A drone circulation access system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of unmanned plane circulation access systems, it is related to unmanned plane ground facility field, comprising: circulation track, form into three-dimensional ring track;Support device, for carrying unmanned plane, the support device is multiple, and movably set on the circulation track;First driving device, with the circulation track and multiple the support device connection, to drive multiple the support device moves along the circulation track.The above-mentioned unmanned plane circulation access system, it is helpful to solve the problem of low space utilization and low access efficiency of unmanned plane relay station in prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) ground facilities, and in particular to a UAV cyclic storage and retrieval system. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of drone technology, drones are increasingly being used in logistics, aerial surveying, emergency rescue, and agricultural plant protection. However, drones have limited endurance, and when multiple drones operate collaboratively, dedicated stations are needed for centralized storage, energy replenishment, maintenance, and task scheduling. Currently, most common drone stations adopt a planar layout or simple support structure, such as arranging multiple drone stations side by side on the ground or platform. This planar storage method has significant drawbacks such as low space utilization, low access efficiency, and insufficient endurance, especially in urban core areas or indoor spaces where land resources are scarce, making it difficult to meet the dense storage needs of multiple drones.

[0003] Existing technologies include some vertical storage solutions that attempt to address these issues, such as using multi-layered fixed shelves in conjunction with elevators for vertical storage of drones. However, these solutions still suffer from low circulation efficiency and complex mechanisms. Specifically, the fixed-layer structure prevents drone stations from achieving continuous circulation, requiring complex positioning and transfer mechanisms during storage and retrieval, thus reducing overall scheduling efficiency. Furthermore, this type of structure is difficult to adapt to different models or functions of drone stations, exhibiting poor scalability and adaptability.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new type of drone access system to effectively improve space utilization and access efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the problems of low space utilization and low access efficiency in existing drone rest stations, this utility model proposes a drone cyclic access system, which includes:

[0006] The circular track forms a three-dimensional ring track.

[0007] A support device for supporting the drone, wherein there are multiple support devices, which are movably arranged on the circulating track;

[0008] A first drive unit is connected to the circulating track and the plurality of support devices to drive the plurality of support devices to move along the circulating track.

[0009] Preferably, the first driving device includes:

[0010] A circular chain, formed in a ring shape and movably disposed in the circular track, is connected to the circular chain by the supporting device;

[0011] A drive unit is connected to the circulating chain to drive the circulating chain to move in the circulating track, thereby moving the support device.

[0012] Preferably, the circulation track includes a first track and a second track, which are arranged opposite to each other.

[0013] Preferably, the circulating chain includes a first chain and a second chain that are movably disposed in the first track and the second track, respectively.

[0014] Preferably, the supporting device includes:

[0015] Support frame;

[0016] The first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are fixed to both sides of the support frame, and the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are respectively connected to the first chain and the second chain.

[0017] Preferably, the ends of the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are rotatably connected to rolling elements, and the rolling elements roll against the circulating track.

[0018] Preferably, the first driving device further includes a transmission assembly, the transmission assembly comprising:

[0019] The drive shaft is connected to the drive component;

[0020] The first gear and the second gear are coaxially fixed on the transmission shaft, and the first gear and the second gear are respectively meshed with the first chain and the second chain.

[0021] Preferably, the supporting device further includes a drone rest station, the drone rest station comprising:

[0022] The base is detachably fixed to the support frame;

[0023] The first housing and the second housing are rotatably disposed on both sides of the base;

[0024] A second driving device is disposed on the base and connected to the first housing and the second housing respectively, so as to drive the separation / closure of the first housing and the second housing.

[0025] Preferably, the base is provided with a drone power supply unit, which is either a wireless charging transmitter module or a charging contact.

[0026] Preferably, the cyclic access system further includes a control device, which is signal-connected to the first drive device and the second drive device to control the operation of the first drive device and the second drive device.

[0027] Compared with the above-mentioned background technology, the UAV cyclic access system provided by this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0028] Firstly, this invention expands the storage space from a two-dimensional plane to a three-dimensional space by setting up a three-dimensional circular track and enabling multiple support devices carrying drones to move in a three-dimensional loop along it, thus achieving dense storage of drones in the vertical direction. This overcomes the low space utilization of planar layouts mentioned in the background technology, making it suitable for scenarios with limited land resources, such as urban core areas, and allowing for a significant increase in the number of drones that can be stored per unit area.

