driverless car

Abstract

This utility model discloses an unmanned vehicle, comprising a vehicle body and a tilting platform. A distance measuring sensor is installed on the vehicle body. The tilting platform is rotatably connected to the vehicle body and includes a back plate, a top plate, and a bottom plate that together form a receiving space for loading cages. The top plate is fixedly connected to the top of the back plate, and the bottom plate is fixedly connected to the bottom of the back plate. A through hole is provided on the back plate. When the tilting platform is tilted to the cage loading position, the through hole aligns with the distance measuring sensor, allowing the distance measuring signal emitted by the sensor to pass through the through hole to measure the distance L1 from the cage within the receiving space to the distance measuring sensor. The unmanned vehicle provided by this utility model, by integrating a distance measuring sensor and using precise distance measurement technology, can identify the relative position of the cage within the tilting platform, reducing loading errors and improving operational efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of logistics and transportation technology, and specifically relates to an unmanned vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the logistics industry, unmanned vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly widely used in logistics transportation, and their high efficiency and automation greatly improve the efficiency of logistics distribution. A key step in the loading of cages by UAVs is correctly loading the cages onto the UAV. Traditional methods typically involve using a cage-tipping device to achieve this. This device, through a flipping motion, accurately transfers the cages placed on it to the UAV, thus completing the loading process.

[0003] However, existing technologies present several significant challenges in cage loading. During loading, operators must observe and assess the positional relationship between the cage and the tipping device to ensure correct placement. This step demands high levels of visual acuity and experience from the operators and is time-consuming, leading to reduced overall loading efficiency. Furthermore, the accuracy of human judgment is limited by operator condition and environmental factors, making errors prone to occur. This not only increases the risks during loading but may also result in loading errors, impacting subsequent logistics processes.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a new solution to the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an unmanned vehicle that can automatically detect whether the cage is loaded in place, thereby improving loading efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution provided by this utility model is as follows:

[0007] In a first aspect, this utility model provides an unmanned vehicle, which includes a vehicle body and a tilting platform; a ranging sensor is provided on the vehicle body; the tilting platform is rotatably connected to the vehicle body, and the tilting platform includes a back plate, a top plate and a bottom plate that together form a receiving space for loading cages, the top plate is fixedly connected to the top of the back plate, the bottom plate is fixedly connected to the bottom of the back plate, and the back plate is provided with a through hole; wherein, when the tilting platform is tilted to the cage loading position, the through hole is aligned with the ranging sensor, so that the ranging signal emitted by the ranging sensor can pass through the through hole to measure the distance L1 from the cage in the receiving space to the ranging sensor.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the vehicle body includes a front end and a frame, the ranging sensor is located on top of the front end, and the back panel is hinged to the frame.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the ranging sensor is a lidar, an infrared ranging sensor, or an ultrasonic ranging sensor.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, when the tilting platform is tilted to the cage loading position, the distance sensor is able to measure the distance L2 from the back plate to the distance sensor.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the unmanned vehicle is equipped with a controller connected to the ranging sensor, the controller being used to calculate the difference between the distance L1 and the distance L2.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the flipping table is provided with an indicator light connected to the controller, and the indicator light can emit light of different colors according to the difference between the distance L1 and the distance L2.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the unmanned vehicle is provided with a drive mechanism connected to the tilting platform, the drive mechanism is electrically connected to the controller, and the drive mechanism can drive the tilting platform to tilt under the control of the controller.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the unmanned vehicle is equipped with a start switch electrically connected to the controller, and the controller can start and stop the drive mechanism according to the signal from the start switch.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the unmanned vehicle is equipped with a voice broadcasting unit electrically connected to the controller, and the voice broadcasting unit is capable of broadcasting voice messages based on the difference between the distance L1 and the distance L2 and the signal of the start switch.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the diameter of the through hole is 3 to 5 cm.

[0017] Compared with existing technologies, the unmanned vehicle provided by this utility model, through the integration of a ranging sensor and precise distance measurement technology, can identify the relative position of the cage within the tilting platform, reduce loading errors, and improve work efficiency. The introduction of indicator lights and voice broadcast units enhances the safety and convenience of operation. Through real-time light and voice feedback, operators can more effectively monitor the loading status and make quick adjustments, reducing human error during operation and improving the overall safety standard of the operation. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an unmanned vehicle in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention when the unmanned vehicle cage is not fully loaded.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the unmanned vehicle cage being loaded into place in one embodiment of this utility model.

[0022] Explanation of key figure labels:

[0023] 1-Body, 11-Front, 12-Frame, 2-Tilting platform, 21-Back panel, 22-Top panel, 23-Bottom panel, 24-Through hole, 3-Distance sensor, 4-Indicator light, 5-Cage. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this utility model, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0025] Unless otherwise expressly stated, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprising" or its variations such as "including" or "comprises" shall be understood to include the stated elements or components without excluding other elements or other components.

