Swimming pool robot comprising a gripping handle comprising at least one float and associated method

Abstract

A swimming pool robot (1) comprising at least one chassis (10), at least one device for suctioning a flow of water configured to filter said flow of water, at least one motorization device (4) configured to move along a forward axis (X4) from a rear to a front, the suction device and the motorization device (4) being electrically powered by an electric battery (5) removably mounted in a housing of the chassis (10), at least one gripping handle (7) configured to allow a user to remove the swimming pool robot (1) from a swimming pool, the gripping handle (7) being articulated to the chassis (10) along a handle axis (X7), orthogonal to the forward axis (X4), between a retracted position in which the gripping handle (7) is retracted into the chassis (10) and an extended position (PS) in which the gripping handle (7) extends projecting from the chassis (10),the gripping handle (7) comprising at least one float (71). Abstract figure: Figure 2,

Description

Title of the invention: Swimming pool robot comprising a gripping handle comprising at least one float and associated method Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of cleaning a swimming pool in an automated manner by means of a swimming pool robot. The invention relates more particularly to a swimming pool robot powered autonomously by a removable electric battery.

[0002] A pool robot is known in the prior art, comprising a chassis in which a device for suctioning a flow of water is mounted in order to filter impurities, as well as a motorization device in order to move the pool robot in the pool. In a known manner, the pool robot comprises an electric battery for powering the suction device and the motorization device. The electric battery is removable from the chassis in order to allow it to be recharged in a practical manner, in particular, within a home without moving the pool robot in the home.

[0003] Such a pool robot is by nature autonomous (wireless or cable) and must be retrieved by a user at the edge of the pool, for example, by means of a handle secured to the frame of the pool robot.

[0004] The duration of a cleaning cycle depends on the electrical capacity of the removable battery but also on the electrical consumption of the pool robot. In order to allow optimal cleaning of a swimming pool, it is necessary to control the electrical consumption of the pool robot. As is known, a pool robot comprises a motorization device for moving on the wall of the pool. The motorization device generally comprises lateral tracks. Such tracks have the disadvantage of generating a lot of friction and induce a significant loss of electrical energy. The cleaning cycles then have a reduced duration and the user is forced to carry out frequent recharges.

[0005] In practice, the suction device generates a plating force to provide grip. The heavier (denser) the pool robot, the larger the suction device needs to be to ensure sufficient grip to be able to move on the vertical walls. This significantly increases the power consumption of said pool robot. Also, it is desirable for the pool robot to be light (low density) but this has other disadvantages. Indeed, a light pool robot has the disadvantage of very easily deviating from its trajectory at the bottom of the pool when it encounters an obstacle, for example, a bottom drain, a relief, a change in surface inclination, by a bottom wall to surface complex (pyramidal, etc.) or when it is subjected to a filtration current in the pool. It is therefore complex to obtain a robot that performs as well on a bottom wall as on a vertical wall.

[0006] The invention thus aims to eliminate at least some of these drawbacks. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention relates to a swimming pool robot comprising at least one chassis, at least one device for suctioning a flow of water configured to filter said flow of water, at least one motorization device configured to move along a forward axis from a rear to a front, the suction device and the motorization device being electrically powered by an electric battery removably mounted in a housing of the chassis, at least one gripping handle configured to allow a user to remove the swimming pool robot from a swimming pool, the gripping handle being articulated to the chassis along a handle axis, orthogonal to the forward axis, between a retracted position in which the gripping handle is retracted into the chassis and an extended position in which the gripping handle extends projecting from the chassis, the gripping handle comprising at least one float.

[0008] Thanks to the invention, the handle advantageously fulfills a gripping and flotation function. This allows the float to extend away from the center of gravity of the pool robot to ensure dynamic balancing during both vertical and horizontal movement. In the retracted position, the gripping handle is aligned with the direction of travel, which is advantageous for vertical movement of the pool robot. The center of gravity is moved backward, which improves stability. Any misalignment is thus avoided. The dynamic balancing also allows for optimal cleaning of the brushes since the brushes are applied with a uniform force. Preferably, the flotation force is applied substantially according to the center of gravity.

[0009] According to one aspect, the chassis comprises at least one imprint of a shape complementary to the gripping handle. This allows the gripping handle to extend optimally during vertical movement of the pool robot.

[0010] According to one aspect, the chassis defining an overall volume, the gripping handle is integrated into the overall volume in the retracted position. This allows the gripping handle to extend optimally during vertical movement of the pool robot. In addition, this limits the risk of damage to the float and more particularly to its articulation axis during storage or handling of the pool robot outside the pool.

