Handheld fluid cleaning robot

Abstract

A handheld fluid cleaning robot, that includes a handheld interface, a fluid manipulation unit configured to move fluid, a filter that is configured to filter the fluid to provide filtered fluid, a handheld fluid cleaning robot (HFCR) output that is configured to receive the fluid; and one or more angular control elements that are configured to adjust an angular relationship between a portion of the handheld interface and the HFCR output.

Description

HANDHELD FLUID CLEANING ROBOTBACKGROUND

[0001] Self-propelled pool cleaning robots apparatuses are known in the art. Various self-propelled handheld fluid cleaning robots are manufactured by Maytronics Ltd. of Israel and represent the state of the art of handheld fluid cleaning robots.

[0002] The self-propelled pool cleaning robots may be costly and there is a growing need to provide handheld fluid cleaning robot that may be more cost effective especially for small pools, spas, jacuzzies and / or when there is a need to easily reach locations that are not accessible or cannot be cleaned by self-propelled pool cleaning robots (for example - when using self-propelled cleaning robots that should be fully submerged during cleaning) and / or to fluid containers comers. Additionally or alternatively there may be need to perform local cleaning of fluid container regions that are relatively small - without cleaning the entire pool.SUMMARY

[0003] According to an embodiment of the invention there may be provided a handheld fluid cleaning robot.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a handheld fluid cleaning robot;

[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates some parts of the handheld fluid cleaning robot according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a handheld fluid cleaning robot;

[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a handheld fluid cleaning robot;

[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates a handheld fluid cleaning robot, an input interface and an output interface, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a handheld fluid cleaning robot;

[0011] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a handheld fluid cleaning robot;

[0012] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a handheld fluid cleaning robot;

[0013] FIGs. 9-18 illustrate examples of handheld fluid cleaning robots; and

[0014] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a method.

[0015] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale . For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0016] According to an embodiment there is provided a handheld fluid cleaning robot that is configured to filter fluid. According to an embodiment the handheld fluid cleaning robot includes a handheld interface that is coupled, using a handheld interface holder, to a part of the handheld fluid cleaning robot that participates in the filtering process. The part may include filter manipulating capabilities and / or filtering capabilities. The position and / or orientation of the handheld fluid cleaning robot is controlled by a user and the handheld fluid cleaning robot - and may be fit to perform cleaning operations (by filtering fluid) of shallow water, of deep water, of comers, and other places that may be hard to access by a self-propelled pool cleaning robot.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the handheld fluid cleaning robot is designed to allow the user to set the position and / or orientation before inserting the handheld fluid cleaning robot to the fluid - or before the handheld fluid cleaning robot makes contact with a surface or any structural element of the pool. Additionally or alternatively - the handheld fluid cleaning robot is designed to allow the user to set the position and / or orientation when the handheld fluid cleaning robot makes contact with a surface or any structural element of the pool - for example once contact is made the user may rotate the handheld interface by using the contact with a surface or any structural element of the pool.

[0018] According to an embodiment the angular relationship between a part of the handheld interface and the output of the handheld fluid cleaning robot is adjustable - which allows a cleaning from different angles and / or at angles that are not aligned with the angle of a part of the handheld interface - which provided better control of thecleaning process and / or beter cleaning. For example - a surface of the pool may require to be cleaned at a small angle (for example between 5-10, 5-25, 20-40 degrees to the surface) - which cannot be obtained in many cases where the output of the handheld fluid cleaning robot is aligned with the handheld interface - especially when the user holds the handheld interface at an almost vertical angle. Additionally or alternatively - performing cleaning operations at different angles may improve the cleaning process.

[0019] According to an embodiment, there is provided a handheld fluid cleaning robot, that includes (i) a handheld interface; (ii) a fluid manipulation unit configured to move fluid; (iii) a filter that is configured to filter the fluid to provide filtered fluid; (iv) a handheld fluid cleaning robot (HFCR) output that is configured to receive the fluid; and (v) one or more angular control elements that are configured to adjust an angular relationship between a portion of the handheld interface and the HFCR output. According to an embodiment, the angular relationship is set by the user - for example by seting the angle of holding by the user the handheld interface.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the handheld interface includes an angular control element. According to an embodiment an angular control element is not included in the handheld interface.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the angular control element is ajoint, an elastic part, and the like.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the angular change is discrete. According to an embodiment, the angular change is continuous.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the fluid manipulation unit comprises an impeller and a motor that is configured to rotate the impeller, and wherein the one or more angular control elements comprises a handheld interface holder that movably couples the handheld interface to a part of the handheld fluid cleaning robot.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the part of the handheld fluid cleaning robot is a first part, the handheld fluid cleaning robot further comprises a second part, the second part includes the filter.

