Robot cleaner system having external recharging apparatus and method for docking robot cleaner with external recharging apparatus
US7031805B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 10, 2003 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 22, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY04S30/14
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A robot cleaner system for detecting an external recharging apparatus which is positioned in a non-detectable area by an upper camera thereof, and a docking method for docking the robot cleaner system with the external recharging apparatus. The robot cleaner system includes an external recharging apparatus with a power terminal connected to a utility power supply, a recharging apparatus recognition mark formed on the external recharging apparatus, and a robot cleaner, having a recognition mark sensor that detects the recharging apparatus recognition mark, and a rechargeable battery. The robot cleaner automatically docks to the power terminal to recharge the rechargeable battery. The recharging apparatus recognition mark is made of retroreflective material or a metal tape, and the recognition mark sensor may be a photosensor or a proximity sensor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.