MOBILE POWER FOR OUTDOOR POWER SUPPLY

A mobile power for outdoor power supply includes a power housing, a battery pack, a driving device, a controller and a tracking device. The battery pack is disposed inside the power housing. The power housing is provided with at least one socket electrically connected with the battery pack. The battery pack is used to supply electric power to an electric tool during outdoor work through the socket. The driving device includes wheels and driving motors for driving the wheels. The controller is connected with the driving motors. The tracking device is connected with the controller. The tracking device is used to track the user of the mobile power. The controller controls the driving device to drive the power housing to automatically follow the user according to the tracking result of the tracking device. The mobile power is suitable for power supply for high-power electric tools during outdoor work.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is based on and claims the priority of Chinese patent application No. 201710453148.4, filed on Jun. 15, 2017. The entire disclosure of the above-identified application is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to mobile power, and particularly to a mobile power for outdoor power supply.

BACKGROUND ART

In outdoor agriculture and forestry work, various tools are often used, such as saws, blowers, pumps, lawn mowers, etc. These tools usually are divided into two types, one type using internal combustion engines and the other type using electricity. In recent years, considerable progress has been made in battery technology, and a variety of rechargeable electric tools have appeared, for example, electric saws, electric lawn mowers, etc. Rechargeable electric tools are popular because of the advantages of lightness, energy saving and environmental protection, low noise, and easy maintenance.

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

However, the power of rechargeable electric tools is relatively small. In some working environments, the rechargeable electric tools with small power may not be used. If a high-power electric tool is used, the battery of such an electric tool will be heavy, and the electric tool with the heavy battery will be difficult to be carried. Although plug-in electric tools are of high power, they are limited to power supply and cannot be used outdoors.

With the development of battery technology, motor technology and electronic control technology, not only the technology of lithium battery is mature, but also the price is getting lower and lower. If there is a kind of mobile power which can work outdoors and is easy to carry and transport, it not only can satisfy the need of high-power electric tools during outdoor work, but also help to improve the quality of working environment for the s, to reduce labor intensity and reduce environmental pollution.

TECHNICAL SOLUTION

In view of the above, the present application provides a mobile power for outdoor power supply. The mobile power can move on its own, easy to transport, and is provided with a large capacity battery. Therefore, the mobile power is suitable for power supply for high-power electric tools during outdoor work.

In an embodiment, the present application provides a mobile power for outdoor power supply, which includes a power housing, a battery pack, a driving device, a controller and a tracking device. The battery pack is disposed inside the power housing. The power housing is provided with at least one socket electrically connected with the battery pack. The battery pack is used to supply electric power to an electric tool during outdoor work through the socket. The driving device includes wheels and driving motors for driving the wheels. The controller is connected with the driving motors. The tracking device is connected with the controller. The tracking device is used to track the user of the mobile power. The controller controls the driving device to drive the power housing to automatically follow the user according to the tracking result of the tracking device.

In an embodiment, the present application further provides a mobile power for outdoor power supply, which includes a power housing, a battery pack, a driving device, a controller and an instruction receiving module. The battery pack is disposed inside the power housing. The power housing is provided with at least one socket electrically connected with the battery pack. The battery pack is used to supply electric power to an electric tool during outdoor work through the socket. The driving device includes wheels and driving motors for driving the wheels. The controller is connected with the driving motors. The instruction receiving module is connected with the controller. The instruction receiving module is used to receive instructions of the user. The controller controls the driving device to drive the power housing to move according to the instructions received by the instruction receiving module.

Advantageous Effects

The mobile power provided by the embodiments of the present application can automatically follow the user or can move under the manipulations of the user. Therefore, plug-in type high power electric tool can be used, and no battery is required to install in the electric tool, so that the weight of the electric tool is greatly reduced. The quantity of the battery pack in the power housing can be selected according to the need of power and consumption of electricity. Since the battery pack does not need manual movement, the labor intensity of the worker is greatly reduced, to thereby solve the problem that the battery pack is too heavy and inconvenient to carry. Since the mobile power can move on its own, it can be used conveniently for power supply to various electric tools during outdoor work.

