Charging device and terminal device

Abstract

This application provides a charging device and terminal equipment, relating to the field of charging technology, to solve the problem of robots being unable to autonomously move to charging stations when their power is insufficient. The charging device includes a charging base, a first charging module, and a second charging module. The first charging module is fixed to the charging base and is used to electrically connect to the charging port of a device to charge it. The second charging module is connected to the charging base via a telescopic structure, allowing an operator to pull it out of the charging device to connect to the charging port of the device to charge it. This charging device can be used to charge devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of charging technology, and in particular to a charging device and terminal equipment. Background Technology

[0002] A charging station is a device used to charge electrical equipment. For example, in the field of embodied intelligence, robots can use charging stations to charge. When a robot needs to charge, it can move to a charging station and use it to charge. However, a robot cannot autonomously move to a charging station to charge when its battery is low. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a charging device and terminal equipment to solve the problem that robots cannot autonomously move to a charging station for charging when their power is insufficient.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a charging device, including a charging base, a first charging module, and a second charging module. The first charging module is fixed to the charging base and is used to electrically connect to the charging port of a power-consuming device to charge the device. The second charging module is connected to the charging base via a telescopic structure, allowing an operator to pull it out of the charging device to connect to the charging port of the power-consuming device for charging.

[0005] The charging device provided in this application allows for the following functionality: When the first charging module is electrically connected to the charging port of the device, an external power source can transfer electrical energy to the first charging module, which can then charge the device through its charging port. When the device can move autonomously, it can move to the charging base and autonomously complete the charging process using the electrical connection between the first charging module and the charging port. Alternatively, an operator can use the unfolding telescopic structure to pull the second charging module out of the charging base to charge the device. When the device cannot move autonomously to the charging base to connect with the first charging module, the operator can directly pull the second charging module out of the charging base to easily connect it to the device's charging port and charge the device.

[0006] In some embodiments, the charging base has a mounting slot. The mounting slot has an opening. When the telescopic structure is in the retracted state, the second charging module is disposed within the mounting slot.

[0007] In some embodiments, the charging base has a bottom wall. A groove is formed on the side of the mounting slot away from the bottom wall.

[0008] In some embodiments, the charging device further includes a cover plate. The cover plate is disposed over the opening of the mounting slot for opening or closing the slot.

[0009] In some embodiments, the charging device further includes a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element. The first magnetic element is disposed on the cover plate, and the second magnetic element is disposed in the mounting groove for mutual attraction with the first magnetic element.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second charging module is detachably connected to the charging base.

[0011] In some embodiments, the telescopic structure includes a resilient connecting wire. One end of the resilient connecting wire is connected to the second charging module, and the other end is connected to the charging base. The resilient connecting wire is used to generate elastic deformation to change its length.

[0012] In some embodiments, the charging base also has a grip. The grip is used for an operator to hold the charging base.

[0013] Secondly, this application provides a terminal device, including any of the charging devices and power-consuming devices mentioned in the first aspect.

[0014] Since the terminal device provided in this application includes any of the charging devices in the first aspect, it can solve the same technical problems as the charging device and achieve the same technical effects, so it will not be described again here.

[0015] In some embodiments, the power supply device includes a robot, and the charging device includes a base station for charging the robot. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a charging device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the charging device shown.

[0019] Figure label:

[0020] 100-Charging device; 10-Charging base; 101-Bottom wall; 102-Side wall; 103-Holding part; 104-Ventilation opening; 11-Mounting slot; 20-First charging module; 30-Second charging module; 31-Telescopic structure; 40-Cover plate; 51-First magnetic component; 52-Second magnetic component; 60-Ventilation grille; 70-Indicator light; 80-Glass cover. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0022] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or system that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or system. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or system that includes that element.

[0023] In the following description, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive convenience only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0024] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the term "connection" shall be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" may be a fixed mechanical connection, a detachable mechanical connection, or an integral part; or, "connection" may be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium.

[0025] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, directional terms such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "horizontal," and "vertical" may be defined relative to the orientation in which the components are schematically placed in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these directional terms can be relative concepts, used for relative description and clarification, and can change accordingly depending on the orientation in which the components are placed in the accompanying drawings.

