Accompanying robot

Abstract

The invention relates to an accompanying robot, and belongs to the technical field of robot design. The accompanying robot comprises a base, a support, a functional mechanism, a cover body, an inflation mechanism and a control unit. The bracket is connected with the base; the functional mechanism is located on the side, away from the base, of the support and connected with the support. The cover body is made of a flexible material, the support is sleeved with the cover body, the cover body is connected with the base and the functional mechanism, and a gap is formed between the cover body and the support; the inflation mechanism comprises an air pump, an air inlet pipe and an air outlet pipe, the air pump is connected with the support, one end of the air inlet pipe extends out of the functional mechanism, the other end of the air inlet pipe is communicated with the input end of the air pump, one end of the air outlet pipe is located in the gap, and the other end of the air outlet pipe is communicated with the output end of the air pump; the control unit is electrically connected with the air pump and used for controlling starting and stopping of the air pump. According to the invention, the use safety of the accompanying robot can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of robot design, and particularly to a companion robot. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous development of artificial intelligence and robot technology, companion robots have been widely used in fields such as home care, medical rehabilitation, and elderly care. Companion robots can establish basic interactions with users through voice interaction, visual feedback, and simple movement functions.

[0003] Currently, the outer shell of companion robots is usually made of plastic.

[0004] However, for the above structure, the plastic outer shell is relatively hard, and when the companion robot overturns, it is easy to injure users, posing a safety hazard. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a companion robot that can solve the technical problems existing in the related art. The technical solution of the companion robot is as follows:

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a companion robot, which includes a base, a bracket, a functional mechanism, a cover body, an inflation mechanism, and a control unit;

[0007] The bracket is connected to the base;

[0008] The functional mechanism is located on the side of the bracket away from the base and is connected to the bracket;

[0009] The cover body is made of a flexible material. The cover body is sleeved outside the bracket and is respectively connected to the base and the functional mechanism. There is a gap between the cover body and the bracket;

[0010] The inflation mechanism includes an air pump, an intake pipe, and an outlet pipe. The air pump is connected to the bracket. One end of the intake pipe extends outside the functional mechanism, and the other end of the intake pipe is connected to the input end of the air pump. One end of the outlet pipe is located in the gap, and the other end of the outlet pipe is connected to the output end of the air pump;

[0011] The control unit is electrically connected to the air pump, and the control unit is used to control the start and stop of the air pump.

[0012] In some possible implementation manners, the inflation mechanism further includes a pressure sensor, and the pressure sensor is used to detect the air pressure in the gap;

[0013] The control unit is electrically connected to the air pressure sensor and is configured to control the start and stop of the air pump based on a target air pressure value detected by the air pressure sensor and a preset air pressure value.

[0014] In some possible implementation manners, a first installation cavity is provided inside the bracket;

[0015] The air pump is located inside the first installation cavity and is connected to the bracket.

[0016] In some possible implementation manners, the base has a cylindrical structure, and a second installation cavity is provided inside the base;

[0017] The inflation mechanism includes a plurality of air outlet pipes. The plurality of air outlet pipes are respectively located inside the second installation cavity. One end of each air outlet pipe extends out of the top surface of the base, and the other end of each air outlet pipe is connected to the output end of the air pump.

[0018] In some possible implementation manners, one ends of the plurality of air outlet pipes are respectively located at the edge of the base and are circumferentially spaced apart around the axis of the base.

[0019] In some possible implementation manners, the included angle formed by one ends of two adjacent air outlet pipes and the air pump is equal.

[0020] In some possible implementation manners, the outer wall of the bracket has an installation groove, and the cover body has a display area, and the display area is disposed opposite to the installation groove;

[0021] The companion robot further includes a projection mechanism. The projection mechanism is fixed in the installation groove and is electrically connected to the control unit. The projection mechanism is configured to project an image onto the display area.

[0022] In some possible implementation manners, the companion robot further includes an interaction detection mechanism. The interaction detection mechanism is connected to the projection mechanism, and the interaction detection mechanism is configured to detect current occlusion information in the display area;

[0023] The control unit is electrically connected to the interaction detection mechanism. The control unit is configured to: determine a target image corresponding to the current occlusion information in a correspondence relationship between occlusion information stored in advance and images, and control the projection mechanism to project the target image.

[0024] In some possible implementation manners, the functional mechanism includes a housing and a top cover;

[0025] The housing is located on a side of the bracket away from the base and is connected to the bracket. The housing has a communicating accommodation cavity and an opening;

[0026] The top cover covers the opening and is detachably connected to the housing.

[0027] In some possible implementation manners, the material for making the cover body is transparent nylon.

[0028] The technical solutions provided by the present disclosure at least include the following beneficial effects:

[0029] The present disclosure provides a companion robot. In this companion robot, the cover body arranged outside the bracket is made of a flexible material, and the inflation mechanism can transport gas into the cover body so that the cover body remains in a full state. When the companion robot overturns and the cover body presses on the user, the cover body can deform towards the position where the bracket is located, avoiding harm to the user, thereby improving the safety of using the companion robot.

[0030] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0032] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a companion robot shown in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of a companion robot shown in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of a companion robot shown in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of a companion robot shown in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of a companion robot shown in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 6 It is a schematic structural diagram of a companion robot shown in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] LEGEND DESCRIPTION

[0039] 1. Base;

[0040] 11. Second installation cavity;

[0041] 2. Bracket;

[0042] 21. First installation cavity; 22. Installation groove;

[0043] 3. Functional mechanism;

[0044] 31. Housing; 32. Top cover;

[0045] 311. Accommodation cavity; 312. Opening;

[0046] 4. Cover body;

[0047] 41. Display area;

[0048] 5. Inflation mechanism;

[0049] 51. Air pump; 52. Intake pipe; 53. Exhaust pipe; 54. Pressure sensor;

[0050] 6. Control unit;

[0051] 7. Projection mechanism;

[0052] 8. Interaction detection mechanism;

[0053] 100. Gap. Specific implementation manners

[0054] To make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present disclosure clearer, the following will further describe the embodiments of the present disclosure in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] With the aggravation of population aging and the growth of the demand for family emotional companionship, companion robots have gradually become an important branch in the field of smart home. Companion robots can establish an emotional connection with users through voice interaction, expression feedback and body movements. As the core component that directly contacts users, their outer shells need to meet requirements such as comfortable touch, friendly appearance, safety and environmental protection. Currently, the outer shells of mainstream products on the market (such as children's educational robots, elderly care robots, etc.) are mostly made of plastic materials, which makes companion robots relatively hard. When a companion robot topples over, if it presses on a user, it may cause harm to the user and there are potential safety hazards.

[0056] To solve the above technical problems, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a companion robot, as Figure 1 shown, the companion robot includes a base 1, a bracket 2, a functional mechanism 3, a cover body 4, an inflation mechanism 5 and a control unit 6.

[0057] Among them, the base 1 is the component of the companion robot that contacts the ground. Refer to Figure 1, the base 1 can have a cylindrical structure. In some examples, a plurality of wheels can be arranged on the side of the base 1 facing away from the bracket 2. The wheels can be omnidirectional wheels. Correspondingly, a driving device can be arranged inside the companion robot, and the driving device is used to drive the wheels to rotate so that the companion robot can move.

[0058] Among them, the bracket 2 is a supporting component in the companion robot. As Figure 1 shown, the bracket 2 has a columnar structure. The bracket 2 is located on the top surface of the base 1 and is connected to the base 1. In some examples, the bracket 2 and the base 1 are integrally formed. Of course, the bracket 2 and the base 1 can also be separately formed components, and the two can be connected by means such as bonding and threaded connection. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this.

[0059] Among them, the functional mechanism 3 is a component in the companion robot for realizing specific functions. Exemplarily, the specific function can be a display function. Refer to Figure 1 , a display module is arranged on the outer wall surface of the functional mechanism 3. The display module can be an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display screen or an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display screen. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this. The functional mechanism 3 has a helmet-like structure. The functional mechanism 3 is located on the side of the bracket 2 away from the base 1 and is connected to the bracket 2. Further, in some examples, the functional mechanism 3 and the bracket 2 are integrally formed. Of course, the functional mechanism 3 and the bracket 2 can also be step-by-step formed components, and the two can be connected by means such as bonding and threaded connection. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this.

