Charging connection module, robot charging dock and robot

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of robots. Disclosed are a charging connection module, a robot charging dock and a robot. The charging connection module comprises a fixed base, a first charging electrode and a second charging electrode. The fixed base is arranged on one of a charging dock and a robot. Both the first charging electrode and the second charging electrode are movably arranged on the fixed base. Each of the first charging electrode and the second charging electrode has a contact surface used for electrically connecting to a charging end of the other one of the charging dock and the robot, the contact surface being a curved surface. In the charging connection module, using the movable charging electrodes having the curved contact surfaces effectively solves the problem of poor contact between the robot and the charging dock caused by a positional deviation, thereby improving the charging reliability and efficiency.

Description

A charging connection module, a robot charging station, and a robot

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202422519464.5, filed on October 17, 2024, entitled “A charging connection module, a robot charging pile and a robot”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of robotics technology, and in particular to a charging connection module, a robot charging station, and a robot. Background Technology

[0004] When a robot is charged via a charging station, the robot's charging input position needs to be aligned with the charging output position of the charging station to achieve effective charging.

[0005] Currently, due to limitations in structural design and sensing accuracy, there is a risk that the robot and the charging station may deviate from the ideal charging position, resulting in poor contact, increased resistance, reduced charging efficiency, and even overheating during the charging process. Long-term use may damage the robot and the charging station, causing safety hazards. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide a charging connection module that effectively solves the problem of poor contact between the robot and the charging station caused by positional deviation by employing movable charging electrodes with curved contact surfaces in the charging connection module, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of charging. Another purpose of this application is to provide a robot charging station and a robot.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a charging connection module, comprising:

[0008] A fixed base, located on either the charging station or the robot;

[0009] The first charging electrode and the second charging electrode are both movably disposed on the fixed base. The first charging electrode and the second charging electrode each have a contact surface for electrical connection with the charging end of the charging pile and the robot, and the contact surface is curved.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first charging electrode and / or the second charging electrode include a charging bracket and a charging electrode plate mounted on the charging bracket, the charging bracket being movably disposed on the fixed base, and the charging electrode plate having the contact surface.

[0011] In some embodiments, the charging bracket includes a push rod that is telescopically movable relative to the fixed base, and the contact surface is located at the end of the push rod along the telescopic movement direction.

[0012] In some embodiments, the push rod has a protrusion and the charging electrode has a groove, with the protrusion engaging with the groove.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first charging electrode and the second charging electrode extend and retract along a first direction and are spaced apart along a second direction; in the plane formed by the first direction and the second direction, the cross-sectional shape of the contact surface is curved, and the curve bends away from the fixing seat.

[0014] In some embodiments, the contact surface is an arc surface, and the arc surface forms an arc in the plane in the first direction and the second direction that extends along the second direction.

[0015] In some embodiments, the charging connection module further includes:

[0016] An elastic element is provided on the fixed base, and the elastic element is used to drive the first charging electrode and / or the second charging electrode away from the fixed base.

[0017] In some embodiments, the elastic element is a spring, with a first end of the spring fixed to the fixing base and a second end of the spring fixed to the second end of the first charging electrode and / or the second charging electrode.

[0018] This application also provides a robot charging station, including the above-mentioned charging connection module.

[0019] This application also provides a robot, including the above-mentioned charging connection module.

[0020] Compared with the above background technology, the charging connection module provided in this application mainly includes a fixed base, a first charging electrode and a second charging electrode. The fixed base is disposed on one of the charging pile and the robot. The first charging electrode and the second charging electrode are both movably disposed on the fixed base. The first charging electrode and the second charging electrode both have a contact surface for electrical connection with the charging end of the other of the charging pile and the robot. The contact surface is curved.

