Patent ID: 7430462
Filing Date: 2008-09-30
Classification: H02J

Abstract:
1. An automatic charging station for an autonomous mobile machine, said autonomous mobile machine having a plurality of electrodes, said automatic charging station comprising: a base; a housing rotatably mounted on said base for rotation within a predetermined angle when an external force is applied to the housing, said housing having a guide member and a plurality of electrically conductive members on its surface for connecting a power source, said electrically conductive members being exposed outside said surface of said housing to be located on said housing; and a signal transmitter mounted on said housing for transmitting a signal; whereby said guide member is arranged such that, when said autonomous mobile machine has approached said housing along a route determined while moving and sensing the signal transmitted from said signal transmitter, said machine engages said guide member and causes said housing to turn and face said autonomous mobile machine enabling said autonomous mobile machine to further contact said housing and said electrodes to contact said electrically conductive members for carrying out a charging operation.