[0060] Among them, the cover 4 is a contour component in the companion robot. The cover 4 is made of a flexible material. The cover 4 is sleeved outside the bracket 2 and is respectively connected to the base 1 and the functional mechanism 3. There is a gap 100 between the cover 4 and the bracket 2. In some examples, the cover 4 is respectively bonded or snapped to the base 1 and the functional mechanism 3. The cover 4 can be made of transparent nylon. Transparent nylon has good light transmittance, wear resistance and corrosion resistance. Using transparent nylon to make the cover 4 can make the outer wall of the companion robot softer than a plastic shell and can reduce the overall mass of the companion robot.

[0061] Among them, the inflation mechanism 5 is a component in the companion robot for keeping the cover 4 in a full state. As Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown in the figure, the inflation mechanism 5 includes an air pump 51, an intake pipe 52, and an outlet pipe 53. The air pump 51 is connected to the bracket 2. One end of the intake pipe 52 extends outside the functional mechanism 3, and the other end of the intake pipe 52 is connected to the input end of the air pump 51. One end of the outlet pipe 53 is located within the gap 100, and the other end of the outlet pipe 53 is connected to the output end of the air pump 51. In implementation, when the air pump 51 is in the working state, the air pump 51 can suck the air outside the companion robot into the air pump 51 through the intake pipe 52, and pump the air into the gap 100 through the outlet pipe 53, so that the cover 4 remains in a full state.

[0062] Among them, the control unit 6 is a control component of the companion robot. The control unit 6 is electrically connected to the air pump 51, and the control unit 6 is used to control the start and stop of the air pump 51. In implementation, when the air pump 51 is in the non-working state, due to the gaps between the cover 4 and the base 1 and the functional mechanism 3, the air located within the gap 100 will overflow from the companion robot through the gaps. As the air gradually overflows, the cover 4 is no longer in a full state. At this time, the control unit 6 can control the air pump 51 to start. Correspondingly, when the cover 4 is in a full state, the control unit 6 can control the air pump 51 to stop.

[0063] Adopting the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, compared with the companion robot with a plastic housing in the related art, the cover 4 arranged outside the bracket 2 is made of a flexible material. The inflation mechanism 5 can deliver gas into the cover 4, so that the cover 4 remains in a full state. When the companion robot overturns and the cover 4 presses on the user, the cover 4 can deform towards the position of the bracket 2, avoiding harm to the user, thereby improving the use safety of the companion robot. On the other hand, compared with the plastic shell, the cover 4 is no longer cold and rigid, and has a stronger sense of affinity, which can improve the user experience.

[0064] Next, the detailed structure of the companion robot will be introduced:

[0065] In some possible embodiments, the inflation mechanism 5 further includes a barometric pressure sensor 54.

[0066] As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, the inflation mechanism 5 further includes a barometric pressure sensor 54. The barometric pressure sensor 54 is used to detect the barometric pressure within the gap 100, and the barometric pressure sensor 54 is electrically connected to the control unit 6. The control unit 6 is electrically connected to the barometric pressure sensor 54. In implementation, the barometric pressure sensor 54 periodically detects the barometric pressure within the gap 100, and sends the detected target barometric pressure value at the current moment to the control unit 6. The control unit 6 predicts a preset barometric pressure value. The control unit 6 can control the air pump 51 to stop or start based on the magnitude relationship between the target barometric pressure value and the preset barometric pressure value.

[0067] Specifically, the preset air pressure values include a first preset air pressure value and a second preset air pressure value, and the first preset air pressure value is less than the second preset air pressure value. When the target air pressure value is less than the first preset air pressure value, the control unit 6 controls the air pump 51 to start. When the target air pressure value is greater than the second preset air pressure value, the control unit 6 controls the air pump 51 to stop.

