Electric Charging Device for Easy to Electric Charging

Abstract

The present invention comprises a housing; and a charging unit provided in the housing and configured to enable mobility charging. A charging device may be provided comprising: a charging terminal provided in the housing and connected to the mobility for charging the mobility; and a support member to which the charging terminal is movably coupled so that when charging the mobility, the charging terminal and the charging position of the mobility are not aligned in a line.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging device that enables convenient charging regardless of the movement mode of various mobility devices requiring charging. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, various types of mobility perform various functions, and various control devices, sensors, and driving means may be provided to perform these various functions.

[0004] Therefore, a power supply is essential for mobility to perform operations, and a battery is provided for power supply, and such a battery can be rechargeable.

[0005] Mobility is equipped with a battery and receives power from the battery to drive or perform various operations, and as time passes, the battery's power is depleted and a recharging process must be performed again.

[0006] When charging, the electric vehicle type of mobility is charged by connecting the charging gun of the charger to a charging port provided on the front or side, or the autonomous mobile robot type of mobility is charged by approaching a charging device provided at a predetermined location and connecting a charging part provided on the charging device in a fixed state to a charging port formed on the mobile robot to proceed with the charging operation.

[0007] However, when a mobility device, such as a mobile robot, locates a charging device at a fixed position to connect for charging, it must approach the device while assuming an accurate position. Precisely controlling the movement of the mobility device to ensure connection is made in the correct charging position is difficult, and many sensing means and various position control methods may be required.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to develop a charging device that enables a more convenient connection operation for charging, even without attempting to connect in a precise alignment state. The problem to be solved

[0010] Accordingly, the present invention was developed to solve the problems of the past, and the objective of the present invention is to provide an easy-to-use charging device that allows for easy connection for charging even when the charging of various mobility devices is not in a precise alignment state. means of solving the problem

[0012] The solution means of the present invention comprises: a housing; and a charging unit provided in the housing and configured to enable mobility charging.

[0013] A charging device may be provided comprising: a charging terminal provided in the housing and connected to the mobility for charging the mobility; and a support member to which the charging terminal is movably coupled so that when charging the mobility, the charging terminal and the charging position of the mobility are not aligned in a line. Effects of the invention

[0015] As such, the present invention has the advantage that the connection work for charging can be easily performed without having to accurately align the charging device when charging mobility of various forms and uses.

[0016] In addition, since the charging terminal of the charging device in the present invention can move in two movement modes (linear movement and rotational movement), even if various mobility devices requiring charging approach nearby and attempt a connection operation for charging (linear movement and diagonal movement) at a rough proximity position without precise alignment, the charging terminal can appropriately respond through the two movement modes to implement a connection state for charging.

[0017] Therefore, since the present invention does not require various sensing and control means for performing the operation of approaching a charging device in an accurate alignment state, the structure is simplified by eliminating various means for accurate charging, and manufacturing costs can be reduced due to the simple structure, and the failure rate during use can be significantly reduced. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a charging device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of a charging device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a charging device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating a mobility approaching a charging device for charging according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the corresponding appearance of a charging part according to the direction of movement of a mobility approaching a charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) shows the connection port of the mobility approaching the charging part in a straight line, (b) shows the connection port of the mobility approaching the charging part at an eccentric position, and (c) shows the connection port of the mobility approaching the charging part in a diagonal direction. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the corresponding appearance of a charging part according to the direction of movement of a mobility approaching a charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) shows the connection port of the mobility approaching the charging part in an offset manner, (b) shows the charging part moving and being inserted into the connection port of the mobility, and (c) shows the charging part rotating and connecting to the connection port of the mobility approaching in a diagonal direction. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing mobility moving in a straight line and approaching a charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention in an offset state. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a state in which a mobility unit moves diagonally to approach a charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a charging unit is rotated and inserted. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to some of the described embodiments and can be implemented in various forms, and at least one of the components among the embodiments may be optionally combined and / or substituted within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0021] In addition, unless specifically defined otherwise, the terms of the embodiments of the present invention may be interpreted in a sense that is generally understood by those skilled in the art, and commonly used terms may be interpreted by considering the contextual meaning of the relevant technology.

[0022] Furthermore, the terms of the embodiments of the present invention are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention, and the singular can be interpreted to include the plural unless otherwise stated in the text.

[0023] In addition, in the components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, third, or A, B, C, etc. may be used, and such terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another and do not limit the order or sequence.

[0024] In addition, when a component is described as being “connected,” “joined,” or “combined” with another component in an embodiment of the present invention, it may mean not only that one component is directly connected, joined, or combined with another component, but also that it is indirectly connected, joined, or combined by another component between the two components.

