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Charging station specification

Visualization of charging station for Leo Rover

The charging station for the Leo Rover has been engineered to prolong the operational duration of the rover by facilitating battery recharging without necessitating shutdown. It features a battery level indicator and an AR-Tag board to enable autonomous docking capabilities.

Referenced products​

00188 MEB cover for Leo Rover
Charging station
The Charging Station for Leo Rover is designed to charge the Leo Rover. It features a battery level display, autonomous docking, and protection against aggressive driving, ensuring efficient and safe charging.

Main parameters​

ParameterValue
Supply voltage12 VDC
Charging current3 A
Estimated charging time (0-100%)2 hours (for the standard Leo Rover battery)
Main materialsAluminum, PLA

Dimensions​

Dimensions of Charging station for Leo Rover
Dimensions of Charging station for Leo Rover

CAD model​

placeholder for 3D modelClick to load 3D model

3D CAD model in neutral format is also available on our Google Drive:

🔗Charging station - Google Drive

Additional features:​

  • Battery level display,
  • Holes for mounting the station to a surface,
  • Autonomous docking possibility based on the ARTag,
  • Compatibility with standard Leo Rover chargers,
  • Ability to autonomously center the rover on the station,
  • Protection against aggressive driving onto the station - once positioned, the rover will be locked in place,
  • Easy plug & play modification of the rover - only requires changing the cover and connecting cables,
  • Possibility of hot-swapping batteries on the station - without turning off the rover.

Charging process:​

note

A rover with a modified MEB cover with charging pads is required. Modified MEB cover is provided with the station.

  1. The rover docks to the station - either by teleoperation or autonomously.
  2. During docking, the rover's position is adjusted by the shape of the station to perfectly align with the pads.
  3. The charging process starts once the pads on the rover touch the pads on the station.
  4. The LED on the charging station changes color depending on the rover's charge level.

LED colors:​

  • Steady green: ~90% charge
  • Steady yellow: ~70% charge
  • Slow blinking yellow: ~50% charge
  • Fast blinking yellow: ~20% charge
  • Steady red: ~10% charge
  • Slow blinking red: ~5-7% charge
  • Fast blinking red: Below 5% charge
note

Due to the characteristics of lithium-ion batteries, it is recommended to leave the fully charged rover on the station for some time in order to balance the battery cells (do not remove the rover immediately after the green LED lights up).

Safety:​

Currently, the station has no safety features - beware not to place anything metal on it (with contact to the pads); otherwise, it may result in damage to the charger.