U.S. patent application number 14/207893 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for swimming pool cleaner with docking system and/or other related systems and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hayward Industries, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Hayward Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to David John Hardy, Jason Wayne Parcell, Benoit Joseph Renaud.
Application Number | 20140263087 14/207893 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51522791 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140263087 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Renaud; Benoit Joseph ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
Swimming Pool Cleaner With Docking System And/Or Other Related
Systems And Methods
Abstract
Exemplary embodiments are directed to swimming pool cleaners,
systems and methods that generally include a swimming pool cleaner
and a docking station. Embodiments of the swimming pool cleaner can
include a battery and a debris container. The docking station
generally includes an opening configured and dimensioned to at
least partially receive the swimming pool cleaner. Upon receipt of
the swimming pool cleaner in the opening of the housing, the
docking station can automatically recharge the battery of the
swimming pool cleaner and/or automatically clean the debris
container of the swimming pool cleaner.
Inventors: |
Renaud; Benoit Joseph;
(Clemmons, NC) ; Hardy; David John; (Clemmons,
NC) ; Parcell; Jason Wayne; (Winston-Salem,
NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hayward Industries, Inc. |
Elizabeth |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Hayward Industries, Inc.
Elizabeth
NJ
|
Family ID: |
51522791 |
Appl. No.: |
14/207893 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61789388 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
210/745 ;
210/143 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 4/1654
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
210/745 ;
210/143 |
International
Class: |
E04H 4/16 20060101
E04H004/16 |
Claims
1. A swimming pool cleaner for a swimming pool, comprising: a
housing including a motor and a storage device, and a vision system
with programming stored on the storage device, wherein the vision
system comprises means for identifying debris located in the
swimming pool and means for directing the swimming pool cleaner to
the debris.
2. The swimming pool cleaner of claim 1, wherein the vision system
is in communication with at least one of the controller and the
motor.
3. The swimming pool cleaner of claim 2, wherein upon identifying
debris located in the swimming pool, the vision system actuates the
motor to direct the swimming pool cleaner to the debris.
4. The swimming pool cleaner of claim 3, wherein the vision system
actuates the motor to slow down the swimming pool cleaner upon
reaching the debris.
5. The swimming pool cleaner of claim 2, where the vision system
actuates the motor to increase suction of the suction pump impeller
upon reaching the debris.
6. The swimming pool cleaner of claim 1, comprising an ultraviolet
(UV) light on a bottom surface of the swimming pool cleaner.
7. The swimming pool cleaner of claim 1, comprising a rechargeable
battery disposed in the housing for powering the swimming pool
cleaner, and an inductive charging system for recharging the
rechargeable battery.
8. A method of regulating a swimming pool cleaner in a swimming
pool, comprising: providing a housing that includes a motor and a
storage device, and providing a vision system with programming
stored on the storage device, wherein the vision system comprises
means for identifying debris located in the swimming pool and means
for directing the swimming pool cleaner to the debris, identifying,
via the vision system, debris located in the swimming pool, and
directing the swimming pool cleaner to the debris.
9. The method of claim 8, comprising actuating the motor via the
vision system to slow down the swimming pool cleaner upon reaching
the debris.
10. The method of claim 8, comprising actuating the motor via the
vision system to increase suction of a suction pump impeller upon
reaching the debris.
11. The method of claim 8, comprising actuating a light positioned
on a bottom surface of the swimming pool cleaner to disinfect at
least one of a wall, a floor, and water of the swimming pool.
12. The method of claim 8, comprising powering the swimming pool
cleaner with a rechargeable battery disposed in the housing, and
recharging the rechargeable battery with an inductive charging
system of the swimming pool cleaner.
13. A docking station for a swimming pool cleaner, comprising: a
housing that includes communication means for communicating with
the swimming pool cleaner, wherein the housing includes an opening
configured and dimensioned to at least partially receive the
swimming pool cleaner, and wherein upon receipt of the swimming
pool cleaner in the opening of the housing, the docking station at
least one of (i) automatically recharges a battery of the swimming
pool cleaner and (ii) automatically cleans a debris container of
the swimming pool cleaner.
