Unmanned aerial vehicle charging system, ground charging robot and unmanned aerial vehicle system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a kind of unmanned aerial vehicle charging system, ground charging robot and unmanned aerial vehicle system.The unmanned aerial vehicle charging system includes ground charging robot, second battery pack, connector, charging connector, first battery pack and charging seat, first battery pack and charging seat are arranged in unmanned aerial vehicle, second battery pack is arranged in ground charging robot, ground charging robot is provided with charging platform, first battery pack and second battery pack are all composed of multiple lithium carbon supercapacitor monomer, charging platform is provided with open protective shell, opening is provided with movable seat, the charging connector electrically connected with second battery pack is arranged in protective shell, movable seat is provided with connector spaced apart from charging connector, unmanned aerial vehicle can be docked in movable seat to make charging seat and connector butt joint, while under the action of unmanned aerial vehicle gravity, movable seat can be moved downward to make connector and charging connector butt joint, to electrically connect charging connector and charging seat, so that second battery pack can charge first battery pack.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and more particularly to a UAV charging system, a ground charging robot, and a UAV system. Background Technology

[0002] Inspection robots (such as robot dogs or drones) are widely used in fields such as power, petroleum, chemical, and transportation to perform inspection tasks in various complex environments.

[0003] In existing technologies, inspection robots mainly use lithium batteries as their power source. However, lithium batteries have low capacity, short battery life, and slow charging speed. This causes inspection robots to frequently interrupt their tasks during inspections due to insufficient power, requiring them to return to the charging station to recharge, thus affecting their work efficiency. Furthermore, for convenient charging, the charging interface of the inspection robot is directly exposed, which can easily lead to leakage at the charging interface.

[0004] Utility Model Description

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a drone charging system, a ground charging robot, and a drone system that can temporarily replenish the power of a drone through a nearby ground charging robot, thereby improving the drone's working efficiency, and can also protect the charging connector of the inspection robot.

[0006] To this end, a drone charging system includes a ground charging robot, a second battery pack, a connector, a charging connector, a first battery pack, and a charging base. The first battery pack and the charging base are disposed on the drone, with the charging base installed on the bottom of the drone. The first battery pack is electrically connected to the charging base. The second battery pack is disposed on the ground charging robot, which has a charging platform. Both the first and second battery packs are composed of multiple lithium-carbon supercapacitor cells. The charging platform has a protective shell with an open top and a flip-up protective cover. A movable seat is disposed inside the protective shell for the drone to dock at. The movable seat can move axially along the protective shell. The charging connector, electrically connected to the second battery pack, is disposed inside the protective shell. The connector is disposed on the movable seat corresponding to the position of the charging connector. The drone can dock on the movable seat to allow the charging base to mate with the connector. The connector and the charging connector are spaced apart. The drone can drive the movable seat downward relative to the charging connector to allow the connector to mate with the charging connector, so that the second battery pack charges the first battery pack.

[0007] A ground-based charging robot is provided, comprising a second battery pack and a charging platform. The second battery pack consists of multiple lithium-carbon supercapacitor cells. The charging platform has a protective shell with an open top, and a flip-up protective cover is provided at the opening of the protective shell. A movable seat is provided inside the protective shell to seal the opening and provide a docking point for a drone. The movable seat is movable along the axial direction of the protective shell. A charging connector electrically connected to the second battery pack is provided inside the protective shell. A connector is provided on the movable seat corresponding to the position of the charging connector, and the connector is spaced apart from the charging connector. The connector is used to electrically connect the charging connector and the charging base of the drone. The drone can dock on the movable seat so that the charging base mates with the connector. The drone can drive the movable seat downward relative to the charging connector so that the connector mates with the charging connector, thereby enabling the second battery pack to charge the first battery pack, which consists of multiple lithium-carbon supercapacitor cells, located on the drone.

[0008] An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system includes a UAV and the aforementioned ground charging robot. The UAV is equipped with a first battery pack and a charging dock. The first battery pack serves as the power source for the UAV and is composed of multiple lithium-carbon supercapacitor cells. The charging dock is installed on the bottom of the UAV, and the first battery pack is electrically connected to the charging dock.

