Self-leveling brush device

Abstract

The present application relates to a self-leveling brush device, comprising: a first brush comprising a first base and a first electrode, wherein the first base comprises a first base body, a second base body, and an elastic member, the first base body is movably connected to the second base body in a vertical direction, the elastic member is connected between the first base body and the second base body and has an elastic force for driving the first base body to move away from the second base body, the first electrode is mounted on the first base, and the first electrode comprises a first contact surface; and a second brush comprising a second base and a second electrode, wherein the second electrode comprises a second contact surface, and the second electrode is movably mounted on the second base, such that when the first brush and the second brush are docked, the first contact surface and the second contact surface are automatically leveled and fitted. In the present utility model, upon docking of the two brushes, automatic relative leveling of the electrodes thereof can be achieved, thereby ensuring that the two electrodes are in surface contact with each other, improving the electrical conduction efficiency, and lowering installation requirements.

Description

A self-leveling brush device Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automated equipment charging technology, and in particular to a self-leveling brush device. Background Technology

[0002] In automated operating equipment, such as AGVs and robots, batteries are generally used for power supply. These require periodic charging during use. During charging, the automated operating equipment automatically moves to the charging station location, allowing the brushes on the automated operating equipment to align with the brushes on the charging station.

[0003] In existing technologies, the two brushes on automated operating equipment and charging piles do not have the function of automatic leveling. This requires high installation precision, and when the two brushes are connected, they are prone to line contact or point contact due to poor plane fit, resulting in excessive resistance at the contact point and causing safety hazards.

[0004] Utility Model Content

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a self-leveling brush device, the specific technical solution of which is as follows.

[0006] A self-leveling brush device, comprising:

[0007] A first brush includes a first base and a first electrode; the first base includes a first seat body, a second seat body, and an elastic element; the first seat body is movably connected to the second seat body in a vertical direction; the elastic element is connected between the first seat body and the second seat body and has a spring force that drives the first seat body to move away from the second seat body; the first electrode is mounted on the first base; the first electrode includes a first contact surface.

[0008] The second brush includes a second base and a second electrode; the second electrode includes a second contact surface; the second electrode is movably mounted on the second base so that when the first brush and the second brush are connected, the first contact surface and the second contact surface automatically level and fit together.

[0009] Furthermore, the first electrode is rotatably hinged to the first base about a first axis, and the second electrode is rotatably hinged to the second base about a second axis, wherein the first axis is perpendicular to the second axis.

[0010] Furthermore, the first brush also includes a first hinge shaft, through which the first electrode is hinged to the first base; the second brush also includes a second hinge shaft, through which the second electrode is hinged to the second base.

[0011] Furthermore, the first hinge shaft passes through the first electrode along the middle position of the first electrode; the first base is provided with two first limiting blocks, which are respectively arranged on both sides of the first hinge shaft to limit the rotation angle of the first electrode.

[0012] The second hinge shaft passes through the second electrode along the middle position of the second electrode; the second base is provided with two second limiting blocks, which are respectively arranged on both sides of the second hinge shaft to limit the rotation angle of the second electrode.

[0013] Furthermore, the first electrode is fixedly mounted on the first base; the second electrode is mounted on the second base via a ball joint, so that a spherical pair is formed between the second electrode and the second base.

[0014] Furthermore, the second base has a boss in the middle, and a rotation space is formed between the boss and the second base; the ball joint includes a small ball, which is connected to the boss and the second electrode to form a spherical pair.

[0015] Furthermore, a limiting plate is provided around the second base, and a flange is provided on the top of the second electrode. The limiting plate is located below the flange to limit the rotation angle of the flange.

[0016] Furthermore, the docking methods between the first brush and the second brush include top-to-bottom forward docking and side-cutting docking.

[0017] Furthermore, the first seat includes a guide sleeve and a guide shaft, with a guide space formed between the guide sleeve and the guide shaft; the second seat includes a fixed sleeve, which is movably inserted into the guide space relative to the guide sleeve.

[0018] Furthermore, the first base includes a first mounting space, with the first electrode part located within the first mounting space and part located outside the first mounting space, such that the first contact surface is exposed outside the first mounting space; the second base includes a second mounting space, with the second electrode part located within the second mounting space and part located outside the second mounting space, such that the second contact surface is exposed outside the second mounting space.

