A protection structure, signal acquisition device and robot

Abstract

The embodiment of the application provides a protection structure, a signal acquisition device and a robot, and relates to the technical field of protection structures. The protection structure comprises a protection support and a protection cover. The protection support comprises a plurality of blocking ribs arranged at intervals, the plurality of blocking ribs are arranged to form a mounting cavity, and an optical instrument is arranged in the mounting cavity. The protection cover comprises a top surface and a side surface connected to each other, the protection cover is provided with a containing cavity and an avoiding hole in communication with the containing cavity, the avoiding hole is arranged on the top surface, the side surface is inclined downward, the protection support is arranged in the containing cavity, and at least part of the protection support and the signal acquisition module in the mounting cavity are exposed outside the protection cover through the avoiding hole. The protection structure has good protection effect, and can improve the problem of shielding of the signal acquisition module by the protection cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of protective cover technology, specifically a protective structure, a signal acquisition device, and a robot. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, quadruped robots need to identify and collect images of obstacles in their path during movement. The mainstream image acquisition methods basically use various optical instruments such as depth cameras, spherical lasers, and cameras to collect image data of the surrounding environment during the robot's movement.

[0003] Generally, the aforementioned optical instruments are installed at the front and rear ends and on the back of the quadruped robot for easy data collection. However, since the tasks that quadruped robots are involved in often involve complex environments (such as participating in fire rescue and field patrols), and the robots are prone to collisions, tipping over, and collisions with foreign objects, protective structures are usually added to the optical instruments to prevent damage to them.

[0004] In related technologies, although protective brackets are installed on the outside of optical instruments, the signal acquisition module and connection module of the optical instruments are exposed and are easily damaged by dust, water and oxygen corrosion or mechanical impact, resulting in unsatisfactory protection. In addition, in order to improve the accuracy of environmental signals, it is necessary to minimize the obstruction of optical instruments. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a protective structure, an information acquisition device, and a robot to at least partially solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] On the one hand, embodiments of this application provide a protective structure for protecting an optical instrument, the optical instrument including a signal acquisition module for collecting environmental signals and a connection module, and the protective structure including a protective bracket and a protective cover;

[0007] The protective bracket includes a plurality of spaced-apart blocking ribs, which enclose a mounting cavity, and the optical instrument is disposed within the mounting cavity.

[0008] The protective cover includes a top surface and a side surface that are connected to each other. The protective cover has a receiving cavity and a clearance hole that communicates with the receiving cavity. The clearance hole is provided on the top surface. The side surface is inclined downward.

[0009] The protective bracket is disposed within the accommodating cavity, and at least a portion of the protective bracket and the signal acquisition module located within the mounting cavity are exposed outside the protective cover through the clearance hole.

[0010] The protective structure in this embodiment includes a protective bracket and a protective cover. Multiple baffles enclose a mounting cavity, within which the optical instrument is housed. This arrangement of baffles around the optical instrument helps mitigate the problem of external objects directly impacting the fragile instrument, thereby extending its lifespan. Furthermore, the protective cover within the structure protects the bracket and optical instrument (e.g., the connection module) located within it, further enhancing the protective effect. Additionally, the downward-sloping sides of the protective cover reduce or prevent obstruction of the signal acquisition module.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the side surface includes a front side surface; the blocking rib located on the front side surface is disposed near the edge of the front side surface; or, the blocking rib located on the front side surface avoids the center position of the front side surface.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the distance between two adjacent blocking ribs on the front side gradually increases along the direction from the mounting cavity to the front side.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the side surface includes a front side surface that is inclined downwards;

[0014] And / or, the side also includes a rear side, on which a limiting surface is provided, and at least a portion of the blocking ribs are close to the limiting surface and are positioned directly opposite the limiting surface.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the cross-section of the front side is an outwardly convex arc shape.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the side surface includes a front side surface and a rear side surface disposed opposite to each other, and at least a portion of the blocking ribs disposed on the rear side surface have a width greater than the width of the blocking ribs disposed on the front side surface.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the protective bracket includes at least two brackets connected together; the at least two brackets include a first bracket and a second bracket arranged adjacent to each other;

[0018] The first support includes a first blocking rib and a third blocking rib that are bent and connected.

[0019] The second support includes a second blocking rib and a fourth blocking rib that are bent and connected.

[0020] At least some of the first, third, second, and fourth blocking ribs are spaced apart, and the first, third, second, and fourth blocking ribs enclose the mounting cavity.

[0021] In some embodiments of this application, one of the first and third blocking ribs is in surface contact with and fixedly connected to one of the second and fourth blocking ribs; the other blocking rib is spaced apart from the other blocking rib of the second and fourth blocking ribs.

[0022] A second aspect of this application provides a signal acquisition device, which includes an optical instrument and the aforementioned protective structure. The optical instrument includes a signal acquisition module for acquiring environmental signals and a connection module. The signal acquisition module is connected to the protective structure through the connection module.

[0023] The signal acquisition device in this embodiment includes the aforementioned protective structure, which comprises a protective bracket and a protective cover. Multiple blocking ribs enclose a mounting cavity, within which the optical instrument is housed. Thus, the multiple blocking ribs form a barrier around the optical instrument, mitigating the problem of external objects directly impacting the easily damaged optical instrument, thereby extending its lifespan. Furthermore, this application also includes a protective cover within the protective structure, which protects the protective bracket and optical instrument (e.g., a connection module) located within it, further enhancing the protective effect of the structure. In addition, the protective cover in this application has a downward-sloping side, reducing or preventing the side of the cover from obstructing the signal acquisition module, thereby improving the protective effect of the signal acquisition device and the accuracy of the acquired environmental signals.

