Detachable filter unit, detachable external cage and pool cleaning platform

Abstract

A removable filter unit, a removable external cage, and a pool cleaning platform are provided, the removable filter unit comprising (a) a filter bag; (b) at least one internal support element (ISE) configured to contact one or more internal regions of the filter bag and to support the filter bag; and (c) a filter unit base, wherein the filter unit base comprises an ISE interface and a fluid opening; wherein the at least one ISE is configured to be removably coupled to the ISE interface.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Israeli patent application 304027, filed on June 25, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the technical field of removable filter units, removable external retainers, and pool cleaning platforms. Background Technology

[0004] Various pool-related platforms can perform fluid filtration operations.

[0005] There is a growing demand for filters that are both highly efficient and easy to empty. Utility Model Content

[0006] A removable filter unit, a removable external retainer, and a pool cleaning platform are provided.

[0007] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a detachable filter unit, comprising:

[0008] Filter bags;

[0009] At least one internal support element configured to contact one or more internal regions of the filter bag and support the filter bag;

[0010] The detachable filter unit further includes:

[0011] A filter unit base, the filter unit base including an internal support element interface and a fluid opening; wherein the at least one internal support element is configured to be detachably connected to the internal support element interface.

[0012] In a second aspect of the present invention, a removable filter unit according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the removable filter unit includes a removable external retainer that, after the removable filter unit is assembled, at least partially surrounds the filter bag.

[0013] In a third aspect of the present invention, a detachable filter unit according to a second aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the detachable external retainer has a lower opening, and wherein the bottom of the filter unit base is configured not to pass through the lower opening when the detachable filter unit is assembled.

[0014] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, a removable filter unit according to a second aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the removable external retainer includes a perforated sidewall.

[0015] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, a removable filter unit according to a second aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the removable external retainer includes at least one exposed handle, wherein the exposed handle does not contact the filter bag when the removable filter unit is assembled and the filter bag is at least half empty.

[0016] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, a removable filter unit according to a second aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the removable external retainer is configured to be installed independently of other components of the removable filter unit within the internal space of a pool cleaning robot.

[0017] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, a detachable filter unit according to a second aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the detachable external retainer is composed of a perforated body having an opening at least twenty times the size of the filter opening of the filter unit.

[0018] In an eighth aspect of the present invention, a removable filter unit according to a second aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the removable external retainer is configured to protect personnel from injury to moving elements within the pool cleaning robot during positioning of the removable filter unit within the internal space of the pool cleaning robot.

[0019] In a ninth aspect of the present invention, a removable filter unit according to a second aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the removable external retainer is configured to define the expansion of the filter bag within a pool cleaning robot.

[0020] In a tenth aspect of the present invention, a detachable filter unit according to a second aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the detachable external retainer is not used for filtration.

[0021] In the eleventh aspect of this utility model, a detachable filter unit according to the second aspect of this utility model is provided, wherein the detachable external retainer includes a perforated sidewall, and the opening forming the perforated sidewall is at least twenty times larger than the filter opening of the filter bag.

[0022] In a twelfth aspect of the present invention, a detachable filter unit according to a second aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the detachable filter unit is configured to simulate a detachable filter unit cartridge.

[0023] In a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a removable filter unit according to a first aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the at least one internal support element includes an internal support element configured to support an internal region located at the top of the filter bag.

[0024] In a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, a detachable filter unit according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the internal support elements are located on opposite sides of the filter unit base, and each of the internal support elements has an upper rod supported by an additional rod.

[0025] In a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, a detachable filter unit according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein each internal support element includes an internal support element adapter detachably connected to an interface of the internal support element.

[0026] In a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, a detachable filter unit according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the internal support element adapter includes two parts rotatably connected to each other and a protrusion oriented relative to the longitudinal axis of the internal support element adapter.

[0027] In a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, a detachable filter unit according to a first aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the bottom of the filter unit base is formed into a trapezoid with rounded corners, and wherein the internal support element interface includes a plurality of internal support element interface elements positioned close to the rounded corners.

[0028] In an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, a removable filter unit according to a first aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the filter bag is made of woven fabric.

[0029] In a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, a removable filter unit according to a first aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the filter bag includes a filter bag opening and a filter bag closing element for selectively closing the filter bag opening.

