Drone port system for power supply

Abstract

We provide a drone port system for power supply that can efficiently and reliably charge drones. [Solution] The system comprises a drone 2 and a power supply drone port 1. The drone 2 has a power receiving device 2a located on its side and a magnetic compass sensor that detects the direction it is facing. The power supply drone port 1 has a landing platform 4 on which the drone 2 can take off and land, a power supply device 6 that supplies power laterally to the power receiving device 2a of the drone placed on the landing platform, and a positioning device 10 that moves the drone or power supply device that has landed on the landing platform to a power supply position 7 where the power supply device and the power receiving device 2a face each other. The power supply device 6 is located in a predetermined direction in the power supply drone port 1. When the drone 2 lands in the power supply drone port 1, it aligns the orientation of the power receiving device 2a with the power supply device 6 by landing with the power receiving device 2a facing the direction in which the power supply device 6 is located.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drone charging port system for efficiently and reliably charging drones.

Background Art

[0002] A "drone" is a type of small unmanned helicopter. In recent years, it has been planned to use drones to unmannedly transport small packages, inspect structures such as bridges, and spray pesticides. Such drones are called "industrial drones".

[0003] As industrial drones become more popular, a system that enables drones to fly long distances is in demand. However, since a drone flies by rotating propellers with power supplied from a battery mounted on itself, the flight distance depends on the amount of power stored in the battery. Therefore, in order to achieve long-distance flight of a drone, a relay point for charging the battery is required in the flight path of the drone. As such a technology, for example, Patent Document 1 is disclosed.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a drone operation system that recovers a drone with an abnormality in flight using a recovery means provided on an electric wire or a utility pole. This drone operation system can also charge the battery of the drone.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In order to charge the drone's battery charging means with the battery power supply means provided in the utility pole recovery means of Patent Document 1, the positions of the battery power supply means and the battery charging means must be precisely aligned. However, when a drone lands, the downwash (downward airflow) generated by the drone bounces off the takeoff surface, creating a mixture of downdraft and updraft above the takeoff surface. This often causes the drone to land in a position different from its intended landing spot.

[0007] However, the drone operation system described in Patent Document 1 lacks a means to correct the drone's position. If the drone lands in a poor position, the positions of the battery power supply means and battery charging means become misaligned, reducing power supply efficiency and ultimately preventing the drone from being charged at all. It is not practical for a person to go to the retrieval means installed on power lines or utility poles and correct the drone's position every time it lands in the wrong place. Therefore, it was difficult to efficiently charge the drone using the drone operation system described in Patent Document 1.

[0008] This invention was devised to solve the problems described above. In other words, the objective of this invention is to provide a drone port system for power supply that can efficiently and reliably charge drones. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to the present invention, a drone having a power receiving device provided on its side and a magnetic compass sensor for detecting the direction it is facing, A power supply drone port comprises a landing platform on which the drone can take off and land, a power supply device that supplies power laterally to the power receiving device of the drone placed on the landing platform, and a positioning device that moves the drone or the power supply device that has landed on the landing platform to a power supply position where the power supply device and the power receiving device face each other or come into contact. The power supply device is located in a predetermined direction in the power supply drone port, A power supply drone port system is provided, in which, when the drone lands at the power supply drone port, the power receiving device is oriented toward the direction in which the power supply device is located, thereby aligning the orientation of the power receiving device with that of the power supply device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010]

[0011]

[0012]

[0013] According to the present invention, the power supply drone port has a power supply device and positioning equipment located in a predetermined direction, and the drone lands with its power receiving device facing the direction in which the power supply device is located, so the drone's position during power supply can be precisely positioned at the power supply location. As a result, the position of the power supply device at the power supply drone port and the position of the power receiving device mounted on the drone can be precisely faced or in contact with each other, so that the charging efficiency as designed can be ensured, and power can be reliably supplied to the drone even if the power supply drone port is unmanned. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the power supply drone port of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a side view of the power supply drone port of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a plan view of the support base. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of the power supply drone port of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram of the unit drive mechanism. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram of the fall prevention device's configuration. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating the procedure for removing fall prevention devices from the landing pad. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram of the power supply drone port of the second embodiment. [Figure 9]It is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the power supply drone port of the third embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view of the power supply drone port of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] It is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the positioning equipment of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view of the power supply drone port of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a front view of the power supply drone port of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a right side sectional view of the power supply drone port of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] It is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the power supply drone port of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a perspective view of the power supply drone port of the sixth embodiment. [Figure 17] It is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the power supply drone port of the sixth embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. In each figure, the same reference numerals are given to common parts, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0016] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the power supply drone port 1 of the first embodiment. In this figure, 1 is a power supply drone port, 2 is a drone, 2a is a power receiving device, 3 is a current-carrying pillar, 4 is a landing platform, 6 is a power supply device, 9 is a fall prevention device, 10 is a positioning device, 26 is a transformer, and 27 is a lightning rod.

[0017] The power supply drone port 1 of the present embodiment is a power supply port for supplying power to the drone 2 provided at the upper end 3a of the current-carrying pillar 3 to which power is supplied. The power supply drone port 1 includes a landing platform 4 on which the drone 2 can take off and land, a power supply device 6 for supplying power to the drone 2 placed on the landing platform 4, and a positioning device 10 for moving the drone 2 or the power supply device 6.

[0018] The landing platform 4 is fixed to the upper end 3a of the powered support pole 3 via a support base 5. The powered support pole 3 is a columnar structure to which electricity is supplied, and is envisioned to be, for example, a support pole for streetlights or traffic lights, a utility pole, an advertising tower installed on the roof of a building, or a monument clock or clock tower installed in a park or plaza in front of a train station. These powered support poles 3 are generally installed at a height that people H cannot reach to prevent them from being electrocuted by touching power lines, traffic lights, streetlights, or other powered devices. The power supply drone port 1 is installed on the upper end 3a of such a powered support pole 3, so that people H cannot easily reach the landing platform 4.

[0019] The power used by the power supply drone port 1 is distributed from the powered support pole 3 to which it is fixed. For example, as shown in this figure, the power supply drone port 1 may be equipped with a transformer 26 that transforms the power distributed from the powered support pole 3. For example, if the powered support pole 3 is a utility pole, it is preferable to receive power from two low-voltage power lines and one low-voltage lighting line, as shown in this figure.

