Cargo hanging device and delivery unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of goods hanging device and distribution unmanned plane, including frame body, lock hook mechanism and rotary drive mechanism;Frame body includes installation main body and hangs main body, installation main body is used to be connected with unmanned plane fuselage, hangs main body and installation main body rotation is connected;Lock hook mechanism includes at least two lock hook components symmetrically and interval arranged on hanging main body, each lock hook component is used to hook goods;Rotary drive mechanism is installed in installation main body, its driving end is transmission connection with hanging main body, for driving hanging main body and lock hook mechanism rotation relative to installation main body;The device can make goods realize accurate rotation adjustment in horizontal direction in hovering state, effectively solve the problem that goods swing greatly in flight process, improve the flexibility of automatic receiving platform docking.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of low-altitude tobacco delivery technology, specifically to a cargo hoisting device and a delivery drone. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the rapid development of drone technology, its application in logistics and distribution has become increasingly widespread, especially demonstrating great potential in scenarios such as emergency material delivery and transportation in special terrains. In the tobacco commercial system, traditional cigarette distribution mainly relies on ground transport vehicles. When faced with complex terrains such as mountainous areas and rural areas, or urban traffic congestion, delivery efficiency is constrained, making it difficult to fully meet the increasing demand for timeliness from retail terminals. The industry has recognized that introducing low-altitude flight equipment such as drones for logistics distribution can significantly shorten delivery time, improve logistics efficiency, and thus respond to market demands more quickly. Compared with traditional ground transportation methods, drones have the natural advantages of direct routes and no road network restrictions in short-distance transportation, reducing the use of manpower and transport vehicles, and representing an effective technological path to reduce logistics costs.

[0003] Patent CN107985598A discloses a drone delivery system, including a control system mounted on the drone, a distance sensor, a motor, a spool connected to the motor's shaft, a rope wound on the spool, a hook with wireless signal transmission function fixedly connected to the end of the rope, and an item detection device mounted on the drone for detecting package landing information. In use, this system executes the following steps: the drone hovers over the delivery location; the motor drives the spool to rotate and release the rope; the item detection device detects package landing information; the control system determines whether the package has landed; after landing, the recipient opens the hook to remove the package; the rope is retracted, and no one returns, completing one delivery operation.

[0004] However, the current drones have an uncertain angle when they are parked on the cargo box, making it difficult to accurately align the cargo with the opening of the cargo box. Their delivery system does not have the ability to accurately adjust the orientation of the cargo while hovering, and it lacks flexibility when it needs to connect with an automated receiving platform. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and propose a cargo lifting device and a delivery drone to solve the technical problems in the prior art, such as the cargo being prone to swinging during flight, the inability to accurately adjust the cargo orientation in a hovering state, and the lack of flexibility in docking with automated receiving platforms.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: In a first aspect, this utility model provides a cargo lifting device, including a frame, a hook mechanism, and a rotation drive mechanism; the frame includes an installation body and a lifting body, the installation body being used to connect to the fuselage of a drone, and the lifting body being rotatably connected to the installation body; the hook mechanism includes at least two hook assemblies symmetrically spaced on the lifting body, each hook assembly being used to hook cargo; the rotation drive mechanism is installed on the installation body, and its drive end is tractively connected to the lifting body, for driving the lifting body and the hook mechanism to rotate relative to the installation body.

[0007] In some embodiments, the locking hook assembly includes a hook and a release drive; one end of the hook has a hook portion and the other end is hinged to the suspension body; the release drive is mounted on the suspension body and connected to the hook, for driving the hook to rotate about its hinge axis, so that the hook switches between a locked position with the hook portion facing upwards and a released position with the hook portion away from upwards.

[0008] In some embodiments, the unhooking drive is an electric telescopic rod; the hook has a groove; the drive end of the electric telescopic rod is provided with a slider that is slidably embedded in the groove, so that the hook can be rotated by the extension and retraction of the electric telescopic rod through the cooperation of the slider and the groove.

[0009] 4. In some embodiments, the locking hook assembly further includes a stop member, which is fixedly disposed on the hanging body and located on one side of the hook portion of the hook; when the hook is in the locked position, the stop member at least partially covers the opening of the hook portion.