[0030] In a twentieth aspect of the present invention, a detachable filter unit according to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the filter bag closure element is a zipper.

[0031] In a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, a detachable filter unit according to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the filter bag closure element includes a magnetic element.

[0032] In a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, a detachable filter unit according to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the filter bag closure element comprises double-sided adhesive tape.

[0033] In a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, a removable filter unit according to a first aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the filter unit base includes a valve for selectively closing the fluid opening.

[0034] In a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, a detachable filter unit according to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the valve includes a valve closing element, a spring and a valve seat, wherein the closing element is rotatably coupled to the filter unit base; and wherein the spring is configured to move the closing element to a closed position and hold the closing element in the closed position when the opening pressure applied to the closing element does not exceed a predetermined opening pressure level.

[0035] In a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, a removable filter unit according to a first aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the filter bag includes one or more air extraction openings.

[0036] In a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, a detachable filter unit according to a first aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the filter bag is made of nonwoven fabric.

[0037] In a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, a removable filter unit according to a first aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the filter bag is made of recycled material.

[0038] In a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, a removable filter unit according to a first aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the shape and size of the removable filter unit are configured for mounting from the top of a pool cleaning robot.

[0039] In a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, a detachable filter unit according to a first aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the detachable filter unit is configured to simulate a detachable filter unit cartridge.

[0040] In a thirtieth aspect of the present invention, a detachable filter unit according to a first aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the detachable filter unit comprises the filter bag, the at least one internal support element, and the filter unit base.

[0041] The thirty-first aspect of this utility model provides a detachable external retainer, comprising:

[0042] The main body includes a perforated sidewall and a lower opening;

[0043] The detachable external retainer is configured to partially surround the filter bag of the detachable filter unit after the detachable filter unit is assembled and installed inside the pool cleaning robot.

[0044] In a thirty-second aspect of the present invention, a detachable external retainer is provided according to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, wherein the detachable external retainer is configured to protect personnel from injury by the moving parts of the pool cleaning robot.

[0045] In a thirty-third aspect of the present invention, a removable external retainer according to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the removable external retainer includes an exposed handle.

[0046] In a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, a detachable external retainer according to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein, after the detachable filter unit is assembled and installed inside the pool cleaning robot, the exposed handle does not contact the filter bag.

[0047] In a thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention, a removable external retainer is provided according to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, wherein the shape and size of the removable external retainer are configured for mounting from the top of the pool cleaning robot.

[0048] In a thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention, a detachable external retainer is provided according to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, wherein the detachable external retainer is configured to be installed independently of other components of the detachable filter unit within the internal space of the pool cleaning robot.

[0049] In a thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention, a detachable external retainer is provided according to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, wherein the detachable internal retainer comprises a perforated body having an opening at least twenty times the size of the filter opening of the filter unit.

[0050] In a thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention, a removable external retainer according to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the removable external retainer is not used for filtration.

[0051] In the thirty-ninth aspect of this utility model, a pool cleaning platform is provided, comprising:

[0052] case;

[0053] A cover, configured to selectively expose and selectively close the interior space of the pool cleaning platform;

[0054] A removable filter unit configured to enter the internal space;

[0055] The detachable filter unit includes:

[0056] Filter bags;

[0057] At least one internal support element, the internal support element being configured to contact one or more internal regions of the filter bag and to support the filter bag;

[0058] A filter unit base, the filter unit base including an internal support element interface, a fluid opening and a valve for selectively closing the fluid opening; wherein the at least one internal support element is configured to be detachably connected to the internal support element interface;

[0059] A removable external retainer is configured to define the expansion of the internal support element within the pool cleaning platform after the removable filter unit is assembled and positioned within the internal space.

[0060] In a fortieth aspect of the present invention, a pool cleaning platform according to a thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the bottom of the housing includes a bottom opening that mates with the bottom of the filter unit base. Attached Figure Description

[0061] The subject matter of this utility model is specifically pointed out and explicitly claimed in the conclusion of the specification. However, the organizational structure and operation method of this utility model, as well as its objects, features and advantages, can be best understood by reading in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and by referring to the following detailed description, in which:

[0062] Figure 1 An exploded view of an example of a removable filter unit is shown;

[0063] Figure 2 Examples of different steps in assembling the filter unit base are shown;

[0064] Figure 3 Examples of different steps in assembling a detachable filter unit are shown;

[0065] Figure 4 Examples of different steps in inserting a removable filter unit into the PCR process are shown;

[0066] Figure 5 An example of a filter unit base is shown;

[0067] Figure 6 An example of a removable external retainer is shown;

[0068] Figure 7 An example of a valve closing element, spring, and valve seat is shown; the valve closing element may be two side shafts.