[0009] The beneficial effects of this disclosure are as follows: When the mobile seat is not docking the drone, the mobile seat is in the initial position. At this time, the protective cover closes the opening of the protective shell to avoid direct exposure of the electrical components inside the protective shell. At the same time, the connector and the charging connector are disconnected to prevent leakage or damage caused by constant conduction between the connector and the charging connector.

[0010] When a drone runs out of power during a mission, it can directly summon a nearby ground robot for temporary charging. The drone lands on the robot's movable seat, allowing the charging seat to mate with the connector. Simultaneously, the drone's own weight propels the seat downwards relative to the charging connector, aligning the connector with it. This establishes an electrical connection between the connector, the charging connector, and the charging seat, enabling the second battery pack to charge the first. Therefore, the drone can recharge without returning to a base station, reducing recharging time and improving operational efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a simplified structural diagram of the drone charging system and the drone system disclosed herein.

[0012] Figure 2 A stereoscopic view of the drone disclosed herein;

[0013] Figure 3 A perspective view of the ground charging robot disclosed herein;

[0014] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the charging platform of the ground charging robot disclosed herein.

[0015] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0016] 100 UAVs 2031 Positioning Slot

[0017] 101 First Battery Pack 204 Charging Connector

[0018] 102 charging dock 205 connector

[0019] 103-pin 206 power supply device

[0020] 104 Vision Inspection Components 207 Elastic Expansion Joints

[0021] 200 Ground-based charging robot 208 Telescopic guide component

[0022] 201 Second Battery Pack 209 Magnetic Components

[0023] 202 Protective Shell 210 Protective Cover

[0024] 203 activity seats Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solution of this disclosure will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0026] In the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that the terms "upper" and "lower," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this disclosure. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used merely for descriptive distinction and have no special meaning.

[0028] Reference Figures 1 to 2The drone 100 is equipped with a first battery pack 101 and a charging base 102. The first battery pack 101 serves as the power source for the drone 100 and is composed of multiple lithium-carbon supercapacitor cells. The charging base 102 is installed on the bottom of the drone 100, and the first battery pack 101 is electrically connected to the charging base 102.

[0029] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The ground charging robot 200 is equipped with a second battery pack 201 and a charging platform. The second battery pack 201 serves as the power source for the ground charging robot 200. The second battery pack 201 is composed of multiple lithium-carbon supercapacitor cells. The charging platform is equipped with a protective shell 202 with an open top. A flip-up protective cover 210 is provided at the opening of the protective shell 202. A movable seat 203 is provided inside the protective shell 202. The movable seat 203 is used to seal the opening and provide a docking place for the drone 100. The movable seat 203 can move along the axial direction of the protective shell 202. A charging connector 204 electrically connected to the second battery pack 201 is provided inside the protective shell 202. A connector 205 is provided on the movable seat 203 at the position corresponding to the charging connector 204. The connector 205 is spaced apart from the charging connector 204 and is used to electrically connect the charging connector 204 and the charging seat 102.

[0030] The drone 100 and the ground charging robot 200 constitute the drone system. The ground charging robot 200, connector 205, charging connector 204, charging base 102, and the first battery pack 101 and the second battery pack 201, both composed of lithium-carbon supercapacitors, constitute the drone charging system.

[0031] In other words, refer to Figures 1 to 4 The drone charging system includes a ground charging robot 200, a connector 205, a charging connector 204, a charging base 102, and a first battery pack 101 and a second battery pack 201, both composed of lithium-carbon supercapacitors. The first battery pack 101 and the charging base 102 are mounted on the drone 100. The first battery pack 101 serves as the power source for the drone 100, and the charging base 102 is installed on the bottom of the drone 100, with the first battery pack 101 electrically connected to the charging base 102. The second battery pack 201 is mounted on the ground charging robot 200, which has a charging platform. The second battery pack 201 serves as the power source for the ground charging robot 200.

