Charging device and robot

Abstract

A charging device and a robot relate to the technical field of charging. The charging assembly comprises a bottom cover, the bottom cover is detachably arranged at the bottom of a charging base, a first cavity is formed in the bottom cover, the charging base is further provided with a first charging port and a second charging port, the charging assembly comprises a first conducting strip, a second conducting strip and a charging circuit board, and the first conducting strip and the second conducting strip are electrically connected with the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the charging circuit board respectively. The first conducting strip and the second conducting strip are located in the first cavity and extend out of the first charging port and the second charging port respectively, the charging stand column is detachably connected with the charging base, and the charging circuit board is arranged in the charging stand column. By means of the technical scheme, efficient, stable and automatic butt joint charging of the mobile robot is achieved, accurate matching of the charging interface and the conducting strip is optimized through positioning of the auxiliary wheels, and the requirement for positioning accuracy is lowered. The built-in sensing module monitors the distance with the charging stand column and assists accurate butt joint, and meanwhile the detachable design and the internal cavity structure of the charging device facilitate maintenance and upgrading.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of charging, in particular to a charging device and a robot. Background Art

[0002] In current mobile robot automatic charging technology, although the robot is designed to return to the charging station to charge autonomously when the battery level drops below a set level, the main challenge lies in the robot's ability to accurately dock with the charging port during the return charging process;

[0003] When the robot fails to accurately determine its own position, it becomes a technical challenge for it to find and successfully dock with the charging port of the charging device. This may not only lead to low charging efficiency, but also affect the robot's working cycle and long-term reliability. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to achieve the above purpose, the technical solution adopted by the utility model is:

[0005] A charging device and a robot, comprising:

[0006] bottom cover;

[0007] The charging base is provided with a removable bottom cover which is placed at the bottom of the charging base and has a first cavity formed therein. The charging base is also provided with a first charging port and a second charging port.

[0008] a charging assembly, the charging assembly comprising a first conductive sheet, a second conductive sheet, and a charging circuit board, the first conductive sheet and the second conductive sheet being electrically connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the charging circuit board, respectively, the first conductive sheet and the second conductive sheet being located within the first cavity and extending out of the first charging port and the second charging port, respectively;

[0009] A charging column is detachably connected to the charging base, and the charging circuit board is arranged in the charging column.

[0010] The top surface of the charging seat is distributed in the vertical direction to form a grounding end close to the ground and an off-ground end away from the ground. The charging seat column is located on one side of the off-ground end, and the first charging port and the second charging port are located on one side of the grounding end.

[0011] The charging seat is also provided with a first guide part, a second guide part and a limiting part. The limiting part is arranged between the ground-lift end and the grounded end to ensure the accuracy of the charging positioning of the mobile robot. The first guide part is arranged on both sides of the limiting part, and the second guide part is arranged on the upper surface of the charging seat.

[0012] The first guide portion is a plane, the second guide portion is an arcuate surface, and the second guide portion extends from a grounding end to a ground-free end from high to low.

[0013] The charging column is also provided with a bracket and a top cover. One side of the top cover is rotatably connected to the bracket. The top cover, the bracket and the charging seat column form a closed second cavity.

[0014] The charging seat and the charging column are made of materials that are transparent to electromagnetic or optical signals.

[0015] The charging component also includes a first fixing column and a second fixing column, which match the shapes of the first conductive sheet and the second conductive sheet, and the first conductive sheet and the second conductive sheet are tightly covered on the surfaces of the first fixing column and the second fixing column respectively.

[0016] The first fixing column and the second fixing column match the shapes of the first charging port and the second charging port, and are smaller in size than the first charging port and the second charging port.

[0017] The charging circuit board is also provided with at least one signal transmitting component, and the signal transmitting component is used to send communication information to the mobile robot.

[0018] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a mobile robot, comprising the charging device as described above and a mobile robot body, the mobile robot body comprising a shell, a charging interface and auxiliary wheels being provided at the lower part of the shell, the auxiliary wheels being located between the charging interfaces, and the charging interfaces being positioned opposite to the first conductive sheet and the second conductive sheet during charging, a sensor module being provided on the rear side of the mobile robot for detecting the distance between the mobile robot and the charging column.

