Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Station

Abstract

To provide an unmanned aircraft station that facilitates operation of an unmanned aircraft.SOLUTION: An unmanned aircraft station includes: a take-off and landing unit 21 where an unmanned aircraft 90 takes off and lands; a cargo receiving unit 22; a cargo delivery unit 23; a storage unit 40 that stores a plurality of cargoes M; a replenishment housing unit 50 that houses the plurality of unmanned aircrafts 90 and replenishes the housed unmanned aircrafts 90 with energy; a cargo conveyance device 60 that conveys a cargo M between the cargo receiving unit 22 and the storage unit 40 and between the cargo delivery unit 23 and the storage unit 40; and an aircraft conveyance device 70 that conveys each unmanned aircraft 90 between a take-off and landing unit 21 and the replenishment housing unit 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an unmanned aerial vehicle station where unmanned aerial vehicles carrying cargo take off and land. [Background technology]

[0002] An unmanned aircraft station where unmanned aircraft take off and land is known. Patent Document 1 (JP 2020-117876 A) discloses that, in order to prevent an unmanned transport device from flying over a handrail into a target residence due to a sudden gust of wind or colliding with a building or other structure during automatic delivery of packages, a part of a building with two or more floors is made into a multi-story open-ceiling space, and after the unmanned transport device rises and descends in this space, the packages are handed over to a package storage and collection device on each floor and stored in a package box assigned to each resident.

[0003] The unmanned aircraft station in Patent Document 1 requires the installation of a multi-story atrium structure and a baggage storage and collection device in a building where residents live. However, in areas where it is difficult to install an unmanned aircraft station in a building where residents live, or in areas where the distance to transport baggage tends to be long and the range of unmanned aircraft is insufficient, it is difficult to operate unmanned aircraft. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-117876 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to realize an unmanned aircraft station that makes it easier to operate unmanned aircraft. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The unmanned aircraft station of the present disclosure comprises a takeoff and landing section where unmanned aircraft take off and land, a baggage receiving section that receives baggage from the unmanned aircraft, a baggage delivery section that hands over the baggage to the unmanned aircraft, a storage section that stores multiple pieces of baggage, a replenishment storage section that stores multiple unmanned aircraft and replenishes energy for the stored unmanned aircraft, a baggage transport device that transports the baggage between the baggage receiving section and the storage section and between the baggage delivery section and the storage section, and an aircraft transport device that transports the unmanned aircraft between the takeoff and landing section and the replenishment storage section.

[0007] According to this configuration, it is possible to store multiple packages and store and replenish multiple unmanned aerial vehicles. Therefore, the unmanned aerial vehicle station can function, for example, as a temporary storage station for packages or unmanned aerial vehicles, facilitating the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles. Furthermore, packages received from an unmanned aerial vehicle can be transferred to another replenished unmanned aerial vehicle and immediately taken off. Therefore, the unmanned aerial vehicle station can function, for example, as an unmanned aerial vehicle exchange station. Furthermore, the order in which packages are flown by unmanned aerial vehicles can be changed. Therefore, the unmanned aerial vehicle station can function, for example, as a package delivery order change station.

[0008] Further features and advantages of the techniques according to the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of an unmanned aircraft station according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] A plan view showing the rooftop of the unmanned aerial vehicle station of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] A floor plan showing the second floor of the unmanned aerial vehicle station of Figure 1. [Figure 4] A floor plan showing the first floor of the unmanned aircraft station in Figure 1. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a lifter of the unmanned aircraft station according to the second embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [First embodiment] An unmanned aircraft station 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the unmanned aircraft station 10. The unmanned aircraft station 10 includes a takeoff and landing section 21 where the unmanned aircraft 90 take off and land, a baggage receiving section 22 that receives baggage M from the unmanned aircraft 90, and a baggage delivery section 23 that delivers baggage M to the unmanned aircraft 90. The unmanned aircraft station 10 also includes a storage section 40 that stores multiple baggage M, and a replenishment storage section 50 that stores multiple unmanned aircraft 90 and replenishes energy (specifically, energy required for flight) for the stored unmanned aircraft 90. In this embodiment, the unmanned aircraft station 10 is a single building. FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view showing the rooftop R3 of the unmanned aircraft station 10. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the second floor R2 of the unmanned aircraft station 10. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the first floor R1 of the unmanned aircraft station 10.

