Autonomous Robot Charging Stations and Methods
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of charging a robotic device using a charging station, the method comprising:
- signaling a controller of the charging station to actuate a moveable barrier of the charging station from a closed configuration to an open configuration, the charging station being recessed into a wall, ceiling and/or floor; and
actuating the moveable barrier from the closed configuration to the open configuration thereby exposing an electrical contact of the charging station configured to engage a charging contact of the robotic device for a charging operation.
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Abstract
A method of charging a robotic device using a charging station is provided. The method includes signaling a controller of the charging station to actuate a moveable barrier of the charging station from a closed configuration to an open configuration. The charging station is recessed into a wall, ceiling and/or floor. The moveable barrier is actuated from the closed configuration to the open configuration thereby exposing an electrical contact of the charging station configured to engage a charging contact of the robotic device for a charging operation.
36 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of charging a robotic device using a charging station, the method comprising:
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signaling a controller of the charging station to actuate a moveable barrier of the charging station from a closed configuration to an open configuration, the charging station being recessed into a wall, ceiling and/or floor; and actuating the moveable barrier from the closed configuration to the open configuration thereby exposing an electrical contact of the charging station configured to engage a charging contact of the robotic device for a charging operation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A robotic system, comprising:
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a robotic device including a controller and a charging contact; and a charging station comprising; a housing configured to be recessed into a wall, floor and/or ceiling; mounting structure for mounting the housing to the wall, floor and/or ceiling; and a moveable barrier having a closed configuration where an electrical contact of the charging station is at least partially enclosed within the housing for preventing access to the electrical contact by the robotic device and an open configuration for allowing access to the electrical contact by the robotic device. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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14. A method of assembling a charging station for a robotic device, the method comprising:
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mounting a moveable barrier to a housing of the charging station; and operatively connecting an actuator to the moveable barrier to move the moveable barrier from a closed configuration where an electrical contact for a robotic device charging operation is at least partially enclosed within the housing and an open configuration where the electrical contact is exposed for engaging a charging contact of the robotic device. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification