Construction robot with a high degree of availability

The construction robot's removable battery compartment and hot-swappable design address the challenges of high manufacturing costs and availability by allowing quick battery swaps, achieving nearly 100% availability and reducing costs.

WO2025104174A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-05-22HILTI AG
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EP2024/082354
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-11-17
Filing Date
2024-11-14
Publication Date
2025-05-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Construction robots used in building construction and civil engineering face high manufacturing costs and require high availability with minimal downtime, which is challenging to achieve with high-capacity batteries due to extended charging times and increased material costs.

Method used

A construction robot with a removable battery compartment allows for the use of low-capacity batteries that can be quickly swapped, minimizing downtime and enabling high availability. This design includes multiple battery bays for continuous operation during battery changes and incorporates hot-swappable batteries to facilitate uninterrupted operation.

Benefits of technology

The solution achieves nearly 100% availability of the construction robot by allowing rapid battery swaps, reducing manufacturing costs, and preventing the robot from becoming too heavy or bulky, thus enabling efficient and cost-effective operation on construction sites.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a construction robot (10) for carrying out construction tasks in the field of building construction or civil engineering, comprising a robot arm (12), for example a multi-axle arm, wherein at least the robot arm (12) is electrically driven, and at least the robot arm (12) is designed to draw its operational energy from a battery (36). The invention is characterized in that the construction robot (10) has an interchangeable shaft (34) for receiving a battery (36) for electrically driving the robot arm (12). The construction robot (10) can thus operate in a particularly economical manner.
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Description

[0001] Construction robots with high availability

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention is based on a construction robot, for example for performing construction tasks in building construction or civil engineering, comprising a robot arm, for example a multi-axis arm, wherein at least the robot arm is electrically driven. At least the robot arm is configured to draw its operating power from a battery.

[0004] Such construction robots are increasingly being used to relieve the workload of construction workers on construction sites. In particular, they can be used to conveniently perform otherwise dangerous or strenuous tasks, such as working on ceilings. However, such construction robots are expensive to manufacture. To achieve economic use, the design should ensure the lowest possible manufacturing costs. During operation, the construction robots should demonstrate high availability with minimal downtime and thus low maintenance requirements.

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to offer a construction robot of the type mentioned above which can be manufactured as cost-effectively as possible and can be used with a high level of availability.

[0006] The task is solved by a construction robot comprising a robot arm. At least the robot arm of the construction robot is electrically powered. The robot arm is configured to draw its operating power from a battery. The construction robot has a removable compartment for accommodating a battery for electrically driving the robot arm.

[0007] One of the insights underlying the invention is that, in order to achieve high availability, it is not enough to simply equip a battery with an extraordinarily high capacity so that the construction robot could, for example, work for several days without interruption. This is because high capacity also entails long charging times, which means that downtimes are extended and the effective availability of the construction robot cannot be improved, or at least not significantly, by increasing the battery capacity. Furthermore, since the material requirements for the battery increase at least linearly with its capacity, this also means that the required battery, and thus the entire construction robot, would have extraordinarily high manufacturing costs. In addition, the construction robot would be extraordinarily heavy and bulky. Under certain circumstances, such a construction robot would not even be able to reach all of its intended locations.For example, maximum floor load capacities could be exceeded.

[0008] This is where the invention comes in. Because the construction robot has a swappable compartment, a battery with a low capacity can be used, even if it only allows short running times of, for example, a few hours per discharge. After it has been discharged, the battery can be swapped for a fully charged battery very quickly, for example during only a very short interruption. Downtimes for changing the battery can be kept to a very low level, unlike charging times for a robot permanently installed in the construction robot. This can enable a very high availability of the construction robot. If, for example, another battery is used in addition to the battery installed in the construction robot, this additional battery can be charged in parallel with the use of the battery in the construction robot.This allows the construction robot to be powered by one battery at a time while the other battery is being charged simultaneously. With appropriate design of the discharging and charging processes, nearly 100 percent availability of the construction robot can be achieved. Even these two batteries can be significantly cheaper overall than the theoretical battery described above. The manufacturing costs of the construction robot can thus be lower than in the theoretically conceivable case described above.

[0009] A battery compartment can be understood as a battery compartment from which a battery can be removed and / or installed, in particular without tools.