[0011] The unmanned aerial vehicle 90 is, for example, a fixed-wing aircraft or a rotary-wing aircraft capable of remote control or autonomous flight. In this embodiment, the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 is an electric rotary-wing aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 is rechargeable and includes a storage battery 92. The unmanned aerial vehicle 90 also includes a power receiving coil 94. The unmanned aerial vehicle 90 is also a multicopter (a so-called drone) capable of autonomous flight. The unmanned aerial vehicle 90 includes a ground contact portion 96 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the ground contact portion 96 is four legs, but the ground contact portion 96 may also be a sled or wheels.

[0012] In this embodiment, the unmanned aircraft station 10 includes an external transport device 20 and a lifter 30. In this embodiment, the external transport device 20 transports the unmanned aircraft 90 between the takeoff and landing section 21 and the lifter 30. Here, the vertical direction is referred to as the up-down direction Z. A specific horizontal direction is referred to as the specific direction X, with one side of the specific direction X being referred to as the specific direction first side Xa and the other side of the specific direction X being referred to as the specific direction second side Xb. As shown in FIG. 2, the direction along the transport path of the external transport device 20 is referred to as the transport direction L1, and the direction perpendicular to the transport direction L1 when viewed in the up-down direction is referred to as the transport width direction W1. Examples of the external transport device 20 include a roller conveyor and a belt conveyor. The external transport device 20 corresponds to the first transport section.

[0013] The lifter 30 transports each of the luggage M and the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 at least in the vertical direction Z. The storage section 40 is disposed adjacent to the lifter 30 on the specific direction first side Xa. The replenishing storage section 50 is disposed adjacent to the lifter 30 on the specific direction second side Xb. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the lifter 30 is provided with an internal conveying device 32 that can transport the luggage M and the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 in the specific direction X. Here, the direction along the transport path of the internal conveying device 32 is referred to as the transport direction L2, and the direction perpendicular to the transport direction L2 when viewed in the vertical direction is referred to as the transport width direction W2. Examples of the internal conveying device 32 include a roller conveyor and a belt conveyor. The lifter 30 corresponds to the second transport section.

[0014] In this embodiment, the takeoff and landing section 21 is located above the storage section 40 and the replenishment storage section 50. In the illustrated example, the takeoff and landing section 21 is provided on the rooftop R3 of the building. The takeoff and landing section 21 is for vertical takeoff and landing. The takeoff and landing section 21 is located so as to overlap with the storage section 40 when viewed in the vertical direction. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the external transport device 20 also serves as the takeoff and landing section 21. The takeoff and landing section 21 is provided with an inclined section 25 on at least one side of the transport width direction W1 that slopes upward in the vertical direction Z as it moves away from the external transport device 20. This inclined section 25 makes it easier for the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 to land vertically on the external transport device 20, and allows the dimension of the external transport device 20 in the transport width direction W1 to be relatively small.

[0015] In this embodiment, the storage unit 40 and the replenishment storage unit 50 are located inside the building. The takeoff and landing unit 21, the baggage receiving unit 22, and the baggage delivery unit 23 are located on the rooftop R3 of the building. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the unmanned aircraft station 10 is provided with a baggage entrance / exit 41 and an unmanned aircraft entrance / exit 51 on the first floor R1 of the building. The baggage entrance / exit 41 is used, for example, to store and retrieve baggage M without using the unmanned aircraft 90. The unmanned aircraft entrance / exit 51 is used, for example, to perform maintenance and inspection of the unmanned aircraft 90. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the unmanned aircraft station 10 is a two-story warehouse, and the first floor R1 is the first floor above ground. The storage unit 40 and the replenishment storage unit 50 of the unmanned aircraft station 10 are preferably automated warehouses. Here, an automated warehouse is a warehouse in which the storage and retrieval of stored objects is automated.