14. The docking station of claim 13, comprising a docking station
battery.
15. The docking station of claim 14, comprising an electrical cable
connecting the docking station to a power source for charging the
docking station battery.
16. The docking station of claim 14, comprising an inductive
charging system for charging the docking station battery.
17. The docking station of claim 13, comprising an access door for
accessing a docking station debris container.
18. The docking station of claim 13, comprising an alarm for
unwanted intrusion.
19. The docking station of claim 13, comprising a locking mechanism
for detachably securing the swimming pool cleaner within the
opening of the housing.
20. A swimming pool cleaner system for a swimming pool, comprising:
a swimming pool cleaner that includes a battery and a debris
container, and a docking station that includes an opening
configured and dimensioned to at least partially receive the
swimming pool cleaner, wherein upon receipt of the swimming pool
cleaner in the opening of the housing, the docking station at least
one of (i) automatically recharges the battery of the swimming pool
cleaner and (ii) automatically cleans the debris container of the
swimming pool cleaner.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/789,388, filed Mar. 15,
2013, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to swimming pool cleaners and
associated systems and methods and, more particularly, to
automatically rechargeable pool cleaners for reducing user
interaction/supervision and swimming pool cleaning time.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Robotic swimming pool cleaners are generally designed to
move along the swimming pool floor and/or walls to clean the
necessary surfaces from, e.g., debris, sediment, and the like. The
motion of robotic swimming pool cleaners can be preprogrammed,
reactive to the pool environment, random motion or a combination
thereof. In general, electrical power is provided to the robotic
swimming pool cleaner through a power cable extending from the
swimming pool cleaner and connecting to a power source in the
periphery of the swimming pool.
[0004] The combination of preprogrammed and/or random motion of the
swimming pool cleaner with the plurality of power cables
implemented generally creates issues relating to power cable
entanglement. In particular, as the swimming pool cleaner moves
along the floor, walls and/or water line of the swimming pool, the
plurality of power cables implemented can become twisted and/or
entangled with, e.g., other power cables, structures around the
periphery of the swimming pool, the swimming pool cleaner, or the
like, thus limiting the motion of the swimming pool cleaner. Power
cable entanglement can create a need for user interaction and/or
supervision to ensure that the swimming pool cleaner can freely
move along the entire surface area of the swimming pool floors,
walls and/or water line. In addition, swimming pool cleaners can
require user interaction and/or supervision for installing the
swimming pool cleaner in the pool on a daily basis, for recharging
the swimming pool cleaner, and for emptying the wet and/or dirty
debris bag or container of the swimming pool cleaner after the
swimming pool has been cleaned.
[0005] Thus, despite efforts to date, a need remains for swimming
pool cleaners which reduce the amount of user interaction and/or
supervision and the swimming pool cleaning time.
SUMMARY
[0006] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an
exemplary docking station for a swimming pool cleaner is provided
that generally includes a housing. The housing of the docking
station includes communication means for communicating with the
swimming pool cleaner. The housing also includes an opening
configured and dimensioned to at least partially receive the
swimming pool cleaner. Upon receipt of the swimming pool cleaner in
the opening of the housing, the docking station can, e.g.,
automatically recharge a battery of the swimming pool cleaner,
automatically clean a debris container of the swimming pool
cleaner, combinations thereof, and the like.
[0007] The docking station can generally include a docking station
battery. In some embodiments, the docking station includes, e.g.,
an electrical cable connecting the docking station to a power
source, inductive charging means, and the like, for charging the
docking station battery. The communication means generally includes
a communications system, e.g., a wireless communications system,
wired communication system, and the like. The docking station
generally includes a user interface, e.g., a graphical user
interface (GUI) for programming the docking station and/or the
swimming pool cleaner. The docking station also includes an access
door for accessing a docking station debris container. The docking
station may include an alarm for unwanted intrusion. Further, the
docking station generally includes a locking mechanism for
detachably securing the swimming pool cleaner within the opening of
the housing when the swimming pool cleaner is docked at the docking
station.
