Pool robot including a locking lever for a removable electric battery

Abstract

A swimming pool robot comprising at least one chassis, at least one electrical power supply circuit (2), at least one suction device (3), at least one electric battery (5) removably mounted in a housing (11) of the chassis, the electric battery (5) comprising at least one battery electrical connector configured to cooperate with the robot electrical connector along a connection axis (X5) for minimal force, at least one locking handle (6) configured to form a lever arm (B6) so as to apply a mechanical connection force greater than the minimal force for a user force (Fut) less than the minimal force. Abstract figure: Figure 7

Description

Title of the invention: Swimming pool robot comprising a locking lever for a removable electric battery 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] An electric battery comprises an energy source, for example cells, mounted in a housing which comprises at least one battery electrical connector connected to the energy source. The swimming pool robot comprises, for its part, at least one robot electrical connector which is configured to cooperate by complementarity of shapes with the battery electrical connector along a connection axis. In practice, the battery electrical connector and the robot electrical connector must cooperate in a sealed manner so that the electrical connection is optimal.

[0004] The electrical battery connector and / or the electrical robot connector comprises a seal that must be compressed to ensure sealing. As a result, to connect the electric battery to the pool robot, it is necessary for the user to apply a significant mechanical force along the connection axis. In practice, it may be difficult for a user to connect the electric battery after recharging due to a lack of physical strength. In addition, it may be complex for the user to apply a mechanical force along the connection axis. If the mechanical force is incorrectly applied, the electrical connectors may be damaged, which is a disadvantage. In addition, the pool robot is generally wet and the presence of water increases the risk that the user will slip when applying the mechanical force, which may injure him.

[0005] Document CN218769862 discloses a swimming pool robot having a removable electric battery.

[0006] The invention thus aims to eliminate at least some of these drawbacks by proposing a pool robot whose electric battery can be conveniently connected / disconnected. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention also relates to a swimming pool robot comprising: • at least one chassis, • at least one electrical power supply circuit, mounted in the chassis, comprising at least one robot electrical connector, • at least one device for suctioning a flow of water configured to filter said flow of water, the suction device being electrically connected to the electrical supply circuit, • at least one electric battery, removably mounted in a housing of the chassis, the electric battery comprising at least one electric battery connector configured to cooperate with the robot electric connector along a connection axis for minimal mechanical connection force, designated “minimal force”.

[0008] By removable battery, we mean that the electric battery can be connected / disconnected without an external tool.

[0009] The invention is remarkable in that the swimming pool robot comprises at least one locking handle articulated to the chassis along a hinge axis and configured to move between an open position for releasing the electric battery and a closed position for locking the electric battery, the locking handle being configured to form a lever arm so as to apply a mechanical connection force greater than the minimum force for a user force less than the minimum force.

[0010] Thanks to the invention, the electric battery can be connected in a sealed manner without effort by a user even if the latter does not have great physical strength. The use of a lever arm advantageously makes it possible to multiply the user's effort tenfold. An articulated lever makes it possible to apply a force along the connection axis and to avoid any damage to the electrical connectors. The lever makes it possible to form a gripping member which is practical and ergonomic for the user, which is advantageous in particular if the pool robot is wet.

[0011] According to one aspect, in the closed position, the locking handle and the electric battery are in contact along at least one support zone, the support zone belonging to a connection plane to which the connection axis belongs. Thus, the mechanical force is applied directly along the connection axis, which ensures optimal transmission of the mechanical force.

[0012] According to one aspect, the articulation axis of the locking lever belongs to the plane connection. This prevents accidental opening of the locking lever in the event of vertical force applied by the electric battery.

[0013] According to one aspect, the electric battery comprises a housing comprising a main body comprising an electrical source and an auxiliary body comprising the battery electrical connector, electrically connected to the electrical source, the main body extending along the connection axis, the auxiliary body extending laterally from the main body. This advantageously makes it possible to suspend the electric battery via its battery electrical connector, the weight of the battery is thus used to participate in the mechanical force for the connection.

[0014] According to one aspect, the electric battery extending along the connection axis, the auxiliary body comprises a cross-section, defined relative to the connection axis, smaller than the cross-section of the main body. The mechanical force is thus concentrated at the level of the electric battery connector.

[0015] According to one aspect, the pool robot comprises at least one seal configured to be compressed along the connection axis when connecting the robot electrical connector and the battery electrical connector. The mechanical force makes it possible to compress the seal optimally to obtain a sealed connection.

