Unmanned delivery vehicle and delivery device

Abstract

The application provides an unmanned delivery vehicle and a delivery device. The unmanned delivery vehicle comprises a vehicle body and a storage cabinet. The storage cabinet is arranged on the vehicle body. The storage cabinet is provided with a storage space. The top end of the storage cabinet is provided with a landing pad and an entrance communicating with the storage space. The landing pad is used for landing of an unmanned aerial vehicle. The delivery goods transported by the unmanned aerial vehicle enter the storage space through the entrance. The unmanned delivery vehicle transports the delivery goods to a pickup point. The unmanned delivery vehicle of the embodiment of the application is provided with a landing pad for landing of an unmanned aerial vehicle. The unmanned aerial vehicle delivers the delivery goods to the unmanned vehicle, and the unmanned vehicle delivers the delivery goods. Compared with deployment of multiple fixed landing pads, the cost is reduced. Meanwhile, the unmanned aerial vehicle cannot reach the area, so as to expand the delivery coverage range. Furthermore, compared with pickup of the goods by the customer at the fixed landing pad, the delivery efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of unmanned delivery vehicles, and more particularly to an unmanned delivery vehicle and delivery device. Background Technology

[0002] Food delivery has gradually become an indispensable part of people's lives. Currently, some drone delivery services use fixed helipads. With fixed helipads, customers need to go to the helipad to pick up their food. Larger parks may require multiple helipads, which is costly. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application proposes an unmanned delivery vehicle and delivery device that can reduce delivery costs.

[0004] This application provides an unmanned delivery vehicle, including: a vehicle body and a storage cabinet, the storage cabinet being located on the vehicle body, the storage cabinet having a storage space, a landing pad being located at the top of the storage cabinet, the landing pad having an entrance communicating with the storage space, the landing pad being used for unmanned aerial vehicles to land, the unmanned aerial vehicles carrying items to be delivered entering the storage space through the entrance, and the unmanned delivery vehicle transporting the items to be delivered to a pickup point.

[0005] Furthermore, the entrance is located in the middle of the helipad.

[0006] Furthermore, the storage cabinet includes a lifting platform, a transfer device, and multiple storage platforms. After the lifting platform is raised, it carries the items to be delivered transported by the unmanned aerial vehicle. When the lifting platform is lowered to the horizontal height of one of the multiple storage platforms, the transfer device transfers the items to be delivered from the lifting platform to the storage platform.

[0007] Furthermore, the lifting platform or the storage platform includes a slide rail, and the transfer device includes a push rod that moves along the slide rail to push the items to be delivered on the lifting platform onto the storage platform; or, to push the items to be delivered on the storage platform onto the lifting platform.

[0008] Furthermore, the push rod is equipped with an electromagnet to magnetically attract the items to be delivered on the storage platform, thereby pulling the items to be delivered on the storage platform to the lifting platform; or, it magnetically attracts the items to be delivered on the lifting platform, thereby pulling the items to be delivered on the lifting platform to the storage platform.

[0009] Furthermore, the unmanned delivery vehicle includes a storage device for holding items to be delivered. The electromagnet is magnetically attracted to the storage device to pull the storage device on the storage platform to the lifting platform. The push rod can be used to push the storage device on the lifting platform to the storage platform; or, the storage device on the lifting platform is pulled to the storage platform, and the push rod can be used to push the storage device on the storage platform to the lifting platform.

[0010] Furthermore, the storage cabinet is equipped with a cabinet door, and when retrieving goods, the lifting platform moves the items to be delivered to the cabinet door.

[0011] Furthermore, along the direction of travel of the unmanned delivery vehicle, the cabinet door is located on the side of the storage cabinet.

[0012] Furthermore, along the vertical direction, the plurality of the storage platforms are arranged in at least two columns, with the lifting platform located between the two columns of the storage platforms.

[0013] Furthermore, the transfer device transfers the items to be delivered from the storage platform to the lifting platform. After the lifting platform is raised with the items to be delivered, the unmanned aerial vehicle retrieves the items to be delivered through the entrance.