[0024] A third aspect of this application provides a robot, which includes a robot body and the aforementioned signal acquisition device.

[0025] This application embodiment provides a robot that includes the aforementioned signal acquisition device, and therefore also includes the aforementioned protective structure. This protective structure includes a protective bracket and a protective cover. Multiple blocking ribs enclose a mounting cavity, within which the optical instrument is housed. Thus, the multiple blocking ribs form a barrier around the optical instrument, which helps mitigate the problem of external objects directly impacting the easily damaged optical instrument, thereby extending its service life. Furthermore, this application also includes a protective cover within the protective structure. The protective cover protects the protective bracket and optical instrument (e.g., a connection module) located within it, further enhancing the protective effect of the structure. In addition, the protective cover in this application has a downward-sloping side, which reduces or avoids obstruction of the signal acquisition module by the side of the cover, thereby improving the robot's protective effect and the accuracy of the acquired environmental signals.

[0026] Other features and advantages of this application will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] To gain a more complete understanding of this application and its beneficial effects, the following description will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals in the following description denote the same parts.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the signal acquisition device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the signal acquisition device shown from another perspective;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the protective structure provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the protective bracket provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The diagram shows the structure of the protective bracket from another perspective.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the support base provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the signal acquisition device in this application.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0037] 1. Protective structure; 10. First bracket; 11. First blocking rib; 111. First surface contact portion; 112. First clearance portion; 1121. First extension section; 1122. Second extension section; 1123. First locking section; 12. Third blocking rib; 123. Fourth locking hole; 13. First bottom connecting portion; 14. First clearance hole; 20. Second bracket; 21. Second blocking rib; 211. Second surface contact portion; 212. Second clearance portion; 22. Fourth blocking rib; 23. Second bottom... 30. Support base; 31. Weight reduction hole; 32. Flanged edge; 33. Installation area; 34. Base connection part; 35. Base tilting part; 40. Protective cover; 41. Third clearance hole; 42. Second clearance hole; 43. Front side; 44. Rear side; 441. Limiting surface; 45. Top surface; 46. Accommodating cavity; 47. Mounting port; 48. Left side; 481. Cover connection part; 482. Cover tilting part; 5. Optical instrument; 51. Signal acquisition module; 52. Connection module. Detailed Implementation

[0038] 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 a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the protection scope of this application.

[0039] Currently, quadruped robots need to identify and collect images of obstacles in their path during movement. The mainstream image acquisition methods basically use various optical instruments such as depth cameras, spherical lasers, and cameras to collect image data of the surrounding environment during the robot's movement.

[0040] Generally, the aforementioned optical instruments are installed at the front and rear ends and on the back of the quadruped robot for easy data collection. However, since the tasks that quadruped robots are involved in often involve complex environments (such as participating in fire rescue and field patrols), and the robots are prone to collisions, tipping over, and collisions with foreign objects, protective structures are usually added to the optical instruments to prevent damage to them.

[0041] In related technologies, although protective brackets are installed on the outside of optical instruments, the signal acquisition module and connection module of the optical instruments are exposed and are easily damaged by dust, water and oxygen corrosion or mechanical impact, resulting in unsatisfactory protection. In addition, in order to improve the accuracy of environmental signals, it is necessary to minimize the obstruction of optical instruments.

[0042] Therefore, this application provides a protective structure including a protective bracket and a protective cover. By placing the protective bracket within the accommodating cavity, only the signal acquisition module used for collecting environmental signals in the optical instrument, as well as a portion of the protective bracket located outside the signal acquisition module, are exposed. This reduces the exposed portion of the protective bracket and the optical instrument, thereby improving the protective effect of the structure. Furthermore, the downward tilt of the protective cover reduces or avoids obstruction of the signal acquisition module by its sides. Thus, the protective structure in this application provides better protection and reduces obstruction of the signal acquisition module within it.

[0043] Please see Figures 1 to 7 This application provides a signal acquisition device, which includes an optical instrument 5 and a protective structure 1. The protective structure 1 protects the optical instrument 5, which includes a signal acquisition module 51 for acquiring environmental signals and a connection module 52. Exemplarily, the optical instrument 5 includes at least one of a spherical lidar, a spherical camera, and a depth camera. Taking a spherical camera as an example, the signal acquisition module 51 can be the camera of the spherical camera, and the connection module 52 can be a circuit module electrically connected to the camera and a related structure for fixing the camera and circuit module to an external device (such as the support base 30 mentioned below). It should be noted that the specific structure of the optical instrument 5 is not a major improvement of this application; it can adopt structures already disclosed in the prior art and is not limited here.

[0044] Please refer to some embodiments of this application. Figures 1 to 3 The protective structure 1 includes a protective bracket and a protective cover 40; wherein the protective bracket is used to protect the optical instrument 5 installed therein, and the protective cover 40 is used to install the protective bracket and the optical instrument 5, and to shield and protect the protective bracket and the optical instrument 5 installed therein.

[0045] Specifically, the protective structure 1 includes a protective bracket and a protective cover 40; wherein, the protective bracket includes a plurality of spaced-apart blocking ribs, the plurality of blocking ribs enclosing a mounting cavity, and the optical instrument 5 is disposed in the mounting cavity; the protective cover 40 includes a top surface 45 and a side surface connected to each other, the protective cover 40 is provided with a receiving cavity 46 and a clearance hole communicating with the receiving cavity 46, the clearance hole being disposed on the top surface 45; the side surface is inclined downward; the protective bracket is disposed in the receiving cavity 46, and at least part of the protective bracket and the signal acquisition module 51 located in the mounting cavity are exposed outside the protective cover 40 through the clearance hole.