[0019] After adopting the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of the utility model are:

[0020] This invention combines the charging port on the lower portion of the housing with auxiliary wheels to achieve efficient and stable automatic docking and charging for mobile robots. The positioning of the auxiliary wheels optimizes the precise fit between the charging port and the conductive pad, reducing positioning accuracy requirements. A built-in sensor module monitors the distance to the charging column, facilitating precise docking. The removable design of the charging unit and its internal cavity structure not only facilitate maintenance and upgrades, but also improve heat dissipation efficiency and ensure long-term system stability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0022] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a usage scenario of the charging device of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another usage scenario of the charging device of the utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the charging device of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of part of the charging assembly of the utility model;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a partial structural diagram of the charging assembly of the utility model;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a top view of the mobile robot provided by the utility model;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a rear view of the mobile robot provided by the utility model.

[0029] Explanation of the accompanying drawings: 100, mobile robot; 110, shell; 120, sensor module; 130, charging interface; 140, auxiliary wheel; 210, bottom cover; 220, charging base; 221, first guide part; 222, first charging port; 223, second charging port; 224, second guide part; 225, limiting part; 226, first cavity; 230, charging component; 231, charging circuit board; 232, signal transmitting component; 233, first fixing column; 234, first conductive sheet; 235, second fixing column; 236, second conductive sheet; 240, charging column; 241, top cover; 242, bracket; 243, second cavity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] This specific embodiment is merely an explanation of the present invention and is not a limitation of the present invention. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art may make non-creative modifications to the present embodiment as needed, but as long as they are within the scope of the claims of the present invention, they are protected by patent law.

[0032] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Generally, the components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the drawings herein can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0033] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but rather merely represents selected embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are also within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" and the like, indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or are the orientations or positional relationships in which the utility model product is typically placed when in use. These terms are intended solely to facilitate the description of this utility model and to simplify the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used solely to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0035] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" do not necessarily mean that a component must be absolutely horizontal or overhanging, but rather that it can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but rather that it can be slightly tilted.

[0036] It should also be noted that, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "disposed," "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections, electrical connections; direct connections, indirect connections through an intermediate medium, and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] Reference Figure 1-5 , a charging device and a robot are proposed,

[0038] A charging device and a robot, comprising:

[0039] bottom cover 210;

[0040] The charging base 220, the bottom cover 210 is detachably placed at the bottom of the charging base 220, forming a first cavity 226 therein, and the charging base 220 is further provided with a first charging port 222 and a second charging port 223;

[0041] The charging assembly 230 includes a first conductive sheet 234, a second conductive sheet 236, and a charging circuit board 231. The first conductive sheet 234 and the second conductive sheet 236 are electrically connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the charging circuit board 231, respectively. The first conductive sheet 234 and the second conductive sheet 236 are located in the first cavity 226 and extend out of the first charging port 222 and the second charging port 223, respectively.

[0042] The charging column 240 is detachably connected to the charging base 220 , and the charging circuit board 231 is disposed in the charging column 240 .

[0043] The combination of the bottom cover 210 and the charging base 220 forms an enclosed first cavity 226, which houses the charging assembly 230. This cavity contains a first conductive plate 234 and a second conductive plate 236, which are directly connected to the positive and negative terminals of the charging circuit board 231. The extended conductive plates enable automatic power connection and charging when the mobile robot approaches the first charging port 222 or the second charging port 223. The charging column 240 provides stable support for the entire structure and houses the charging circuit board, ensuring stability and safety during the charging process.

[0044] The design utilizes carefully positioned charging ports and embedded conductive pads to achieve fast and precise automatic docking and charging, reducing the need for high robot positioning accuracy. The detachable design also facilitates maintenance and upgrades. The internal cavity not only protects the electronic components but also facilitates heat dissipation, ensuring efficient charging and long-term stable operation of the device.

[0045] The conductive sheet of the charging assembly 230 can be made of a material with higher conductivity, such as silver or copper alloy, to further improve charging efficiency and reduce energy loss. The charging circuit board 231 can also be upgraded to a version with more intelligent functions, such as an integrated wireless communication module, which enables the charging device to transmit charging status information to the robot or control center in real time, achieving more intelligent and automated charging management. In addition, considering environmental protection and sustainability, the materials of the charging base and column can be considered to be recyclable or biodegradable to reduce environmental impact.

[0046] Optionally, the top surface of the charging seat 220 is distributed in the vertical direction to form a grounded end close to the ground and an off-ground end away from the ground, the column of the charging seat 220 is located on the off-ground end side, and the first charging port 222 and the second charging port 223 are located on the grounded end side.