[0010] In some embodiments, the rotary drive mechanism is a servo motor or a stepper motor.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cargo hoisting device further includes a lifting drive mechanism; the lifting drive mechanism includes a winding component and a winding drive component; the winding component is configured to be installed on the fuselage of the UAV, and its winding end is connected to the mounting body; the winding drive component is driven to the winding component and is used to drive the winding component to wind or release, so as to raise or lower the mounting body and the hoisting body.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cargo hoisting device further includes a mounting frame fixed to the fuselage of the drone; the winding component is mounted on the mounting frame; the mounting frame is provided with a positioning frame, and the positioning frame has a positioning groove; when the winding component is wound up to the highest position of the mounting body, the mounting body is engaged with the positioning groove and confined therein.

[0013] In some embodiments, the winding component is provided in two sets, which are arranged side by side, with their winding ends respectively connected to both sides of the mounting body.

[0014] In some embodiments, the winding component includes a drum and a cable, two sets of winding components have their drums coaxially and fixedly connected, the cable is wound around the corresponding drum, and its free end is connected to the mounting body; the winding drive component includes a motor, the output shaft of the motor is coaxially connected to the drum to drive it to rotate synchronously.

[0015] Secondly, this utility model also provides a delivery drone, including a cargo lifting device as described in any of the above.

[0016] Compared with existing technologies, the cargo lifting device and delivery drone provided by this utility model, by setting up a rotating frame composed of an installation body and a lifting body, and cooperating with a rotation drive mechanism, enables the drone to actively drive the horizontal rotation of the suspended cargo while hovering. This achieves precise and independent adjustment of the cargo's orientation, greatly improving the flexibility and accuracy of docking with automated receiving facilities. Furthermore, by using at least two symmetrically spaced hook components to jointly hook the cargo, multi-point support for the cargo is achieved, effectively suppressing cargo swaying caused by airflow and other factors during flight and hovering, ensuring the overall stability of the cargo while hovering, and providing a stable and reliable benchmark for subsequent precise directional adjustments by the rotation mechanism. The entire device works synergistically, improving the drone's anti-interference capability and control precision, while providing reliable technical support for the precise low-altitude delivery of tobacco and other materials in complex scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the cargo lifting device provided in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the main cross-sectional structure of the cargo lifting device provided in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the cargo lifting device provided in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cargo lifting device provided in this embodiment when the hook is in the released position; Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the cargo lifting device and delivery drone provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Frame; 11. Installation main body; 12. Suspension main body; 2. Locking hook mechanism; 21. Locking hook assembly; 211. Hook; 2111. Slide groove; 212. Unhooking drive component; 2121. Electric telescopic rod; 2122. Slider; 22. Stop component; 3. Rotary drive mechanism; 4. Lifting drive mechanism; 41. Rewinding component; 411. Drum; 412. Cable; 42. Rewinding drive component; 43. Mounting bracket; 44. Positioning bracket; 441. Positioning groove; 5. Drones. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0020] To address the technical problems of cargo swaying during flight, inability to accurately adjust cargo orientation while hovering, and insufficient flexibility in docking with automated receiving platforms, this invention provides a cargo hoisting device and a delivery drone. This device enables precise horizontal rotation adjustment of cargo while hovering, effectively solving the problem of cargo swaying significantly during flight and improving the flexibility of docking with automated receiving platforms.

[0021] Please see Figure 1 In one aspect, embodiments of this application provide a cargo lifting device, including a frame 1, a locking hook mechanism 2, and a rotary drive mechanism 3.

[0022] Please see Figures 1 to 5 The frame 1 consists of a mounting body 11 for connecting the fuselage of the UAV 5 and a hanging body 12 for carrying cargo. The two are rotatably connected by bearings, allowing the hanging body 12 to rotate horizontally in the air independently of the UAV 5. Both the mounting body 11 and the hanging body 12 adopt a frame structure. A rotary drive mechanism 3, mounted on the mounting body 11, provides the power for the rotation of the hanging body 12. In this embodiment, this mechanism is a stepper motor. The output shaft of the stepper motor is connected to the rotating shaft of the hanging body 12 via a coupling. When the stepper motor receives a control signal, it precisely drives the hanging body 12 and the entire locking hook mechanism 2 fixed thereon to rotate synchronously, thereby achieving precise adjustment of the orientation of the suspended cargo.