[0008] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary
swimming pool cleaner for a swimming pool is provided that includes
a housing and a vision system. The housing includes a motor, a
storage device and a processing device. The vision system includes
sensors (e.g., camera) and programming stored on the storage device
for processing by the processing device (and control of the pump
motor and/or other components relating to navigation). The sensor
(e.g., turbidity sensor), and/or other means for identifying debris
located in the swimming pool, provide location information to the
processor and/or other means for directing the swimming pool
cleaner to the debris.
[0009] In some embodiments, the motor can be, e.g., an
electronically commutated motor. The swimming pool cleaner includes
a controller for regulating actuation of the motor. The motor
(e.g., single or dual motor) generally powers at least one of
movement of the swimming pool cleaner and suction of a suction pump
impeller. In some embodiments, the swimming pool cleaner can
include two separate motors for powering the movement of the
swimming pool cleaner and suction of the suction pump impeller. The
vision system can be in communication with at least one of the
controller and the motor. Upon identifying debris located in the
swimming pool, the vision system can actuate the motor to direct
the swimming pool cleaner to the debris. The vision system can also
actuate the motor to slow down the swimming pool cleaner upon
reaching the debris. The vision system can further actuate the
motor to increase suction of the suction pump impeller upon
reaching the debris.
[0010] In some aspects, the swimming pool cleaner can includes a
light, e.g., a light-emitting diode (LED), an ultraviolet (UV)
light, and the like, on a bottom surface of the swimming pool
cleaner. The wavelength for the UV light can be, e.g., about 254
nanometers (nm), for disinfecting and/or killing bacteria and other
undesired organisms in the swimming pool. In some embodiments, the
light can define a helical shape to increase the amount of
surface-to-surface exposure between the light and the water. The
swimming pool cleaner generally includes a rechargeable battery
disposed in (or outside of) the housing for powering the swimming
pool cleaner. The swimming pool cleaner can include, e.g., an
electrical cable connected to a power source, inductive charging
means (e.g., inductive coupling), and the like, for recharging the
rechargeable battery.
[0011] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an
exemplary method of regulating a swimming pool cleaner in a
swimming pool is provided that generally includes providing a
housing that includes a motor, a storage device and a processing
device. The method includes providing a vision system stored on the
storage device. The vision system includes means for identifying
debris located in the swimming pool and means for directing the
swimming pool cleaner to the debris. The method also includes
identifying, via the vision system, debris located in the swimming
pool and directing the swimming pool cleaner to the debris.
[0012] The housing can include a controller for regulating
actuation of the motor. The method generally includes actuating the
motor via the vision system to slow down the swimming pool cleaner
upon reaching the debris. The method generally includes actuating
the motor via the vision system to increase suction of a suction
pump impeller upon reaching the debris. In general, the method
includes actuating a light positioned on a bottom surface of the
swimming pool cleaner to disinfect at least one of a wall, a floor
and water of the swimming pool. The method also includes powering
the swimming pool cleaner with a rechargeable battery disposed in
the housing. The method generally includes recharging the
rechargeable battery with, e.g., an electrical cable connected to a
power source, inductive charging means of the swimming pool
cleaner, and the like.
[0013] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an
exemplary method of maintaining a swimming pool cleaner is provided
that generally includes providing a housing. The housing includes
communication means for communicating with the swimming pool
cleaner and an opening configured and dimensioned to at least
partially receive the swimming pool cleaner. The method includes
receiving the swimming pool cleaner in the opening. The method
generally also includes at least one of automatically recharging a
battery of the swimming pool cleaner and automatically cleaning a
debris container of the swimming pool cleaner upon receipt of the
swimming pool cleaner in the opening.
[0014] The housing generally includes a docking station battery.
The method generally includes charging the docking station battery
with, e.g., an electric cable connecting the docking station to a
power source, inductive means, and the like. The method generally
includes communicating with the swimming pool cleaner via the
communication means to determine a need for recharging the battery
of the swimming pool cleaner and/or cleaning the debris container
of the swimming pool cleaner. In general, the method includes
detachably securing the swimming pool cleaner within the opening of
the housing.