[0020] Furthermore, as shown in this figure, it is preferable that a fall prevention device 9 is provided around the landing platform 4 at the power supply drone port 1. The fall prevention device 9 is preferably a net or fence with a mesh size that does not allow the drone 2 to pass through. By making the fall prevention device 9 a net or fence, it is possible to suppress the effects of strong winds on the power supply support pole 3 and prevent the drone 2 from being blown off the landing platform 4 by the wind. It is preferable that a part of the net or fence of this fall prevention device 9 is detachable so that workers can easily maintain the power supply drone port 1.

[0021] Furthermore, it is preferable that the power supply drone port 1 is equipped with a lightning rod 27 on the fall prevention device 9 or landing platform 4. A ground wire 27a is attached to the lightning rod 27. This configuration, with the lightning rod 27, protects both the drone 2 and the power supply drone port 1 itself from lightning.

[0022] The drone 2 has a power receiving device 2a that receives power from the power supply device 6. The power receiving device 2a may be provided on the underside of the drone 2, for example, as shown in this figure.

[0023] The power supply device 6 in this figure is installed on the upper surface 4a of the power supply position 7 of the landing pad 4 and supplies power distributed from the power supply support pole 3 upward. The power supply position 7 is the position where the power receiving device 2a of the drone 2 mounted on the landing pad 4 and the power supply device 6 face each other or are in contact. The power supply device 6 may be a contact power supply device in which the power supply side and the power receiving side are in contact, but a non-contact power supply device is more preferable. If the power supply device 6 is a contact power supply type, the power supply position 7 is the position where the connectors of the power supply side and the power receiving side are in contact. If the power supply device 6 is a non-contact power supply type, the power supply position 7 is the position where the transmitting coil of the power supply device 6 and the receiving coil of the power receiving device 2a mounted on the drone 2 face each other coaxially.

[0024] Furthermore, the power supply drone port 1 in this figure is equipped with positioning equipment 10 that moves the landed drone 2 to the power supply position 7. This allows the position of the drone 2's power receiving device 2a and the power supply position 7 to be aligned by driving the positioning equipment 10.

[0025] Figure 2 is a side view of the power supply drone port 1 of the first embodiment. In this figure, 4 is the landing platform, 4a is its upper surface, 5 is the support base, 6 is the power supply device, 6a is the transmitting coil, 9 is the fall prevention device, 10 is the positioning equipment, 13 is the horizontal movement unit, 11 is the X-direction movement plate, 24 is the unit drive device, 24a is the drive plate, and 24b is the horizontal movement fitting. Note that the drive plate drive device 25 is omitted in this figure.

[0026] Whether the power supply device 6 is a contact power supply device or a non-contact power supply device, efficient power supply is not possible unless the positions of the power receiving device 2a mounted on the drone 2 and the power supply device 6 mounted on the power supply drone port 1 are precisely aligned.

[0027] For example, if the power supply device 6 is a non-contact power supply device, it may use an electromagnetic induction method. In this case, the transmitting coil 6a of the power supply device 6 and the receiving coil 2b of the power receiving device 2a face each other coaxially, and electricity flows to the receiving coil 2b due to the magnetic field 35 generated by energizing the transmitting coil 6a. As a result, power can be supplied from the power supply device 6 to the power receiving device 2a even if the transmitting coil 6a and the receiving coil 2b are separated.

[0028] Thus, in order for the power supply drone port 1 to charge the drone 2, it is crucial to accurately position the drone 2 during power supply.

[0029] Furthermore, a support base 5 is fixed to the upper end 3a of the energized support pole 3, and the landing platform 4 is fixed to this support base 5. The landing platform 4 is positioned above the support base 5 at a distance, and the space between the landing platform 4 and the support base 5 serves as a space for arranging various devices.

[0030] Figure 3 is a plan view of the support base 5. The support base 5 may consist of a cylindrical column mounting portion 5a that is fitted over and fixed to the upper end 3a of the energized support column 3, and a structural steel 5b that is horizontally assembled on top of the column mounting portion 5a. The structural steel 5b may be assembled in a grid pattern, for example. The support base 5 is supported by connecting fittings 5c that extend upward from both ends in the X direction in this figure, and are spaced at regular intervals in the vertical direction. In this example, the six connecting fittings 5c are located only at both ends in the X direction of the landing pad 4 and the support base 5, and a hollow space free of interference in the X and Y directions is formed between the left and right connecting fittings 5c.

[0031] Figure 4 is a plan view of the power supply drone port 1 of the first embodiment. In this figure, 4a is the top surface of the landing platform 4, 4b is the X opposite side, 4c is the Y opposite side, 5 is the support base, 6 is the power supply device, 7 is the power supply position, and 10 is the positioning equipment. The fall prevention device 9 is omitted in this figure. Furthermore, in the positioning equipment 10, 13 is a horizontal movement unit, 11 is an X-direction movement plate, 14 is a Y-direction movement plate, 15 is a connecting plate, and 16 is a hinge.

[0032] The landing platform 4, when viewed from above, is a rectangular plate with an X-side 4b extending parallel to the horizontal X-direction and a Y-side 4c extending parallel to the horizontal Y-direction. In addition, the power supply device 6 of this embodiment is located at the center of the landing platform 4, and the power supply position 7 is located at the center M of the landing platform 4.

[0033] The positioning equipment 10 in this figure has a horizontal movement unit 13 that can move horizontally along the upper surface 4a of the landing platform 4. The horizontal movement unit 13 has the function of moving the drone 2 horizontally to the center M of the upper surface 4a. In this example, the horizontal movement unit 13 has a pair of X-direction movement plates 11, a pair of Y-direction movement plates 14, and four connecting plates 15.

[0034] A pair of X-direction movable plates 11 extend horizontally in the Y direction in this figure, with both ends 11a located outside the X-opposite side 4b. A pair of Y-direction moving plates 14 extend horizontally in the X direction in this figure. The four connecting plates 15 diagonally connect both ends 11a of the X-direction moving plate 11 and both ends of the Y-direction moving plate 14 in a plan view. Furthermore, both ends of the X-direction movable plate 11, the Y-direction movable plate 14, and the connecting plate 15 are connected by hinges 16 so that they can rotate freely around a vertical axis.