[0023] Please see Figures 1 to 4The locking hook mechanisms 2 are symmetrically spaced below the hanging body 12. In this embodiment, two locking hook assemblies 21 are provided. Each locking hook assembly 21 includes a hook 211 and a release drive 212. One end of the hook 211 forms a hook portion for supporting goods, and the other end is hinged to the hanging body 12 via a pin. In this embodiment, the release drive 212 is an electric telescopic rod 2121. To achieve efficient transmission, a groove 2111 is provided on the rod of the hook 211; a slider 2122 is provided at the piston rod end of the electric telescopic rod 2121, which is slidably embedded in the groove 2111. When the electric telescopic rod 2121 extends or retracts, the sliding of the slider 2122 in the groove 2111 is converted into the rotation of the hook 211 around its hinge axis, thereby switching the hook 211 between the locked position and the released position. When the hook 211 is in the locked position, its hook portion faces upward, suitable for supporting goods. When hook 211 is in the released position, its hook portion is offset upwards, allowing the goods to detach from hook 211.

[0024] To further enhance the locking security of the hook 211, in some possible embodiments, each hook assembly 21 is also provided with a stop 22. The stop 22 is a metal block, fixedly welded to the hanging body 12 and located on one side of the hook portion of the hook 211. When the hook 211 is rotated to the locked position, the stop 22 precisely blocks the opening of the hook portion, forming a physical barrier, effectively preventing the goods from accidentally falling out of the hook 211 due to vibration or other reasons during transportation.

[0025] In other possible embodiments, the specific implementation of the hook mechanism 2 can be more diverse. For example, the hook release drive 212 is not limited to the electric telescopic rod 2121, but can also use a rotary electromagnet or a micro linear motor combined with a linkage mechanism to drive the opening and closing of the hook 211. Its number can also be adjusted according to the shape, weight and balance requirements of the goods. For long and narrow goods, three or more hook assemblies 21 can be set to form a more stable and reliable multi-point suspension support.

[0026] Please see Figures 1 to 3To expand the functionality of the device, this embodiment integrates a lifting drive mechanism 4. The lifting drive mechanism 4 includes a mounting frame 43, which is fixed to the fuselage of the UAV 5. Two sets of parallel winding components 41 are mounted on the mounting frame 43. Each set of winding components 41 includes a drum 411 and a cable 412. The two drums 411 are coaxially fixed by a connecting shaft to achieve synchronous rotation. One end of each cable 412 is wound around the two drums 411, and the other end is connected to both sides of the mounting body 11. The winding drive component 42 is a motor, whose output shaft is coaxially connected to the connecting shaft, driving the two drums 411 to rotate synchronously in both directions, thereby raising or lowering the mounting body 11 and the suspended body 12 below by winding and unwinding the cable 412. This allows the lifting drive mechanism 4 to lower the mounting body 11 and the suspended body 12 to a suitable height when loading cargo, facilitating cargo loading by operators. After loading, the cargo can be raised to the required flight height, greatly improving the convenience and safety of cargo loading.

[0027] In some possible embodiments, a positioning frame 44 with a positioning groove 441 is provided on the mounting frame 43. When the mounting body 11 is raised to its highest position, its upper structure fits the contour of the positioning groove 441 and is confined within it, achieving stable storage and locking during flight, facilitating precise orientation adjustment of the cargo by the subsequent rotating mechanism. This design not only improves the overall stability of the device but also ensures that the cargo remains relatively stationary during high-speed flight or in complex airflow environments, reducing potential safety hazards caused by shaking.

[0028] Please see Figures 1 to 5 Secondly, this application also provides a delivery drone 5, including the cargo lifting device of any of the above embodiments. Furthermore, the delivery drone 5 is equipped with a flight control system that communicates with the electronic control system of the lifting device, enabling it to automatically or semi-automatically complete a series of operations such as cargo grabbing, aerial transport, hovering and steering, and precise delivery. It is particularly suitable for scenarios requiring high delivery accuracy and stability, such as tobacco and express delivery.

[0029] To better understand this utility model, the following is combined with... Figures 1 to 5The technical solution of this utility model is described in detail as follows: During operation, the UAV 5 first positions itself above the tobacco package via the flight control system, and then activates the lifting drive mechanism 4. The motor drives the connecting shaft to rotate, causing the two drums 411 to synchronously wind up the cable 412, lowering the installation body 11 and the hanging body 12 to a suitable height. At this time, the hook 211 of the locking hook mechanism 2 is in the released position, with the hook portion facing downwards, facilitating the loading of the tobacco package. The operator places the tobacco package above the hook portion of the hook 211, and then activates the release drive component 212. The piston rod of the electric telescopic rod 2121 extends, and through the sliding of the slider 2122 in the slide groove 2111, it pushes the hook 211 to rotate around the hinge axis until the hook 211 rotates to the locked position.