[0029] Secondly, this invention utilizes a first driving device to drive the supporting device in continuous cyclic movement on a three-dimensional circular track, achieving automated flow at the drone station. When a drone needs to be stored or retrieved, the system can directly and quickly transport the target supporting device to a fixed storage / retrieval port through cyclic movement, avoiding the complex lifting, lateral movement, and positioning mechanisms required by the "fixed-layer structure" in the prior art, as well as the resulting waiting time. This solves the problem of "low storage / retrieval efficiency."

[0030] Furthermore, the number of support devices can be increased or decreased according to actual storage needs. At the same time, the support devices can be adapted to different models and functions of drones, overcoming the shortcomings of existing technologies that "have difficulty in adapting to different models or functions of drone stations, and have poor scalability and adaptability."

[0031] Finally, the core architecture of this invention consists of a circulating track, a supporting device, and a first drive device, resulting in a simple and compact structure. Compared to the complex system of "multi-layer fixed shelves combined with a lift," this invention achieves three-dimensional storage and scheduling functions through a single cyclic motion, reducing the number of mechanical parts, lowering the complexity of the mechanism, and helping to improve the system's operational reliability and maintenance convenience. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first state of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the circulating track and the first drive device in this utility model;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a partial schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the second state of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the third state of this utility model.

[0038] Figure Labels

[0039] 1. System base; 2. Circulating track; 21. First track; 22. Second track; 3. Support device; 31. Support frame; 32. Second connecting rod; 4. First drive device; 41. Drive component; 42. Transmission assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0041] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0042] As described in the background section, most common drone stations currently employ a planar layout or simple support structure, such as arranging multiple drone stations side-by-side on the ground or platform. This planar storage method suffers from significant drawbacks, including low space utilization, low access efficiency, and insufficient battery life, especially in urban core areas or indoor spaces where land resources are scarce, making it difficult to meet the dense storage needs of multiple drones. Existing technologies have included some three-dimensional storage solutions attempting to address these issues, such as using multi-layered fixed shelves in conjunction with elevators to achieve vertical storage of drones. However, these solutions still suffer from low circulation efficiency and complex mechanisms. Specifically, the fixed-layer structure prevents continuous cyclic movement of the drone station, requiring complex positioning and transfer mechanisms during access, thus reducing overall scheduling efficiency. Furthermore, this type of structure is difficult to adapt to different models or functions of drone stations, exhibiting poor scalability and adaptability.

[0043] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model proposes a UAV cyclic access system, referring to... Figure 1The system includes a system base 1, a circular track 2, a support device 3, a first drive device 4, and a control device. The system base 1 provides support for the circular track 2 and the first drive device 4. The circular track 2 provides a preset three-dimensional spatial path for guiding and supporting the three-dimensional circular movement of the support device 3. The support device 3 directly carries the UAV and moves with the circular track 2 to achieve spatial displacement of the UAV. The first drive device 4 provides power to drive the support device 3 to move along the circular track 2. The control device coordinates the work of the first drive device 4 and other actuators to achieve automated scheduling and control of the UAV access process.

[0044] Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, the system base 1 is a metal frame structure with an access port at the top for the drone to access, and internal spaces for the installation of the circulation track 2 and for the cyclic movement of the support device 3. The metal frame structure is constructed of steel sections connected by welding and bolting.

[0045] As an optional embodiment, the system base 1 is composed of reinforced concrete walls, load-bearing columns, and floor slabs. The circulating track 2 and the first drive device 4 are anchored to predetermined positions in the walls or load-bearing columns by bolts. In this embodiment, the internal space enclosed by the walls, load-bearing columns, and floor slabs naturally constitutes a channel for the support device 3 to perform three-dimensional circulating movement. This embodiment is suitable for constructing dedicated UAV storage centers or for renovating existing industrial buildings, and has advantages such as structural stability, durability, and good sound insulation.

[0046] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The loop track 2 is constructed as a three-dimensional circular track extending in three-dimensional space. This three-dimensional circular track is fixedly installed on the system base 1, and its path forms a closed loop in space, thereby guiding the supporting device 3 to perform continuous three-dimensional circular motion. In an exemplary embodiment, the loop track 2 specifically consists of a first track 21 and a second track 22. The first track 21 and the second track 22 are spatially opposite and parallel. In some embodiments, the projection of this three-dimensional circular track onto a plane perpendicular to the ground can be an ellipse, a circle, or a racetrack-shaped closed shape.