MODE FOR INVENTION

In order to make the purposes, characteristics, and advantages of the present application more apparently, embodiments of the present application will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawing figures.

Referring fromFIG. 1toFIG. 5, a mobile power100for outdoor power supply is provided in an embodiment of the present application. The mobile power100includes a power housing101, a battery pack102, a driving device110, a controller103, and a tracking device120. The battery pack102is disposed inside the power housing101. The power housing101is provided with at least one socket104electrically connected with the battery pack102. The battery pack102can supply electric power to an electric tool200during outdoor work through the socket104. The driving device110includes wheels111and driving motors112for driving the wheels111. The controller103is connected with the driving motors112. The tracking device120is connected with the controller103. The tracking device120is used to track the user of the mobile power100(i.e., the worker), the controller103controls the driving motors112to operate according to the tracking result of the tracking device120, and accordingly the driving motors112drive the wheels111to rotate, so that the power housing101is driven to automatically follow the user to keep the distance between the power housing101and the user in a preset range. The preset range is, for example, 2-6 meters. By keeping the power housing101at a certain distance from the user, the working space is not occupied by the power housing101, which is conducive to improving the convenience during outdoor work.

In the embodiment, the tracking device120can detect the distance between the power housing101and the user. When the tracking device120detects that the distance between the power housing101and the user is within the range of 2-6 meters, the controller103controls the driving device110to stop, and accordingly the power housing101stands still. Hence, even if the user moves in a small range, as long as the distance between the power housing101and the user is still within the range of 2-6 meters, the power housing101may stand still without following the movement of the user, in order to minimize the movement of the power housing101and reduce the power consumption of the mobile power100. When the tracking device120detects that the distance between the power housing101and the user is beyond the range of 2-6 meters, the controller103immediately controls the driving device110to operate in order to drive the power housing101to follow the user, until the distance between the power housing101and the user reaches the range of 2-6 meters. Thus, by automatically tracking the user, the distance between the power housing101and the user is always within the preset range of 2-6 meters.

In the embodiment, under the control of the tracking device120and the controller103, the power housing101which carries the battery pack102can follow the user automatically. That is, where the user goes, where the power housing101follows. Therefore, plug-in type high power electric tool200can be used, and no battery is required to install in the electric tool200, so that the weight of the electric tool200is greatly reduced. The quantity of the battery pack102in the power housing101can be selected according to the need of power and consumption of electricity. Since the battery pack102does not need manual movement, the labor intensity of the worker is greatly reduced, to thereby solve the problem that the battery pack102is too heavy and inconvenient to carry. Since the mobile power100can move on its own, it can be used conveniently for power supply to various electric tools200during outdoor work.

Specifically, the driving device110is provided at the bottom of the power housing101. The driving device110may include four wheels111, and the four wheels111may include driving wheels and driven wheels, wherein two wheels111may be driving wheels and the other two wheels111may be driven wheels. Each driving wheel is driven correspondingly by a driving motor112. Each driving motor112is powered by the battery pack102in the power housing101. Furthermore, the wheels111are detachably mounted to the power housing101, which is conducive to changing the type of the wheels111, so that the mobile power100can adapt to different roads, to improve the adaptability to working environments. In one embodiment, as shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, the wheels111may be inflatable wheels or solid wheels, to adapt for relatively flat roads. In another embodiment, as shown inFIG. 6, the wheels111may be crawler wheels, to adapt for roads having potholes or slopes.

In the embodiment, as shown inFIG. 7, the tracking device120includes a wireless transmitter121and a wireless receiver122, one of the wireless transmitter121and the wireless receiver122is carried by the user, and the other one of the wireless transmitter121and the wireless receiver122is carried by the power housing101. For example, the wireless transmitter121is carried by the user, and the wireless receiver122is carried by the power housing101, but it is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the wireless transmitter121may be integrated in a smart phone or a smart wearable device of the user, wherein the smart wearable device may be a smart watch, a smart hand ring, etc. Of course, the wireless transmitter121may also be provided independently.

