Parking device for a drone

Abstract

Parking device for a drone, in particular a parking device for the remote control of a drone (3), which has a frame structure (4) with a landing surface (2), characterized in that the landing surface (2) is provided with at least one protective cover (1).

Description

field of technology

[0001] The technical solution concerns a parking device for the drone, in particular a parking device for the remote control of the drone. State of the art

[0002] Currently, a number of design solutions for landing, parking and service facilities for drones are known.

[0003] For example, patent CZ PV 2021-381 describes a landing platform for vertical takeoff unmanned aerial vehicles, in particular for multicopters, consisting of a landing gear equipped with foldable support legs. The landing gear consists of four square landing segments assembled into a square and connected by three pairs of concealed hinges, allowing the landing gear to be assembled into a single landing segment assembly. The support legs are telescopic, have an adjustable extension mechanism, and are provided with feet at their lower ends, which are attached to the legs via a ball joint. The landing gear is equipped with a spirit level, and at least one photogrammetric target is mounted on its upper surface. This landing platform does not allow remote operation and service.

[0004] From patent EP 3 575 223 B1, a supply system for a means of transport, which is a drone, is known. The supply system consists of a main platform capable of supporting a randomly arranged means of transport. This main platform comprises a plurality of electrically insulated, conductive plates and means for detecting and charging the electric battery of the means of transport. The detecting and charging means are capable of detecting at least one plate in contact with an anode associated with the battery and at least one plate in contact with a cathode associated with the battery, and of charging the battery via these conductive plates, anode and cathode.This supply system comprises means for supplying liquid or gaseous fuel suitable for filling the tank of the means of transport, said fuel supply means comprising at least one boom movable between a retracted position, in which the boom is suitable for being spaced from the means of transport, and an extended position, in which the boom is suitable for being connected to the tank of the means of transport, the plates comprising openings to allow the boom to pass, particularly in the extended position. The disadvantage of this system is that it cannot be used in adverse weather conditions. More specifically, it may work in bad weather, but the means of transport that land on it wear out more quickly.

[0005] Another patent specification CZ PV 2015-402 discloses a system with a takeoff and landing platform that also includes unmanned aerial vehicles. The takeoff and landing platform consists of at least two overlapping grids made of electrically conductive material, aligned horizontally parallel to each other, with the individual parts of one or both grids being electrically insulated from each other and at least one connected to an electrical power source. The grids are provided with openings for at least three landing feet and at least one contact foot located on the landing struts of the aircraft, with the lower part of the contact foot being divided into two electrically insulated, conductive parts with an insulating part in between.The illustrations in this document show several variants of the design of the take-off and landing platform cover, although the specific design of the individual variants is not apparent from these illustrations, which are only schematic.

[0006] The main disadvantage of the current state of the art is that while there are designs that provide protection from environmental influences when the drone is not flying, this protection is either very complex and prone to failure or does not have the quality that would protect a parked drone.

[0007] The aim of the technical solution is to construct a parking device for the drone that allows the long-term stay of the drone at a remote parking and service area without the need for human personnel intervention and without compromising the design not only of the parking device but, above all, the design of the parked drone. Subject of the invention

[0008] These disadvantages are largely eliminated, and the objectives of the technical solution are met by the parking device for a drone, in particular the parking area for the drone's remote control, which comprises a frame structure with a landing pad, according to the technical solution, the essence of which is that the landing pad is provided with at least one protective cover. The advantage is the simple protection of the drone from environmental influences, thus extending its service life and the associated stabilization of the box's internal environment, particularly with regard to temperature and humidity.

[0009] The protective cover is preferably hinged to the frame structure. This has the advantage of being simple and maintenance-free. Another advantage is that the covers can be opened completely outside the takeoff area during takeoff and landing, thus minimizing the formation of air turbulence and currents that would otherwise prevent a precise and safe landing.

[0010] It is also advantageous if the protective cover is connected to a drive tilt mechanism.