[0015] In accordance with embodiment of the present disclosure, an
exemplary swimming pool cleaner system for a swimming pool is
provided that generally includes a swimming pool cleaner and a
docking station. The swimming pool cleaner generally includes a
battery and a debris container. The docking station generally
includes an opening configured and dimensioned to at least
partially receive the swimming pool cleaner, as well as a debris
container (e.g., basket). Upon receipt of the swimming pool cleaner
in the opening of the housing, the docking station can at least one
of automatically recharge the battery of the swimming pool cleaner
and automatically clean the debris container of the swimming pool
cleaner.
[0016] Other objects and features will become apparent from the
following detailed description considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the
drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a
definition of the limits of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] To assist those of skill in the art in making and using the
disclosed swimming pool cleaners and associated systems and
methods, reference is made to the accompanying figures,
wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary swimming pool cleaner system
according to the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary swimming pool cleaner system
according to the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary swimming pool cleaner system
according to the present disclosure; and
[0021] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary light of a swimming pool cleaner
according to the present disclosure.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0022] With reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary swimming pool cleaner
system 100 (hereinafter "system 100") is provided that generally
includes an exemplary swimming pool cleaner 200 (hereinafter
"cleaner 200") and an exemplary docking station 300. The exemplary
swimming pool cleaner 200 discussed herein is a "top/bottom"
robotic (electric) cleaner. Those of ordinary skill in the art
shall recognize that "top/bottom" references that the cleaner 200
can operate in a plurality of modes of operation, including a
"bottom mode," where the cleaner 200 traverses, and cleans near,
the walls (e.g., vertical or horizontal walls) of the pool, and
further including a "top mode," where the cleaner rises to the
water surface and cleans the water surface, much like a skimmer.
Those of ordinary skill in the art shall also recognize that
"robotic (electric)" references the source of
power--electricity--for controllably alternating between the modes,
for propulsion, drive, and/or cleaning. As further discussed
herein, additional and/or alternative sources of power are
contemplated, e.g., a negative water pressure (suction) power
source and a positive water pressure power source.
[0023] The cleaner 200 includes a housing 202 which includes a
plurality of components therein. For example, the housing 202
includes a motor, e.g., an electronically commutated motor, a
storage device, and a processing device therein (not shown). The
housing 202 also includes a debris container (not shown) for
collecting the debris collected from the swimming pool 102. The
housing 202 defines a bottom surface 204 which, in some
embodiments, includes a light, e.g., a UV light, for disinfecting
the swimming pool 102 walls, floor, and/or water. In particular,
the light can help in maintaining the sanitation of the swimming
pool 102 environment. An exemplary UV light is discussed further
below with reference to FIG. 4.
[0024] The housing 202 may include an LED light(s) for
visual/entertainment effects and/or to indicate where the cleaner
200 is located in the swimming pool 102.
[0025] The cleaner 200 generally includes wheels 206, e.g.,
rollers, tracks, and the like, for moving the cleaner 200 in the
swimming pool 102. The cleaner 200 can also include a controller
(not shown) within the housing 202. The controller can be actuated
by the processing device to actuate the motor for movement of the
cleaner 200 and/or suction of the suction pump impeller. The
cleaner 200 also includes a rechargeable battery (not shown) within
(or outside of) the housing 202 for powering the cleaner 200.
However, as described above, it should be understood that
alternative sources of power can also be used for powering the
cleaner 200.
[0026] The system 100 of FIG. 1 also includes a docking station
300. The docking station 300 can be positioned at an edge 104 of
the swimming pool 102 such that a bottom end 322 of the docking
station 300 extends into the water of the swimming pool 102 and a
top end 326 extends above the water of the swimming pool 102. For
example, the docking station 300 can include a mating surface 320
which defines a substantially L-shaped configuration, but is not
limited to such a configuration. The mating surface 320 can thereby
be positioned on the edge 104 of the swimming pool 102 ledge to
maintain the top end 326 of the docking station 300 above the edge
104 and the bottom end 322 of the docking station 300 in the water.
