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

Abstract

A pool robot (1) comprising at least one chassis (10), at least one water flow suction device configured to filter said water flow, at least one drive device (4) configured to move along a forward axis (X4) from rear to front, the suction device and the drive device (4) being electrically powered by an electric battery (5) removably mounted in a housing in the chassis (10), at least one gripping handle (7) configured to allow a user to lift the pool robot (1) out of a 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) protrudes from the chassis (10),the gripping handle (7) comprising at least one float (71). Figure of the abstract: Figure 2,

Description

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

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automated pool cleaning using a pool robot. More particularly, the invention relates to a pool robot powered autonomously by a removable electric battery.

[0002] A pool robot is known in the prior art, comprising a chassis in which are mounted a device for suctioning a flow of water to filter impurities and a motorization device for moving the pool robot in the pool. As is known, the pool robot includes an electric battery to power the suction device and the motorization device. The electric battery is removable from the chassis to allow for convenient recharging, in particular, inside a dwelling without having to move the pool robot into the house.

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

[0004] The duration of a cleaning cycle depends on the electrical capacity of the removable battery as well as the power consumption of the pool robot. To ensure optimal pool cleaning, it is necessary to control the pool robot's power consumption. As is known, a pool robot includes a motorized system for moving along the pool wall. This motorized system generally includes lateral tracks. Such tracks have the disadvantage of generating a lot of friction and resulting in significant electrical energy loss. Cleaning cycles are therefore shorter, and the user is forced to recharge the battery frequently.

[0005] In practice, the suction device generates a clamping force to provide adhesion. The heavier (denser) the pool robot, the larger the suction device needs to be to ensure sufficient adhesion for moving along vertical walls. This significantly increases the pool robot's power consumption. Therefore, it is desirable for the pool robot to be lightweight (less dense), but this presents other drawbacks. Indeed, a lightweight 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 main drain, a rise in the surface, a change in slope, or a change in surface angle between the bottom and the surface. complex (pyramidal, etc.) or when subjected to a filtration current in the pool. It is therefore complex to obtain a robot that is equally effective on a bottom wall and 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 pool robot comprising at least one chassis, at least one water flow suction device configured to filter said water flow, 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 mounted removably in a housing of the chassis, at least one gripping handle configured to allow a user to take the pool robot out of a 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 protrudes from the chassis, the gripping handle comprising at least one float.

[0008] Thanks to the invention, the handle advantageously performs both gripping and flotation functions. 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 shifted rearward, thus improving stability. Any orientation error is therefore 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 along the center of gravity.

[0009] According to one aspect, the chassis has at least one recess with 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, integrates the gripping handle into the overall volume in a retracted position. This allows the gripping handle to extend optimally during vertical movement of the pool robot. Furthermore, this limits the risk of damage to the float, and more specifically to its pivot point, during storage or handling of the pool robot outside the pool.

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

[0012] According to one aspect, in the retracted position, a distance, defined along the axis of advancement, between the center of gravity and the center of the float is at least 100 mm, preferably at least 140 mm. Thus, during movement along 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 to one front end of the chassis. This makes it easier for a user to retrieve the pool robot from the poolside. It also protects the battery from shocks during storage. Furthermore, it 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 to the level of the front brush. This allows the front brush to clean under overflows at the waterline or up to the ceiling line of an enclosed pool, thus protecting the float from impacts.

[0015] According to one aspect, the gripping handle includes 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 cross-section smaller than the cross-section of the lateral floats, the cross-section being defined in a plane transverse to the handle axis. This allows for an ergonomic grip by a user.

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

[0018] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, 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. 1 is a schematic representation of a pool robot in the form of execution with the handle in the retracted position.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the pool robot of Fig. 1 with the handle in the extended position.

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

[0022] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the movement of the pool robot on a swimming 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 to implement the invention, said figures being of course able to serve to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] With reference to [Fig. 1], a pool robot 1 is shown according to one embodiment of the invention. In this example, the pool robot 1 has a shape essentially resembling a paving stone, but it is understood that it could have a different shape.

[0026] The pool robot 1 comprises a chassis 10 in which is mounted an electrical power supply circuit 2, a water flow suction device 3 configured to filter said water flow, and a motorization device 4 configured to enable the movement of the pool robot 1 in the pool. It is understood that the pool robot 1 could include other devices.

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

[0028] The suction device 3 is configured to draw in a stream of water and filter it to remove impurities. In particular, the suction device 3 is configured to collect the impurities in a container or bag. In this example, the suction device 3 has a top suction and a rear discharge, but it is understood that the number of suction / discharge points could be greater or lesser and could be located in different positions.

[0029] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the pool robot 1 includes a drive unit 4 configured to move the pool robot 1 along a forward axis X4 oriented from a rearward to a frontward direction. With reference to [Fig. 1], the drive unit 4 is configured to rotate a front brush 49 in order to scrub the pool wall and dislodge impurities so that they can be vacuumed up by the suction unit 3.

[0030] The pool robot 1 includes a center of gravity CG which is positioned in a Lower part of pool robot 1. Indeed, pool robot 1 generally has a lower part that is denser than the upper part. This allows the pool robot 1 to always land on its wheels regardless of how it is placed in the water or when faced with obstacles and uneven surfaces in the pool.

[0031] With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the pool robot 1 includes a gripping handle 7 for grasping the pool robot 1 out of the water. In this example, the gripping handle 7 also allows the pool robot 1 to float. The gripping handle 7 is configured to allow a user to lift the pool robot 1 out of a pool.

