Pool robot including a locking lever for a removable electric battery

Abstract

A pool robot comprising at least one chassis, at least one power supply circuit (2), at least one suction device (3), at least one electric battery (5) removably mounted in a housing (11) in 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 effort, at least one locking handle (6) configured to form a lever arm (B6) so as to apply a mechanical connection force greater than the minimum force for a user effort (Fut) less than the minimum 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 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] An electric battery comprises an energy source, for example, cells, mounted in a housing that includes at least one battery electrical connector connected to the energy source. The pool robot, for its part, includes at least one robot electrical connector that is configured to cooperate by complementary 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 watertight manner to ensure optimal electrical connection.

[0004] The battery connector and / or the robot connector has a sealing gasket that must be compressed to ensure a watertight seal. As a result, connecting the battery to the pool robot requires the user to apply significant mechanical force along the connection axis. In practice, a user may find it difficult to connect the battery after it has been recharged due to a lack of physical strength. Furthermore, applying mechanical force along the connection axis can be challenging for the user. If the mechanical force is applied incorrectly, the electrical connectors may be damaged, which is a drawback. In addition, the pool robot is usually wet, and the presence of water increases the risk of the user slipping while applying the mechanical force, which could result in injury.

[0005] A swimming pool robot having a removable electric battery is known from document CN218769862.

[0006] The invention thus aims to eliminate at least some of these disadvantages by proposing a swimming 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 power supply circuit, mounted in the chassis, including at least one robot electrical connector, • at least one water flow suction device configured to filter said water flow, the suction device being electrically connected to the electrical supply circuit, • at least one electric battery, removably mounted in a chassis housing, the electric battery comprising at least one battery electrical connector configured to cooperate with the robot electrical connector along a connection axis for a minimal mechanical connection force, designated "minimum 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 pool robot includes at least one locking lever articulated to the chassis along an axis of articulation and configured to move between an open position for releasing the electric battery and a closed position for locking the electric battery, the locking lever being configured to form a lever arm so as to apply a mechanical connection force greater than the minimum force for a user effort less than the minimum force.

[0010] Thanks to the invention, the electric battery can be connected securely and effortlessly by a user, even one without great physical strength. The use of a lever arm advantageously multiplies the user's effort tenfold. An articulated handle allows force to be applied along the connection axis, preventing damage to the electrical connectors. The handle forms a practical and ergonomic grip for the user, which is particularly advantageous 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 bearing area, the bearing area 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 pivot axis of the locking handle lies on the connection plane. This prevents accidental opening of the locking handle in the event of vertical force applied by the electric battery.

[0013] According to one aspect, the electric battery comprises a casing including a main body containing an electrical source and an auxiliary body including the battery's electrical connector, electrically connected to the electrical source. The main body extends along the connection axis, and the auxiliary body extends laterally from the main body. This advantageously allows the electric battery to be suspended via its electrical connector, the weight of the battery thus contributing to the mechanical force required for the connection.

[0014] According to one aspect, the electric battery extends along the connection axis, and the auxiliary body has a cross-section, defined with respect to the connection axis, that is smaller than the cross-section of the main body. The mechanical stress is thus concentrated at the battery's electrical connector.

[0015] According to one aspect, the pool robot includes at least one sealing gasket configured to be compressed along the connection axis when the robot's electrical connector and the battery's electrical connector are connected. The mechanical force allows the sealing gasket to be compressed optimally to obtain a watertight connection.

[0016] According to one aspect, the electric battery includes a switch configured to activate the electrical distribution. This simplifies the design of the pool robot.

[0017] According to one aspect, the lever arm has a length of between 50 mm and 90 mm, preferably around 70 mm. Such a lever arm makes it possible to multiply the user's effort tenfold 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 area with the electric battery. The support arm is between 10 mm and 20 mm, preferably around 12 mm. This makes it possible to obtain a multiplication ratio of the user's effort of at least 5.

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

[0019] According to one aspect, the locking handle includes at least one coupling member configured to cooperate with at least one latching member of the electric battery in the closed position. This secures the electric battery in the closed position.

[0020] A method for locking the electric battery of a pool robot as previously described is also presented, the method comprising steps consisting of: • Insert the electric battery into the chassis compartment, with the locking lever in the open position, • Move the locking lever to the closed position by a user with a user effort less than the minimum effort, the locking lever forming a lever arm so as to apply a mechanical connection force greater than the minimum effort to allow the electric battery to be locked. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] 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.

[0022] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a pool robot according to one embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the pool robot of Fig. 1 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 of the underside of the electric battery.

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

[0027] The [Fig.6] is a schematic side view representation 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's electrical connector.

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

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

[0031] The [Fig. 10] is a schematic side-section 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 being of course able to serve to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The pool robot 1 includes 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 supply circuit 2.

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

[0038] With further reference to Figures 1 and 2, 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 ports could be different and that they could be located in different positions.

[0039] Preferably, the suction device 3 comprises an electric motor, electrically powered by the power supply circuit 2. As illustrated in [Fig.6], the suction device 3 comprises an electric motor equipped with a drive propeller 30 mounted to rotate about a suction axis X3, in this example, oriented vertically.