[0069] Figure 8An example of an experimental setup including a pool cleaning robot and a removable external retainer is shown; and

[0070] Figure 9 An example of a filter bag is shown.

[0071] It should be understood that, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, the elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be enlarged relative to others for clarity. Furthermore, where deemed appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated between figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0072] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, steps, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

[0073] The subject matter of this utility model is specifically pointed out and clearly claimed in the invention description section of the specification.

[0074] However, the organizational structure and operating method of this utility model, as well as its purpose, features and advantages, can be best understood by reading in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and by referring to the following detailed description.

[0075] It should be understood that, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, the elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be enlarged relative to others for clarity. Furthermore, where deemed appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated between figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements.

[0076] The term “and / or” means additionally or alternatively.

[0077] The terms “control unit,” “remote control device,” “control device,” and “mobile computer” are used interchangeably.

[0078] Any references to the pool cleaning robot in this specification should be understood in accordance with the methods that can be performed by the pool cleaning robot and the computer-readable medium storing instructions to be performed by the pool cleaning robot.

[0079] Any references to mobile computers in this specification shall be interpreted in accordance with the methods that can be performed by the mobile computer and the computer-readable medium storing instructions to be performed by the mobile computer.

[0080] Any reference to the method in this specification shall be interpreted in accordance with the applicable law for pool cleaning robots and / or mobile computers performing the method and / or computer-readable media storing instructions that, once executed, cause the method to be performed.

[0081] Any reference in this specification to non-transitory computer-readable media shall be interpreted in accordance with the applicable laws of a pool cleaning robot and / or a mobile computer capable of executing instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, and in accordance with the applicable laws of a method which can be executed by a pool cleaning robot and / or a mobile computer that reads instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0082] Since the embodiments of the present invention shown can be largely implemented using electronic components, touch screens, and circuits known to those skilled in the art, in order to understand and grasp the basic concepts of the present invention, and in order not to confuse or distract from the teaching of the present invention, details will not be explained beyond what is deemed necessary above.

[0083] Any reference to the method in this specification shall be interpreted mutatis mutandis as applicable to systems capable of performing the method, and to non-transitory computer-readable media storing the following instructions, which, when executed by a computer, cause the method to be performed.

[0084] A PRP (Pool Cleaning Platform) is any platform capable of performing operations related to the liquid in a pool (cleaning, altering chemical composition, monitoring, etc.). Examples of PRPs include pool robots (other than Pool Cleaning Robots (PCR), PCRs, floating units, skimmers, etc. Any example related to PCR can be applied to any other PRP.

[0085] To simplify the explanation, Figure 4 The PCR is shown as a pool cleaning robot.

[0086] A removable filter unit can be provided. The removable filter unit can be at least partially positioned within the PCR and can filter fluids. The removable filter unit can be removed from the PCR, for example, for cleaning purposes.

[0087] The removable filter unit may include:

[0088] a. Filter bag (used for filtering fluids).

[0089] b. At least one internal support element (ISE) configured to contact one or more internal regions of the filter bag and support the filter bag.

[0090] c. A filter unit base, which may include an ISE interface, a fluid opening, etc., wherein at least one ISE may not be configured to be detachably connected to the ISE interface.

[0091] The removable filter unit may also include a removable external retainer that at least partially surrounds the filter bag when the removable filter unit is assembled. The removable external retainer can protect personnel from injury to moving elements of the PCR (such as rotors and / or impellers), define the expansion of the filter bag within the PCR, and can also be used to move the filter bag inside and / or outside the PCR.

[0092] The removable external retainer may have a lower opening. When the removable filter unit is assembled, the bottom of the filter unit base may not be configured to pass through the lower opening. This prevents the bottom of the filter unit base from falling through the lower opening.