[0047] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, both the first track 21 and the second track 22 are hollow profile tracks, such as C-channel steel. The hollow profile track gives the track itself high structural strength, while its hollow cavity is used to accommodate and guide the subsequent circulating chain.

[0048] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the loop track 2 is composed of multiple straight and curved track segments. The straight tracks form the straight sections of the path, while the curved track modules enable smooth turns. Each track has a connecting flange at its end, which is then fastened together with bolts. This makes the manufacturing, transportation, and on-site installation of the track system more convenient and allows for flexible adaptation to the needs of three-dimensional loop paths of different sizes and shapes.

[0049] Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, reference is made to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first driving device 4 includes a circulating chain, a driving component 41, and a transmission assembly 42. The circulating chain, as a closed-loop traction component, transmits power from the driving component 41 to multiple supporting devices 3, traction them to move synchronously and continuously along a pre-set three-dimensional circular track. The driving component 41 provides power to drive the transmission assembly 42 and the circulating chain connected thereto. The transmission assembly 42 transmits the power output from the driving component 41 to the circulating chain.

[0050] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the circulating chain specifically includes a first chain and a second chain. The first chain is movably housed within the hollow cavity of the first track 21 and arranged along its extension direction; the second chain is movably housed within the hollow cavity of the second track 22 and arranged along its extension direction. The two chains are of the same specification and operate synchronously via the transmission assembly 42, jointly pulling the supporting device 3 to move smoothly along the track.

[0051] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, both the first and second chains are standard industrial roller chains that are joined end-to-end to form a closed loop. The chain links are hinged by pins to provide good flexibility and allow smooth passage around curved sections in the three-dimensional circular track. The subsequent support device 3 is rigidly connected to specific links of the chain via chain link attachments, thereby ensuring that the support device 3 moves synchronously with the chain. Furthermore, the circulating chain is made of high-carbon steel and undergoes a heat treatment process to enhance its tensile strength and wear resistance, and to meet the load requirements of long-term cyclic operation.

[0052] As an alternative embodiment, the circulating chain is replaced by a rubber timing belt. This timing belt has embedded high-strength steel wire rope to enhance its tensile strength, and its inner circumferential surface has a toothed structure that is connected to the transmission assembly 42 for transmission.

[0053] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the drive unit 41 is a three-phase asynchronous motor, which is connected to the control device via a frequency converter so that the control device can control the motor speed, thereby achieving precise control of the moving speed of the circulating chain. The motor is fixed to the system base 1 by a mounting bracket, and the output shaft of the motor is directly connected to the input shaft of the transmission assembly 42 via a coupling to provide stable and continuous rotational power.

[0054] As an optional embodiment, the drive unit 41 is a servo motor. The servo motor is connected to the transmission assembly 42 via a reducer and works with an encoder to achieve closed-loop control.

[0055] As another alternative embodiment, the drive unit 41 is a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor is powered by a hydraulic station and features high torque and a wide speed range. It is suitable for heavy-duty applications requiring high torque drive.

[0056] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the transmission assembly 42 includes a transmission shaft, a first gear, and a second gear.

[0057] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the drive shaft is horizontally positioned and coaxially connected to the output shaft of the drive component 41 via a coupling. At both ends of the drive shaft, a first gear and a second gear are coaxially fixedly mounted via key connections. These first and second gears are standard roller sprockets, their teeth meshing with the rollers of the aforementioned first and second chains. To ensure smooth transmission, a rolling bearing is also provided at each end of the drive shaft, with bearing housings fixedly mounted to the system base 1 via bolts. When the drive component 41 drives the drive shaft to rotate, the first and second gears rotate synchronously, thereby driving the first and second chains to achieve synchronous cyclic motion within their respective tracks.