[0040] 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 rear to front. In this example, the drive unit 4 has drive wheels, in particular, three on each side, but it is understood that the drive configuration could be different. Preferably, the drive unit 4 includes an electric motor, electrically powered by the power supply circuit 2. As illustrated in [Fig. 5], the drive unit 4 includes an electric motor equipped with a drive shaft 40 mounted for 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 includes a front brush 49 configured to scrub the pool floor and loosen impurities so that they can be 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 shown, the pool robot 1 includes a housing 11 in which the electric battery 5 is removably mounted. The housing 11 is located in a front portion of the pool robot 1 and thus helps to balance the mass of the pool robot 1, which is advantageous for its movement on the ground or on the vertical walls of a 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 electric power source 55 and, preferably, an electronic control board 56 are mounted. The electric battery 5 includes a battery electrical connector 51 ([Fig. 4]) configured to cooperate with the robot electrical connector 20. The battery electrical connector 51 is electrically connected to the electric power source 55 to allow the distribution of electrical energy to the pool robot 1. In this example, the electric power 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 includes a sealing gasket 21 which must be compressed along the connection axis X5 when the battery electrical connector 51 is inserted to ensure a reliable and leak-proof electrical connection. It is understood that the sealing gasket 21 could belong to the battery electrical connector 51.

[0045] To enable a watertight 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 effort Fmin is greater than 800g, preferably greater than 1kg. As explained in the preamble, such a minimum effort 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 including the power source 55 and an auxiliary body 50B including the battery electrical connector 51, electrically connected to the power 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 from the main body 50A. The auxiliary body 50B has a lower height than the main body 50A. This allows the main body 50A to contribute to the compression force. Preferably, the electric battery 5 is suspended so that its mass is transmitted only to the robot's electrical connector 20, thus reducing the effort required from the user.

[0048] According to one aspect, the auxiliary body 50B has a smaller cross-section, defined with respect to the connection axis X5, than that of the main body 50A in order to concentrate the forces on a reduced area and thus increase the mechanical force per unit area. This facilitates the connection of the electric battery 5.

[0049] In this example, the battery electrical connector 51 has front-junction electrical contacts. Referring to [Fig. 10], both the battery electrical connector 51 and the robot electrical connector 20 have electrical contacts 80 mounted in a support 81 made of a deformable material, for example, elastomer, to apply a spring force to the electrical contacts 80. The spring effect of the support 81 maintains a constant force when the electrical contacts 80 of the electrical connectors 20 and 51 are facing each other to ensure a good electrical connection. In this example, the electrical contacts 80 have a cylindrical shape with a flat head to form the electrical contact surface. Each electrical contact 80 is recessed into an opening that passes through the support 81, allowing for optimal tilting of the electrical contacts 80 to achieve optimal alignment.

[0050] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the electric battery 5 preferably includes damping elements 52 on a lower face, in particular on that of the main body 50A. This allows an optimal force to be applied to the robot electrical connector 20 during connection.

[0051] In this example, with reference to [Fig. 5], the electric battery 5 includes a switch 53 configured to activate the electrical distribution via the power source 55. In particular, the switch 53 is connected to the electronic control board 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 charge status information for the electric battery 5, in particular, when the electric battery 5 is disconnected. In one aspect, the switch 53 includes at least one indicator light for providing the charge status 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 battery electrical connector 51 extend in a connection plane P5 to which the connection axis X5 belongs. Preferably, the connection plane P5 is orthogonal to the axis of advancement X4.

[0054] In this example, each bearing member 54 is in the form of a stainless steel ring. Each bearing member 54 forms the bearing area that receives the force and friction of the locking handle 6. A stainless steel bearing member is advantageous when the locking handle 6 is made of high-density plastic. This allows for a low coefficient of friction and thus limits 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 shown subsequently. Such attachment members 55 form an attachment surface for locking the locking handle 6 in the closed position PF.

[0056] With reference to figures 2 and 3, the pool robot 1 includes a locking lever 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 lever 6 is articulated to the chassis 10 along a lever axis X6, in particular, to an enclosure of the power supply circuit 2. The locking lever 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 lever 6 is vertical in the open position PO and horizontal in the closed position PF, but it is understood that this could be different. According to one aspect, a spring 63 ([Fig. 7]) is provided to constrain the locking lever 6 to the open position PO if it is not secured in the closed position PF, as will be shown later.

