Jet cleaner for swimming pools and spas

Abstract

A self-propelled pool cleaner, also known as a jet cleaner, includes systems and methods for controlling a direction of movement of the pool cleaner based on a direction of rotation of an impeller and thus direction in which a jet of water is exiting the pool cleaner. The pool cleaner includes an impeller, which both draws water through a filter onboard the pool cleaner and directs water out of the pool cleaner as a water jet to propel the pool cleaner.

Description

JET CLEANER FOR SWIMMING POOLS AND SPASREFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 707,801, filed on October 16, 2024, and entitled JET CLEANER FOR SWIMMING POOLS AND SPAS, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to systems and apparatuses for cleaning water-containing vessels such as swimming pools and spas and more particularly, although not necessarily exclusively, to pool cleaners.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Numerous cleaning devices capable of autonomous or semi-autonomous movement within swimming pools and spas currently exist. The most common of these devices are pool cleaners, which often are either hydraulic or robotic in type. Hydraulic cleaners vary water flow for movement, while robotic cleaners typically employ electric motors to cause motion. Hydraulic pool cleaners, furthermore, subdivide into "pressure-side" and "suction-side" cleaners, with pressure-side cleaners being fluidly connected to outputs of pumps of pool water circulation systems and suction-side cleaners being fluidly connected to inputs of such pumps. Pool cleaners generally are required to move along various paths and change directions while navigating within the pool. Existing approaches to navigation may be relatively complex and / or require numerous parts and / or complex arrangements of parts, thereby increasing the cost of such pool cleaners.SUMMARY

[0004] The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention” and “the present invention” used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various embodiments of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential featuresof the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings, and each claim.

[0005] According to certain embodiments, a pool cleaner includes a single impeller for both pumping a flow of water through a filter and directing the water from the pool cleaner to propel the pool cleaner. The pool cleaner includes a first port configured to direct the flow of water from the pool cleaner in a first direction and a second port configured to direct the flow of water from the pool cleaner in a second direction opposite from the first direction. In certain embodiments, based on the direction of rotation of the single impeller, water is directed by the single impeller toward either only the first port or toward only the second port.

[0006] According to some embodiments, a pool cleaner includes a filter chamber configured to receive a flow of water, a first port configured to direct the flow of water from the pool cleaner in a first direction, and second port configured to direct the flow of water from the pool cleaner in a second direction opposite from the first direction. A fluid path connects the first port, the second port, and the filter chamber, and a single impeller is in the fluid path. In certain embodiments, rotation of the single impeller draws water from the filter chamber into the fluid path, and, based on the direction of rotation of the single impeller, water is directed by the single impeller toward either only the first port or toward only the second port.

[0007] According to various embodiments, a pool cleaner includes a filter within the pool cleaner, a first port configured to direct a flow of water from the pool cleaner in a first direction, a second port configured to direct the flow of water from the pool cleaner in a second direction opposite from the first direction, a fluid path connecting the first port, tire second port, and the filter chamber, and a single impeller in the fluid path. Rotation of the single impeller draws water through the filter and into the fluid path, and, based on the direction of rotation of the single impeller, water is directed by the single impeller toward either only the first port or toward only the second port.

[0008] According to some embodiments, a pool cleaner includes a body with an interior having a filter chamber for housing a filter and a propulsion chamber for receiving a flow of water from the filter chamber and directing the flow of water out of the pool cleaner, a first port for the propulsion chamber configured to direct the water from the pool cleaner in a firstdirection, and a second port for the propulsion chamber configured to direct tire water from the pool cleaner in a second direction opposite from the first direction. The pool cleaner also includes a first closing member in the first port configured to selectively enable or prevent the flow of water through the first port and a second closing member in the second port configured to selectively enable or prevent the flow of water through the second port. In certain embodiments, the pool cleaner includes a single impeller in the propulsion chamber for both drawing water into the filter chamber and directing water out the pool cleaner through the propulsion chamber. In various embodiments, based on a direction of rotation of the impeller, water is directed by the single impeller toward only the first port or only the second port such that one of the first closing member or the second closing member is closed and the other is open such that water is directed from the cleaner in only the first direction or only the second direction.

