A drone warehouse scanning device

Abstract

This utility model relates to a drone-mounted warehouse scanning device, comprising a drone and an RFID scanning module mounted on the drone. The RFID scanning module includes a reader / writer, an antenna, and a mounting part. The antenna is electrically connected to the reader / writer. The mounting part has a mounting cavity with a directional opening communicating with the outside. The antenna is located inside the mounting cavity, with its signal transmitting end facing the directional opening. This scanning device utilizes an RFID-equipped drone for aerial scanning, significantly improving inventory speed and enabling unmanned and automated warehouse scanning. It also enhances scanning efficiency by directionally guiding the radio waves of the antenna through the directional opening, ensuring the scanning efficiency of the RFID scanning module and the entire scanning module, thus guaranteeing efficient inventory counting of warehouse goods.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of warehouse inventory equipment technology, and in particular to a drone warehouse scanning device. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional inventory counting in large warehouses mainly relies on manual handheld scanning devices to scan the labels of goods one by one. This method is inefficient, labor-intensive, and prone to errors, especially when counting on high-rise shelves, and also poses certain safety hazards.

[0003] To improve inventory efficiency, existing technologies have attempted to use automated equipment. However, many warehouses (especially indoor flat warehouses) have complex environments and weak GPS signals, making accurate positioning and autonomous navigation of automated equipment a challenge. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a drone warehouse scanning device that improves warehouse inventory speed, realizes unmanned and automated warehouse scanning, and improves scanning efficiency.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A drone warehouse scanning device includes a drone and an RFID scanning module mounted on the drone; The RFID scanning module includes a reader, an antenna, and a mounting part, wherein the antenna is electrically connected to the reader. The mounting part has a mounting cavity, and the mounting cavity has a directional opening that communicates with the outside. The antenna is located inside the mounting cavity, and the signal transmitting end of the antenna is oriented towards the directional opening.

[0006] Preferably, the inner wall of the mounting cavity is provided with a wave-absorbing layer.

[0007] Preferably, the drone further includes a drone body and a mounting bracket disposed on the drone body, and the mounting part is mounted on the mounting bracket.

[0008] Preferably, the mounting bracket includes an upper connecting frame and a tripod, wherein the upper connecting frame is snapped onto the drone; The tripod includes two support rods spaced apart from each other and a mounting plate located between the two support rods. The mounting part is mounted on the mounting plate, or the mounting part and the reader are both mounted on the mounting plate.

[0009] Preferably, the lower end of the support rod is provided with a buffer layer.

[0010] Preferably, the drone body and the mounting bracket are either integrated or independently configured.

[0011] Preferably, the mounting cavity is provided with a bracket, and the end of the bracket is provided with a bayonet, and the antenna is snapped into the bayonet.

[0012] Preferably, the mounting part includes a mounting box and a sliding plate. The mounting box has a mounting opening on one side. The sliding plate is slidably disposed on the mounting opening along the axial direction of the directional opening and is formed in the directional opening and the mounting cavity. The mounting end of the antenna is mounted on the sliding plate.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: 1. By using drones equipped with RFID for aerial scanning, the inventory speed has been greatly improved, realizing unmanned and automated scanning of the warehouse and improving scanning efficiency.

[0014] 2. By using drones equipped with RFID for aerial scanning, there is no need for manual climbing of high-rise shelves, thus reducing operational safety risks.

[0015] 3. By installing the antenna inside the mounting cavity and setting a directional opening, the signal emitted by the antenna is transmitted only from the directional opening to the outside of the mounting cavity without diffusion. External radio wave information can be obtained from the directional opening, realizing directional transmission and acquisition of radio waves. Therefore, the mounting part on the UAV does not need to be too close to the RFID tag on the goods. It can be used only with the RFID tag on the corresponding goods to accurately obtain the radio wave information of the RFID tag on the corresponding goods and obtain the corresponding goods information. As a result, the antenna can acquire RFID tags faster through radio waves, ensuring the scanning efficiency of the RFID scanning module and the entire scanning module, and ensuring the efficiency of warehouse inventory. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the scanning device in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a front sectional view of the mounting section in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a top sectional view of the mounting part and antenna in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a top sectional view of the mounting box in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV); 11. UAV body; 12. Mounting bracket; 121. Connecting frame; 122. Support rod; 123. Mounting plate; 124. Buffer layer; 2. RFID scanning module; 21. Reader / writer; 22. Antenna; 23. Wire; 24. Mounting part; 241. Mounting cavity; 242. Directional opening; 243. Mounting box; 244. Slide plate; 245. Wave-absorbing layer; 246. Mounting port. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0020] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0021] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0022] This utility model embodiment provides a drone warehouse scanning device, such as Figure 1As shown, the system includes a drone 1 and an RFID scanning module 2 mounted on the drone 1. The RFID scanning module is an existing module capable of communicating with RFID tags via radio waves to identify and read data from the tags. It features higher reading speed and stronger anti-interference capabilities. Specifically, the RFID scanning module 2 includes a reader / writer 21 and an antenna 22. The antenna 22 is connected to the reader / writer 21 via a wire 23. The reader / writer 21 processes radio frequency signals and data, while the antenna 22 transmits and receives radio frequency signals. Since the corresponding cargo tags are RFID tags, the antenna 22 can transmit and receive radio waves to communicate with the RFID tags, thereby acquiring cargo information and performing inventory checks based on that information. It is important to note that the drone 1 has an autonomous navigation module that uses a positioning technology based on the fusion of LiDAR (SLAM) and visible light, enabling the drone 1 to autonomously fly to preset waypoints (RFID tag points) in an indoor environment to perform scanning tasks. The drone 1 also includes a data transmission unit for transmitting the cargo information collected by the RFID scanning module 2 back to the backend inventory management system in real time or after the task is completed.

