PIVOTING CHARGING MECHANISM FOR MOBILE ROBOTS
Embodiments relate to a charging dock which allows a mobile robot to self-dock for charging more efficiently and reliably. The charging dock has a pivoting face including a disk fashioned with charging connection points. When a robot encounters the dock, the pivoting face is able to pivot to ensure the charging disk can align with corresponding charging pickup points within the robot's charging receptor. The pivoting face improves efficiency and reliability of the robot's docking procedures.
1 . A charging dock, comprising:
a charging connector configured to be in electrical connection with an electrical power source, the charging connector comprising electric conductive material; and
a pivot mechanism;
wherein the charging connector is attached to the pivot mechanism.
2 . The charging dock of claim 1 , further comprising:
a casing configured to house the charging connector and the pivot mechanism; and
wherein the casing is configured to attach to a wall or be part of a stand.
3 . The charging dock of claim 2 , wherein:
the casing has a top, a bottom, a front face, a rear face, a first side, and a second side, the rear face configured to attach to a structure;
the charging connector has a first end and a second end that extends in a direction from the first side to the second side, the charging connector further extending from the front face;
the pivot mechanism is configured to facilitate pivotal motion of the charging connector such that the first and second ends move towards and away from the front face.
4 . The charging dock of claim 1 , wherein:
the pivot mechanism includes a member attached to a pivot device; and
the charging connector is attached to the member.
5 . The charging dock of claim 4 , wherein:
the member is an elongate member having a first end, a second end, and an intermediary point; and
the member is attached to the pivot device at the intermediary point.
6 . The charging dock of claim 5 , wherein:
the charging connector is attached to the member at the intermediary point.
7 . The charging dock of claim 1 , wherein:
the charging connector includes a charging contact formed in or on the charging connector.
8 . The charging dock of claim 1 , wherein:
the charging connector has a semi-circular disc shape.
9 . The charging dock of claim 1 , wherein:
the charging connector has a semi-circular disc shape defined by a straight edge and an arcuate edge; and
the charging connector straight edge is attached to the pivot mechanism.
10 . The charging dock of claim 1 , wherein:
the pivot mechanism is a passive device or an actuated device.
11 . The charging dock of claim 1 , wherein:
the pivot mechanism including a biasing mechanism.
12 . The charging dock of claim 2 , wherein:
the casing includes a flexible shroud for the pivot mechanism.
13 . The charging dock of claim 2 , wherein:
the casing includes a bumper.
14 . A robot charging system, comprising:
a robot having a battery in electrical connection with a charging receptor;
a charging dock, comprising:
a charging connector configured to be in electrical connection with an electrical power source, the charging connector comprising electric conductive material; and
a pivot mechanism;
wherein the charging connector is attached to the pivot mechanism;
wherein the charging connector is configured to insert into the charging receptor and facilitate transfer of electrical power from the electrical power source to the battery.
15 . The robot charging system of claim 14 , wherein:
the charging receptor includes a guide arm configured to urge the charging connector into a slot formation within the charging receptor.
16 . The robot charging system of claim 15 , wherein:
the guide arm is beveled.
17 . The robot charging system of claim 15 , wherein:
the guide arm is attached to a biased pivot mechanism.
18 . A method of operating a robot, the method comprising:
causing a robot to advance towards a charging dock such that a charging connector of the charging dock inserts into a charging receptor of the robot;
further advancing the robot to the charging dock to make physical contact with a pivot mechanism of the charging dock; and
causing the pivot mechanism to pivot the charging connector due to the physical contact between the robot and the pivot mechanism.
19 . The method of claim 18 , further comprising:
allowing electrical power transfer from the charging connector to the charging receptor.
20 . The method of claim 18 , further comprising:
allowing electrical power transfer from the charging receptor to a battery of the robot.