[0021] In existing robot charging technologies, the robot needs to be precisely aligned with the charging contacts on the charging station for effective charging. However, due to limitations in robot positioning accuracy, positional deviations may occur during charging, leading to poor contact between the charging contacts. This poor contact not only reduces charging efficiency but may also cause overheating due to increased contact resistance, potentially damaging the charging interface in the long run and even posing safety hazards.

[0022] To address the problem of poor contact between robots and charging stations caused by positional misalignment in existing technologies, the charging connection module provided in this application employs an innovative design. This module mainly includes a mounting base, a first charging electrode, and a second charging electrode. The mounting base is installed on either the charging station or the robot, while both the first and second charging electrodes are flexibly mounted on the mounting base. Each of these charging electrodes has a contact surface, designed as a curved surface, for electrical connection with the charging terminal of the other of the charging station or the robot.

[0023] The key advantage of this design lies in its flexibility and adaptability. Even if the robot or charging station experiences some positional deviation during charging docking, the curved contact surface on the charging electrode can still maintain effective contact with the charging end. The curved contact surface design allows for effective docking at multiple angles and directions, thereby maintaining a stable electrical connection in various positions and ensuring the continuity and reliability of the charging process.

[0024] Based on the above structural and process descriptions, it can be seen that the charging connection module has at least the following beneficial effects: by using movable charging electrodes with curved contact surfaces in the charging connection module, the poor contact problem caused by positional deviation between the robot and the charging pile is effectively solved, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of charging. Attached Figure Description

[0025] 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 embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the charging connection module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the charging electrode provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 3 is a rendering of the charging connection module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the robot charging station provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the charging connection module and robot charging module provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0031] The components include: 100, charging connection module; 1, fixed base; 101, housing; 1011, sliding cavity; 1012, outlet; 102, cover plate; 2, charging electrode; 21, first charging electrode; 22, second charging electrode; 201, charging bracket; 2011, push rod; 20111, protrusion; 2012, motion seat; 202, charging plate; 2021, contact surface; 2022, groove; 2023, conductive connector; 3, elastic element; 4, infrared emitting device; 200, robot charging module; 5, charging end; 6, infrared receiving device. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0034] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3, wherein Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the charging connection module provided in the embodiment of this application, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the charging electrode provided in the embodiment of this application, and Figure 3 is an effect diagram of the charging connection module provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0035] In Figures 1 and 2, coordinate axes are marked, and the directions of the coordinate axes are consistent with the explanatory directions of this application. The x-axis represents the second direction, which, with reference to the structural shape in the figure, is also the width direction and the left-right direction. The y-axis represents the first direction, which, with reference to the structural shape in the figure, is also the thickness direction and the front-back direction.

[0036] In a first specific embodiment, the charging connection module 100 provided by the present application mainly includes a fixed base 1 and a charging electrode 2. The charging electrode 2 includes a first charging electrode 21 and a second charging electrode 22. The fixed base 1 is disposed on one of the charging pile and the robot. The first charging electrode 21 and the second charging electrode 22 are both movably disposed on the fixed base 1. The first charging electrode 21 and the second charging electrode 22 each have a contact surface 2021 for electrical connection with the charging terminal 5 of the other of the charging pile and the robot. The contact surface 2021 is a curved surface.

[0037] It should be noted that the location of the charging connection module 100 is not limited; it can be a robot charging station or a robot. The first and second directions are not limited. Referring to the attached figure, the first direction can be horizontal, that is, the left-right direction, and the second direction can be vertical, that is, the front-back direction perpendicular to the horizontal.

[0038] Taking a fixed robot charging station as an example, the robot moves to recharge on the charging station. In the first case, the charging connection module 100 is installed on the robot charging station. When the robot recharges, it moves into the charging station and aligns its charging position with the station. At this time, the first charging electrode 21 and the second charging electrode 22 can be adjusted to adapt to the charging position on the robot, while the curved contact surface 2021 maintains contact and conductivity between the two charging positions. In the second case, the charging connection module 100 is installed on the robot. When the robot recharges, it moves into the charging station and aligns its charging position with the station. At this time, the first charging electrode 21 and the second charging electrode 22 can be adjusted to adapt to the charging position on the charging station, while the curved contact surface 2021 maintains contact and conductivity between the two charging positions. As can be seen, whether the charging connection module 100 is installed on the robot charging station or on the robot, the robot can recharge on the charging station through the charging connection module 100.