[0035] Furthermore, in this figure, both ends 11a of a pair of X-direction movable plates 11 are fixed to four horizontally movable fittings 24b that are movable in the X direction. In addition, the four horizontally movable fittings 24b are located outside the X-opposite side 4b.

[0036] With the configuration described above, by moving the four horizontal moving fittings 24b inward in the X direction in synchronous manner, a pair of X-direction moving plates 11 can be moved inward in the X direction from the standby position (solid line) to the center position (dashed line) while maintaining parallelism with each other. In addition, a pair of Y-direction movable plates 14, which are connected to the connecting plate 15 and the hinge 16, can be moved inward in the Y direction while maintaining parallelism with each other.

[0037] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of the unit drive device 24. Figure 5(A) is a view from arrow AA in Figure 2, and Figure 5(B) is a view from arrow BB in Figure 5(A). In this figure, the positioning equipment 10 further includes a unit drive device 24 that drives the horizontal movement unit 13.

[0038] In this example, the unit drive device 24 has a pair of drive plates 24a and a drive plate drive device 25. A pair of drive plates 24a are located between the landing platform 4 and the support platform 5, and are connected to both ends 11a of a pair of X-direction moving plates 11 via horizontal moving fittings 24b so as to be able to rotate freely around a vertical axis. Furthermore, the drive plate drive unit 25 is mounted on the support base 5 and synchronously drives a pair of drive plates 24a horizontally in the X direction. In this example, the drive plate drive unit 25 consists of a pair of linear guides 25a and a pair of ball screw drive units 25b. A ball nut that meshes with the ball screw of the ball screw drive device 25b is fixed to the drive plate 24a, and the ball nut is driven horizontally in the X direction via the ball screw.

[0039] With the configuration of the positioning equipment 10 described above, the four horizontal moving fittings 24b can be moved in the X direction in sync with each other by synchronously driving a pair of drive plates 24a horizontally in the X direction with the drive plate drive device 25. Therefore, a pair of X-direction moving plates 11 can be moved inward in the X direction while maintaining parallelism, and at the same time, a pair of Y-direction moving plates 14 can be moved inward in the Y direction while maintaining parallelism. This allows the X-direction moving plates 11 and Y-direction moving plates 14 to be moved along the upper surface 4a of the landing platform 4 from the standby position to the center position that closely surrounds the power supply position 7, and the drone 2 placed on the upper surface 4a can be moved horizontally to the center M of the upper surface 4a. Preferably, the drone 2 is configured to move freely along the upper surface 4a of the landing platform 4.

[0040] The space between the landing platform 4 and the support platform 5 also contains a power supply device 6, a control device 8, and a communication device 17. The power supply device 6 may be located below the landing platform 4, or it may be flush with the upper surface 4a of the landing platform 4, or exposed on the upper surface 4a, as long as the magnetic field 35 reaches above the upper surface 4a of the landing platform 4. The power supply device 6 is connected to the wires connected to the energized support pole 3 and supplies power from the energized support pole 3 to the power receiving device 2a of the drone 2 mounted on the landing platform 4. The positioning equipment 10 and the control device 8 are also operated by the power supplied from the energized support pole 3.

[0041] The control device 8 controls the operation of the power supply drone port 1. The power supply device 6, the drive plate drive device 25, and the communication device 17 are also connected to the control device 8 and are controlled by them.

[0042] In this configuration, the control device 8 communicates with the drone 2 via the communication device 17 to guide the drone 2 to land. After detecting the landing, it drives the drive plate drive device 25 to move the drone 2 horizontally to the power supply position 7. Next, it supplies power to the power supply device 6 to power the power receiving device 2a of the drone 2.

[0043] After detecting that the drone 2 is charging, the control device 8 drives the drive plate drive device 25 again to move the horizontal movement fitting 24b from the center position to the standby position, and moves the pair of X-direction movement plates 11 outward in the X direction while maintaining parallelism to each other, thereby releasing the drone 2.

[0044] This allows the drone's battery to be automatically charged at the power supply drone port 1 installed on the upper end 3a of the power supply pole 3.

[0045] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the fall prevention device 9. Figure 6(A) is a side view of the fall prevention device 9. It is preferable that the fall prevention device 9 is designed to be foldable and removable from the landing platform 4. For example, in the case of the fall prevention device 9 shown in Figure 6(A), the net surrounding the landing platform 4 is divided into multiple parts 9a and 9b, which are connected by metal fittings. In the case of the fall prevention device 9 shown in this figure, vertically adjacent parts 9a and 9b are connected by hinges 29, and horizontally adjacent parts are connected by detachable connecting devices 30. The connecting devices 30 that connect the horizontally adjacent parts 9a and 9b may be, for example, a fastener or a snap lock. Note that the connection between vertically adjacent parts 9a and 9b does not necessarily have to be by hinges 29, but may also be by connecting devices 30.

[0046] The fall prevention device 9 is fixed to the landing platform 4, leaving a gap 31 through which the horizontal movement fitting 24b passes. It is preferable to use a detachable hinge 28 to connect the fall prevention device 9 and the landing platform 4. Figure 6(B) is an explanatory diagram of the detachable hinge 28. The detachable hinge 28 may have a knob 28c that slides the shaft 28b inside the tube 28a, for example, as shown in this figure. In this case, when removing the fall prevention device 9, the shaft 28b can be detached from the tube 28a by moving the knob 28c axially inward. One wing 28d of the detachable hinge 28 is fixed to the fall prevention device 9, and the other wing 28d is fixed to the landing pad 4. To make it easier to attach the fall prevention device 9 to the landing pad 4, it is preferable that the knob 28c be located inside the fall prevention device 9.

[0047] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the procedure for removing the fall prevention device 9 from the landing platform 4. The procedure proceeds from Figure 7(A) to Figure 7(E). When a worker performs maintenance on the power supply drone port 1, it is necessary to temporarily remove the fall prevention device 9. Since the worker works at a height while taking care not to come into contact with surrounding power lines, the ease of attaching and detaching the fall prevention device 9 is important. First, the worker releases the connecting device 30 of the upper part 9a of the fall prevention device 9 (Figure 7(A)). As a result, the upper part 9a folds outwards from the fall prevention device 9 by the hinge 29 and hangs down from the upper end of the lower part 9b by the hinge 29 (Figure 7(B)).