[0025] In at least some of the following text and related figures the handheld fluid cleaning robot is illustrated as including spiral guides and / or peripheral inner space and / or entrapment cells - but this is merely an example.

[0026] According to an embodiment - shallow water may be of depth that ranges between 5 to 40 centimeter, and the length of the handheld fluid cleaning robot mayrange between 15 to 50 centimeter (at least when the handheld interface is folded or at its minimal length).

[0027] Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of the handheld fluid cleaning robot 10.

[0028] Figure 1 illustrates a filter 33, an entrapment cell 29, an impeller 23, a motor 22 arranged to rotate the impeller, a power unit 21 for powering the impeller motor, a spiral guide 28, a first housing 30, a second housing 39, upper part 18 (includes the power unit 21 and the motor), and outlet 24, inlet 25, and lower part 16.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the power unit is located in any location of the handheld fluid cleaning robot - for example within the same housing as the motor, at a location outside a housing that houses the motor, and the like.

[0030] The filter 33 includes a porous filtering media and a frame (denoted 31 in figure 2) that supports the porous filtering media. The frame may be foldable. The filter may be foldable.

[0031] A first inner space 26 is defined between an exterior of the filter 33 and the first housing 30. A second inner space 27 is defined between the interior of the filter, the second housing 39 and the upper part 18.

[0032] The upper part includes a waterproof housing, which may include a rechargeable battery that can be sealed by a detachable battery cover and may include a socket for interfacing with a power cord.

[0033] The impeller can be rotated in a first rotational direction or along a second rotational direction by the impeller motor. According to another embodiment, the impeller may be centrifugal.

[0034] The impeller is rotated about a vertical axis (although it can be oriented in relation to the vertical axis) and is positioned within the second inner space 27. When the impeller is rotated along a first direction - fluid that passed through the filter (see arrows 53) is drawn by the impeller to exit the handheld fluid cleaning robot through the fluid outlet unit. The fluid enters (see arrow 51) through inlet 25, and a first portion of the fluid follows a spiral path (see arrow 52) within the first inner space - while a second portion of the fluid passes through the filter (see arrows 53) and exits the handheld fluid cleaning robot (see arrows 54 of figure 4) via outlet 24. The first portions conveys particles (denoted 91) that may be too big for passing through the filter - and may remain in the first inner space, be attached to the first housing 30 or reach the entrapment cell.

[0035] The internal components of the handheld fluid cleaning robot 10 may be arranged in a co-centric arrangement (or in a non-co-centric arrangement).

[0036] The entrapment cell can have an input for receiving fluid and can have a filtered opening (that includes an opening that is covered by a filter) that allows fluid to return to the first space. The filtered opening can prevent particles that are too big to pass through the porous filtering media to return to the first space.

[0037] When the impeller is rotated in a first rotational direction (for example - clockwise or counterclockwise) it causes fluid to be drawn through the fluid inlet unit and to be directed towards the first inner space and follow a spiral path within the first inner space

[0038] The entrapment cell can be formed by the first and second housing elements, by one of the housing elements or by any other structural element.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first and second housing elements may be detachably connected to each other - for example by using one or more fastening elements, by having corresponding threads, and the like.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the invention the handheld fluid cleaning robot is modular and multiple housing elements (referred to as lower part 16, another lower part 16 and a further lower part 16B in figure 3) are detachably connected to each other - and may extend the distance between the impeller and the fluid inlet unit of the handheld fluid cleaning robot. The extension enables to position the fluid inlet unit at deeper locations within the pool.

[0041] The multiple housing element may be the same - for example each may include the same filter and include the same spiral path.

[0042] Alternatively - one of the multiple housing element may differ from each other - by at least one of: a. Including or not including a filter. b. Including or not including a spiral path. c. Including or not including an entrapment cell. d. A filtering resolution - especially having coarser filters closer to the fluid inlet unit.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the invention the impeller may be rotated along a second rotational direction during a backwash operation that aims to clean the porous filtering media.

[0044] According to an embodiment the handheld fluid cleaning robot has a wireless charging interface that is wirelessly rechargeable from a docking station having a power source and a corresponding wireless charging interface.

