Pool robot and electrode unit for a pool robot

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a pool robot, comprising a travel drive and a suction device for cleaning the walls and / or the bottom of the pool. The pool robot has a water inlet and a water outlet through which a flow path through the pool robot is defined. The pool robot comprises an electrode unit for the in-situ generation of ozone from the pool water.

Description

[0001] BWT Holding GmbH P1500PC00 Pool Robot and Electrode Unit for a Pool Robot Description Field of Invention The invention relates to a pool robot. The invention further relates to an electrode unit for a pool robot, by means of which an oxidizing agent can be generated. The invention further relates to a method for cleaning a pool using a pool robot. Background of the Invention Pool robots are known for cleaning pools or swimming pools. These are devices with a drive, which includes, for example, wheels or tracks, and by means of which the pool robot moves along the walls and the floor. Such a pool robot also typically includes a brush and a vacuum. The brush serves to remove dirt and algae. The vacuum sucks up the water behind the brush, and dirt and algae collect in a replaceable filter of the pool robot.The vacuum also pulls the pool robot against the wall it travels along, enabling the robot to navigate the pool's vertical walls. Furthermore, it is known to use strong oxidizing agents such as ozone to disinfect pool water. Ozone generators are known in practice for generating and introducing ozone into the water. Patent application EP 1454 885 A2 shows, among other things, a floating platform incorporating an ozone generator, the BWT Holding GmbH P1500PC00, which generates ozone by means of electrical discharge. The generated ozone is collected and sprayed into the water. The floating platform is connected to a pool robot. This method of ozone generation is quite complex and not particularly efficient, as typically only a portion of the sprayed ozone dissolves in the water. Moreover, the ozone is only sprayed into the water at a single location within the pool.Depending on the pool's design and the installed filter systems, zones can form within the pool where water exchange is minimal. Such zones can be particularly susceptible to algae growth. Object of the Invention: The invention aims to at least reduce these disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the invention provides a simple and efficient system for cleaning and disinfecting a pool. Summary of the Invention: The object of the invention is already achieved by a pool robot and by an electrode unit for a pool robot according to one of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. The invention relates to a pool robot. The pool robot includes a drive system.This can include, for example, wheels or tracks that enable the pool robot to move along the pool floor and walls. BWT Holding GmbH P1500PC00 The pool robot also includes a vacuum for cleaning the pool walls and / or floor. Water can be drawn through the vacuum and passed through a filter within the pool robot. The pool robot thus has a water inlet and a water outlet. Preferably, the pool robot also includes a brush, in particular a rotating brush, which is used to remove algae from the floor and walls. With respect to the direction of travel of the pool robot, the water inlet is located behind the brush, so that the deposits loosened by the brush are sucked in and filtered out by a filter within the pool robot. A flow path is defined through the pool robot. The vacuum preferably also serves to pull the pool robot towards the floor and / or walls.This allows the pool robot to travel along vertical walls. The brush's efficiency is also improved by the pressure exerted by the vacuum. According to the invention, the pool robot includes an electrode unit for generating an oxidizing agent, in particular ozone, hydrogen peroxide, or other oxidizing agents, from the pool water in situ. It has been found that, with a suitable electrode unit, it is also possible to generate ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and other oxidizing agents directly in the water. This does not need to be collected but dissolves in the immediate vicinity of the electrode unit. BWT Holding GmbH P1500PC00 This significantly improves the efficiency of pool cleaning. Firstly, microorganisms that are not captured in the pool robot's filter are removed, resulting in a lower number of microorganisms and germs in the discharged water.Furthermore, the water around the pool robot is enriched with oxidizing agents and thus disinfected. It is particularly advantageous that the pool robot moves through the pool, regularly reaching areas with reduced water circulation compared to other zones. This improves pool cleaning, especially in corners and along the edges. Preferably, the electrode unit is positioned within the flow path. The water is actively drawn past the electrode unit by the vacuum cleaner. This allows for particularly efficient disinfection of the outgoing water. Simultaneously, the vacuum cleaner's pump also serves to circulate water past the electrode unit. The electrode unit is positioned within the flow path, specifically between a water filter and the water outlet.In particular, the electrode unit can be arranged between the outlet of the water filter and the inlet of a suction housing, especially an impeller housing. This ensures that the oxidizing agent is only released to the water that has already been filtered by the water filter. In a further development of the invention, the electrode unit comprises an electrode structure arranged on a substrate. BWT Holding GmbH P1500PC00 The two oppositely polarized electrodes can be arranged on the substrate, in particular as a meandering and / or comb-shaped structure. This allows the electrodes to be placed particularly close to each other, providing an electrode arrangement in a small installation space in which a particularly long anode-cathode boundary can be accommodated on a small surface area. According to one embodiment, the grid structure of the electrode unit comprises circumferential, continuous strips on the substrate.The electrically conductive layer is divided into at least two differently polarizable surfaces. The length of the lattice structure is a multiple of the external dimensions (length times width) of the substrate. During electrolysis, local current densities of 100 to 2500 mA / cm² are achieved. 