[0032] The gripping handle 7 is articulated to the frame 10 along a handle axis X7, orthogonal to the axis of advancement X4, between a retracted position PE in which the gripping handle 7 is retracted into the frame 10 and an extended position PS in which the gripping handle 7 protrudes from the frame 10. Referring to [Fig. 2], the frame 10 has a recess 12 with a shape complementary to the gripping handle 7 in the retracted position PE. As will be shown 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, convex in shape, which here is in the shape of a cuboid. In the retracted position PE ([Fig.1]), the gripping handle 7 is integrated into the overall volume, which makes it possible to limit the bulk, to exert a flotation force away from the center of gravity CG, to reduce friction and therefore to limit electrical consumption.

[0034] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the gripping handle 7 comprises two floats 71, but it is understood that the invention also applies to one or more than two floats 71. Preferably, the set of floats 71 has a volume between 400 cm³ and 600 cm³. In this example, each float 71 has a rectangular shape and a volume between 200 cm³ and 300 cm³, preferably on the order of 250 cm³.

[0035] Preferably, to enable 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. In one aspect, with reference to [Fig. 3], each float 71 is in the form of a housing 710 sealed airtight by a cover 711.

[0036] The presence of one or more floats 71 contributes to the dynamic balancing of the pool robot 1. Submersible robots have a density only slightly greater than that of water (1.1 on average) to perform effectively when moving along a vertical surface. Due to this density characteristic, a pool robot is very sensitive to unwanted changes in trajectory, particularly when passing over a light fixture or a slippery or convex surface. Advantageously, the low submerged weight of pool robot 1, due to its low density, protects the pool lining from any degradation or wear.

[0037] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], in the retracted position PE, each float 71 extends to one front end of the chassis 10, preferably at the upper end. This advantageously protects the electric battery 5 from 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 waterline or up to the ceiling line of an enclosed pool, thus protecting the floats 71 from impacts. Advantageously, due to the positioning of the floats 71, the pool robot 1 naturally stops at the waterline, with the front brush 49 gliding along the waterline to ensure optimal cleaning.

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

[0040] This provides a passage cavity for a user's hand to 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 carrying handle 7 is in the retracted position PE. This protects the floats 71, which are lightweight and very sensitive parts. In the event of an impact, the floats 71 can deform, which would disrupt the dynamic balance of the pool robot 1 during its movement.

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

[0043] In the retracted position PE, the floats 71 remain away from the center of gravity CG, which ensures dynamic balancing during vertical movement. Advantageously, the gripping handle 7 is as effective during horizontal movement as during vertical movement.

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

[0045] The method includes a step El consisting of moving along 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 efficiently. 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 for efficient dynamic balancing due to its height H7, which extends substantially in line with the center of gravity CG. Friction is reduced and power consumption is lower, which is advantageous.

[0046] At step E2, the pool robot 1 encounters a vertical portion Plv which the motorization device 4 allows to climb 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 in the vertical position PS under the effect of the buoyancy force F applied to the floats 71.

[0047] The method includes a step E3 consisting of moving along the vertical portion PLV of the pool wall PL. In this step E3, the frame 10 is in a vertical position for efficient cleaning. The gripping handle 7 is vertically retracted PE under the effect of the buoyancy force F applied to the floats 71. The gripping handle 7 performs its buoyancy function while extending retractably into the frame 10.

[0048] Following the movement of the gripping handle 7, the center of gravity CG of the pool robot 1 moves towards the rear 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 travel X4 and the floats 71 are positioned at the front end of the pool robot 1. The distance L1, defined along the axis of travel X4, between the center of gravity CG and the center of the floats 71 is at least 100 mm, preferably at least 140 mm. Thus, during movement along the vertical portion Plv, the center of gravity CG is positioned clearly below the floats 71, which stabilizes the pool robot 1. Advantageously, a momentary loss of traction to the right or left does not generate significant rotation of the pool robot 1.

[0050] Advantageously, when the pool robot 1 rises to the surface, the gripping handle 7 is easily accessible since the floats 71 are oriented vertically 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 therefore conveniently retrieve the pool robot 1 and carry it away from the pool using the gripping handle 7.

Claims

Demands

1. A pool robot (1) comprising at least one chassis (10), at least one water flow suction device (3) configured to filter said water flow, at least one drive device (4) configured to move along a forward axis (X4) from rear to front, the suction device (3) and the drive device (4) being electrically powered by an electric battery (5) removably mounted in a housing in the chassis (10), at least one gripping handle (7) configured to allow a user to lift the pool robot (1) out of a 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) extends outward from the frame (10),the gripping handle (7) comprising at least one float (71).

2. Pool robot (1) according to claim 1, wherein the chassis (10) has at least one imprint (12) of complementary shape to the gripping handle (7).

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

4. Pool robot (1) according to any 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. Pool robot (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, in retracted position (PE), a distance (Ll), defined along the axis of advancement (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. Pool robot (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, in retracted position (PE), the float (71) extends to a front end of the chassis (10).

7. A pool robot (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pool robot (1) comprises at least one front brush (49), in the retracted position (PE), the float (71) extends at the level of the brush before (49).

8. Pool robot (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the gripping handle (7) includes at least two lateral floats (71) so as to permit balanced flotation, preferably only two.

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

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