An automated garbage collection robot

Abstract

This invention relates to an automatic garbage collection robot, comprising: a chassis, which is driven to a target location according to a first instruction to collect garbage from a customer's home; a barrier, which is disposed on top of the chassis and forms a receiving area for placing a garbage bin; a garbage bin, which is disposed within the receiving area; a bin lid, which is used to open or close the garbage bin; and an automatic lid opening device, which is disposed between the bin lid and the barrier, and is equipped with a sensing module. The automatic lid opening device is also used to open the bin lid when a trigger signal is received by the sensing module. The automatic garbage collection robot facilitates garbage collection for users who find it inconvenient to go to a fixed garbage disposal point, providing them with the convenience of not leaving their homes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of waste recycling technology, specifically to an automated waste collection robot. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, household waste is typically collected from designated collection points within residential communities, requiring residents to dispose of their waste at fixed times. However, these collection points are usually located far from residents' homes, forcing them to walk considerable distances. This is particularly inconvenient for residents with mobility issues, such as the elderly. Furthermore, residents who are unable to dispose of their waste at designated times face significant inconvenience due to the fixed collection schedule. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, this application provides an automatic garbage collection robot to solve the problem that the existing method of going to a fixed location to dispose of garbage causes inconvenience to residents with mobility difficulties.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the inventors have provided an automated garbage collection robot, comprising:

[0005] The chassis is used to drive to the target location according to the target positioning in the first instruction when the garbage is collected from the door;

[0006] The enclosure is set on top of the chassis, and the enclosure forms a storage area for placing trash cans on top of the chassis;

[0007] A trash can, which is located within the receiving area;

[0008] A lid for opening or closing a trash can;

[0009] An automatic lid-opening device is disposed between the bucket lid and the enclosure. The automatic lid-opening device is equipped with a sensing module and is also used to open the bucket lid when the sensing module receives a trigger signal.

[0010] In some embodiments, the sensing module is an infrared sensor.

[0011] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0012] A waste remaining quantity detection module is connected to the chassis and is used to detect the remaining waste in the waste bin.

[0013] The chassis is connected to the waste remaining quantity detection module. The chassis is also used to drive to the replacement point when the waste remaining quantity detection module detects that the waste in the waste bin exceeds the set amount.

[0014] In some embodiments, the waste remaining quantity detection module is an ultrasonic sensing module, and the waste remaining quantity detection module is disposed on the side of the lid facing the waste bin.

[0015] In some embodiments, a bin-changing mechanism is also included, which is disposed at the replacement point and is used to replace the trash can;

[0016] The chassis is equipped with a camera, which is used to locate the bin-changing mechanism by scanning the QR code at the replacement point. Once the location of the bin-changing mechanism is found, the bins in the receiving area are replaced by the bin-changing mechanism.

[0017] In some embodiments, the trash can has extensions at both ends of its opening;

[0018] The drum changing mechanism includes:

[0019] Two lifting rods arranged side by side; and

[0020] Two lifting mechanisms are provided, each corresponding to one of the two lifting rods. The lifting mechanisms are used to lift the corresponding lifting rods.

[0021] In some embodiments, a sensing module is provided in the accommodating area, the sensing module is connected to the chassis, and the sensing module is used to sense whether there is a trash can in the accommodating area.

[0022] In some embodiments, the sensing module is a reed switch;

[0023] The trash can is equipped with a magnet at the position corresponding to the sensing module in the containing area.

[0024] In some embodiments, a waste collection device is also included;

[0025] The waste collection device is installed at the waste disposal point;

[0026] The chassis is also used to drive to the garbage disposal point corresponding to the second instruction to collect garbage when a second instruction is received.

[0027] In some embodiments, the waste collection device includes:

[0028] A disposal board, used for placing garbage;

[0029] The mounting bracket includes a mounting part installed on the wall at the dispensing point and a support part for supporting the dispensing plate;

[0030] An inclined plate, one end of which is connected to the delivery plate, is hinged to a support at the connection point between the inclined plate and the delivery plate, and is used to tilt the delivery plate when pushed.

[0031] Unlike existing technologies, the above solution allows users to call an automated garbage collection robot to collect their trash when it's inconvenient for them to go to a fixed location. Once the robot receives the initial collection command, it drives the trash can to the target location based on the specified location. Upon arrival, the user can trigger the automatic lid-opening device via a sensing module to open the lid and dispose of the trash. This automated garbage collection robot provides convenient door-to-door service for users who cannot easily dispose of their trash at fixed locations, offering them the convenience of leaving home.