[0046] The protective structure 1 in this embodiment includes a protective bracket and a protective cover 40. The multiple blocking ribs of the protective bracket enclose a mounting cavity, within which the optical instrument 5 is housed. Thus, the multiple blocking ribs form a barrier around the optical instrument 5, which helps to mitigate or prevent damage caused by direct impact from external objects, thereby extending the lifespan of the optical instrument 5. Simultaneously, the protective cover 40 is also provided in the protective structure 1. The protective cover 40 protects the protective bracket and the optical instrument 5 (e.g., the connecting module 52) located within it, further enhancing the protective effect of the protective structure 1. Furthermore, the protective cover 40 in this application has a downward-sloping side, which reduces or prevents the side of the protective cover 40 from obstructing the signal acquisition module 51, thereby improving the robot's protective effect and the accuracy of the acquired environmental signals.

[0047] For example, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the protective bracket and protective cover 40 in this embodiment are generally symmetrical, which can also be understood as the protective structure being symmetrical. This is beneficial for further increasing the stability of the protective structure 1 and for reducing manufacturing costs. Of course, in other embodiments of this application, the protective bracket and the protective cover 40 may also be asymmetrical, which is not limited here.

[0048] For example, the clearance hole is located near the center of the top, through which the signal acquisition module 51 (e.g., a camera) of the optical instrument 5 protrudes outside the protective cover 40. The portion of each blocking rib near its upper end also protrudes outside the protective cover 40 through the clearance hole, and the blocking ribs protruding outside the protective cover 40 are spaced circumferentially along the signal acquisition module 51, thereby forming a protective frame structure around the signal acquisition module 51. Furthermore, the structure of the protective frame is adapted to the structure of the signal acquisition module 51, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the signal acquisition module 51 is generally hemispherical. Correspondingly, each blocking rib is a narrow strip. The outer contour of the protective frame formed by multiple blocking ribs is generally a hemispherical frame. This helps to further improve the protective effect of the protective bracket, improve the compactness of the protective structure, and at the same time reduce the obstruction of the signal acquisition module 51 by the blocking ribs.

[0049] In some embodiments of this application, the side surface includes a front side surface 43; the blocking rib located on the front side surface 43 is disposed near the edge of the front side surface 43. For example... Figure 1 As shown, two blocking ribs are provided in the direction of the front side 43, and the two blocking ribs are located at the edge of the front side 43. In this way, it is beneficial to further reduce the obstruction of the signal acquisition module 51 by the blocking ribs.

[0050] For example, taking the protective structure 1 of this application as an example for a robot, the front side 43 can be in front of the robot in the direction of walking. Specifically, the front side 43 is tilted downwards. This helps to further reduce the obstruction of the signal acquisition module 51 by the protective cover 40 in the direction of movement, and helps to improve the viewing angle of the signal acquisition module 51 in the direction of movement.

[0051] For example, the central angle between the two blocking ribs located on the front side 43 is approximately 120°. Specifically, as... Figure 3 As shown, the third blocking rib 12 and the fourth blocking rib 22 are disposed on the edge of the front side 43, and the included angle between the third blocking rib 12 and the fourth blocking rib 22 is approximately 120°. This helps to further reduce the obstruction of the signal acquisition module 51 by the protective cover 40 in the forward direction, helps to improve the viewing angle of the signal acquisition module 51 in the forward direction, and makes the protective bracket in this application have high strength.

[0052] In some embodiments of this application, the cross-section of the front side surface 43 is an outwardly convex arc shape. For example, the front side surface 43 is a partial sphere, and the intersection line of the plane passing through the center of the sphere and perpendicular to the front side surface 43 with the front side surface 43 is an outwardly convex arc shape. This allows the protective structure in this application to have a larger viewing angle in the forward direction, and also helps to increase the structural strength of the front side of the protective cover, improving the aesthetics of the protective cover.

[0053] In some embodiments of this application, the side surface further includes a rear side surface 44, on which a limiting surface 441 is provided. At least a portion of the blocking ribs are close to and directly opposite the limiting surface 441. It should be noted that "at least a portion of the blocking ribs are directly opposite the limiting surface 441" can be understood as at least a portion of the blocking ribs having their orthographic projection within the limiting surface 441. Figure 4 For example, the first clearance portion 112 of the first blocking rib 11 and the second clearance portion 212 of the second blocking rib 21 are directly opposite to the limiting surface 441. In this embodiment, by providing the limiting surface 441 on the rear side 44, the blocking rib located in the rear side 44 direction can be supported and limited, which is beneficial to improving the stability of the protective structure 1 in this application. For the specific arrangement of the blocking rib and the limiting surface 441 in the rear side 44 direction, please refer to the following text.

[0054] In some embodiments of this application, the distance between two adjacent blocking ribs on the front side 43 gradually increases along the direction from the mounting cavity to the front side 43 (which can also be understood as from the center of the signal acquisition module 51 to the front side 43). Furthermore, the cross-sections of the two blocking ribs located at the edge of the front side 43 are figure-eight shaped. This helps to further reduce the obstruction of the signal acquisition module 51 by the blocking ribs. It should be noted that the cross-sections of the two blocking ribs can be understood as the trajectory of the intersection line between the blocking rib and a plane perpendicular to its extension direction. Figure 1 For example, the cross-section of the two blocking ribs can be understood as the intersection line between the two blocking ribs and the horizontal plane (e.g., the plane where the top surface 45 is located).