[0019] Beneficial effects: The self-leveling brush device provided by this utility model can automatically level its electrodes when two brushes are connected, ensuring that the two electrodes are in surface contact, improving conductivity and reducing installation requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art 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.

[0021] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the brush device in Example 1;

[0022] Figure 2 is a top view of the brush device in Embodiment 1;

[0023] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along AA in Figure 2;

[0024] Figure 4 is a side view of the brush device in Embodiment 1;

[0025] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along BB in Figure 4;

[0026] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the brush assembly being connected in a top-to-bottom forward orientation.

[0027] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the lateral cutting-in method when the brush device is docked;

[0028] Figure 8 is an exploded view of the brush device in Example 2;

[0029] Figure 9 is a top view of the brush device in Embodiment 2;

[0030] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view along CC in Figure 9;

[0031] Figure 11 is a side view of the brush device in Embodiment 2;

[0032] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view along DD in Figure 11.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. First brush; 2. Second brush; 3. Charging pile; 4. Automated operation equipment;

[0034] 11. First base; 12. First electrode; 13. First hinge shaft;

[0035] 111. First seat; 112. Second seat; 113. Elastic element; 114. First limiting block; 115. Guide sleeve; 116. Guide shaft; 117. Fixing sleeve;

[0036] 121. First contact surface;

[0037] 21. Second base; 22. Second electrode; 23. Second hinge shaft; 24. Small ball;

[0038] 211. Second limiting block; 212. Boss; 213. Limiting plate;

[0039] 221. Second contact surface; 222. Flange. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0041] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0042] Furthermore, 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. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0043] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0044] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0045] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0046] Example 1

[0047] Referring to Figure 1, this embodiment provides a self-leveling brush device, including a first brush 1 and a second brush 2. The first brush 1 includes a first base 11 and a first electrode 12. The first base 11 includes a first seat 111, a second seat 112, and an elastic element 113. The first seat 111 is movably connected to the second seat 112 in a vertical direction. The elastic element 113 is connected between the first seat 111 and the second seat 112, and has a spring force that drives the first seat 111 to move away from the second seat 112. The first electrode 12 is mounted on the first base 11. When the first base 11 moves relative to the second base 21, the height of the first electrode 12 can be changed. The elastic element 113 provides a spring force to the first seat 111, giving the first seat 111 an upward tendency to move. In this embodiment, the elastic element 113 is a spring; in other embodiments, other structures capable of elastic deformation can also be used to provide a spring force to the first electrode 12 over a certain stroke. The first electrode 12 includes a first contact surface 121, which is used to dock with an electrode in another brush to form a charging circuit.

[0048] The second brush 2 includes a second base 21 and a second electrode 22. The second electrode 22 includes a second contact surface 221, which is used to mate with the first contact surface 121 to form a charging circuit. The second electrode 22 is located above the first electrode 12 and is movably mounted on the first base 11, so that the first contact surface 121 and the second contact surface 221 automatically level and fit together when the first brush 1 and the second brush 2 are mated. When the automated operating device 4 moves to the charging pile 3 and mates the two brushes, the first contact surface 121 contacts the second contact surface 221. The elastic element 113 provides elastic force to press the first contact surface 121 against the second contact surface 221. Since the second electrode 22 is movably mounted on the first base 11, the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 22 automatically level and form surface contact under the action of the pressing force, and the elastic force of the elastic element 113 improves the reliability of the contact between the first contact surface 121 and the second contact surface 221.

[0049] The self-leveling brush device provided in this embodiment can automatically level its electrodes when two brushes are connected, ensuring surface contact between the two electrodes, improving conductivity, and reducing installation requirements.

[0050] Specifically, referring to Figures 2 to 5, the first electrode 12 is rotatably hinged to the first base 11 about a first axis, and the second electrode 22 is rotatably hinged to the second base 21 about a second axis. The first axis and the second axis are perpendicular to each other, and both axes are perpendicular to the vertical direction. When the first brush 1 and the second brush 2 are connected, the first electrode 12 rotates about the first axis, and the second electrode 22 rotates about the second axis, causing the first contact surface 121 and the second contact surface 221 to automatically level under the action of the elastic element 113.