[0048] Next, with the upper part 9a still folded, the connecting device 30 of the lower part 9b is released (Figure 7(C)), and the lower part 9b is rotated from front to bottom (Figure 7(D)), exposing the knob 28c of the detachable hinge 28 within reach of the worker (Figure 7(D)). This allows the worker to approach the knob 28c without difficulty. The worker moves the knob 28c and detaches the lower part 9b from the landing platform 4 (Figure 7(E)).

[0049] Thus, the fall prevention device 9 is detachable, and parts 9a and 9b can be folded into a small size, making it easy to work at high places without coming into contact with power lines, even when power lines are nearby. Therefore, maintenance work on the power supply drone port 1 can be performed safely.

[0050] Furthermore, the power supply drone port 1 of this embodiment may be equipped with a bird alarm device (not shown). The bird alarm device may determine whether an object approaching from the air is a drone 2, and if the object is not a drone 2, it may emit a warning sound that birds dislike (for example, a crow's alarm call, a bird of prey's cry, etc.). This prevents birds from nesting on the landing platform 4.

[0051] In this embodiment, the power supply drone port 1 is fixed to the upper end 3a of the power supply support pole 3, so that a person H cannot easily approach the power supply drone port 1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the theft of the drone 2 and the cargo that the drone 2 is carrying, and the safety of the drone 2 and the cargo can be ensured.

[0052] Furthermore, since the power supply drone port 1 is installed on the power supply pole 3, the power required for the power supply drone port 1 can be supplied from the power supply pole 3 on which it is installed. Therefore, the cost of supplying electricity to the power supply drone port 1 can be kept low, and power transmission losses can be reduced.

[0053] Furthermore, since the powered support poles 3 are installed over a wide area throughout Japan, by installing the drone power supply ports 1 on these powered support poles 3, numerous relay points for charging can be secured, making it easy to achieve long-distance flights of the drone 2.

[0054] Furthermore, since the power supply drone port 1 has positioning equipment 10, the position of the drone 2 during power supply can be precisely positioned. This allows the position of the power supply device 6 of the power supply drone port 1 and the position of the power receiving device 2a mounted on the drone 2 to be precisely aligned, thereby ensuring the charging efficiency as designed.

[0055] Furthermore, the drone 2 can be prevented from falling from the landing platform 4 by fixing its legs 2d with the positioning equipment 10, or by attaching fall prevention devices 9 around the landing platform 4.

[0056] (Second Embodiment) Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of the power supply drone port 1 of the second embodiment. Figure 8(A) is a schematic longitudinal section view, and Figure 8(B) is a perspective view of the landing platform 4. In this figure, 4 is the landing platform, 4a is the upper surface of the landing platform 4, 4d is the inclined surface, 5 is the support base, 6 is the power supply device, 6a is the transmitting coil, 9 is the fall prevention device, and 10 is the positioning equipment. The positioning equipment 10 in this embodiment is the inclined surface 4d of the landing platform 4, which slopes downward toward the power supply position 7. In this figure, the power supply position 7 is at the center M of the landing platform 4, but the power supply position 7 in this embodiment is not limited to this. The power supply position 7 may be at the edge of the landing platform 4, as long as the drone 2 does not fall from the landing platform 4.

[0057] Preferably, the lower end of the legs 2d of the drone 2, which is charged at this power supply drone port 1, is fitted with a freely rotatable roller 2c. Preferably, the roller 2c is rotatable in all directions, like a caster.

[0058] The positioning equipment 10 in this embodiment does not have a drive mechanism because it is an inclined surface 4d. As a result, the positioning equipment 10 does not use electricity to operate, which reduces the maintenance costs of the power supply drone port 1 and reduces the frequency of maintenance. Also, because the configuration is simple, the power supply drone port 1 is less likely to break. Since motors and actuators are not required, manufacturing costs can also be reduced. Furthermore, since it utilizes the fact that the drones 2 roll down the inclined surface 4d by their own weight, all drones 2 can be gathered at the power supply position 7 regardless of their size.

[0059] In this embodiment, the power supply drone port 1 may, for example, detect that no other drones 2 have landed on the landing platform 4 and land on the landing platform 4 on its own without guidance from the power supply drone port 1. When the drone 2 lands on the landing platform 4, the rollers 2c at the tips of the legs 2d roll on the inclined surface 4d due to gravity, and the drone 2 moves to the power supply position 7. If the power supply device 6 is a non-contact power supply type, the control device 8 may start up and begin supplying power to the transmitting coil 6a when it senses that the transmitting coil 6a of the power supply device 6 and the receiving coil 2b of the power receiving device 2a of the drone 2 are facing each other. If the power supply device 6 is a contact power supply type, contact between the power receiving device 2a and the power supply device 6 may be used as a trigger to start the control device 8. Other configurations and effects of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0060] (Third embodiment) Figure 9 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the power supply drone port 1 of the third embodiment. As shown in this figure, the power supply drone port 1 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the power supply device 6 is located at a distance above the upper surface 4a of the landing platform 4 and supplies power laterally. If the contactless power supply device 6 of this embodiment is, for example, an electromagnetic induction type, then magnetic flux is generated from the power supply device 6 in a direction directly to the side. The power receiving device 2a of the drone 2 that is powered by this power supply device 6 is attached to the side of the drone 2.

[0061] Preferably, the power supply device 6 is fixed in a position that faces or contacts the power receiving device 2a when the drone 2 in the positioning equipment 10 is at the power supply position 7. For example, if the positioning equipment 10 is the same as in the first embodiment, the power supply device 6 may be fixed to the center of the X-direction moving plate 11 or the Y-direction moving plate 14. This makes it easy to position the power supply device 6 so that it faces or touches the power receiving device 2a when the drone 2 is positioned at the power supply position 7. When the power supply device 6 faces or touches the power receiving device 2a, it supplies power to the power receiving device 2a in a lateral direction.

[0062] Since drone 2 has a built-in magnetic compass sensor that detects which direction it is facing (north, south, east, or west), it can land with the power receiving device 2a facing the desired direction. Therefore, the power supply device 6 only needs to be in one location. For example, if all power supply drone ports 1 are configured so that the power supply device 6 is located to the north, then by having drone 2 always land with the power receiving device 2a facing north, the positions of the power receiving device 2a and the power supply device 6 can be easily aligned.