[0025] In addition, in an embodiment of the present invention, one component being placed, formed, or positioned above or below another component may include one component being placed, formed, or positioned directly or indirectly on the other component. The expressions "above or below" or "above or below" may mean not only an upward direction but also a downward direction relative to one component.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side view of a charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a plan view of a charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a charging device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a housing (110) and a charging part (120) provided for charging on the front of the housing (110).

[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the housing (110) is exemplified as being provided in the shape of a square box, but is not limited thereto and may be provided in various shapes. Various components necessary for charging may be provided within the housing (110).

[0029] The charging unit (120) is a means of directly supplying power to the charging mobility (200) and can be provided in the housing (110) in a movable state rather than a fixed state.

[0030] More specifically, the charging unit (120) may include a charging body (121) that is movably provided, a support (122) to which the charging body (121) is movably coupled, and a charging terminal (123) rotatably coupled to the charging body (121).

[0031] The charging terminal (123) can be rotatably coupled to a support shaft (124) formed on the front of the charging body (121). The charging terminal (123) can be rotatably coupled to the support shaft (124) while the support shaft (124) is fixed, or it can be coupled in conjunction with the support shaft (124) so ​​as to rotate simultaneously with the support shaft (124).

[0032] At both ends of the support shaft (124), a fixing piece (125) may be formed to connect and support the support shaft (124).

[0033] Both ends of the support member (122) may be connected to a fixing member (130) that is fixed to the housing (110), and the support member (122) may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the surface of the housing (110). Since the charging terminal (123) is movably connected to the support member (122), the support member (122) may be spaced apart from the surface of the housing (110) so that the charging terminal (123) can move smoothly in either direction of the support member (122) without contacting the surface of the housing (110).

[0034] Additionally, an elastic member (126) may be provided on the outer surface of the support (122). Here, a charging terminal (123) may be slidably coupled to the support (122), and thus, a first elastic member (126a) and a second elastic member (126b) may be provided on each side of the charging terminal (123). When the charging terminal (123) moves along the longitudinal direction of the support (122), the elastic member (126) provided in the direction of movement may be compressed, and when the moving force of the charging terminal (123) is removed, it may return to its original position by the repulsive force of the compressed elastic member (126).

[0035] The charging terminal (123) may have inclined surfaces (123a) formed on both sides. Thus, it may be provided in a cylindrical shape. A positive electrode and a negative electrode may be formed on each of the pair of inclined surfaces (123a). Therefore, when connecting for charging of the mobility (200), surface contact can be made through the inclined surfaces (123a), thereby maintaining a more reliable electrical contact state.

[0036] A connection port (210) may be formed in the mobility (200) to allow charging to be performed by inserting a charging terminal (123) and making surface contact, and an inclined surface may be formed in the connection port (210) to allow easy insertion into the inclined surface (123a) of the charging terminal (123) and making surface contact.

[0037] An incision (131) may be formed in the fixing member (130). The incision (131) is slightly opened when the end of the support member (122) is inserted into the fixing member (130) to facilitate insertion, and after insertion, when tightened in the lateral direction using a fastening member (not shown) such as a screw and a bolt, the opened incision (131) is narrowed to ensure a secure clamping state.

[0038] In addition, the mobility (200) that charges the charging device (100) of the present invention is a means of transportation having various structures and functions, and may be a mobile robot for various purposes (cleaning robot, cargo transport robot, etc.), an autonomous vehicle, a drone, etc.

[0039] Here, the mobility (200) is equipped with a rechargeable battery, and the equipped battery may be consumed by the operation of the mobility (200) and require charging. When the time to charge is indicated through a display formed on the mobility (200), the vehicle can access the location where the charging device (100) is installed via autonomous driving.

[0040] A communication unit is provided in the mobility (200) and the charging device (100) to communicate with each other, and the charging device (100) includes a transmitting means for transmitting at least one signal wave among light, infrared, sound wave, ultrasonic wave, radio wave, and magnetic field, and the mobility (200) may include a receiving means for receiving the transmitted wave from the transmitting means.

[0041] Additionally, the mobility (200) may be provided with a camera to photograph surrounding environmental equipment, and a calculation means may be provided to calculate the distance and direction to the charging device (100) based on the captured image and data received by a receiving means. However, this calculation means may not calculate the precise location so that the mobility (200) is accurately connected to the charging terminal (123) of the charging device (100), but rather calculate the approximate approach location to move the mobility (200).

