Swimming pool robot comprising a motorization device comprising gear trains and associated method

Abstract

A swimming pool robot comprising at least one chassis, 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, the motorization device (4) comprising two gear trains (4a, 4b) mounted laterally to the chassis, each gear train (4a, 4b) comprising at least one front wheel (41), a central wheel (42) and a rear wheel (43), the motorization device (4) comprises at least one electric motor (40) configured to rotate the central wheel (42) of each gear train (4a, 4b), the central wheel (42) of each gear train (4a, 4b) fulfilling a master function,the front wheel (41) and the rear wheel (43) of each gear train (4a, 4b) fulfilling a slave function. Abstract figure: Figure 3,

Description

Title of the invention: Swimming pool robot comprising a motorization device comprising gear trains 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] 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. In a known manner, a pool robot comprises a motorization device comprising lateral tracks with an elastic belt. Such tracks are advantageous since they allow obstacles in the swimming pool to be overcome, for example, a swimming pool step, a submerged beach edge or a bottom drain. In addition, the tracks comprise elastic slats which contribute to cleaning.

[0004] Such tracks have the disadvantage of generating a lot of friction and inducing 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] The invention thus aims to eliminate at least some of these drawbacks by proposing a swimming pool robot with a removable electric battery comprising a less energy-consuming motorization device capable of overcoming obstacles. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] 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 an axis of advance from a rear to a front, the suction device and the motorization device being electrically powered by an electric battery mounted in removable manner in a housing of the chassis, the motorization device comprising two gear trains mounted laterally to the chassis, each gear train comprising at least one front wheel, one central wheel and one rear wheel, the motorization device comprises at least one electric motor configured to rotate the central wheel of each gear train, the central wheel of each gear train fulfilling a master function, the front wheel and the rear wheel of each gear train fulfilling a slave function.

[0007] Advantageously, the mechanical energy is only transmitted to the central wheel which allows the front wheel and the rear wheel to be driven in a balanced manner. This allows the pool robot to move in a stable and balanced manner on a pool wall. The use of three wheels makes it easier to pass obstacles by avoiding any blockage when the obstacle is located between the front wheel and the rear wheel. The use of wheels also makes it possible to do without tracks comprising a tensioned belt, which limits the electrical consumption and thus extends the duration of a cleaning cycle.

[0008] According to one aspect, the electric motor is configured to drive the central wheel of each gear train in direct drive. This makes it possible to improve the energy efficiency related to the drive and makes it possible to provide a high motive force to overcome an obstacle.

[0009] According to one aspect, each gear train comprises only three wheels. This allows smooth movement while limiting friction and therefore electrical consumption.

[0010] According to one aspect, each wheel comprising a toothed crown, each gear train comprises a front pinion meshing with the toothed crown of the front wheel and with the toothed crown of the central wheel and a rear pinion meshing with the toothed crown of the central wheel and with the toothed crown of the rear wheel. Such an architecture allows all of the wheels to turn in the same direction, which is advantageous for crossing an obstacle.

[0011] Preferably, each gear train is free of a drive band. This makes it possible to limit friction and energy losses.

[0012] Preferably, the cleaning robot is free of an electrical or water supply cable.

[0013] According to one aspect, for each gear train, the front wheel having a first ground bearing surface, the central wheel having a second ground bearing surface, the rear wheel having a third ground bearing surface, the second ground bearing surface of the central wheel is vertically offset relative to the first ground bearing surface of the front wheel by a gap.

[0014] Thus, the central wheel is not in contact with the pool wall during a run. normal operation, which allows straight movements by eliminating a “random crutch” effect that disrupts the trajectory that would be caused by a central wheel aligned in height with the front and rear wheels.

[0015] The pool robot behaves advantageously like a robot with only four wheels in its rectilinear movement precision. Immersed robots have a density barely higher than that of water (1.1 on average) to be efficient when moving on a vertical wall. Due to this density characteristic, a pool robot is very sensitive to unwanted trajectory changes.

[0016] In addition, the presence of a central wheel limits friction and allows, in the event of a blockage, to overcome obstacles. The central wheel thus becomes the driving wheel only in specific situations.