[0032] The above description of the invention is merely an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of this application and to implement it based on the description and drawings, and to make the above-mentioned objectives and other objectives, features and advantages of this application easier to understand, the following description is provided in conjunction with the specific embodiments and drawings of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The accompanying drawings are only used to illustrate the principles, implementation methods, applications, features, and effects of specific embodiments of this application and other related content, and should not be considered as limitations on this application.

[0034] In the accompanying drawings of the instruction manual:

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the automatic garbage collection robot.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the automatic garbage collection robot described in a specific embodiment;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of one end of the chassis structure described in the specific implementation embodiment;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the bucket-changing structure.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a structure of the trash can described in a specific embodiment;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic garbage collection robot changing bins during a specific implementation method;

[0041] Figure 7 This is another structural diagram of the automatic garbage collection robot changing bins as described in the specific implementation;

[0042] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a structure of the enclosure as described in a specific embodiment;

[0043] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a structure of the waste collection device described in a specific embodiment;

[0044] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the automatic garbage collection robot described in a specific implementation method, which automatically collects garbage.

[0045] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another structure for the automatic garbage collection robot described in a specific implementation.

[0046] The reference numerals used in the above figures are explained as follows:

[0047] 110. Chassis

[0048] 111. Camera,

[0049] 120. Construction site fence.

[0050] 121. Reed switch,

[0051] 130. Trash can

[0052] 131. Extension section

[0053] 140. Bucket lid

[0054] 150. Automatic lid opening device.

[0055] 151. Sensing module,

[0056] 160. Waste residue detection module.

[0057] 200. Trash

[0058] 310. Lifting rod,

[0059] 320. Lifting mechanism,

[0060] 410. Drop-off board

[0061] 411. Baffle plate

[0062] 420. Install the bracket.

[0063] 421. Installation Department

[0064] 422. Support section

[0065] 430. Inclined plate. Detailed Implementation

[0066] To illustrate the possible application scenarios, technical principles, implementable specific solutions, and achievable objectives and effects of this application in detail, the following description, in conjunction with the listed specific embodiments and accompanying drawings, provides a detailed explanation. The embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the technical solutions of this application and are therefore intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0067] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The term "embodiment" appearing in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it specifically limit its independence or connection with other embodiments. In principle, in this application, as long as there are no technical contradictions or conflicts, the technical features mentioned in each embodiment can be combined in any way to form corresponding implementable technical solutions.

[0068] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the use of related terms herein is merely for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit this application.

[0069] In the description of this application, the term "and / or" is used to describe the logical relationship between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A exists, B exists, and A and B exist simultaneously. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following objects have an "or" logical relationship.

[0070] In this application, terms such as “first” and “second” are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual quantity, hierarchy or order relationship between these entities or operations.

[0071] Unless otherwise specified, the use of terms such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” or other similar expressions in this application is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, which does not exclude the presence of additional elements in a process, method, or product that includes the stated elements, such that a process, method, or product that includes a list of elements may include not only those defined elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, or product.

[0072] Similar to the understanding in the Examination Guidelines, in this application, expressions such as "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number; expressions such as "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments in this application, "multiple" means two or more (including two), and similar expressions related to "multiple" are also understood in this way, such as "multiple groups" and "multiple times," unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0073] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the space-related expressions used, such as "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "vertical," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the specific embodiments or drawings. They are only for the purpose of describing the specific embodiments of this application or for the reader's understanding, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific position, a specific orientation, or be constructed or operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0074] Unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," and "setting," as used in the description of the embodiments of this application, should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral setting; it can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art to which this application pertains, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0075] Please see Figure 1 This embodiment provides an automatic garbage collection robot, including:

[0076] Chassis 110, the chassis 110 is used to drive to the target location according to the target positioning in the first instruction when the first instruction to collect garbage is received;

[0077] A barrier 120 is installed on top of the chassis 110, forming a accommodating area for placing the trash can 130 on the top of the chassis 110. By forming a accommodating area on the top of the chassis 110 for placing the trash can 130, the trash can 130 is less likely to fall off the top of the chassis 110 during transportation.