[0023] The aforementioned drone 1 equipped with RFID scanning module 2 has advantages such as improved efficiency, lightweight design, and enhanced safety. Specifically, the drone 1 equipped with RFID scanning module can perform aerial scanning, which greatly improves the inventory speed and realizes unmanned and automated scanning of the warehouse. Moreover, the RFID scanning module 2 is small in size and light in weight, making it easy to integrate into the drone 1 without affecting flight performance. It has a long identification distance, ensuring the inventory effect, and eliminates the need for manual climbing of high-rise shelves, reducing operational safety risks.

[0024] Specifically, the radio wave radiation of antenna 22 will spread, resulting in a wider range of radio waves emitted and received by antenna 22. Antenna 22 needs to be closer to the RFID tag on the goods in order to better receive the radio wave information reflected by the corresponding RFID tag of the goods through radio waves, so as to accurately scan and obtain the corresponding information. However, the closer it is to the goods, the slower the flight speed of the drone 1 is, and the more time is spent, which slows down the speed at which antenna 22 obtains RFID tags through radio waves, resulting in lower inventory efficiency.

[0025] To solve the above problems, such as Figures 2-3As shown, the RFID scanning module 2 also includes a mounting part 24, which has a mounting cavity 241. The mounting cavity 241 has a directional opening 242 that communicates with the outside. When the antenna 22 in the RFID scanning module 2 receives the radio wave information reflected by the RFID tag, the directional opening 242 faces the RFID tag on the goods. The antenna 22 is located in the mounting cavity 241, and the signal transmitting end of the antenna 22 faces the directional opening 242. Thus, the signal emitted by the antenna 22 is only emitted from the directional opening 242 to the outside of the mounting cavity 241 without diffusion. It can also obtain external radio wave information from the directional opening 242, realizing directional transmission and acquisition of radio waves. Therefore, the mounting part 24 on the UAV 1 does not need to be too close to the RFID tag on the goods. It can be used only with the RFID tag on the corresponding goods to accurately obtain the radio wave information of the RFID tag on the corresponding goods and obtain the corresponding goods information. Thus, the antenna 22 obtains the RFID tag faster through radio waves, ensuring the scanning efficiency of the RFID scanning module 2 and the inventory efficiency of the warehouse goods.

[0026] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, an absorbing layer 245 is provided on the inner wall of the mounting cavity 241. The absorbing layer 245 is made of absorbing material. Absorbing material refers to a type of functional material that can absorb and attenuate the energy of electromagnetic waves incident in space and reduce or eliminate reflected electromagnetic waves. It is generally composed of a matrix material and a loss medium. Specifically, the absorbing material can be one of the following: absorbing material, metal micro-powder absorbing material, polycrystalline iron fiber absorbing material, or nano-absorbing material. Furthermore, the absorbing layer 245 covers all side walls of the inner cavity of the mounting cavity 241 except for the opening, so that the radio waves emitted and received by the antenna 22 are only obtained from the directional opening 242, and the interference of other radio waves diffused by the antenna 22 with the radio waves radiated from the directional opening 242 is avoided. This ensures that radio waves are stably radiated only from the directional opening 242 and reach the RFID tag on the goods.

[0027] Specifically, the drone 1 also includes a drone body 11 and a mounting bracket 12 on the drone body 11. The mounting part 24 is mounted on the mounting bracket 12. The antenna 22 and the reader 21 located outside the mounting part 24 are connected through the antenna 22. That is, one end of the antenna 22 is electrically connected to the reader 21, and the other end passes through the outer wall of the mounting part 24 and is electrically connected to the antenna 22 inside the mounting cavity 241, so as to realize the electrical connection between the reader 21 and the antenna 22. The reader 21 can be mounted on the upper surface of the drone 1 to balance the center of gravity of the entire scanning device. Of course, the reader 21 can also be mounted on the mounting plate 123 by bolts. The specific installation method of the reader 21 is determined by the user.