[0016] According to one aspect, the electric battery comprises a switch configured to activate the electrical distribution. This makes it possible to simplify the design of the pool robot.

[0017] According to one aspect, the lever arm has a length of between 50mm and 90mm, preferably of the order of 70mm. Such a lever arm makes it possible to multiply the user's effort while limiting the overall size. The lever arm is defined between the axis of rotation of the locking handle and a distal edge of the locking handle configured to cooperate with a user's hand. Furthermore, a support arm is defined between the axis of rotation of the locking handle and a support zone with the electric battery. The support arm is between 10mm and 20mm, preferably of the order of 12mm. This makes it possible to obtain a user effort multiplication ratio of at least 5.

[0018] According to one aspect, the electric battery comprises at least two support members, the two support members and the electric battery connector extend in a connection plane to which the connection axis belongs.

[0019] According to one aspect, the locking handle comprises at least one coupling member configured to cooperate with at least one member for attaching the electric battery in the closed position. This makes it possible to secure the electric battery in the closed position.

[0020] Also presented is a method of locking the electric battery of a swimming pool robot as presented previously, the method comprising steps consisting of: • Insert the electric battery into the chassis housing, with the locking lever in the open position, • Moving the locking handle to the closed position by a user with a user effort less than the minimum effort, the locking handle forming a lever arm so as to apply a mechanical connection force greater than the minimum effort to enable the electric battery to be locked. PRESENTATION OF FIGURES

[0021] 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.

[0022] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of a swimming pool robot according to one embodiment.

[0023] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of the pool robot of [Fig.l] with the handle in the raised position.

[0024] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of the pool robot with the electric battery removed.

[0025] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation from below of the electric battery.

[0026] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of the robot electrical connector and the locking lever.

[0027] [Fig.6] is a schematic side view of the electric battery before connection.

[0028] [Fig.7] is a schematic perspective representation of the electric battery when it is brought into contact with the robot electrical connector.

[0029] [Fig.8] is a schematic side view of the electric battery after connection.

[0030] [Fig.9] is a schematic side sectional representation of the locking of the electric battery by the locking lever.

[0031] [Fig. 10] is a schematic side sectional representation of the cooperation of the electrical connectors.

[0032] [Fig. 11] is a schematic representation of a charger for charging the electric battery.

[0033] 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 applicable. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The swimming pool robot 1 comprises an electric battery 5 which is removably mounted in a housing 11 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.

[0037] In this example, the power supply circuit 2 is in the form of an electrical card mounted in a sealed enclosure. Advantageously, the electrical card can be conveniently replaced to allow options to be added to the pool robots 1, for example, remote control via a wireless link, GPS guidance or the like. With reference to [Fig. 3], the power supply circuit 2 comprises a robot electrical connector 20 which is located outside the enclosure in which the electrical card is mounted. The robot electrical connector 20 preferably comprises front-joining electrical contacts.

[0038] Still with reference to Figures 1 and 2, 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] Preferably, the suction device 3 comprises an electric motor, electrically powered by the electrical power supply circuit 2. As illustrated in [Fig.6], the suction device 3 comprises an electric motor equipped with a drive propeller 30 mounted in rotation along a suction axis X3, in this example, oriented vertically.

[0040] 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 rear to front. In this example, the motorization device 4 comprises drive wheels, in particular, three on each side but it goes without saying that the motorization could be different. Preferably, the motorization device 4 comprises an electric motor, electrically powered by the electrical supply circuit 2. As illustrated in [Fig.5], the motorization device 4 comprises an electric motor equipped with a drive shaft 40 mounted in rotation about a drive axis X40, in this example, oriented horizontally. The drive shaft 40 is preferably connected to at least one of the wheels.

[0041] In this example, the pool robot 1 further comprises a front brush 49 configured to scrub the floor of the pool and remove impurities so that they are sucked up by the suction device 3. Preferably, the front brush 49 is driven in rotation by the motorization device 4.

[0042] With reference to Figures 2 and 3, as previously presented, the swimming pool robot 1 comprises a housing 11 in which the electric battery 5 is removably mounted. The housing 11 is located in a front part of the swimming pool robot 1 and thus makes it possible to balance the mass of the swimming pool robot 1, which is advantageous for its movement on the ground or on vertical walls of a swimming pool. The electric battery 5 is conveniently accessible from the outside.

