A reel cable device and unmanned aerial vehicle system

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of cable device and unmanned aerial vehicle system, it is related to unmanned aerial vehicle field.Cable device, including ground power supply and ground mooring box, ground mooring box includes first voltage transformer, cable device, first main control panel and standby power supply component, the input of first voltage transformer is electrically connected with ground power supply, cable device is electrically connected with ground power supply, first main control panel is electrically connected with cable device and the output of first voltage transformer, standby power supply component is electrically connected with the output of first voltage transformer;Ground power supply is used to power supply for first voltage transformer.By setting standby power supply component, and standby power supply component is electrically connected with the output of first voltage transformer;Standby power supply component powers first main control panel under the condition that first voltage transformer stops output current, ensure that first main control panel controls cable device normal work, without artificial operation, improve the security of cable device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and in particular to a cable retraction device and a UAV system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, tethered drone ground modules on the market have certain limitations in design and function. Especially in the event of a power outage, these modules cannot rely on electricity to retract or extend the tether cable; instead, they must be operated manually by cranking a shaft. This manual operation method is not only inefficient but also presents several practical problems.

[0003] First, manually cranking the tether is quite difficult. Tethered cables usually have a certain weight and length, and operators need to retract or release the cable by manually cranking the tether. This not only requires considerable physical strength but also certain skills to ensure that the cable is evenly wound on the tether, avoiding uneven or loose winding that could affect the stability and safety of the drone.

[0004] Secondly, the manual cranking method also poses a safety hazard due to human error. Because operation relies on manual labor, operators may make mistakes in emergency situations due to tension or fatigue, such as cranking too fast or too slow, or uneven cable winding. These problems could lead to cable breakage, drone malfunction, or even more serious safety accidents. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model provides a cable retraction and deployment device to solve the problem that in the prior art, when the ground tethering module is powered off, the cable can only be retracted and deployed manually by turning a shaft.

[0006] This utility model provides a cable retraction device, comprising:

[0007] Ground power supply;

[0008] Ground tether box, the ground tether box comprising:

[0009] A first voltage converter, the input terminal of which is electrically connected to the ground power supply;

[0010] The cable reel-in / out assembly is electrically connected to the ground power supply.

[0011] The first main control board is electrically connected to the wire take-up and pay-off assembly and the output terminal of the first voltage converter.

[0012] A backup power supply assembly is electrically connected to the output terminal of the first voltage converter;

[0013] The ground power supply is used to power the first voltage converter, and the backup power supply assembly is used to operate when the first voltage converter stops outputting current.

[0014] According to the cable retraction device provided by this utility model, the backup power supply assembly further includes:

[0015] An isolation circuit, the output terminal of which is electrically connected to the output terminal of the first voltage converter;

[0016] A backup power supply is electrically connected to the input terminal of the isolation circuit.

[0017] According to the present invention, a cable winding and unwinding device is provided, wherein the isolation circuit is a diode.

[0018] According to the cable reeling device provided by this utility model, the ground tether box further includes:

[0019] The first heat sink is electrically connected to the first main control board and the output terminal of the first voltage converter.

[0020] According to the cable reeling device provided by this utility model, the ground tether box further includes:

[0021] The cable rewind / unwind button is electrically connected to the first main control board;

[0022] The power and control socket is electrically connected to the ground power supply, the first main control board, the cable take-up and release assembly, and the input and output terminals of the first voltage converter.

[0023] The fiber optic socket is electrically connected to the take-up and lay-out assembly.

[0024] According to the present invention, a cable winding and unwinding device is provided, the cable winding and unwinding assembly comprising:

[0025] A winding mechanism, wherein a tether cable is wound around the winding mechanism, and the tether cable is electrically connected to the airborne power supply;

[0026] The motor is electrically connected to the first main control board, and the motor shaft is connected to the winding mechanism. The motor is used to drive the winding mechanism to rotate.