[0017] According to one aspect, the gap is between 1 mm and 6 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 3 mm. Such a gap is suitable for clearing obstacles and avoiding any blockage of the pool robot.

[0018] According to one aspect, the second ground support surface of the central wheel is higher than the third ground support surface of the rear wheel.

[0019] According to one aspect, the front wheel having a front axle, the central wheel having a central axle, the central axle and the front axle having different vertical heights. This allows the central wheel to be offset by simply offsetting its axle.

[0020] According to one aspect, the front wheel having a first diameter, the central wheel having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. This makes it possible to offset the central wheel by simply reducing its diameter.

[0021] According to one aspect, the front wheel is connected to at least one front brush in order to drive it in rotation. This makes it possible to improve cleaning.

[0022] Also presented is a method of moving a swimming pool robot as presented previously on a swimming pool wall comprising at least one obstacle, the method comprising steps consisting of: • Drive on a pool wall, with the front wheels and rear wheels of each gear train resting on the pool wall, with the central wheels not resting on the pool wall, • Climb an obstacle, at least one front wheel or at least one rear wheel being without contact with the pool wall, at least one central wheel being supported on the obstacle.

[0023] Advantage is taken of the motor power of the central wheel, on standby, to overcome an obstacle and avoid blocking the pool robot. PRESENTATION OF FIGURES

[0024] 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.

[0025] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of a swimming pool robot according to one embodiment.

[0026] [Fig.2] is a side view representation of the pool robot of [Fig.l].

[0027] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of the pool robot of [Fig.2] without the chassis.

[0028] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of the motorization device of the swimming pool robot of [Fig.l].

[0029] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of a gear train.

[0030] [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of the offset between the bearing surfaces wheels.

[0031] [Fig.7] is a schematic representation of a first variant of a gear train.

[0032] [Fig.8] is a schematic representation of a second variant of a gear train.

[0033] [Fig.9] is a schematic representation of the movement of the pool robot on a pool wall.

[0034] It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail to implement the invention, said figures can of course be used to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, 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.

[0036] The swimming pool robot 1 comprises a chassis 10 in which is mounted an electrical power supply circuit, 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. According to one aspect, the swimming pool robot 1 comprises a handle 7 allowing the swimming pool robot 1 to be gripped out of the water. In this example, the handle 7 also allows the swimming pool robot 1 to float.

[0037] 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 device motorization 4 are powered by the electric battery 5 via the power supply circuit.

[0038] 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 number of suctions / discharges could be different and that they could be located at different positions.

[0039] 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.

[0040] With reference to [Fig. 1], the motorization device 4 comprises two gear trains 4a, 4b mounted laterally to the chassis 10. As illustrated in [Fig. 2], each gear train 4a, 4b comprises a front wheel 41, a central wheel 42 and a rear wheel 43.

[0041] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the motorization device 4 comprises an electric motor 40 configured to drive the central wheel 42 of each gear train 4a, 4b, in particular, in direct drive. This makes it possible to reduce losses.

[0042] Advantageously, the central wheel 42 of each gear train 4a, 4b fulfills a master function, the front wheel 41 and the rear wheel 43 of each gear train 4a, 4b fulfilling a slave function. Thus, the front wheel 41 and the rear wheel 43 follow the central wheel 42, which makes it possible to ensure optimal and stable movement while reducing friction and losses in each gear train 4a, 4b.

[0043] A gear train 4a, 4b will now be presented with reference to Figures 3 to 5. Preferably, the gear trains 4a, 4b are symmetrical and have the same structure. Preferably, each gear train 4a, 4b comprises only three wheels 41, 42, 43.

[0044] As illustrated in [Fig. 5], each wheel 41, 42, 43 comprises a tread 41r, 42r, 43r, a toothed crown 41d, 42d, 43d and an axle 41x, 42x, 43x. The axle 41x of the front wheel 41 and the axle 43x of the rear wheel 43 are mounted freely. Conversely, the axle 42x of the central wheel 42 is mounted in direct engagement with the electric motor 40 as illustrated in [Fig. 4]. With reference to [Fig. 5], the wheels 41, 42, 43 of the same gear train 4a, 4b extend in the same first plane.