[0051] Specifically, the first brush 1 further includes a first hinge shaft 13, which passes through the middle of the first electrode 12, so that the first electrode 12 is hinged to the first base 11 via the first hinge shaft 13. The second brush 2 further includes a second hinge shaft 23, which passes through the middle of the second electrode 22, so that the second electrode 22 is hinged to the second base 21 via the second hinge shaft 23. In this embodiment, a hinge shaft is used to connect the electrode and the base; in other embodiments, other hinge forms can also be used to connect the electrode and the base.

[0052] Since the first hinge shaft 13 passes through the first electrode 12 along the middle position of the first electrode 12, both ends of the first electrode 12 can rotate around the axis of the first hinge shaft 13, thereby achieving automatic leveling during docking. By setting two first limiting blocks 114 on the first base 11, with the two first limiting blocks 114 located on both sides of the first hinge shaft 13, the two first limiting blocks 114 limit both ends of the first electrode 12 when the first electrode 12 rotates, thereby restricting the rotation angle of the first electrode 12.

[0053] Because the second hinge shaft 23 passes through the second electrode 22 along the middle position of the second electrode 22, both ends of the second electrode 22 can rotate around the axis of the second hinge shaft 23, thereby achieving automatic leveling during docking. By setting two second limiting blocks 211 on the second base 21, with the two second limiting blocks 211 located on both sides of the second hinge shaft 23 respectively, the two second limiting blocks 211 limit both ends of the second electrode 22 when the second electrode 22 rotates, thereby restricting the rotation angle of the second electrode 22.

[0054] Specifically, the docking methods between the first brush 1 and the second brush 2 include at least two types: a top-to-bottom forward docking and a side-entry docking. Referring to Figure 6, in the top-to-bottom forward docking, the automated operating device 4 moves until the first brush 1 is below the second brush 2 and forms a certain gap, driving the first brush 1 to move vertically so that the first contact surface 121 contacts the second contact surface 221 and automatically levels itself. Referring to Figure 7, in the side-entry docking, the automated operating device 4 moves until the first brush 1 is to the side of the second brush 2 and drives the first brush 1 to move horizontally, thus causing the first contact surface 121 to contact the second contact surface 221 and automatically levels itself. In the side-entry docking, guide slopes can be provided on the end faces of the first motor and the second electrode 22 respectively. Before docking, the first contact surface 121 is slightly higher than the second contact surface 221. As the first electrode 12 moves laterally, under the action of the guide slopes, the first contact surface 121 moves below the second contact surface 221 and fits into place.

[0055] Specifically, referring to Figure 5, the first base 111 includes a guide sleeve 115 and a guide shaft 116, with a guide space formed between the guide sleeve 115 and the guide shaft 116; the second base 112 includes a fixing sleeve 117, which is movably inserted into the guide space relative to the guide sleeve 115. The guide sleeve 115 and the fixing sleeve 117 cooperate to form a vertically movable guide structure, ensuring that the first electrode 12 moves vertically during the docking process.

[0056] Specifically, the first base 11 includes a first mounting space, with the first electrode 12 partially located within and partially located outside the first mounting space, such that the first contact surface 121 is exposed outside the first mounting space; the second base 21 includes a second mounting space, with the second electrode 22 partially located within and partially located outside the second mounting space, such that the second contact surface 221 is exposed outside the second mounting space. Exposing both the first and second contact surfaces 121 and 221 facilitates contact and leveling between the first and second contact surfaces when the first brush 1 and the second brush 2 are mated.

[0057] Example 2

[0058] Referring to Figure 8, this embodiment provides a self-leveling brush device, which differs from the self-leveling brush device provided in Embodiment 1 in that the connection method between the first electrode 12 and the first base 11 is different, and the connection method between the second electrode 22 and the second base 21 is different. The differences will be described below, while the similarities will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0059] Referring to Figures 9 to 12, in this embodiment, the first electrode 12 is fixedly mounted on the first base 11. The second electrode 22 is mounted on the second base 21 via a ball joint, forming a spherical pair between the second electrode 22 and the second base 21. When the first brush 1 and the second brush 2 are mated, the angle of the first contact surface 121 on the first electrode 12 remains unchanged. Under the clamping force provided by the elastic member 113, the second contact surface 221 on the second electrode 22 automatically corrects itself along with the first contact surface 121, thereby making the first contact surface 121 and the second contact surface 221 fit together.