[0045] According to an embodiment the handheld fluid cleaning robot includes multiple modular parts - such as lower parts 16, 16A and 16B of figure 3. There may be any number of lower parts - each least some include a filter, a spiral guide and one or more additional elements. In figure 3 the lower parts share the same longitudinal axis. According to an embodiment, at least one of the lower parts is oriented to another lower part - for example by an angle that ranges between 10-90 degrees. This assists in reaching comers, cleaning shallow parts of the pool, and the like. See, for example figure 6.

[0046] According to an embodiments one or more modular parts of the handheld fluid cleaning robot is foldable (or two or more of the modular parts are arranged in a telescopic manner) - which allows to easily control the length of the handheld fluid cleaning robot. See, for example figure 7.

[0047] According to an embodiment the suction power (defined at least in part by the rotational speed of the impeller) is controllable by the user - or controllable automatically - for example based on the status of the pool (cleanliness of the fluid - cleaner may require a weaker suction), on the position of the handheld fluid cleaning robot (for example greater distance to the pool bottom may require a stronger suction), on the cleaning period (longer period - may amount to reducing the suction), on environmental parameters (lower suction when there are people in the pool and / or during rest period, and the like) on the status of power of the handheld fluid cleaning robot (for example lower the suction when the battery empties) - or applying any suction program based on any parameters sensed by and / or fed to the handheld fluid cleaning robot.

[0048] The suction strength may be determined using on sensing of the pool (using a sensor of the handheld fluid cleaning robot - or other sensors such as pool sensors) and / or on predefined cleaning program, and / or controlled by a handheld fluid cleaning robot controller, and the like).

[0049] Figure 1 illustrates a handheld fluid cleaning robot that has a fluid inlet unit that includes an (a) inlet 25 located at the center of the fluid inlet unit and facing an inner portion of the filter, and (b) a splitter 38A of fluid directing element that directed the fluid towards the first inner space.

[0050] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate examples of a handheld fluid cleaning robot that has a lower part with a flat bottom - and an inlet 28A that surround a center part of the flat bottom. Figure 5 illustrates an input interface 41 that provides fluid to inlet 25 A - and has an annular opening. Figure 5 also illustrates an output interface 42 that receives fluid from outlet 24. The output interface is configured to receive fluid outputted from the outlet 24 in many directions.

[0051] The input interface and the output interface may be in fluid communication within inlets and outlets of pools - such as inlets and outlets of above ground pools or underground pools.

[0052] It should be noted that the fluid inlet unit may include an inlet interfacing unit that may interface with another unit - such as a hose adaptor - for fluidly coupling the fluid inlet unit to a hose of another fluid conduit. The same may apply to the fluid outlet unit - that may include a fluid outlet interfacing unit that may interface with a further unit - such as another hose adaptor.

[0053] Any of the handheld fluid cleaning robots may include a controller for controlling the intensity of rotation of the impeller.

[0054] The controller may instruct the motor to rotate the impeller at any speed during any period of time. The speed may be selected out of two, four, eight or any number of speed values.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the controller is configured to induce a speed change that is continuous or non-continuous.

[0056] According to an embodiment the controller may control the rotation of the impeller such that the impeller operates at different operational modes that differ from each other by at least one of rotational speed and duration. For example - operate at a higher rotational speed for a shorter period that a duration of another mode of operation in which the rotational speed is lower.

[0057] According to an embodiment the control of the rotational speed is responsive to feedback such as sensed information regarding the outcome of cleaning - for example the controller, using sensed information from any of the sensors mentioned in this application, may be determined whether additional and / or more intense cleaning is required and determine the speed accordingly, yet for another example the controller may determine, based on sensed information, that the cleaning was good enough - even of the determined cleaning period has not reached its end.

[0058] According to an embodiment there is no timing gap between operating in one operational mode to another. According to an embodiment, these is a gap between operating in one operational mode to another.

[0059] According to an embodiment there is a timing gap between the rotations of the impeller in order to allow dust or particles to fall and allow one or more sensor of the robot to better sense the environment of the robot - for example sense the cleanliness of a cleaned region of the pool.