[0055] In some embodiments of this application, the blocking rib located on the front side 43 avoids the center position of the front side 43. This helps to further reduce the obstruction of the signal acquisition module 51 by the blocking rib.

[0056] In some embodiments of this application, the protective structure 1 further includes a support base 30, the protective bracket is fixed on the support base 30, and the support base 30 and the plurality of blocking ribs enclose the mounting cavity. This improves the structural stability of the protective structure 1 in this application and facilitates modular assembly.

[0057] In some embodiments of this application, the support base 30 includes a mounting portion and base connecting portions 34 located on both sides of the mounting portion. The mounting portion is used to mount the optical instrument 5, and each of the base connecting portions 34 is fixedly connected to the protective cover 40. This is beneficial to increasing the connection area between the support base 30 and the protective cover 40, as well as the connection force between the support base 30 and the protective cover 40, thereby improving the stability of the protective structure 1 in this application.

[0058] In some embodiments of this application, along the height direction of the protective structure 1 (e.g.) Figure 7 (In the vertical direction), the mounting part is disposed above the base connecting part 34, and the support base 30 also includes a base tilting part 35 connecting the mounting part and the base connecting part 34; please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The side surface includes a left side surface 48 and a right side surface arranged opposite to each other. The left side surface 48 and the right side surface are respectively connected to the top surface 45. At least one of the left side surface 48 and the right side surface is provided with an interconnected cover inclined portion 482 and a cover connecting portion 481. The cover inclined portion 482 is adapted to the shape of the base inclined portion 35 (for example, both the cover inclined portion 482 and the base inclined portion 35 are inclined downwards) and are arranged opposite to each other. The base connecting portion 34 is arranged opposite to the corresponding cover connecting portion 481 and is fixedly connected. In this embodiment, by setting the mounting portion above the base connecting portion 34, a channel is formed on the side of the mounting portion away from the optical instrument 5, thereby enabling the protective structure 1 in this application to provide a better protective effect, while also improving heat dissipation and facilitating wiring. In addition, the cover inclined portion 482 adapted to the shape of the base inclined portion 35 is provided on the side surface, and the base connecting portion 34 is arranged opposite to the corresponding cover connecting portion 481, which helps to further improve the structural compactness of the protective structure 1 in this application.

[0059] In some embodiments of this application, the protective structure 1 further includes a support base 30, and the protective cover 40 covers the support base 30, the optical instrument 5, and the protective bracket. In this embodiment, the protective cover 40 covers the support base 30, the optical instrument 5, and the protective bracket, protecting the support base 30, the optical instrument 5 (e.g., the connection module 52 of the optical instrument 5), and the protective bracket located therein. This helps to further improve the protective effect of the protective structure 11 and enhance its aesthetics and stability.

[0060] In some embodiments of this application, the protective structure 1 includes a protective bracket, which comprises at least two brackets connected together. These at least two brackets include a first bracket 10 and a second bracket 20 arranged adjacent to each other. It should be noted that the connection method between the multiple brackets in this application can be welding or threaded connection, and is not limited here. Furthermore, to further improve the rigidity of the protective structure 1, both the first bracket 10 and the second bracket 20 are metal structural components. The number of brackets included in the protective structure 1 can be two, three, or more, and is not limited here. The following description uses a protective structure 1 comprising two brackets as an example.

[0061] In some embodiments of this application, the first support 10 includes a first blocking rib 11 and a third blocking rib 12 that are bent and connected. This helps to reduce the processing difficulty of the first support 10.

[0062] In some embodiments of this application, the second support 20 includes a second blocking rib 21 and a fourth blocking rib 22 that are bent and connected. This helps to reduce the processing difficulty of the second support 20.

[0063] In some embodiments of this application, the side surface includes a front side surface 43 and a rear side surface 44 disposed opposite to each other. At least a portion of the blocking ribs disposed on the rear side surface 44 have a width greater than the width of the blocking ribs disposed on the front side surface 43. This increases the structural strength of the protective bracket, and the narrower blocking ribs on the front side surface 43 reduce the obstruction of the signal acquisition module 51 by the blocking ribs on the front side surface 43. Exemplarily, the blocking ribs on the rear side surface 44 include a first surface contact portion 111 and a second surface contact portion 211. The first surface contact portion 111 and the second surface contact portion 211 allow the width of the blocking ribs on the rear side surface (e.g., the width of the blocking ribs on the rear side surface is the sum of the widths of the first surface contact portion 111 and the second surface contact portion 211) to be greater than the width of the blocking ribs on the front side surface (e.g., the width of the blocking ribs on the rear side surface is the width of the first surface contact portion 111). Of course, in other embodiments, each blocking rib in the protective bracket is an integrally formed structure, and the width of the blocking rib located on the rear side 44 is greater than the width of the blocking rib located on the front side 43, rather than making the width of the blocking rib located on the rear side larger through subsequent splicing or adding reinforcing structures.