[0030] After the tobacco packaging is loaded, the lifting drive mechanism 4 restarts, and the motor reverses to drive the drum 411 to release the cable, raising the installation body 11 and the hanging body 12 to their highest position. When the installation body 11 is raised to its highest position, it is confined within the positioning groove 441. Upon reaching the destination, when the drone 5 needs to adjust the orientation of the tobacco package while hovering above the cargo box, the stepper motor can precisely drive the hanging body 12 and the entire locking hook mechanism 2 fixed to it to rotate horizontally synchronously, thereby achieving precise adjustment of the orientation of the suspended tobacco package. At the same time, the release drive component 212 restarts, the piston rod of the electric telescopic rod 2121 retracts, and through the sliding of the slider 2122 in the slide groove 2111, it pulls the hook 211 to rotate in the opposite direction around the hinge axis until the hook 211 rotates to the release position. The tobacco package detaches from the hook 211 due to gravity, completing the precise delivery.

[0031] The cargo lifting device and delivery drone 5 provided by this utility model, by setting up a rotating frame 1 composed of an installation body 11 and a lifting body 12, and cooperating with a rotation drive mechanism 3, enables the drone 5 to actively drive the horizontal rotation of the suspended cargo while hovering, thereby achieving precise and independent adjustment of the cargo's orientation, greatly improving the flexibility and accuracy of docking with automated receiving facilities. Furthermore, by using at least two symmetrically spaced locking hook components 21 to jointly hook the cargo, multi-point support for the cargo is achieved, effectively suppressing cargo swaying caused by airflow and other factors during flight and hovering, ensuring the overall stability of the cargo while hovering, and providing a stable and reliable benchmark for the subsequent precise directional adjustment of the rotation mechanism. The entire device works synergistically, improving the drone 5's anti-interference capability and control precision, while providing reliable technical support for the precise low-altitude delivery of tobacco and other materials in complex scenarios.

[0032] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper" and "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "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; they can refer to the internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] It should be noted that in this application, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0034] The specific embodiments of this utility model described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. Any other corresponding changes and modifications made based on the technical concept of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A cargo lifting device, characterized in that, include: The frame includes a mounting body and a suspension body, wherein the mounting body is used to connect to the fuselage of the UAV, and the suspension body is rotatably connected to the mounting body; The locking mechanism includes at least two locking hook assemblies symmetrically spaced on the suspension body, each of the locking hook assemblies being used to hook goods; as well as A rotary drive mechanism is installed on the mounting body, and its drive end is connected to the suspension body for driving the suspension body and the locking hook mechanism to rotate relative to the mounting body.

2. The cargo lifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking hook assembly includes a hook and a release drive; one end of the hook has a hook portion, and the other end is hinged to the hanging body; the release drive is installed on the hanging body and connected to the hook, and is used to drive the hook to rotate around its hinge axis, so that the hook switches between a locked position in which the hook portion faces upward and a released position in which the hook portion is away from upward.

3. The cargo lifting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The unhooking drive is an electric telescopic rod; the hook has a sliding groove; the drive end of the electric telescopic rod is provided with a slider that is slidably embedded in the sliding groove, so that the hook can be rotated by the extension and retraction of the electric telescopic rod through the cooperation of the slider and the sliding groove.

4. The cargo lifting device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The locking hook assembly also includes a stop member, which is fixedly disposed on the hanging body and located on one side of the hook portion of the hook; when the hook is in the locked position, the stop member at least partially covers the opening of the hook portion.

5. The cargo lifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotary drive mechanism is a servo motor or a stepper motor.

6. The cargo lifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a lifting drive mechanism; the lifting drive mechanism includes a winding component and a winding drive component; the winding component is configured to be installed on the fuselage of the UAV, and its winding end is connected to the installation body; the winding drive component is driven to the winding component and is used to drive the winding component to wind or release, so as to raise or lower the installation body and the hanging body.

7. The cargo lifting device according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a mounting frame fixed to the drone body; the winding component is mounted on the mounting frame; the mounting frame is provided with a positioning frame, and the positioning frame has a positioning groove; when the winding component is wound up to the highest position of the mounting body, the mounting body fits into the positioning groove and is confined therein.

8. The cargo lifting device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The winding component is provided in two sets, which are arranged side by side, with their winding ends respectively connected to both sides of the mounting body.

9. The cargo lifting device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The winding component includes a drum and a cable. Two sets of winding components have their drums coaxially and fixedly connected. The cable is wound around the corresponding drum, and its free end is connected to the mounting body. The winding drive component includes a motor. The output shaft of the motor is coaxially connected to the drum to drive it to rotate synchronously.

10. A delivery drone, characterized in that, Includes the cargo lifting device as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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