[0027] An optoelectronic slip ring is electrically connected to the tethering cable, the power supply and control socket, and the fiber optic socket.

[0028] According to the present invention, a cable reeling and laying device is provided, wherein the ground power supply includes:

[0029] The second main control board is electrically connected to the power supply and control socket;

[0030] The second voltage converter is electrically connected to the power supply and control socket and the second main control board;

[0031] The power distribution assembly is electrically connected to the second voltage converter and the power supply and control socket.

[0032] According to the cable reeling device provided by this utility model, the ground power supply further includes:

[0033] The display screen is electrically connected to the second main control board.

[0034] According to the cable reeling device provided by this utility model, the ground power supply further includes:

[0035] The step-down transformer is electrically connected to the second main control board;

[0036] The fiber optic to Ethernet converter is electrically connected to the step-down converter and the fiber optic socket.

[0037] This utility model also provides an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system, including the cable retraction and extension device described in any of the above claims.

[0038] The cable winding and unwinding device provided by this utility model has a backup power supply component, which is electrically connected to the output terminal of the first voltage converter. When the first voltage converter stops outputting current, the backup power supply component supplies power to the first main control board, ensuring that the first main control board controls the cable winding and unwinding component to work normally without human intervention, thus improving the safety of the cable winding and unwinding device. Attached Figure Description

[0039] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in 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 some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the ground tethering box provided by this utility model.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ground power supply provided by this utility model.

[0042] Figure label:

[0043] 110. First voltage converter; 120. First main control board; 130. Isolation circuit; 140. Backup power supply; 150. First heat sink; 160. Winding mechanism; 170. Motor; 180. Optical slip ring; 210. Second main control board; 220. Second voltage converter; 230. Display screen; 240. Step-down converter; 250. Fiber optic to Ethernet converter; 260. Circuit breaker; 270. Power protector; 280. Over / under voltage protector; 290. Second heat sink. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions 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, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0045] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0046] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0047] In this embodiment of the utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0048] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0049] The following is combined with Figures 1-2 The specific structure of the cable retracting and extending device of this utility model is described.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the ground tethering box provided by this utility model, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the cable reel-in / deel-out device includes a ground power supply and a ground tether box. The ground tether box includes a first voltage converter 110, a cable reel-in / deel-out assembly, and a backup power supply 140 assembly. The input terminal of the first voltage converter 110 is electrically connected to the ground power supply, the cable reel-in / deel-out assembly is electrically connected to the ground power supply, and the first main control board 120 is electrically connected to the output terminal of the cable reel-in / deel-out assembly and the first voltage converter 110. The backup power supply 140 assembly is electrically connected to the output terminal of the first voltage converter 110. The ground power supply is used to supply power to the first voltage converter 110, and the backup power supply 140 assembly is used to operate when the first voltage converter 110 stops outputting current.

[0051] The cable winding and unwinding device provided by this utility model includes a backup power supply 140 component, which is electrically connected to the output terminal of the first voltage converter 110. When the first voltage converter 110 stops outputting current, the backup power supply 140 component supplies power to the first main control board 120, ensuring that the first main control board 120 controls the cable winding and unwinding component to work normally without the need for manual operation, thus improving the safety of the cable winding and unwinding device.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first voltage converter 110 is used to convert the AC power input from the ground power source into DC power. Specifically, the first voltage converter 110 is used to convert the 220V AC power input from the ground power source into 24V DC power.

[0053] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 1 As shown, the backup power supply 140 assembly also includes an isolation circuit 130 and a backup power supply 140. The output terminal of the isolation circuit 130 is electrically connected to the output terminal of the first voltage converter 110. The isolation circuit 130 prevents backflow and ensures system safety during power switching. When the first voltage converter 110 stops outputting current due to power failure, malfunction, or other reasons, the backup power supply 140 quickly takes over the power supply task through the isolation circuit 130, ensuring the normal operation of the take-up and unwinding assembly and the main control board. When switching between the first voltage converter 110 and the backup power supply 140, the isolation circuit 130 can effectively prevent current backflow and avoid equipment damage caused by voltage fluctuations or current surges; preferably, the isolation circuit 130 is a diode.

