Robot docking station and robot for use therewith

摘要

A docking station (20) and a robot (22) for docking therein, include corresponding transmission parts. These transmission parts are for the transmission of energy, such as electricity, for recharging the robot (22), and/or signals, for operating the robot (22), the energy and/or signals passing between the docking station and the robot (22). The docking station (20) and robot (22) are such that the docking of the robot (22) in the docking station (20) is at a horizontal orientation, as the transmission part on the robot (22) includes laterally protruding docking contacts that contact corresponding laterally oriented contact arms of the docking station (20).

主权项

1. A robot comprising:
a movement system for moving the robot over a surface; a power supply for the robot, adapted to be electrically charged and for supplying electrical power to the movement system; at least one magnetic contact extending from the robot, the at least one magnetic contact being electrically conductive for receiving and conducting electricity through the at least one magnetic contact for the power supply; a control system in communication with the at least one magnetic contact; the power supply in communication with the control system and in electrical communication with the at least one magnetic contact, and, the control system is configured for permitting charging of the power supply through the at least one magnetic contact; and, the at least one magnetic contact of a magnetic strength for: 1) bringing the robot into a magnetic engagement including both a physical contact and an electrical contact with an electrically conductive portion of a charger for charging the power supply, the magnetic engagement through which the power supply of the robot is charged, and, 2) maintaining the magnetic engagement at least during the charging of the power supply.