[0032] The charging platform is equipped with a protective shell 202 with an open top. A flip-up protective cover 210 is provided at the opening of the protective shell 202. A movable seat 203 is provided inside the protective shell 202. The movable seat 203 is used to block the opening and to allow the drone 100 to dock. The movable seat 203 can move along the axial direction of the protective shell 202. A charging connector 204 that is electrically connected to the second battery pack 201 is provided inside the protective shell 202. A connector 205 is provided on the movable seat 203 at the position corresponding to the charging connector 204. The connector 205 is spaced apart from the charging connector 204 and is used to electrically connect the charging connector 204 and the charging seat 102.

[0033] The movable base 203 has an initial position and a charging position. When no drone 100 is docked for charging, the movable base 203 is in the initial position. At this time, the protective cover 210 is closed to prevent the electrical components inside the protective shell 202 from being directly exposed. At the same time, the connector 205 and the charging connector 204 are spaced apart to prevent leakage or damage caused by constant conduction between the connector 205 and the charging connector 204.

[0034] When the battery is low during a mission, the protective cover 210 can be flipped open, allowing the drone 100 to land on the movable seat 203 of the ground charging robot 200 near the drone 100. This allows the charging seat 102 to dock with the connector 205. Simultaneously, the drone 100 can use its own weight to move the movable seat 203 downwards relative to the charging connector 204 to the charging position, allowing the connector 205 to dock with the charging connector 204. This establishes an electrical connection between the connector 205 and the charging connector 204 and the charging seat 102, enabling the second battery pack 201 to charge the first battery pack 101. After the drone 100 lands on the movable seat 203, the protective cover 210 can be flipped closed to prevent external factors (such as rain, dust, etc.) from affecting the charging stability.

[0035] The ground charging robot 200 can utilize ground robots (such as ground inspection robots) that collaborate with the drone 100 to perform tasks, allowing the drone 100 to land directly on a nearby ground robot for temporary charging. Therefore, the drone 100 does not need to return to a charging base station for charging, reducing its charging time and improving work efficiency.

[0036] Furthermore, both the first battery pack 101 and the second battery pack 201 use lithium-carbon supercapacitor cells as energy storage elements. Lithium-carbon supercapacitor cells are a type of hybrid supercapacitor. While the negative electrode material of the lithium-carbon supercapacitor cell is the same as that of a traditional supercapacitor (EDLC, Electrical Double Layer Capacitor), the positive electrode has been modified. The positive electrode of the lithium-carbon supercapacitor improves energy density through ion adsorption and shallow lithium ion insertion / extraction, ensuring the endurance of the UAV 100 and the ground charging robot 200. It also features a high charge / discharge rate, enabling the second battery pack 201 to quickly charge the first battery pack 101, further shortening the recharging time of the UAV 100. Any suitable publicly available lithium-carbon supercapacitor cell can be used. For example, the ZFC4.2V15000F (7AH) cell manufactured by Fuwade Electronics (Dongguan) Co., Ltd. (now Fuwade New Energy Technology (Dongguan) Co., Ltd.).

[0037] The second battery pack 201 can charge the first battery pack 101 to over 90% in 3-5 minutes.

[0038] In one example, the first battery pack 101 charges the second battery pack 201 through a DC-DC conversion module (not shown in the figure). The first battery pack 101 can adjust its output voltage through the DC-DC conversion module to ensure that the second battery pack 201 can charge the first battery pack 101.

[0039] Specifically, the ground charging robot 200 is also equipped with a power replenishment device 206, which is electrically connected to the second battery pack 201. The power replenishment device 206 can replenish the second battery pack 201 to ensure that the second battery pack 201 has sufficient power.

[0040] The power replenishment device 206 includes, but is not limited to, a fuel-fired power generation device, a solar power generation device, a battery, or an energy recovery device, to replenish the power of the second battery pack 201 and ensure that the second battery pack 201 has sufficient power.

[0041] In one example, the charging platform includes a drive motor and a control module. The drive motor is connected to the protective cover 210, and the control module is connected to the drive motor. The control module can automatically control the drive motor to flip the protective cover 210 to selectively open or close the protective cover 210.

[0042] Preferably, the protective cover 210 is made of a transparent material to facilitate observation of the contents inside the protective cover 210.

[0043] In one example, refer to Figure 4An elastic telescopic member 207 is provided inside the protective shell 202. The elastic telescopic member 207 is located between the bottom of the protective shell 202 and the movable seat 203. The elastic telescopic member 207 drives the movable seat 203 to tend to move away from the charging connector 204, so that the charging connector 204 is spaced apart from the connector 205.

[0044] When the drone 100 docks at the movable seat 203, the drone 100 can use its own weight to compress the elastic telescopic member 207, causing the movable seat 203 to move from its initial position to the charging position. During this process, the elastic telescopic member 207 can buffer the impact force of the drone 100's landing to avoid damage to the movable seat 203 and the drone 100. After the drone 100 flies away, the elastic telescopic member 207 can drive the movable seat 203 to automatically return to its initial position.

[0045] The elastic telescopic component 207 can be a spring or a sheet.

[0046] In one example, refer to Figure 4 The movable seat 203 and the inner bottom wall of the protective shell 202 are also provided with telescopic guide members 208. The length of the elastic telescopic member 207 extends along the axial direction of the protective shell 202. The telescopic guide member 208 can guide the movement of the movable seat 203 to prevent the movable seat 203 from deflecting due to uneven force.

[0047] In another example, refer to Figure 4 One of the movable seat 203 and the inner wall of the protective shell 202 is provided with a limiting part, and the other of the movable seat 203 and the inner wall of the protective shell 202 is provided with a limiting groove (for example, the movable seat 203 is provided with a limiting part, and the inner wall of the protective shell 202 is provided with a limiting groove). The length direction of the limiting groove is the same as the moving direction of the movable seat 203, that is, the length direction of the limiting groove extends along the axial direction of the protective shell 202. The limiting part is slidably disposed in the limiting groove to guide the movement of the movable seat 203.

[0048] Of course, in other examples, the protective shell 202 is provided with an elastic telescopic member 207, and the movable seat 203 is guided to move by the cooperation of the limiting part and the limiting groove.

[0049] In one example, connector 205 is detachably mounted on the movable seat 203 for easy replacement and maintenance. For example, the movable seat 203 is provided with a through hole, and connector 205 is installed in the through hole by fastener connection, snap-fit, or thread, so that the two ends of connector 205 are located on both sides of the movable seat 203.

[0050] In one example, the top surface of the movable seat 203 is provided with a positioning mark (not shown in the figure). The positioning mark can be a positioning image or a positioning light ring, etc. The drone 100 is provided with a vision detection component 104, which can use a camera to identify the positioning mark. Before landing, the drone 100 can identify the positioning mark through the vision detection component 104 to determine whether the charging seat 102 and the connector 205 are aligned, thereby ensuring that the charging seat 102 and the connector 205 can accurately dock after the drone 100 lands.

[0051] In one example, refer to Figures 2 to 4 The landing gear of the drone 100 includes at least two opposing legs 103, and the top surface of the movable seat 203 is recessed with at least two spaced positioning slots 2031. When the drone 100 lands, the legs 103 of the drone 100 landing gear can be respectively inserted into the positioning slots 2031 to restrict the movement of the drone 100 and ensure that the charging base 102 and the connector 205 are stably connected.

[0052] Furthermore, along the direction from the bottom to the opening of the positioning groove 2031, the groove wall of the positioning groove 2031 gradually slopes outward, meaning that the positioning groove 2031 is a dovetail groove. The landing gear legs 103 of the UAV 100 can enter the positioning groove 2031 under the guidance of the inclined groove wall of the positioning groove 2031, thereby reducing the positioning accuracy requirements of the UAV 100 during landing.