[0063] However, the configuration of the power supply drone port 1 is not limited to this. For example, multiple power supply devices 6 may be provided so as to surround the power supply position 7. For example, if the positioning equipment 10 is as in the first embodiment, power supply devices 6 may be provided in the center of all the X-direction moving plates 11 and Y-direction moving plates 14. This makes it easy to align the positions of the power receiving device 2a and the power supply devices 6, regardless of which direction the drone 2 is facing when it lands, simply by the positioning equipment 10 moving the drone 2 horizontally to the power supply position 7. Alternatively, the power supply drone port 1 may be equipped with a rotating device, and the drone 2 may be rotated so that the power receiving device 2a faces the power supply device 6.

[0064] With the above configuration, the power supply device 6 can be installed at a position above the upper surface 4a of the landing pad 4, thereby preventing the generation of a magnetic field 35 near the upper surface 4a and preventing the power supply connector from being exposed to the upper surface 4a. This prevents heat generation due to power supply to dissimilar metals.

[0065] In other words, in the cities and mountains where Drone 2 flies, there are birds, like crows, that have a habit of collecting shiny objects. These birds often pick up glass and metal and hide them in rain gutters or take them back to their nests. Therefore, even though the power supply drone port 1 is at a height that is out of reach of person H, there is a possibility that metal objects such as nails, hairpins, and coins may be placed on the landing platform 4. For example, if the power supply device 6 is a non-contact power supply type, if there is a metal object near the transmitting coil 6a, it will generate heat due to the magnetic field 35. If the power supply device 6 is a contact power supply type, if dissimilar metals are in contact with the power supply side connector and the power supply device 6 supplies power, the connector and the dissimilar metals will generate heat due to the Peltier effect.

[0066] In this embodiment, the power supply drone port 1 is positioned away from the upper surface 4a of the landing platform 4, so that metal objects lying on the landing platform 4 are not affected by the magnetic field 35, or come into contact with the connector on the power supply side. Therefore, the power supply drone port 1 can prevent unexpected heat generation due to dissimilar metals. Other configurations and effects of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0067] (Fourth Embodiment) Figure 10 is a perspective view of the power supply drone port 1 of the fourth embodiment. In this figure, 10 is a positioning device, 11 is a moving plate in the X direction, 12 is a belt conveyor, 21 is a moving plate drive device, and 22 is a conveyor drive device. Note that the control device 8 and the fall prevention device 9 are omitted from this figure. This figure also illustrates the case where the power supply position 7 is the center M of the landing platform 4. The configuration of the positioning equipment 10 in the power supply drone port 1 of this embodiment differs from that of the first or third embodiment.

[0068] In this embodiment, the landing pad 4, when viewed from above, has a parallelogram shape with an X-side 4b extending parallel to the horizontal X direction and a Y-side 4c extending parallel to the horizontal Y direction. The landing pad 4 may also have a rectangular shape when viewed from above, as shown in the figure.

[0069] The positioning equipment 10 of this embodiment includes an X-direction moving plate 11, a belt conveyor 12, a moving plate drive device 21, and a conveyor drive device 22.

[0070] The X-direction moving plate 11 extends horizontally in the Y direction in this figure, with both ends 11a located outside the X-opposite side 4b, and is provided to be horizontally movable along the upper surface 4a of the landing pad 4. In this figure, the power supply device 6 is attached to the X-direction moving plate 11. Furthermore, in this embodiment, not only the upper surface 4a of the landing platform 4, but also the upper surface of the belt conveyor 12 serves as the takeoff and landing surface for the drone 2.

[0071] In this figure, a pair of X-direction moving plates 11 are arranged to move horizontally in synchronous motion, but this is not limited to this configuration. For example, if the power supply position 7 is at one end of the landing platform 4 in the X direction, it is preferable that one X-direction moving plate 11 is arranged to reciprocate between the two ends of the landing platform 4 in the X direction, and that a fixed plate is fixed to the other end of the landing platform 4 in the X direction, crossing the landing platform in the Y direction. In this case, the fixed plate on the belt blocks the movement of the drone 2, which is pushed by the X-direction moving plate 11.

[0072] Both ends 11a of the X-direction movable plate 11 are fixed to four horizontally movable fittings 24b that are movable in the X direction, similar to the first embodiment. Furthermore, the four horizontally movable fittings 24b are located outside the X-opposite side 4b and protrude inward in the X direction from the X-direction movable plate 11.

[0073] The moving plate drive device 21 moves the horizontal moving fitting 24b in the X direction. In the example shown in this figure, the movable plate drive device 21 includes a pair of guide rails 21a, a pair of endless chains 21b, and a chain rotation actuator 21c.

[0074] A pair of guide rails 21a guide the horizontal moving fittings 24b in the X direction. A pair of endless chains 21b pull the four horizontal moving fittings 24b, moving them inward in the X direction while synchronizing them with each other. A pair of endless chains 21b are provided at both ends of the power supply drone port 1 in the Y direction and are wrapped around a pair of axes 21d extending in the Y direction at both ends in the X direction. One of the horizontal moving fittings 24b located on both sides in the X direction (the horizontal moving fitting 24b on the right in the figure) is connected to the upper chain of the wrapped endless chain 21b, and the other (the horizontal moving fitting 24b on the left in the figure) is connected to the lower chain. The chain rotation actuator 21c rotates the endless chain 21b.

[0075] With this configuration, the chain rotation actuator 21c rotates one of the endless chains 21b, causing the pair of endless chains 21b to rotate synchronously, and enabling the pair of X-direction moving plates 11 to reciprocate between the inward and outward directions in the X-direction while moving synchronously. Therefore, the moving plate drive device 21 can move the X-direction moving plate 11 to the power supply position 7 in the X direction. In addition, since the horizontal moving fitting 24b protrudes inward in the X direction from the X-direction moving plate 11, it is possible to prevent the drone 2 that has landed on the Y-direction end of the landing platform 4 from being pushed by the X-direction moving plate 11 and falling from the Y-direction end.

[0076] The configuration of the movable plate drive device 21 in this embodiment is not limited to this, and may be the same as that of the unit drive device 24 in the first embodiment.