[0060] According to an embodiment there is provided a handheld fluid cleaning robot that can be positioned at different angles in relation to a cleaning surface and / or is capable of introducing different angular relationships between its handheld interface and one or more other parts of the handheld cleaning robot. The handheld fluid cleaning robot may use at least one of: a. An adjustable telescopic pole rotatably coupled to the upper part or any other part of the handheld fluid cleaning robot - the connection piece maybe flexible\ ball joint\ multi angular connector or any other mechanical connector configured for angular setting of the cleaner in order to reach unreachable surfaces or shallow water (for example cleaning sun ledges). See, figure 8. According to an embodiment the positioning at different angles allows to adjust the orientation of the handheld fluid cleaning robot (or at least of the portion of the handheld fluid cleaning robot that interfaces with a region of the pool to be cleaned) - to better allow the handheld fluid cleaning robot to clean stairs, pool parts located at shallow water, comers, and the like. Such pool parts may not be accessible by a pool cleaning robot that is tailored to clean (solely or mostly) on the bottom of the pool. According to an embodiment there are provided one or more rotatable handheld interface holders in combination with one or more non-rotatable (for example fixed) handheld interface holders. b. Having one or more wheels (or any movement elements such as tracks or legs) that are mechanically coupled to the body: at least one surface of the body is provided with a least one wheel configured for movement when cleaning shallow waters or cleaning close to a sidewall. In some embodiments the at least one surface is provided with brushes configured to brush the surface while the body moves on it. See, figure 8.c. Flexible head: The head is mechanically connected to the body with a connector providing at least two or more angular positioning variation of the head (and / or allowing the head to move along two or more directions - such as up and down movement or movement along different directions), configure for maximum fitting off the brush to the surface. See, figures 8, 12-14 and 16. Referring to figure 7 that illustrates a foldable lower part - the flexible head may include a flexible lower part (of a flexible part external to the spiral guide and / or filter) that may end with an inlet - that changes its orientation when faced against the pool.

[0061] Figures 8, 12-14, 16 and 18 illustrate examples of handheld fluid cleaning robots configured to be positioned at different angles in relation to a cleaning surface and / or is capable of introducing different angular relationships between its handheld interface and one or more other parts of the handheld cleaning robot.

[0062] Figure 8 illustrates an example of the handheld fluid cleaning robot that includes a handheld interface such as rod 101 that is attached to a handheld interface holder 102 that is rotatably coupled to a distal part 111 and is capable to rotate about axis 103 to change the angular relationship between the handheld interface and the distal part 111 and a proximal part 112 - in order to set the orientation of the distal part 111 and a proximal part 112.

[0063] The distal part and / or the proximal part of figure 8 may be replaced by any respective distal part and / or proximal part of any other handheld fluid cleaning robot of any one of figures 1-8 and 9-11 - given that said respective distal part and / or proximal part are equipped with movement elements allowing them to move in relation to the surface being cleaned.

[0064] In figure 8 the movement elements are wheels 121 and 122, while other movement allowing interfaces (such as track 126 of figure 13) may be used.

[0065] In figure 8 the proximal part 112 has an inlet 123 that is normal to the bottom of the housing 124 of the proximal part 112 - but the inlet may be oriented at any angle - and even located at the bottom of the housing 124.

[0066] In figure 8, the handheld interface holder 102 is associated with a single point of the distal part 111 - as it may be rotated about axis 103 that is fixed in relation to the distal part.

[0067] According to an embodiment, there is provided a handheld interface holder positioning unit for associating the handheld interface holder to different points of the first part - see for example rail 104 of figure 13.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the handheld interface holder 102 is configured to move (in addition to the rotational movement) in relation to the distal part 111 to be associated with other regions of the distal part 111.

[0069] Figure 13 illustrates a rail 104 and a rail interface 105 (that may hold axis 113) that allows the handheld interface holder 102 to move along a first direction in relation to the distal part 111. It should be noted that the rail interface 105 allows to be locked to the rail to set the location of the handheld interface holder and to be unlocked to allow to change the location. Any locking and unlocking mechanism known in the art may be used - magnetic or mechanical.

[0070] It should be noted that the handheld interface holder 102 may be moved along other directions - for example along a height and / or width of the distal part.

[0071] According to an embodiment, there may be provided multiple handheld interface holders that are spaced apart to each other - see the handheld interface holder 102 and the additional handheld interface holder 103 of figure 12. This allows the user to select to which handheld interface holder to connect the handheld interface - and better control the orientation of the distal and proximal parts.