[0028] Specifically, such as Figure 1As shown, the mounting bracket 12 includes an upper connecting frame 121 and a foot. The upper connecting frame 121 is connected to the bottom of the UAV 1, and the foot is used to install the mounting part 24, so that the antenna 22 is located on the foot. Specifically, the foot includes two support rods 122 spaced apart and a mounting plate 123 located between the two support rods 122. The mounting part 24 can be installed on the mounting plate 123 by bolts. Furthermore, a buffer layer 124 is provided at the lower end of the support rods 122. The buffer layer 124 can be set as a rubber pad. The rubber pad can buffer the impact force generated when the UAV 1 falls to the ground, so as to avoid damage to the UAV 1 and the entire scanning device due to the impact force and vibration generated by the landing.

[0029] Specifically, for small drones 1, drones 1 do not have a bracket 12 installed to hold the mounting part 24. Therefore, the mounting bracket 12 is set independently relative to the drone body 11. The upper connecting frame 121 can be connected to the bottom of the drone 1 by snap-fit ​​to realize the connection and disassembly of the drone body 11 and the mounting bracket 12. For medium and large drones 1, the drone body 11 has a built-in mounting bracket 12, so there is no need to set an additional mounting bracket 12. The mounting part 24 only needs to be set on the mounting bracket 12 that is built into the drone body 11. Of course, the mounting bracket 12 can also adopt other support structures.

[0030] Specifically, such as Figures 3-4As shown, the mounting part 24 includes a mounting box 243 and a sliding plate 244. A mounting opening 246 is provided on one side of the mounting box 243, extending to and communicating with a directional opening 242. The sliding plate 244 is slidably disposed on the mounting opening 246 along the axial direction of the directional opening 242, forming the directional opening 242 and the mounting cavity 241. The mounting end of the antenna 22 is mounted on the sliding plate 244, allowing the sliding plate 244 to slide forward along the axial direction of the directional opening 242, thus enabling the antenna 22 to slide to the outside of the mounting cavity 241, facilitating the removal and installation of the antenna 22 and its support. Conversely, the antenna 22 is mounted on the sliding plate 244, and the sliding plate 244 slides in the opposite direction. When the mounting cavity 241 is formed, a corresponding through hole is provided on the side wall of the mounting box 243, and a threaded hole is provided on the sliding plate 244. The sliding plate 244 can be connected to the side wall of the mounting box 243 by bolts to fix the sliding plate 244 and the antenna 22 inside the mounting box 243. It should be noted that the wire 23 has a slack section so that the antenna 22 can slide with the sliding plate 244 without affecting the electrical connection between the antenna 22 and the reader 21 through the wire 23. Specifically, the bottom of the mounting box 243 is provided with a mounting port 246, and the sliding plate 244 is slidably disposed at the mounting port 246 at the bottom of the mounting box 243. Of course, in other embodiments, the mounting port 246 can also be provided on other side walls of the mounting box 243. Specifically, the mounting port 246 has a sliding protrusion on its side wall along the axis of the directional opening 242, and the sliding plate 244 has a sliding groove on its side wall along the axis of the directional opening 242. The sliding protrusion and the sliding groove cooperate to allow the sliding plate 244 to slide within the mounting port 246. Of course, the sliding plate 244 can be slidably mounted on the mounting port 246 using other structures.

[0031] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. Any non-substantial changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art based on this utility model shall fall within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A drone warehouse scanning device, characterized in that, Includes a drone and an RFID scanning module mounted on the drone; The RFID scanning module includes a reader, an antenna, and a mounting part, wherein the antenna is electrically connected to the reader. The mounting part has a mounting cavity, and the mounting cavity has a directional opening that communicates with the outside. The antenna is located inside the mounting cavity, and the signal transmitting end of the antenna is oriented towards the directional opening.

2. The warehouse scanning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the mounting cavity is provided with a wave-absorbing layer.

3. The warehouse scanning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drone also includes a drone body and a mounting bracket on the drone body, with the mounting part mounted on the mounting bracket.

4. The warehouse scanning device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mounting bracket includes an upper connecting frame and a foot bracket, wherein the upper connecting frame is snapped onto the drone; The tripod includes two support rods spaced apart from each other and a mounting plate located between the two support rods. The mounting part is mounted on the mounting plate, or the mounting part and the reader are both mounted on the mounting plate.

5. The warehouse scanning device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lower end of the support rod is provided with a buffer layer.

6. The warehouse scanning device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drone body and the mounting bracket are either integrated or independently configured.

7. The warehouse scanning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting part includes a mounting box and a sliding plate. The mounting box has a mounting opening on one side. The sliding plate is slidably disposed in the mounting opening along the axial direction of the directional opening and is formed in the directional opening and the mounting cavity. The mounting end of the antenna is mounted on the sliding plate.

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