[0016] In this embodiment, the luggage delivery section 23 is equipped with a luggage delivery device 24 that delivers luggage M to the unmanned aerial vehicle 90. In addition, in this embodiment, the luggage delivery section 23 also functions as the luggage receiving section 22, and the luggage delivery device 24 also functions as a luggage receiving device that separates luggage M from the unmanned aerial vehicle 90. Examples of the luggage delivery device 24 include a luggage delivery robot and an elevator. In addition, in this embodiment, the external transport device 20 also functions as the luggage receiving section 22. In addition, in this embodiment, the external transport device 20 also functions as the luggage delivery section 23.

[0017] In this embodiment, the external conveying device 20 is disposed above the storage section 40 and the replenishment storage section 50 in the vertical direction Z. The external conveying device 20 is disposed so as to overlap with the storage section 40 when viewed in the vertical direction Z. The external conveying device 20 also serves as a baggage receiving section 22, and transports baggage M from directly below the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 supported on the takeoff and landing section 21 to the lifter 30. The external conveying device 20 is configured to be able to perform a baggage transport operation S10 for transporting baggage M separated from the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 to the lifter 30 at least along the horizontal direction, and an aircraft transport operation S20 for transporting the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 separated from the baggage M and landed on the external conveying device 20 to the lifter 30 at least along the horizontal direction.

[0018] 2, the external conveying device 20 is equipped with a distribution conveying device 26 that can separately transport the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 and the luggage M separated from the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 when the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 and the luggage M separated from the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 are placed on the upper surface of the external conveying device 20. In this embodiment, the case where the external conveying device 20 transports only the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 by the distribution conveying device 26 is the above-mentioned aircraft transport operation S20, and the case where the external conveying device 20 transports only the luggage M by the distribution conveying device 26 is the above-mentioned luggage transport operation S10.

[0019] In this embodiment, the external conveying device 20 includes an aircraft conveying surface 20B that supports and conveys the ground contact portion 96 of the unmanned aerial vehicle 90, and a luggage conveying surface 20A that supports and conveys luggage M, and these surfaces can have different conveying speeds. In this embodiment, the luggage conveying surface 20A and the aircraft conveying surface 20B function as the distribution conveying device 26. In the illustrated example, the aircraft conveying surfaces 20B are provided on both outer sides of the luggage conveying surface 20A in the conveying width direction W1.

[0020] The unmanned aircraft station 10 is equipped with a luggage transport device 60 that transports luggage M between the luggage receiving section 22 and the storage section 40 and between the luggage delivery section 23 and the storage section 40. The unmanned aircraft station 10 also has an aircraft transport device 70 that transports unmanned aircraft 90 between the takeoff and landing section 21 and the replenishment storage section 50. In this embodiment, the luggage transport device 60 and the aircraft transport device 70 are equipped with a shared external transport device 20. In this embodiment, the luggage transport device 60 and the aircraft transport device 70 are equipped with a shared lifter 30.

[0021] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , the luggage conveying device 60 includes an external conveying device 20, a lifter 30, and a storage conveying device 61 that conveys luggage M between the lifter 30 and the storage unit 40. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned internal conveying device 32 provided in the lifter 30 conveys the luggage M in the specific direction first side Xa, thereby conveying the luggage M to the storage unit 40. In the illustrated example, a circulating conveying device 62 and a branching conveying device 63 are provided in the storage unit 40. The luggage M conveyed from the lifter 30 to the storage unit 40 is placed on the circulating conveying device 62 and stored. The branching conveying device 63 branches and conveys the luggage M to the circulating conveying device 62 or the lifter 30. In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the circulating conveying device 62 and the branching conveying device 63 are provided on each floor, and the branching conveying device 63 provided on the first floor R1 branches and conveys the luggage M to the circulating conveying device 62, the lifter 30, or the luggage loading / unloading gate 41. In the illustrated example, the internal conveying device 32 and the branching conveying device 63 function as a storage conveying device 61 that conveys the luggage M between the lifter 30 and the storage section 40.

[0022] In this embodiment, the storage unit 40 is installed across multiple floors of a building. In the illustrated example, a second entrance / exit 45 is located between the storage unit 40 and the lifter 30. The storage unit 40 also functions as an automated warehouse for the luggage M by being equipped with a storage and transport device 61 that can store and transport the luggage M within the storage unit 40.