[0054] The backup power supply 140 is electrically connected to the input of the isolation circuit 130. The backup power supply 140 is a lithium battery. Lithium batteries can provide high energy output in a small size and weight, which is very suitable for applications such as drone systems that are sensitive to weight and size.

[0055] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 1 As shown, the ground tethering box also includes a first heat sink 150, which is a fan. The first heat sink 150 is electrically connected to the output terminals of the first main control board 120 and the first voltage converter 110. The output terminal of the first voltage converter 110 outputs 24V DC power to power the rotation of the first heat sink 150. The first main control board 120 controls the rotation and stopping of the first heat sink 150. One, two, or more first heat sinks 150 can be provided, depending on the actual heat dissipation requirements. Preferably, the ground tethering box is also equipped with a temperature sensor to detect the temperature inside the box. When the temperature inside the ground tethering box exceeds a preset temperature threshold, the first main control board 120 detects the abnormal temperature and immediately controls the fan to start for heat dissipation. When the temperature inside the box drops to a safe range, the first main control board 120 detects that the temperature has returned to normal and controls the fan to stop rotating to save energy and reduce noise.

[0056] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 1As shown, the ground tether box also includes a cable retraction / detraction button, a power and control socket, and a fiber optic socket. The cable retraction / detraction button is electrically connected to the first main control board 120. The button provides an interface for interaction between the operator and the ground tether box. Through the button, the operator can input control commands to the first main control board 120 to perform the retraction / detraction of the tethered cable. One, two, or more cable retraction / detraction buttons can be provided, and the function of each button is determined based on the number of buttons.

[0057] The power and control socket is electrically connected to the ground power supply, the first main control board 120, the take-up and release assembly, and the input and output terminals of the first voltage converter 110. The power and control socket facilitates connection between the ground power supply and the input and output terminals of the first main control board 120, the take-up and release assembly, and the first voltage converter 110. The power and control socket is connected to the first main control board 120 via a CAN bus, enabling communication between the first main control board 120 and the ground power supply. The power and control socket typically has multiple interfaces, each corresponding to a different module, ensuring flexibility and reliability of the connection. The power and control socket can output 220V AC power from the ground power supply to the input terminal of the first voltage converter 110, and transmit the 24V DC power output from the first voltage converter 110 to the second main control board 210. The power and control socket can also transmit 800V DC power from the ground power supply to the photoelectric slip ring 180, and then to the airborne power supply via a tethered cable. The fiber optic socket is electrically connected to the take-up and release assembly and the ground power supply via optical fiber. The fiber optic socket connects to the take-up and take-up assembly via optical fiber to transmit high-speed data signals, enabling real-time data transmission between the ground station and the UAV. Fiber optic transmission has advantages such as high bandwidth, strong anti-interference capability, and long transmission distance, making it particularly suitable for application scenarios like UAV systems that have high requirements for data transmission.

[0058] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 1As shown, the cable reel assembly includes a winding mechanism 160, a motor 170, and an optoelectronic slip ring 180. The winding mechanism 160 winds a tethered cable and is used to wind and release the tethered cable. The winding mechanism 160 ensures that the cable is wound evenly during the reeling process, avoiding uneven winding or loosening, thereby improving the cable's lifespan and the system's stability. The tethered cable is electrically connected to the onboard power supply to ensure continuous power supply during the drone's flight. The motor 170 is electrically connected to the first main control board 120, specifically via RS485. The motor 170's shaft is connected to the winding mechanism 160, and the motor 170 drives the winding mechanism 160 to rotate. When the motor 170 rotates forward, the winding reel releases the cable, allowing the drone to ascend or move; when the motor 170 rotates in reverse, the winding reel retracts the cable, allowing the drone to descend or approach the ground. The speed of the motor 170 can be adjusted by the first main control board 120 to adapt to different flight requirements. The photoelectric slip ring 180 is electrically connected to the tether cable, power and control socket, and fiber optic socket. The photoelectric slip ring 180 is used to maintain a stable electrical connection between the tether cable and the ground tether box when the winding mechanism 160 rotates.