[0010] Preferably, rechargeable batteries, i.e. accumulators, can be used.

[0011] The replacement shaft can preferably be designed to be accessible from the outside, so that the construction robot does not need to be disassembled first, for example, a housing does not need to be removed to change the battery. In a further developed embodiment, the construction robot can have at least two replacement shafts for batteries. The construction robot can then be supplied with power from one of the two replacement shafts. A battery in the other replacement shaft can be replaced during this time. This allows for uninterrupted operation even during a battery change.

[0012] It can therefore be particularly advantageous if the exchange shaft is hot-swappable. This means that the exchange shaft is configured so that a battery can be changed while the construction robot is operating without causing electrical malfunctions in the exchange shaft or the entire construction robot. For example, precautions can be taken to prevent demolition sparks or similar events or to minimize their impact on the remaining exchange shaft or the remaining construction robot.

[0013] In one embodiment, the construction robot can have a removable shaft assembly. The removable shaft assembly comprises a frame for forming and providing at least one removable shaft, preferably several, for example, two, three, or four, removable shafts. The at least one removable shaft itself can form the removable shaft frame or only form part of the removable shaft frame. The removable shaft assembly is arranged in an interior region of the construction robot, preferably designed to be accessible from the outside.

[0014] Furthermore, in one embodiment, a safety controller, for example in the form of a control system, e.g. a programmable logic controller, sensors, supply lines, control lines, control computers and / or interfaces to modules are arranged inside.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, at least one exchange shaft, in particular the exchange shaft arrangement, has a cover at an opening of the construction robot, in particular the driving platform, as protection against external influences. After removing the cover, the corresponding exchange shaft, in particular the exchange shaft arrangement, is accessible from the outside without tools, for example for a battery change. The cover can be designed to be completely removable from the exchange shaft. In one embodiment, the cover is pivotable on the construction robot, in particular on the exchange shaft and / or on the

[0016] exchange shaft arrangement. For this purpose, the cover can be arranged via a hinge on the construction robot, on the exchange shaft and / or on the exchange shaft arrangement. The cover is preferably designed such that it closes the corresponding exchange shaft and / or the exchange shaft arrangement in a dust-tight and / or watertight manner. This increases operational reliability. A seal can be provided in the area of ​​the cover on the exchange shaft and / or on the exchange shaft arrangement. Appropriate tightness would, for example, be based on the protection class for protection against solid foreign bodies with a diameter > 1 mm, i.e. at least protection class 4, but preferably protection class 5 with protection against dust in damaging quantities, i.e. IP5X. Tightness against splash water from all sides is preferably provided, i.e. at least IPX4, but preferably protection against water jets from any angle, i.e. at least IPX5.In one embodiment, at least one protection class of at least IP54 is provided for the exchange shaft, the exchange shaft arrangement and / or the construction robot.

[0017] Furthermore, one embodiment provides for the cover to lock the exchange shaft and / or the exchange shaft assembly. In particular, a locking mechanism can be provided to prevent unauthorized access, thus protecting both the battery and the power supply from theft.

[0018] In one embodiment, the removable compartment has a power interface for connecting the battery. The power interface is preferably designed as a contact, for example, a plug-in contact.

[0019] In one embodiment, the cover is designed such that, if a battery suitable for the removable compartment is located in the removable compartment, it secures the battery in the removable compartment and keeps it in contact with the power interface. The cover thus not only securely holds the battery but also ensures secure contact. The cover can, for example, provide support when pushing the battery against the power interface.

[0020] In one embodiment, the exchange shaft and / or the exchange shaft arrangement is equipped with thermoactive components. A thermoactive component is designed to provide thermal energy and / or as a heat sink for cooling. Batteries can generally only be operated within a specific temperature range. If the temperature detected by sensors on the exchange shaft and / or the exchange shaft arrangement is below a predetermined value, in one embodiment the thermoactive component heats the exchange shaft, the corresponding battery and / or the exchange shaft arrangement. If, on the other hand, an elevated temperature or an excessive temperature is detected, in one embodiment the thermoactive component cools the exchange shaft, the corresponding battery and / or the exchange shaft arrangement. The supply of thermal energy can be achieved, for example, using thermoactive components such as electric heating plates or heating resistors.For cooling, the thermoactive component can include a Peltier element, for example. This allows the construction robot to operate during different seasons and environmental conditions.