In some embodiments, the mating surface 320 can include, e.g., a
textured surface, a rubber surface, and the like, to create
friction between the mating surface 320 and the edge 104 of the
swimming pool 102. The friction between the mating surface 320 and
the edge 104 of the swimming pool 102 can help in maintaining the
docking station 300 positioned on the edge 104.
[0027] The docking station 300 generally includes a housing 302.
The housing 302 can include communication means for communicating
with the cleaner 200, e.g., sending and/or receiving signals to and
from the cleaner 200. For example, the communication means can be
wireless or wired communication means. FIG. 1 shows the housing 302
as including communication means in the form of a wireless antenna
316. It should be understood that the cleaner 200 can also include
communication means capable of receiving and/or sending signals to
and from the cleaner 200 to the docking station 300 (e.g., a
transceiver). The docking station 300 generally includes an opening
324 at a bottom end 322 of the docking station 300 which can be
configured and dimensioned to at least partially receive the
cleaner 200 therein.
[0028] The docking station 300 generally includes a battery pack
(not shown) inside the housing 302 and an electric cable 308, e.g.,
a self-reeling electric cord which connects the docking station 300
to a power source (not shown), e.g., a pool cleaner power supply or
an electric outlet, for recharging the battery pack. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the docking station 300 also includes
an electric cable 304 for charging the rechargeable battery (not
shown) within the housing 202 of the cleaner 200. The electric
cable 304 can be, e.g., a self-reeling and/or unreeling power
and/or communication cord. A hose swivel 306 can be implemented
with respect to the electric cable 304 and/or the cleaner 200 to
prevent tangling of the electric cable 304 as the cleaner 200
travels along the walls, floor and/or water line of the swimming
pool 102.
[0029] In some embodiments, the cleaner 200 and/or the docking
station 300 can include programmed therein data related to a vision
system (not shown). For example, the vision system can include a
PCB (not shown) disposed inside the cleaner 200 and/or the docking
station 300 and a storage device, e.g., a hard drive, a flash
drive, an optical drive, read only memory (ROM), random access
memory (RAM), and the like, capable of receiving and storing the
programming of the vision system. A processing device (not shown),
such as a microprocessor, inside of the cleaner 200 and/or the
docking station 300 can access the programmed data related to the
vision system for actuating the motor (not shown), e.g., an
electrically commutated motor of the cleaner 200, such as a
brushless DC electric motor. The vision system includes one or a
plurality of sensors (including sensing systems, for example) for
acquiring information from which the location of debris can be
inferred from the programming of the vision system. This may
include pressure sensor(s), flow sensor(s), distance sensor(s),
optical sensors, heat sensors, turbidity sensors, pH sensors,
and/or other sensors, including sensor systems, for example. In
particular, the sensors of the vision system can interact with the
controller and/or processing device to identify areas on the pool
floor, walls and/or water line where debris or dirt exists in the
swimming pool 102, such as at the bottom (on the horizontal or
vertical walls) and/or at the surface.
[0030] If an area of debris is located by the vision system or
other sensor, the vision system can communicate with one or more
motors of the cleaner 200, to actuate, or control the speed of, the
motor of the cleaner 200 such that the cleaner 200 travels to the
area of debris for cleaning. Navigation may also be controlled in
accordance with algorithm. For example, if an area of debris is
located, the vision system can communicate with the cleaner 200 to
drive and/or steer the wheels 206 of the cleaner 200 in the
direction of the area of debris. The cleaner 200 can initially be
sped up to a constant speed until reaching the area of debris. Once
the area of debris is reached (or an area near the area of debris
is reached) the cleaner 200 can be actuated to slow down. In some
embodiments, upon reaching the area of debris, the cleaner 200 can
also be actuated via the vision system to start and/or increase the
suction of the suction pump impeller to collect the debris in the
swimming pool into the debris container located in the housing 202
of the cleaner 200.
