Inspection robot with shared charging function
By designing an inspection robot with shared charging capabilities, the problem of insufficient battery power for inspection robots was solved, enabling power transfer between robots and charging without human intervention, thereby reducing operation and maintenance costs and the need for charging pile construction.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423280539.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-30
AI Technical Summary
The limited battery capacity of the inspection robot makes it prone to running out of power during the inspection process, requiring manual intervention to recharge, which increases the operation and maintenance costs and workload.
Design an inspection robot with shared charging function. Through the power input module and power output module connected by the main control circuit module, the power can be transferred between inspection robots, and multiple robots can be charged at the same charging pile at the same time.
It enables unmanned power sharing and charging among robots, reducing labor costs and the need for charging station construction.
Smart Images
Figure CN223843561U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of robots, and in particular to an inspection robot with a shared charging function. Background Technology
[0002] With the continuous development of new energy technologies, the newly installed capacity of photovoltaic power generation is constantly expanding, and photovoltaic energy has become an important component of the new energy structure. Photovoltaic power plants are generally located in remote areas, and the photovoltaic equipment covers a wide area, facing harsh weather conditions due to long-term outdoor exposure. During operation, photovoltaic power plants require data collection and routine maintenance inspections. Relying on manual inspections leads to problems such as low efficiency, long inspection times, significant safety hazards, limited monitoring and diagnostic capabilities, and increased operation and maintenance costs. Therefore, inspection robots have emerged in the market to replace manual inspections, effectively avoiding the aforementioned problems.
[0003] However, due to the wide coverage area of photovoltaic power stations and their construction in remote areas, the workload of inspection is large, and multiple inspection robots are generally required for inspection work. However, the battery capacity of inspection robots is limited. Inspection robots with long-distance missions are prone to running out of power during the inspection process, which can help them reach the designated charging point or return to the target location. In such cases, manual intervention is required, which can cause trouble. Utility Model Content
[0004] In view of the above situation, it is necessary to provide an inspection robot with shared charging function to effectively solve the above problems.
[0005] This utility model provides an inspection robot with shared charging function, including a main control circuit module, an electrical input module, an electrical output module, and a power supply module. The electrical input module, the electrical output module, and the power supply module are respectively electrically connected to the main control circuit module. The electrical input module can receive power from an external power source or another inspection robot to charge the power supply module. The electrical output module can output power to another inspection robot to charge its power supply module, so that multiple inspection robots can charge each other.
[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the electrical input module includes a first telescopic arm and a first connecting terminal disposed at the end of the first telescopic arm. The first connecting terminal is electrically connected to the main control circuit module, and the first telescopic arm is telescopically connected to the main body of the inspection robot. The electrical output module includes a second telescopic arm and a second connecting terminal disposed at the end of the second telescopic arm. The second connecting terminal is electrically connected to the main control circuit module, and the second telescopic arm is telescopically connected to the main body of the inspection robot. The first connecting terminal can be used to connect to a charging pile or to the second connecting terminal of another inspection robot.