[0053] In one example, refer to Figure 4 A magnetic component 209, which can be a magnet, is provided inside the positioning slot 2031. The landing gear legs 103 of the drone 100 are provided with positioning parts that magnetically engage with the magnetic component 209. The positioning parts can be made of magnets or a metal that can be magnetically attracted. This design can further restrict the movement of the drone 100 through the magnetic engagement between the magnetic component 209 and the positioning parts, ensuring that the drone 100 can be stably charged on the movable seat 203.

Claims

1. A drone charging system, characterized in that, The system includes a ground charging robot (200), a second battery pack (201), a connector (205), a charging connector (204), a first battery pack (101), and a charging base (102). The first battery pack (101) and the charging base (102) are mounted on the drone (100), and the charging base (102) is installed on the bottom of the drone (100). The first battery pack (101) is electrically connected to the charging base (102). The second battery pack (201) is mounted on the ground charging robot (200). The ground charging robot (200) is equipped with a charging platform. Both the first battery pack (101) and the second battery pack (201) are composed of multiple lithium-carbon supercapacitor cells. The charging platform is equipped with a protective shell (202) with an open top. A flip-up protective cover (210) is provided at the open top. A movable seat (203) is also provided inside the protective shell (202). The movable seat (203) is used for the drone (100) to dock. The movable seat (203) can move along the axial direction of the protective shell (202). The protective shell (202) is provided with a charging connector (204) that is electrically connected to the second battery pack (201). The movable seat (203) is provided with a connector (205) corresponding to the position of the charging connector (204). The drone (100) can dock on the movable seat (203) so that the charging seat (102) can mate with the connector (205). The connector (205) is spaced apart from the charging connector (204). The drone (100) can drive the movable seat (203) to move downward relative to the charging connector (204) so ​​that the connector (205) mates with the charging connector (204) so ​​that the second battery pack (201) charges the first battery pack (101).

2. The drone charging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ground charging robot (200) is also equipped with a power replenishment device (206), which is electrically connected to the second battery pack (201).

3. The drone charging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, An elastic telescopic member (207) is provided inside the protective shell (202). The elastic telescopic member (207) is located between the bottom of the protective shell (202) and the movable seat (203). The elastic telescopic member (207) drives the movable seat (203) to move away from the charging connector (204).

4. The drone charging system according to claim 3, characterized in that, A telescopic guide (208) is provided between the movable seat (203) and the inner bottom wall of the protective shell (202), and the length of the telescopic guide (208) extends along the axial direction of the protective shell (202); And / or, one of the movable seat (203) and the inner wall of the protective shell (202) is provided with a limiting part, and the other of the movable seat (203) and the inner wall of the protective shell (202) is provided with a limiting groove. The length direction of the limiting groove is the same as the moving direction of the movable seat (203), and the limiting part is slidably disposed in the limiting groove.

5. The drone charging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The landing gear of the unmanned aerial vehicle (100) includes at least two opposing legs (103). The movable seat (203) is provided with at least two spaced positioning grooves (2031). Along the direction from the bottom to the opening of the positioning groove (2031), the groove wall of the positioning groove (2031) is gradually inclined outward. The support legs (103) are respectively inserted into the positioning grooves (2031).

6. The drone charging system according to claim 5, characterized in that, A magnetic element (209) is provided inside the positioning groove (2031). The support leg (103) is provided with a positioning part that magnetically engages with the magnetic component (209), and the magnetic component (209) is used to attract the support leg (103).

7. The drone charging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The charging platform is also equipped with a drive motor and a control module. The control module is connected to the drive motor and is used to control the drive motor to flip the protective cover (210).

8. The drone charging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top surface of the movable seat (203) is provided with a positioning mark. The drone (100) is equipped with a vision detection component (104) for identifying the positioning mark to align the charging dock (102) and the connector (205).

9. The drone charging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector (205) is connected to the movable seat (203) by fasteners, snap-fit, or thread.

10. The drone charging system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The power replenishment device (206) also includes a fuel-fired power generation device, a solar power generation device, a storage battery, or an energy recovery device.