[0014] Furthermore, the storage cabinet is equipped with a cabinet door, through which the items to be delivered are stored in the storage cabinet.

[0015] Furthermore, the storage cabinet is provided with multiple cabinet doors, and each of the multiple cabinet doors corresponds to one of the multiple storage platforms.

[0016] Furthermore, the storage cabinet includes a protective door at its top, which can switch between an open state and a closed state. In the closed state, the protective door obstructs the helipad, and in the open state, the helipad is exposed.

[0017] This application also provides a delivery device, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and the unmanned delivery vehicle, wherein the UAV lands on the helipad of the storage cabinet.

[0018] The unmanned delivery vehicle of this application is equipped with a landing pad for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to land. The UAVs deliver the items to be delivered to the unmanned vehicle, which then delivers the items. Compared to deploying multiple fixed landing pads, this reduces costs. At the same time, it can cover areas that UAVs cannot reach, thereby expanding the delivery coverage. Furthermore, compared to customers picking up their goods at fixed landing pads, it improves delivery efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1The figure shows a schematic diagram of the delivery device of the present application, where the protective door is in the closed state.

[0020] Figure 2 shows Figure 1 A side view of the shown delivery device.

[0021] Figure 3 shows Figure 1 A top view of the shown delivery device.

[0022] Figure 4 shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the shown delivery device, where the protective door is in the open state and hides one side wall of the storage cabinet, and the transfer device is not shown.

[0023] Figure 5 shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the transfer device of the shown delivery device. Detailed implementation manners

[0024] Here, the technical solutions in the embodiments (or "implementation manners") of the present application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. When the following description involves the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements.

[0025] If there are terms related to directional indications or positional relationships in the embodiments of the present application (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, outside, top, bottom, center, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, transverse, length, width, counterclockwise, clockwise, axial, radial, circumferential, etc.), such terms are only used to explain the relative positional relationships and movement conditions between components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings); if this specific posture changes, then the directional indication or positional relationship also changes accordingly. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. involved in the embodiments of the present application are only for the purpose of convenient description and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0026] Refer Figures 1 to 5 , the implementation manner of the present application provides an unmanned delivery device, including an unmanned delivery vehicle 1 and an unmanned aerial vehicle 2. The unmanned delivery device can be used for delivering takeaways, express deliveries, etc.

[0027] The unmanned delivery vehicle 1 includes a vehicle body 11 and a storage cabinet 12. The storage cabinet 12 is located on the vehicle body 11. The storage cabinet 12 is provided with a storage space 120. The top end of the storage cabinet 12 is provided with a landing pad 121. The landing pad 121 is provided with an entrance 122 communicating with the storage space 120. The landing pad 121 is for the unmanned aerial vehicle 2 to land. The items 3 to be delivered transported by the unmanned aerial vehicle 2 enter the storage space 120 through the entrance 122. The unmanned delivery vehicle 1 transports the items 3 to be delivered to the pick-up point.

[0028] The unmanned delivery vehicle 1 of this application embodiment is equipped with a landing pad 121 for the unmanned aerial vehicle 2 to land. The unmanned aerial vehicle 2 delivers the items 3 to be delivered to the unmanned delivery vehicle 1, and the unmanned delivery vehicle 1 delivers the items 3. Compared with deploying multiple fixed landing pads, the cost is reduced. At the same time, it can cover areas that the unmanned aerial vehicle 2 cannot reach, thereby expanding the delivery coverage area. Compared with customers picking up goods at fixed landing pads, the delivery efficiency is improved. Furthermore, the unmanned delivery vehicle 1 is mobile and can choose a relatively safe site for the unmanned aerial vehicle 2 to take off and land, thereby reducing the accident rate.