[0064] In some embodiments of this application, the protective bracket includes at least two brackets connected together; the at least two brackets include a first bracket 10 and a second bracket 20 arranged adjacent to each other; the first bracket 10 includes a first blocking rib 11 and a third blocking rib 12 that are bent and connected; the second bracket 20 includes a second blocking rib 21 and a fourth blocking rib 22 that are bent and connected; at least some of the first blocking rib 11, the third blocking rib 12, the second blocking rib 21 and the fourth blocking rib 22 are spaced apart, and the first blocking rib 11, the third blocking rib 12, the second blocking rib 21 and the fourth blocking rib 22 enclose the mounting cavity. In this embodiment, the protective bracket includes a first bracket 10 and a second bracket 20 connected by splicing, and the first bracket includes a first blocking rib 11 and a third blocking rib 12 connected by bending; the second bracket includes a second blocking rib 21 and a fourth blocking rib 22 connected by bending; the first blocking rib 11, the third blocking rib 12, the second blocking rib 21 and the fourth blocking rib 22 surround and form the mounting cavity, which helps to reduce the manufacturing cost of the protective bracket and improve the structural stability.

[0065] In some embodiments of this application, one of the first blocking rib 11 and the third blocking rib 12 is in surface contact with and fixedly connected to one of the second blocking rib 21 and the fourth blocking rib 22. The other blocking rib of the first blocking rib 11 and the third blocking rib 12 is spaced apart from the other blocking rib of the second blocking rib 21 and the fourth blocking rib 22. The first blocking rib 11, the third blocking rib 12, the second blocking rib 21, and the fourth blocking rib 22 together form a protective frame or protective structure covering the optical instrument. This can also be understood as the first blocking rib 11, the third blocking rib 12, the second blocking rib 21, and the fourth blocking rib 22 together forming a protective frame, protective surface, or protective surface covering the optical instrument. In this embodiment, one blocking rib of the first support 10 is in surface contact with and fixedly connected to one blocking rib of the second support 20. Furthermore, both the first and second supports are integrally formed by bending, which helps to increase the contact area and connection strength between the first support 10 and the second support 20, thereby improving the strength of the protective structure 1 and production efficiency.

[0066] For example, please refer to Figures 3 to 5 The first blocking rib 11 and the second blocking rib 21 are arranged adjacent to each other, with their surfaces in contact and fixedly connected. The third blocking rib 12 is disposed on the side of the first blocking rib 11 away from the second blocking rib 21, and the fourth blocking rib 22 is disposed on the side of the second blocking rib 21 away from the first blocking rib 11. The third blocking rib 12 is spaced apart from the first blocking rib 11 and the fourth blocking rib 22. Of course, in some other embodiments of this application, the first blocking rib 11 and the fourth blocking rib 22 may also be in contact and fixedly connected, with the first blocking rib 11, the second blocking rib 21, and the third blocking rib 12 spaced apart from each other; this is not limited here. Unless otherwise specified, the following description uses the example of the first blocking rib 11 and the second blocking rib 21 being in contact and fixedly connected.

[0067] Specifically, the side surface of the first blocking rib 11 is a plane, and the side surface of the second blocking rib 21 is a plane. It should be noted that the side surface of the first blocking rib 11 refers to the side perpendicular to the thickness direction of the first blocking rib 11, for example, the side of the first blocking rib 11 facing the third blocking rib 12. This helps to further increase the connection area between the first blocking rib 11 and the second blocking rib 21, and thus increases the strength of the protective structure 1.

[0068] In some embodiments of this application, the protective structure 1 includes at least two supports connected together, wherein the at least two supports include a first support 10 and a second support 20 arranged adjacent to each other; the first support 10 includes a first blocking rib 11 and a third blocking rib 12 bent together; the second support 20 includes a second blocking rib 21 and a fourth blocking rib 22 bent together; wherein, one of the first blocking rib 11 and the third blocking rib 12 is in surface contact with and fixedly connected to one of the second blocking rib 21 and the fourth blocking rib 22; the other blocking rib of the first blocking rib 11 and the third blocking rib 12 is spaced apart from the other blocking rib of the second blocking rib 21 and the fourth blocking rib 22; the first blocking rib 11, the third blocking rib 12, the second blocking rib 21, and the fourth blocking rib 22 enclose and form a protective frame covering the optical instrument. The protective structure 1 in the embodiments of this application can be formed by splicing at least two supports, which helps to reduce the difficulty of the manufacturing process of the protective structure 1, thus avoiding the problems of high process precision and high cost caused by using one-piece CNC machining of aluminum alloy. Of course, in another embodiment of this application, the protective structure 1 may also be an integrally formed structure, which is not limited here.

[0069] In some embodiments, the angle between the first blocking rib 11 and the third blocking rib 12 is the same as or approximately the same as the angle between the second blocking rib 21 and the fourth blocking rib 22, and the angle between the third blocking rib 12 and the fourth blocking rib 22. This is beneficial for improving the structural stability of the protective structure 1.

[0070] In some embodiments, the included angle between the first blocking rib 11 and the third blocking rib 12 is less than or equal to 120°. It should be noted that the included angle between the first blocking rib 11 and the third blocking rib 12 in this application can also be understood as the angle at the bend of the first blocking rib 11 and the third blocking rib 12. For example, the included angle between the first blocking rib 11 and the third blocking rib 12 is approximately 120°. This allows the first support 10 to have higher strength and avoids the blocking ribs being too densely packed, resulting in a large obstruction area.

[0071] In some embodiments, the included angle between the second blocking rib 21 and the fourth blocking rib 22 is less than or equal to 120°. It should be noted that the included angle between the second blocking rib 21 and the fourth blocking rib 22 in this application can also be understood as the angle at the bend of the second blocking rib 21 and the fourth blocking rib 22. For example, the included angle between the second blocking rib 21 and the fourth blocking rib 22 is approximately 120°. This allows the first support 10 to have higher strength and avoids the blocking ribs being too densely packed, resulting in a large obstruction area.