[0072] In figure 16 there is no housing such as housing 124 and the proximal part is foldable - having angle change capabilities. According to an embodiment, the proximal part is not foldable but is rotatable and is rotatably coupled to other parts of the handheld fluid cleaning robot.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the handheld fluid cleaning robot exhibits at least one of the following: a. Multi-layer filtration such as dual filtration using filters of different filtering resolution b. Dual use. c. Turbo cleaning: At least two modes including "Boost" / "Turbo" mode which will reduce the run time but will increase suction rate - or any other variable speed suction scheme.d. Lights: The head is provided with any source of illumination - such as but not limited to laser, LEDs, configured to light the cleaning surface in darkness. e. Active brush: having an active movement mechanism for the brush, it can use the water flow or engine or a shake like toothbrush, and mechanism like electric toothbrush rotation or movement. f. Adapted to interface with a docking station for conductive\inductive charging. Docking station may include communication with the device and communication to Wi-Fi or BLE or RF. g. Exhibit a mechanical structure to enhance efficiency and better suction. h. Be in communication with a computerized device executing an application. i. Output indicators such as a filter status indication, a water quality indications j . Includes a display and / or additional LEDs

[0074] According to an embodiment the motor and / or the impeller are spaced apart from any of the proximal parts of the handheld fluid cleaning robot. According to an embodiment the impeller and / or the motor are integrated or are mechanically coupled to a rod or a telescopic or any handheld interface of the handheld fluid cleaning robot and are fluidly coupled (via one or more fluid paths) to the one or more any of the proximal parts. The fluid path may include a tunnel, ai interior of the handheld interface, and the like. The fluid path may be rigid or include a flexible portion of a joint for maintaining the fluid coupling regardless of the angle or position of the handheld interface.

[0075] Figures 14 and 15 illustrates examples of handheld fluid cleaning robots in which the motor and the impeller are spaced apart from any of the proximal parts of the handheld fluid cleaning robot.

[0076] In figure 14 the motor 131 and the impeller 132 are located within housing 134 and are integrated with (or coupled to or included within) the handheld interface 130 and there is a fluid path 136 that fluidly couples the impeller 132 with the proximal part 112.

[0077] In figure 15 the power unit 21, the motor 21 and the impeller are located within distal part 140 and are integrated with (or coupled to or included within) the handheld interface 142 and there is a fluid path that fluidly couples the impeller with the proximal part 16.

[0078] While figures 14 and 15 illustrates a handheld interface that is a fixed rod - any other handheld interface (including for example a telescopic rod) may be used.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the handheld fluid cleaning robot includes at least one of a cleaning head that is coupled to a proximal part, a head interface for coupling the cleaning head to the proximal part, an impeller perforated cover (such as a flexible and / or cloth or fabric made cover).

[0080] Figure 18 illustrates an example of a handheld fluid cleaning robot 100a that includes cleaning head 190 (that includes brush 191) that is coupled to a proximal part, a head interface 192 (illustrated as having a ball joint 195 for allowing rotation of the cleaning head) for coupling the cleaning head to the proximal part, and an impeller cover 199. According to an embodiment, the impeller cover has filtering capabilities and may be made of cloth or other material, may be flexible or not.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the brush may be active (for example rotate about an axis - by the flow of fluid or using a brush motor) or static. According to an embodiment there may be more than a single brush and / or any brush may be coupled to any part of the handheld fluid cleaning robot.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the head interface may allow rotation of the head (in relation to the proximal part) by any angular range - 360 degrees or less.

[0083] Figure 18 also illustrates additional locations of the handheld interface, and three examples (101a, lOlb and 10 Id) ofhandheld interfaces. Handheld interface lOlahas linear and curved sections. Handheld interface 101b is telescopic and includes rod sections 101c and locking and unlocking joints that one unlocked allow the rod sections to move in relation to each other. Handheld interface 101c includes multiple segments that are rotatably coupled to each other - such as circular joints that includes balls.

[0084] In the following text, the distal part is referred to as a first part, and proximal parts are referred to second part, third part, and the like.

[0085] Figure 19 illustrates an example of method 400 ofhandheld fluid cleaning a fluid container.

[0086] According to an embodiment, method 400 includes: a. Step 410 of receiving fluid, by a handheld fluid cleaning robot output. The receiving of the fluid is executed while the one or more angular control elements of the handheld fluid cleaning robot are set to maintain an angular relationship, out of a plurality of adjustable angular relationships, betweena portion of a handheld interface of the handheld fluid cleaning robot and the handheld fluid cleaning robot output. b. Step 420 of moving that fluid, by a fluid manipulation unit of the handheld fluid cleaning robot output. c. Step 430 of filtering, by a filter of the handheld fluid cleaning robot, the fluid to provide filtered fluid.