The wireless receiver122receives signals sent from the wireless transmitter121, and the tracking device120detects a distance between the power housing101and the user based on the signal intensity received by the wireless receiver122, to realize tracking the user automatically. In order to track the user, the tracking device120may use the theory of locating based on received signal strength indicator (RSSI). In the theory of RSSI locating, the intensity of signals emitted by the emitting node (i.e., the wireless transmitter121) is known, the receiving node (i.e., the wireless receiver122) calculates the attenuation of the signals in the process of transmission based on the intensity of the received signals, and the distance between the two nodes is calculated out according to the relationship between the signal attenuation and the transmission distance.

Specifically, the tracking device120may use at least one of the following tracking and locating technologies, including WiFi, bluetooth, ultrared, ultrasonic, GPS, RFID, and ZigBee. Thus, the wireless transmitter121and the wireless receiver122may be WiFi module, bluetooth module, infrared module, ultrasonic module, GPS module, RFID module, or ZigBee module.

In a specific example, as shown inFIG. 8, the wireless transmitter121is an infrared wireless transmitter, and the wireless receiver122is an infrared wireless receiver. In use, the infrared wireless transmitter121is carried by the user, and the infrared wireless receiver122is carried by the power housing101. The infrared wireless transmitter121sends infrared signals automatically to the power housing101for locating. The infrared wireless receiver122in the power housing101receives the infrared signals sent by the infrared wireless transmitter121from the user, and the location of the user is obtained in real time based on RSSI. Thereafter, the controller103regulates the moving speed and direction of the power housing101and controls the power housing101to automatically follow the user.

In another specific example, as shown inFIG. 9, the wireless transmitter121is an ultrasonic wireless transmitter, and the wireless receiver122is an ultrasonic wireless receiver. In use, the ultrasonic wireless transmitter121is carried by the user, and the ultrasonic wireless receiver122is carried by the power housing101. The ultrasonic wireless transmitter121sends ultrasonic signals automatically to the power housing101for locating. The ultrasonic wireless receiver122in the power housing101receives the ultrasonic signals sent by the ultrasonic wireless transmitter121from the user, and the location of the user is obtained in real time based on RSSI. Thereafter, the controller103regulates the moving speed and direction of the power housing101and controls the power housing101to automatically follow the user.

In another specific example, as shown inFIG. 10, the wireless transmitter121is a RFID (radio frequency identification) tag, and the wireless receiver122is a RFID antenna. In use, the RFID tag121is carried by the user, and the RFID antenna122is carried by the power housing101. The RFID tag121sends signals automatically to the power housing101for locating. The RFID antenna122in the power housing101receives the signals sent by the RFID tag121from the user, and the location of the user is obtained in real time based on RSSI. Thereafter, the controller103regulates the moving speed and direction of the power housing101and controls the power housing101to automatically follow the user.

In a further specific example, as shown inFIG. 11, the wireless transmitter121is a ZigBee tag, and the wireless receiver122is a ZigBee antenna. In use, the ZigBee tag121is carried by the user, and the ZigBee antenna122is carried by the power housing101. The ZigBee tag121sends signals automatically to the power housing101for locating. The ZigBee antenna122in the power housing101receives the signals sent by the ZigBee tag121from the user, and the location of the user is obtained in real time based on RSSI. Thereafter, the controller103regulates the moving speed and direction of the power housing101and controls the power housing101to automatically follow the user.

As shown inFIG. 7, the mobile power100further includes an obstacle avoidance device130, and the obstacle avoidance device130is connected with the controller103. The obstacle avoidance device130can detect the obstacles existed in a surrounding environment of the power housing101. In the course of tracking the user, the controller103controls the power housing101to keep away from the obstacles according to the detected obstacle information. By using the obstacle avoidance device130to detect the obstacle information in the surrounding environment of the power housing101, the power housing101can realize the function of active collision prevention, which greatly improves the safety in the course of automatically tracking the user.