[0047] The charging base 220 is designed with a vertical top surface, creating a distinction between the grounded and elevated ends. This ensures that the charging column is located at the higher, elevated end, while the first and second charging ports 222 and 223 are located at the lower, grounded end, allowing for easy docking when a mobile robot approaches. This layout optimizes accessibility to the charging ports while maintaining structural stability, providing a convenient and efficient charging platform for robots.

[0048] The key advantages of this design are its efficient space utilization and optimized charging process. By placing the charging port at the ground end, the robot's docking accuracy requirements are reduced, simplifying the docking process. Furthermore, this design utilizes vertical space, reducing the device's floor space, making it suitable for use in space-constrained environments.

[0049] The charging seat 220 is also provided with a first guide portion 221, a second guide portion 224 and a limiting portion 225. The limiting portion 225 is arranged between the ground-lift end and the grounded end to ensure the accuracy of the charging positioning of the mobile robot. The first guide portion 221 is arranged on both sides of the limiting portion 225, and the second guide portion 224 is arranged on the upper surface of the charging seat 220.

[0050] In addition, the charging station's columns and charging circuit board can be made of advanced composite materials or high-strength lightweight alloys to improve structural durability and reduce overall weight. In addition, the charging interface can be integrated with more efficient transmission and identification technologies, such as magnetic docking technology or RFID recognition, to further optimize the accuracy and speed of the automatic charging process.

[0051] Optionally, the first guide portion 221 is a plane, the second guide portion 224 is an arcuate surface, and the second guide portion 224 extends from the ground end to the ground-free end from high to low.

[0052] The charging device utilizes the structural features of the charging base 220, distinguishing between the grounded and ungrounded ends through a top surface design, optimizing space utilization and device access during charging. The charging column is located on the ungrounded side, while the charging port is located on the grounded side. This layout helps maintain device stability and reduces the docking accuracy requirements for the mobile robot. The charging base further utilizes the first guide portion 221, the second guide portion 224, and the limit portion 225 to precisely guide and position the mobile robot, ensuring high accuracy in charging docking. The coordinated operation of these functional components significantly improves charging efficiency and reduces errors during the charging process.

[0053] Furthermore, the conductive sheet in the charging device could be replaced with a material with higher conductivity, such as graphene or copper-based alloys, to improve charging efficiency. Furthermore, the guide and stopper components could be made of new synthetic materials with enhanced wear resistance and a longer lifespan to adapt to varying environmental conditions and ensure long-term stable operation of the charging device.

[0054] Optionally, the charging column 240 is further provided with a bracket 242 and a top cover 241 , and one side of the top cover 241 is rotatably connected to the bracket 242 , and the top cover 241 , the bracket 242 and the column of the charging base 220 form a closed second cavity 243 .

[0055] The design of the charging stand 240, bracket 242, and top cover 241 creates a sealed second cavity 243, housing the charging circuit board 231. The swivel connection of the top cover 241 allows easy access to internal components, while its integration with the stand 220 ensures overall structural stability and safety. This design not only protects the internal circuitry from external interference but also facilitates maintenance and upgrades.

[0056] The advantage is that the sealed cavity design effectively protects the charging circuit board, preventing damage caused by dust, moisture, etc., and extending the service life of the charging device. The rotating top cover design also greatly improves the convenience of equipment maintenance.

[0057] Furthermore, the bracket 242 and top cover 241 can be made of lighter, higher-strength composite materials to reduce overall weight and improve durability. The internal charging circuit board 231 can be upgraded to incorporate a more efficient management system and more advanced communication technology, enabling more efficient charging performance and smarter device management.

[0058] Optionally, the charging base 220 and the charging column 240 are made of a material that is transparent to electromagnetic or optical signals.

[0059] The electromagnetically or optically transparent materials used in the charging base 220 and charging column 240 allow for unimpeded signal transmission, optimizing communication efficiency between the charging device and the mobile robot. This design supports wireless charging technology and data transmission, enhancing the intelligence of the charging process.

[0060] The advantage of this design is that it improves the reliability of device communication and the overall efficiency of the charging system, promotes more accurate positioning and charging management, and ensures an efficient and stable charging process.