[0078] Trash can 130, wherein the trash can 130 is disposed within the receiving area;

[0079] A lid 140 is used to open or close the trash can 130;

[0080] An automatic lid opening device 150 is provided, which is located between the bucket lid 140 and the enclosure 120. The automatic lid opening device 150 is equipped with a sensing module 151. The automatic lid opening device 150 is also used to open the bucket lid 140 when it receives a trigger signal through the sensing module 151.

[0081] When users find it inconvenient to go to a fixed garbage collection point, they can order an automated garbage collection robot to collect their trash via a remote mobile app. Once the robot's chassis 110 receives the initial instruction, it drives the garbage bin 130 to the target location based on the specified location. Upon arrival, the user can trigger the automatic lid-opening device 150 via the sensing module 151 to open the lid 140 and dispose of the trash in the bin 130. This automated garbage collection robot provides convenient door-to-door garbage collection for users who cannot easily go to a fixed location, offering them the convenience of collecting garbage without leaving home.

[0082] In some embodiments, the sensing module 151 is an infrared sensor. When the automatic garbage collection robot arrives at a user-designated location, such as the user's front door, the user can lightly wave their hand over the infrared sensing area of ​​the infrared sensor. When the infrared sensor detects the user's movement, the automatic lid opening device 150 opens the bin lid 140, allowing the user to dispose of garbage into the garbage bin 130. This allows the user to open the bin lid 140 without touching it. In other embodiments, the sensing module 151 can also use a button or pressure sensor to sense the user's movements.

[0083] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0084] Waste remaining quantity detection module 160, the waste remaining quantity detection module 160 is used to detect the amount of waste remaining in the waste bin 130;

[0085] The chassis 110 is connected to the garbage balance detection module 160. The chassis 110 is also used to drive the garbage bin 130 to a replacement point when the garbage balance detection module 160 detects that the garbage in the garbage bin 130 exceeds a set amount.

[0086] The garbage level detection module 160 detects the remaining garbage level in the garbage bin 130. When the garbage level in the garbage bin 130 exceeds a set amount, the chassis 110 carries the garbage bin 130 to a replacement point for replacement. This ensures that the garbage bin 130 is automatically replaced when it is full, preventing it from becoming too full and hindering the next user's garbage disposal.

[0087] In some embodiments, the waste remaining quantity detection module 160 is an ultrasonic sensor module, and the waste remaining quantity detection module 160 is disposed on the side of the lid 140 facing the waste bin 130. By disposing of the ultrasonic sensor module on the side of the lid 140 facing the waste bin 130, the distance from the surface of the waste inside the waste bin 130 to the lid 140 is detected using the ranging function of the ultrasonic sensor module. When this distance is less than a set value, the waste inside the waste bin 130 has reached the set amount, and the waste bin 130 needs to be replaced.

[0088] In some embodiments, a bin-changing mechanism is also included, which is disposed at the replacement point and is used to replace the trash can 130;

[0089] Please see Figure 3 The chassis 110 is equipped with a camera 111. The chassis 110 is used to scan the QR code of the replacement point to locate the bin-changing mechanism. After locating the bin-changing mechanism, the bin-changing mechanism replaces the trash can 130 in the holding area.

[0090] To facilitate automatic replacement of trash can 130, when trash can 130 needs to be replaced, the chassis 110 drives to the replacement point and uses a camera 111 to scan the QR code at the replacement point for positioning and to determine if a replacement operation can be performed. Specifically, scanning the QR code determines whether a replacement mechanism is present at the current location and whether it is idle. If the scan confirms the presence of a replacement mechanism and that it is idle, the replacement mechanism removes the trash can 130 from the receiving area. After the trash can 130 is removed, an empty trash can 130 is placed in the receiving area, completing the replacement operation.

[0091] Please see Figure 4-7 In some embodiments, the trash can 130 has extensions 131 at both ends of its opening;

[0092] The drum changing mechanism includes:

[0093] Two lifting rods 310 arranged side by side; and

[0094] Two lifting mechanisms 320 are provided, each corresponding to one of the two lifting rods 310. The lifting mechanism 320 is used to lift the corresponding lifting rod 310.