[0093] The removable external retainer may include perforated sidewalls. This reduces the weight and / or cost of the removable external retainer, increases its flexibility, and / or simplifies its catching—for example, when removing a removable filter unit from the PCR and / or moving it outside the PCR. Perforated sidewalls also facilitate free flow of fluid within the robot.

[0094] The removable external retainer may include at least one exposed handle. When the removable filter unit surrounds the filter bag and the filter bag is at least half-empty, the exposed handle may not contact the filter bag. In one or more cases, the exposed handle may or may not contact the filter bag.

[0095] At least one ISE may include an ISE configured to support an internal region located at the top of the filter bag.

[0096] ISEs can be located on opposite sides of the filter unit base, with each ISE having an upper rod that can be supported by an additional rod.

[0097] Each ISE may include an ISE adapter that can be detachably connected to the ISE interface.

[0098] An ISE adapter may include two parts that are rotatably connected to each other and a protrusion that can be oriented relative to the longitudinal axis of the ISE adapter.

[0099] The bottom of the filter unit base can be shaped as a trapezoid with rounded corners, and the ISE interface can include multiple ISE interface elements positioned close to the rounded corners.

[0100] Filter bags can be made of woven fabric.

[0101] The filter bag may include a filter bag opening and a filter bag closing element for selectively closing the filter bag opening.

[0102] The filter bag closure element can be at least one of mechanical components, magnetic components, etc. For example, the filter bag closure element can be a zipper or double-sided tape.

[0103] The filter unit base may include a valve for selectively closing the fluid opening. Alternatively, the valve may be located between the filter unit base and the fluid opening but not part of the filter unit base.

[0104] The valve may include a valve closing element, a spring, and a valve seat, wherein the closing element may be rotatably coupled to a filter unit base. The spring may be configured to move the closing element to a closed position and hold the closing element in the closed position as long as the opening pressure applied to the closing element does not exceed a predetermined opening pressure level.

[0105] The filter bag may include one or more air extraction openings. This allows air to exit the filter bag as the PCR falls into the fluid in the pool.

[0106] Filter bags can be made of any fabric—woven or nonwoven.

[0107] Filter bags can be made from recycled or non-recycled materials.

[0108] According to an embodiment, the shape and size of the detachable filter unit are configured for installation from the top of the PCR.

[0109] According to an embodiment, the removable external retainer is configured to protect personnel from injury from moving elements within the PCR during the positioning of the removable filter unit within the internal space of the PCR.

[0110] According to an embodiment, the removable external retainer is configured to define the expansion of the filter bag within the PCR.

[0111] According to an embodiment, the removable external retainer is not used for filtration.

[0112] According to an embodiment, the removable external retainer includes a perforated sidewall, and the opening forming the perforated sidewall is much larger than the filter opening of the filter bag (corresponding to the size of the particles to be filtered by the filter unit) (e.g., at least 20 times, 50 times, 100 times or even more).

[0113] According to an embodiment, the removable external retainer is not part of the PCR filtration unit.

[0114] According to an embodiment, the removable filter unit is configured to simulate a removable filter unit cartridge—for example, by providing an external rigid frame (such as two ISEs 14 and a filter unit base 16)—and / or by providing a handle and a removable external retainer that is at least partially rigid.

[0115] According to an embodiment, the removable external retainer is constructed to be installed within the internal space of the PCR independently of other components of the removable filter unit.

[0116] According to an embodiment, the detachable external retainer is substantially composed of a perforated body, the size of which is at least 20 times the size of the filter opening of the filter unit.

[0117] PCR in Figure 4 and Figure 8 The reference numeral 100 indicates the removable filter unit in each of the figures.

[0118] Figure 1 An exploded view of an example of a removable filter unit 10 is shown, which includes a filter bag 12, a filter unit base 16, and two ISEs 14. Figure 1 It also includes a removable external retainer 18, which may or may not be part of the removable filter unit. Figure 1 Also shown are components such as the upper rod 14-1, support rod 14-2, ISE adapter 14-3, valve closing element 16-4-1, and spring 16-4-2.

[0119] Figure 2 Examples of different steps (from left to right) in assembling the filter unit base 16 are shown. The valve seat 16-4-3 (using fastening element 19) is connected to the bottom 16-3 (of the filter unit base 16), and the valve closing element 16-4-3 (of the valve 16-4) is connected to the valve seat 16-4-3. Figure 2 A filter unit base 16 is shown, which is shaped as a trapezoid with rounded corners and includes an ISE interface comprising a plurality of ISE interface elements 16-1-1, 16-1-2, 16-1-3 and 16-1-4 positioned close to the rounded corners.