[0077] The horizontal movement of the drone 2 in the Y direction after landing on the landing platform 4 is performed by the conveyor belt 12. The belt conveyor 12 is positioned so that the belt 12a passes through the power supply position 7. If the power supply position 7 is at the center M of the landing pad 4, the belt conveyor 12 is also located at the center in the X direction of the landing pad 4, and if the power supply position 7 is at the end in the X direction of the landing pad 4, the belt conveyor 12 is also located at that end. The belt 12a of the belt conveyor 12 extends in the Y direction and rotates in the Y direction by the conveyor drive device 22. It is preferable that the belt 12a be weather-resistant. It is also preferable to install brushes on the underside of the belt 12a to keep the landing platform 4 in good condition at all times.

[0078] Both the conveyor drive unit 22 and the chain rotation actuator 21c are controlled by the control device 8. It is preferable that the conveyor drive unit 22 and the chain rotation actuator 21c are waterproof motors. With the configuration described above, the positioning equipment 10 moves the drone 2 horizontally to the power supply position 7 using the X-direction moving plate 11 and the belt conveyor 12.

[0079] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the positioning equipment 10 in the fourth embodiment. In this figure, the propellers of the drone 2 and the moving plate drive device 21 are omitted. Figure 11 shows the progression of time from Figure 11(A) to Figure 11(D). Also, Figures 11(E) and 11(F) are plan views of the power supply drone port 1 when the positioning equipment 10 has two belt conveyors 12. As shown in Figure 11(A), the drone 2 uses a magnetic orientation sensor to orient the power receiving device 2a towards the X-direction moving plate 11 on the side to which the power supply device 6 is attached (the X-direction moving plate 11 on the right side of this figure) and lands on the landing platform 4.

[0080] After the control device 8 detects the landing of the drone 2 using the communication device 17, it moves the X-direction moving plate 11 to move the drone 2 (Figure 11(B)). It continues to move the moving plate drive device 21 until it is sandwiched on both sides of the drone 2 (for example, until resistance is encountered in the movement of the chain rotation actuator 21c). As a result, as shown in Figure 11(C), with the power receiving device 2a facing to the right in the figure, the drone 2 is surrounded on the belt 12a by the pair of X-direction moving plates 11 and the horizontal moving fitting 24b. In this state, the drone 2's movement in the X direction is restricted by the pair of X-direction moving plates 11.

[0081] Next, the control device 8 drives the conveyor drive unit 22 to move the drone 2 in the Y direction along the X direction moving plate 11. The horizontal moving fitting 24b protrudes inward in the X direction from the X direction moving plate 11 and blocks the drone 2 moving in the Y direction, so the drone 2 does not fall from either end of the landing platform 4 in the Y direction. The control device 8 may move the drone 2 horizontally to the power supply position 7 by repeatedly rotating the belt 12a in the forward and reverse directions until it detects, for example, the power supply device 6 and the power receiving device 2a facing each other or in contact. For example, it is preferable to detect the facing each other or in contact between the power supply device 6 and the power receiving device 2a by detecting a change in the energization of the power supply device 6 or a change in the magnitude of the magnetic field 35. When the control device 8 detects the facing each other or in contact between the power supply device 6 and the power receiving device 2a, it stops driving the conveyor drive unit 22 and starts supplying power by the power supply device 6.

[0082] Alternatively, as shown in Figures 11(E) and 11(F), two belt conveyors 12 may be arranged side by side in the Y direction. By rotating the belts 12a of the two belt conveyors 12 toward the Y-direction inward of the landing platform 4, the drone 2 will move to the joint 12b of the two belt conveyors 12, regardless of its position. In this example, since the power supply position 7 is the center M of the landing platform 4, the joint 12b of the two belt conveyors 12 is located at the center M of the landing platform 4. In this configuration, since the drone 2 moves to the power supply position 7 by rotating the belt 12a for a certain period of time, a detection mechanism for facing or contacting the power supply device 6 and the power receiving device 2a is unnecessary. The control device 8 determines that the drone 2 is at the power supply position 7 after rotating the belt 12a for a certain period of time and starts supplying power by the power supply device 6.

[0083] In this embodiment, the power supply device 6 may be attached to the X-direction moving plate 11, as shown in this figure. Alternatively, the power supply device 6 may be located below the upper surface 4a of the landing platform 4, between the belts 12a of the belt conveyor 12, or below the joints 12b of the belt conveyor 12, as in the first embodiment.

[0084] With the configuration described above, the power supply drone port 1 of this embodiment does not need to limit the power supply position 7 to the center M of the landing platform 4. For example, depending on the environment in which the power supply drone port 1 is installed, the position of the power supply position 7 can be freely set to the center M of the landing platform 4 or to the edge of the landing platform 4. Furthermore, the chain rotation actuator 21c is driven until the drone 2 is sandwiched between the pair of X-direction moving plates 11, and the chain rotation actuator 21c is stopped when the drone is sandwiched, so all drones 2 can be gathered at the power supply position 7 regardless of their size. The same applies when the drone 2 is sandwiched between the X-direction moving plate 11 and a fixed plate. Other configurations and effects of this embodiment are the same as those of the first or third embodiment.

[0085] (Fifth embodiment) Figure 12 is a perspective view of the power supply drone port 1 of the fifth embodiment. Figure 13 is a front view of the power supply drone port 1 of the fifth embodiment. Figure 13(A) shows the X-direction moving plate 11 in the standby position, and Figure 13(B) shows the X-direction moving plate 11 in the center position. Figure 14 is a right-side cross-sectional view of the power supply drone port 1 of the fifth embodiment. Figure 14(A) is a view taken along arrow CC in Figure 13(B), and Figure 14(B) is an enlarged view of section D in Figure 14(A). Note that the fall prevention device 9 is omitted from these figures. Also, in Figure 14(B), the support base 5 and connecting fitting 5c ​​are omitted from the figures.

[0086] In this embodiment, the landing pad 4, when viewed from above, has a shape having an X-side 4b that extends parallel to the horizontal X direction. The shape of the landing pad 4 when viewed from above may be a trapezoid, a parallelogram, or a rectangle. The positioning equipment 10 of this embodiment is similar to that of the fourth embodiment in that it is movable horizontally along the upper surface 4a of the landing platform 4, both ends 11a are located outside the X opposite side 4b, and it has an X-direction moving plate 11. However, the shape of the X-direction moving plate 11 is different from that of the fourth embodiment.