[0058] As an optional embodiment, the transmission assembly 42 adopts a dual-shaft independent transmission structure. In this scheme, instead of a single full-length transmission shaft, two shorter transmission shafts are used, each connected to the same drive component 41 via a reducer. The first gear is fixedly mounted on the first transmission shaft, and the second gear is fixedly mounted on the second transmission shaft. The two shafts are driven to rotate synchronously by a single drive component 41 and a reduction distribution mechanism. This embodiment reduces the requirements for machining and installation accuracy of long shafts, effectively avoids meshing problems caused by deformation due to excessive shaft length, and is suitable for systems with larger spans.

[0059] Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, there are multiple supporting devices 3, which are movably mounted on the circulating track 2. Each supporting device 3 includes a support frame 31, a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod 322, rolling elements, and a drone rest station. The support frame 31 is used to directly install and fix the drone rest station. The first and second connecting rods 322 act as rigid connecting arms, with one end fixed to both sides of the support frame 31 and the other end connected to the circulating chain, transmitting the chain's traction force to the support frame 31 and maintaining a stable distance between the two tracks. The rolling elements are installed at the ends of the first and second connecting rods 322, forming rolling contact with the circulating track 2, converting the sliding friction of the supporting device 3 during movement into rolling friction to reduce running resistance, lower wear, and ensure smooth movement. The drone rest station provides dedicated space for drones to store, charge, and take off / land.

[0060] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the support frame 31 is welded from rectangular steel tubes to form a square rigid frame. The support frame 31 has an mounting surface for installing the drone station; symmetrical mounting lugs for connecting the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod 322 are welded to both sides of it.

[0061] As an optional embodiment, the support frame 31 is assembled using aluminum profiles and connectors. In this embodiment, the support frame 31 is assembled using standard industrial aluminum profiles and special corner brackets, which has the advantages of being lightweight, corrosion-resistant, easy to adjust in size, and easy to maintain.

[0062] As another alternative embodiment, the support frame 31 is integrally formed by hot pressing of fiber-reinforced composite material using a mold. The support frame 31 in this embodiment is seamless, has a high strength-to-weight ratio, and possesses good shock absorption and weather resistance, making it suitable for harsh outdoor environments or scenarios where further weight reduction is required.

[0063] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod 322 are two solid round steel rods with symmetrical structures. One end of each connecting rod is rigidly connected to the mounting lug of the support frame 31 by welding, and the other end is machined with a shaft hole, on which the aforementioned rolling element is mounted by a bearing. The ends of the two connecting rods are also provided with chain connection holes, and are hinged to the links of the circulating chain by pins.

[0064] As an optional embodiment, the two connecting rods consist of sleeves with positive and negative threads at both ends and two screws screwed into them. The total length of the connecting rods can be finely adjusted by rotating the sleeves. This facilitates adjustment of the levelness of the support bracket 31 during installation and commissioning, compensating for installation errors in the track spacing.

[0065] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the aforementioned rolling element is a deep groove ball bearing. The outer ring of this bearing serves as the rolling surface and rolls against the track wall of the circulating track 2, while its inner ring is fixedly mounted on the end of the connecting rod via an interference fit.

[0066] As an optional embodiment, the rolling element uses a rubber-coated roller. This roller is made of a metal hub covered with a layer of polyurethane elastomer. This rolling element effectively absorbs vibration and shock, significantly reduces operating noise, and provides greater friction to prevent slippage on the track.

[0067] As another optional embodiment, the rolling element employs a guide wheel assembly consisting of three or more small guide wheels. These guide wheels contact the top, bottom, and inner wall of the circulating track 2 respectively, forming a clamping rolling support to prevent it from swaying, overturning, or derailing during operation.

[0068] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the drone station includes a base, a first housing, a second housing, and a second drive device. The base is detachably fixed to the support frame 31 by bolts; the first and second housings are made of lightweight aluminum alloy and are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the base by hinges; the second drive device is an electric push rod mounted on the base, the output end of which is connected to the housing to drive the synchronous separation or closing of the two housings, forming a space for drones to enter and exit.