[0120] Figure 2 Also shown is the first part 14-3-1 of the ISE adapter, the second part 14-3-2 of the ISE adapter 14-3, and the protrusion 14-3-3.

[0121] Figure 3 Examples of different steps in assembling a detachable filter unit (from left to right) are shown, and (a) ISE14 with an ISE adapter inserted into the ISE interface of filter unit base 16 and (b) filter bag 12 placed on the ISE are shown.

[0122] Figure 4Examples of different steps for inserting a removable filter unit into a PCR 100 are shown. In this figure, the removable external holder 18 is inserted into the PCR before the filter bag 12, ISE 14, and filter unit base 16 are inserted.

[0123] Figure 5 An example of a filter unit base 16 is shown, which includes a bottom 16-3 and a fluid opening 16-2. Figure 5 The ISE adapter 14-3, which is shown to be open and closed (after assembly), includes a first part 14-3-1, a second part 14-2, and a protrusion 14-3.

[0124] Figure 6 An example of a removable external retainer 18 is shown, which has a lower opening 18-1 and a perforated sidewall 18-2 (with an opening 18-3). An external handle 18-4 may be formed by the opening and its surrounding portion.

[0125] Figure 7 An example of a valve closing element 16-4-1, a spring 16-4-2, and a valve seat 16-4-3 is shown. The valve closing element 16-4-1 may have two side shafts, and the valve seat 16-4-3 has two openings in which the side shafts can be fitted to allow the valve closing element 16-4-1 to rotate relative to the valve seat 16-4-3.

[0126] Figure 8 An example of an experimental setup is shown, which includes a PCR 100 and a removable external holder 18, which inserts the PCR before the filter bag and other components of the removable filter unit are inserted.

[0127] Figure 9 An example of a filter bag 12 (supported by an ISE (not shown)) is shown, which is connected to a filter unit base (not shown), and the filter bag includes air extraction openings 12-3.

[0128] Figure 9 An open filter bag 12 is also shown, exposing the filter unit base 16, ISE 14, and filter bag closure element 12-4.

[0129] The components of the removable filter unit 10 have the following reference numerals:

[0130] a. Filter bag 12

[0131] i. Filter bag opening 12-1

[0132] ii. Filter bag closing element 12-2

[0133] iii. Air extraction opening 12-3

[0134] iv. Filter bag closing element 12-4

[0135] b. Internal support element (ISE) 14

[0136] i. Upper rod 14-1

[0137] ii. Support rod 14-2

[0138] iii. ISE Adapter 14-3

[0139] 1. ISE Adapter - Part 1 14-3-1

[0140] 2. ISE Adapter - Part 2 14-3-2

[0141] 3. ISE adapter - protrusion 14-3-3

[0142] c. Filter unit base 16

[0143] i.ISE Interface 16-1

[0144] 1. ISE interface components 16-1-1—16-1-4

[0145] ii. Fluid opening 16-2

[0146] iii. Bottom 16-3

[0147] iv. Valve 16-4

[0148] 1. Valve closing element 16-4-1

[0149] 2. Spring 16-4-2

[0150] 3. Valve seat 16-4-3

[0151] d. Removable external retainer 18

[0152] i. Lower opening 18-1

[0153] ii. Perforated sidewall 18-2

[0154] iii. Opening 18-3

[0155] iv. Exposed handle 18-4

[0156] e. Fastening components-19

[0157] Any reference to "including," "comprising," or "having" may be interpreted in accordance with any reference to "consisting" and "consisting essentially of." For example, any method may include at least the steps outlined in the drawings and / or specification, or only the steps outlined in the drawings and / or specification. This also applies to pool cleaning robots and mobile computers.

[0158] It should be understood that, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, the elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be enlarged relative to others for clarity. Furthermore, where deemed appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated between figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements.