[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the main control circuit module can control the first telescopic arm to extend and retract between an extended position and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the first telescopic arm is housed within the main body of the inspection robot and exposes the first connecting terminal. In the extended position, the first telescopic arm extends away from the main body of the inspection robot. The main control circuit module can also control the second telescopic arm to extend and retract between an extended position and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the second telescopic arm is housed within the main body of the inspection robot and exposes the second connecting terminal. In the extended position, the second telescopic arm extends away from the main body of the inspection robot.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the first telescopic arm and the second telescopic arm are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the main body of the inspection robot.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the electrical input module includes a first interface, which can be used to connect to a second connection terminal of another inspection robot or to a connector of a charging cable. The first interface is disposed on the body of the inspection robot and is electrically connected to the main control circuit module.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the first interface and the first telescopic arm are located on the same side of the main body of the inspection robot.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the electrical output module includes a second interface, which can be used to connect to the first connection terminal of another inspection robot or to the connector of a charging cable. The second interface is disposed on the body of the inspection robot and is electrically connected to the main control circuit module.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the second interface and the second telescopic arm are located on the same side of the main body of the inspection robot.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment, when both the first telescopic arm and the second telescopic arm are in the extended position, the first telescopic arm is perpendicular to the plane in which the first telescopic arm is located, the second telescopic arm is perpendicular to the plane in which the second telescopic arm is located, and the plane in which the first telescopic arm is located is parallel to the plane in which the second telescopic arm is located; when the two inspection robots are charging each other, the plane in which the first telescopic arm or the plane in which the second telescopic arm of one inspection robot is located is parallel to the plane in which the first telescopic arm or the plane in which the second telescopic arm of the other inspection robot is located.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the electrical input module includes a first alignment mechanism, and the electrical output module includes a second alignment mechanism. The first alignment mechanism and the second alignment mechanism are respectively electrically connected to the main control circuit module. The first alignment mechanism is used to align with the second alignment mechanism of another inspection robot or the alignment mechanism of a charging pile, and the second alignment mechanism is used to align with the first alignment mechanism of another inspection robot.
[0015] Compared to existing technologies, this utility model provides an inspection robot with shared charging functionality, including a main control circuit module, an electrical input module, an electrical output module, and a power supply module. The electrical input module, electrical output module, and power supply module are electrically connected to the main control circuit module. The electrical input module can receive power from an external power source or another inspection robot to charge its power supply module. The electrical output module can output power to another inspection robot to charge its power supply module, enabling multiple inspection robots to charge each other. When an inspection robot runs out of power during an inspection, it can call another inspection robot to charge it directly. Moreover, the same charging station can charge multiple inspection robots simultaneously, reducing the construction cost of charging stations. Attached Figure Description
[0016] The disclosure of this utility model will become more readily understood with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that these drawings are merely illustrative of the technical solutions of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0017] In the picture:
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system architecture of an inspection robot with shared charging function in one embodiment of this utility model.
[0019] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an inspection robot with shared charging function from one perspective, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] Figure 3This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an inspection robot with shared charging function from another perspective, according to one embodiment of this utility model.
[0021] Figure 4 This is a side view of the first telescopic arm of an inspection robot with shared charging function in one embodiment of this utility model. Detailed Implementation
[0022] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.
[0023] It should be noted that when a component is considered to be "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or may also have a component that is centrally located. When a component is considered to be "set" on another component, it can be directly set on the other component or may also have a component that is centrally located.
[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0025] Please see Figure 1 As shown, this utility model provides an inspection robot 100 with shared charging function. This inspection robot 100 can be applied to scenarios such as photovoltaic power stations and wind farms for intelligent inspection work. The inspection robot 100 includes a main control circuit module 1, an electrical input module 2, an electrical output module 3, and a power supply module 4. The electrical input module 2, electrical output module 3, and power supply module 4 are electrically connected to the main control circuit module 1. The electrical input module 2 can receive power from an external power source or another inspection robot to charge the power supply module 4. The electrical output module 3 can output power to another inspection robot to charge its power supply module, enabling multiple inspection robots 100 to charge each other. When one inspection robot runs out of power during an inspection, it can call another inspection robot to charge it directly, eliminating the need for human intervention, reducing labor costs, and allowing multiple inspection robots to be charged simultaneously at the same charging station, thus reducing the construction cost of the charging station.
[0026] The power supply module 4 can be used to power the various components of the inspection robot 100. The inspection robot 100 is also equipped with a control module, a communication module, a data acquisition module, etc. The control module can be used as the brain of the inspection robot 100 to manage and control the walking / movement and other operations of the inspection robot 100. The data acquisition module can be used to collect data from the photovoltaic power station. The communication module can be used to interact with the outside world.