[0021] In one embodiment, the exchange shaft and / or the exchange shaft assembly is designed to be gas-tight during operation. This protects the battery(ies) and / or the power interface(s) from contamination during operation of the construction robot. Furthermore, in the event of a battery malfunction, the dispersion of gases is prevented, thus protecting the construction robot and its surroundings.

[0022] In one embodiment, the exchange shaft and / or the exchange shaft arrangement is arranged on the driving platform, wherein the cover preferably forms part of the housing of the driving platform.

[0023] The construction robot can be configured to change the battery automatically. For example, it can be configured to control its robot arm to remove the battery from the battery change slot and reinstall a charged battery. This can achieve a particularly high level of availability for the construction robot. In particular, it is even conceivable that the construction robot can perform construction tasks unattended and for an essentially unlimited period of time.

[0024] This can be achieved particularly easily if the construction robot has at least two exchange shafts, especially if these are hot-swapping capable. The construction robot can, for example, be electrically powered by a battery located in one of the two exchange shafts. For example, using its robot arm, it can then remove a battery located in the other exchange shaft and install another, charged battery in this other exchange shaft. The operation of the construction robot can then be switched to the other exchange shaft. The battery located in the first exchange shaft can now be swapped in a similar way. The construction robot can preferably be mobile. For this purpose, it can have a driving platform. The driving platform can, for example, have wheels, tracks and / or an air cushion.

[0025] The driving platform can be electrically driven. For example, it can have at least one electric motor. For this purpose, the exchange shaft can be configured so that a battery housed therein can electrically drive the driving platform. The same battery can then be used to drive the driving platform as well, allowing the construction robot to be constructed compactly.

[0026] The construction robot can have a functional module connected to the driving platform. The functional module can contain one or more components specifically required for the construction task to be performed, for example, a control computer for controlling specific movements of the robot arm to perform the respective construction task. The driving platform can, for example, include components necessary for the construction robot's locomotion.

[0027] By combining the driving platform with different types of functional modules, a wide variety of construction robots can be produced in a particularly cost-effective manner.

[0028] The functional module can be detachably connected to the driving platform so that the functional module can be easily and cost-effectively replaced with another one, for example to implement a different functionality for carrying out other construction tasks.

[0029] Preferably, the functional module is sealed to the driving platform in the operating state in such a way that the above-mentioned protection class is guaranteed at least with respect to the batteries in the operating state.

[0030] Preferably, the travel platform and functional module form a common housing so that, in normal operation, the interior is protected from improper access and preferably from the ingress of dirt, such as construction dust and / or water. For this purpose, sealing elements, such as sealing tape and / or labyrinth seals, and / or a water drainage device, such as a water drainage channel, can be provided at the connection points, particularly on the rails.

[0031] The interchangeable shaft can be integrated into the mobile platform. This allows for a standardized power supply that can be configured independently of the respective functional module. The functional modules can each access the power supply provided by the interchangeable shaft. They do not require their own power supply or energy source. It is also conceivable that the mobile platform could then be used alone, without the functional module, as a transporter or similar.

[0032] To simplify maintenance work on the driving platform, it can be provided that at least part of the functional module can be moved and / or pivoted relative to the driving platform.

[0033] It is further conceivable for the construction robot to have an energy interface for supplying energy to the functional module, wherein the construction robot is configured to supply electrical energy to the energy interface in at least two different energy modes. The energy modes can differ, for example, in their nominal voltage, the type of electrical energy provided, in particular whether it is direct voltage or alternating voltage, or the like. It is conceivable, for example, that different voltages can be switched onto the same lines. It is conceivable, for example, that 22 volts, 24 volts, and / or 48 volts can be optionally provided as direct voltage. Alternatively or additionally, an alternating voltage can also be provided. The alternating voltage can, for example, correspond to a nominal voltage of 110 volts or 230 volts. The respective energy mode can be set manually or automatically.Thus, different types of functional modules can be supplied with the electrical energy they require, in particular according to one of the energy modes.