[0068] Exemplarily, the first preset air pressure value is less than the standard atmospheric pressure A, and the second preset air pressure value is greater than the standard atmospheric pressure A. The first preset air pressure value can be 0.9A, and the second preset air pressure value can be 1.1A.

[0069] As Figure 3 shown, the air pressure sensor 54 can be arranged on the outer side wall of the bracket 2 and connected to the bracket 2.

[0070] In some possible embodiments, the air pump 51 is arranged inside the bracket 2.

[0071] As Figure 2 and Figure 4 shown, the bracket 2 has a hollow columnar structure, and the bracket 2 has a first installation cavity 21 inside, and the first installation cavity 21 is used to accommodate the air pump 51 and part of the intake pipe 52. In this way, it is possible to prevent the air pump 51 from being arranged in the gap 100, so that the user cannot directly observe the air pump 51 through the cover 4, thereby improving the aesthetics of the companion robot.

[0072] Specifically, as Figure 2 shown, the positions where the bracket 2 is connected to the functional mechanism 3 both have an opening structure, and the first installation cavity 21 is connected to the inside of the functional mechanism 3 through the opening structure. The intake pipe includes a first pipe section, a second pipe section, and a third pipe section, and the first pipe section, the second pipe section, and the third pipe section are sequentially connected and communicate with each other. The first pipe section is a straight pipe, and the first pipe section can be arranged coaxially with the bracket 2, and one end of the first pipe section is connected to the input end of the air pump 51. The second pipe section is a bent pipe, one end of the second pipe section is located inside the first installation cavity 21 and is connected to the other end of the first pipe section, and the other end of the second pipe section passes through the above-mentioned opening structure and extends into the functional mechanism 3. The third pipe section is a straight pipe and is arranged parallel to the base 1, one end of the third pipe section is connected to the other end of the second pipe section, and the other end of the third pipe section extends out of the functional mechanism 3.

[0073] Exemplarily, the above-mentioned first pipe section, second pipe section, and third pipe section can be an integrally formed part.

[0074] In some possible embodiments, at least part of the air outlet pipe 53 is located inside the base 1.

[0075] As Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, the base 1 has a hollow cylindrical structure, and the base 1 has a second installation cavity 11 inside. Correspondingly, the position where the base 1 is connected to the bracket 2 has an opening structure, and the first installation cavity 21 and the second installation cavity 11 are connected through the opening structure. The air outlet pipe 53 is located in the second installation cavity 11, and the two ends of the air outlet pipe 53 are bent upward respectively, and one end of the air outlet pipe 53 extends out of the top surface of the base 1, that is, one end of the air outlet pipe 53 is located in the gap 100. The other end of the air outlet pipe 53 is connected to the output end of the air pump 51.

[0076] In some examples, the inflation mechanism 5 includes a plurality of air outlet pipes 53, which are respectively disposed in the second mounting cavity 11, and one end of the plurality of air outlet pipes 53 extends out of the top surface of the base 1, and the other end of the plurality of air outlet pipes 53 is connected to the output end of the air pump 51. In this way, by increasing the number of air outlet pipes 53, the efficiency of conveying gas within the gap 100 of the inflation mechanism 5 can be improved.

[0077] Furthermore, the diameter of the air outlet pipe 53 is smaller than the diameter of the air inlet pipe 52. In this way, the gas flow rate in the air outlet pipe 53 can be increased, thereby improving the efficiency of conveying gas in the gap 100 of the inflation mechanism 5.

[0078] In one example, if Figure 5 As shown, one end of the plurality of gas outlet pipes 53 is respectively located at the edge of the base 1, and is circumferentially spaced around the axis of the base 1. In this way, one end of the plurality of gas outlet pipes 53 is relatively sparsely distributed on the top surface of the base 1, thereby preventing the gas pressure at different positions of the gap 100 from being relatively stable during the process of the inflation mechanism 5 delivering gas into the gap 100.

[0079] Specifically, see Figure 5 , the angles formed between one end of two adjacent air outlet pipes 53 and the air pump 51 are equal. In this way, the air pressure at each position in the gap 100 can be more stable.