2This is achieved. Variable local current densities have a positive effect on controlling the formation of oxidizing agents. The electrode unit can, in particular, comprise an electrode grid arranged on a substrate. This grid comprises, in particular, anode and cathode sections arranged side by side in a strip-like configuration. The polarity of the electrodes can preferably be changed via an electronic unit of the pool robot. This allows deposits on the electrode unit to be removed. The substrate with the electrode grid can, in particular, be designed as a plate, especially as a strip-shaped plate (BWT Holding GmbH P1500PC00). Designs with plate cutouts, up to and including grid plates, are also possible. The appropriate selection of operating parameters of the electrolysis cell allows for the preferential production of ozone or other oxidizing agents. The plate is preferably arranged substantially parallel to the flow.This ensures particularly good airflow so that the in-situ generated ozone can dissolve. For the targeted production of other oxidizing agents besides ozone, however, an airflow directed perpendicular to the flow direction towards the plates is particularly effective. The substrate can comprise an electrode grid on the top and / or bottom. It is also conceivable that the top and bottom surfaces are in contact with each other via the side edges of the plate. In one embodiment of the invention, the substrate comprises electrodes or an electrode grid, each consisting of a diamond layer, in particular a boron-doped diamond layer. Doped diamond layers are known. These can be deposited on a substrate, in particular by thermal processes. The separation of the coating into at least two electrodes, in particular grid-shaped electrodes, can be achieved, in particular, by ablation, especially laser ablation.The doping can be present, particularly in the ppm range. Such doping leads to conductivity in the otherwise dielectric diamond material. The electrical bias caused by the doping also promotes water splitting and thus efficient ozone generation. The electrode unit is preferably operated with a voltage of 4 to 30 V, more preferably 4 to 7 V. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrode sections, particularly meandering or comb-shaped electrodes, are spaced 10 to 500 µm apart, more preferably 20 to 100 µm. The substrate is preferably a ceramic substrate. This allows for a durable electrode unit that does not need to be replaced during the service life of the pool robot.Other substrate materials can include, but are not limited to, niobium and its compounds, quartz and related glasses, and silicon. In a further development of the invention, the electrodes of the substrate are contacted by means of metal strips clamped to the substrate. Preferably, a valve metal, i.e., a metal that forms a protective oxide layer, in particular titanium, is used as the metal strip. This eliminates the need for soldering or welding. Due to the purely clamping connection, the electrode unit, including its electrical connections, is insensitive to corrosion. Furthermore, according to another embodiment, contact via precious metals such as gold, preferably by application to a circuit board, is possible. The invention also relates to an electrode unit, which is designed in particular for the pool robot described above.BWT Holding GmbH P1500PC00 The electrode unit comprises a substrate with an electrode grid, wherein the electrodes of the electrode grid are contacted by means of a clampingly attached metal strip. As described above, this configuration made it possible to provide a particularly robust and corrosion-resistant electrode unit. According to a preferred embodiment, the clamps are part of a holder with which the electrode unit can be attached. This allows for an electrode unit that is easy to install and consists of only a few parts. The invention further relates to a method for cleaning the walls and / or floor of a pool, wherein the pool robot described above is used and wherein ozone is generated in situ from the pool water by means of the electrode unit. Brief description of the drawings The subject matter of the invention will be described below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the drawings Fig.Figures 1a to 6 are explained in more detail. Figures 1a and 1b are perspective views, and Figure 1c is a sectional view of a pool robot according to the invention. Figure 2 is a perspective detail view of the pool robot in the area of ​​the electrode unit. Figures 3a and 3b are perspective views of the electrode unit. Figure 4 is a sectional view of the electrode unit in the area of ​​a clamp. BWT Holding GmbH P1500PC00. Figure 5 schematically shows the substrate of the electrode unit with the electrode grid. Figure 6 shows another embodiment of a substrate with an electrode grid. Detailed description of the drawings: Figures 1a and 1b are perspective views, and Figure 1c shows a longitudinal section of an embodiment of a pool robot 1. The pool robot 1 is movable by means of a drive and, in this embodiment, comprises tracks 2 for this purpose.The pool robot 1 also includes a rotating brush 3 at