[0034] It is conceivable, for example, that an identifier of the functional module is read out by the rest of the construction robot, for example by a control system of the construction robot, and the required energy mode is set according to the identifier.

[0035] The interchangeable bay can also be configured to accommodate at least two different types of batteries. For example, it is conceivable that the interchangeable bay is configured to accommodate batteries of different capacities and / or different nominal voltages. In this case, no inverter or the like is required to provide the functional module with electrical energy in a suitable energy mode. Instead, the appropriate battery type can be installed in the interchangeable bay. It is also conceivable to use different types of batteries depending on the type of construction work to be carried out. For example, it is conceivable to use a type specialized for high-performance applications for construction work that requires high discharge power, and to use a cost-effective type of battery for all other construction work, particularly for construction work that only requires low discharge power.The cost-effective type of batteries can, for example, correspond to batteries that have already undergone numerous charge / discharge cycles and are therefore no longer usable for high-performance applications, for example, for safety reasons. This also allows the construction robot to be operated in a resource-efficient manner and further improves its sustainability.

[0036] It is also conceivable to use batteries with a lower capacity, for example, for construction projects that are known to be completed within a short period of time. These can be cheaper than similar batteries with a larger capacity. Nevertheless, all construction tasks can then be completed. The effective availability of the construction robot for these short construction tasks can therefore remain very high. The payback period can be advantageously shortened by such a measure.

[0037] It is also conceivable to use the battery only over a reduced charge level range. In other words, the construction robot can be configured to use only a particularly small proportion of the battery's total capacity. For example, the construction robot can be configured to only discharge the battery down to 40 percent or only down to 30 percent of its capacity. The construction robot or a charger for charging the battery can be configured to charge the battery up to 80 percent, in particular up to 70 percent, of its capacity. To compensate, batteries can be changed more frequently. This process can help protect the batteries and, in particular, extend their overall service life.

[0038] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, based on the figures of the drawing, which show details essential to the invention, and from the claims. The features shown therein are not necessarily to scale and are presented in such a way that the special features of the invention can be clearly seen. The various features can be implemented individually or in combinations in variants of the invention. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the schematic drawing and explained in more detail in the following description.

[0039] They show:

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a construction robot in a perspective view viewed diagonally from behind,

[0041] Fig. 2 a driving platform of the construction robot in a perspective view from behind,

[0042] Fig. 3 the driving platform of the construction robot in a perspective view from the front,

[0043] Fig. 4 shows a change shaft arrangement and a battery in perspective views from the front,

[0044] Fig. 5 the exchange shaft arrangement in a perspective view from the rear, Fig. 6 the driving platform of the construction robot in a side view,

[0045] Fig. 7 the driving platform of the construction robot in a partially sectioned view with a view of a

[0046] Function module in a perspective view from the rear, and

[0047] Fig. 8 the construction robot in a perspective view from the front.

[0048] In the following description of the figures, the same reference numerals are used for identical or functionally corresponding elements to facilitate understanding of the invention.

[0049] Fig. 1 shows a mobile construction robot 10 for performing construction tasks on, for example, walls, ceilings, or floors. It has a robot arm 12 for this purpose. The robot arm 12 is designed as a multi-axis robot arm. It has at least six degrees of freedom. The construction robot 10 is designed for use on building construction sites or civil engineering construction sites. Depending on the construction task to be performed, an end effector 14 of the robot arm 12 is equipped with different electrical machine tools. In the present exemplary embodiment, the end effector 14 is equipped with a grinding machine for performing grinding work. In alternative embodiments, the end effector 14 can also be equipped with, for example, a hammer drill, a chiseling machine, or a sawing machine for performing drilling, demolition, or cutting work. The robot arm 12 further has a lifting device 16 that extends its reach, particularly in the vertical direction.The robot arm 12 is arranged at the edge of a front side 18 of the construction robot 10, allowing the construction robot 10 to perform construction work in positions close to walls or obstacles. The construction robot 10 has a width of less than 80 cm, in particular a width of 76 cm, in order to fit through narrow doorways, such as office doorways, on building construction sites.

[0050] It is less than 140 cm long, and specifically 130 cm long. This length has proven advantageous for maneuvering sufficiently in common stairwells and corridor corners, for example. In general, the construction robot 10 is particularly maneuverable due to its short length and narrow width.