[0011] It is also very advantageous if the protective cover is connected via at least one tie rod to a shaft pivotally mounted in the frame structure, with the shaft connected to a drive. It is advantageous if the protective cover has at least one rail connected to a swivel joint located in a corner of the frame structure. The advantage, again, is the simple design, which enables long-term operation without service personnel.

[0012] The shaft is preferably connected to the drive via a worm gear. In an advantageous embodiment, an elastomer coupling is arranged in the connection between the shaft and the worm gear. The advantage is smoother operation of the drive and thus a longer service life of the entire motion system.

[0013] The use of a stepper motor is advantageous, as it allows for easy and precise adjustment of the individual positions of the covers.

[0014] It's very advantageous if the landing pad includes a device for wireless inductive charging of the drone. The advantage is the ability to charge the drone easily and without operator intervention.

[0015] For operational reasons, it is also advantageous to have a camera system near the landing pad, allowing remote control of the parked drone. This allows for inspection of the drone after use and monitoring the interior of the box in case of emergencies during use in adverse weather conditions.

[0016] It is also advantageous if the parking device for a drone also includes means for remote control.

[0017] It is also advantageous if at least part of the parking device is made of a non-ferromagnetic material. The advantage is that using these materials minimizes the influence of navigation systems, which is important for a precise and safe landing of the drone.

[0018] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the landing area has at least one means of water drainage to remove water that enters the area of ​​the landing area when the protective covers are opened and, if applicable, from the drone itself.

[0019] It is very advantageous if the parking facility also includes a heater and a device for drying the parked drone. The advantage is that the inclusion of heating and drying enables long-term unattended operation of the drone and simultaneously extends its service life. Another advantage is the ability to conduct drone operations even in adverse weather conditions. This advantage lies in the stabilization of the internal environment of the box, especially in terms of temperature and humidity, which allows for the drying of the box and the internal environment after a drone operation during atmospheric precipitation.

[0020] The main advantage of the parking device for remote drone operation, based on the technical solution, is that it enables simple and long-term protection of the drone from environmental influences. The advantage is that the parking device for a drone enables year-round, maintenance-free operation at a location remote from the transport network, with the possibility of basic service interventions without the physical presence of service personnel. Another advantage is that the design of the protective covers and the way they are opened enable takeoffs and landings without significant impact on the environment. The design of the protective covers also minimizes the size of the landing area, as the movement of the protective covers allows the drone's rotor blades to be folded when the parking device is closed. The drone's blades are arranged individually and loosely within the rotors.As the rotors rotate, the blades unfold due to centrifugal forces. On the other hand, the loose mounting of the individual rotor blades allows them to spontaneously collapse when the covers are closed. The covers press on the rotor blades, which at this moment exceed the dimensions of the box, and they only pivot in the direction of the semicircle pointing into the interior of the box. The advantage of minimizing the box dimensions is lower energy consumption to optimize the box's internal environment, lower box construction costs, and reduced stress on the drive system due to the smaller box dimensions. Explanations of the figures on the drawing pages

[0021] The technical solution is further illustrated by drawings in which Fig. 1 schematically shows the parking device with the parked drone in a semi-closed state, Fig. 2 a spatial view of the parking device in a closed state, Fig. 3 a spatial view of the parking device in a fully opened state, Fig. 4 a front view of the arrangement of the drive tilting mechanism within the overall arrangement of the parking device, Fig. 5 a side view of the arrangement of the drive tilting mechanism within the overall arrangement of the parking device, Fig. 6 a detailed side view of the drive tilt mechanism, Fig. 7 a detailed plan view of the drive tilt mechanism, Fig. 8 a spatial view of the connection of the tie rods of the drive tilting mechanism with the protective cover, and Fig. 9 shows a plan view of the landing area with a view of the arrangement of the drive tilt mechanism. Examples of implementation of the technical solution

[0022] The parking device ( Fig. 1) for remote control of the drone 3 consists of a frame structure 4 with a landing pad 2. The landing pad 2 is provided with two protective covers 1, each shaped like a quarter box. The frame structure 4 contains an area 14 for accommodating the drive tilt mechanisms 5 and an area 15 for accommodating the electrical equipment and control system of the parking device, which is connected to all functional means of the parking device.

