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Mobile robotic system and battery charging method therefor

  • US 20050231156A1
  • Filed: 06/25/2004
  • Published: 10/20/2005
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/20/2004
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A battery charging method for a mobile robotic system that includes a mobile robot and a charging device, the charging device having one side provided with a light emitter and a set of first charging contacts for supplying a charging signal, the mobile robot having a first side provided with a first light sensor, a second side provided with a second light sensor and a set of second charging contacts corresponding to the first charging contacts, and a rechargeable battery unit, said battery charging method comprising:

  • a) when charging of the rechargeable battery unit is intended, moving the mobile robot until the first light sensor detects light emitted by the light emitter, and subsequently driving the mobile robot to rotate until the second light sensor detects the light emitted by the light emitter; and

    b) while the second light sensor detects the light emitted by the light emitter, driving the mobile robot to move toward the charging device until the second charging contacts come into contact with the first charging contacts, thereby permitting charging of the rechargeable battery unit via the charging signal.

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