[0059] In one embodiment of this utility model, Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the ground power supply provided by this utility model, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, the ground power supply includes a second main control board 210, a second voltage converter 220, and power distribution components. The second main control board 210 is the control center of the ground power supply, responsible for monitoring and managing the overall operation of the ground power supply, ensuring the stability and safety of the power supply. The second main control board 210 is electrically connected to the power and control socket. Furthermore, to facilitate connection to the power and control socket, the ground power supply is equipped with a power and control output terminal, which is electrically connected to both the second main control board 210 and the power and control socket. The second voltage converter 220 is electrically connected to the power and control socket. The second voltage converter 220 is used to convert externally input 380V AC power into 800V DC power and supply it to the power and control socket. The second voltage converter 220 is connected to the second main control board 210 via a CAN bus, and the second main control board 210 is used to control the input and output of the second voltage converter 220. The power distribution assembly is electrically connected to the second voltage converter 220 and the power and control socket. The external AC power input is split into two paths after passing through the power distribution assembly. One path, 380V AC power, is supplied to the second voltage converter 220, and the other path, 220V AC power, is supplied to the power and control socket for use by the first voltage converter 110.

[0060] The ground power supply of this invention achieves efficient and stable power supply through the coordinated operation of the second main control board 210, the second voltage converter 220, and the power distribution components. This design not only meets the operational needs of the UAV system in complex environments but also enhances the system's reliability and safety through intelligent control and multiple protection mechanisms. Through reasonable power distribution and voltage conversion, the ground power supply ensures the stable operation of the entire UAV system.

[0061] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 2 As shown, the ground power supply also includes a display screen 230, which is electrically connected to the second main control board 210. The display screen 230 is used to display system status and other information in real time, including but not limited to key parameters such as voltage, current, power, and temperature. Operators can set and adjust system parameters, such as voltage output range, current limit, and temperature threshold, through the display screen 230. When the system detects abnormal conditions (such as overload, short circuit, or excessive temperature), the display screen 230 will promptly display alarm information and provide corresponding operating instructions.

[0062] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 2 As shown, the ground power supply also includes a step-down converter 240 and a fiber optic to Ethernet converter 250. The step-down converter 240 is electrically connected to the second main control board 210, and the fiber optic to Ethernet converter 250 is electrically connected to the step-down converter 240 and the fiber optic socket. Preferably, the fiber optic to Ethernet converter 250 is a Berui Pomegranate R300. The Berui Pomegranate R300 supports multiple network access methods, such as wired, wireless, and 4G / 5G, ensuring the stability and reliability of network connections. The Berui Pomegranate R300 also supports remote management via a mobile APP or web interface, allowing operators to monitor and manage network status anytime, anywhere. The ground power supply is equipped with a fiber optic interface and an Ethernet port. The fiber optic to Ethernet converter 250 is connected to both the fiber optic interface and the Ethernet port, and the fiber optic socket is connected to the fiber optic interface. The power and control socket outputs two 24V DC power supplies. One supply is sent to the second main control board 210, and the other supply is sent to the step-down converter 240. After being stepped down by the step-down converter 240, the voltage is converted into the working voltage (such as 5V or 12V) required by the fiber optic to Ethernet converter 250, ensuring that the fiber optic to Ethernet converter 250 can operate stably.

[0063] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 2 As shown, the power distribution assembly includes a circuit breaker 260, a power protector 270, an over / under voltage protector 280, and an emergency stop switch. The circuit breaker 260 is electrically connected to an external power source. The input terminal of the power protector 270 is electrically connected to the circuit breaker 260. The output terminal of the power protector 270 is electrically connected to the emergency stop switch, the second voltage converter 220, and the input terminal of the over / under voltage protector 280, respectively. The output terminal of the over / under voltage protector 280 is electrically connected to the power supply and control output terminal.