[0011] According to one aspect, the float comprises an airtight enclosure or body made made of a material having a density of less than 1, preferably expanded plastic.

[0012] According to one aspect, in the retracted position, a distance, defined along the axis of advance, between the center of gravity and the center of the float is at least equal to 100mm, preferably at least 140mm. Thus, when moving on the vertical portion, the center of gravity is positioned clearly below the float, which stabilizes the pool robot. The center of gravity is modified in the retracted position to improve movement in the vertical position.

[0013] According to one aspect, in the retracted position, the float extends at a front end of the chassis. This makes it easier for a user to retrieve the pool robot from the edge of the pool. This also protects the electric battery from shocks during storage. This also shifts the center of gravity rearward to improve movement in the upright position.

[0014] According to one aspect, the pool robot comprising at least one front brush, in the retracted position, the float extends at the level of the front brush. This allows the front brush to be able to clean under overflows at the water line or up to the ceiling line of a closed swimming pool, thus protecting the float from impacts.

[0015] According to one aspect, the grip handle comprises at least two lateral floats so as to allow balanced flotation, preferably only two.

[0016] According to one aspect, the two lateral floats are connected by an elongated portion having a section smaller than the section of the lateral floats, the section being defined in a plane transverse to the handle axis. This allows for an ergonomic grip by a user.

[0017] Also presented is a method of moving a swimming pool robot as presented previously on a swimming pool wall comprising a horizontal portion and a vertical portion, the method comprising steps consisting of: • Move along the horizontal portion of the pool wall, with the frame in a horizontal position and the grip handle vertically in the extended position, • Move along the vertical portion of the pool wall, with the frame in the vertical position and the grip handle in the vertical position in the retracted position. PRESENTATION OF FIGURES

[0018] The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given by way of example, and referring to the following figures, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which identical references are given to similar objects.

[0019] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of a swimming pool robot according to a form of realization with the handle in the retracted position.

[0020] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of the pool robot of [Fig.l] with the handle in the extended position.

[0021] [Fig.3] is a close-up schematic representation of the handle.

[0022] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of the movement of the pool robot on a pool wall.

[0023] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of the center of gravity of the pool robot during a vertical ascent.

[0024] It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail for implementing the invention, said figures of course being able to serve to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Referring to [Fig.l], there is shown a swimming pool robot 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. In this example, the swimming pool robot 1 has a substantially paving stone shape but it goes without saying that it could have a different shape.

[0026] The swimming pool robot 1 comprises a chassis 10 in which is mounted an electrical power supply circuit 2, a suction device 3 for a flow of water configured to filter said flow of water and a motorization device 4 configured to allow the movement of the swimming pool robot 1 in the swimming pool. It goes without saying that the swimming pool robot 1 could comprise other devices.

[0027] The swimming pool robot 1 comprises an electric battery 5 which is removably mounted in a housing of the chassis 10. The suction device 3 and the motorization device 4 are powered by the electric battery 5 via the electrical power supply circuit 2.

[0028] The suction device 3 is configured to suck up a flow of water and to filter it in order to remove impurities. In particular, the suction device 3 is configured to capture the impurities in a tank or in a bag. In this example, the suction device 3 comprises an upper suction and a rear discharge, but it goes without saying that the suctions / discharges could be more or less numerous and could be located at different positions.

[0029] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the swimming pool robot 1 comprises a motorization device 4 configured to move the swimming pool robot 1 along a forward axis X4 oriented from a rear to a front. With reference to [Fig.l], the motorization device 4 is configured to rotate a front brush 49 in order to scrub the wall of the swimming pool and detach the impurities so that they are sucked up by the suction device 3.

[0030] The swimming pool robot 1 comprises a center of gravity CG which is positioned in a lower part of the pool robot 1. Indeed, the pool robot 1 generally has a denser lower part than the upper part. This allows the pool robot 1 to always land on its wheels regardless of how it is put into the water or when faced with obstacles and reliefs encountered in the pool.

[0031] With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the pool robot 1 comprises a gripping handle 7 allowing the pool robot 1 to be gripped out of the water. In this example, the gripping handle 7 further allows the pool robot 1 to float. The gripping handle 7 is configured to allow a user to remove the pool robot 1 from a swimming pool.