[0026] The terms "parallel," "perpendicular," and "identical" (e.g., identical length, identical width, etc.) mentioned in the embodiments of this application are all relative to the current technological level, and not absolute and strict mathematical definitions. There can be a predetermined angular deviation between two mutually parallel or perpendicular components. In one embodiment, the predetermined angle can be within the range of ±10°, for example, a predetermined angular deviation of ±5°.

[0027] The following detailed description of some embodiments of this application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0028] This application provides a terminal device that may include a charging device and a power-consuming device. The power-consuming device consumes electrical energy to operate, while the charging device charges the power-consuming device, replenishing its required electrical energy.

[0029] The charging device and power-consuming device in the embodiments of this application may be different types of devices. In some embodiments, the power-consuming device may include a robot, and the charging device may include a base station for charging the robot. Thus, the robot can be charged through the base station.

[0030] It is understood that the robot can be of different types and can be used in industrial, commercial or household fields to perform different operations. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit the specific type of robot.

[0031] For example, the robot provided in this application embodiment can be a humanoid robot or a non-humanoid robot. Depending on the walking method, the robot provided in this application embodiment can be a wheeled robot, a tracked robot, or a legged robot. Depending on the type of work, the robot provided in this application embodiment can be a household service robot, a food delivery robot, an industrial automated guided vehicle (AGV) robot, or a sweeping robot, etc.

[0032] Of course, in other embodiments, the charging device and the power-consuming device may also be other types of devices. For example, the power-consuming device may also include power tools (such as handheld electric drills), and the charging device may include a base for charging the power tools.

[0033] The charging device provided in the embodiments of this application will be further described below. As an example, the charging device provided in the embodiments of this application can be used as a base station for charging a robot. Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a charging device 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. The charging device 100 may include a charging base 10 and a first charging module 20.

[0034] The first charging module 20 is fixed to the charging base 10 and can be electrically connected to the charging port of the power-consuming device to charge the device. The charging base 10 can be electrically connected to an external power source.

[0035] Therefore, when the first charging module 20 is electrically connected to the charging port of the power-consuming device, an external power source can transfer electrical energy to the first charging module 20, and the first charging module 20 can then charge the power-consuming device through its charging port. Thus, when the power-consuming device is capable of autonomous movement, it can move to the charging base 10 and autonomously complete the charging process using the electrical connection between the first charging module 20 and the charging port.

[0036] For example, when the power-consuming device includes a robot, the robot can autonomously move to the charging base 10 when it needs to be charged, and connect its own charging port to the first charging module 20 on the charging base 10, thereby realizing autonomous charging of the robot.

[0037] It is understandable that the specific structure of the first charging module 20 can be designed according to actual conditions, as long as it can interface with the charging port of the corresponding electrical device. For example, the first charging module 20 may have a plug-in port for connecting to the charging port of the electrical device. Furthermore, the first charging module 20 may also have multiple signal pins. These multiple signal pins can be used to contact the charging port of the electrical device, ensuring the accuracy of the position between the charging port of the electrical device and the first charging module 20.

[0038] Furthermore, it is understandable that the functions that the charging base 10 can achieve can be designed according to actual needs, and the specific structure and composition can be designed according to actual conditions, as long as the corresponding functions can be achieved.

[0039] For example, the charging base 10 may include a power conversion module. This module can convert the charging voltage / current for better charging of the device. Alternatively, the charging base 10 may also include a protection module. This module can provide power-off protection in case of a short circuit or overheating. Alternatively, the charging base 10 may also include a power conversion module. In this case, the charging base 10 can utilize the power conversion module to convert the charging power, enabling the charging device 100 to perform high-power fast charging.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 for Figure 1 The partial cross-sectional view of the charging device 100 shown indicates that the charging device 100 may further include a second charging module 30. The second charging module 30 can be connected to the charging base 10 via a telescopic structure 31. The second charging module 30 can be pulled out of the charging device 100 by an operator to connect to the charging port of the electrical device for charging.