[0029] Taking a park as an example, the delivery process is as follows: A fixed pick-up point is set up within the park where the unmanned delivery vehicle 1 can dock. Customers can place orders at any location accessible by the unmanned delivery vehicle 1. When the unmanned delivery vehicle 1 has a delivery task, it will proceed to the pick-up point to wait for the unmanned aerial vehicle 2 to land. After receiving the delivered item 3 from the unmanned aerial vehicle 2, the unmanned delivery vehicle 1 can choose to continue waiting for the next unmanned aerial vehicle 2 to land, or proceed directly to the customer's selected delivery location for delivery, depending on factors such as delivery time.

[0030] In one embodiment, the storage cabinet 12 and the vehicle body 11 are separate units, facilitating maintenance and replacement. In another embodiment, the storage cabinet 12 and the vehicle body 11 are integrated, resulting in a simpler structure, fewer assembly steps, and improved assembly efficiency.

[0031] In one embodiment, the helipad 121 is equipped with an identification code (not shown), and a camera device (not shown) is mounted below the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 2. The UAV 2 uses the camera device to identify the identification code on the helipad 121 for precise landing. The identification code provides the UAV 2 with a precise positioning reference.

[0032] In one implementation, the identification code is a QR code or the like.

[0033] In one embodiment, the unmanned aerial vehicle 2 can secure the item 3 to be delivered by means of electrically controlled buckles or magnetic attraction, so that the item 3 can be detached from the unmanned aerial vehicle 2.

[0034] Taking the buckle as an example, after the unmanned aerial vehicle 2 arrives at the target airspace, it uses visual positioning to find the landing pad 121, slowly descends and searches for the identification code. When the detection device detects that the landing is complete, the control system sends an unlocking command, the motor drives the buckle to release, and the item to be delivered 3 falls due to gravity and enters the storage space 120 of the storage cabinet 12 from the entrance 122.

[0035] In one embodiment, the entrance 122 is located in the middle of the apron 121 to facilitate the alignment of the item to be delivered 3 with the entrance 122, so that the item to be delivered 3 can smoothly enter the storage space 120 of the storage cabinet 12.

[0036] In one embodiment, the storage cabinet 12 is provided with a cabinet door 123, and when retrieving goods, the item to be delivered 3 is moved to the cabinet door 123.

[0037] In one embodiment, along the direction of travel of the unmanned delivery vehicle 1, the cabinet door 123 is located on the side of the storage cabinet 12 to facilitate the consumer's retrieval of the item 3 to be delivered. The cabinet door 123 may also be located at the rear of the storage cabinet 12.

[0038] In one embodiment, the storage cabinet 12 is equipped with a display screen (not shown). Consumers can retrieve their goods by clicking the retrieval button on the display screen and entering the retrieval code; or by clicking the scan code on the display screen and scanning the code to retrieve their goods; or by using facial recognition or the one-click retrieval function of the APP.

[0039] In one embodiment, the storage cabinet 12 includes a lifting platform 124, a transfer device 126, and multiple storage platforms 125. When the lifting platform 124 is raised, it carries the items 3 to be delivered transported by the unmanned aerial vehicle 2. When the lifting platform 124 is lowered to the horizontal height of one of the storage platforms 125, the transfer device 126 transfers the items 3 to be delivered from the lifting platform 124 to the storage platform 125.

[0040] When the unmanned delivery vehicle 1 receives the landing signal from the unmanned aerial vehicle 2, the controller of the unmanned delivery vehicle 1 confirms the location of the vacant storage platform 125, determines the target storage platform 125, and controls the lifting platform 124 to descend to the horizontal height of the target storage platform 125. The transfer device 126 transfers the items to be delivered 3 on the lifting platform 124 to the storage platform 125.

[0041] In another embodiment, storage cabinet 12 may be equipped with a turntable (not shown). Multiple storage platforms 125 are arranged circumferentially along the turntable. As the turntable rotates, one storage platform 125 moves to the entrance 122 to receive the item 3 to be delivered by the unmanned aerial vehicle 2. As the turntable continues to rotate, another storage platform 125 moves to the entrance 122 to receive another item 3 to be delivered. As the turntable rotates, it can also rotate the storage platform 125 containing the item 3 to be delivered to the cabinet door 123.

