An autonomous robot moves materials in a warehouse or other industrial environment. It runs on an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery. When its battery becomes depleted, it maneuvers to a nearby charger. It guides itself to the charger using visual cues, such as a target on or near the charger, until it establishes a good electrical connection with the charger. Proximity sensors on the charger and/or the autonomous robot determine if the autonomous robot is positioned properly; if so, the charger begins charging the autonomous robot's battery. While charging, the charger monitors the resistance of the electrical connection for open- or short-circuit conditions. It also monitors the status of the proximity sensors. If the charger detects an open-circuit or a short-circuit or that the autonomous robot has moved away from the charger, the charger stops charging.
Charging systems and methods for autonomous carts
2023-09-19
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
IPC: | B60L PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES , Antrieb von elektrisch angetriebenen Fahrzeugen / G01V Geophysik , GEOPHYSICS / G05B Steuer- oder Regelsysteme allgemein , CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL / G05D SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES , Systeme zum Steuern oder Regeln nichtelektrischer veränderlicher Größen / H02J CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER , Schaltungsanordnungen oder Systeme für die Abgabe oder Verteilung elektrischer Leistung |
Autonomous Vehicle with Interchangeable, Multipurpose Carts and Related Systems and Methods
Europäisches Patentamt | 2022
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