[0027] Please also refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the inspection robot 100 includes a main body 101, a camera 102 located at the front end of the main body 101, and four walking legs 103 located at the bottom of the main body 101. The four walking legs 103 can be controlled by the control module to perform walking and other actions. The camera 102 can be used to provide the inspection robot 100 with a field of view and to perform tasks such as video recording and taking pictures.
[0028] Preferably, the electrical input module 2 includes a first telescopic arm 21 and a first connecting terminal 22 disposed at the end of the first telescopic arm 21. The first connecting terminal 22 can be a conductive contact point, a conductive plug, or a conductive socket, etc. The first connecting terminal 22 is electrically connected to the main control circuit module 1, and the first telescopic arm 21 is telescopically connected to the body 101 of the inspection robot 100. The electrical output module 3 includes a second telescopic arm 31 and a second connecting terminal 32 disposed at the end of the second telescopic arm 31. The second connecting terminal 32 can be a conductive contact point, a conductive plug, or a conductive socket, etc. The second connecting terminal 32 is electrically connected to the main control circuit module 1, and the second telescopic arm 31 is telescopically connected to the body 101 of the inspection robot 100. The first connecting terminal 22 can be used to connect to a charging pile or to the second connecting terminal of another inspection robot, and the second connecting terminal 32 can be used to connect to the first connecting terminal of another inspection robot, thereby realizing an electrical connection between the two inspection robots. Optionally, both the first connecting terminal 22 and the second connecting terminal 32 are conductive contact points to facilitate contact and connection.
[0029] Furthermore, the main control circuit module 1 can control the first telescopic arm 21 to extend and retract between the extended and retracted positions. In the retracted position, the first telescopic arm 21 is housed within the main body 101 of the inspection robot 100, exposing the first connecting terminal 22, allowing the first connecting terminal 22 to be connected even in the retracted position. In the extended position, the first telescopic arm 21 extends away from the main body 101 of the inspection robot 100. The main control circuit module 1 can also control the second telescopic arm 31 to extend and retract between the extended and retracted positions. In the retracted position, the second telescopic arm 31 is housed within the main body 101 of the inspection robot 100, exposing the second connecting terminal 32, allowing the second connecting terminal 32 to be connected even in the retracted position. In the extended position, the second telescopic arm 31 extends away from the main body 101 of the inspection robot 100.
[0030] Preferably, please also refer to Figure 4 As shown, the first telescopic arm 21 and the second telescopic arm 31 can be configured as a multi-segment structure similar to a telescopic fishing rod, extending and retracting segment by segment. The difference lies in that the multi-segment structure of the first telescopic arm 21 and the second telescopic arm 31 of this invention is electrically controlled by an electric drive mechanism. The specific electric drive mechanism and telescopic structure can be implemented using existing technology, and will not be described in detail here. A storage cavity for accommodating the first telescopic arm 21 and the second telescopic arm 31 can be provided on the main body 101, so that the first telescopic arm 21 and the second telescopic arm 31 are completely stored in the storage cavity when in the retracted position, with only the first connecting terminal 22 and the second connecting terminal 32 exposed. The telescopic movement of the first telescopic arm 21 and the second telescopic arm 31 can be controlled by the main control circuit module 1 or the control module.
[0031] Preferably, the first telescopic arm 21 and the second telescopic arm 31 are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the main body 101 of the inspection robot 100. For example, the first telescopic arm 21 and the second telescopic arm 31 are respectively arranged on the left and right sides or the front and back sides of the main body 101, so that the two inspection robots 100 can stand in front and behind or side by side, thereby enabling better connection and charging.
[0032] Preferably, the electrical input module 2 includes a first interface 23, which can be used to connect to the second connection terminal of another inspection robot or to the connector of a charging cable. The first interface 23 is disposed on the main body 101 of the inspection robot 100 and is electrically connected to the main control circuit module 1. Optionally, the first interface 23 and the first telescopic arm 21 are disposed on the same side of the main body 101 of the inspection robot 100.