[0060] Specifically, the second base 21 has a boss 212 in the middle, and a rotation space is formed between the boss 212 and the second base 21. The ball joint includes a small ball 24, which is connected to the boss 212 and the second electrode 22 to form a spherical pair. The rotation space provides a certain space for the rotation of the second electrode 22. A limiting plate 213 is also provided around the second base 21, and a flange 222 is provided on the top of the second electrode 22. The limiting plate 213 is located below the flange 222 to limit the rotation angle of the flange 222. When the second electrode 22 rotates to the point where the flange 222 abuts against the limiting plate 213, the second electrode 22 is restricted from further rotation.

[0061] Specifically, the connection between the small ball 24, the boss 212, and the second electrode 22 can be achieved by fixing the small ball 24 to the boss 212, and providing a spherical groove with a depth greater than the radius of the small ball 24 on the top of the second electrode 22, allowing the small ball 24 to slide in the spherical groove, thereby forming a ball-joint structure between the second electrode 22 and the second base 21. In other embodiments, other structural forms can also be used to achieve the connection between the second electrode 22 and the second base 21.

[0062] In this embodiment, the first brush 1 is installed on the automated operation equipment 4, and the second brush 2 is installed on the charging pile 3. In other embodiments, the first brush 1 can also be installed on the charging pile 3, and the second brush 2 can be installed on the automated operation equipment 4.

[0063] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0064] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A self-leveling brush device, characterized in that, include: A first brush includes a first base and a first electrode; the first base includes a first seat body, a second seat body, and an elastic element; the first seat body is movably connected to the second seat body in a vertical direction; the elastic element is connected between the first seat body and the second seat body and has a spring force that drives the first seat body to move away from the second seat body; the first electrode is mounted on the first base; the first electrode includes a first contact surface. The second brush includes a second base and a second electrode; the second electrode includes a second contact surface; the second electrode is movably mounted on the second base so that when the first brush and the second brush are connected, the first contact surface and the second contact surface automatically level and fit together.

2. The self-leveling brush device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first electrode is rotatably hinged to the first base about a first axis, and the second electrode is rotatably hinged to the second base about a second axis, wherein the first axis is perpendicular to the second axis.

3. The self-leveling brush device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first brush further includes a first hinge shaft, through which the first electrode is hinged to the first base; the second brush further includes a second hinge shaft, through which the second electrode is hinged to the second base.

4. The self-leveling brush device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first hinge shaft passes through the first electrode at the middle position; the first base is provided with two first limiting blocks, which are respectively arranged on both sides of the first hinge shaft to limit the rotation angle of the first electrode. The second hinge shaft passes through the second electrode along the middle position of the second electrode; the second base is provided with two second limiting blocks, which are respectively arranged on both sides of the second hinge shaft to limit the rotation angle of the second electrode.

5. The self-leveling brush device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first electrode is fixedly mounted on the first base; the second electrode is mounted on the second base via a ball joint, so that the second electrode and the second base form a spherical pair.

6. The self-leveling brush device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second base has a boss in the middle, and a rotation space is formed between the boss and the second base; the ball joint includes a small ball, which is connected to the boss and the second electrode to form a spherical pair.

7. A self-leveling brush device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second base is provided with a limiting plate around its perimeter, and the second electrode is provided with a flange at its top. The limiting plate is located below the flange to limit the rotation angle of the flange.

8. A self-leveling brush device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first brush and the second brush can be connected in two ways: top-to-bottom or side-cutting.

9. A self-leveling brush device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first seat includes a guide sleeve and a guide shaft, with a guide space formed between the guide sleeve and the guide shaft; the second seat includes a fixed sleeve, which is movably inserted into the guide space relative to the guide sleeve.

10. A self-leveling brush device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first base includes a first mounting space, with the first electrode part located inside the first mounting space and part located outside the first mounting space, so that the first contact surface is exposed outside the first mounting space; the second base includes a second mounting space, with the second electrode part located inside the second mounting space and part located outside the second mounting space, so that the second contact surface is exposed outside the second mounting space.

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