[0039] In existing robot charging technologies, the robot needs to be precisely aligned with the charging contacts on the charging station for effective charging. However, due to limitations in robot positioning accuracy, positional deviations may occur during charging, leading to poor contact between the charging contacts. This poor contact not only reduces charging efficiency but may also cause overheating due to increased contact resistance, potentially damaging the charging interface in the long run and even posing safety hazards.

[0040] To address the problem of poor contact between robots and charging stations caused by positional misalignment in existing technologies, the charging connection module 100 provided in this application adopts an innovative design. This module mainly includes a mounting base 1, a first charging electrode 21, and a second charging electrode 22. The mounting base 1 is installed on either the charging station or the robot, while the first charging electrode 21 and the second charging electrode 22 are flexibly mounted on the mounting base 1. Each of these charging electrodes has a contact surface 2021, which is designed as a curved surface for electrical connection with the charging terminal 5 of the other charging station or robot.

[0041] The key advantage of this design lies in its flexibility and adaptability. Even if the robot or charging station experiences a certain positional deviation during charging docking, the curved contact surface 2021 on the charging electrode can still maintain effective contact with the charging end 5. The design of the curved contact surface 2021 allows for effective docking at multiple angles and directions, thereby maintaining a stable electrical connection in various positions and ensuring the continuity and reliability of the charging process.

[0042] Based on the above structural and process descriptions, it can be seen that the charging connection module 100 has at least the following beneficial effects: by using movable charging electrodes with curved contact surfaces 2021 in the charging connection module 100, the charging connection module 100 effectively solves the problem of poor contact between the robot and the charging pile due to positional deviation, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of charging.

[0043] Please refer to Figures 4 and 5, where Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the robot charging pile provided in the embodiment of this application, and Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the charging connection module and the robot charging module provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0044] Figures 1 to 5 illustrate the configuration of the charging connection module 100 on the robot charging station. Corresponding to the robot charging station and the charging connection module 100, the robot charging module 200 is installed on the robot charging station for recharging. When the robot recharges on the robot charging station, the robot charging module 200 and the charging connection module 100 make contact and conduct. Through the curved surface features on the charging connection module 100, stable contact can be provided at different angles, and the contact area is kept constant. The resistance in the charging circuit remains consistent, thereby ensuring the continuity and reliability of charging.

[0045] It should be noted that the scope of this application is not limited to the situation shown in Figures 1 to 5. The case where the charging connection module 100 is set on the robot should also fall within the scope of this application.

[0046] Please continue to refer to Figure 2. In some embodiments, the first charging electrode 21 and / or the second charging electrode 22 include a charging bracket 201 and a charging electrode 202 mounted on the charging bracket 201. The charging bracket 201 is movably disposed on the fixed base 1, and the charging electrode 202 has a contact surface 2021.

[0047] In this embodiment, the charging connection module 100 is designed with a first charging electrode 21 and a second charging electrode 22, each electrode including a charging bracket 201 and a charging electrode plate 202. The charging bracket 201 serves as a support structure, which is movably mounted on the fixed base 1, allowing the charging electrode plate 202 to make necessary movements and adjustments.

[0048] The charging electrode 202 is a component mounted on the charging bracket 201. It has a contact surface 2021, which is a key part for electrical connection with the charging terminal 5 of the robot or charging pile. The contact surface 2021 is designed as a curved surface, which increases the contact area with the charging terminal 5 and maintains a stable electrical connection even with positional deviations.