[0043] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the electric battery 5 comprises a housing 50 in which an electrical source 55 and, preferably, an electronic management card 56 are mounted. The electric battery 5 comprises an electrical battery connector 51 ([Fig. 4]) configured to cooperate with the robot electrical connector 20. The electrical battery connector 51 is electrically connected to the electrical source 55 to enable the electrical energy to be distributed to the pool robot 1. In this example, the electrical source 55 comprises a plurality of electrochemical cells, in particular, of the lithium or other type.

[0044] In this example, with reference to [Fig. 10], the robot electrical connector 20 comprises a seal 21 which must be compressed along the connection axis X5 when inserting the battery electrical connector 51 to allow a reliable and sealed electrical connection. It goes without saying that the seal 21 could belong to the battery electrical connector 51.

[0045] To enable a sealed connection, with reference to [Fig. 10], the battery electrical connector 51 is configured to cooperate with the robot electrical connector 20 along a connection axis X5, here a vertical axis, for a minimum mechanical connection force Fmin, designated “minimum force Fmin”. In this example, the minimum force Fmin is greater than 800g, preferably greater than 1kg. As explained in the preamble, such a minimum force Fmin may be too great for a person with little physical strength.

[0046] As illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, the housing 50 comprises a main body 50A comprising the electrical source 55 and an auxiliary body 50B comprising the battery electrical connector 51, electrically connected to the electrical source 55.

[0047] With reference to [Fig.6], the main body 50A extends vertically along the connection axis X5 while the auxiliary body 50B extends laterally projecting from the main body 50A. The auxiliary body 50B has a lower height than that of the main body 50A. This allows the main body 50A to form a weight which contributes to the compression force. Preferably, the electric battery 5 is mounted in suspension so that its mass is transmitted only to the robot electrical connector 20, which reduces the force to be applied by the user.

[0048] According to one aspect, the auxiliary body 50B has a cross-section, defined relative to the connection axis X5, smaller than that of the main body 50A so as to concentrate the forces on a reduced area and thus increase the mechanical force per unit area. This makes it easier to connect the electric battery 5.

[0049] The battery electrical connector 51 comprises in this example front-joint electrical contacts. With reference to [Fig. 10], the battery electrical connector 51 and the robot electrical connector 20 each comprise electrical contacts 80 mounted in a support 81 made of deformable material, for example elastomer, in order to apply a spring force to the electrical contacts 80. The spring effect of the support 81 makes it possible to maintain a permanent force when the electrical contacts 80 of the electrical connectors 20, 51 are facing each other in order to ensure a good electrical connection. The electrical contacts 80 have, in this example, a cylindrical shape with a flat head to form the electrical contact surface. Each electrical contact 80 is pressed into an opening which passes through the support 81, which allows an optimal inclination of the electrical contacts 80 in order to obtain an optimal alignment.

[0050] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the electric battery 5 preferably comprises damping members 52 on a lower face, in particular, on that of the main body 50A. This makes it possible to apply an optimal force to the robot electrical connector 20 during connection.

[0051] In this example, with reference to [Fig. 5], the electric battery 5 comprises a switch 53 configured to activate the electrical distribution via the electrical source 55. In particular, the switch 53 is connected to the electronic management card 56 ([Fig. 3]). Preferably, the switch 53 is positioned on an upper face of the electric battery 5.

[0052] Preferably, the switch 53 is also configured to provide information on the state of charge of the electric battery 5, in particular, when the battery electric battery 5 is disconnected. According to one aspect, the switch 53 comprises at least one light member for providing the state of charge of the electric battery 5, in particular an LED.

[0053] In this example, with reference to [Fig. 5], the electric battery 5 further comprises two support members 54, in particular made of stainless steel. With reference to [Fig. 4], the two support members 54 and the electric battery connector 51 extend in a connection plane P5 to which the connection axis X5 belongs. Preferably, the connection plane P5 is orthogonal to the advancement axis X4.

[0054] In this example, each support member 54 is in the form of a stainless steel ring. Each support member 54 forms the support zone which receives the force and friction of the locking lever 6. A stainless steel support member is advantageous when the locking lever 6 is made of high-density plastic. This makes it possible to generate a low coefficient of friction and thus limit wear over time.

[0055] In this example, with reference to [Fig.4], the electric battery 5 further comprises two attachment members 55 formed laterally on the housing 50 which will be presented subsequently. Such attachment members 55 form an attachment surface for locking the locking lever 6 in the closed position PF.

[0056] With reference to figures 2 and 3, the swimming pool robot 1 comprises a locking handle 6 to allow the connection of the electric battery 5 with reduced mechanical effort while allowing it to be secured in the connected position.