[0080] For example, Figure 5 As shown, the inflation mechanism 5 includes seven air outlet pipes 53. Of course, the number of the air outlet pipes 53 in the inflation mechanism 5 can also be other numbers, such as five, six, etc., and the technicians can set it according to actual needs, and the embodiment of the present disclosure does not limit this.

[0081] In one example, one end of the air outlet pipe 53 is covered with an abutment structure. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the abutment structure is an annular structure, located outside one end of the air outlet pipe 53 and connected to the air outlet pipe 53, and the abutment structure abuts against the top wall of the base 1 to prevent one end of the air outlet pipe 53 from retracting into the second installation cavity 11. In this way, the inflation mechanism 5 can be prevented from inflating into the base 1, thereby improving the reliability of the companion robot.

[0082] In some possible embodiments, the companion robot further includes a projection mechanism 7.

[0083] As Figure 1 and Figure 4 shown, the outer wall of the bracket 2 has a mounting groove 22, and the cover 4 has a display area 41, and the display area 41 is disposed opposite to the mounting groove 22. The projection mechanism 7 is fixed in the mounting groove 22 and is electrically connected to the control unit 6, and the projection mechanism 7 is configured to project an image onto the display area 41.

[0084] The projection mechanism 7 may be a projector, and the projection mechanism 7 may project images such as videos and pictures within the display area 41, so that the user can view the corresponding images through the display area 41. In this way, the companion robot can also be used as a movable projector in daily life, enhancing the functional versatility of the companion robot.

[0085] Specifically, referring to Figure 4 , a clearance fit may be provided between the projection mechanism 7 and the mounting groove 22. The bottom of the mounting groove 22 has a limiting plate, and the distance from the limiting plate to the outer wall of the bracket 2 is equal to the length of the projection mechanism 7. By providing the limiting plate, it is possible to prevent the projection mechanism 7 from falling into the first installation cavity 21, thereby enhancing the connection stability between the projection mechanism 7 and the bracket 2.

[0086] In some possible embodiments, the companion robot further includes an interaction detection mechanism 8.

[0087] As Figure 1 shown, the interaction detection mechanism 8 is connected to the projection mechanism 7, and the interaction detection mechanism 8 is configured to detect the current occlusion information within the display area 41.

[0088] The control unit 6 is electrically connected to the interaction detection mechanism 8, and the control unit 6 is configured to: determine a target image corresponding to the current occlusion information in a correspondence relationship between the pre-stored occlusion information and the image, and control the projection mechanism 7 to project the target image.

[0089] In some examples, the interaction detection mechanism 8 is an infrared sensor, including a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter of the interaction detection mechanism 8 emits infrared light to the display area 41 through the gap 100. When the user places a hand on the display area 41, the hand will form an occlusion area on the display area 41, and the occlusion area can reflect the infrared light emitted by the transmitter. The receiver of the interaction detection mechanism 8 can determine the shape of the occlusion area as the occlusion information according to the distribution of the received reflected infrared light, and send the occlusion information to the control unit 6.

[0090] Referring to Table 1 below, the control unit 6 pre-stores a correspondence relationship between the occlusion information and the image.

[0091] Table 1

[0092]

[0093]

[0094] Further, the control unit 6 can determine the target image based on the corresponding relationship and the received occlusion information, and control the interaction detection mechanism 8 to project the target image so that the target image is displayed on the display area 41.

[0095] In some examples, the interaction detection mechanism 8 is a camera. When the user places a hand on the display area 41, a shadow will be formed on the display area 41 by the hand. The interaction detection mechanism 8 captures an image of the shadow and determines the image as the occlusion information.

[0096] In some possible embodiments, the functional mechanism 3 includes a housing 31 and a top cover 32.

[0097] Such as Figure 1 and Figure 6 , the housing 31 is located on the side of the bracket 2 away from the base 1 and is connected to the bracket 2. The housing 31 has a communicating accommodation cavity 311 and an opening 312. The accommodation cavity 311 is used to accommodate daily items such as medicines, etc. The top cover 32 covers the opening 312 and is detachably connected to the housing 31.