[0049] This design allows the charging electrode 202 to adapt to different charging environments and docking conditions, improving the flexibility and reliability of the charging connection. Therefore, regardless of the positioning of the robot or charging station, the charging connection module 100 can ensure an effective charging connection, solving the problem of poor contact caused by positional deviations in traditional technologies.

[0050] In some embodiments, the charging bracket 201 includes a push rod 2011, which is telescopically movable relative to the fixed base 1, and the contact surface 2021 is located at the end of the push rod 2011 along the telescopic movement direction.

[0051] In this embodiment, the charging bracket 201 further includes a push rod 2011, a design that provides additional flexibility and adjustability to the charging electrodes. The push rod 2011 is capable of telescopic movement relative to the fixed base 1, meaning that the push rod 2011 can be pushed in or pulled out within the fixed base 1 along its length.

[0052] The contact surface 2021 is located at the end of the push rod 2011 and is arranged along the direction of telescopic movement. This design allows the contact surface 2021 to extend and retract in front of the charging end 5 of the robot or charging station to adapt to different docking distances and positions. The telescopic movement capability of the push rod 2011 allows the contact surface 2021 to move closer to or further away from the fixed base 1 as needed, thereby better accommodating alignment errors between the robot and the charging station.

[0053] This push rod 2011 design not only provides precise control over the position of the charging electrode 202, but also ensures that even if positional deviations occur during docking, the contact surface 2021 maintains a stable connection with the charging end 5 of the robot or charging station. Therefore, this structure significantly improves the reliability of the charging connection and the efficiency of the charging process.

[0054] In some embodiments, the push rod 2011 is provided with a protrusion 20111 and the charging electrode 202 is provided with a groove 2022, and the protrusion 20111 and the groove 2022 cooperate.

[0055] In this embodiment, the design of the first charging electrode 21 and the second charging electrode 22 takes into account the convenience of assembly and positioning, which is achieved by providing protrusions 20111 on the charging electrode 202. These protrusions 20111 cooperate with the grooves 2022 on the charging electrode 202, which plays a role in accurately positioning the charging electrode 202, thereby simplifying the assembly process and improving the stability of the overall structure.

[0056] Optionally, the protrusions 20111 are preferably provided on the upper and lower sides of the charging electrode 202, which not only facilitates the matching with the grooves 2022 of the charging electrode 202, but also maintains the neat appearance of the charging electrode 202.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first charging electrode 21 and the second charging electrode 22 extend and retract along a first direction and are spaced apart along a second direction; in the plane formed by the first and second directions, the cross-sectional shape of the contact surface 2021 is curved, and the curve bends away from the fixed base 1.

[0058] In this embodiment, the design of the charging connection module 100 allows the first charging electrode 21 and the second charging electrode 22 to extend and retract along a first direction, while being spaced apart along a second direction. This layout ensures that the charging electrodes can extend freely in one direction while remaining positioned in the other, thus accommodating charging terminals 5 at different locations. The cross-sectional shape of the contact surface 2021 is designed as a curve, specifically, this curve design causes the contact surface 2021 to protrude outward, resembling an outwardly arched curved surface, with its center or most protruding part being furthest from the fixing seat 1. This protruding curved surface shape provides a larger contact area, enabling the charging terminal 5 to maintain a stable connection with the contact surface 2021 even with positional or angular deviations.

[0059] Furthermore, this curved design increases the flexibility and adaptability of the charging electrodes, allowing them to better fit the surface shape of the charging end 5. The elastic deformation capability of the contact surface 2021 helps absorb the impact and misalignment during docking, thereby improving the reliability of the charging connection. This design not only ensures efficient and stable charging under various docking conditions but also extends the service life of the charging connection module, significantly improving the practicality and efficiency of the robot charging system.

[0060] In some embodiments, the contact surface 2021 is an arc surface, and the arc surface forms an arc in the plane extending along the second direction in the first and second directions.