[0087] As shown in Figure 12, the X-direction moving plates 11 of this embodiment are provided in pairs, and the central portion 11b of each X-direction moving plate 11 is bent outward in the X direction from the landing pad 4 than the ends 11a. In other words, when viewing the power supply drone port 1 in a plan view, the left X-direction moving plate 11, which is bent in the shape of an inequality sign "<" (less than), and the right X-direction moving plate 11, which is bent in the shape of an inequality sign ">" (greater than), face each other on the landing pad 4.

[0088] Both ends 11a of a pair of X-direction movable plates 11 are fixed to four horizontally movable fittings 24b that are movable in the X direction, as in the fourth embodiment, and are pulled by an endless chain 21b. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, the pair of X-direction movable plates 11 are positioned alternately in the vertical direction. In addition, as shown in Figure 14(B), the two horizontal movable fittings 24b fixed to one of the pair of X-direction movable plates 11 are positioned further outward in the Y direction than the horizontal movable fittings 24b fixed to the other plate.

[0089] The mobile plate drive device 21 of this embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that it has a total of four guide rails 21a, two at each end of the power supply drone port 1 in the Y direction. In this figure, one of the four horizontal moving fittings 24b, the one located inward in the Y direction, has a rotating roller 24c that can freely rotate on its outward side in the Y direction, and this rotating roller 24c rolls in the X direction within the groove of the guide rail 21a that opens inward in the Y direction. Similarly, a rotating roller 24c that is rotatably mounted on the inward side in the Y direction of the horizontal moving fitting 24b located outward in the Y direction is fitted into the guide rail 21a that opens outward in the Y direction, and rolls in the X direction within the groove of the guide rail 21a. With this configuration, the moving plate drive device 21 moves the X-direction moving plates 11 inward in the X-direction of the landing platform 4 until the drone 2 is sandwiched between both of the pair of X-direction moving plates 11. The configuration of the other parts of the movable plate drive device 21 is the same as in the fourth embodiment.

[0090] In this configuration, when the endless chain 21b rotates due to the drive of the chain rotation actuator 21c, the horizontal moving fitting 24b located inward in the Y direction and the horizontal moving fitting 24b located outward in the Y direction pass each other at the center in the Y direction. Since the heights at which the pair of X-direction moving plates 11 are installed are offset vertically, even if the horizontal moving fittings 24b pass each other, the X-direction moving plates 11 will not collide with each other.

[0091] Next, the operation of the power supply drone port 1 in the fifth embodiment will be described. In this figure, the propellers of the drone 2 and the movable plate drive device 21 are omitted. Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the power supply drone port 1 in the fifth embodiment. Time progresses from Figure 15(A) to Figure 15(D). After the communication device 17 detects the landing of the drone 2, the control device 8 moves the pair of X-direction moving plates 11 inward in the X direction using the moving plate drive device 21. The control device 8 drives the chain rotation actuator 21c until the pair of X-direction moving plates 11 sandwich the drone 2, and stops the chain rotation actuator 21c when it senses that the pair of X-direction moving plates 11 have sandwiched the drone 2 from both sides. For example, the control device 8 may determine that the pair of X-direction moving plates 11 have sandwiched the drone 2 from both sides when resistance occurs in the movement of the chain rotation actuator 21c.

[0092] After stopping the chain rotation actuator 21c, the power supply device 6 starts supplying power as shown in Figure 15(D). After power supply is finished, the control device 8 reverses the rotation of the chain rotation actuator 21c and returns the X-direction moving plate 11 to the standby position.

[0093] With the above configuration, by moving the pair of X-direction moving plates 11 inward in the X direction, the drone 2 can be moved horizontally towards the center M of the landing platform 4 along the bent pair of X-direction moving plates 11, as shown in Figure 15(C). Since the pair of X-direction moving plates 11 are bent at the central part 11b, the drone 2 can be enclosed on all four sides simply by moving the X-direction moving plates 11 in the X direction and clamping it. Moreover, since the X-direction moving plates 11 have no movable parts such as links, they are robust and resistant to breakage. Furthermore, the drive device for the positioning equipment 10 in this embodiment is only the chain rotation actuator 21c, so it requires less power than the fourth embodiment. Also, since the chain rotation actuator 21c is driven until the X-direction moving plates 11 clamp the drone 2, all drones 2 can be gathered at the center M of the landing platform 4, regardless of the size of the drone 2, as in the second and fourth embodiments.

[0094] In the fifth embodiment illustrated in the figure, the power supply device 6 is attached to the X-direction moving plate 11 and the power receiving device 2a is provided on the side of the drone 2. However, as in the first embodiment, the power supply device 6 may be provided on the landing platform 4 and the power receiving device 2a may be provided on the underside of the drone 2. Other configurations and effects of this embodiment are the same as those of the fourth embodiment.

[0095] (Sixth Embodiment) Figure 16 is a perspective view of the power supply drone port 1 of the sixth embodiment. The power supply drone port 1 of this embodiment differs from other embodiments in that the power supply device 6 is movable.

[0096] In this embodiment, the landing pad 4, when viewed from above, has a shape with an X-sided side 4b extending parallel to the horizontal X direction. For example, the shape of the landing pad 4 when viewed from above may be a trapezoid, a parallelogram, or a rectangle.

[0097] The positioning equipment 10 of this embodiment may be the same as that of the fourth embodiment, for example. That is, the positioning equipment 10 has an X-direction moving plate whose ends are located outside the X opposite side 4b and which is movable horizontally along the upper surface 4a of the landing pad 4, and a moving plate drive device 21 that moves the X-direction moving plate 11 in the X direction to the power supply position 7. The X-direction moving plate 11 is preferably a plate that extends linearly in the Y direction, as in the fourth embodiment, but it may also be a plate that is curved outward in the X direction.

[0098] The difference between the power supply drone port 1 of this embodiment and the power supply drone port 1 of the fourth embodiment is that, instead of having a belt conveyor 12 and a conveyor drive device 22, it has a power supply moving device 23.