[0064] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 2 As shown, the ground power supply also includes a second heat sink 290, which is used to dissipate heat from the electronic components inside the ground power supply. The second heat sink 290 is electrically connected to the output terminal of the over / under voltage protector 280.

[0065] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 2 As shown, the ground power supply also includes a high-voltage indicator light, a take-up and put-down indicator light, an alarm indicator light, an automatic take-up and put-down button, and a high-voltage button. The high-voltage indicator light, the take-up and put-down indicator light, the alarm indicator light, the automatic take-up and put-down button, and the high-voltage button are all electrically connected to the second main control board 210.

[0066] The cable winding and unwinding device provided by this utility model includes a backup power supply 140 component, which is electrically connected to the output terminal of the first voltage converter 110. When the first voltage converter 110 stops outputting current, the backup power supply 140 component supplies power to the first main control board 120, ensuring that the first main control board 120 controls the cable winding and unwinding component to work normally without the need for manual operation, thus improving the safety of the cable winding and unwinding device.

[0067] This utility model also provides an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system, which includes the cable retraction and extension device described in any of the above embodiments.

[0068] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A cable reeling and unloading device, characterized in that, include: Ground power supply; Ground tether box, the ground tether box comprising: A first voltage converter (110) is connected to the ground power supply at its input terminal. The cable reel-in / out assembly is electrically connected to the ground power supply. The first main control board (120) is electrically connected to the output terminal of the take-up and release assembly and the first voltage converter (110); The backup power supply (140) assembly is electrically connected to the output of the first voltage converter (110); The ground power supply is used to supply power to the first voltage converter (110), and the backup power supply (140) assembly is used to operate when the first voltage converter (110) stops outputting current.

2. The cable reeling and unloading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The backup power supply (140) assembly also includes: An isolation circuit (130) is provided, the output of which is electrically connected to the output of the first voltage converter (110). A backup power supply (140) is electrically connected to the input terminal of the isolation circuit (130).

3. The cable reeling and unloading device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The isolation circuit (130) is a diode.

4. The cable reeling and unloading device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ground tether box also includes: The first heat sink (150) is electrically connected to the output terminals of the first main control board (120) and the first voltage converter (110).

5. The cable reeling and unloading device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The ground tether box also includes: The cable rewind button is electrically connected to the first main control board (120); The power supply and control socket is electrically connected to the input and output terminals of the ground power supply, the first main control board (120), the cable take-up and release assembly, and the first voltage converter (110); The fiber optic socket is electrically connected to the take-up and lay-out assembly.

6. The cable reeling and unloading device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The take-up and unwinding assembly includes: A winding mechanism (160) is provided with a tether cable, which is electrically connected to the airborne power supply. The motor (170) is electrically connected to the first main control board (120), and the rotating shaft of the motor (170) is connected to the winding mechanism (160). The motor (170) is used to drive the winding mechanism (160) to rotate. An optoelectronic slip ring (180) is electrically connected to the tethered cable, the power supply and control socket, and the fiber optic socket.

7. The cable reeling and unloading device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The ground power source includes: The second main control board (210) is electrically connected to the power supply and control socket; The second voltage converter (220) is electrically connected to the power supply and control socket and the second main control board (210); The power distribution assembly is electrically connected to the second voltage converter (220) and the power supply and control socket.

8. The cable reeling and unloading device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The ground power supply also includes: The display screen (230) is electrically connected to the second main control board (210).

9. The cable reeling and unloading device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The ground power supply also includes: The step-down transformer (240) is electrically connected to the second main control board (210); The fiber optic to Ethernet converter (250) is electrically connected to the step-down converter (240) and the fiber optic socket.

10. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system, characterized in that, Includes the cable retraction and extension device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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