[0061] In this embodiment, the contact surface 2021 is designed as an arc surface, which is a special form of curved surface in which the arc extends along the second direction. This design allows the contact surface 2021 to provide a continuous and gentle contact area, which helps to achieve a smooth transition and connection when docking with the charging end 5 of the robot or charging pile.

[0062] The curved surface design is particularly helpful in absorbing deviations from straight lines or rotations during the docking process, as the extension of the curved surface along the second direction provides a wider range of contact angles. This means that no matter how slightly the charging end 5 deviates from the expected docking position, the contact surface 2021 of the curved surface can be effectively adjusted to maintain contact with the charging end 5.

[0063] Furthermore, the continuous nature of the curved surface 2021 means that during the telescoping process, the contact surface can uniformly transfer electricity, reducing resistance and overheating issues caused by uneven contact. This design not only improves charging efficiency but also helps enhance charging safety.

[0064] In some embodiments, the charging connection module 100 further includes:

[0065] An elastic element 5 is provided on the fixed base 1. The elastic element 5 is used to drive the first charging electrode 21 and / or the second charging electrode 22 away from the fixed base 1.

[0066] In this embodiment, the main function of the elastic member 5 is to provide power to the charging electrodes 2 (not limited to the first charging electrode 21 or the second charging electrode 22) so that they can extend from the fixed base 1 and move to the appropriate position so as to provide a contact clamping effect during charging.

[0067] The elastic element 5 can be any mechanism capable of providing the required force, ranging from an active drive structure like an electric actuator to a passive drive structure like a spring. An active drive structure allows for more precise control of the movement and position of the charging electrode 2, while a passive drive structure relies on elastic force to extend the charging electrode 2.

[0068] Taking Figure 1 as an example, two elastic elements 5 can be provided, each corresponding to the first charging electrode 21 and the second charging electrode 22 respectively. This configuration can ensure that both charging electrodes 2 can be stably extended and held in the appropriate position, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of charging.

[0069] By using the elastic element 5, the charging connection module 100 can adapt to various positional deviations that may occur during robot charging, ensuring that the charging electrode 2 can maintain stable contact with the robot's charging interface, thereby achieving an efficient and safe charging process.

[0070] Taking Figure 3 as an example, considering the scenario where the charging connection module 100 is installed on the robot charging station, the robot is equipped with a robot charging module 200. The robot charging module 200 has two charging terminals 5, which are in contact with the first charging electrode 21 and the second charging electrode 22 respectively. When the robot charging module 200 is tilted relative to the charging connection module 100, the charging terminals 5 are in an inclined state, resulting in inconsistent extension and retraction of the first charging electrode 21 and the second charging electrode 22. However, both the first charging electrode 21 and the second charging electrode 22 can maintain good contact with the charging terminals 5. In particular, the elastic element 5 drives the first charging electrode 21 and the second charging electrode 22 to press against the charging terminals 5. At the same time, by utilizing the curved surface characteristics of the contact surface 2021, stable contact can be provided at different angles, and the contact area is kept constant, and the resistance in the charging circuit remains consistent, thereby ensuring the continuity and reliability of charging.

[0071] In some embodiments, the elastic element 5 is a spring, with the first end of the spring fixed to the fixing base 1 and the second end of the spring fixed to the second end of the first charging electrode 21 and / or the second charging electrode 22.

[0072] In this embodiment, the elastic element 5 uses a spring as the power source. This design utilizes the elasticity of the spring to achieve the extension and retraction of the charging electrode 2. The first end of the spring is fixed to the fixing base 1, while the second end is connected and fixed to the second end of the first charging electrode 21 and / or the second charging electrode 22. This arrangement allows the spring to provide a pushing force when the charging electrode 2 needs to extend, and a pulling force when the charging electrode 2 needs to retract.

[0073] As shown in Figure 1, the first end of the spring, i.e. the rear end, is fixed to the fixed base 1, and the second end of the spring, i.e. the front end, is connected to the corresponding charging electrode 2.