[0031] The vision system can include programming which identifies,
e.g., coordinates, around the swimming pool 102 and/or senses the
layout of the swimming pool 102 such that the vision system can
monitor the position of the cleaner 200 in the swimming pool 102 at
all times. The vision system can also include at least one sensor
which identifies areas of debris by sensing areas of optical
contrast, for example, generated by a foreign object, debris and/or
dirt. In some embodiments, the exemplary vision system optimizes
the cleaning cycle of the cleaner 200 by generally cleaning the
swimming pool 102 where the vision system detects debris, rather
than focusing on cleaning areas of the swimming pool 102 which may
already be clean. The cleaner 200 thereby uses energy in an
efficient manner for a prolonged period of time.
[0032] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the docking station 300
can include a user interface 330, e.g., a graphical user interface,
which can be used for programming the docking station 300.
Programming the docking station 300, e.g., the vision system of the
docking station 300, indirectly involves programming the cleaner
200 since the programming involves the regulation and/or control of
the cleaner 200. The user interface 330 can also be used to access
the variety of preprogrammed back up data for cleaning programs,
cleaning modes and/or cleaning paths stored in the data storage of
the docking station 300. The docking station 300 can also include
an access door 310 for user access to, e.g., a remote control, push
buttons, and/or joystick for controlling the actions of the cleaner
200. The remote control and/or joystick can allow a user to
manually control the position and/or the cleaning function of the
cleaner 200. In some embodiments, the docking station 300 also
includes a speaker 314 for emitting auditory signals and an alarm
328, e.g., sonar, for actuating when unwanted intrusion occurs. The
alarm 328 can actuate a signal to be emitting through the speaker
314 for notifying a user of a problem. The docking station 300 may
also include light 318, e.g., an LED light, a laser show, universal
color logic, on the housing 302. The docking station 300 generally
includes a debris container (not shown) within the housing 302
which can be accessed through an access door 312. The debris
container can be removed, cleaned and replaced by a user.
[0033] In particular, the cleaner 200 can travel along the swimming
pool 102 walls, floor and/or water line and the docking station 300
can monitor the level of electricity remaining in the battery,
i.e., the battery life, of the cleaner 200. When the battery life
of the cleaner 200 is below a predetermined level, the docking
station 300 can communicate with the cleaner 200 such that the
cleaner 200 travels to the docking station 300 and docks to the
docking station 300 by at least partially entering the opening 324
on the bottom end 322 of the housing 302. Upon entry into the
opening 324, a valve or an alternative opening (not shown) of the
cleaner 200 can be actuated to automatically open such that the
debris container of the cleaner 200 can be cleaned/emptied into the
debris container of the docking station 300. Thus, as the cleaner
200 enters the opening 324, the valve can be opened and the debris
from the debris container of the cleaner 200 can be, e.g., sucked
out, washed out, and the like, into the debris container of the
docking station 300. Similarly, when the cleaner 200 enters the
opening 324, the battery of the cleaner 200 can be automatically
recharged by the battery pack located in the docking station
300.
[0034] As described above, the battery pack of the docking station
300 can receive power from, e.g., the electric cable 308, a
self-generating device powered by the flow of water through a
skimmer (not shown), inductive charging means (e.g., inductive
coupling in a cleaner), and the like. In some embodiments, the
opening 324 can include a locking mechanism (not shown) for
detachably securing the cleaner 200 within the opening 324. Upon
completing the cleaning of the debris container and/or recharging
of the battery of the cleaner 200, the cleaner 200 can be released
to continue cleaning of the swimming pool 102. During an inactive
state of the cleaner 200, i.e., when the cleaner is not cleaning
the swimming pool 102, the cleaner 200 can return and "dock" at the
docking station 300 until the cleaning cycle is initiated. The
docking station 300 thereby acts as a "parking garage" for the
cleaner 200. In some embodiments a skimmer (not shown) can be
connected to the docking station 300 and can provide a housing for
the cleaner 200, including a charging capability for the battery of
the cleaner 200 and debris dumping into the skimmer for cleaning
the debris container of the cleaner 200. The interaction between
the docking station 300 and the cleaner 200 creates an optimized
cleaning program of the swimming pool 102 as opposed to random
action cleaners generally used in the industry.