[0095] By setting up a trash can loading area 130 and a trash can unloading area 130 at the replacement point, a bin-changing mechanism is installed in both areas. Extensions 131 are provided at both ends of the trash can 130, allowing the lifting rods 310 on the bin-changing mechanism to pass through the bottom of the extensions 131 at both ends of the trash can 130. When it is necessary to replace a trash can 130 in the robot's accommodating area, the robot travels to the location of an available bin-changing mechanism in the trash can unloading area 130, and then positions itself at the bin-changing position. At this time, the extensions 131 on both sides of the trash can 130 on the robot are above the two lifting rods 310 of the bin-changing mechanism, and the robot requests a bin replacement. The replacement process can then proceed as follows: The mechanism is equipped with a signal receiver to receive bin-changing requests sent by the robot. Alternatively, the bin-changing mechanism can be connected to a control platform. The robot sends a bin-changing request to the control platform based on the information of the bin-changing mechanism obtained by scanning a QR code. Then, the control platform sends an instruction to the corresponding bin-changing mechanism to perform the bin-changing action. When the bin-changing mechanism receives the bin-changing request, it controls the lifting mechanism 320 to lift the lifting rod 310 to lift the trash can 130 in the robot's holding area, and completes the unloading of the trash can 130 from the robot in the trash can unloading area. Then, the robot travels to the bin-changing mechanism in the bin-loading area 130. There is an empty bin 130 between the two lifting rods 310 of the bin-changing mechanism in the bin-loading area 130. The lifting rods 310 are lifted by the lifting mechanism. The robot travels to the bin-changing position of the bin-changing mechanism with the empty bin 130, and then sends a bin-changing request. After receiving the bin-changing request, the bin-changing mechanism lowers the lifting rods 310 by the lifting mechanism 320, so that the bin 130 is loaded into the robot's receiving area. After the bin 130 is loaded, the robot leaves.

[0096] In other embodiments, the bin-changing mechanism can also be a robotic arm. When the robot reaches the location of the bin-changing mechanism, the robotic arm grabs the trash can 130 on the robot and places the grabbed trash can 130 in the recycling position. Then, it grabs the empty trash can 130 and puts it into the robot's receiving area, thus completing the replacement of the trash can 130 on the robot.

[0097] In some embodiments, a sensing module 151 is provided in the accommodating area. The sensing module 151 is connected to the chassis 110 and is used to sense whether there is a trash can 130 in the accommodating area.

[0098] A sensing module 151 is installed in the robot's storage area to detect whether a trash can 130 is installed there, serving as the basis for the robot to leave. For example, when the robot is changing trash cans, if it detects that a trash can 130 has been removed in the trash can unloading area, it will move to the trash can loading area. Once it detects that a trash can 130 has been installed, it will leave the changing point to proceed to the next task. Alternatively, when the robot receives a door-to-door trash collection request, the sensing module 151 can detect whether a trash can 130 is present in its storage area, determining whether the robot can perform the task. If the robot receives a request and the sensing module 151 detects that a trash can 130 is present in its storage area, it will perform the corresponding door-to-door trash collection task. If no trash can 130 is detected, the task will be performed by another robot.

[0099] Please see Figure 8 In some embodiments, the sensing module 151 is a reed switch 121;

[0100] Please see Figure 5 The trash can 130 is equipped with a magnet at a position corresponding to the sensing module 151 in the accommodating area.

[0101] By setting the sensing module 151 as a reed switch 121, also known as a magnetic reed switch, which is an electrical switch operated by an applied magnetic field, and by placing a magnet at a position corresponding to the trash can 130 (e.g., at the bottom of the trash can 130), and placing the reed switch 121 at a corresponding position in the robot's receiving area, when the trash can 130 is placed in the robot's receiving area, the magnet on the trash can 130 will trigger the reed switch 121 in the receiving area. Therefore, whether the reed switch 121 in the receiving area senses the magnetic field generated by the magnet on the trash can 130 can be used to determine whether the trash can 130 is installed in the receiving area. In other embodiments, the sensing module 151 can also be a pressure sensor, a limit switch, an infrared beam sensor, etc.

[0102] In some embodiments, a waste collection device is also included;

[0103] The waste collection device is installed at the waste disposal point;

[0104] The chassis 110 is also used to drive to the garbage disposal point corresponding to the second instruction to collect garbage when the second instruction is received.