11. A ground-based charging robot, characterized in that, The ground charging robot (200) is equipped with a second battery pack (201) and a charging platform. The second battery pack (201) is composed of multiple lithium-carbon supercapacitor cells. The charging platform is equipped with a protective shell (202) with an open top. The open top of the protective shell (202) is equipped with a flip-up protective cover (210). A movable seat (203) is provided inside the protective shell (202). The movable seat (203) is used to seal the open top and provide a docking point for the drone (100). 03) The protective shell (202) is movable along its axial direction. A charging connector (204) electrically connected to the second battery pack (201) is provided inside the protective shell (202). A connector (205) is provided on the movable seat (203) corresponding to the position of the charging connector (204). The connector (205) is spaced apart from the charging connector (204) and is used to electrically connect the charging connector (204) and the charging base (102) of the drone (100). The drone (100) can dock on the movable seat (203) so that the charging dock (102) can mate with the connector (205). The drone (100) can drive the movable seat (203) to move downward relative to the charging connector (204), so that the connector (205) docks with the charging connector (204), so that the second battery pack (201) charges the first battery pack (101) consisting of multiple lithium-carbon supercapacitor cells disposed on the drone (100).

12. The ground charging robot according to claim 11, characterized in that, The ground charging robot (200) is also equipped with a power replenishment device (206), which is electrically connected to the second battery pack (201).

13. The ground charging robot according to claim 11, characterized in that, An elastic telescopic member (207) is provided inside the protective shell (202). The elastic telescopic member (207) is located between the bottom of the protective shell (202) and the movable seat (203). The elastic telescopic member (207) drives the movable seat (203) to move away from the charging connector (204).

14. The ground charging robot according to claim 13, characterized in that, A telescopic guide (208) is provided between the movable seat (203) and the inner bottom wall of the protective shell (202), and the length of the telescopic guide (208) extends along the axial direction of the protective shell (202); And / or, one of the movable seat (203) and the inner wall of the protective shell (202) is provided with a limiting part, and the other of the movable seat (203) and the inner wall of the protective shell (202) is provided with a limiting groove. The length direction of the limiting groove is the same as the moving direction of the movable seat (203), and the limiting part is slidably disposed in the limiting groove.

15. The ground charging robot according to claim 11, characterized in that, The landing gear of the unmanned aerial vehicle (100) includes at least two opposing legs (103). The movable seat (203) is provided with at least two spaced positioning grooves (2031). Along the direction from the bottom to the opening of the positioning groove (2031), the groove wall of the positioning groove (2031) is gradually inclined outward. The support legs (103) are respectively inserted into the positioning grooves (2031).

16. The ground charging robot according to claim 15, characterized in that, A magnetic element (209) is provided inside the positioning groove (2031). The support leg (103) is provided with a positioning part that magnetically engages with the magnetic component (209), and the magnetic component (209) is used to attract the support leg (103).

17. The ground charging robot according to claim 11, characterized in that, The charging platform is also equipped with a drive motor and a control module. The control module is connected to the drive motor and is used to control the drive motor to flip the protective cover (210).

18. The ground charging robot according to claim 11, characterized in that, The top surface of the movable seat (203) is provided with a positioning mark. The drone (100) is equipped with a vision detection component (104) for identifying the positioning mark to align the charging dock (102) and the connector (205).

19. The ground charging robot according to claim 11, characterized in that, The connector (205) is connected to the movable seat (203) by fasteners, snap-fit, or thread.

20. The ground charging robot according to claim 12, characterized in that, The power replenishment device (206) also includes a fuel-fired power generation device, a solar power generation device, a storage battery, or an energy recovery device.

21. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system, characterized in that, Including a drone (100) and a ground charging robot (200) according to any one of claims 11-20, The drone (100) is equipped with a first battery pack (101) and a charging dock (102). The first battery pack (101) serves as the power source for the drone (100). The first battery pack (101) is composed of multiple lithium-carbon supercapacitor cells. The charging dock (102) is installed on the bottom of the drone (100). The first battery pack (101) is electrically connected to the charging dock (102).

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