[0051] The construction robot 10 further comprises a driving platform 20 for locomotion, on which a functional module 22 is arranged.

[0052] Fig. 2 shows a perspective detailed view of the driving platform 20. The driving platform 20 has a tracked chassis 24.

[0053] On a frame 26 of the driving platform 20, rails 28 are formed, on which the functional module 22 (see Fig. 1) can be moved along a longitudinal direction L of the construction robot 10, in particular forwards or backwards, provided there is sufficient free space.

[0054] For this purpose, the functional module 22 has rollers on its underside that can be latched into and secured to the rails 28 by means of a locking mechanism. All lines, such as cables or hoses, that connect elements of the mobile platform 20 to elements of the functional module 22 are provided with plug-in contacts, so that the functional module 22 can be mounted or dismounted on the mobile platform 20 without the need for tools.

[0055] In order to be able to move the functional module 22 along the rails 28, the cables to the functional module 22 are guided in movable cable guides 30.

[0056] By moving the functional module 22 outwards, an interior area 32 of the driving platform 20 can be reached from the outside.

[0057] Located in the interior 32 is a hot-swappable interchangeable bay assembly 33 with four hot-swappable interchangeable bays 34, of which only one is designated with a reference symbol in Fig. 2 for illustrative purposes. The interchangeable bay assembly 33 has a pivoting cover 35 as protection against external influences. After pivoting the cover 35, the interchangeable bays 34 are accessible from the outside without tools, for example, for a battery change.

[0058] From Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, it can also be seen that the driving platform 20 has four wheel motors 40 for moving the driving platform 20 and thus the construction robot 10 (see Fig. 1). The driving platform 20 and in particular the wheel motors 40 can be controlled via a remote control 42. The remote control 42 is designed as a portable internet-capable computer, in particular in the form of a tablet computer that can be connected to the internet. The remote control 42 is further configured to establish a direct radio connection to the construction robot 10, so that it can control it even when no internet connection is available. The driving platform 20 has a control computer 43 with a radio interface 44 - shown only schematically in Fig. 3 - in the form of a combined Wi-Fi and 5G radio interface.The control computer 43 can establish an Internet connection via the radio interface 44 so that it can, among other things, receive control commands from the remote control 42 and receive or send further data, e.g. to a remote, cloud-based computer.

[0059] Optical distance meters 46 in the form of LIDAR are also arranged on the sides, in particular on all four sides, of the driving platform 20, so that the immediate area around the driving platform 20 can be monitored without blind spots. Thus, movements of the construction robot 10, in particular of the driving platform 20 and also of the functional module 22, that are relevant to people can be monitored with a particularly high degree of reliability. The distance meters 46 can be used for personal protection and / or fall protection. With the help of the optical distance meters 46, an error probability of less than 1:1,000,000, in particular less than 1:5,000,000, can be achieved.

[0060] Also located in the interior area 32 is a safety controller 48 in the form of a programmable logic controller (PLC). Signals from all sensors located on the travel platform 20 as well as supply lines coming from the exchange shafts 34 are connected to the inputs of the safety controller 48. The outputs of the safety controller 48 lead to actuators on the travel platform 20 and, via the cable guides 30, to the functional module 22 (see Fig. 1). "Sensors" can be understood to mean all devices that record measurement data, such as the aforementioned optical distance meters, current and voltage sensors formed on the exchange shafts 34, motion sensors located on the wheel motors 40, position sensors of the robot arm 12, or the like."Actuators" can be understood as all devices that further utilize the data and electrical energy arriving at the inputs. Examples of actuators include the wheel motors 40, servo motors of the robot arm 12, motors of the function module 22, the control computer 43, and the like.

[0061] The interior 32 also contains an inertial measurement unit 50 (IMU) connected to the control computer 43. The IMU 50 is used, among other things, by the control computer 43 and the safety controller 48 to collect, evaluate, and monitor movement data of the mobile platform 20. In particular, by monitoring the inclination, direction of rotation, and speed of the mobile platform 20 and, if necessary, counteracting the robot arm 12, the construction robot 10 can be secured against unintentional tipping over. Inclination data can also be used to compensate for inclination-related deviations of the robot arm 12 from the target positions to be reached.