[0159] In the foregoing description, the present invention has been described with reference to specific examples of embodiments thereof. However, it will be apparent that various modifications and variations can be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0160] Furthermore, if applicable, the terms “front,” “rear,” “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc., used in the specification and claims are for descriptive purposes and are not necessarily used to describe permanent relative positions. It should be understood that such terms are interchangeable where appropriate, such that embodiments of the present invention described herein can, for example, operate in orientations other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

[0161] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the boundaries between logic blocks are merely illustrative, and alternative embodiments may combine logic blocks or loop elements, or impose alternative functional decompositions on multiple different logic blocks or loop elements. Therefore, it should be understood that the architecture described herein is merely exemplary, and many other architectures that actually implement the same functionality can be implemented.

[0162] Arbitrary arrangements of components that perform the same function are effectively "associated" to enable the desired functionality. Therefore, any two components combined in this paper to achieve a specific function can be considered "associated" with each other to enable the desired functionality, regardless of the architecture or intermediate components. Similarly, any two such associated components can also be considered "operably connected" or "operably linked" to each other to achieve the desired functionality.

[0163] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that the boundaries between the above operations are merely illustrative. Multiple operations can be combined into a single operation, a single operation can be distributed among additional operations, and operations can be performed with at least partial overlap in time. Moreover, alternative embodiments may include multiple instances of a particular operation, and the order of operations may be varied in various other embodiments.

[0164] Furthermore, for example, in one embodiment, the illustrated example can be implemented as circuitry located on a single integrated circuit or within the same device. Alternatively, the example can be implemented as any number of separate integrated circuits or separate devices interconnected with each other in a suitable manner.

[0165] Furthermore, for example, an example or a portion thereof may be implemented as a physical circuit or a soft or code representation of a logical representation that can be converted into a physical circuit, such as in the form of any suitable type of hardware description language.

[0166] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to physical devices or units implemented in non-programmable hardware, but can also be applied to programmable devices or units that can perform desired device functions by operating according to appropriate program code, such as mainframes, minicomputers, servers, workstations, personal computers, notebooks, personal digital assistants, video games, automobiles and other embedded systems, mobile phones and various other wireless devices, which are generally referred to as "computer systems" in this application.

[0167] However, other modifications, variations, and alternatives are also possible. Therefore, the specification and drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0168] In the claims, any reference numerals placed in parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps besides those listed in the claims. Unless otherwise stated, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between the elements described by these terms. Therefore, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate the temporal or other priority of these elements. The fact that specific measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0169] Any system, device or apparatus mentioned in this utility model application includes at least one hardware component.

[0170] Although certain features of the present invention have been described and illustrated herein, many modifications, substitutions, variations, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations falling within the true spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A detachable filter unit, comprising: Filter bags; At least one internal support element configured to contact one or more internal regions of the filter bag and support the filter bag; The removable filter unit is characterized in that it further includes: A filter unit base, the filter unit base including an internal support element interface and a fluid opening; wherein the at least one internal support element is configured to be detachably connected to the internal support element interface.

2. The detachable filter unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The removable filter unit includes a removable external retainer that, after the removable filter unit is assembled, at least partially surrounds the filter bag.

3. The detachable filter unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The removable external retainer has a lower opening, wherein the bottom of the filter unit base is configured not to pass through the lower opening when the removable filter unit is assembled.

4. The detachable filter unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The removable external retainer includes perforated sidewalls.

5. The detachable filter unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The removable external retainer includes at least one exposed handle, wherein the exposed handle does not contact the filter bag when the removable filter unit is assembled and the filter bag is at least half empty.

6. The detachable filter unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The detachable external retainer is constructed to be installed independently of other components of the detachable filter unit within the internal space of the pool cleaning robot.

7. The detachable filter unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The detachable external retainer consists of a perforated body having an opening at least twenty times the size of the filter opening of the filter unit.

8. The detachable filter unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The removable external retainer is designed to protect personnel from injury from moving components within the pool cleaning robot during the positioning of the removable filter unit within the robot's internal space.

9. The detachable filter unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The removable external retainer is configured to define the expansion of the filter bag within the pool cleaning robot.

10. The detachable filter unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The removable external retainer is not used for filtration.

11. The detachable filter unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The removable external retainer includes a perforated sidewall, and the opening forming the perforated sidewall is at least twenty times larger than the filter opening of the filter bag.

12. The detachable filter unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The detachable filter unit is constructed to simulate a detachable filter unit cartridge.