[0087] According to an embodiment, the angular relationship is changes during a cleaning of a pool or a portion thereof, under the control of the user.

[0088] According to an embodiment, method 400 also includes brushing or applying any additional cleaning step - in addition to the filtering of the fluid.

[0089] There is provided a handheld fluid cleaning robot that is capable of filtering fluid while removing particles that cannot pass through the filter to be aggregated in an entrapment cell (or in a first inner space - for example in contact with a housing that surrounds the first inner space). The entrapment cell may be spaced apart from the filter - and thus reduce any clogging effect that particles can have on the filter.

[0090] The filtering process can be executed while the fluid follows a spiral path within a first inner space of the handheld fluid cleaning robot. A filter can define a part of that first space.

[0091] According to an embodiment, there is provided a handheld fluid cleaning robot that includes a handheld interface, a first part; and a second part that is detachably coupled to the first part. The first part includes a first part housing, a power unit, a motor and an impeller that extends from the first part housing towards the second part, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the impeller along a first rotational direction. The second part includes a second part housing that includes a first opening and a second opening; a second part filter that is configured to filter the fluid that interfaces with the exterior of the second part filter to provide filtered fluid that is induced to exit the second part through the first opening while the impeller rotates along the first rotational direction.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the second part includes a second part entrapment cell in fluid communication with the first inner space, the second part entrapment cell is configured to receive particles that are conveyed by the fluid that follows the spiral path and are too big to pass through the second part filter.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the second part is foldable, and the filter foldable and is held by a foldable frame.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the handheld fluid cleaning robot includes a third part that is detachably coupled to the second part, wherein the third part includes: a third part housing that includes a third opening and a fourth opening; a third part filter that is located between a peripheral inner space of the third part and a central inner space of the third part and is configured to filter the fluid that interfaces with the exterior of the third part filter to provide filtered fluid that is induced to exit the third part and reach the second part through the third opening while the impeller rotates along the first rotational direction

[0095] According to an embodiment, the handheld fluid cleaning robot includes additional parts, wherein the additional parts and the second part that are detachably and sealingly coupled to each other to form a sequence of parts, the sequence is configured to receive fluid from a distal opening, filter the fluid, and output the fluid through the first opening.

[0096] According to an embodiment, one part of the sequence has a filter that is coarser than a filter of another part of the sequence.

[0097] According to an embodiment, one part of the sequence includes an entrapment cell, and another part of the sequence lacks an entrapment cell.

[0098] According to an embodiment, one part of the sequence lacks a filter.

[0099] According to an embodiment, at least one part of the sequence lacks a spiral path.

[0100] According to an embodiment, a part of the sequence is oriented to another part of the sequence.

[0101] According to an embodiment, at least one part of the sequence are foldable .

[0102] According to an embodiment, one part of the sequence includes one or more wheels.

[0103] According to an embodiment, at one part of the sequence includes a fluid sensor.

[0104] According to an embodiment, at one part of the sequence includes a fluid cleanliness sensorthat is in communication with a controller of the handheld fluid cleaning robot.

[0105] According to an embodiment, at one part of the sequence includes an illumination unit.

[0106] According to an embodiment, at one part of the sequence includes a sequence integrity sensor. According to an embodiment, a distal part of the sequenceincludes flexible portion configured to change an angle of the distal opening when interfacing with a pool portion.

[0107] According to an embodiment, a distal part of the sequence includes a rotatable portion configured to change an angle of the distal opening when interfacing with a pool portion.

[0108] According to an embodiment, at one part of the sequence is mechanically coupled to the handheld interface.

[0109] According to an embodiment, the motor is configured to rotate the impeller along a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction thereby inducing a backwash operation.

[0110] According to an embodiment, the first part includes the handheld interface.

[0111] According to an embodiment, the first part is mechanically coupled to the handheld interface.

[0112] According to an embodiment, the first part is rotatably coupled to the handheld interface.

[0113] According to an embodiment, the handheld interface includes a telescopic rod.

[0114] Figure 17 illustrates an example of a handheld interface holder that includes a ring that extends from a flat plane and limits unwanted movement of the handheld interface.