[0023] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , the aircraft transport device 70 includes an external transport device 20, a lifter 30, and a storage transport device 71 that transports the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 between the lifter 30 and the replenishment storage section 50. In this embodiment, the internal transport device 32 provided in the lifter 30 transports the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 to the specific direction second side Xb, thereby transporting the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 to the replenishment storage section 50. In the illustrated example, a branching transport device 73 is provided in the replenishment storage section 50. The unmanned aerial vehicle 90 transported from the lifter 30 to the replenishment storage section 50 is branched and transported by the branching transport device 73 to a hangar 52 or the lifter 30, which will be described later. In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the branching transport device 73 is provided on each floor, and the storage transport device 71 provided on the first floor R1 is configured to be able to transport the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 to the unmanned aerial vehicle entrance / exit 51. In the illustrated example, the internal transport device 32 and the branch transport device 73 function as a storage transport device 71 that transports the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 between the lifter 30 and the replenishment storage section 50.

[0024] In this embodiment, the replenishment storage section 50 is installed across multiple floors of a building. In the illustrated example, a third entrance / exit 55 is located between the replenishment storage section 50 and the lifter 30. Furthermore, the replenishment storage section 50 is equipped with a storage transport device 71 that can transport the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 within the replenishment storage section 50, thereby functioning as an automated warehouse for the unmanned aerial vehicle 90.

[0025] In this embodiment, the replenishment storage unit 50 includes a plurality of hangars 52. Each of the hangars 52 includes a wireless charging device 53. The charging device 53 has a power supply coil 54 and supplies power to a storage battery 92 via a power receiving coil 94 of the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 stored in the hangar 52. This enables wireless charging of the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 stored in the replenishment storage unit 50. In this manner, in this embodiment, energy is replenished to the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 by the replenishment storage unit 50 by charging the storage battery 92. In the illustrated example, the floor of the hangar 52 is capable of transporting the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 between the replenishment storage unit 50 and the branch conveyance device 73.

[0026] Second Embodiment The unmanned aircraft station 10 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the distribution and conveyance device 26 is not provided on the rooftop R3, but is provided on the lifter 30. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that points not specifically described are the same as those in the first embodiment. Figure 5 is an enlarged plan view showing the second floor R2 of the unmanned aircraft station 10 according to the second embodiment.

[0027] In this embodiment, the lifter 30 also serves as the baggage receiving section 22. The lifter 30 can receive the baggage M from the unmanned aerial vehicle 90, for example, by providing an impact absorbing material and a baggage receiving device (not shown) on the upper surface of the internal transport device 32 of the lifter 30. Note that in this embodiment, the external transport device 20 is equipped with a baggage delivery device 24 and also serves as the baggage delivery section 23, but does not also serve as the baggage receiving section 22.

[0028] In this embodiment, the internal transport device 32 of the lifter 30 is configured to be able to perform a luggage transport operation S10 of transporting luggage M separated from the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 to a first side Xa in a specific direction, and an aircraft transport operation S20 of transporting the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 separated from the luggage M to a second side Xb in a specific direction. In this embodiment, the internal transport device 32 is equipped with a distribution transport device 36 that can transport the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 and the luggage M separately when the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 and the luggage M separated from the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 are placed on the upper surface of the internal transport device 32.

[0029] In this embodiment, the internal conveying device 32 includes an aircraft conveying surface 32B that supports and conveys the ground contact portion 96 of the unmanned aerial vehicle 90, and a luggage conveying surface 32A that supports and conveys luggage M, and these surfaces can have different conveying speeds. In the illustrated example, the aircraft conveying surfaces 32B are provided on both sides of the luggage conveying surface 32A in the conveying width direction W1. The luggage conveying surface 32A supports and conveys luggage M that has been separated from the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 toward the first side Xa in the specific direction. The aircraft conveying surface 32B supports and conveys the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 that has been separated from the luggage M toward the second side Xb in the specific direction.

[0030] In this embodiment, the baggage conveying surface 32A and the aircraft conveying surface 32B function as the above-mentioned distribution and conveying device 36. The above-mentioned baggage conveying operation S10 occurs when the internal conveying device 32 conveys only the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 using the distribution and conveying device 36, and the above-mentioned aircraft conveying operation S20 occurs when the internal conveying device 32 conveys only the baggage M using the distribution and conveying device 36. In this way, in this embodiment, the lifter 30 is equipped with the distribution and conveying device 36. In this way, the baggage receiving section 22 and the distribution and conveying device 36 can be located indoors while simplifying the device configuration.