[0045] Still with reference to [Fig.5], each gear train 4a, 4b comprises a front pinion 44 meshing with the toothed crown 41d of the front wheel 41 and with the toothed crown 42d of the central wheel 42 and a rear pinion 45 meshing with the toothed crown 42d of the central wheel 42 and with the toothed crown 43d of the wheel rear 43. The pinions 44, 45 of the same gear train 4a, 4b extend in the same second plane which is, preferably, offset towards the inside of the chassis 10, relative to the first plane PI as illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0046] Thus, all the wheels 41, 42, 43 of the same gear train 4a, 4b rotate in the same direction of rotation. Preferably, the electric motor 40 is configured to drive the central wheels 42 of the gear trains 4a, 4b at different rotation speeds so as to allow the pool robot 1 to be able to turn.

[0047] Preferably, each gear train 4a, 4b is free of a drive belt. This makes it possible to limit friction and to optimize the electrical consumption of the electric battery 5.

[0048] As illustrated in [Fig.6], for each gear train 4a, 4b, the front wheel 41 having a first ground support surface SI, the central wheel 42 having a second ground support surface S2, the rear wheel 43 having a third ground support surface S3, the second ground support surface S2 of the central wheel 42 is offset from the ground support surface SI of the front wheel 41 by a distance E. Preferably, the second ground support surface S2 of the central wheel 42 is higher than the third ground support surface S3 of the rear wheel 43. Preferably, the first ground support surface SI of the front wheel 41 and the third ground support surface S3 of the rear wheel 43 are at the same vertical height. Preferably, the ground support surfaces SI, S2, S3 are defined relative to the chassis 10. Preferably, the gap E is between 1mm and 6mm, preferably between 2mm and 3mm.

[0049] As will be presented later, the offset of the central wheel 42 makes it possible to pass obstacles OBS when moving on the pool wall PI, for example, when passing a step. This offset can be obtained by different variants.

[0050] According to a first variant, with reference to [Fig.7], the axis 42x of the central wheel 42 and the front axis 41x of the front wheel 41 have different vertical heights. Preferably, the axis 41x of the front wheel 41 and the axis 43x of the rear wheel 43 have the same vertical height. Preferably, the wheels 41, 42, 43 have the same diameter D.

[0051] According to a second variant, with reference to [Fig.8], the front wheel 41 has a first diameter D1, the central wheel 42 has a second diameter D2 smaller than the first diameter D1. Preferably, the rear wheel 43 has a third diameter D3 equal to the first diameter D1. The axes 41x, 42x, 43x of the wheels 41, 42, 43 have identical vertical heights.

[0052] According to one aspect, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, each front wheel 41 is connected to 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. Preferably, each front brush 49 comprises a plurality of flexible strips. Preferably, the two front brushes 49 are independent in rotation. With reference to [Fig.4], the two front brushes 49 are connected to the same guide shaft 490 without allowing rotational drive. This makes it possible to improve the guidance of the front brushes 49 and, consequently, the cleaning of the pool wall.

[0053] With reference to [Fig.9], a method is presented for moving the swimming pool robot 1 on a swimming pool wall PI comprising at least one obstacle OBS. In this example, the obstacle OBS is a swimming pool step but it could be in other forms, for example, a submerged beach edge or a bottom drain. The swimming pool wall PI comprises in [Fig.9] a first horizontal portion Pl(hl), a vertical portion Pl(v) and a second horizontal portion Pl(h2).

[0054] With reference to [Fig.9], the method comprises a step consisting of traveling on the first horizontal portion Pl(hl) (phase 9a) or on the vertical portion Pl(v) (phase 9b). During this step, the front wheels 41 and the rear wheels 43 of each gear train 4a, 4b are supported on the horizontal / vertical portion. The central wheels 42 are not supported on the horizontal / vertical wall but are driven directly by the electric motor 40 with high efficiency and very little friction. The pinions 44, 45 transmit the rotation of the central wheels 42 to the front wheels 41 and to the rear wheels 43. The four peripheral wheels 41, 43 ensure stable movement of the pool robot 1.