[0115] According to an embodiment, there is provided a method for handheld fluid cleaning a fluid container, the method includes rotating, by a motor, an impeller along a first rotational direction; wherein the motor and the impeller belong to a first part of a handheld fluid cleaning robot, the first part is detachably coupled to a second part of the handheld fluid cleaning robot, the impeller extends from a first part housing of the first part towards the second part; the motor is powered by a supply unit of the first part; receiving fluid by a second opening of the second part; the second part includes (i) a second part housing that includes a first opening and a second opening, (ii) a second part filter that is located between a peripheral inner space of the second part and a central inner space of the second part, and filtering, by the second part filter, the fluid that interfaces with the exterior of the second part filter to provide filtered fluid that is induced to exit the second part through the first opening while the impeller rotates along the first rotational direction.

[0116] According to an embodiment, there is provided a method for handheld fluid cleaning a fluid container. The method includes receiving fluid, by a handheld fluid cleaning robot output; moving that fluid, by a fluid manipulation unit of the handheld fluid cleaning robot output; and filtering, by a filter of the handheld fluid cleaning robot, the fluid to provide filtered fluid. The receiving of the fluid is executed while the one or more angular control elements of the handheld fluid cleaning robot are set to maintain an angular relationship, out of a plurality of adjustable angular relationships, between a portion of a handheld interface of the handheld fluid cleaning robot and the handheld fluid cleaning robot output.

[0117] According to an embodiment, the method includes operating any handheld fluid cleaning robot of the handheld fluid cleaning robots illustrated above.

[0118] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

[0119] The terms inlet is used to define openings or apertures that may act as inlets when the handheld fluid cleaning robot is in a certain operational mode (for example- when a certain impeller rotates about a first rotational direction). It is noted that the functionality of each inlet can be reversed, and it may operate as an outlet - when the handheld fluid cleaning robot is in another operational mode (for examplewhen a certain impeller rotates about a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction). The same applies mutatis mutandis to outlets - they may also function as inlets.

[0120] Although there is a reference to a pool it is noted that the handheld fluid cleaning robot can be arranged to clean any element that stores fluid.

[0121] Although there is a reference to an impeller it is noted that the impeller may be replaced by any other suction element.

[0122] Any type of filtering unit may be provided and the spiral filtering shown in various figures is an example.

[0123] Any reference to a lower or upper part may be applied mutatis mutandis to a distal part and a proximal part - especially when the handheld fluid cleaning robot it not in a vertical position.

[0124] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0125] Moreover, the terms “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the boundaries between various components are merely illustrative and that alternative embodiments may merge various components or impose an alternate decomposition of functionality upon various components. Thus, it is to be understood that the architectures depicted herein are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality.

[0126] Any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively "associated" such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as "associated with" Each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being "operably connected," or "operably coupled," to Each other to achieve the desired functionality.

[0127] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that boundaries between the above described operations merely illustrative. The multiple operations may be combined into a single operation, a single operation may be distributed in additional operations and operations may be executed at least partially overlapping in time. Moreover, alternative embodiments may include multiple instances of a particular operation, and the order of operations may be altered in various other embodiments.

[0128] However, other modifications, variations and alternatives are also possible. The specifications and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than in a restrictive sense.

[0129] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presenceof other elements or steps then those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. Also, the use of introductory phrases such as “at least one” and “one or more” in the claims should not be construed to imply that the introduction of another claim element by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim element to inventions containing only one such element, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an." The same holds true for the use of definite articles. Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0130] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

WE CLAIM1. A handheld fluid cleaning robot, comprising: a handheld interface; a fluid manipulation unit configured to move fluid; a filter that is configured to filter the fluid to provide filtered fluid; a handheld fluid cleaning robot (HFCR) output that is configured to receive the fluid; and one or more angular control elements that are configured to adjust an angular relationship between a portion of the handheld interface and the HFCR output.

2. The handheld fluid cleaning robot according to claim 1, wherein the fluid manipulation unit comprises an impeller and a motor that is configured to rotate the impeller, and wherein the one or more angular control elements comprises a handheld interface holder that movably couples the handheld interface to a part of the handheld fluid cleaning robot.

3. The handheld fluid cleaning robot according to claim 2, wherein the part of the handheld fluid cleaning robot is a first part, the handheld fluid cleaning robot further comprises a second part, the second part comprises the filter.

4. The handheld fluid cleaning robot according to claim 3, wherein the handheld interface holder rotatably couples the handheld interface to the first part.