[0026] In the logistics industry, with the rapid development of automation and intelligent technologies, unmanned vehicles are playing an increasingly important role in cargo transportation and handling. However, although the application of unmanned vehicles has improved logistics efficiency, traditional unmanned vehicle loading systems still face a series of technical challenges when loading goods such as cages and boxes. These challenges mainly include: operators need to visually determine the position of the cages and boxes, which not only requires a high level of experience and skill from the operators but is also prone to errors in high-intensity or complex environments; in addition, traditional loading methods are inefficient and easily affected by environmental factors, leading to loading errors, which further affect logistics efficiency and safety.

[0027] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the inventors have proposed a novel unmanned vehicle technology solution, aiming to solve the aforementioned problems through technological innovation and further improve the efficiency and accuracy of logistics automation. The core idea of ​​this solution is to integrate ranging sensing technology and a tilting platform mechanism, using automation technology to precisely control the loading process of cages and boxes, reducing manual intervention and improving operational accuracy and efficiency.

[0028] The technical implementation of this utility model specifically includes: using a distance sensor to automatically measure the distance between the cage and the distance sensor, thereby automatically determining whether the cage is correctly loaded into place, thus reducing errors in human judgment and improving loading efficiency.

[0029] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the unmanned vehicle includes a vehicle body 1 and a tilting platform 2. The vehicle body 1 is equipped with a ranging sensor 3; the tilting platform 2 is rotatably connected to the vehicle body 1, and the tilting platform 2 includes a back plate 21, a top plate 22 and a bottom plate 23 that together form a receiving space for loading a cage 5. The top plate 22 is fixedly connected to the top of the back plate 21, and the bottom plate 23 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the back plate 21. The back plate 21 is provided with a through hole 24.

[0030] When the tilting table 2 is tilted to the loading position of the cage 5, the through hole 24 is aligned with the distance sensor 3 so that the distance measurement signal emitted by the distance sensor 3 can pass through the through hole 24 to measure the distance L1 from the cage 5 in the receiving space to the distance sensor 3.

[0031] The vehicle body 1, serving as the main frame of the unmanned vehicle, provides the necessary structural support and power system. A distance measuring sensor 3 is installed on the vehicle body 1, capable of measuring the distance to objects with high precision. The main function of the distance measuring sensor 3 is to measure the specific position of the cage 5 within the receiving space of the tilting platform 2, ensuring that the cage 5 is correctly placed in the predetermined position. Through an automated measurement system, the need for manual operation can be significantly reduced, human error can be avoided, and loading efficiency can be improved.

[0032] The tilting platform 2 is a loading mechanism connected to the vehicle body 1. It can be rotatably fixed to the vehicle body 1 to accommodate different loading and unloading angles. The tilting platform 2 includes a back plate 21, a top plate 22, and a bottom plate 23, which together form a dedicated storage space for loading the cage 5. The back plate 21 serves as a support structure, fixed at the rear of the tilting platform 2, providing the main support surface for loading the cage 5. The top plate 22 is fixedly connected to the top of the back plate 21, and the bottom plate 23 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the back plate 21. This fixing method not only stabilizes the structure but also defines the size and shape of the loading space for the cage 5, ensuring the stability of the cage 5 during transportation.

[0033] The diameter and position of the through hole 24 on the back plate 21 must match the ranging capability of the ranging sensor 3. When the tilting table 2 rotates to the loading position of the cage 5, the through hole 24 aligns with the ranging sensor 3, allowing the signal emitted by the ranging sensor 3 to pass directly through the through hole 24, accurately measuring the distance L1 from the cage 5 to the ranging sensor 3 within the receiving space. This design allows for determining whether the cage 5 is correctly loaded based on the measured distance L1, further improving the accuracy and reliability of automated loading. The diameter of the through hole 24 is preferably 3–5 cm.

[0034] In one exemplary embodiment, the vehicle body 1 includes a front end 11 and a frame 12. A ranging sensor 3 is disposed on the top of the front end 11, and a back panel 21 is hinged to the frame 12. The front end 11 may include a driver's cab (or control center in autonomous driving mode) and related sensor mounting points. The frame 12 serves as the skeleton supporting the entire vehicle structure, ensuring sufficient strength and stability to provide a reliable mounting point for loading systems such as the tipping platform 2.

[0035] The distance sensor 3 is located on top of the front of the vehicle 11, providing an unobstructed line of sight for measurement and ensuring low error in distance measurement from the front of the vehicle 11 to the cage 5. The distance sensor 3 can be a lidar, infrared distance sensor, or ultrasonic distance sensor.