The obstacle avoidance device130includes a plurality of ranging sensors131, and the ranging sensors131are distributed over the outer surfaces of the power housing101, as shown inFIGS. 1-2. Specifically, the ranging sensor112may be selected from infrared ranging sensor, ultrasonic ranging sensor, laser ranging sensor, and microwave radar ranging sensor. Since the ranging sensors131are distributed on the outer surfaces of the power housing101, the ranging sensors131can sense the obstacles around the power housing101. The distance measurement theory of the ranging sensor131is as follows. A propagation speed of a wireless signal (e.g., infrared, ultrasonic, laser, microwave) emitted by the ranging sensor131is known in the air, the time is measured when the wireless signal is reflected back after emission, and the actual distance between the emitting point and the obstacle is calculated based on the time difference between the emission and the reception of the signal.

As shown inFIG. 7, the mobile power100further includes a positioning device105and a wireless communication module106. The positioning device105is used to obtain the current position of the mobile power100, and the wireless communication module106sends the current position information of the mobile power100to an electronic device300of a third party (e.g., the manager responsible for the outdoor work). The positioning device105can be global positioning system (GPS) or Beidou positioning system. The power housing101can be positioned in real time through the positioning device105, and the current position information of the mobile power100can be sent to the electronic device300wirelessly. It is understood that, there is also a wireless communication module (not shown) on the electronic device300to receive the positioning data sent by the wireless communication module106of the mobile power100, such that the manager can understand the current position and the working progress of the mobile power100whenever necessary.

As shown inFIG. 7, the mobile power100further includes a camera107. The camera107is used to capture the images surrounding the power housing101. The wireless communication module106sends the images captured by the camera107to an electronic device300of a third party (e.g., the manager responsible for the outdoor work). The onsite working progress of the worker can be captured by the camera107, and the captured images can be sent to the electronic device300wirelessly, such that the manager can understand the onsite working progress conveniently, which is conducive to realizing work scheduling and statistical management among different workers.

Referring toFIGS. 1-2, the mobile power100further includes a mounting pole108. The mounting pole108is provided on the power housing101, and the camera107is mounted on the mounting pole108. Preferably, the mounting pole108is telescopically mounted to the power housing101, so that the mounting pole108extends out of the power housing101or is embedded in the power housing101. When the mounting pole108is embedded in the power housing101, the electronic components (e.g., the camera107) on the mounting pole108are protected, to realize waterproof, dustproof, collision protection.

As shown inFIG. 7, the mobile power100further includes a solar panel109. The solar panel109is provided on the outer surfaces of the power housing101. The solar panel109is electrically connected with the battery pack102. In outdoor work, the battery pack102can be charged by the solar panel109, to improve power endurance of the mobile power100. Referring toFIGS. 1-2, the solar panel109is provided on the circumferential outer surfaces of the power housing101, and the solar panel109can be folded and stretched, in order to increase the effective area of the solar panel109.

As shown inFIG. 7, the mobile power100further includes an alarming device141. The alarming device141is connected with the controller103. The alarming device141can provide an alarming function. When the automatic tracking function of the power housing101is abnormal or the system has other faults, it will automatically alarm. The alarming device141can be a loudspeaker alarm or a sound-light alarm.

Referring toFIGS. 3-4, the power housing101is defined with a storage tank146for accommodating articles including the electric tool200. The storage tank146may be defined in the top surface of the power housing101, but it is not limited thereto. The storage tank146may also be defined in other positions of the power housing101(e.g., the side surfaces of the power housing101). There is provided with a cover plate147above the storage tank146, and by opening the cover plate147, the articles can be put into or taken out from the storage tank146. In this way, during the non-working time (such as going to the job site or returning home), the electric tool200can be carried by the power housing101in the storage tank146, and it is not necessary to carry the electric tool200manually, further reducing the labor intensity of the worker.

Referring toFIG. 1, the socket104provided on the power housing101may be multiple. The multiple sockets104have different types or different output voltages, such that the mobile power100can be adapted to electric tools200with different joint types or different working voltages, to improve the versatility of the mobile power10.

FIG. 12provides a mobile power100for outdoor power supply according to another embodiment. As shown inFIG. 12, the tracking device120includes a camera107, and the camera107is used to capture the images of the user (i.e., the worker), to realize tracking the user automatically through image recognition. In this way, the tracking device120tracks the target (i.e., the worker) by using the camera107, so that the user does not need to wear any auxiliary equipment, to improve the convenience of the outdoor work. In the embodiment, on one hand, the camera107is used to track the working worker, and on the other hand, the image information captured by the camera107may also be sent to an electronic device300of a third party through the wireless communication module106to facilitate the manager to understand the working progress on the spot.