[0032] The gripping handle 7 is articulated to the chassis 10 along a handle axis X7, orthogonal to the forward axis X4, between a retracted position PE in which the gripping handle 7 is retracted into the chassis 10 and an extended position PS in which the gripping handle 7 projects from the chassis 10. With reference to [Fig. 2], the chassis 10 comprises an imprint 12 of a shape complementary to the gripping handle 7 in the retracted position PE. As will be presented later, the position of the gripping handle 7 modifies the position of the center of gravity CG.

[0033] The chassis 10 has an overall volume, of convex shape, which is here in the form of a block. In the retracted position PE ([Fig.l]), the gripping handle 7 is integrated into the overall volume, which makes it possible to limit the size, to exert a flotation force at a distance from the center of gravity CG, to reduce friction and therefore to limit the electrical consumption.

[0034] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the gripping handle 7 comprises two floats 71 but it goes without saying that the invention also applies to one or more than two floats 71. Preferably, all of the floats 71 have a volume of between 400cm3 and 600cm3. In this example, each float 71 has a block shape and a volume of between 200cm3 and 300cm3, preferably of the order of 250cm3.

[0035] Preferably, in order to allow efficient flotation, each float 71 comprises an airtight enclosure or a body made of a material having a density less than 1, preferably expanded plastic. According to one aspect, with reference to [Fig. 3], each float 71 is in the form of a housing 710 sealed by a cover 711.

[0036] The presence of one or more floats 71 makes it possible to participate in the dynamic balancing of the swimming pool robot 1. Immersed robots have a density barely higher than that of water (1.1 on average) to be efficient when they move on a vertical wall. Due to this density characteristic, a swimming pool robot is very sensitive to unwanted changes in trajectory, in particular, when it passes over a light fitting porthole or a slippery or convex wall. advantageously, the low submerged weight of the pool robot 1, due to its low density, protects the pool coating from any deterioration or wear.

[0037] As illustrated in [Fig.l], in the retracted position PE, each float 71 extends at a front end of the chassis 10, preferably at the upper end. This advantageously protects the electric battery 5 against shocks during storage.

[0038] In this example, the pool robot 1 comprises several front brushes 49. In the retracted position PE, the float 71 extends to the level of the front brush 49. This advantageously allows the front brushes 49 to brush under overflows at the water line or up to the ceiling line of a closed pool, thus protecting the floats 71 from impacts. Advantageously, due to the placement of the floats 71, the pool robot 1 stops naturally at the water line, with the front brush 49 skating at the water line to ensure optimal cleaning.

[0039] With reference to [Fig. 3], the gripping handle 7 comprises two lateral floats 71 to allow balanced flotation, preferably only two. The two lateral floats 71 are connected by an elongated portion 70 having a thickness E70 less than a thickness E71 of the lateral floats 71. The elongated portion 70 has a section less than the section of the lateral floats 71, the section being defined in a plane transverse to the handle axis X7. The elongated portion 70 having a height H70 less than a height H71 of the lateral floats 71.

[0040] This makes it possible to provide a passage cavity for the hand of a user who can conveniently grasp the elongated portion 70. The thickness is defined along the advancement axis X4 when the gripping handle 7 is in the extended position PS.

[0041] When storing the pool robot 1, the gripping handle 7 is in the retracted position PE. This protects the floats 71, which are light and very sensitive parts. Indeed, in the event of an impact, the floats 71 may deform, which would disrupt the dynamic balancing of the pool robot 1 when it is moving.

[0042] Furthermore, when moving on a vertical wall, in the retracted position PE, the floats 71 exert a buoyancy force F which is substantially aligned with the center of gravity CG as when moving on a horizontal wall.

[0043] In the retracted position PE, the floats 71 remain distant from the center of gravity CG, which makes it possible to ensure dynamic balancing during vertical movement. Advantageously, the gripping handle 7 is as efficient during horizontal movement as during vertical movement.

[0044] With reference to [Fig.4], an example of implementation of a method for moving the swimming pool robot 1 on a swimming pool wall PI comprising a horizontal portion Plh and a vertical portion Plv will now be presented.

[0045] The method comprises a step E1 consisting of circulating on the horizontal portion Plh of the pool wall PI. In this step El, the frame 10 is in a horizontal position and follows the horizontal portion Plh to clean it effectively. The gripping handle 7 is vertical in the extended position PS under the effect of the buoyancy force F applied to the floats 71. The gripping handle 7 allows efficient dynamic balancing due to the height H7 of the gripping handle 7 which extends substantially in the extension of the center of gravity CG. Friction is reduced and electrical consumption is reduced, which is advantageous.

