Charging device for autonomous ground vehicle

A system for charging multiple autonomous ground vehicles (AGVs), the system comprising:

• a plurality of rails spaced apart from each other, the plurality of rails configured to receive portions of an AGV, the plurality of rails being engageable by the AGV from two directions;
• and
• a plurality of charging devices serially arranged between the plurality of rails, the plurality of charging devices configured to simultaneously charge a plurality of AGVs, wherein each charging device comprises:
• a base connected to receiver sections disposed on respective ones of the plurality of rails, each receiver section dimensioned to engage the AGV;
• and
• a plurality of first electrical contacts projecting upwardly from the base and arranged between the receiver sections, the plurality of first electrical contacts comprising a plurality of power contacts and one or more control contacts, the plurality of power contacts aligned and the one or more control contacts offset from the plurality of power contacts in a direction of engagement of the AGV,
• wherein the plurality of first electrical contacts are arranged relative to the receiver sections such that when the AGV engages the receiver sections, a plurality of second electrical contacts of the AGV sequentially contact the plurality of power contacts and the one or more control contacts, the plurality of power contacts being contacted prior to the one or more control contacts, and wherein at least one of the plurality of second electrical contacts of the AGV contacting the one or more control contacts enables power delivery to the AGV through the plurality of power contacts.

An autonomous ground vehicle (AGV) and a charging device system comprising:

• the AGV comprising:
• a battery;
• a powertrain electrically coupled with the battery;
• and
• a charging interface comprising a plurality of first electrical contacts, and the charging device comprising:
• a plurality of rails configured to receive portions of the AGV;
• a plurality of receiver sections;
• a plurality of power contacts aligned and arranged between the plurality of receiver sections;
• and
• a control contact arranged between the plurality of receiver sections, the control contact being offset from the plurality of power contacts in a direction of engagement of the AGV,
• wherein the plurality of first electrical contacts are arranged such that, when the AGV engages the plurality of receiver sections of the charging device, the plurality of first electrical contacts sequentially contact the plurality of power contacts and the control contact, the plurality of power contacts being contacted prior to the control contact,
• wherein, one of the plurality of first electrical contacts contacting the control contact enables power delivery from the charging device through the plurality of power contacts.