[0074] In some cases, two springs can be provided, with the first ends of both springs fixed on the mounting base 1. The second end of the first spring is connected and fixed to the first charging electrode 21, and the second end of the second spring is connected and fixed to the second charging electrode 22. The two springs respectively drive the first charging electrode 21 and the second charging electrode 22.

[0075] When the robot needs charging, the spring force causes the first charging electrode 21 and the second charging electrode 22 to extend outward until they contact the robot's charging position, i.e., the charging end 5. Once contact occurs, the spring force helps the charging electrode 2 maintain stable contact with the robot's charging interface, ensuring the continuity and reliability of the charging process.

[0076] Furthermore, due to the elastic properties of the spring, the charging electrode 2 can maintain contact even when the robot deviates from its position, as the spring can provide a certain range of extension and contraction to accommodate the robot's alignment errors. This design improves the fault tolerance of the charging system, enabling effective charging even if the robot's positioning is not very precise.

[0077] Please continue to refer to Figure 1. In some embodiments, the fixing base 1 includes:

[0078] The housing 101 is provided with a sliding cavity 1011 and an outlet 1012. A first charging electrode 21 and a second charging electrode 22 are disposed in the sliding cavity 1011. The outlet 1012 communicates with the first end of the sliding cavity 1011 and the first charging electrode 21 and the second charging electrode 22 pass through the outlet 1012.

[0079] The cover plate 102 is connected to the housing 101 and blocks the second end of the sliding cavity 1011.

[0080] In this embodiment, the housing 101 has two sliding cavities 1011, which are spaced apart along the second direction and respectively accommodate the first charging electrode 21 and the second charging electrode 22. The charging brackets 201 of the first charging electrode 21 and the second charging electrode 22 are provided with a connected push rod 2011 and a motion seat 2012. The push rod 2011 extends out of the outlet 1012, and the motion seat 2012 slides along the sliding cavity 1011. This design allows the charging electrode 2 to slide freely within the sliding cavity 1011 to accommodate the displacement caused by contact pushing during robot charging.

[0081] The outlet 1012 is a structure facing the robot charging station and the robot charging position. The outlet 1012 is directly connected to the sliding cavity 1011, allowing the first charging electrode 21 and the second charging electrode 22 to extend. The position and design of the outlet 1012 ensure that the charging electrode 2 can smoothly contact the robot's charging position, achieving an effective charging connection.

[0082] To protect the charging electrode 2 within the sliding cavity 1011, provide maximum rearward movement limit for the charging electrode 2, and prevent dust or other impurities from entering, the other end of the sliding cavity 1011 is sealed by a cover plate 102. The cover plate 102 is connected to the housing 101, forming a closed protective space, ensuring the cleanliness of the charging electrode 2 and the stability of the charging process.

[0083] Additionally, the protrusion 20111 is located on the side of the housing 101 facing the cover plate 102. The position of the protrusion 20111 is restricted to the side of the housing 101 facing the cover plate 102, ensuring that the protrusion 20111 does not extend beyond the sliding cavity 1011, thereby providing maximum forward movement limit for the charging electrode 2.

[0084] In some cases, the cover plate 102 is provided with a positioning post on the side facing the housing 101. Taking the elastic element 5 as a spring as an example, the first end of the spring, i.e. the rear end, is fixed on the positioning post, and the second end of the spring, i.e. the front end, is connected to the corresponding charging electrode 2.

[0085] Please continue to refer to Figure 2. In some embodiments, both the first charging electrode 21 and the second charging electrode 22 are provided with charging electrode plates 202. The end of the charging electrode plate 202 extending out of the outlet 1012 is provided with a contact surface 2021, and the end of the charging electrode plate 202 located inside the housing 101 is provided with a conductive connector 2023.