the front, relative to the direction of travel. The rotating brush 3 can be positioned between the tracks 2. The rotating brush 3 loosens deposits, particularly algae, from the pool floor and walls. Behind the brush 3, relative to the direction of travel, is the water inlet 4 of a vacuum cleaner. The flow path is indicated by arrows in Fig. 1c. Water is drawn into the pool robot 1 via the water inlet 4 and then passes through the filter box 6, where the deposits loosened by the brush collect in a filter. The filter box 6 is accessible via the flap 10 for filter replacement. The water exits the pool robot 1 via the water outlet 5. The pool robot 1 also includes an impeller 8, which is driven by a motor 11 housed in a waterproof casing.In this embodiment, the impeller 8 is located below the outlet 5. The outlet 5 is designed as a grid structure to provide contact protection for the impeller 8. An electrode unit 100 for generating ozone in situ from the water flowing out of the filter box 6 is located between the filter box 6 and the outlet 5. The pool robot is powered via the connecting cable 7. Fig. 2 is a perspective detail view of the pool robot in the area of ​​the electrode unit. The electrode unit 100 comprises a plate-shaped substrate 110 with an electrode grid (not shown). Water is pumped by the impeller 8 towards the water outlet and flows through the inlet 9 of the impeller housing into the impeller housing and from there through the outlet into the pool. The substrate 110 with the electrodes is oriented such that its top and bottom surfaces are approximately parallel to the water flow.The substrate 110 is installed transversely in the pool robot with respect to its main direction of extension. For installing the substrate 110 with the electrodes, the electrode unit 100 includes the edge-mounted substrate holders 120. These can each include at least one through-hole 122, via which the substrate holders 120 are connected to the housing of the pool robot. The substrate holders 120 also include clamps 121, which grip the substrate 110 on both sides. The clamps also serve to connect to the strip-shaped terminals 130 made of titanium sheet, through which the substrate 110 is contacted. In this embodiment, the terminals 130 are designed as angled terminals. For connection to the electrical system of the pool robot, the ends of the terminals 130 can be contacted, for example, with potted cable lugs (not shown). Figures 3a and 3b are perspective views of the electrode unit 100.In this embodiment, the terminals 121 are separated from the rest of the substrate holder 120 by a slot 124. To increase the clamping force, a metal spring can be located in the slot 124, according to an embodiment not shown. This spring is held on an axle inserted through the through-hole 125. Furthermore, the terminal 121 comprises a hook 123 on one side, particularly the side opposite the terminal 130, by means of which the terminal 121 latches onto the substrate 110. BWT Holding GmbH P1500PC00 Fig. 4 shows a section of the electrode unit in the area of ​​a terminal 120. The substrate 110 with the electrodes is latched by the hook 123. Simultaneously, the substrate 110 is pressed with an electrical contact surface onto the terminal 130, which is made of titanium sheet. This provides electrical contact without a metallurgical bond.The substrate 110 is positioned at an angle to the mounting base 126 of the substrate holder 120, particularly at an angle of 20° to 80°, preferably 30° to 40°. Thus, in its installed state, the substrate 110 is aligned parallel to the water flow. Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of an exemplary electrode configuration on a substrate 110. The substrate 110 is made of a ceramic material. In this embodiment, the electrodes 111 and 112 are comb-shaped and interlock. This is achieved in this embodiment by a meandering dividing line 127 that runs from one side of the substrate 110 to the opposite side. The dividing line 127 can be produced, for example, by laser ablation of the doped diamond layer. The electrodes 111 and 112 can be contacted on the right and left via the terminals 130a and 130b. In this embodiment, the connections 130a, 130b are located on the narrow sides of the substrate 110.Electrodes 111 and 112 are positioned so close together that high efficiency in ozone generation can be achieved. BWT Holding GmbH P1500PC00 The dividing line 127 defines the distance between electrodes 111 and 112. The dividing line can be 20 to 100 µm wide. The electrodes can also be contacted via the side walls of the substrate 110. Furthermore, two electrodes 111 and 112 can be present on each side. The front and back of a single electrode 111 and 112 can be connected via the side wall of the substrate 110. The electrodes 111 and 112 are formed as a layer of boron-doped diamond. This ensures durability and high corrosion resistance. Deposits can be prevented by regularly reversing the polarity of the electrodes 111 and 112. The substrate 110 can have a length between 50 and 150 mm, a width between 5 and 20 mm, and / or a thickness between 1 and 10 mm. Fig.Figure 6 shows a schematic view of an exemplary electrode setup on a substrate 110 according to a further embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the electrodes 111, 112 are formed by a serrated dividing line 127, which extends longitudinally across the substrate 110. In this embodiment as well, the electrodes 111, 112 can be contacted via the terminals 130a and 130b. The terminals 130a, 130b are located on the narrow sides of the substrate 110. In this embodiment, the terminals 130a, 130b each occupy only a portion of their respective narrow sides. BWT Holding GmbH P1500PC00 The invention has enabled the provision of a simply designed pool robot with a significantly improved cleaning function.