[0036] LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) measures the distance between an object and a sensor by emitting a laser beam, featuring high precision and high resolution. It can operate under various lighting conditions and provides highly accurate distance data and spatial resolution, making it suitable for complex and variable environments. LiDAR is typically mounted at a high point on a vehicle, such as the top of the hood, to obtain optimal field of view and reduce interference from ground obstacles.

[0037] The infrared rangefinder 3 measures distance by emitting an infrared beam and receiving the reflected infrared light. The advantages of infrared sensors include low cost and insensitivity to changes in lighting conditions, making them suitable for use indoors or in environments with poor lighting. Furthermore, infrared sensors typically have good anti-interference capabilities, enabling accurate measurement of target distances in complex backgrounds.

[0038] The ultrasonic ranging sensor 3 measures distance by emitting ultrasonic waves and receiving the reflected sound waves. The advantages of ultrasonic sensors are their low cost and insensitivity to lighting conditions. They are typically used for short-distance measurements and are less dependent on the reflective properties of object surfaces, making them suitable for measuring irregular or absorptive surfaces.

[0039] In one exemplary embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, when the tilting table 2 is tilted to the loading position of the cage 5, the distance sensor 3 can measure the distance L2 from the back plate 21 to the distance sensor 3.

[0040] The tilting platform 2 is designed to support and move the cage 5 from its loading position to its final storage location inside the vehicle. It is connected to the frame 12 via an articulated mechanism and can rotate to different angles as needed. The tilting of the platform 2 can be achieved through mechanical control, typically including an electric or hydraulic drive system, enabling rapid and smooth adjustments during different loading and unloading phases.

[0041] When the tilting platform 2 rotates to the position where the cage 5 is loaded into the vehicle, the distance L2 (i.e., the distance from the sensor to the back plate 21 of the tilting platform 2) measured by the distance sensor 3 is used to determine whether the tilting platform 2 has reached the correct position. The distance data L2 provided by the distance sensor 3 directly affects the position adjustment of the tilting platform 2. If L2 is not within the predetermined range, the position of the tilting platform 2 can be adjusted until the back plate 21 reaches the preset distance, thereby ensuring that the cage 5 is safely and effectively loaded into the vehicle.

[0042] Specifically, the unmanned vehicle is equipped with a controller connected to the ranging sensor 3. The controller is used to calculate the difference between distance L1 and distance L2. The controller (such as a PLC controller) is responsible for receiving data from the ranging sensor 3 and performing necessary calculations and logic processing.

[0043] The controller receives two distance data points from the distance sensor 3: the distance L2 from the back plate 21 to the distance sensor 3 and the distance L1 from the cage 5 to the distance sensor 3. It then calculates the difference between these two distances (L1-L2). This difference provides information about the relative position of the cage 5 on the tilting table 2. Based on this difference, the controller can determine whether the cage 5 has been correctly loaded into position and adjust the position of the tilting table 2 or send corresponding instructions to the operator.

[0044] Furthermore, the tilting table 2 is equipped with an indicator light 4 connected to the controller. The indicator light 4 can emit different colors of light according to the difference between the distance L1 and the distance L2.

[0045] Indicator light 4 is mounted on the tilting platform 2 and is electrically connected to the controller. Its main function is to emit light signals of different colors based on the difference between distances L1 (distance from cage 5 to distance sensor 3) and L2 (distance from back plate 21 to distance sensor 3) provided by distance sensor 3. The operating logic of indicator light 4 is as follows:

[0046] When the difference is less than or equal to a preset threshold (e.g., 2cm), it indicates that the cage 5 is close to the back plate 21, meaning the cage 5 is considered to be loaded correctly. At this time, indicator light 4 emits a steady green light, indicating to the operator or system that the loading process has been successfully completed and no further adjustment is needed. When the difference is greater than the preset threshold (e.g., 2cm), it indicates that the cage 5 is still some distance from the back plate 21, meaning the cage 5 is considered not fully loaded. At this time, indicator light 4 will emit a flashing yellow light, indicating that adjustment or inspection is required.

[0047] In one exemplary embodiment, the unmanned vehicle is provided with a drive mechanism connected to the tilting platform 2. The drive mechanism is electrically connected to the controller and can drive the tilting platform 2 to tilt under the control of the controller.

[0048] The drive mechanism is responsible for the physical movements of the tilting table 2, including starting, stopping, and precisely controlling the tilting speed and angle. The drive mechanism can include an electric motor, hydraulic system, or pneumatic system, the specific choice depending on design requirements and the operating environment. The controller can control the drive mechanism via electrical signals to execute the tilting movements of the tilting table 2, including controlling the tilting angle, speed, and timing.