[0042] In one embodiment, the storage cabinet 12 includes a side wall 1271 and a vertical guide rail 128 fixed to the side wall 1271. The lifting platform 124 moves up and down along the vertical guide rail 128 to raise and lower.

[0043] In one embodiment, the storage platform 125 is fixed to one or more side walls 1271. In another embodiment, a shelf (not shown) may be provided within the storage space 120, and the storage platform may be a plurality of storage compartments of the shelf. The shelf may be fixed to the bottom wall 1272 or the body 11 of the storage cabinet 12.

[0044] The storage platform 125 and the side wall 1271 can be fixed by welding, snap-fitting, or screw locking.

[0045] In one embodiment, the entrance 122 and the helipad 121 are located on the top wall 1273 of the storage cabinet 12, which is opposite to the bottom wall 1272 or opposite to the vehicle body 11.

[0046] In one embodiment, cabinet door 123 is disposed on one of the side walls 1271, opposite to the vertical guide rail 128. Cabinet door 123 may also be located on the left or right side of the vertical guide rail 128.

[0047] In one embodiment, only one cabinet door 123 is provided. In another embodiment, the storage cabinet 12 is provided with multiple cabinet doors 23, and the multiple cabinet doors 123 correspond one-to-one with multiple storage platforms 125. When retrieving goods, the items to be delivered 3 do not need to be moved from the storage platform 125 to the lifting platform 124. The goods can be retrieved simply by opening the door at the corresponding cabinet door 123.

[0048] In one embodiment, the lifting platform 124 includes a support portion 1241 and a sliding portion 1242 connected to the support portion 1241. The support portion 1241 and the sliding portion 1242 are L-shaped. The sliding portion 1242 is connected to a vertical guide rail 128 and is movable along the vertical guide rail 128. The support portion 1241 is used to support the item 3 to be delivered.

[0049] In one embodiment, the storage platform 125 is flat.

[0050] In another embodiment, the storage cabinet 12 includes a support structure (not shown) located below the lifting platform 124, the support structure being able to extend and retract in a vertical direction to lift the lifting platform 124.

[0051] In one embodiment, the lifting platform 124 can be driven by a motor to move up and down along the vertical guide rail 128.

[0052] In one embodiment, the support structure can be driven by a motor to extend and retract vertically.

[0053] In one embodiment, the lifting platform 124 includes a slide rail 1240, and the transfer device 126 includes a push rod 1261. The push rod 1261 moves along the slide rail 1240 to push the item 3 to be delivered on the lifting platform 124 onto the storage platform 125.

[0054] The push rod 1261 can be moved by a motor.

[0055] In one embodiment, the push rod 1261 is equipped with an electromagnet 1262 to magnetically attract the item 3 to be delivered on the storage platform 125, thereby pulling the item 3 onto the lifting platform 124. During retrieval, the lifting platform 124 moves the item 3 to the cabinet door 123. Moving the item 3 by magnetic attraction is a relatively simple structure, occupies little space, and is highly reliable.

[0056] In one embodiment, the unmanned delivery vehicle includes a storage device (not shown) for holding the item 3 to be delivered. An electromagnet 1262 magnetically attracts the storage device to pull it from the storage platform 125 onto the lifting platform 124, and a push rod 1261 can be used to push the storage device from the lifting platform 124 onto the storage platform 125. In another embodiment, a magnetically attractable part may be provided on the item 3 to be delivered.

[0057] In one embodiment, after the item 3 to be delivered in the storage device is removed, the lifting platform 124 transfers the idle storage device to the idle storage platform 125 by lifting. When the unmanned delivery vehicle 1 has no delivery task, the idle storage device can also stay on the lifting platform 124. When it needs to carry the item 3 to be delivered by the unmanned aerial vehicle 2, the lifting platform 124 directly lifts the idle storage device to carry the item 3 to be delivered by the unmanned aerial vehicle 2.