[0057] With reference to Figures 5 and 6, the locking handle 6 is articulated to the chassis 10 along a handle axis X6, in particular, to an envelope of the electrical power supply circuit 2. The locking handle 6 is configured to move between an open position PO ([Fig.6]) in which the electric battery 5 is released and a closed position PF ([Fig.8]) in which the electric battery 5 is locked. In this example, the locking handle 6 is vertical in the open position PO and horizontal in the closed position PF but it goes without saying that this could be different. According to one aspect, a spring 63 ([Fig.7]) is provided to constrain the locking handle 6 in the open position PO if it is not secured in the closed position PF as will be presented later.

[0058] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the locking handle 6 is positioned on an upper face of the pool robot 1 to allow convenient access. According to one aspect, the pool robot 1 comprises a handle 7 allowing the pool robot 1 to be gripped out of the water. In this example, the handle 7 further allows the pool robot 1 to float. In order to increase compactness, the locking handle 6 extends into the concavity of the handle 7.

[0059] With reference to Figures 5 to 9, the locking handle 6 is configured to form a lever arm so as to apply a mechanical connection force Fm which is greater than the minimum force Fmin. With reference to [Fig.6], the locking lever 6 has a lever arm B6 which allows a user to connect the electric battery 5 while applying a user force Fut less than the minimum force Fmin. Preferably, the lever arm B6 has a length of between 50mm and 90mm, preferably of the order of 70mm. Such a lever arm B6 makes it possible to increase the user force tenfold while limiting the overall size. The lever arm B6 is defined between the axis of rotation X6 of the locking lever 6 and a distal edge of the locking lever 6 configured to cooperate with the hand of a user. Furthermore, a support arm B54 is defined between the rotation axis X6 of the locking lever 6 and a support zone ZB with the electric battery 5. The support arm B54 is between 10mm and 20mm, preferably of the order of 12mm.This makes it possible to obtain a user force multiplication ratio at least equal to 5. With reference to [Fig.9], such a lever arm B6 makes it possible to multiply the user force Fut in order to obtain a mechanical force Fm greater than the minimum force Fmin applied precisely along the connection axis X5.

[0060] Thus, a user can connect the electric battery 5 conveniently without requiring significant physical force. In addition, the mechanical force Fm is applied precisely along the connection axis X5 thanks to the locking lever 6. Furthermore, the locking lever 6 forms an extended gripping surface, which is practical for the user who does not risk injury since he only has to apply a calibrated force. Due to the guidance during connection, any risk of damage is advantageously reduced, even if the pool robot 1 and / or the electric battery 5 are wet.

[0061] In this example, the locking handle 6 comprises a guide surface 60 forming a cam. Such a locking surface 60 is configured to apply a progressive connection force along the connection axis X5 during rotation of the locking handle 6 around the axis X6. As illustrated in [Fig.9], the locking surface 60 is configured to apply the force in the connection plane P5.

[0062] In this example, with reference to [Fig.7], the locking handle 6 has an opening 61 allowing access to the switch 53 when the locking handle 6 is in the closed position PF.

[0063] As illustrated in [Fig.7], the locking handle 6 comprises at least one coupling member 62 configured to couple to the electric battery 5 when the closed position PF is reached. In this example, the locking handle 6 comprises two lateral coupling members 62 configured to couple to the electric battery 5 in a balanced manner. Each coupling member 62 is in the form of an elastic arm configured to cooperate with the attachment members 55 of the electric battery 5. This allows the locking lever 6 to be locked in the closed position PF. Any involuntary opening due to shocks or vibrations is advantageously avoided.

[0064] With reference to [Fig.8], in the closed position PF, the locking handle 6 and the electric battery 5 are in contact along a support zone ZB. In practice, the guide surface 60 of the locking handle 6 is in contact with the support members 64 of the electric battery 5 along two support zones ZB belonging to the connection plane P5 as illustrated in [Fig.9].

[0065] This alignment along the vertical connection axis X5 between the support zone ZB and the rotation axis X6 of the locking handle 6 ensures a fixed connection by canceling the torque resisting opening. Indeed, even if the compressed seal 21 exerts an upwardly oriented vertical force on the electric battery 5, this does not cause the locking handle 6 to open.

[0066] A method for locking the electric battery 5 of the swimming pool robot 1 will now be presented.

[0067] The method comprises a step of introducing the electric battery 5 into the housing 11 of the chassis 10, the locking lever 6 being in the open position PO as illustrated in [Fig.7]. At this step, the electric battery 5 is suspended and its weight rests on the robot electrical connector 51. The sealing gasket 21 is partially compressed.