[0023] The protective covers 1 are pivotally mounted on the frame structure 4 and connected to the drive tilt mechanism 5 such that each protective cover 1 is connected on each of the two longitudinal sides by a single tie rod 7 to a shaft 8 pivotally mounted in the frame structure 4. The shaft 8 is connected to the drive 6, a stepper motor. The shaft 8 is connected to the drive 6 via a worm gear 9, with the elastomer coupling 10 being arranged in the connection between the shaft 8 and the worm gear 9. The shaft 8 is mounted in a bearing 16 in the frame structure 4 and connected to the tie rod 7 via a clamping ring 17.

[0024] The protective cover 1 comprises a rail 12 on each of the two long sides, via which it is connected to a pivot joint 13 arranged in a corner of the frame structure 4.

[0025] The landing area 2 comprises a device 11 for wireless charging of the drone 3, i.e. for inductive charging.

[0026] There is a camera system not shown in the area of ​​landing pad 2.

[0027] The parking device for a drone also includes a remote control device (not shown).

[0028] The protective covers 1, the landing surface 2 and the frame structure 4 are made of a non-ferromagnetic material, ie plastic or laminate.

[0029] Landing area 2 includes a water drainage system not shown.

[0030] The parking device for a drone also comprises a heater (not shown) and means (not shown) for drying the parked drone 3. Industrial applicability

[0031] The parking device for a drone according to the technical solution can be used, in particular, for long-term operation of the drone in a hard-to-reach place without the constant presence of the operator and without his assistance in recharging. List of reference symbols 1 protective cover 2 Landing area 3 drone 4 Frame construction 5 Drive tilt mechanism 6 Drive 7 Drawbar 8 Wave 9 Worm gears 10 Elastomer coupling 11 Wireless charging device 12 rail 13 Swivel joint 14 Area for housing the drive tilt mechanisms 15 Area for housing the electrical equipment and control system 16 shaft bearings 17 clamping ring QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 575 223 B1

[0004] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] CZ PV 2015-402

[0005]

Claims

[1] Parking device for a drone, in particular a parking device for the remote control of a drone (3), which has a frame construction (4) with a landing surface (2), characterized by that the landing area (2) is provided with at least one protective cover (1). [2] Parking device for a drone according to claim 1, characterized by that the protective cover (1) is hinged to the frame construction (4). [3] Parking device for a drone according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized by that a drive tilting mechanism (5) is also present. [4] Parking device for a drone according to claim 3, characterized by that the protective cover (1) is connected to the drive tilt mechanism (5). [5] Parking device for a drone according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that a drive (6) is also provided. [6] Parking device for a drone according to claim 5, characterized bythat the protective cover (1) is connected via at least one tie rod (7) to a shaft (8) rotatably mounted in the frame construction (4), wherein the shaft (8) is connected to the drive (6). [7] Parking device for a drone according to claim 6, characterized by that the shaft (8) is connected to the drive (6) via a worm gear (9). [8] Parking device for a drone according to claim 7, characterized by that an elastomer coupling (10) is arranged in the connection between the shaft (8) and the worm gear (9). [9] Parking device for a drone according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the protective cover (1) has at least one rail (12) via which it is connected to a swivel joint (13) arranged in a corner of the frame construction (4). [10] Parking device for a drone according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized by that the drive (6) is a stepper motor. [11] Parking device for a drone according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that the landing surface (2) comprises a device (11) for wirelessly charging the drone (3). [12] Parking device for a drone according to claim 11, characterized by that the wireless charging of the drone (3) is an inductive charging. [13] Parking device for a drone according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by that a camera system is arranged in the area of ​​the landing area (2). [14] Parking device for a drone according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by that it also includes a facility for remote control. [15] Parking device for a drone according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by that at least one part is made of a non-ferromagnetic material. [16] Parking device for a drone according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized bythat the landing area (2) comprises at least one means for water drainage. [17] Parking device for a drone according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized by that it further comprises a heater and means for drying the parked drone (3).

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