Docking station for autonomous floor cleaner
US11925306B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 26, 2021 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 3, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY04S20/242
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A docking station for charging an autonomous floor cleaner includes a transmitter that can transmit a signal for detection by the robot. The docking station can include an opaque shroud for the transmitter and/or spring-loaded charging contacts. The autonomous floor cleaner can comprise a passive receiver that detects signals emitted from the docking station and a time-of-flight sensor for position/proximity sensing. The robot can selectively turn off the time-of-flight sensor when docking with or avoiding the docking station. Methods for docking, re-docking, low power charging, docking station avoidance, obstacle response during docking, and close-proximity docking are disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.