[0098] In some examples, the companion robot further includes a camera, which is installed on the outer wall of the functional mechanism 3 and is electrically connected to the control unit 6. The control unit 6 pre-stores the user's medication information, and the medication information includes the image of the person taking the medicine, the name of the person taking the medicine, and the medication time. The control unit 6 is used for: when the current time is earlier than the medication time and the difference between the current time and the medication time is less than a preset duration, controlling the camera to take a picture, determining the position of the target person corresponding to the face image that matches the image of the person taking the medicine in the image captured by the camera, controlling the wheel body to move so that the companion robot reaches the position of the target person, displaying the name of the person taking the medicine on the display module, and broadcasting "It's time to take medicine" through the microphone.

[0099] In some possible embodiments, the companion robot further includes a vibration generator and a microphone assembly, which are used to simulate white noise to help the user fall asleep.

[0100] Among them, the white noise can be the purring sound of a cat, the sound of rain, etc.

[0101] In some possible embodiments, the companion robot further includes a heating unit located within the base 1 and connected to the air outlet pipe 53. The heating unit is configured to heat the gas delivered into the gap 100, thereby raising the temperature of the gas within the gap 100 and making the user feel warm when contacting the cover body 4.

[0102] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure at least include the following beneficial effects:

[0103] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a companion robot including a base 1, a bracket 2, a functional mechanism 3, a cover body 4, an inflation mechanism 5, and a control unit 6. The bracket 2 is connected to the base 1. The functional mechanism 3 is located on a side of the bracket 2 away from the base 1 and is connected to the bracket 2. The cover body 4 is made of a flexible material, the cover body 4 is sleeved outside the bracket 2 and is respectively connected to the base 1 and the functional mechanism 3, and there is a gap 100 between the cover body 4 and the bracket 2. The inflation mechanism 5 includes an air pump 51, an air inlet pipe 52, and an air outlet pipe 53. The air pump 51 is connected to the bracket 2. One end of the air inlet pipe 52 extends outside the functional mechanism 3, and the other end of the air inlet pipe 52 is connected and communicated with the input end of the air pump 51. One end of the air outlet pipe 53 is located within the gap 100, and the other end of the air outlet pipe 53 is connected and communicated with the output end of the air pump 51. The control unit 6 is electrically connected to the air pump 51, and the control unit 6 is configured to control the start and stop of the air pump 51. In this way, compared with the related art, the cover body 4 arranged outside the bracket 2 is made of a flexible material, and the inflation mechanism 5 can deliver gas into the cover body 4, so that the cover body 4 remains in a full state. When the companion robot overturns and the cover body 4 presses on the user, the cover body 4 can deform towards the position of the bracket 2, avoiding causing harm to the user, thereby improving the safety of using the companion robot. On the other hand, compared with a plastic shell, the cover body 4 is no longer cold and rigid, has a stronger sense of affinity, and can improve the user experience.

[0104] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "certain embodiments", "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "schematic embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure.

[0105] It can be understood that "a plurality of" in the present disclosure means two or more, and other quantifiers are similar. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after. The singular forms of "a", "the", and "said" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0106] It can be further understood that the terms "first", "second", etc. are used to describe various information, but such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from each other, and do not indicate a specific order or degree of importance. In fact, the expressions such as "first" and "second" can be used interchangeably. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first information can also be referred to as the second information, and similarly, the second information can also be referred to as the first information.

[0107] It can be further understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present embodiment and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0108] It can be further understood that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "mounted", "connected", "connected to", "fixed", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrally formed one; it can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection or can communicate with each other; it can be a direct connection without other components between the two, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, and can be the communication inside the two components or the interaction relationship between the two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0109] It can be further understood that although the operations are described in a specific order in the drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure, it should not be understood as requiring the operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in a serial order, or requiring all the operations shown to obtain the desired result. In a specific environment, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

[0110] Those skilled in the art will readily think of other embodiments of the present disclosure after considering the specification and practicing the solutions disclosed herein. The present disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present disclosure that follow the general principles of the present disclosure and include the common general knowledge or conventional technical means in the technical field not disclosed in the present disclosure. The specification and the embodiments are only regarded as exemplary, and the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure are pointed out by the following claims.