5. The handheld fluid cleaning robot according to claim 3, further comprising am additional handheld interface holder that is spaced apart from the handheld interface holder and is also configured to rotatably couple the handheld interface to the first part.

6. The handheld interface according to claim 3, further comprising a handheld interface holder positioning unit for associating the handheld interface holder to different points of the first part.

7. The handheld interface according to claim 6, wherein the handheld interface holder positioning unit comprises a rail.

8. The handheld interface according to claim 3, wherein the first part comprises a first part housing, wherein the impeller and the motor are located within the first part housing.

9. The handheld interface according to claim 3, wherein the impeller and the motor are located within a housing that is spaced apart from the first part.

10. The handheld interface according to claim 9, wherein the housing is integrated with the handheld interface or included in the handheld interface or is coupled to the handheld interface.

11. The handheld fluid cleaning robot according to claim 3, wherein the second part is foldable, and the filter is foldable and is held by a foldable frame.

12. The handheld fluid cleaning robot according to claim 3, comprising additional parts, wherein the additional parts and the second part that are detachably and sealingly coupled to each other to form a sequence of parts, the sequence is configured to receive fluid from a distal opening, filter the fluid, and output the fluid through the first opening.

13. The handheld fluid cleaning robot according to claim 12, wherein one part of the sequence differs from another part of the sequence.

14. The handheld fluid cleaning robot according to claim 12, wherein one part of the sequence has a filter that is coarser than a filter of another part of the sequence.

15. The handheld fluid cleaning robot according to claim 12, wherein one part of the sequence includes an entrapment cell, and another part of the sequence lacks an entrapment cell.

16. The handheld fluid cleaning robot according to claim 12, wherein one part of the sequence lacks a filter.

17. The handheld fluid cleaning robot according to claim 12, wherein one part of the sequence lacks a spiral path.

18. The handheld fluid cleaning robot according to claim 12, wherein a part of the sequence is oriented to another part of the sequence.

19. The handheld fluid cleaning robot according to claim 12, wherein at least one part of the sequence is foldable.

20. The handheld fluid cleaning robot according to claim 12, wherein at one part of the sequence includes one or more wheels.

21. The handheld fluid cleaning robot according to claim 12, wherein at one part of the sequence includes a fluid sensor.

22. The handheld fluid cleaning robot according to claim 12, wherein at one part of the sequence includes a fluid cleanliness sensor that is in communication with a controller of the handheld fluid cleaning robot.

23. The handheld fluid cleaning robot according to claim 12, wherein at one part of the sequence includes an illumination unit.

24. The handheld fluid cleaning robot according to claim 12, wherein at one part of the sequence includes a sequence integrity sensor.

25. The handheld fluid cleaning robot according to claim 12, wherein a distal part of the sequence includes flexible portion configured to change an angle of the distal opening when interfacing with a pool portion.

26. The handheld fluid cleaning robot according to claim 12, wherein a distal part of the sequence includes a rotatable portion configured to change an angle of the distal opening when interfacing with a pool portion.

27. The handheld fluid cleaning robot according to claim 12, wherein at one part of the sequence is mechanically coupled to the handheld interface.

28. The handheld fluid cleaning robot according to claim 12, wherein the motor is configured to rotate the impeller along a second rotational direction that is opposite to the first rotational direction thereby inducing a backwash operation.

29. The handheld fluid cleaning robot according to claim 3, wherein the second part further comprises a second part spiral guide that is located within the peripheral inner space and is configured to direct fluid received from the second opening to follow a spiral path that interfaces with an exterior of the second part filter.

30. The handheld fluid cleaning robot according to claim 3, wherein the second filter is located between a peripheral inner space of the second part and a central inner space of the second part.

31. The handheld fluid cleaning robot according to claim 1, further comprising a cleaning head that comprises a brush.

32. A method for handheld fluid cleaning a fluid container, the method comprising: receiving fluid, by a handheld fluid cleaning robot output; moving that fluid, by a fluid manipulation unit of the handheld fluid cleaning robot output; filtering, by a filter of the handheld fluid cleaning robot, the fluid to provide filtered fluid; and wherein the receiving of the fluid is executed while the one or more angular control elements of the handheld fluid cleaning robot are set to maintain an angular relationship, out of a plurality of adjustable angular relationships, between a portion of a handheld interface of the handheld fluid cleaning robot and the handheld fluid cleaning robot output.

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