With the development of science and technology, people have higher and higher requirements for the degree of automation in industrial production processes. Material handling equipment such as traditional electric counterbalance forklifts and electric pallet stackers are gradually being eliminated by intelligent smart systems. More and more robots are being applied to production lines, and the NEOlift AGV forklift is one of them. This is a machine that is in operation An unmanned forklift that does not require a driver and is equipped with an automatic guidance device can operate in cycles according to a predetermined track. So today, we will analyze the characteristics of various charging methods of AGV forklifts with NEO, and roughly discuss the charging methods of AGV according to the following four categories:

(1) According to charging time, it can be divided into: random charging and full cycle charging

Random charging means charging at any time at each AGV parking station without time limit. If there are more charging points, it can ensure that the power lost by the AGV during its operation can be replenished in time, and shallow charging and discharge of the battery can be realized, which will greatly extend the service life of the battery and reduce the required battery capacity. . Full-cycle charging requires the AGV to exit the service and enter the designated charging area. Charging can only begin when the battery charge drops to the designated range. Some AGVs also use a combination of the above two charging methods.

(2) According to charging area, it can be divided into: online charging and offline charging

Online charging means that the AGV does not leave the working line and does not require dedicated time for charging. Instead, it uses the short dwell time during work to charge. This charging method that fully utilizes fragmented time and does not take up working time is actually an extension of random charging. Just embed the charging station into the AGV's workflow to further improve the AGV's work efficiency. Offline charging means that the AGV exits the service and drives into the charging area or special charging station for charging.

(3) According to the operation method, it can be divided into: manual, battery replacement and automatic charging

When the AGV has insufficient power, it will be commanded by the ground control center to drive to the designated charging area or platform. Full-time personnel will manually complete the electrical connection between the AGV and the charger, and then charge. After completion, the circuit is manually disconnected and restored to working condition. The characteristics of manual charging AGV are safety, reliability, simplicity and low equipment cost. It is often used in situations where the degree of automation is not very high, there are few cars and many people, and a standard working system. And in order to ensure the endurance of AGV, it needs to be equipped with a larger capacity battery. It is impossible for AGV to work continuously 24 hours a day.

Battery replacement and charging means that when the AGV has insufficient power, the battery pack must be manually replaced by a full-time personnel, and the AGV can be put into use. The replaced battery pack is ready for use after charging. It is characterized by simplicity and speed, and can realize continuous operation of AGV 24 hours a day. However, it requires twice as many battery packs, which is costly and primitive. It is often used in situations where timely response to work is required and vehicles are insufficient. Both of the above methods require dedicated supervision, waste manpower, and reduce the degree of automation. Once the charge is missed, the AGV will not be able to work.

Automatic charging means that when the AGV needs to replenish power, it will automatically report and request charging. It will be directed by the ground control center and drive to the designated charging area or platform. The on-board charging connector will automatically connect to the ground charging system and charge will be implemented. After charging is completed, the AGV car automatically breaks away from the charging system and drives to the work area or standby area for normal operation. Automatic charging AGV is suitable for occasions with long working cycle, few people in the vehicle and high degree of automation.

(4) According to the electrical connection method of the charger, it is divided into: contact charging and wireless charging

Contact charging means that all charging circuits require cables and charging contacts to connect the vehicle to the power supply system so that it can be charged directly. Contact charging can provide larger charging current for fast charging. It is currently the preferred method for offline charging. However, it is not suitable for frequent random charging, and the charging contacts are worn and need to be replaced regularly. And it may produce sparks during the charging process, posing a safety hazard. In addition, because the charging contacts are exposed parts, they cannot work normally in environments such as low-temperature condensation, moisture, flammable and explosive environments.

Wireless charging is a non-contact charging device that does not require the use of cables to connect the vehicle to the power supply system. It abandons the charging contacts, and both the charger and the electrical device can have no exposed conductive contacts. Wireless charging technology enables electrical isolation between the charging terminal and the AGV energy storage system, fundamentally eliminating the disadvantages caused by the direct plug-in charging method. Safer and more applicable. At this stage, the charging efficiency of AGV wireless charging products is equivalent to that of contact charging systems. Because it has no contact wear and is highly intelligent, it is very suitable for online charging. It has been fully realized that it can be charged as soon as it comes and stopped as soon as it goes. This further improves the automation of the AGV use process. However, the technology is complex and the cost is high. Moreover, wireless chargers above 10KW are large and not suitable for AGV use.