[0086] In some cases, to improve manufacturing efficiency and ensure the reliability of electrical connections, the charging electrode 202 can be designed as a single piece. The single-piece molding process reduces connection points between components, lowers contact resistance, and improves the overall structural stability and durability.

[0087] In some embodiments, the charging connection module 100 further includes:

[0088] The sensor assembly, located on the fixed base 1, is used to receive signals between the robot charging station and the robot to obtain the charging positions of the robot charging station and the robot.

[0089] In this embodiment, the charging connection module 100 further integrates a sensor assembly, which is mounted on the mounting base 1. The core function of the sensor assembly is to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the charging process between the robot and the robot charging station. By realizing signal reception between the robot charging station and the robot, it ensures that the first charging electrode 21 and the second charging electrode 22 can be correctly aligned with the charging end 5.

[0090] Sensor components can employ various technologies to achieve this functionality, including but not limited to vision sensors and infrared sensors. Taking an infrared sensor as an example, the component can be designed as either a transmitter or a receiver, depending on the system design requirements. If designed as a transmitter, the sensor component sends infrared signals to the robot, which receives these signals via an onboard infrared receiver and adjusts its position accordingly to align with the charging electrodes.

[0091] In some embodiments, the sensor assembly includes an infrared transmitter 4 and / or an infrared receiver 6.

[0092] In this embodiment, the sensor assembly can be configured as one or both of an infrared transmitter 4 and an infrared receiver 6 to achieve precise alignment between the robot charging station and the robot. This configuration allows the charging connection module 100 to effectively communicate with the robot charging module 200 on the robot charging station.

[0093] Taking the sensor component as an infrared transmitter 4 as an example, the charging connection module 100 is set on the robot charging pile, so the infrared transmitter 4 is located on the robot charging pile. Correspondingly, the infrared receiver 6 is set on the robot charging module 200 of the robot.

[0094] When the robot approaches the robot charging station to charge, the infrared receiver 6 captures the signal emitted by the infrared transmitter 4. The robot's control system analyzes the current position and alignment status based on the received signal. If a positional deviation is detected, the system will automatically adjust the robot's position until the charging electrode 13 on the robot charging module 200 is precisely aligned with the charging electrodes 2 and 3 in the charging connection module 100 on the robot charging station.

[0095] Please continue to refer to Figure 4. This application also provides a robot charging station, including the above-mentioned charging connection module 100.

[0096] The robot charging station should have all the beneficial technical effects of the aforementioned charging connection module 100, which will not be elaborated here.

[0097] When the robot needs charging, it will move to the charging dock. The robot charging module 200 will then dock with the charging connection module 100. During this process, the infrared transmitter 4, located in the charging connection module 100, sends signals to the robot, which are received by the infrared receiver 6 on the robot. Based on these signals, the robot can accurately determine its position relative to the charging dock and make necessary adjustments to ensure that the charging plates 13 on the robot charging module 200 are aligned with the first charging electrode 21 and the second charging electrode 22 in the charging connection module 100.

[0098] Once the robot is accurately positioned, the first charging electrode 21 and the second charging electrode 22 are pushed towards the charging end 5 via the elastic element 5, typically a spring, ensuring the transmission of electrical energy. Through the charging electrode 202, an electrical energy transmission path is formed between the contact surface 2021 and the conductive connector 2023, allowing current to flow from the charging pile through the charging electrode 202 and ultimately to the robot.

[0099] During the contact process, the protrusions 20111 on the first charging electrode 21 and the second charging electrode 22 cooperate with the grooves 2022 on the charging electrode 202, ensuring the stable positioning of the charging electrode 202. The arc-shaped contact surface 2021 design allows for stable electrical contact even with a certain positional deviation, ensuring the continuity and reliability of charging.

[0100] In addition, the mounting base 1 of the charging connection module 100 provides protection for the charging electrode, preventing dust and other impurities from entering, while also restricting the movement of the charging electrode and ensuring the stability of the charging electrode when it extends and retracts.