[0099] The power supply movement device 23 is a device that moves the power supply device 6 along the X-direction movement plate 11. The power supply and movement device 23 in this example figure includes, for example, a linear guide 23a and a power supply and movement actuator 23b. The power supply and movement actuator 23b may include, for example, a ball screw 23c and a motor 23d, as shown in the figure. Alternatively, the power supply and movement actuator 23b may be a linear cylinder.

[0100] Next, the operation of the power supply drone port 1 in the sixth embodiment will be described. Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the power supply drone port 1 in the sixth embodiment. Time progresses from Figure 17(A) to Figure 17(D). Also, the propellers of the drone 2 and the moving plate drive device 21 are omitted from this figure. After the control device 8 detects the landing of the drone 2 using the communication device 17, it moves a pair of X-direction moving plates 11 inward in the X direction using the moving plate drive device 21 (Figures 17(A) and 17(B)). The drone 2 lands with the power receiving device 2a facing the X-direction moving plate 11 (the right-hand X-direction moving plate 11 in the figure) to which the power supply device 6 is attached, as determined by the magnetic orientation sensor. As the X-direction moving plates 11 sandwich the drone 2, the power receiving device 2a and the right-hand X-direction moving plate 11 in the figure become parallel (Figure 17(C)).

[0101] The control device 8 stops the chain rotation actuator 21c when it detects that the pair of X-direction moving plates 11 have gripped the drone 2 from both sides. Next, the control device 8 drives the motor 23d of the power supply movement device 23 to move the power supply device 6 back and forth in the Y direction (Figure 17(C)), stopping the power supply device 6 at the position where the current flow between the power supply device 6 and the power receiving device 2a is greatest (Figure 17(D)). This position of the power supply device 6 is the power supply position 7. After that, the control device 8 starts supplying power from the power supply device 6 to the power receiving device 2a.

[0102] After the power supply is terminated, the control device 8 reverses the rotation of the chain actuator 21c to return the X-direction moving plate 11 to the standby position. It also drives the power supply moving device 23 to return the position of the power supply device 6.

[0103] With this configuration, the power supply drone port 1 of this embodiment can supply power to the power receiving device 2a with minimal movement of the drone 2. Other configurations and effects of this embodiment are the same as those of the fourth embodiment.

[0104] According to the present invention described above, a power supply drone port 1 capable of supplying power to the drone 2 is installed on a power supply support pole 3, and power supply support poles 3 are installed in various locations throughout Japan. As a result, by having the drone 2 relay power to the power supply drone ports 1 in various locations, long-distance flight of the drone 2 can be achieved.

[0105] Furthermore, the power supply pole 3 is typically installed at a height that prevents people H from touching it. Since the power supply drone port 1 is attached to the upper end 3a of such a power supply pole 3, people H cannot reach the power supply drone port 1 either. This prevents the theft of the drone 2 and the cargo that the drone 2 carries, and ensures the safety of the drone 2 and the cargo.

[0106] Furthermore, since the power supply pole 3 to which the power supply drone port 1 is attached is already supplied with power, the power required for the power supply drone port 1 can be supplied from the power supply pole 3 on which it is installed. Therefore, the cost of bringing electricity to the power supply drone port 1 can be kept low, and power transmission losses are minimized, making it efficient.

[0107] Furthermore, since the power supply drone port 1 has positioning equipment 10, the position of the drone 2 during power supply can be precisely positioned at the power supply position 7. As a result, the position of the power supply device 6 of the power supply drone port 1 and the position of the power receiving device 2a mounted on the drone 2 can be precisely positioned facing each other or in contact, thereby ensuring the charging efficiency as designed and reliably supplying power to the drone 2.

[0108] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1. Power supply drone port, 2 Drone, 2a Power receiving device, 2b Receiving coil, 2c roller, 2d leg, 3 Current-carrying pole, 3a top end, 4 Landing platform, 4a Top surface, 4b X opposite side, 4c Y opposite side, 4d inclined surface, 5 Support stand, 5a column attachment part, 5b section steel, 6 Power supply device, 6a Transmitter coil, 7 Power supply position, 8. Control device, 9. Fall prevention device, 10 Positioning equipment, 11 X-direction moving plate, 11a both ends, 11b central part, 12 Belt conveyor, 12a Belt, 12b Joint, 13 Horizontal movement unit, 14 Y-direction movement plate, 15 Connecting plate, 16 Hinge, 17 Communication device, 21. Moving plate drive device, 21a Guide rail, 21b Endless chain, 21c Chain rotation actuator, 21d axis, 22 conveyor drive unit, 23 Power supply and moving device, 23a Linear guide, 23b Actuator for power supply and movement, 23c ball screw, 23d motor, 24 Unit drive unit, 24a Drive plate, 24b Horizontal moving fitting, 24c Rotating roller, 25 Drive plate drive device, 25a Linear guide, 25b Ball screw drive unit, 26 Transformer, 27 Lightning rod, 27a Ground wire, 28 Detachable hinge, 28a Pipe, 28b Shaft, 28c Knob, 29 Hinges, 30 Connecting devices, 31 Gap through which horizontal moving fittings pass, 35 Magnetic field, H people, M center of the upper surface of the landing pad

Claims

1. A drone having a power receiving device mounted on its side and a magnetic compass sensor that detects the direction it is facing, A power supply drone port comprises a landing platform on which the drone can take off and land, a power supply device that supplies power laterally to the power receiving device of the drone placed on the landing platform, and a positioning device that moves the drone or the power supply device that has landed on the landing platform to a power supply position where the power supply device and the power receiving device face each other or come into contact. The power supply device is located in a predetermined direction in the power supply drone port, A drone power supply drone port system wherein, when the drone lands at the power supply drone port, it aligns the orientation of the power receiving device with the orientation of the power supply device by oriented the power receiving device toward the direction in which the power supply device is located.

2. The drone is equipped with at least one of the aforementioned power supply drone ports, The aforementioned orientation is standardized to the same orientation at all of the aforementioned power supply drone ports. The power supply drone port system according to claim 1, wherein when the drone lands on any of the power supply drone ports, it lands with the power receiving device facing the direction and aligns the orientation of the power receiving device with the power supply device.

3. The aforementioned power supply drone port is provided as at least one relay point along the flight path of the drone to its destination. The power supply drone port system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drone is charged at a power supply drone port that serves as a relay point, thereby replenishing power to the drone's battery and allowing it to fly to the destination.

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