[0031] Other Embodiments Next, other embodiments of the unmanned aircraft station 10 will be described.

[0032] (1) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 is a rechargeable rotorcraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 may be, for example, an electrically powered rotorcraft or fixed-wing aircraft equipped with a fuel cell.

[0033] (2) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the replenishment storage unit 50 includes a wireless charging device 53. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the replenishment storage unit 50 may include a wired charging device 53. Furthermore, the replenishment storage unit 50 may replenish fuel to the fuel cell of the unmanned aerial vehicle 90, for example. In this case, the replenishment storage unit 50 replenishes energy to the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 by replenishing the fuel that serves as the energy source (for example, filling a hydrogen storage container with hydrogen).

[0034] (3) In the above embodiment, the unmanned aircraft station 10 is described as being a two-story building. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the unmanned aircraft station 10 may be, for example, a multi-story building with a basement, or a facility including multiple buildings in which the baggage transport device 60 and the aircraft transport device 70 are shared. Furthermore, a floor above the first floor or a basement floor may be the first floor R1 equipped with the baggage entrance / exit 41 and the unmanned aircraft entrance / exit 51. Furthermore, the baggage entrance / exit 41 and the unmanned aircraft entrance / exit 51 may be located on different floors.

[0035] (4) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the luggage transport device 60 and the aircraft transport device 70 are provided with the lifter 30, which is a shared second transport unit. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the luggage transport device 60 and the aircraft transport device 70 may each be provided with the lifter 30. Furthermore, for example, the unmanned aircraft station 10 may be a building with only one floor above ground, and the luggage transport device 60 may be a stacker crane that transports luggage M to each of multiple levels of storage shelves that function as the storage unit 40. Furthermore, the aircraft transport device 70 may be a stacker crane that transports unmanned aircraft 90 to each of multiple levels of storage shelves that function as the replenishment storage unit 50. Furthermore, the luggage transport device 60 and the aircraft transport device 70 may each be provided with a stacker crane, or a shared stacker crane may be provided.

[0036] (5) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the storage unit 40 is disposed adjacent to the lifter 30 on the first side Xa in the specific direction, and the replenishment storage unit 50 is disposed adjacent to the lifter 30 on the second side Xb in the specific direction. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, both the storage unit 40 and the replenishment storage unit 50 may be disposed on the second side Xb in the specific direction relative to the lifter 30, away from the lifter 30. Furthermore, the storage conveying device 61 and the storage conveying device 71 may be automated guided vehicles that travel between the storage unit 40, the replenishment storage unit 50, and the lifter 30.

[0037] (6) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the external transport device 20 is provided on the rooftop R3 and doubles as the takeoff and landing section 21. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the external transport device 20 may be disposed downstream of the takeoff and landing section 21 that doubles as the baggage claim section 22. Furthermore, for example, the external transport device 20 does not need to overlap with the storage section 40 when viewed from the top and bottom. For example, the takeoff and landing section 21 may be terrace-shaped or hanger-shaped for hanging and suspending the unmanned aerial vehicle 90. For example, the takeoff section and landing section of the takeoff and landing section 21 may be provided in different locations, or each may be provided in multiple locations. For example, the baggage delivery section 23 may be provided on the first floor R1 instead of the rooftop R3. For example, the baggage claim section 22 and the baggage delivery section 23 may each be provided in multiple locations. Furthermore, for example, the external transport device 20 that also serves as the takeoff and landing section 21 may be provided indoors on the first floor R1 or on a terrace provided on the second floor R2.

[0038] (7) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the external conveying device 20 serves both as the baggage receiving section 22 and the baggage handover section 23 and includes the baggage handover device 24 that also serves as a baggage receiving device. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the baggage receiving section 22 and the baggage handover section 23 may not be provided with the baggage handover device 24, and workers may perform the baggage receiving and handover operations. Furthermore, the baggage receiving section 22 may be a baggage platform that does not include a baggage receiving device.