[0009] According to various embodiments, a method of controlling a pool cleaner includes causing a pool cleaner to move in a second direction by rotating a single impeller in a first direction of rotation. Rotating the single impeller in the first direction of rotation draws water through a filter and directs water toward a first port and away from a second port, wherein the first port faces a first direction, and wherein water is directed out the first port without directing water out a second port facing tire second direction opposite from the first direction. The method includes causing the pool cleaner to move in the first direction by rotating the single impeller is a second direction of rotation opposite from the first direction of rotation. Rotating the single impeller in the second direction of rotation draws water through the filter and directs water toward the second port and away from the first port, wherein water is directed out the second port facing the second direction without directing water out the first port facing the first direction .

[0010] According to some embodiments, a method of controlling a pool cleaner includes causing rotation of a single impeller, wherein rotating the single impeller draws water through a filter and directs water toward either only a first port facing a first direction or only a second port facing a second direction opposite from the first direction. The method includes changing a direction of rotation of the single impeller responsive to a trigger event.

[0011] Various implementations described in the present disclosure can include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which cannot necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all suchsystems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The specification makes reference to the following appended figures, in which use of like reference numerals in different figures is intended to illustrate like or analogous components.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a pool cleaner with an impeller rotating in a first direction according to embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates the pool cleaner of FIG. 1 with the impeller rotating in a second direction according to embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Described herein are sy stems and methods for controlling a direction of movement by a self-propelled pool cleaner, which may also be referred to as a jet cleaner, based on a direction of rotation of an impeller and thus direction in which a jet of water is exiting the pool cleaner. In certain embodiments, the pool cleaners described herein include an impeller, which both draws water through a filter onboard the pool cleaner and directs water out of the pool cleaner (e.g., as a water jet) to propel the pool cleaner. In various embodiments, the pool cleaners described herein advantageously may only require a single impeller and / or a single motor for driving the single impeller, thereby reducing complexity and / or components compared to traditional approaches and providing cost savings. In other embodiments, the pool cleaner need not be limited to a single impeller and / or a single motor.

[0016] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein provide a pool cleaner which both draws water through a filter and directs water (e.g., as a water jet) out either a first port or a second port (facing opposite directions) based on a direction of rotation of the impeller. As an example, rotation of the impeller in a first direction may draw water through the filter and direct water out the first port without directing water out the second port, and rotation of the impeller in the second direction may draw water through the filter and direct water out the second port without directing water out the first port. Optionally, by providing a single impeller, the pool cleaner may direct flow for propelling the pool cleaner in one direction or an opposite direction while always drawing water through a filter, such as but not limited to a single filter.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the pool cleaners described herein may create a low pressure area on one side of the impeller based on a direction of rotation of the impeller, and the low pressure generated by the impeller may close the port on one side and direct water out the port on the other side. Optionally, the pool cleaner may include closing members with each of the ports to facilitate opening and / or closing of the ports. Optionally, the closing members may be actuated based on the pressure and / or water flow generated by the impeller.

[0018] Optionally, the pool cleaners described herein may include one or more sensors for detecting movement of the pool cleaner. Optionally, based on a detected lack of movement of the pool cleaner by the sensor, the motor may cause the impeller to rotate in an opposite direction. As a non-limiting example, the pool cleaner may include a movement sensor, such as but not limited to an accelerometer. In various embodiments, the movement sensor may detect no movement and / or other situations for changing a direction of movement of the pool cleaner. As non-limiting examples, the sensor may detect no movement of the cleaner, no movement of the cleaner over a timing out period, movement below a threshold level, movement below a threshold level over the timing out period, combinations, thereof, and / or as otherwise desired.