[0058] The transfer device 126 can transfer idle storage devices on the lifting platform 124 to idle storage platform 125, and can also transfer idle storage devices on storage platform 125 to lifting platform 124.

[0059] The lifting platform 124 rises with an empty storage unit to carry the items 3 to be delivered, transported by the unmanned aerial vehicle 2. The top of the storage unit has an opening (not shown). The items 3 to be delivered, transported by the unmanned aerial vehicle 2, enter the storage unit through the opening.

[0060] The storage device has a side opening (not shown), which faces the same direction as the cabinet door 123. After the cabinet door 123 is opened, the item to be delivered 3 can be taken out through the side opening. In another embodiment, the item to be delivered 3 can also be moved by gripping it with claws.

[0061] When the magnetic force of electromagnet 1262 is needed, electromagnet 1262 is energized to generate magnetic force; when the magnetic force of electromagnet 1262 is not needed, electromagnet 1262 is de-energized and the magnetic force disappears.

[0062] In one embodiment, a plurality of storage platforms 125 are arranged in at least two columns along the vertical direction, and a lifting platform 124 is located between the two columns of storage platforms 125.

[0063] Electromagnets 1262 can be installed on both the left and right sides of the push rod 1261 to transfer the items 3 to be delivered on the storage platforms 125 on both sides of the lifting platform 124 to the lifting platform 124.

[0064] In one embodiment, the storage platform 125 includes a slide rail 1240, and the transfer device 126 includes a push rod 1261 that moves along the slide rail to push the items 3 to be delivered on the storage platform 125 onto the lifting platform 124.

[0065] In one embodiment, the push rod 1261 is equipped with an electromagnet 1262 to magnetically attract the item 3 to be delivered on the lifting platform 124, so as to pull the item 3 to be delivered on the lifting platform 124 to the storage platform 125.

[0066] In one embodiment, the unmanned delivery vehicle includes a storage device for holding the items to be delivered 3. An electromagnet 1262 is magnetically attracted to the storage device to pull the storage device on the lifting platform 124 onto the storage platform 125. A push rod 1261 can be used to push the storage device on the storage platform 125 onto the lifting platform 124.

[0067] Multiple storage platforms 125 can be arranged in two or more columns. The lifting platform 124 can be adjusted according to the number of columns of storage platforms 125. One column of storage platforms 125 can correspond to one lifting platform 124, or two columns of storage platforms 125 can correspond to one lifting platform 124.

[0068] In one embodiment, the storage cabinet 12 includes a protective door 129 disposed at its top. The protective door 129 is switchable between an open state and a closed state. In the closed state, the protective door 129 obstructs the apron 121; in the open state, the apron 121 is exposed. The protective door 129 can cover the entrance 122 to prevent dust or foreign objects from entering.

[0069] Two protective doors 129 may be provided, and both protective doors 129 may slide open to both sides of the apron 121, or may rotate open to both sides of the apron 121. Alternatively, one protective door 129 may be provided, and the single protective door 129 may slide open to one side of the apron 121, or may rotate open to one side of the apron 121.

[0070] Taking food delivery as an example, consumers place orders through food delivery platforms or merchants' own apps. Order information (including food type, weight, etc.) is transmitted to the delivery system backend in real time. The system backend automatically verifies the order information and, based on factors such as the order address, the current location of the drone, and battery status, automatically assigns the most suitable drone 2 to perform the task. Drone 2 arrives at the merchant's designated pick-up point (such as a rooftop helipad or an open area near the store) and lands precisely using visual recognition or GPS positioning. The merchant secures the food to the drone 2's mounting device. After the system confirms the loading is complete, drone 2 receives the departure command. Drone 2 arrives at the target area and lands on the helipad 121 of the unmanned delivery vehicle 1. The unmanned delivery vehicle 1 can choose to wait for the next drone 2 to land or go directly to the consumer's selected delivery location for delivery, depending on factors such as delivery time.