[0041] Therefore, the operator can use the extension of the telescopic structure 31 to pull the second charging module 30 out of the charging base 10 to charge the electrical device. In this way, when the electrical device cannot move autonomously to the charging base 10 to connect with the first charging module 20, the operator can directly pull the second charging module 30 out of the charging base 10 to easily connect it to the charging port of the electrical device and charge the device.

[0042] Therefore, when the electrical device can move autonomously, it can move to the charging base 10 and autonomously connect the first charging module 20 to the charging port for charging. The operator can also pull out the second charging module 30 from the charging base 10 to charge the device. When the electrical device cannot move autonomously, the operator can pull out the second charging module 30 from the charging base 10 and connect it to the charging port of the electrical device to charge it. This avoids situations where the operator finds it inconvenient to charge the device when it is immobile and there is a certain distance between it and the first charging module 20.

[0043] For example, when the robot's power is insufficient and it cannot move to the charging base 10 to make an electrical connection with the first charging module 20, the operator can pull out the second charging module 30 from the charging base 10 and connect the second charging module 30 directly to the robot's charging port to charge the robot. The operation is simple and convenient.

[0044] It is understandable that the specific shape and structure of the second charging module 30 can be designed according to actual conditions. For example, the second charging module 30 can be a columnar structure with a plug-in port at one end.

[0045] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the charging base 10 has a mounting groove 11. The mounting groove 11 has an opening. When the telescopic structure is in the retracted state, the second charging module 30 is disposed within the mounting groove 11. Thus, when the second charging module 30 is not needed, it can be placed within the mounting groove 11, facilitating its placement. Simultaneously, the mounting groove 11 also provides some protection for the second charging module 30, preventing external impacts and improving the overall appearance of the charging device 100.

[0046] Of course, in some other embodiments, the second charging module 30 can also be disposed outside the charging base 10. In this case, the charging base 10 can be provided with a corresponding fixing structure, and the second charging module 30 can be fixed to the charging base 10 using the fixing structure. In this case, the user can directly remove and place the second charging module 30 from the outside of the charging base 10, which is also more convenient.

[0047] To facilitate the operator's handling of the second charging module 30, in some embodiments, the charging base 10 has a bottom wall 101. A groove is formed on the side of the mounting slot 11 away from the bottom wall 101. Thus, when the charging device 100 is in use, the bottom wall 101 of the charging base 10 can contact the ground. At this time, the groove of the mounting slot 11 faces upwards. This allows the operator to handle the second charging module 30 from above the charging base 10, making the operation more convenient.

[0048] Understandably, to facilitate operation, the height of the charging base 10 can be relatively low, so that the operator can take the second charging module 30 out from above the charging base 10.

[0049] Of course, the opening of the mounting slot 11 can also face other directions. For example, in some other embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the charging base 10 may also have a side wall 102. The side wall 102 is arranged around the bottom wall 101. The aforementioned slot may be formed on the side wall 102. In this way, when the charging device 100 is in use, the operator can take the second charging module 30 from the periphery of the charging base 10.

[0050] At this point, it is understandable that, for the convenience of the operator, the opening of the mounting groove 11 can be located at the end of the side wall 102 that is relatively far from the bottom wall 101. In this way, the opening of the mounting groove 11 is relatively high, which also makes it convenient for the operator to operate.

[0051] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the charging device 100 may also include a cover plate 40. The cover plate 40 can be placed over the opening of the mounting slot 11 to open or close the opening. Thus, by providing the cover plate 40, the protection of the second charging module 30 can be further enhanced, and the possibility of the second charging module 30 falling out of the mounting slot 11 during the handling of the charging device 100 can be prevented.

[0052] Of course, in some other embodiments, the charging device 100 may not include the cover plate 40. In this case, in order to ensure the fixation of the second charging module 30, in some embodiments, a corresponding structure may be designed in the mounting groove 11 to limit and fix the second charging module 30, so as to prevent the second charging module 30 from falling out of the mounting groove 11.