[0072] In some embodiments, the first blocking rib 11 is a narrow strip, which can also be understood as the first blocking rib 11 being thinner, or the width of the side of the first blocking rib 11 facing the optical instrument 5 being narrower, thereby helping to reduce the obstruction of the optical instrument 5 by the first blocking rib 11. Similarly, the third blocking rib 12 is a narrow strip, and / or the second blocking rib 21 is a narrow strip, and / or the fourth blocking rib 22 is also a narrow strip, which helps to reduce the obstruction of the support to the optical instrument.

[0073] In some embodiments, the first support 10 is formed by bending a strip of metal. This helps to improve the strength of the first support 10 and reduce its manufacturing cost.

[0074] In some embodiments, the second support 20 is formed by bending a strip of metal. This helps to increase the strength of the second support 20 and reduce its manufacturing cost.

[0075] In some embodiments, the first support 10 and the second support 20 have a symmetrical structure, which can also be understood as the first support 10 and the second support 20 having the same structure. This helps reduce the manufacturing cost of the protective structure 1 and improves its aesthetics. For example, the multiple supports in the protective structure 1 are symmetrically arranged, which helps to further improve the structural strength of the protective structure and reduce manufacturing costs. Of course, in other embodiments of this application, the multiple supports in the protective structure 1 may not be the same, and this is not limited here.

[0076] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first blocking rib 11 includes a first surface contact portion 111, and the second blocking rib 21 includes a second surface contact portion 211. The first surface contact portion 111 and the second surface contact portion 211 are in surface-to-surface contact. In this way, the first blocking rib 11 and the second blocking rib 21 can be connected surface-to-surface, which is beneficial to improving the connection strength between the first blocking rib 11 and the second blocking rib 21.

[0077] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first blocking rib 11 is bent to form a first clearance portion 112; the first clearance portion 112 and the second blocking rib 21 enclose to form a first clearance hole 14. Thus, by bending at least a portion of the first blocking rib 11 to form the first clearance portion, this first clearance portion can be used for internal wiring or as part of the structure accommodating optical instruments 5 (e.g., connectors for optical instruments), which helps to avoid interference between the protective structure and other equipment and improves structural compactness. Exemplarily, at least a portion of the second blocking rib 21 is bent to form a second clearance portion 212; the bending directions of the first clearance portion 112 and the second clearance portion 212 are opposite, and the first clearance portion 112 and the second clearance portion enclose to form the first clearance hole 14. Specifically, the first blocking rib 11 and the second blocking rib 21 have a symmetrical structure, which helps to improve the aesthetics and stability of the protective structure.

[0078] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first blocking rib 11 is bent to form a first clearance portion 112. The side of the first clearance portion 112 includes a limiting surface 441, and the first clearance portion 112 is located near the limiting surface 441 and is directly opposite to the limiting surface 441; and / or, at least a portion of the second blocking rib 21 is bent to form a second clearance portion 212, the side of which includes the limiting surface 441, and the second clearance portion 212 is located near the limiting surface 441 and is directly opposite to the limiting surface 441. Exemplarily, the side of the protective cover 40 includes a rear side surface 44, which includes a limiting surface 441. Both the first clearance portion 112 and the second clearance portion 212 are located near the limiting surface 441. Thus, the limiting surface 441 can support and limit the protective bracket, which helps to further improve the stability of the protective structure in this application.

[0079] In some embodiments, the first blocking rib 11 includes a first surface contact portion 111 and a first clearance portion 112 fixedly connected; the first clearance portion 112 is disposed on the side of the first surface contact portion 111 facing the third blocking rib 12; the first surface contact portion 111 is in surface contact with the second blocking rib 21; the first clearance portion 112 and the second blocking rib 21 enclose each other to form a first clearance hole 14. Further, the second blocking rib 21 includes a second surface contact portion 211 and a second clearance portion 212 fixedly connected; the second clearance portion 212 is disposed on the side of the second surface contact portion 211 facing the fourth blocking rib 22; the first surface contact portion 111 is in surface contact with the second surface contact portion 211; the first clearance portion 112 and the second clearance portion 212 enclose each other to form the first clearance hole 14. Thus, a first clearance hole 14 can be formed on the protective structure 1, which can be used to avoid the plug of the optical instrument 5, thus improving the structural compactness of the information acquisition device and robot in this application. Furthermore, the first contact portion 111 and the first clearance portion 112 are fixedly connected, and the second contact portion 211 and the second clearance portion 212 are fixedly connected, which helps to further improve the structural strength of the protective structure 1 in this application.

[0080] Specifically, the first clearance portion 112 includes a first extension 1121 and a second extension 1122 that are bent and connected, and the first extension 1121 and the second extension 1122 are perpendicular to each other. This helps to improve the structural strength of the first support 10. Similarly, the second clearance portion includes a third extension and a fourth extension that are bent and connected, and the third extension and the fourth extension are perpendicular to each other. The third extension is parallel to the first extension 1121, and the second extension 1122 and the fourth extension are located on the same plane. This helps to improve the structural strength of the second support 20.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first bracket 10 further includes a first bottom connecting portion 13, with the first blocking rib 11 and the third blocking rib 12 disposed at both ends of the first bottom connecting portion 13. The first bottom connecting portion 13 is used for fixed connection with the support base 30. Furthermore, the first bracket 10 is generally in the form of a closed ring. This is beneficial for further improving the structural strength of the first bracket 10 and the protective structure 1.