[0061] In addition, the materials of the charging base and charging column can consider using more advanced transparent conductive materials, such as transparent conductive polymers or nanomaterials, to improve the efficiency of signal transmission and the durability of the device.

[0062] Optionally, the charging component 230 also includes a first fixed column 233 and a second fixed column 235, which match the shapes of the first conductive sheet 234 and the second conductive sheet 236, and the first conductive sheet 234 and the second conductive sheet 236 are tightly covered on the surfaces of the first fixed column 233 and the second fixed column 235 respectively.

[0063] The design of charging assembly 230 includes first and second fixing posts 233 and 235, which match the shape of first and second conductive plates 234 and 236, allowing the conductive plates to adhere closely to the surfaces of the fixing posts. This design ensures good electrical contact between the conductive plates and the fixing posts, thereby optimizing power transmission efficiency. When the mobile robot is docked, this configuration supports stable and efficient energy transfer, ensuring a continuous and reliable charging process.

[0064] The advantage is that this design improves charging efficiency and stability through the precise matching of fixing columns and conductive plates. The compact structural layout not only reduces energy loss during transmission, but also improves the durability and reliability of the device, ensuring a long service life.

[0065] Furthermore, the first and second fixing posts 233 and 235 can be made of new, highly conductive materials, such as graphene or metal nanomaterials, to further enhance energy transmission efficiency. Furthermore, the first and second conductive sheets 234 and 236 can also be made of higher-performance conductive materials to achieve higher charging efficiency and improved corrosion resistance.

[0066] Optionally, the first fixing column 233 and the second fixing column 235 match the shapes of the first charging port 222 and the second charging port 223 , and are smaller in size than the first charging port 222 and the second charging port 223 .

[0067] The first and second fixing posts 233 and 235 of the charging device are designed to match the shape of the first and second charging ports 222 and 223, but are smaller in size, ensuring that the mobile robot can easily and accurately dock with the charging ports during charging. This design reduces positioning errors during docking, improves the compatibility and reliability of the charging interface, and makes the charging process more efficient and smooth.

[0068] The advantage lies in the clever design that reduces docking errors and improves charging efficiency. This size matching and shape design allows for quick and precise connection, reducing the robot's positioning pressure during automatic docking, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the entire charging system.

[0069] Furthermore, driven by technological advancements, the first and second fixing posts 233, 235 can be manufactured using new composite materials that not only offer increased mechanical strength and corrosion resistance, but also improved electrical conductivity. Furthermore, the charging port design can utilize more sophisticated manufacturing techniques to further optimize docking accuracy, ensuring charging efficiency and stability in a wider range of environments.

[0070] Optionally, at least one signal transmitting component 232 is further provided on the charging circuit board 231, and the signal transmitting component 232 is used to send communication information to the mobile robot.

[0071] The signal transmission component 232 integrated into the charging circuit board 231 is responsible for sending communication information to the mobile robot, realizing intelligent interaction between devices. This design makes the charging process not only limited to energy replenishment, but also includes data exchange, enhancing the intelligence level of the system.

[0072] The advantage of this design is that it facilitates real-time communication between devices, improving charging efficiency and the coordination of the robot's work. By sending communication information, the charging device can effectively guide the robot to dock, reducing the possibility of incorrect docking.

[0073] In addition, the signal transmitting component 232 can be upgraded to an advanced module that supports higher frequencies and wider communication protocols, such as 5G or Wi-Fi 6, to achieve faster and more stable data transmission, improving the efficiency and reliability of the entire charging system.

[0074] In addition, refer to Figure 6-7 The present invention also provides a mobile robot, comprising the charging device as described above and a mobile robot body, the mobile robot body comprising a shell 110, a charging interface 130 and auxiliary wheels 140 being provided at the lower portion of the shell 110, the auxiliary wheels 140 being located between the charging interfaces 130, and the charging interfaces 130 being positioned opposite to the first conductive sheet 234 and the second conductive sheet 236 during charging, a sensor module 120 being provided at the rear side of the mobile robot for detecting the distance between the mobile robot and the charging column 240.

[0075] This mobile robot design optimizes the automatic charging process, achieving precise docking with the charging device through the coordinated layout of auxiliary wheels 140 and charging port 130. The sensor module 120 enhances real-time monitoring of the distance to the charging column 240, ensuring efficient and stable charging. This design reduces the docking accuracy requirements for the robot while improving charging efficiency, ensuring long-term stable operation and ease of maintenance and upgrades.