[0101] The entire charging process is automated. After the robot is positioned, the charging connection module 100 automatically aligns the charging electrodes and transfers power, requiring no manual intervention and greatly improving charging efficiency and convenience. In this way, the robotic charging station not only provides a reliable charging method but also ensures the safety and efficiency of the charging process.

[0102] This application also provides a robot, including the above-described charging connection module 100.

[0103] In addition to embodiments that apply the charging connection module 100 to robot charging stations, this application also covers schemes that integrate the charging connection module 100 into the robot itself. In this case, the robot directly carries the charging connection module 100, enabling the robot to charge at different charging stations or charging piles.

[0104] When the robot needs charging, it will move to any compatible charging station or charging pile. At this time, the charging connection module 100 inside the robot will extend the first charging electrode 21 and the second charging electrode 22 to mate with the charging position on the charging station or charging pile. During the mate-mate process, the sensor components on the charging connection module 100 will function to ensure that the charging electrodes are accurately aligned with the charging interface of the charging station.

[0105] Once aligned, the elastic element 5 (e.g., a spring) inside the robot will push the first charging electrode 21 and the second charging electrode 22 into close contact with the charging interface of the charging station, establishing a stable power transmission path. The arc-shaped contact surface 2021 ensures that the charging connection can still be stable even if there is a slight positional deviation during the docking process.

[0106] During charging, the charging terminals 202 on the charging connection module 100 mounted on the robot are responsible for transmitting electrical energy from the charging station to the robot's interior. The entire charging process is also automated, requiring no manual intervention, ensuring convenience and efficiency.

[0107] This design allows the robot to charge flexibly in a variety of different charging environments, increasing its range of applications and flexibility. At the same time, the charging connection module 100 integrated inside the robot also helps simplify the design of charging stations, as the complex charging docking mechanism is already integrated within the robot.

[0108] It should be noted that many of the components mentioned in this application are general standard parts or components known to those skilled in the art, and their structure and principle can be learned by those skilled in the art through technical manuals or through conventional experimental methods.

[0109] It should be noted that in this specification, relational terms such as first and second are used only to distinguish one entity from several other entities, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities.

[0110] The charging connection module, robot charging station, and robot provided in this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to this application without departing from the principles of this application, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A charging connection module, characterized by include: A fixed base, located on either the charging station or the robot; The first charging electrode and the second charging electrode are both movably disposed on the fixed base. The first charging electrode and the second charging electrode each have a contact surface for electrical connection with the charging end of the charging pile and the robot, and the contact surface is curved.

2. The charging connection module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first charging electrode and / or the second charging electrode include a charging bracket and a charging electrode plate mounted on the charging bracket. The charging bracket is movably disposed on the fixed base, and the charging electrode plate has the contact surface.

3. The charging connection module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The charging bracket includes a push rod that is retractable relative to the fixed base, and the contact surface is located at the end of the push rod along the direction of retraction.

4. The charging connection module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The push rod has a protrusion, and the charging electrode has a groove, with the protrusion engaging with the groove.

5. The charging connection module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first charging electrode and the second charging electrode extend and retract along a first direction and are spaced apart along a second direction; in the plane formed by the first direction and the second direction, the cross-sectional shape of the contact surface is curved, and the curve bends away from the fixing seat.

6. The charging connection module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The contact surface is an arc surface, and the arc surface forms an arc in the plane in the first direction and the second direction, extending along the second direction.

7. The charging connection module according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: An elastic element is provided on the fixed base, and the elastic element is used to drive the first charging electrode and / or the second charging electrode away from the fixed base.

8. The charging connection module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The elastic element is a spring, with the first end of the spring fixed to the fixing base and the second end of the spring fixed to the second end of the first charging electrode and / or the second charging electrode.

9. A robot charging station, characterized in that, Includes the charging connection module as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A robot, characterized in that Includes the charging connection module as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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