[0068] With reference to [Fig.7], the method comprises a step of moving the locking handle 6 to the closed position PF by a user with a user force Fut less than the minimum force Fmin. The locking handle 6 forms a lever arm B6 so as to apply a mechanical connection force Fm greater than the minimum force Fmin to enable the locking of the electric battery 5. The locking handle 6 moves in rotation about the articulation axis X6, and the guide surface 60 applies a progressive force to the support members 54 of the electric battery 5 according to the abutment zones ZB ([Fig.9]). The force is applied in the connection plane P5 along the connection axis X5, which ensures optimal compression of the seal 21 and a quality electrical connection which is watertight.

[0069] As illustrated in [Fig.8], in the closed position PF, the coupling members 62 of the locking handle 6 cooperate with the hooking members 55 of the housing 50 of the electric battery 5. The locking handle 6 is thus secured in the closed position PF. Preferably, in the event of vibration, the locking handle 6 remains in the closed position PF because the support zone ZB belongs to the connection plane P5.

[0070] With reference to [Fig. 10], to recharge the electric battery 5, a charger 9 comprising, in a similar manner to the pool robot 1, a housing 90, an electrical connector 91 and a locking lever 92. The charger 9 comprises an electrical cable 93 for connecting to an electrical supply network and thus enabling the electrical connector 91 to be powered to recharge the electric battery 5.

[0071] Thus, the connection / disconnection of the electric battery 5 are similar for the pool robot 1 and the charger 9, which makes use simpler.

Claims

Claims

1. Swimming pool robot (1) comprising: • at least one chassis (10), • at least one electrical power supply circuit (2), mounted in the chassis (10), comprising at least one robot electrical connector (20), • at least one suction device (3) for a water flow configured to filter said water flow, the suction device (3) being electrically connected to the electrical power supply circuit (2), • at least one electric battery (5), removably mounted in a housing (11) of the chassis (10), the electric battery (5) comprising at least one battery electrical connector (51) configured to cooperate with the robot electrical connector (20) along a connection axis (X5) for a minimal mechanical connection force, designated "minimal force" (Fmin),• the swimming pool robot (1) comprising at least one locking lever (6) articulated to the chassis (10) along an articulation axis (X6) and configured to move between an opening position (PO) for releasing the electric battery (5) and a closing position (PF) for locking the electric battery (5), the locking lever (6) being configured to form a lever arm (B 6) so as to apply a mechanical connection force (Fm) greater than the minimum force (Fmin) for a user force (Fut) less than the minimum force (Fmin).,

2. Swimming pool robot (1) according to claim 1, in which, in the closed position (PF), the locking lever (6) and the electric battery (5) are in contact along at least one support zone (ZB), the support zone (ZB) belonging to a connection plane (P5) to which the connection axis (X5) belongs.

3. Swimming pool robot (1) according to claim 2, wherein the articulation axis (X6) of the locking handle (6) belongs to the connection plane (P5).

4. Swimming pool robot (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electric battery (5) comprises a housing (50) comprising a main body (50A) comprising an electric source (55) and an auxiliary body (50B) comprising the battery electric connector (51), electrically connected to the electric source (55), the main body (50A) extending along the connection axis (X5), the auxiliary body (50B) extending laterally from the main body (50A).

5. Swimming pool robot (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, comprising at least one seal (21) configured to be compressed along the connection axis (X5) when connecting the robot electrical connector (20) and the battery electrical connector (51).

6. Swimming pool robot (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the electric battery (5) comprises a switch (53) configured to activate the electrical distribution.

7. Swimming pool robot (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the lever arm (B6) has a length of between 50mm and 90mm.

8. Swimming pool robot (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the electric battery (5) comprises at least two support members (54), the two support members (54) and the electric battery connector (51) extend in a connection plane (P5) to which the connection axis (X5) belongs.

9. Swimming pool robot (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which the locking handle (6) comprises at least one coupling member (62) configured to cooperate with at least one attachment member (55) of the electric battery (5) in the closed position (PF).

10. Method for locking the electric battery (5) of a swimming pool robot (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, the method comprising steps consisting of: • Introducing the electric battery (5) into the housing (11) of the chassis (10), the locking lever (6) being in the open position (PO), • Moving the locking lever (6) to the closed position (PF) by a user with a user force (Fut) less than the minimum force (Fmin), the locking lever (6) forming a lever arm (B 6) so as to apply a mechanical connection force (Fm) greater than the minimum effort (Fmin) to allow the electric battery to be locked (5).

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