[0033] Preferably, the power output module 3 includes a second interface 33, which can be used to connect to the first connection terminal of another inspection robot or to the connector of a charging cable. The second interface 33 is disposed on the main body 101 of the inspection robot 100 and is electrically connected to the main control circuit module 1. Optionally, the second interface 33 and the second telescopic arm 31 are disposed on the same side of the main body 101 of the inspection robot 100.
[0034] In this embodiment, the first interface 23 and the second interface 33 are plug structures directly set on the main body 101. When the first interface 23 is connected to the second connection terminal of another inspection robot, or the second interface 33 is connected to the first connection terminal of another inspection robot, the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal can be set as conductive plug structures, which can be plugged into the plug structure.
[0035] Preferably, when both the first telescopic arm 21 and the second telescopic arm 31 are in the extended position, the first telescopic arm 21 is perpendicular to the plane in which it is located, the second telescopic arm 31 is perpendicular to the plane in which it is located, and the plane in which the first telescopic arm 21 is located is parallel to the plane in which the second telescopic arm 31 is located. When the two inspection robots are charging each other, the plane in which the first telescopic arm or the plane in which the second telescopic arm of one inspection robot is located is parallel to the plane in which the first telescopic arm or the plane in which the second telescopic arm of the other inspection robot is located, so as to facilitate the alignment and connection between the two inspection robots.
[0036] Preferably, the electrical input module 2 further includes a first alignment mechanism 24, and the electrical output module 3 includes a second alignment mechanism 34. The first alignment mechanism 24 and the second alignment mechanism 34 are electrically connected to the main control circuit module 1, respectively. The first alignment mechanism 24 is used to align with the second alignment mechanism of another inspection robot or the alignment mechanism of the charging pile to achieve a conductive connection. The second alignment mechanism 34 is used to align with the first alignment mechanism of another inspection robot to achieve a conductive connection.
[0037] Optionally, the first alignment mechanism 24 is a laser emitter, and the second alignment mechanism 34 is a laser receiver. The first alignment mechanism 24 is, for example, an annular structure surrounding the first telescopic arm 21 and / or the first interface 23, and the second alignment mechanism 34 is, for example, an annular structure surrounding the second telescopic arm 31 and / or the second interface 33. The first alignment mechanism 24 and the second alignment mechanism 34 are electrically connected to the main control circuit module 1, and the alignment mechanism is controlled by the main control circuit module 1 or the control module to perform alignment.
[0038] In one implementation, when one inspection robot needs charging due to low battery, the control module triggers the communication module to call the nearest other inspection robot. After the two inspection robots reach a charging agreement, the inspection robot with low battery waits in place while the other inspection robot moves closer. When the two inspection robots are close enough to roughly move to the paired charging position, they are precisely aligned using an alignment mechanism. At the same time, the control module controls the inspection robot to make minor adjustments to its position so that the second connection terminal of the other inspection robot is aligned with the first connection terminal of the inspection robot to be charged. Then, the control module controls the corresponding first and second telescopic arms to extend towards each other until the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal make contact and conduction, thus connecting the two inspection robots. The power supply module of the other inspection robot begins to charge the power supply module of the inspection robot to be charged. After charging is completed, the first and second telescopic arms retract.
[0039] Preferably, the end of the first telescopic arm 21 is further provided with a first electromagnet, which is electrically connected to the main control circuit module 1. The first electromagnet is, for example, ring-shaped and surrounds the first connecting terminal 22. The end of the second telescopic arm 31 is further provided with a second electromagnet, which is electrically connected to the main control circuit module 1. The second electromagnet is, for example, ring-shaped and surrounds the second connecting terminal 32. When the two inspection robots approach for charging, the control module controls the corresponding electromagnet to be energized and activated. When the two connecting terminals are close, they can quickly make contact and connect under the magnetic attraction of the two electromagnets, increasing the accuracy of alignment. After charging is completed, the control modules of the two inspection robots first control the electromagnets of their respective robots to be de-energized, and then control the corresponding first telescopic arm and second telescopic arm to retract respectively.