[0035] In some embodiments, the skimmer includes a generator for
generating electricity from water flowing therethrough. This
electricity can then be provided from the skimmer to the cleaner in
accordance with the methods of power transfer described herein, for
example.
[0036] The self-cleaning of the debris container, e.g., a debris
bag, and/or the self-charging of the battery of the cleaner 200
creates a self-contained system 100 which requires minimum settings
and/or user interaction on a daily basis. Other advantageous
aspects of the system 100 include, e.g., the wireless applications
of the system 100 prevent the tangling of electric cables, manual
work from the user to install the cleaner 200 in the swimming pool
102 is reduced, no additional space is required for storage of the
cleaner 200 during inactive periods, no user interaction is
required to clean the debris bag or container of the cleaner 200,
the cleaner 200 generally cleans the swimming pool 102 in a faster
time period due to the vision system, the efficient cleaning based
on the vision system increases energy efficiency, the cleaner 200
and/or docking station 300 can be preprogrammed for a cleaning mode
and/or path, and the like.
[0037] Turning now to FIG. 2, an exemplary swimming pool cleaner
system 100' (hereinafter "system 100'") is provided for cleaning a
swimming pool 102' that generally includes a swimming pool cleaner
(hereinafter "cleaner") and a docking station 300'. The cleaner is
shown in three positions in FIG. 2. In particular, cleaner 200a' is
positioned at the water line of the swimming pool 102', cleaner
200b' is positioned at the bottom of the swimming pool 102', and
cleaner 200c' is positioned in a docking orientation relative to
the docking station 300'. FIG. 2 thereby illustrates the top/bottom
capabilities of the exemplary robotic cleaner, as well as the
ability of the top/bottom electric cleaner to dock in the docking
station 300' for cleaning of a debris cartridge and/or recharging
of a battery (not shown). The system 100' can function
substantially similarly to system 100. The cleaner 200' generally
includes a housing 202', defines a bottom surface 204' and includes
wheels 206'. In some embodiments, the housing 202' includes a
handle 208' to assist a user in lifting and transporting the
cleaner 200'.
[0038] The docking station 300' generally includes a housing 302'
that defines a substantially L-shaped configuration. The housing
302' includes a mating surface 320' for positioning on an edge 104'
of the swimming pool 102' such that a top end 326' of the docking
station 300' is positioned above the edge 104' of the swimming pool
102' and a bottom end 322' of the docking station 300 is positioned
below the water. The docking station 300' can include an access
door 312' which permits a user to access, e.g., a user interface
and/or joystick for programming and/or controlling the docking
station 300' and/or the cleaner 200'. Similar to the docking
station 300 described above, docking station 300' and/or the
cleaner 200' can be programmed with a visual system for optimizing
the cleaning modes or path for cleaning the swimming pool 102'. The
docking station 300' also includes an opening 324' at the bottom
end 322' configured and dimensioned to receive a cleaner 200c'
oriented in a docking orientation. The docking station 300' can
communicate and/or provide power to the cleaner via an electric
cable 304' and/or through a wireless communication. The docking
station 300' can be powered by a power source connected to the
docking station 300' by an electric cable (not shown) and/or
wirelessly through inductive charging means.
[0039] With reference to FIG. 3, an exemplary swimming pool cleaner
system 100'' (hereinafter "system 100''") is provided for cleaning
a swimming pool 102 that generally includes a swimming pool cleaner
200'' (hereinafter "cleaner 200''") and a docking station 300''. In
particular, the cleaner 200'' and the docking station 300'' can
function substantially similarly to system 100 described above,
except for the wireless communication shown between the cleaner
200'' and the docking station 300''. Thus, the like parts of the
cleaner 200, cleaner 200'', docking station 300 and docking station
300'' are marked in FIG. 3 with reference numbers equivalent to
those used in FIG. 1. As can be seen from FIG. 3, rather than
including an electric cable 304 extending from the docking station
300 to the cleaner 200 (as shown in FIG. 1), the cleaner 200''
communicates with the docking station 300'', and vice versa, via a
wireless communication network. For example, the docking station
300'' can communicate with the cleaner 200'' with the wireless
antenna 316. The cleaner 200'' can be charged by inductive charging
means provided with the cleaner 200'', such as that in accordance
with the inductive charging disclosed by U.S. Patent App. Pub. No.