[0058] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the locking lever 6 is positioned on an upper face of the pool robot 1 to allow convenient access. According to one aspect, the pool robot 1 has a handle 7 for gripping the pool robot 1 out of the water. In this example, the handle 7 also allows the robot to float of the pool robot 1. In order to increase compactness, the locking lever 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 that is greater than the minimum force Fmin. With reference to [Fig. 6], the locking handle 6 has a lever arm B6 that allows a user to connect the electric battery 5 while applying a user force Fut that is less than the minimum force Fmin. Preferably, the lever arm B6 has a length between 50 mm and 90 mm, preferably on the order of 70 mm. Such a lever arm B6 makes it possible to multiply the user force tenfold while limiting the overall size. The lever arm B6 is defined between the axis of rotation X6 of the locking handle 6 and a distal edge of the locking handle 6 configured to cooperate with a user's hand.Furthermore, a support arm B54 is defined between the rotation axis X6 of the locking handle 6 and a support area ZB with the electric battery 5. The support arm B54 is between 10 mm and 20 mm, preferably around 12 mm. This allows for a user force multiplication ratio of at least 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 conveniently connect the electric battery 5 without requiring significant physical force. Furthermore, the mechanical force Fm is applied precisely along the connection axis X5 thanks to the locking lever 6. In addition, the locking lever 6 forms an extended gripping surface, which is convenient for the user, who is less likely to injure themselves since they only need to apply 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 has a guide surface 60 forming a cam. This locking surface 60 is configured to apply a progressive connecting force along the connecting axis X5 when the locking handle 6 is rotated about the axis X6. As illustrated in [Fig. 9], the locking surface 60 is configured to apply the force in the connecting plane P5.

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

[0063] As illustrated in [Fig. 7], the locking handle 6 includes at least one coupling member 62 configured to couple to the electric battery 5 when the The closed position PF is reached. In this example, the locking handle 6 has 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 latching members 55 of the electric battery 5. This allows the locking handle 6 to be locked in the closed position PF. Any unintentional opening due to shocks or vibrations is advantageously prevented.

[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 bearing area ZB. In practice, the guide surface 60 of the locking handle 6 is in contact with the bearing members 64 of the electric battery 5 along two bearing areas ZB belonging to the connection plane P5 as illustrated in [Fig.9].

[0065] This alignment along the vertical connection axis X5 between the support area 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 sealing gasket 21 exerts an upward 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 pool robot 1 will now be presented.

[0067] The method includes a step of inserting the electric battery 5 into the housing 11 of the chassis 10, with the locking lever 6 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 includes a step in which the locking handle 6 is moved to the closed position PF by a user with a user effort Fut less than the minimum effort 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 allow the locking of the electric battery 5. The locking handle 6 rotates about the pivot axis X6, and the guide surface 60 applies a progressive force to the support members 54 of the electric battery 5 according to the stop zones ZB ([Fig. 9]). The force is applied in the connection plane P5 along the connection axis X5, which ensures optimal compression of the sealing gasket 21 and a high-quality, leak-proof electrical connection.

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

[0070] With reference to [Fig. 10], to recharge the electric battery 5, a charger 9 is provided comprising, similarly to the pool robot 1, a housing 90, an electrical connector 91 and a locking lever 92. The charger 9 includes an electrical cable 93 to connect to an electrical power supply network and thus allow the electrical connector 91 to be powered to recharge the electric battery 5.

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

Claims

1. Demands Pool robot (1) including: • at least one chassis (10), • at least one power supply circuit (2), mounted in the chassis (10), comprising at least one robot electrical connector (20), • at least one water flow suction device (3) configured to filter said water flow, the suction device (3) being electrically connected to the electrical 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 minimum mechanical connection force, designated "minimum force" (Fmin), • The pool robot (1) comprising at least one locking handle (6) articulated to the chassis (10) along an articulation axis (X6) and configured to move between an open position (PO) for releasing the electric battery (5) and a closed position (PF) for locking the electric battery (5), the locking handle (6) being configured to form a lever arm (B6) 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), the electric battery (5) comprising a housing (50) comprising a main body (50A) including a power source (55) and an auxiliary body (50B) including the battery electrical connector (51), electrically connected to the power source (55), the main body (50A) extending along the connection axis (X5), the auxiliary body (50B) extending laterally from the main body main (50A),the auxiliary body (50B) having a lower height than the main body (50A).

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

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

4. Pool robot (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least one sealing gasket (21) configured to be compressed along the connection axis (X5) when connecting the robot electrical connector (20) and the battery electrical connector (51).

5. Pool robot (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electric battery (5) includes a switch (53) configured to activate the electrical distribution.

6. Pool robot (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the lever arm (B6) has a length between 50mm and 90mm.

7. Pool robot (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the electric battery (5) has at least two support members (54), the two support members (54) and the battery electrical connector (51) extend in a connection plane (P5) to which the connection axis (X5) belongs.

8. Pool robot (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the locking handle (6) includes at least one coupling member (62) configured to cooperate with at least one hooking member (55) of the electric battery (5) in the closed position (PF).

9. A method for locking the electric battery (5) of a pool robot (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the method comprising steps consisting of: Insert the electric battery (5) into the housing (11) of the chassis (10), with the locking lever (6) in the open position (PO), Move the locking lever (6) to the closed position (PF) by a user with a user effort (Fut) less than the minimum effort (Fmin), the locking lever (6) forming a lever arm (B6) so as to apply a mechanical connection force (Fm) greater than the minimum effort (Fmin) to allow the electric battery (5) to be locked.

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