[0053] In some embodiments, the charging device 100 further includes a first magnetic element 51 and a second magnetic element 52. The first magnetic element 51 is disposed on the cover plate 40, and the second magnetic element 52 is disposed in the mounting groove 11 for mutual attraction with the first magnetic element 51. Thus, through the mutual attraction of the first magnetic element 51 and the second magnetic element 52, the cover plate 40 can be fixed to the charging base 10. At the same time, when it is necessary to open the mounting groove 11, the operator only needs to overcome the magnetic force between the first magnetic element 51 and the second magnetic element 52 to open it, making the operation relatively easy.

[0054] Of course, the cover plate 40 can also be mounted on the charging base 10 in other ways. For example, the cover plate 40 can also be slidably connected to the charging base 10. In this case, the opening of the mounting slot 11 can be opened or closed by sliding the cover plate 40 relative to the charging base 10. Alternatively, for example, the cover plate 40 can also be rotatably connected to the charging base 10. In this case, the opening of the mounting slot 11 can be opened or closed by rotating the cover plate 40 relative to the charging base 10.

[0055] In some embodiments, the second charging module 30 can be detachably connected to the charging base 10. This allows the second charging module 30 to be removed from the charging base 10, facilitating subsequent maintenance or replacement of the second charging module 30.

[0056] It is understood that the installation method of the second charging module 30 can be selected according to the actual situation, and no further limitation is made here, as long as it can be disassembled and installed with the charging base 10. For example, the second charging module 30 can be snapped into the charging base 10 through a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0057] Of course, in some other embodiments, the second charging module 30 may not be detachably connected to the charging base 10. In this case, the second charging module 30 and the charging base 10 are inseparable, and the connection between the two is more reliable.

[0058] To allow the operator to pull the second charging module 30 out of the charging base 10, in some embodiments, the telescopic structure 31 may include a resilient connecting wire. One end of the resilient connecting wire is connected to the second charging module 30, and the other end is connected to the charging base 10. The resilient connecting wire is used to generate elastic deformation to change its length.

[0059] Therefore, by means of the elastic deformation of the elastic connecting wire, the length of the elastic connecting wire can be changed, so that the second charging module 30 can cover a wider range after being pulled out of the charging base 10, and can then be connected to electrical equipment that is relatively far away from the charging base 10.

[0060] The specific shape and type of the elastic connector can be selected according to the actual situation; this is only an example and not a further limitation. For instance, the elastic connector can be made of an elastic material and can have a helical structure. Thus, when the elastic connector is stretched, it can change from a helical structure to a straight structure, thereby increasing its length. Conversely, when the elastic connector returns from a straight structure to a helical structure, its length decreases.

[0061] Alternatively, for example, the flexible connector can be made of an elastic material, capable of stretching and contracting. In this way, the flexible connector can directly change its length through its own deformation.

[0062] Furthermore, it is understood that the telescopic structure 31 can also have other components, as long as it can achieve the switching between the retracted and extended states, enabling the second charging module 30 to be pulled out from the charging base 10. For example, in some embodiments, the telescopic structure 31 may also include a roller structure and a connecting wire. The connecting wire can be rotated and wound around the roller structure to achieve the switching between the retracted and extended states.

[0063] To facilitate the handling of the charging base 10, in some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the charging base 10 may have a gripping part 103. The gripping part 103 allows an operator to hold and place the charging base 10. This makes handling the charging base 10 more convenient.

[0064] It is understood that the specific form of the grip 103 can be designed according to actual conditions. For example, the grip 103 may include a grip groove. In this way, the operator can put their hand into the grip groove to pick up and put down the charging base 10. Alternatively, the grip 103 may also include a grip protrusion. In this case, the operator can also pick up and put down the charging base 10 by gripping the grip protrusion.

[0065] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, a vent 104 can also be provided on the charging base 10. It is known that during use, a certain amount of heat will be generated inside the charging base 10. The heat can be discharged through the vent 104 to ensure that the internal temperature of the charging base 10 does not rise and to avoid the situation where the temperature is too high and damages the charging base 10.