[0062] Fig. 4 shows a swap shaft assembly 33 and a battery 36 in perspective views obliquely from the front. Fig. 5 shows the swap shaft assembly 33 in a perspective view obliquely from the rear.

[0063] The interchangeable shaft arrangement 33 has four interchangeable shafts 34. The interchangeable shafts 34 each serve to accommodate one battery, for example, corresponding to the type of battery 36. The batteries 36 serve to electrically drive the construction robot 10 (see Fig. 1), in particular the robot arm 12 (see Fig. 1), the driving platform 20, and the functional module 22.

[0064] The battery 36 is a lithium-based battery, for example, based on LiFePO4 or Li-NMC. It is also conceivable that the battery is sodium-based. The battery 36 has a capacity of 2.5 kWh. It weighs 16 kg. In general, the battery 36 can preferably weigh less than 25 kg, in particular less than 20 kg, so that it can be transported, in particular carried, by a user of the construction robot 10 without additional aids. For this purpose, the battery 36 has a handle 37.

[0065] With multiple batteries 36, the interchangeable shaft arrangement 33 can thus provide a total capacity of at least 10 kWh, in particular of at least 20 kWh. Thus, the construction robot can utilize a continuous output of at least 1 kW, in particular of at least 2 kW, for at least 8 hours without changing the battery and avoiding deep discharge. This can be advantageous for particularly remote construction sites where no charging station or the like is otherwise available for charging the batteries 36. The interchangeable shafts 34 have energy interfaces 38 with sockets for connecting the batteries 36. The sockets are located on the inside rear sides of the interchangeable shafts 34, so that different types of batteries 36, in particular of different sizes, nominal voltages, or capacities, can be inserted into the interchangeable shafts 34.The energy interfaces 38 serve to supply energy to the entire construction robot 10, including the driving platform 20, the robot arm 12, and the functional module 22. They comprise DC / DC converters and DC / AC converters to convert the nominal voltages and currents provided by the batteries 36, depending on the type of functional module 22, into different energy modes, in particular depending on the type of functional module 22 and the requirements of the robot arm 12, in particular the end effector 14 (see Fig. 1). This also allows for balancing different charge states of the batteries 36 (see Fig. 4) and the associated voltages. A load management system is also installed. In particular, DC voltages of 24 V and 48 V as well as an AC voltage of 230 V can be provided.

[0066] The electrical energy provided by the batteries 36 is fed through contactors 39 to protect against overloads.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 6, the travel platform 20 has two lashing points 52 on each of its long sides, i.e., at least four in total, to which support cables or the like can be attached for crane loading. The lashing points 52 are formed as recesses in a side wall of the travel platform 20 so that they do not protrude from the rest of the travel platform 20, thus minimizing the risk of injury from the lashing points 52.

[0068] From the side view according to Fig. 6 it can also be seen that the driving platform 20, apart from the movable cable guides 30, is flat on the top.

[0069] Fig. 7 shows a partially sectioned view of the functional module 22 arranged on the driving platform 20. The functional module 22 contains a control computer 54 for controlling the robot arm 12. The control computer 54 contains program code 55 specifically designed to carry out the respective type of construction tasks for which the construction robot 10 is intended. The program code 55 is shown only schematically in Fig. 7. It can also include a program code component that controls the construction robot 10, when necessary, to exchange a battery 36 that is discharged to a certain charge level (see Fig. 4) for a charged battery 36 and to connect the discharged battery 36 to an external charger.

[0070] For generating, storing, and metered release of compressed air, the functional module 22 further comprises an air compressor 56 and a compressed air tank 58. The compressed air is supplied via lines to the robot arm 12, where it is available at the end effector 14 (see Fig. 1). Furthermore, the functional module 22 comprises a vacuum generator 62 in the form of a dust extractor in a housing part 60 (illustrated only schematically). A dust collection container 64 (also illustrated only schematically) is located behind a cover flap 66. It can be removed without tools using a lifting and locking mechanism.