[0105] Users can also place their trash on the trash collection device at the designated trash drop-off point, and the robot will collect it. When the chassis 110 receives a second instruction, it will drive to the corresponding trash drop-off point to collect the trash. This second instruction can be a user-sent instruction to the robot via a mobile app to request door-to-door trash collection, a timed instruction for the robot to collect trash at the designated time, or a second instruction sent by the control platform when the trash collection device is in use. Alternatively, a trigger device can be installed at the trash drop-off point, allowing the user to send the second instruction to the robot, or the trigger device to be activated when trash is placed on the trash collection device, sending the second instruction to the robot.

[0106] Please see Figure 9-11 In some embodiments, the waste collection device includes:

[0107] Disposal plate 410, the disposal plate 410 being used to place garbage 200;

[0108] Mounting bracket 420, which includes a mounting part 421 mounted on the wall of the dispensing point and a support part 422 for supporting the dispensing plate 410;

[0109] An inclined plate 430 is provided, one end of which is connected to the dispensing plate 410. The part of the inclined plate 430 that connects to the dispensing plate 410 is hinged to the support part 422. The inclined plate 430 is used to tilt the dispensing plate 410 when it is pushed.

[0110] Users can deposit trash 200 onto the disposal plate 410. When the robot arrives at the disposal point to collect trash 200, it automatically opens the bin lid 140 and then pushes the tilting plate 430. As the robot pushes the tilting plate 430, the disposal plate 410 tilts towards the trash bin 130 on the robot, causing the trash 200 on the disposal plate 410 to slide into the trash bin 130. Baffles 411 are installed on both sides of the disposal plate 410 to prevent the trash 200 from falling off the sides of the disposal plate 410 as it slides into the trash bin 130.

[0111] Finally, it should be noted that although the above embodiments have been described in the text and drawings of this application, this should not limit the scope of patent protection of this application. Any technical solutions that are based on the essential concept of this application and utilize the content described in the text and drawings of this application, resulting in equivalent structural or procedural substitutions or modifications, as well as the direct or indirect application of the technical solutions of the above embodiments to other related technical fields, are all included within the scope of patent protection of this application.

Claims

1. An automatic garbage collecting robot characterized by comprising: The application relates to a garbage collection device. The device comprises a chassis, a fence, a garbage can, a can cover, an automatic can opening device, a garbage collection device, a garbage residue detection module, a changing mechanism and a camera. The chassis is used for driving to a target location according to a target in a first instruction when the first instruction of collecting garbage through an upper door is received. The fence is arranged on the top of the chassis and forms a containing area for placing the garbage can on the top of the chassis. The garbage can is arranged in the containing area. The can cover is used for opening or closing the garbage can. The automatic can opening device is arranged between the can cover and the fence and is provided with a sensing module. The automatic can opening device is used for opening the can cover when a trigger signal is received by the sensing module. The garbage collection device is arranged at a garbage throwing point. The chassis is used for driving to the garbage throwing point corresponding to a second instruction to collect garbage when the second instruction is received. The garbage collection device comprises a throwing plate, a mounting bracket and an inclined plate. The sensing module is an infrared sensor. The garbage residue detection module is connected to the chassis and is used for detecting the garbage residue in the garbage can.

2. The automatic garbage collecting robot according to claim 1, characterized by, The chassis is connected to the garbage residue detection module and is used for driving to a changing point when the garbage residue in the garbage can exceeds a set amount detected by the garbage residue detection module.

3. The automatic garbage collecting robot according to claim 1, characterized by, The garbage residue detection module is an ultrasonic sensing module and is arranged on the side of the can cover facing the garbage can. The changing mechanism is arranged at the changing point and is used for changing the garbage can. The chassis is provided with the camera and is used for positioning the changing mechanism through the camera scanning a two-dimensional code of the changing mechanism.

4. The automatic garbage collecting robot according to claim 3, characterized by The garbage can is provided with an extension at both ends of an opening.

5. The automatic garbage collecting robot according to claim 3, wherein The changing mechanism comprises two lifting rods arranged side by side and two lifting mechanisms corresponding to the two lifting rods. The containing area is provided with a second sensing module connected to the chassis.

6. The automatic garbage collecting robot according to claim 5, characterized by The second sensing module is a dry reed tube. The garbage can is provided with a magnet at a position corresponding to the sensing module in the containing area. ​ ​ 7. The automatic garbage collecting robot according to claim 1, characterized by, ​ 8. The automatic garbage collecting robot according to claim 7, characterized by, ​ ​

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