[0111] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the exact structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the present disclosure is only limited by the appended claims.

[0112] The foregoing are only alternative embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present disclosure shall be included within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A companion robot, characterized in that, The companion robot includes a base (1), a bracket (2), a functional mechanism (3), a cover (4), an inflation mechanism (5), and a control unit (6); The bracket (2) is connected to the base (1); The functional mechanism (3) is located on a side of the bracket (2) away from the base (1) and is connected to the bracket (2); The cover (4) is made of a flexible material. The cover (4) is sleeved outside the bracket (2) and is respectively connected to the base (1) and the functional mechanism (3). There is a gap (100) between the cover (4) and the bracket (2); The inflation mechanism (5) includes an air pump (51), an intake pipe (52), and an outlet pipe (53). The air pump (51) is connected to the bracket (2). One end of the intake pipe (52) extends outside the functional mechanism (3), and the other end of the intake pipe (52) is connected and communicated with the input end of the air pump (51). One end of the outlet pipe (53) is located within the gap (100), and the other end of the outlet pipe (53) is connected and communicated with the output end of the air pump (51); The control unit (6) is electrically connected to the air pump (51), and the control unit (6) is used to control the start and stop of the air pump (51).

2. The companion robot according to claim 1, wherein The inflation mechanism (5) further includes a pressure sensor (54), and the pressure sensor (54) is used to detect the air pressure within the gap (100); The control unit (6) is electrically connected to the pressure sensor (54) and is used to control the start and stop of the air pump (51) based on the target air pressure value detected by the pressure sensor (54) and the preset air pressure value; 3. The companion robot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interior of the bracket (2) has a first installation cavity (21); The air pump (51) is located within the first installation cavity (21) and is connected to the bracket (2).

4. The companion robot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base (1) has a cylindrical structure, and the interior of the base (1) has a second installation cavity (11); The inflation mechanism (5) includes a plurality of outlet pipes (53). The plurality of outlet pipes (53) are respectively located within the second installation cavity (11). One end of each outlet pipe (53) extends out of the top surface of the base (1), and the other end of each outlet pipe (53) is connected and communicated with the output end of the air pump (51).

5. The companion robot according to claim 4, characterized in that, One ends of the plurality of outlet pipes (53) are respectively located at the edge of the base (1) and are circumferentially spaced apart around the axis of the base (1).

6. The companion robot according to claim 5, characterized in that, The angles formed between one ends of adjacent two outlet pipes (53) and the air pump (51) are equal.

7. The companion robot according to claim 1, wherein The outer wall of the bracket (2) has a mounting groove (22), and the cover (4) has a display area (41). The display area (41) is disposed opposite to the mounting groove (22); The companion robot further includes a projection mechanism (7). The projection mechanism (7) is fixed within the mounting groove (22) and is electrically connected to the control unit (6). The projection mechanism (7) is used to project an image onto the display area (41).

8. The companion robot according to claim 7, characterized in that, The accompanying robot further includes an interaction detection mechanism (8), which is connected to the projection mechanism (7), and the interaction detection mechanism (8) is configured to detect current occlusion information within the display area (41); The control unit (6) is electrically connected to the interaction detection mechanism (8), and the control unit (6) is configured to: determine a target image corresponding to the current occlusion information in a pre-stored correspondence between occlusion information and images, and control the projection mechanism (7) to project the target image.

9. The companion robot according to claim 1, wherein The functional mechanism (3) includes a housing (31) and a top cover (32); The housing (31) is located on a side of the bracket (2) away from the base (1) and is connected to the bracket (2). The housing (31) has a communicating accommodation cavity (311) and an opening (312); The top cover (32) covers the opening (312) and is detachably connected to the housing (31).

10. The companion robot according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The material for making the cover body (4) is transparent nylon.

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