[0042] The charging device (100) according to the present invention can make charging easier when charging various mobility devices (200).

[0043] Referring to FIG. 5, since the fixed charging device (100) has a fixed installation location, the connection location with the relatively moving mobility (200) can be formed in three patterns.

[0044] The first pattern may be such that the charging positions of the charging device (100) and the mobility (200) are aligned in a straight line, as shown in FIG. 5 (a). In this case, the charging state can be achieved by moving the mobility (200) in a straight line toward the charging device (100) and docking it.

[0045] The second pattern may be such that the charging positions of the charging device (100) and the mobility (200) are not in a straight line but are in positions that are offset from each other, as illustrated in FIG. 5(b). That is, the mobility (200) moves in a straight line to approach the charging device (100), but the position of the charging part (120) of the charging device (100) and the position of the connection port (210) of the mobility (200) are in different positions, and in this case, the charging part (120) of the charging device (100) can move.

[0046] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 5 (c), the third pattern is a state in which the mobility (200) approaches the charging device (100) from an inclined direction, and at this time, the charging part (120) of the charging device (100) needs to be rotated at an angle to match the inclined connection part (210) of the mobility (200).

[0047] The present invention has a technical feature in that it can provide a connection state for smooth charging for all three of these patterns.

[0048] More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the charging device (100) of the present invention is fixed, and a movable mobility (200) can approach the charging device (100) for charging. At this time, a connection port (210) for charging is formed on the front of the mobility (200), and the charging device (100) is equipped with a charging terminal (123) that is inserted into the connection port (210) to make a connection.

[0049] At this time, when the center position of the charging terminal (123) of the charging device (100) is defined as the first center position (C1) and the center position of the connection port (210) of the mobility (200) to be charged is defined as the second center position (C2), when the mobility (200) approaches the charging device (100) and attempts to dock for charging, if the first center position (C1) and the second center position (C2) are aligned in a straight line, then moving the mobility (200) in a straight line toward the charging device (100) to dock can result in an accurate connection state. However, if the first center position (C1) and the second center position (C2) are misaligned, then while the charging terminal (123) is fixed, the connection cannot be accurately made if the mobility (200) moves in a straight line.

[0050] Accordingly, in the present invention, the charging terminal (123) can be connected by moving to the left or right side in the drawing along the length direction of the support (122) to match the position of the connection port (210) of the mobility (200) in an offset state.

[0051] When the connection port (210) and the charging terminal (123) come into contact due to the movement of the mobility (200) for charging the mobility (200), since both sides of the charging terminal (123) are formed as inclined surfaces (123a), the connection port (210) of the mobility (200) moving in a straight line meets the inclined surfaces (123a), and a force pushing the charging terminal (123) to one side can be applied.

[0052] Then, the charging body part (121) of the charging part (120) moves along the support (122), and since the support (122) is equipped with an elastic member (126), if the charging body part (121) moves to the right, the charging body part (121) can move while the first elastic member (126a) provided on the right side of the charging body part (121) is compressed.

[0053] By moving the charging body part (121), the charging terminal (123) can be accurately aligned with the connection port (210) of the mobility (200) to achieve a complete connection state.

[0054] Since the inclined surfaces (123a) on both sides of the charging terminal (123) can each serve as terminals forming a positive and negative electrode, when the charging terminal (123) is inserted into the connector (210), it can come into surface contact with the inclined surfaces (123a) on both sides of the charging terminal (123), and accordingly, the charging operation of the mobility (200) can be performed while maintaining a secure electrical connection state.

[0055] Although the charging device (100) according to the present invention is not specifically illustrated in the drawings, it may be in a state where power is supplied to enable charging of the mobility (200).

[0056] Furthermore, the charging terminal (123) acts as a practical charging terminal and is structured to move along the support (122), while maintaining an electrical power connection state for charging and moving along the support (122). For example, referring to FIG. 3, the charging terminal (123) is connected to a charging cable exposed from the inside of the housing (110) to the outside, allowing for smooth power supply when charging the mobility (200). At this time, when the charging terminal (123) moves along the support (122), the charging cable is flexible and can move in response so as not to interfere with the movement of the charging terminal (123) when it is exposed from the inside of the housing (110) to the outside. Accordingly, although not specifically illustrated, a moving hole may be formed on the front of the housing (110) (in the direction where the support (122) is arranged) to allow the charging cable to move on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the housing (110) (in the y-axis direction in which the support (122) is arranged) while being exposed to the outside of the housing (110).