[0082] In some embodiments, the second bracket 20 further includes a second bottom connecting portion 23, with the second blocking rib 21 and the fourth blocking rib 22 disposed at both ends of the second bottom connecting portion 23. The second bottom connecting portion 23 is used for fixed connection with the support base 30. Furthermore, the second bracket 20 is generally in the form of a closed ring. This is beneficial for further improving the structural strength of the second bracket 20 and the protective structure 1.

[0083] For example, the first blocking rib 11 is arc-shaped. Specifically, the side of the first blocking rib 11 facing the optical instrument is arc-shaped. Similarly, the third blocking rib 12, the second blocking rib 21, and the fourth blocking rib 22 are all arc-shaped. In this way, the internal space enclosed by the first blocking rib 11, the third blocking rib 12, the second blocking rib 21, and the fourth blocking rib 22 is generally spherical, improving the adaptability to the optical instrument and also helping to improve the compressive strength of the protective structure 1.

[0084] Specifically, the first clearance portion 112 includes a first extension segment 1121, a second extension segment 1122, and a first locking segment 1123 connected by bending in sequence. The second extension segment 1122 is perpendicular to both the first extension segment 1121 and the first locking segment 1123. One end of the first extension segment 1121 facing away from the second extension segment 1122 is bent and connected to the first bottom connecting portion 13, and they are perpendicular to each other. The end of the first locking segment 1123 is threadedly connected to the end of the first surface contact portion 111. Furthermore, the first bottom connecting portion 13, the first blocking rib 11, and the third blocking rib 12 in the first bracket 10 are formed by bending sheet metal parts, which helps to further improve the processing convenience and structural strength of the first bracket 10.

[0085] Similarly, the second clearance portion 212 includes a bent third extension, a fourth extension, and a second locking section. The fourth extension is perpendicular to both the third and second locking sections. The end of the third extension away from the fourth extension is bent and connected to the second bottom connecting portion 23, and they are perpendicular to each other. The end of the second locking section is threadedly connected to the end of the second surface contact portion 211. Furthermore, the second bottom connecting portion 23, the second blocking rib 21, and the fourth blocking rib 22 in the second bracket 20 are formed by bending sheet metal parts, which helps to further improve the processing convenience and structural strength of the second bracket 20.

[0086] In some embodiments, the first blocking rib 11 includes a first surface contact portion 111 and a first clearance portion 112 fixedly connected. The first surface contact portion 111 is bent and connected to one end of the third blocking rib 12, the first bottom connecting portion 13 is bent and connected to the other end of the third blocking rib 12, and the first clearance portion 112 is bent and connected to the end of the first bottom connecting portion 13 opposite to the third blocking rib 12. This facilitates further improvement in the processing convenience and structural strength of the first bracket 10.

[0087] Similarly, the second blocking rib 21 includes a second surface contact portion 211 and a second clearance portion fixedly connected. The second surface contact portion 211 is bent and connected to one end of the fourth blocking rib 22, the second bottom connecting portion 23 is bent and connected to the other end of the fourth blocking rib 22, and the second clearance portion 212 is bent and connected to the end of the second bottom connecting portion 23 opposite to the fourth blocking rib 22. This facilitates further improvement in the processing convenience and structural strength of the first bracket 10.

[0088] In some embodiments, the first surface contact portion 111 is provided with a first locking hole, the first clearance portion 112 is provided with a second locking hole, the second surface contact portion 211 is provided with a third locking hole, and the second clearance portion is provided with a fourth locking hole 123. The first locking hole, the second locking hole, the third locking hole, and the fourth locking hole 123 are coaxially arranged. Specifically, the first surface contact portion 111 and the second surface contact portion 211 are disposed between the first clearance portion 112 (e.g., the first locking section 1123) and the second clearance portion (e.g., the second locking section). This helps to increase the contact area between the first surface contact portion 111 and the second surface contact portion 211, thereby improving the strength of the protective structure 1 and the installation efficiency.

[0089] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 The protective structure 1 further includes a support base 30, on which the optical instrument mounting area 33 is provided. The first bracket 10 and the second bracket 20 are respectively fixedly connected to the support base 30. This helps to improve the strength of the protective structure 1 and increase assembly efficiency.

[0090] In some embodiments, the support base 30 is provided with a flange 32. This helps to improve the strength of the support base 30.

[0091] In some embodiments, the support base 30 is provided with weight reduction holes 31, which helps to reduce the weight of the support base 30 and reduce the amount of material used.

[0092] In some embodiments, the protective cover 40 has a receiving cavity, and the protective cover 40 has a third clearance hole 41 communicating with the receiving cavity and a plurality of second clearance holes 42. The plurality of second clearance holes 42 are spaced apart around the third clearance hole 41 in the circumferential direction. The first blocking rib 11, the third blocking rib 12, the second blocking rib 21, and the fourth blocking rib 22 are exposed outside the protective cover 40 through the corresponding second clearance holes 42, and the optical instrument is exposed outside the protective cover 40 through the third clearance hole 41. In this embodiment, by providing the protective cover 40, the protective cover 40 can protect the structure located therein, which is beneficial to improving the stability of the protective structure 1.