[0071] Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the construction robot 10. It can be seen that an application module 68 is arranged on the functional module 22. The application module 68 covers the functional module 22. The application module 68 provides the additional elements required for the respective type of construction task for which the construction robot 10 is designed. In particular, there are several storage options, of which a drawer 70 is marked with a reference symbol. A total station can be stored on the storage options, in particular the drawers 70, for example, for the precise localization of the construction robot 10. Consumables, for example accessories such as rock drills, grinding material or saw blades or materials to be processed such as anchors, screws, dowels, can be stored on the lifting device 16 and / or on the application module 68.

[0072] Furthermore, the remote control 42 is located on the application module 68, particularly for reasons of easy accessibility. The remote control 42 rests on a holder and can be removed from the application module 68 without tools.

[0073] Furthermore, there is an emergency button 72 on the application module 68, which, when activated, stops movements of the construction robot 10 as quickly as possible.

[0074] From Fig. 8, it can also be seen that the lifting device 16 is accessible from the front 18 of the construction robot 10. Maintenance work or, if necessary, replacement of the robot arm 12 or a part thereof, for example, the lifting device 16, is thereby simplified.

[0075] 10 construction robots

[0076] 12 Robot arm

[0077] 14 End effector

[0078] 16 Lifting device

[0079] 18 Front

[0080] 20 driving platform

[0081] 22 Function module

[0082] 24 tracked chassis

[0083] 26 frames

[0084] 28 rail

[0085] 30 Cable routing

[0086] 32 Interior

[0087] 33 Exchange shaft arrangement

[0088] 34 Exchange shaft

[0089] 35 Cover

[0090] 36 Battery

[0091] 37 handle

[0092] 38 Energy interface

[0093] 39 Protection

[0094] 40 wheel motor

[0095] 42 Remote control

[0096] 43 tax calculators

[0097] 44 Radio interface

[0098] 46 distance meters

[0099] 48 security controllers

[0100] 50 IMU

[0101] 52 lashing point

[0102] 54 tax calculators

[0103] 55 Program code

[0104] 56 air compressor

[0105] 58 compressed air tank

[0106] 60 Housing part

[0107] 62 vacuum generator

[0108] 64 Dust collection container 6 Cover flap 8 Application module

[0109] 70 drawers

[0110] 72 emergency button 10 construction robots

[0111] 12 robot arms

[0112] 22 functional modules

[0113] 34 exchange shafts

[0114] 28 rails

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Construction robot (10) for carrying out construction tasks in building construction or civil engineering, comprising a robot arm (12), for example a multi-axis arm, wherein at least the robot arm (12) is electrically driven, wherein at least the robot arm (12) is designed to obtain its operating energy from a battery (36), characterized in that the construction robot (10) has a change shaft (34) for receiving a battery (36) for electrically driving the robot arm (12).

2. Construction robot (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the construction robot (10) has at least two exchange shafts (34) for receiving batteries (36).

3. Construction robot (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the exchange shaft (34) is capable of hot-swapping.

4. Construction robot (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the construction robot (10) is designed to automatically change the battery (36).

5. Construction robot (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the construction robot (10) has a driving platform (20) and a functional module (22) connected to the driving platform (20).

6. Construction robot (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the exchange shaft (34) is designed so that a battery (36) accommodated therein can electrically drive the driving platform (20).

7. Construction robot (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional module (22) is detachably connected to the driving platform (20).

8. Construction robot (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a part of the functional module (22) is movable relative to the driving platform (20) can be moved and / or pivoted.

9. Construction robot (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the exchange shaft (34) is formed on the driving platform (20).

10. Construction robot (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that a change shaft arrangement (33) is arranged on the driving platform (20), wherein the change shaft arrangement (33) comprises at least one change shaft (34).

11. Construction robot (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the construction robot has a cover (35) on a change shaft arrangement (33) according to claim 10, on the change shaft (34) and / or on the driving platform (20), which is arranged to close an opening which is designed as an access of a battery (36) for the change shaft arrangement (33) and / or the change shaft (34) from outside the construction robot.

12. Construction robot (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the construction robot (10) has an energy interface (38) for supplying energy to the functional module (22), wherein the construction robot (10) is configured to supply the energy interface (38) with electrical energy in at least two different energy modes.

13. Construction robot (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the exchange shaft (34) is designed to accommodate at least two different types of batteries (36).

Citation Information

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