[0039] (8) In the first embodiment, the external conveying device 20 includes a baggage conveying surface 20A and an aircraft conveying surface 20B. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the external conveying device 20 may be configured such that the distribution / conveyance device 26 fixes the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 in the conveying direction L1 while the external conveying device 20 is conveying baggage M. Alternatively, the external conveying device 20 may not include a baggage conveying surface 20A and an aircraft conveying surface 20B, and the first entrance / exit 35 shown in FIG. 2 may be configured so that the dimension of the first entrance / exit 35 in the conveying width direction W2 is adjustable, for example, so that the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 is fixed in the conveying direction L1 while the external conveying device 20 is conveying baggage M. In other words, the first entrance / exit 35 provided in the lifter 30 or the external conveying device 20 may function as the distribution / conveyance device 26.

[0040] (9) In the second embodiment, the internal conveyance device 32 includes a baggage conveying surface 32A and an aircraft conveying surface 32B. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the internal conveyance device 32 may be configured such that the distribution / conveyance device 36 fixes the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 in the conveyance direction L2 while the internal conveyance device 32 is conveying the baggage M. Alternatively, the internal conveyance device 32 may not include the baggage conveying surface 32A and the aircraft conveying surface 32B. Instead, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 , the dimensions of the second entrance / exit 45 disposed between the lifter 30 and the storage unit 40 may be smaller than the dimensions of the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 in the conveyance width direction W2, thereby fixing the unmanned aerial vehicle 90 in the conveyance direction L2 while the internal conveyance device 32 is conveying the baggage M. In other words, the second entrance / exit 45 provided in the lifter 30 or the storage unit 40 may function as the distribution / conveyance device 36.

[0041] (10) The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments may be combined with configurations disclosed in other embodiments as long as no contradictions arise. Regarding other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications may be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0042] [Summary of the above embodiment] The unmanned aircraft station described above will now be described.

[0043] The unmanned aircraft station of the present disclosure comprises a takeoff and landing section where unmanned aircraft take off and land, a baggage receiving section that receives baggage from the unmanned aircraft, a baggage delivery section that hands over the baggage to the unmanned aircraft, a storage section that stores multiple pieces of baggage, a replenishment storage section that stores multiple unmanned aircraft and replenishes energy for the stored unmanned aircraft, a baggage transport device that transports the baggage between the baggage receiving section and the storage section and between the baggage delivery section and the storage section, and an aircraft transport device that transports the unmanned aircraft between the takeoff and landing section and the replenishment storage section.

[0044] According to this configuration, it is possible to store multiple packages and store and replenish multiple unmanned aerial vehicles. Therefore, the unmanned aerial vehicle station can function, for example, as a temporary storage station for packages or unmanned aerial vehicles, facilitating the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles. Furthermore, packages received from an unmanned aerial vehicle can be transferred to another replenished unmanned aerial vehicle and immediately taken off. Therefore, the unmanned aerial vehicle station can function, for example, as an unmanned aerial vehicle exchange station. Furthermore, the order in which packages are flown by unmanned aerial vehicles can be changed. Therefore, the unmanned aerial vehicle station can function, for example, as a package delivery order change station.

[0045] Here, it is preferable that the takeoff and landing section is located above the storage section and the replenishment storage section, the luggage transport device and the aircraft transport device are equipped with a shared lifter, the lifter transports the luggage and the unmanned aerial vehicle in an up-and-down direction, a specific direction along the horizontal direction is defined as the specific direction, one side of the specific direction is defined as a specific direction first side, and the other side of the specific direction is defined as a specific direction second side, the storage section is located adjacent to the lifter on the specific direction first side, and the replenishment storage section is located adjacent to the lifter on the specific direction second side.

[0046] According to this configuration, the luggage can be stored in the storage section by transporting the luggage from the lifter in a specific direction to the first side, and the unmanned aerial vehicle can be stored in the supplementary storage section by transporting the unmanned aerial vehicle in a specific direction to the second side. Therefore, multiple luggage and multiple unmanned aerial vehicles can be appropriately stored and stowed, respectively.