[0076] The working principle of the present invention is roughly as follows:

[0077] When the mobile robot returns to charge, it first receives the communication information sent by the charging device through the signal transmitting component 232. When the robot returns to the charging station, the sensor module 120 detects the distance from the charging column 240, and cooperates with the first guide part 221 and the second guide part 224, as well as the positioning of the limit part 225 to guide the robot to accurately dock with the charging seat 220, thereby achieving precise docking of the charging interface 130 with the first conductive plate 234 and the second conductive plate 236. The first conductive plate 234 and the second conductive plate 236 in the charging component 230 are tightly attached to the first fixing column 233 and the second fixing column 235, ensuring stable and efficient energy transmission.

[0078] The above is only used to illustrate the technical solution of the present invention and is not intended to limit it. Other modifications or equivalent substitutions made to the technical solution of the present invention by ordinary technicians in this field should be included in the scope of the claims of the present invention as long as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A charging device, characterized in that: include: Bottom cover (210); A charging seat (220), wherein the bottom cover (210) is detachably placed at the bottom of the charging seat (220), and a first cavity (226) is formed inside the bottom cover; the charging seat (220) is also provided with a first charging port (222) and a second charging port (223); the charging seat (220) is also provided with a first guide portion (221), a second guide portion (224) and a limiting portion (225); the first guide portion (221) and the second guide portion (224) are relatively arranged on two sides of the charging seat (220); A charging component (230), the charging component (230) comprising a first conductive sheet (234), a second conductive sheet (236) and a charging circuit board (231), the first conductive sheet (234) and the second conductive sheet (236) being electrically connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the charging circuit board (231) respectively, the first conductive sheet (234) and the second conductive sheet (236) being located in the first cavity (226) and extending out of the first charging port (222) and the second charging port (223) respectively; A charging column (240) is detachably connected to a charging base (220), the charging circuit board (231) is arranged in the charging column (240), and the limiting portion (225) is arranged on the charging base (220) near a side of the charging column (240).

2. A charging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top surface of the charging seat (220) is distributed in a vertical direction to form a grounding end close to the ground and an off-ground end away from the ground, the column of the charging seat (220) is located on one side of the off-ground end, and the first charging port (222) and the second charging port (223) are located on one side of the grounding end.

3. A charging device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The limiting portion (225) is arranged between the ground-lifting end and the grounding end to ensure the accuracy of the charging positioning of the mobile robot; the first guiding portion (221) is arranged on both sides of the limiting portion (225); and the second guiding portion (224) is arranged on the upper surface of the charging seat (220).

4. A charging device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first guide portion (221) is a plane, the second guide portion (224) is an arcuate surface, and the second guide portion (224) extends from a grounding end to a ground-free end from high to low.

5. A charging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The charging column (240) is also provided with a bracket (242) and a top cover (241); one side of the top cover (241) is rotatably connected to the bracket (242); the top cover (241), the bracket (242) and the column of the charging seat (220) form a closed second cavity (243).

6. A charging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The charging seat (220) and the charging column (240) are made of a material that is transparent to electromagnetic or optical signals.

7. A charging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The charging component (230) further comprises a first fixing column (233) and a second fixing column (235), wherein the first fixing column (233) and the second fixing column (235) match the shapes of the first conductive sheet (234) and the second conductive sheet (236), and the first conductive sheet (234) and the second conductive sheet (236) are respectively tightly covered on the surfaces of the first fixing column (233) and the second fixing column (235).

8. A charging device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first fixing column (233) and the second fixing column (235) match the shapes of the first charging port (222) and the second charging port (223), and are smaller in size than the first charging port (222) and the second charging port (223).

9. A charging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one signal transmitting component (232) is also provided on the charging circuit board (231), and the signal transmitting component (232) is used to send communication information to the mobile robot.

10. A robot, characterized in that: The invention comprises a charging device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 and a mobile robot body, wherein the mobile robot body comprises a shell (110), a charging interface (130) and auxiliary wheels (140) are provided at the lower part of the shell (110), and the auxiliary wheels (140) are located between the charging interfaces (130). When charging, the charging interfaces (130) are opposite to the first conductive sheet (234) and the second conductive sheet (236). A sensor module (120) is provided at the rear side of the mobile robot for detecting the distance between the mobile robot and a charging column (240).

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