FIG. 13provides a mobile power100for outdoor power supply according to another embodiment. The mobile power100includes a power housing101, a battery pack102, a driving device110, a controller103, and an instruction receiving module151. The battery pack102is disposed inside the power housing101. The power housing101is provided with at least one socket104electrically connected with the battery pack102. The battery pack102can supply electric power to an electric tool200during outdoor work through the socket104. The driving device110includes wheels111and driving motors112for driving the wheels111. The controller103is connected with the driving motors112. The instruction receiving module151is connected with the controller103. The instruction receiving module151is used to receive instructions of the user (i.e., the worker), the controller103controls the driving motors112to operate according to the instructions received by the instruction receiving module151, and accordingly the driving motors112drive the wheels111to rotate, so that the power housing101is driven to move under the instructions of the user.

As shown inFIG. 13, the mobile power100further includes a remote controller152. The remote controller152is matched with the instruction receiving module151. The instruction receiving module151can receive the instructions sent by the user through the remote controller152. The instruction receiving module151sends the received instructions to the controller103, and the controller103controls the driving device110to drive the power housing101to move according to the instructions of the user.

Specifically, the remote controller152is carried by the user. When needing the power housing101to move, the user sends the instructions, such as moving forward, moving back, turning left, or turning right, to the instruction receiving module151through the remote controller152. The instruction receiving module151receives these instructions and transfers them to the controller103, and accordingly the controller103controls the driving device110to drive the power housing101to move. In this way, the user only needs to carry the remote controller152, and remotely controls the power housing101by using the remote controller152. Therefore, plug-in type high power electric tool200can be used, and no battery is required to install in the electric tool200, so that the weight of the electric tool200is greatly reduced. The quantity of the battery pack102in the power housing101can be selected according to the need of power and consumption of electricity. Since the battery pack102does not need manual movement, the labor intensity of the worker is greatly reduced, to thereby solve the problem that the battery pack102is too heavy and inconvenient to carry. Since the mobile power100can move on its own, it can be used conveniently for power supply to various electric tools200during outdoor work.

For other structures of the embodiment ofFIG. 13, reference can be made to the above, and they are omitted here for clarity.

FIG. 14provides a mobile power100for outdoor power supply according to another embodiment. The mobile power100includes a power housing101, a battery pack102, a driving device110, a controller103, and an instruction receiving module151. The battery pack102is disposed inside the power housing101. The power housing101is provided with at least one socket104electrically connected with the battery pack102. The battery pack102can supply electric power to an electric tool200during outdoor work through the socket104. The driving device110includes wheels111and driving motors112for driving the wheels111. The controller103is connected with the driving motors112. The instruction receiving module151is connected with the controller103. The instruction receiving module151is configured to receive the instructions of the user (i.e., the worker), the controller103controls the driving motors112to operate according to the instructions received by the instruction receiving module151, and accordingly the driving motors112drive the wheels111to rotate, so that the power housing101is driven to move under the instructions of the user.

As shown inFIG. 14, the mobile power100further includes a manipulating handle153. The manipulating handle153is provided on the power housing101. The manipulating handle153is connected with the instruction receiving module151. The instruction receiving module151can receive the instructions sent by the user through the manipulating handle153. The instruction receiving module151then sends the received instructions to the controller103, and the controller103controls the driving device110to drive the power housing101to move according to the instructions of the user.

Referring toFIGS. 16-17, the manipulating handle153is provided on, for example, the top surface of the power housing101to facilitate manipulations for the user. The manipulating handle153can be provided independently, or be integrated with the above mounting pole108.