[0047] In addition, the luggage transport device and the aircraft transport device are equipped with a shared first transport unit and a shared second transport unit, and the first transport unit is located above the storage unit and the replenishment storage unit, and serves as the takeoff and landing unit and the luggage receiving unit, and is capable of performing a luggage transport operation to transport the luggage separated from the unmanned aerial vehicle to the second transport unit at least horizontally, and an aircraft transport operation to transport the unmanned aerial vehicle that has been separated from the luggage and landed on the first transport unit to the second transport unit at least horizontally, and it is preferable that the second transport unit transports each of the luggage and the unmanned aerial vehicle at least vertically.

[0048] According to this configuration, it is possible to store multiple pieces of luggage and multiple unmanned aerial vehicles by utilizing the space below the takeoff and landing section. Also, according to this configuration, since the first transport section serves as both the takeoff and landing section and the luggage receiving section, it is possible to simplify the device configuration. Furthermore, since the first transport section can perform luggage transport operations and aircraft transport operations, it is possible to separate the luggage and the unmanned aerial vehicle and transport each separately.

[0049] Preferably, the first transport unit is disposed so as to overlap the storage unit when viewed from above.

[0050] According to this configuration, it is easy to keep the space required for the unmanned aircraft station small in plan view while ensuring the number of pieces of luggage that can be stored and the number of unmanned aircraft that can be accommodated.

[0051] It is also preferable that the storage section and the replenishment storage section are located inside a warehouse, and the takeoff and landing section, the baggage receiving section, and the baggage delivery section are located on the roof of the warehouse.

[0052] This configuration makes it easy for unmanned aerial vehicles to take off and land, and for cargo to be received and handed over. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 10: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Station 20: External transport device (first transport unit) 21: Takeoff and landing section 22: Baggage claim area 23: Baggage Delivery Department 30: Lifter (second conveying section) 40: Storage department 50: Replenishment storage area 60: Luggage transport device 70: Aircraft transport equipment 90: Unmanned aerial vehicle M: Luggage R3: Rooftop S10: Luggage transport operation S20: Aircraft transport operation

Claims

1. a takeoff and landing section for the unmanned aerial vehicle to take off and land; a baggage receiving unit that receives baggage from the unmanned aerial vehicle; a baggage delivery unit that delivers the baggage to the unmanned aerial vehicle; a storage unit for storing a plurality of the packages; a replenishment storage unit that stores a plurality of the unmanned aerial vehicles and replenishes energy to the stored unmanned aerial vehicles; a luggage transport device that transports the luggage between the luggage receiving section and the storage section and between the luggage delivery section and the storage section; An unmanned aircraft station comprising: an aircraft transport device that transports the unmanned aircraft between the takeoff and landing area and the replenishment storage area.

2. The takeoff and landing section is disposed above the storage section and the replenishment storage section, the luggage transport device and the aircraft transport device are provided with a shared lifter, the lifter transports the luggage and the unmanned aerial vehicle in an up-down direction, A specific direction along the horizontal direction is defined as a specific direction, one side of the specific direction is defined as a specific direction first side, and the other side of the specific direction is defined as a specific direction second side, The storage section is disposed adjacent to the lifter on the first side in the specific direction, The unmanned aircraft station according to claim 1 , wherein the replenishment storage section is disposed adjacent to the lifter on the second side in the specific direction.

3. the luggage transport device and the aircraft transport device include a shared first transport unit and a shared second transport unit, The first transport unit is located above the storage unit and the replenishment storage unit, serves as the takeoff and landing unit and the baggage receiving unit, and is capable of performing a baggage transport operation of transporting the baggage separated from the unmanned aerial vehicle to the second transport unit at least along a horizontal direction, and an aircraft transport operation of transporting the unmanned aerial vehicle that has been separated from the baggage and landed on the first transport unit to the second transport unit at least along a horizontal direction, The unmanned aircraft station according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second transport unit transports each of the luggage and the unmanned aircraft at least in a vertical direction.

4. The unmanned aircraft station according to claim 3 , wherein the first transport unit is positioned so as to overlap the storage unit when viewed from above.

5. the storage unit and the replenishment storage unit are located inside a building; The unmanned aircraft station according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the takeoff and landing section, the baggage receiving section, and the baggage delivery section are located on the roof of the building.

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