[0071] In one embodiment, the transfer device 126 transfers the items 3 to be delivered from the storage platform 125 to the lifting platform 124. After the lifting platform 124 is raised with the items 3 to be delivered, the unmanned aerial vehicle 2 retrieves the items 3 from the lifting platform 124 via the entrance 122. Items 3 remaining in the unmanned delivery vehicle 1 can be returned by the unmanned aerial vehicle 2 to avoid occupying space in the unmanned delivery vehicle 1 and to improve the utilization rate of the unmanned delivery vehicle 1.

[0072] Item 3 to be delivered is stored in storage cabinet 12 through cabinet door 123.

[0073] It should be noted that the technical solutions or features described in the above embodiments can be combined or supplemented with each other without conflict. The scope of protection of this application is not limited to the precise structures described in the above embodiments and shown in the accompanying drawings; all modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An unmanned delivery vehicle, characterized in that, include: Body; A storage cabinet is located on the vehicle body. The storage cabinet has a storage space. The top of the storage cabinet has a landing pad. The landing pad has an entrance that connects to the storage space. The landing pad is used for unmanned aerial vehicles to land. The items to be delivered by the unmanned aerial vehicle enter the storage space through the entrance. The unmanned delivery vehicle transports the items to be delivered to the pickup point.

2. The unmanned delivery vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The entrance is located in the middle of the helipad.

3. The unmanned delivery vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage cabinet includes a lifting platform, a transfer device, and multiple storage platforms. When the lifting platform is raised, it carries the items to be delivered transported by the unmanned aerial vehicle. When the lifting platform is lowered to the horizontal height of one of the multiple storage platforms, the transfer device transfers the items to be delivered from the lifting platform to the storage platform.

4. The unmanned delivery vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The lifting platform or the storage platform includes a slide rail, and the transfer device includes a push rod that moves along the slide rail to push the items to be delivered on the lifting platform onto the storage platform. Alternatively, the items to be delivered on the storage platform can be pushed onto the lifting platform.

5. The unmanned delivery vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that, The push rod is equipped with an electromagnet to magnetically attract the items to be delivered on the storage platform, thereby pulling the items to be delivered on the storage platform onto the lifting platform. Alternatively, the items to be delivered can be magnetically attracted to the lifting platform to pull them onto the storage platform.

6. The unmanned delivery vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that, The unmanned delivery vehicle includes a storage device for holding items to be delivered. An electromagnet is magnetically attracted to the storage device to pull the storage device on the storage platform to the lifting platform. A push rod can be used to push the storage device on the lifting platform to the storage platform; or, the storage device on the lifting platform is pulled to the storage platform, and the push rod can be used to push the storage device on the storage platform to the lifting platform.

7. The unmanned delivery vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that, The storage cabinet is equipped with a door. When retrieving goods, the lifting platform moves the items to be delivered to the door.

8. The unmanned delivery vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that, Along the direction of travel of the unmanned delivery vehicle, the cabinet door is located on the side of the storage cabinet.

9. The unmanned delivery vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that, Along the vertical direction, the plurality of storage platforms are arranged in at least two columns, and the lifting platform is located between the two columns of storage platforms.

10. The unmanned delivery vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transfer device transfers the items to be delivered from the storage platform to the lifting platform. After the lifting platform is raised with the items to be delivered, the unmanned aerial vehicle can retrieve the items to be delivered through the entrance.

11. The unmanned delivery vehicle according to claim 10, characterized in that, The storage cabinet is equipped with a door, through which the items to be delivered are stored.

12. The unmanned delivery vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The storage cabinet has multiple cabinet doors, and each of the multiple cabinet doors corresponds to one of the multiple storage platforms.

13. The unmanned delivery vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The storage cabinet includes a protective door at its top, which can switch between an open state and a closed state. In the closed state, the protective door obstructs the helipad, and in the open state, the helipad is exposed.

14. A delivery device, characterized in that, include: The unmanned aerial vehicle and the unmanned delivery vehicle as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle lands on the helipad of the storage cabinet.

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