Further, the mobile power100further includes a pedal plate154, and the pedal plate154is provided on the power housing101for the user to stand on (as shown inFIG. 16). Alternatively, the mobile power100further includes a seat plate155, and the seat plate155is provided on the power housing101for the user to sit on (as shown inFIG. 17). When needing the power housing101to move, the user sends the instructions, such as moving forward, moving back, turning left, or turning right, to the instruction receiving module151through the manipulating handle153. The instruction receiving module151receives these instructions and transfers them to the controller103, and accordingly the controller103controls the driving device110to drive the power housing101to move. In this way, the user only needs to stand on the pedal plate154or sit on the seat plate155to manually manipulate the manipulating handle153, to directly control the power housing101to move by using the manipulating handle153. Therefore, plug-in type high power electric tool200can be used, and no battery is required to install in the electric tool200, so that the weight of the electric tool200is greatly reduced. The quantity of the battery pack102in the power housing101can be selected according to the need of power and consumption of electricity. Since the battery pack102does not need manual movement, the labor intensity of the worker is greatly reduced, to thereby solve the problem that the battery pack102is too heavy and inconvenient to carry. Since the mobile power100can move on its own, it can be used conveniently for power supply to various electric tools200during outdoor work. Further, in this embodiment, when the user is tired after finishing the outdoor work, the user can return home by riding the power housing101, which is very convenient and can reduce tiredness for the user.

For other structures of the embodiment ofFIG. 14, reference can be made to the above, and they are omitted here for clarity.

FIG. 15provides a mobile power100for outdoor power supply according to a further embodiment. The mobile power100is integrated with all of the functions of the embodiments ofFIG. 7,FIG. 13andFIG. 14. That is, the mobile power100includes a tracking device120, an obstacle avoidance device130, an instruction receiving module151, a remote controller152, and a manipulating handle153. Further, the mobile power100includes a setting module160configured for the user to set the moving mode of the mobile power100. The moving mode of the mobile power100includes automatic tracking mode and manual manipulation mode. When the mobile power100is set with the automatic tracking mode by the setting module160, the controller103controls the power housing101to automatically follow the user according to the detecting result of the tracking device120. When the mobile power100is set with the manual manipulation mode by the setting module160, the controller103controls the power housing101to move under the manipulations of the user according to the instructions received by the instruction receiving module151. Therefore, the user can select the automatic tracking mode or the manual manipulation mode by the setting module160according to actual requirement. For example, during the outdoor work, the user can choose the automatic tracking mode for the roads with good road condition, such that the power housing101can follow the user automatically, without the need of manipulating the power housing101to move by the user. For the roads with poor road condition, the user can choose the manual manipulation mode, such that the user can manually select the moving paths of the power housing101to improve the moving efficiency. In addition, after finishing the outdoor work, the user can also choose the manual manipulation mode, such that the user can return home by riding the power housing101, which is very convenient and can reduce tiredness for the user.

Further, the mobile power100further includes a power management module142configured for calculating the remaining endurance capacity of the battery pack102according to the electricity consumption rate and the residual electricity amount. The remaining endurance capacity of the battery pack102can be represented by the remaining mileage or the rest time capable of suppling power.

Further, the mobile power100further includes a display panel143. The display panel143can be provided on a surface of the power housing101, as shown inFIG. 1. The display panel143can be used to display the electricity consumption status of the battery pack102, the moving mode of the mobile power100, and the working state of various components.

As shown inFIG. 5, when the mobile power100is used in the outdoors, the electric tool200is connected to the socket104of the mobile power100through cable201and plug202, so that the mobile power100can supply power for the electric tool200during outdoor work. Specifically, the electric tool200may be electric saws, blowers, pumps, lawn mowers, etc.

The above are embodiments of the present application only, and should not be deemed as limitations to the present application. Although the present application has been disclosed in embodiments as above, it is not intended to limit the present application. It should be noted that variations and improvements will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present application pertains. Therefore, the scope of the present application is defined by the appended claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The mobile power provided by the embodiments of the present application can automatically follow the user or can move under the manipulations of the user. Therefore, plug-in type high power electric tool can be used, and no battery is required to install in the electric tool, so that the weight of the electric tool is greatly reduced. The quantity of the battery pack in the power housing can be selected according to the need of power and consumption of electricity. Since the battery pack does not need manual movement, the labor intensity of the worker is greatly reduced, to thereby solve the problem that the battery pack is too heavy and inconvenient to carry. Since the mobile power can move on its own, it can be used conveniently for power supply to various electric tools during outdoor work.