[0057] In FIG. 3, the x-axis direction is the direction in which the mobility (200) moves to approach the charging device (100), the y-axis direction is the length direction of the support (122) and the housing (110), and the z-axis direction is the height direction of the housing (110).

[0058] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 8, when mobility (200) approaches the charging device (100) in an inclined direction, the charging terminal (123) is rotatably coupled to a fixed piece (125) formed on the charging body part (121) via a support shaft (124). Therefore, when the charging terminal (123) comes into contact with the connection port (210) of the mobility (200) approaching in an inclined state, the charging terminal (123) can be rotated in one direction to be inserted into the connection port (210) in an inclined state.

[0059] Accordingly, according to one embodiment of the present invention, even if the mobility (200) approaches the charging device (100) in a straight direction or in an inclined direction, it can be accommodated to achieve an accurate connection state for charging.

[0060] In addition, the present invention may provide an automatic moving means that automatically moves to connect the charging part (120) of the charging device (100) to the connection port (210) of the approaching mobility (200).

[0061] The automatic moving means may include a position sensing sensor that detects the position of the connection port (210) of the mobility (200), a ball screw that rotates based on a signal sensed by the position sensing sensor, a charging unit (120) that is positioned in front of the ball screw and moves in a straight reciprocating motion by the rotation of the ball screw, a motor that rotates the ball screw, and a control unit that controls the operation of the motor.

[0062] A ball screw, a motor, and a control unit may be provided inside the housing (110), and when a charging unit (120) is coupled to the ball screw, a connecting member coupled to the ball screw may be exposed from inside to outside the housing (110) on the front of the housing (110), and an elongated hole may be formed that can move along the longitudinal direction of the ball screw, and after the connecting member is exposed from inside to outside the housing (110), it may be coupled to the charging unit (120) so that the charging unit (120) can move in a reciprocating linear motion according to the movement of the connecting member.

[0063] Accordingly, when the mobility (200) approaches the charging device (100) for charging, the position detection sensor detects the arrangement direction of the connection port (210) of the mobility (200), and the detected signal is transmitted to the control unit. The control unit controls the rotational movement of the motor through calculation to rotate the ball screw in a first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby allowing the charging unit (120) coupled to the ball screw to move. According to the control command signal from the control unit, the charging unit (120) moves in a straight line and aligns with the charging unit (120) of the mobility (200), thereby enabling insertion for charging.

[0065] The features, structures, effects, etc. described in the embodiments above are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and are not necessarily limited to only one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects, etc. of each embodiment may be combined or modified and implemented in other embodiments by a person skilled in the art to which the embodiments belong. Therefore, details regarding such combinations and modifications should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0066] Furthermore, although the above description has focused on exemplary embodiments, this is merely illustrative and does not limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible within the scope of the essential characteristics of the embodiments. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments may be modified. Differences arising from such modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0068] 100... charging device 110... Housing 120... Charging part 121... Charging body 122... Support 123... Charging terminal 124... Support shaft 125... Fixed piece 126... Elastic member 126a... First elastic member 126b... Second elastic member 130... Fixation bracket 131... Incision 200... Mobility 210... Connection point C1... 1st center position C2... 2nd center position

Claims

Claim 1 delete Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A housing; a charging unit provided in the housing and configured to enable charging of the mobility; wherein the charging unit comprises: a charging terminal provided in the housing and connected to the mobility for charging the mobility; and a support to which the charging terminal is coupled so that when charging the mobility, the charging terminal and the charging position of the mobility are not aligned in a line and connection is made. A charging device comprising: a charging body portion that is coupled to a support member; inclined surfaces are formed on both sides of the charging terminal to facilitate connection for charging the mobility; a connection port having an inclined surface that makes surface contact so that the charging terminal is inserted and charging is performed is formed in the mobility; the connection surface of the charging terminal and the inclined surface of the connection port of the mobility are equally inclined to ensure secure surface contact; the charging terminal is coupled so as to be rotatable without load without being supported by an elastic member that provides elastic force to the charging body portion; the charging body portion is movably coupled to a support member; the support member is provided with an elastic member that is compressed when the charging body portion moves; the elastic member is provided on each side of the charging body portion; and the elastic member acts to cause the charging body portion to return after moving along the support member. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 In claim 3, the connection port of the mobility moves in a straight line without being aligned with the charging terminal, and when connecting, the charging terminal moves in a straight line along the support to make the connection. Claim 7 A charging device according to claim 3, wherein the connection port of the mobility moves diagonally without being aligned in a line with the charging terminal, and when connected, the charging terminal moves linearly along the support, and the charging terminal rotates in one direction relative to the charging body to make the connection.

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