[0040] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be encompassed within this invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. Furthermore, it is clear that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the singular does not exclude the plural. Multiple elements or computer devices recited in the computer device claims may also be implemented by the same element or computer device through software or hardware. The terms "first," "second," etc., are used to indicate names and do not indicate any particular order.
[0041] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this utility model.
Claims
1. An inspection robot with shared charging function, characterized in that, It includes a main control circuit module, an electrical input module, an electrical output module, and a power supply module. The electrical input module, the electrical output module, and the power supply module are electrically connected to the main control circuit module. The electrical input module can receive power from an external power source or another inspection robot to charge the power supply module. The electrical output module can output power to another inspection robot to charge its power supply module, so that multiple inspection robots can charge each other.
2. The inspection robot with shared charging function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical input module includes a first telescopic arm and a first connecting terminal disposed at the end of the first telescopic arm. The first connecting terminal is electrically connected to the main control circuit module. The first telescopic arm is telescopically connected to the main body of the inspection robot. The electrical output module includes a second telescopic arm and a second connecting terminal disposed at the end of the second telescopic arm. The second connecting terminal is electrically connected to the main control circuit module. The second telescopic arm is telescopically connected to the main body of the inspection robot. The first connecting terminal can be used to connect to a charging pile or to the second connecting terminal of another inspection robot.
3. The inspection robot with shared charging function according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main control circuit module can control the first telescopic arm to extend and retract between an extended position and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the first telescopic arm is housed within the main body of the inspection robot and exposes the first connecting terminal. In the extended position, the first telescopic arm extends away from the main body of the inspection robot. The main control circuit module can also control the second telescopic arm to extend and retract between an extended position and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the second telescopic arm is housed within the main body of the inspection robot and exposes the second connecting terminal. In the extended position, the second telescopic arm extends away from the main body of the inspection robot.
4. The inspection robot with shared charging function according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first telescopic arm and the second telescopic arm are respectively located on opposite sides of the main body of the inspection robot.
5. The inspection robot with shared charging function according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electrical input module includes a first interface, which can be used to connect to the second connection terminal of another inspection robot or to the connector of a charging cable. The first interface is disposed on the body of the inspection robot and is electrically connected to the main control circuit module.
6. The inspection robot with shared charging function according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first interface and the first telescopic arm are located on the same side of the main body of the inspection robot.
7. The inspection robot with shared charging function according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electrical output module includes a second interface, which can be used to connect to the first connection terminal of another inspection robot or to the connector of a charging cable. The second interface is disposed on the body of the inspection robot and is electrically connected to the main control circuit module.
8. The inspection robot with shared charging function according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second interface and the second telescopic arm are located on the same side of the main body of the inspection robot.
9. The inspection robot with shared charging function according to claim 3, characterized in that, When both the first telescopic arm and the second telescopic arm are in the extended position, the first telescopic arm is perpendicular to the plane in which the first telescopic arm is located, the second telescopic arm is perpendicular to the plane in which the second telescopic arm is located, and the plane in which the first telescopic arm is located is parallel to the plane in which the second telescopic arm is located; when the two inspection robots are charging each other, the plane in which the first telescopic arm or the second telescopic arm of one inspection robot is located is parallel to the plane in which the first telescopic arm or the second telescopic arm of the other inspection robot is located.
10. The inspection robot with shared charging function according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The electrical input module includes a first alignment mechanism, and the electrical output module includes a second alignment mechanism. The first alignment mechanism and the second alignment mechanism are respectively electrically connected to the main control circuit module. The first alignment mechanism is used to align with the second alignment mechanism of another inspection robot or the alignment mechanism of a charging pile, and the second alignment mechanism is used to align with the first alignment mechanism of another inspection robot.