[0093] For example, the bottom surface of the protective cover 40 is provided with a mounting opening, which communicates with the receiving cavity and is positioned directly opposite the third clearance hole 41. When assembling the protective structure 1 in this application, the optical instrument (e.g., lidar) is first locked onto the radar support base 30, and then multiple brackets (e.g., the first bracket 10 and the second bracket 20) are locked onto the support base 30 with screws. Finally, the protective cover 40 is placed over the radar protective structure 1 from top to bottom.

[0094] In some embodiments of this application, the side of the protective cover 40 is inclined downwards, which can also be understood as the edge of the top surface of the protective cover 40 being inclined downwards, or the top surface and side of the protective cover 40 being connected by an inclined downward surface. In this way, the protective structure 1 can be avoided from obstructing the optical instrument as much as possible, which helps to reduce the obstruction of the signal acquisition module 51 by the protective cover 40 and improve the viewing angle of the signal acquisition module 51.

[0095] Specifically, the protective cover 40 includes a front side 43 and a rear side 44 disposed opposite to each other. The front side 43 is inclined downward, and the first blocking rib 11, the third blocking rib 12, the second blocking rib 21, and the fourth blocking rib 22, among which the blocking ribs are in surface contact, are disposed on the side of the optical instrument facing the rear side 44. For example, as Figure 1 As shown, the first blocking rib 11 and the second blocking rib 21 are in surface contact and are positioned near the middle of the rear side 44. The third blocking rib 12 and the fourth blocking rib 22 avoid the middle area of ​​the front side 43 and are positioned near the edge of the front side 43. Thus, when the protective structure of this application is used for a robot, the front side 43 can be positioned in front of the robot's walking direction, and the blocking ribs in surface contact among the first blocking rib 11, the third blocking rib 12, the second blocking rib 21, and the fourth blocking rib 22 can be positioned behind the robot's walking direction. This improves the problem of the front of the robot's walking direction being blocked by the blocking ribs and allows the robot to have a wider field of view in front of its walking direction.

[0096] Another embodiment of this application provides a robot, which includes a body and the aforementioned signal acquisition device. Since the robot in this application includes the aforementioned protective structure 1, it also possesses the beneficial effects of the aforementioned information acquisition device and protective structure 1, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0097] In the description of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes 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 as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0098] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0099] The embodiments, implementation methods, and related technical features of this application can be combined and substituted for each other without conflict.

[0100] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application in any way. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this application without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this application shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of this application.

Claims

1. A protective structure (1) for protecting an optical instrument (5), the optical instrument (5) comprising a signal acquisition module (51) for acquiring environmental signals and a connection module (52), characterized in that, The protective structure (1) includes a protective bracket and a protective cover (40); The protective bracket includes a plurality of spaced-apart blocking ribs, which enclose a mounting cavity, and the optical instrument (5) is disposed within the mounting cavity; The protective cover (40) includes a top surface (45) and a side surface connected to each other. The protective cover (40) is provided with a receiving cavity (46) and a clearance hole communicating with the receiving cavity (46). The clearance hole is provided on the top surface (45). The side surface is inclined downward. The protective bracket is disposed within the accommodating cavity (46), and at least a portion of the protective bracket and the signal acquisition module (51) located within the mounting cavity are exposed outside the protective cover (40) through the clearance hole.

2. The protective structure (1) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The side includes a front side (43); the blocking rib located on the front side (43) is disposed near the edge of the front side (43); Alternatively, the blocking rib located on the front side (43) may avoid the center of the front side (43).

3. The protective structure (1) as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Along the direction from the mounting cavity toward the front side (43), the distance between two adjacent blocking ribs on the front side (43) gradually increases.

4. The protective structure (1) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The side includes a front side (43) that slopes downward; And / or, the side also includes a rear side (44), on which a limiting surface (441) is provided, and at least a portion of the blocking rib is close to the limiting surface (441) and is disposed opposite to the limiting surface (441).

5. The protective structure (1) as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The cross-section of the front side (43) is an outwardly convex arc.

6. The protective structure (1) as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The side surface includes a front side surface (43) and a rear side surface (44) disposed opposite to each other, wherein at least a portion of the blocking ribs disposed on the rear side surface (44) has a width greater than the width of the blocking ribs disposed on the front side surface (43).

7. The protective structure (1) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The protective bracket includes at least two brackets connected by splicing; the at least two brackets include a first bracket (10) and a second bracket (20) arranged adjacent to each other; The first support (10) includes a first blocking rib (11) and a third blocking rib (12) that are bent and connected. The second support (20) includes a second blocking rib (21) and a fourth blocking rib (22) that are bent and connected. At least some of the first blocking rib (11), the third blocking rib (12), the second blocking rib (21), and the fourth blocking rib (22) are spaced apart, and the first blocking rib (11), the third blocking rib (12), the second blocking rib (21), and the fourth blocking rib (22) enclose the mounting cavity.

8. The protective structure (1) as described in claim 7, characterized in that, One of the first blocking rib (11) and the third blocking rib (12) is in surface contact with one of the second blocking rib (21) and the fourth blocking rib (22) and is fixedly connected; the other blocking rib of the first blocking rib (11) and the third blocking rib (12) is spaced apart from the other blocking rib of the second blocking rib (21) and the fourth blocking rib (22).

9. A signal acquisition device, characterized in that, The signal acquisition device includes an optical instrument (5) and a protective structure (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 8. The optical instrument (5) includes a signal acquisition module (51) for acquiring environmental signals and a connection module (52). The signal acquisition module (51) is connected to the protective structure (1) through the connection module (52).

10. A robot, characterized in that, The robot includes a robot body and the signal acquisition device as described in claim 9.

Images