[0019] In certain embodiments, based on the data from the sensor, the pool cleaner maychange the direction of movement by controlling the impeller to rotate in the opposite direction. In certain embodiments, the pool cleaner may automatically initiate the change and / or an onboard controller may cause the change in direction. Such control may be used for various navigation of the pool cleaner, such as but not limited to identifying walls or structures, improving navigation around and / or away from obstacles, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired.

[0020] Compared to traditional approaches, the pool cleaners described herein may provide improved navigation with reduced complexity or parts. Various other benefits and advantages may be realized with the systems and methods provided herein, and the aforementioned advantages should not be considered limiting.

[0021] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example of a pool cleaner 10 according to various embodiments.

[0022] The pool cleaner 10 generally includes a body 12 defining an interior 14. The interior 14 generally includes a filtering region or chamber 16 and a propulsion region or chamber 18.The particular shape or size of the filtering chamber 16 and / or the propulsion chamber 18 should not be considered limiting.

[0023] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the body 12 may include one or more inlets 22 for receiving a flow of water from a pool or spa into the interior 14, and specifically into the filtering chamber 16 of the body 12. In certain embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a filter 20 may be provided within the filtering chamber 16 of the interior 14 for filtering debris from a flow of water entering the body 12. In some embodiments, the pool cleaner 10 advantageously may include a single filter 20. However, in other embodiments, other types, numbers, and / or shapes of filters 20 may be utilized as desired. Moreover, in some embodiments, the pool cleaner 10 may include a plurality of filters 20. As a non-limiting example, the pool cleaner 10 may be a dual filter pool cleaner 10. Any other number of filters may be utilized as desired.

[0024] In certain embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, an impeller 24 is provided within the propulsion chamber 18 of the pool cleaner 10. The impeller 24 is rotatable by a motor 26 about an axis of rotation 28. The motor 26 for the impeller 24 is provided w ithin the interior 14 of the body 12 and optionally may be provided within a motor cavity 30 at least partially defined in the filtering chamber 16. Optionally, one or more power sources or stores of energy, such as but not limited to one or more batteries 32, may be electrically connected to the motor 26. When the batteries 32 are included, they optionally may be within the motor cavity 30, although they need not be in other embodiments. Optionally, a controller (e.g., processor and / or memory) may be provided with the pool cleaner 10 at least for controlling operation of the motor 26 such that tire motor 26 causes the impeller 24 to rotate in a first direction or a second direction as described in detail below.

[0025] Optionally, the pool cleaner 10 advantageously may include a single impeller 24 and a single motor 26. In such embodiments, a single impeller 24 and single motor 26 may reduce complexity of the overall cleaner 10 while providing an impeller 24 capable of both pumping and propelling operations.

[0026] Rotation of the impeller 24 may draw water through the filtering chamber 16 (and any filter 20 contained therein) into the propulsion chamber 18. Optionally, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pool cleaner 10 includes one or more intermediate closing members 34, such as a first intermediate closing member 34A and a second intermediate closing member 34B, which may selectively control a flow of water from the filtering chamber 16 into thepropulsion chamber 18. Tire intermediate closing members 34 may be various suitable devices or mechanisms as desired, such as but not limited to valves, flaps, doors, blocking devices, combinations thereof, and / or other suitable mechanisms or devices as desired. In certain embodiments, the intermediate closing members 34 may be actuated or movable between open positions (allowing the flow of water) and closed positions (preventing the flow of water). Optionally, and as discussed in detail below, the intermediate closing members 34 may be opened or closed based on a direction of rotation of the impeller 24.

[0027] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the portion of the body 12 defining the propulsion chamber 18 includes a first port 36 for directing water from the pool cleaner 10 in a first direction 51 and a second port 38 for directing water from the pool cleaner 10 in a second direction 53 opposite from the first direction 51. As described in detail below, based on a direction of rotation of the impeller 24, the impeller 24 may draw the water from the filtering chamber 16, into the propulsion chamber 18, and out either the first port 36 or the second port 38.