[0002] BWT Holding GmbH P1500PC00 Reference List 1 Pool robot 2 Chain 3 Brush 4 Water inlet 5 Water outlet 6 Filter box 7 Connection cable 8 Impeller 9 Impeller housing inlet 10 Flap 11 Motor 100 Electrode unit 110 Substrate with electrodes 111, 112 Electrode 120 Substrate holder 121 Clamp 122 Through hole 123 Hook 124 Slot 125 Through hole 126 Mounting base 127 Dividing line 130 Connection

Claims

BWT Holding GmbH P1500PC00 Claims:

1. Pool robot comprising a drive unit and a suction unit for cleaning the walls and / or floor of the pool, wherein the pool robot has a water inlet and a water outlet through which a flow path through the pool robot is defined, characterized in that the pool robot comprises an electrode unit for generating an oxidizing agent, in particular ozone, from the pool water in situ.

2. Pool robot according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the electrode unit comprises a substrate with an electrode grid.

3. Pool robot according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the electrodes of the electrode grid are contacted by means of a clampingly attached metal strip. 4.Pool robot according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two electrodes of the electrode unit are provided by at least one meandering dividing line of a coating of the substrate.

5. Pool robot according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrode unit is designed such that, in electrolysis operation, a local current density of 100 to 2500 mA / cm² is achieved. 2 is achieved.

6. Pool robot according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrode unit is located within the BWT Holding GmbH P1500PC00 flow path is arranged.

7. Pool robot according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the electrode unit is arranged between a water filter and the water outlet.

8. Pool robot according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrode unit comprises meandering and / or comb-shaped electrodes arranged on a substrate.

9. Pool robot according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrode unit comprises electrodes made of doped, in particular boron-doped, diamond layers arranged on the substrate.

10. Pool robot according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrode unit comprises a plurality of electrode sections arranged parallel to one another on the substrate.

11. Pool robot according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the electrode sections are spaced apart from one another by 10 to 500 µm, preferably 20 to 100 µm.

12. Pool robot according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the substrate is designed as a ceramic substrate.

13. Pool robot according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrodes of the substrate are contacted by means of metal strips, in particular titanium strips, which are clamped to the substrate. BWT Holding GmbH P1500PC00.

14. Electrode unit, in particular configured for a pool robot according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a substrate with an electrode grid, wherein the electrodes of the electrode grid are contacted by means of a clampingly attached metal strip.

15. Method for cleaning the walls and / or floor of a pool, wherein a pool robot according to one of the preceding claims is used and wherein ozone is generated in situ from the pool water by means of the electrode unit.

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