2012/022297, published Sep. 6, 2012, entitled "Power Supplies for
Pool and Spa Equipment" (assigned to Hayward Industries, Inc.). In
some aspects, the cleaner 200'' can return to the docking station
300'' for cleaning the debris container or bag and/or recharging
the rechargeable battery within the cleaner 200'' (not shown).
[0040] In some embodiments, the exemplary cleaners discussed
herein, e.g., cleaner 200, can include a light positioned on a
bottom surface 204 for sanitation purposes. FIG. 4 illustrates an
exemplary sanitation light 400, e.g., a UV light. The light 400 can
emit a wavelength of approximately 254 nm. This wavelength can be
used to disinfect and/or kill bacteria and other undesired
organisms in the swimming pool 102 while the cleaner 200 cleaners
the swimming pool 102 from larger debris. However, it should be
understood that alternative lights 400 and/or wavelengths capable
of disinfecting and/or killing bacteria can be used for assisting
in sanitation of the swimming pool 102. The light 400 generally
defines a housing 402 which can be configured into a helical or
swirl shape as shown in FIG. 4. The helical or swirl shape of the
light 400 can maximize the length of the light 400, while reducing
the vessel or housing which can be used to encase the light
400.
[0041] The UV light, e.g., UV light 400, can be carried by a bottom
surface of any of the cleaners herein discussed. More specifically,
the underside of the cleaner can carry a vessel monolithically, or
modularly (removable), formed therewith that includes an internal
cavity for receiving and electrically connecting the light 400 to
an electric power source supplied from within the cleaner. The
cavity can be dimensioned define a height of distance D (not
shown). As would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the
art, by configuring the light 400 in a helical or swirl shape, a
greater surface-to-surface contact area (between the light and the
water) can fit within distance D of the cavity when compared to a
light having a straight configuration. Thus, a greater amount of,
e.g., UV light, can be provided to disinfect and/or kill bacteria
and other undesired organisms in a swimming pool 102.
[0042] Thus, the exemplary self-contained systems described herein
permit cleaners to perform cleaning operations in a swimming pool
while minimizing the interaction and/or supervision of users. In
addition, the exemplary self-contained systems optimize the
cleaning modes and/or paths taken by the cleaner, thus reducing the
time required for cleaning a swimming pool and efficiently
preserving battery life of the cleaner.
[0043] In some embodiments, it is contemplated that any of the
cleaners described herein may be "top only" or "bottom only," for
example, as opposed to "top/bottom." In some embodiments, it is
contemplated that, in addition to or as an alternative to
electricity, the source of power may be negative water pressure,
such as a suction hose extending from the cleaner to the fluid
circulation line of the swimming pool, or positive water pressure,
such as a positive pressure water hose extending from a booster
pump, for example, to the cleaner.
[0044] Although described herein as an electric cleaner 200, those
of ordinary skill in the art should understand that alternative
sources of power can be provided to the cleaner 200 and/or docking
station 300, e.g., inductive charging, positive and/or negative
pressure, materials which create their own power, and the like,
while the internal intelligence (e.g., a processing device, a
printed circuit board (PCB), a controller, and the like) can still
be powered through electricity. In particular, the alternative
source(s) of power can provide the necessary power for propulsion,
steering and/or control of the cleaner 200. In embodiments where
the cleaner 200 is a positive pressure cleaner using water
pressure, a booster pump (not shown) can be implemented as a power
source.
[0045] While exemplary embodiments have been described herein, it
is expressly noted that these embodiments should not be construed
as limiting, but rather that additions and modifications to what is
expressly described herein also are included within the scope of
the invention. Moreover, it is to be understood that the features
of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually
exclusive and can exist in various combinations and permutations,
even if such combinations or permutations are not made express
herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
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