13. The detachable filter unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one internal support element includes an internal support element configured to support an internal region located at the top of the filter bag.

14. The detachable filter unit according to claim 13, characterized in that, The internal support elements are located on opposite sides of the filter unit base, wherein each of the internal support elements has an upper rod supported by an additional rod.

15. The detachable filter unit according to claim 14, characterized in that, Each internal support element includes an internal support element adapter that is detachably connected to the internal support element interface.

16. The detachable filter unit according to claim 15, characterized in that, The internal support element adapter includes two parts rotatably connected to each other and a protrusion oriented relative to the longitudinal axis of the internal support element adapter.

17. The detachable filter unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the filter unit base is shaped into a trapezoid with rounded corners, and the internal support element interface includes a plurality of internal support element interface elements positioned close to the rounded corners.

18. The detachable filter unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter bag is made of woven fabric.

19. The detachable filter unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter bag includes a filter bag opening and a filter bag closing element for selectively closing the filter bag opening.

20. The detachable filter unit according to claim 19, characterized in that, The filter bag closure element is a zipper.

21. The detachable filter unit according to claim 19, characterized in that, The filter bag closure element includes a magnetic element.

22. The detachable filter unit according to claim 19, characterized in that, The filter bag closure element includes double-sided adhesive tape.

23. The detachable filter unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter unit base includes a valve for selectively closing the fluid opening.

24. The detachable filter unit according to claim 23, characterized in that, The valve includes a valve closing element, a spring, and a valve seat, wherein the closing element is rotatably coupled to the filter unit base; and wherein the spring is configured to move the closing element to a closed position and hold the closing element in the closed position when the opening pressure applied to the closing element does not exceed a predetermined opening pressure level.

25. The detachable filter unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter bag includes one or more air extraction openings.

26. The detachable filter unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter bag is made of non-woven fabric.

27. The detachable filter unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter bags are made from recycled materials.

28. The detachable filter unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detachable filter unit is shaped and sized for installation from the top of the pool cleaning robot.

29. The detachable filter unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detachable filter unit is constructed to simulate a detachable filter unit cartridge.

30. The detachable filter unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detachable filter unit consists of the filter bag, the at least one internal support element, and the filter unit base.

31. A removable external retainer, comprising: The main body includes a perforated sidewall and a lower opening; It is characterized in that The removable external retainer is configured to partially surround the filter bag of the removable filter unit after the removable filter unit is assembled and installed inside the pool cleaning robot.

32. The detachable external retainer according to claim 31, characterized in that, The removable external retainer is designed to protect personnel from injury caused by the moving parts of the pool cleaning robot.

33. The detachable external retainer according to claim 31, characterized in that, The removable external retainer includes an exposed handle.

34. The removable external retainer according to claim 33, characterized in that, After the detachable filter unit is assembled and installed inside the pool cleaning robot, the exposed handle does not contact the filter bag.

35. The removable external retainer according to claim 31, characterized in that, The shape and size of the detachable external retainer are configured for mounting from the top of the pool cleaning robot.

36. The detachable external retainer according to claim 31, characterized in that, The detachable external retainer is constructed to be installed independently of other components of the detachable filter unit within the internal space of the pool cleaning robot.

37. The removable external retainer according to claim 31, characterized in that, The removable internal retainer consists of a perforated body having an opening at least twenty times the size of the filter opening of the filter unit.

38. The removable external retainer according to claim 31, characterized in that, The removable external retainer is not used for filtration.

39. A pool cleaning platform, comprising: case; A cover, configured to selectively expose and selectively close the interior space of the pool cleaning platform; A removable filter unit configured to enter the internal space; The removable filter unit is characterized by comprising: Filter bags; At least one internal support element, the internal support element being configured to contact one or more internal regions of the filter bag and to support the filter bag; A filter unit base, the filter unit base including an internal support element interface, a fluid opening and a valve for selectively closing the fluid opening; wherein the at least one internal support element is configured to be detachably connected to the internal support element interface; A removable external retainer is configured to define the expansion of the internal support element within the pool cleaning platform after the removable filter unit is assembled and positioned within the internal space.

40. The pool cleaning platform according to claim 39, characterized in that, The bottom of the housing includes a bottom opening that mates with the bottom of the filter unit base.

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