[0066] It is understandable that the number and specific location of the ventilation openings 104 can be designed according to the actual situation. For example, such as Figure 1As shown, the aforementioned ventilation opening 104 may be provided on the side wall 102 of the charging base 10. Also, by way of example, the aforementioned ventilation opening 104 may be provided on different sides of the side wall 102 of the charging base 10.

[0067] Furthermore, in some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the charging device 100 may also include a ventilation grille 60. The ventilation grille 60 may be disposed at the ventilation opening 104. Thus, by designing the ventilation grille 60, a protective function can be provided to prevent external objects from directly entering the interior of the charging base 10 through the ventilation opening 104.

[0068] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the charging device 100 may also include an indicator light 70. The indicator light 70 may be mounted on the charging base 10. The indicator light 70 may be used to display different lighting content. Thus, the current operating state of the charging device 100 can be determined by the lighting content of the indicator light 70.

[0069] For example, the light content of indicator light 70 may include the charging device 100 being in an idle state, the charging device 100 being in a charging state, and the charging device 100 being in a charging completed state. Thus, the specific usage status of the charging device 100 can be determined by the light content of indicator light 70.

[0070] In some embodiments, the charging device 100 may further include a positioning mechanism. The positioning mechanism may be disposed on the charging base 10 and may be used to position the power-consuming device. When the power-consuming device is capable of autonomous movement, it may use the positioning mechanism to locate its position, thereby enabling the power-consuming device to move to the corresponding position under the positioning of the positioning mechanism and achieve electrical connection with the first charging module 20.

[0071] It is understandable that the specific components of the positioning mechanism can be selected according to the actual situation, as long as the positioning effect can be achieved. For example, the positioning mechanism may include multiple transmitting devices. The transmitting devices can be used to emit guiding light to enable positioning using an electrical device. Correspondingly, the electrical device may include multiple receiving devices, which can be used in conjunction with the multiple transmitting devices to complete the positioning of the electrical device.

[0072] In some embodiments, the charging base 10 has a fixing groove (not shown in the figure). The positioning mechanism can be located in the fixing groove. In this way, the fixing groove can provide an installation position for the positioning mechanism, facilitating installation. At the same time, the fixing groove can also play a protective role, preventing collisions to the positioning mechanism.

[0073] Furthermore, to better protect the guiding mechanism, in some embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, the charging device 100 may also include a glass cover 80. The glass cover 80 can be installed over the opening of the fixing groove. In this way, the glass cover 80 can better provide protection. At the same time, since the glass cover 80 is light-transmitting, it will not interfere with the guiding light emitted by the transmitting device.

[0074] The sequence numbers of the embodiments in this application are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments. The above descriptions are merely specific implementations of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A charging device, characterized in that, include: Charging base; The first charging module is fixed to the charging base and is used to electrically connect to the charging port of the power-consuming device to charge the power-consuming device. as well as, The second charging module is connected to the charging base via a telescopic structure, allowing the operator to pull it out from the charging device to connect to the charging port of the electrical device for charging.

2. The charging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The charging base has a mounting groove; the mounting groove has an opening; when the telescopic structure is in the retracted state, the second charging module is disposed in the mounting groove.

3. The charging device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The charging base has a bottom wall; the mounting groove has an opening on the side away from the bottom wall.

4. The charging device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The charging device further includes: A cover plate is placed over the opening of the mounting groove to open or close the opening.

5. The charging device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The charging device further includes: A first magnetic element is disposed on the cover plate; and, A second magnetic component is disposed in the mounting groove and is used to attract the first magnetic component.

6. The charging device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The second charging module is detachably connected to the charging base.

7. The charging device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The telescopic structure includes: A flexible connecting wire, one end of which is connected to the second charging module and the other end of which is connected to the charging base; The elastic connecting line is used to generate elastic deformation to change the length of the elastic connecting line.

8. The charging device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The charging base also has a gripping part; the gripping part is used for the operator to pick up the charging base.

9. A terminal device, characterized in that, The charging device and the power-consuming device include any one of claims 1-8.

10. The terminal device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The power-consuming device includes a robot, and the charging device includes a base station for charging the robot.

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