[0049] Specifically, the autonomous vehicle is equipped with a start switch electrically connected to the controller. The controller can start and stop the drive mechanism based on the signal from the start switch. The start switch is a user interface component that allows operators to control the start and stop of the drive mechanism. The start switch is usually electronic, and can be a physical button or a software button on a touch screen, designed according to application requirements. It is electrically connected to the controller to ensure that each start or stop signal is accurately transmitted.

[0050] The start switch provides a direct control point, allowing operators to start or stop the loading or unloading process of the autonomous vehicle with a simple press. In emergencies, operators can quickly stop the operation of the drive mechanism via the start switch. For example, a rapid stop can prevent or reduce material damage and safety accidents when loading errors or potential safety risks are detected.

[0051] Furthermore, the unmanned vehicle is equipped with a voice broadcast unit that is electrically connected to the controller. The voice broadcast unit can broadcast voice information based on the difference between distance L1 and distance L2 and the signal of the start switch, so as to provide real-time voice feedback and help the operator better understand the vehicle's status and perform necessary operations.

[0052] The voice broadcast unit can play preset voice messages according to instructions from the controller. These messages are based on data processed by the controller, such as the difference between distances L1 and L2 measured by the ranging sensor 3, and the status of the start switch.

[0053] For example, when the difference between the distances L1 and L2 measured by the distance sensor 3 is less than or equal to a preset threshold (such as 2cm), the voice broadcast unit will issue a voice prompt "Start loading the cage, please pay attention to safety" to inform the operator that the cage 5 has been correctly loaded into place.

[0054] When the difference exceeds the preset threshold (e.g., 2cm), it indicates that cage 5 is not loaded correctly. At this time, if the start switch is pressed, the voice broadcast unit will issue a voice warning that "the position of cage 5 does not meet the loading standard. Please reset the position of cage 5 and try again." At the same time, indicator light 4 flashes red, providing a dual warning of visual and auditory perception.

[0055] In summary, the unmanned vehicle provided by this utility model, through the integration of a ranging sensor and precise distance measurement technology, can identify the relative position of the cage within the tilting platform, reducing loading errors and improving work efficiency. The introduction of indicator lights and voice broadcast units enhances the safety and convenience of operation. Through real-time light and voice feedback, operators can more effectively monitor the loading status and make rapid adjustments, reducing human error during operation and improving the overall safety standard of the operation.

[0056] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within this invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0057] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An unmanned vehicle, characterized in that, include: The vehicle body is equipped with a distance measuring sensor. A tilting platform is rotatably connected to the vehicle body. The tilting platform includes a back plate, a top plate, and a bottom plate that together form a receiving space for loading cages. The top plate is fixedly connected to the top of the back plate, and the bottom plate is fixedly connected to the bottom of the back plate. The back plate is provided with through holes. When the tilting platform is tilted to the cage loading position, the through hole is aligned with the ranging sensor so that the ranging signal emitted by the ranging sensor can pass through the through hole to measure the distance L1 from the cage in the receiving space to the ranging sensor.

2. The unmanned vehicle of claim 1, wherein, The vehicle body includes a front end and a frame, the ranging sensor is located on the top of the front end, and the back plate is hinged to the frame.

3. The unmanned vehicle of claim 2, wherein, The ranging sensor is a lidar, infrared ranging sensor, or ultrasonic ranging sensor.

4. The unmanned vehicle of claim 1, wherein, When the tilting platform is tilted to the cage loading position, the distance sensor can measure the distance L2 from the back plate to the distance sensor.

5. The unmanned vehicle of claim 4, wherein, The unmanned vehicle is equipped with a controller connected to the ranging sensor, which is used to calculate the difference between the distance L1 and the distance L2.

6. The unmanned vehicle of claim 5, wherein, The flipping platform is equipped with an indicator light connected to the controller, and the indicator light can emit different colors of light according to the difference between the distance L1 and the distance L2.

7. The unmanned vehicle of claim 5, wherein, The unmanned vehicle is equipped with a drive mechanism connected to the tilting platform. The drive mechanism is electrically connected to the controller and can drive the tilting platform to tilt under the control of the controller.

8. The unmanned vehicle of claim 7, wherein, The unmanned vehicle is equipped with a start switch that is electrically connected to the controller, and the controller can start and stop the drive mechanism according to the signal from the start switch.

9. The unmanned vehicle of claim 8, wherein, The unmanned vehicle is equipped with a voice broadcasting unit that is electrically connected to the controller. The voice broadcasting unit can broadcast voice messages based on the difference between the distance L1 and the distance L2 and the signal from the start switch.

10. The unmanned vehicle of claim 1, wherein, The diameter of the through hole is 3 to 5 cm.

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