Robot battery charging apparatuses and methods
US8212533B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jul 3, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 28, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02J7/0042
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods for charging a battery of a robot are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a robot battery charging apparatus having a plurality of charging terminals, providing a robot having a plurality of battery terminals, and moving the robot into an engagement position with the robot battery charging apparatus such that the plurality of battery charging terminals contact the plurality of charging terminals. The method further includes detecting whether each battery terminal contacts the corresponding charging terminal in accordance with a first, second and third terminal contact condition. The method further includes providing power to the battery from the robot battery charging apparatus through one or more of the battery and charging terminals upon a verification that all of the battery terminals contacted the corresponding charging terminals in accordance with at least two of the first, second and third terminal contact conditions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.