[0069] As an optional embodiment, the drone station integrates a power supply unit and environmental monitoring sensors. Specifically, the power supply unit includes a power conversion unit, a transmitting coil, and a communication and control unit. The power conversion unit converts the DC power supplied by the system into high-frequency AC power; the transmitting coil converts the high-frequency AC power into an alternating magnetic field and serves as an energy transmitter; the communication and control unit communicates with the drone's onboard wireless charging receiver module to negotiate charging parameters and monitor the charging status in real time. When the drone docks at the station's parking platform, the receiving coil on the drone body aligns vertically with the transmitting coil in the station's base, achieving contactless power transmission through electromagnetic induction. Optionally, the power supply unit can be a charging contact. Specifically, it includes one or more pairs of conductive contacts, an elastic pressure mechanism, and a contact detection and energization control circuit. The conductive contacts are exposed on the base; an elastic pressure mechanism is installed below the wire contacts to ensure a stable and pressure-based physical connection when the contacts make contact with the corresponding power-receiving terminals on the drone's fuselage; a contact detection and power-on control circuit is used to detect whether the contacts and the drone are reliably connected. Only after confirming the connection is correct will the power be turned on to prevent arcing or short circuits. When the drone docks, the power-receiving terminals on its fuselage precisely align with and press down on the charging contacts on the station, forming a stable electrical connection under the action of the elastic mechanism, thus initiating conductive charging.

[0070] Specifically, the environmental monitoring sensors include at least temperature and humidity sensors and smoke sensors, used to monitor the temperature, humidity, and smoke inside the station, respectively, to prevent damage to the drone's electronic equipment due to condensation or high temperatures, and to detect fire hazards. All of the above sensors are connected to the control device via signal connections.

[0071] Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, the control device includes a programmable logic controller (PLC). This control device is signal-connected to various components of the aforementioned system via an input / output module and a communication module. Specifically, the control device sends speed commands and start / stop commands to the drive element 41 in the first drive device 4. The control device controls the operation of the second drive device, thereby precisely controlling the opening and closing of the drone station housing. The control device exchanges data with the power supply units and environmental monitoring sensors within each drone station to monitor the charging status and internal environmental parameters of each station in real time.

[0072] Furthermore, the control device contains a pre-stored control program. (Refer to...) Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Upon receiving the drone's dispatch instruction from the system, it executes the following automated process: First, based on the drone's number in the instruction, it locates the current position of the support device 3 where the drone is located; then, it controls the first drive device 4 to operate, precisely moving the support device 3 to the system's access port; next, it controls the second drive device to open the station shell; finally, it sends a take-off instruction to the drone and closes the shell after confirming its departure.

[0073] It should be noted that in this specification, relational terms such as first and second are used only to distinguish one entity from several other entities, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities.

[0074] This article uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this utility model. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from the principles of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A UAV cyclic access system, characterized in that, include: The circular track forms a three-dimensional ring track. A support device for supporting the drone, wherein there are multiple support devices, which are movably arranged on the circulating track; A first drive unit is connected to the circulating track and the plurality of support devices to drive the plurality of support devices to move along the circulating track.

2. The UAV cyclic access system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first driving device includes: A circular chain, formed in a ring shape and movably disposed in the circular track, is connected to the circular chain by the supporting device; A drive unit is connected to the circulating chain to drive the circulating chain to move in the circulating track, thereby moving the support device.

3. The UAV cyclic access system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The loop track includes a first track and a second track, which are arranged opposite to each other.

4. The UAV cyclic access system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The circulating chain includes a first chain and a second chain that are movably disposed in the first track and the second track, respectively.

5. The UAV cyclic access system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The supporting device includes: Support frame; The first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are fixed to both sides of the support frame, and the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are respectively connected to the first chain and the second chain.

6. The UAV cyclic access system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The ends of the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are rotatably connected to rolling elements, which roll against the circulating track.

7. The UAV cyclic access system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first driving device further includes a transmission assembly, the transmission assembly comprising: The drive shaft is connected to the drive component; The first gear and the second gear are coaxially fixed on the transmission shaft, and the first gear and the second gear are respectively meshed with the first chain and the second chain.

8. The UAV cyclic access system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The supporting device also includes a drone rest station, which includes: The base is detachably fixed to the support frame; The first housing and the second housing are rotatably disposed on both sides of the base; A second driving device is disposed on the base and connected to the first housing and the second housing respectively, so as to drive the separation / closure of the first housing and the second housing.

9. The UAV cyclic access system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The base is equipped with a drone power supply unit, which can be either a wireless charging transmitter module or a charging contact.

10. The UAV cyclic access system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cyclic access system further includes a control device, which is signal-connected to the first drive device and the second drive device to control the operation of the first drive device and the second drive device.

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