[0055] Still with reference to [Fig.9], the method comprises a step consisting of climbing the obstacle OBS, here, a transition between the vertical portion Pl(v) and the second horizontal portion Pl(h2) (phase 9c). In this example, the four peripheral wheels 41, 43 are no longer in contact with the horizontal / vertical wall. Preferably, at least one front wheel 41 or at least one rear wheel 43 is without contact with the pool wall PL. The pool robot 1 can advantageously cross the obstacle OBS because the central wheels 42 are supported on the obstacle OBS, preferably, at least one central wheel 42 being supported on the obstacle OBS. Thus, the central wheels 42 have a driving function only in an unstable position of crossing the obstacle OBS. Since they are in direct connection with the electric motor 40, the central wheels 42 can cross the obstacle OBS in a practical manner.

[0056] Thus, the central wheels 42 make it possible, like lateral tracks, to overcome obstacles OBS without generating significant friction which penalizes the electrical consumption. The energy efficiency is better, which is crucial for an electrically driven swimming pool robot 1, in particular, with a removable electric battery 5.

[0057] Advantageously, transmission by gear train only offers the advantage of generating little energy loss compared to lateral tracks. with a belt. Advantageously, this allows the duration of each cleaning cycle of the pool robot 1 to be extended.

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 an axis of advance (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), the motorization device (4) comprising two gear trains (4a, 4b) mounted laterally to the chassis (10), each gear train (4a, 4b) comprising at least one front wheel (41), a central wheel (42) and a rear wheel (43), the motorization device (4) comprises at least one electric motor (40) configured to rotate the central wheel (42) of each gear train (4a, 4b), the central wheel (42) of each gear train (4a,4b) fulfilling a master function, the front wheel (41) and the rear wheel (43) of each gear train (4a, 4b) fulfilling a slave function.,

2. Swimming pool robot (1) according to claim 1, wherein the electric motor (40) is configured to drive the central wheel (42) of each gear train (4a, 4b) in direct drive.

3. Swimming pool robot (1) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein each gear train (4a, 4b) comprises only three wheels (41, 42, 43).

4. Swimming pool robot (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, each wheel (41, 42, 43) comprising a toothed crown (41d, 42d, 43d), each gear train (4a, 4b) comprises a front pinion (44) meshing with the toothed crown (41d) of the front wheel (41) and with the toothed crown (42d) of the central wheel (42) and a rear pinion (45) meshing with the toothed crown (42d) of the central wheel (42) and with the toothed crown (43d) of the rear wheel (43).

5. Swimming pool robot (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, for each gear train (4a, 4b), the front wheel (41) having a first ground bearing surface (SI), the central wheel (42) having a second ground bearing surface (S2), the rear wheel (43) having a third ground bearing surface (S3), the second ground bearing surface (S2) of the central wheel (42) is vertically offset relative to the first ground bearing surface (SI) of the front wheel (41) by a distance (E).

6. Swimming pool robot (1) according to claim 5, wherein the gap (E) is between 1mm and 6mm, preferably between 2mm and 3mm.

7. Swimming pool robot (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, the front wheel (41) having a front axis (41x), the central wheel (42) having a central axis (42x), the central axis (42x) and the front axis (41x) having different vertical heights.

8. Swimming pool robot (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which, the front wheel (41) having a first diameter (D1), the central wheel (42) having a second diameter (D2) smaller than the first diameter (D1).

9. Swimming pool robot (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the front wheel (41) is connected to at least one front brush (49) in order to drive it in rotation.

10. Method for moving a swimming pool robot (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9 on a swimming pool wall (PI) comprising at least one obstacle (OBS), the method comprising steps consisting of: • Traveling on a swimming pool wall (PI), the front wheels (41) and the rear wheels (43) of each gear train (4a, 4b) being supported on the swimming pool wall (PI), the central wheels (42) not being supported on the swimming pool wall (PI), • Climbing an obstacle (OBS), at least one front wheel (41) or at least one rear wheel (43) being without contact with the swimming pool wall (PI), at least one central wheel (42) being supported on the obstacle (OBS).

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