[0046] In step E2, the swimming pool robot 1 encounters a vertical portion Plv that the motorization device 4 allows to rise thanks to the buoyancy force F. The chassis 10 begins to tilt vertically and the gripping handle 7 begins to position itself in the imprint 12 ([Fig.2]) formed in the chassis 10. The gripping handle 7 is vertical in the extended position PS under the effect of the buoyancy force F applied to the floats 71.

[0047] The method comprises a step E3 consisting of moving over the vertical portion Plv of the pool wall PL. In this step E3, the frame 10 is in a vertical position to clean it effectively. The gripping handle 7 is vertical in the retracted position PE under the effect of the buoyancy force F applied to the floats 71. The gripping handle 7 allows its buoyancy function to be fulfilled while extending in a retracted manner in the frame 10.

[0048] Following the movement of the gripping handle 7, the center of gravity CG of the swimming pool robot 1 moves backwards since the floats 71 are positioned at the front.

[0049] With reference to [Fig. 5], in the retracted position PE, the gripping handle 7 extends along the axis of advance X4 and the floats 71 are positioned at the front end of the swimming pool robot 1. The distance L1, defined along the axis of advance X4, between the center of gravity CG and the center of the floats 71 is at least equal to 100 mm, preferably at least 140 mm. Thus, during movement on the vertical portion Plv, the center of gravity CG is positioned clearly under the floats 71, which stabilizes the swimming pool robot 1. Advantageously, a momentary loss of grip to the right or left does not generate significant rotation of the swimming pool robot 1.

[0050] Advantageously, when the pool robot 1 returns to the surface, the gripping handle 7 is easily accessible since the floats 71 are oriented in a vertical position and located at the front end of the pool robot 1. The user can thus easily grasp the elongated portion 70 of the gripping handle 7. The user can thus conveniently retrieve the pool robot 1 and transport it away from the pool using the gripping handle 7.

Claims

Claims

1. Swimming pool robot (1) comprising at least one chassis (10), at least one suction device (3) for a water flow configured to filter said water flow, at least one motorization device (4) configured to move along a forward axis (X4) from a rear to a front, the suction device (3) and the motorization device (4) being electrically powered by an electric battery (5) removably mounted in a housing of the chassis (10), at least one gripping handle (7) configured to allow a user to remove the swimming pool robot (1) from a swimming pool, the gripping handle (7) being articulated to the chassis (10) along a handle axis (X7), orthogonal to the forward axis (X4), between a retracted position (PE) in which the gripping handle (7) is retracted into the chassis (10) and an extended position (PS) in which the gripping handle (7) is retracted into the chassis (10) and an extended position (PS) in which the gripping handle (7) is retracted into the chassis (10). grip (7) extends out from the frame (10),the gripping handle (7) comprising at least one float (71).,

2. Swimming pool robot (1) according to claim 1, in which the chassis (10) comprises at least one imprint (12) of a shape complementary to the gripping handle (7).

3. Swimming pool robot (1) according to one of claims 1 to 2, in which, the chassis (1) defining an overall volume, the gripping handle (7) is integrated into the overall volume in the retracted position (PE).

4. A swimming pool robot (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the float (71) comprises an airtight enclosure or a body made of a material having a density less than 1, preferably expanded plastic.

5. Swimming pool robot (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which, in the retracted position (PE), a distance (Ll), defined along the axis of advance (X4), between the center of gravity (CG) and the center of the float (71) is at least equal to 100mm, preferably at least 140mm.

6. Swimming pool robot (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which, in the retracted position (PE), the float (71) extends at a front end of the chassis (10).

7. Swimming pool robot (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which, the swimming pool robot (1) comprising at least one front brush (49), in the retracted position (PE), the float (71) extends at the level of the brush before (49).

8. Swimming pool robot (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the gripping handle (7) comprises at least two lateral floats (71) so as to allow balanced flotation, preferably only two.

9. Swimming pool robot (1) according to claim 8, wherein the two lateral floats (71) are connected by an elongated portion (70) having a section smaller than the section of the lateral floats (71), the section being defined in a plane transverse to the handle axis (X7).

10. Method for moving a swimming pool robot (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9 on a swimming pool wall (PI) comprising a horizontal portion (Plh) and a vertical portion (Plv), the method comprising steps consisting of: • Traveling on the horizontal portion (Plh) of the swimming pool wall (PI), the chassis (10) being in a horizontal position, the gripping handle (7) being vertical in the extended position (PS), • Traveling on the vertical portion (Plv) of the swimming pool wall (PI), the chassis (10) being in a vertical position, the gripping handle (7) being vertical in the retracted position (PE).

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