of the support blocks is fixedly connected to the top of the support plate 2. At the same time, a drive motor is fixedly mounted on one end of each bidirectional threaded rod 9. The outer wall of the drive motor is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the support block. The power output end of the drive motor is fixedly connected to one end of the bidirectional threaded rod 9. When the two drive motors are started simultaneously, the two bidirectional threaded rods 9 can rotate synchronously, thereby providing a power source for the two bidirectional threaded rods 9.

[0051] Two bidirectional threaded rods 9 are staggered, with an included angle of 90° between them. Simultaneously, one end of each push plate 10 has a threaded hole, and the push plate 10 is sleeved onto the outside of the bidirectional threaded rods 9 through these threaded holes (e.g., Figure 5As shown in the diagram, the two push plates 10, which are sleeved on the same bidirectional threaded rod 9, are parallel to each other, and the four push plates 10 form a "rectangular structure". Before the drone lands on the top of the support plate 2, the distance between the two push plates 10 sleeved on the same bidirectional threaded rod 9 is at its maximum. After the drone lands on the top of the support plate 2, the two brackets at the bottom of the drone are attached to the top of the support plate 2 and located between the four push plates 10. Then, the two drive motors are started simultaneously, causing the four push plates 10 to move simultaneously towards the central axis of the support plate 2. When one side of one of the two push plates 10 contacts the outer wall of the bracket, it can push the bracket to move left and right. When one side of the other two push plates 10 contacts the bracket, it can push the bracket to move back and forth, until all four push plates 10 move forward and backward. Once the outer walls of the plates 10 are in contact with the outer walls of the brackets, the drone can be moved to the top center of the support plate 2. The drone, positioned on top of the support plate 2, is then held in place by the four push plates 10 clamping the two brackets. This is especially important when the device is used in a vehicle, preventing the drone from being blown off the top of the support plate 2 due to increased airflow around it as the car moves. It also prevents the drone from falling off the top of the support plate 2 or shaking when driving on bumpy roads, thus improving the stability of the drone during vehicle operation. Furthermore, it ensures precise alignment between the transmitting coil 8 and the receiving coil, thereby improving the drone's charging efficiency. Additionally, it prevents the transmitting coil 8 from misaligning or making poor contact with the receiving coil when the drone lands outdoors, as wind, vibration, or the drone's self-stabilization adjustment may cause arm vibration.

[0052] Two guide rods 11 are staggered and fixed at the top edge of the support plate 2. Guide holes are opened at the other ends of the four push plates 10, and the four push plates 10 are respectively sleeved onto the outside of the two guide rods 11 through the guide holes (e.g., Figure 5 As shown, the guide rod 11 can support the four push plates 10, preventing the push plates 10 from rotating together with the bidirectional threaded rod 9 during movement, or from deviating from the movement trajectory, thus improving the stability of the push plate 10 movement.

[0053] When the drone needs to take off, two drive motors are started at the same time, causing the two bidirectional threaded rods 9 to rotate in opposite directions until one side of the four push plates 10 disengages from the outer wall of the bracket. This releases the four push plates 10 from limiting the drone, allowing the drone to take off smoothly.

[0054] The limiting ring 6, limiting groove, guide block 5, push plate 10 and bidirectional threaded rod 9 constitute the limiting component, which limits the arm of the UAV and ensures that the transmitting coil 8 and the receiving coil are precisely aligned.

[0055] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A drone solar wireless charging platform, characterized in that: include The mounting box (1) has a support plate (2) fixedly installed on the top. A drone is placed on the top of the support plate (2). A transmitting coil (8) is fixedly installed in the inner cavity of the support plate (2). A receiving coil is fixedly installed at the bottom of the drone. A lithium battery pack (7) for powering the transmitting coil (8) is fixedly installed in the inner cavity of the mounting box (1). A solar panel (3) is laid on top of the mounting box (1) and used to power the lithium battery pack (7). The top of the support plate (2) is equipped with a UWB positioning system and a limiting component. The UWB positioning system is used to accurately locate the landing position of the UAV. The limiting component is used to limit the UAV's arms and ensure that the transmitting coil (8) and the receiving coil are accurately aligned.

2. The unmanned aerial vehicle solar wireless charging platform of claim 1, wherein: The top of the mounting box (1) is provided with a mounting hole that communicates with its own inner cavity, and the support plate (2) is fixedly installed in the inner cavity of the mounting hole.

3. The unmanned aerial vehicle solar wireless charging platform of claim 1, wherein: The inner wall of the support plate (2) is fixed with a gravity sensor for controlling the power supply to and from the transmitting coil (8).

4. The drone solar wireless charging platform of claim 1, wherein: The UWB positioning system includes base stations (4) and tags. Multiple base stations (4) are fixedly installed at the top edge of the support plate (2), and the tags are fixedly installed inside the UAV. The tags are used to actively transmit / receive UWB signals.

5. The drone solar wireless charging platform of claim 1, wherein: The limiting component includes a limiting ring (6), and the limiting ring (6) is fixedly installed on the top of the support plate (2). The central axis of the limiting ring (6) and the central axis of the support plate (2) are on the same horizontal line. The top of the limiting ring (6) is provided with multiple limiting grooves for limiting the UAV arm in a ring shape.

6. The drone solar wireless charging platform of claim 5, wherein: The top of the limiting ring (6) is fixedly equipped with multiple guide blocks (5) arranged in a ring shape. The two sides of the guide blocks (5) are inclined and the multiple guide blocks (5) and the multiple limiting grooves are staggered.

7. The drone solar wireless charging platform of claim 1, wherein: The limiting component also includes a push plate (10) and two bidirectional threaded rods (9). Two bidirectional threaded rods (9) are rotatably installed at the top edge of the support plate (2). The two bidirectional threaded rods (9) are staggered, and the outer walls of the two bidirectional threaded rods (9) are threadedly fitted with two push plates (10).

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