[0028] In some embodiments, the ports 36, 38 may include first and second closing members 40A-B positioned in the respective ports for selectively opening and closing the ports 36, 38. The closing members 40A-B may be various suitable devices or mechanisms as desired, such as but not limited to valves, flaps, doors, blocking devices, combinations thereof, and / or other suitable mechanisms or devices as desired. In certain embodiments, the closing members 40A-B may be actuated or movable between open positions (allowing the flow of water) and closed positions (preventing the flow of water). Optionally, and as discussed in detail below, the closing members 40A-B may be opened or closed based on a direction of rotation of the impeller 24.

[0029] Optionally, the pool cleaner 10 includes one or more sensors 42 for detecting movement of the pool cleaner 10. Various sensors 42 may be utilized as desired, and in one non-limiting example the one or more sensors 42 may include an accelerometer.

[0030] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pool cleaner 10 additionally includes one or more motive elements 44, which may be various suitable devices or structures suitable for enabling movement of the pool cleaner 10 along a surface. Non-limiting examples of motive elements 44 include, but are not limited to, wheels, rollers, feet, tracks, propellers, combinations thereof, and / or other suitable motive elements 44 as desired. In some embodiments, themotive elements 44 optionally may not be actively driven (e.g., by a motor or otherwise), and the pool cleaner 10 may be self-propelled by at least the water jet exiting the pool cleaner 10.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, operation and control of the pool cleaner 10 will be described in greater detail. Additional controls or operations may be implemented as desired, and the following discussion should not be considered limiting.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, rotation of the impeller 24 by the motor 26 in a first direction may draw water into the pool cleaner 10 through the one or more inlets 22 and into the filtering chamber 16, where the filter 20 may remove debris from the flow of water. In addition to drawing water into the filtering chamber 16, rotation of the impeller 24 draws water from the filtering chamber 16 and into the propulsion chamber 18.

[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 1, rotation of the impeller 24 in the first direction may direct the flow of water to and out the first port 36 while also creating a region of low pressure 48 at the second port 38 and / or may generate a force on the second closing member 40B, thereby closing the second port 38. In certain embodiments, the flow of water directed to the first port 36 may cause and / or maintain the first closing member 40 A to be in its open position, thereby allowing the water to be directed out the pool cleaner 10 in the first direction.

[0034] Optionally, directing the flow of water toward the first port 36 may further direct water against the intermediate closing member on tire same side as the first port 36 (e.g., intermediate closing member 34A). In these embodiments, closing the intermediate closing member 34A may further increase the suction force and / or the flow of water flowing through the open intermediate closing member 34B, thereby increasing filtering and propulsion generated by the single impeller 24.

[0035] Directing water out of the first port 36 in the first direction 51 while the impeller 24 rotates in the first direction causes the pool cleaner 10 to move in the second direction 53.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 2, to cause navigation of the pool cleaner 10 in the opposite direction, the direction of rotation of the impeller 24 is reversed from that in FIG. 1, and the impeller 24 is controlled to rotation in a second direction of rotation about the axis 28 opposite from the first direction of rotation. When the impeller 24 is rotated in the second direction of rotation, the flow and effect is the opposite of that illustrated in FIG. 1 .

[0037] As an example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, rotation of the impeller 24 in the second direction may direct the flow of water to and out the second port 38 while also creating a region of low pressure 50 at the first port 36 and / or may generate a force on the first closingmember 40A, thereby closing the first port 36. In certain embodiments, the flow of water directed to the second port 38 may cause and / or maintain the second closing member 40B to be in its open position, thereby allowing the water to be directed out the pool cleaner 10 in the second direction.

[0038] Optionally, directing the flow of water toward the second port 38 may further direct water against the intermediate closing member on the same side as the second port 38 (e.g., intermediate closing member 34B). In these embodiments, closing the intermediate closing member 34B may further increase the suction force and / or the flow of water flowing through the open intermediate closing member 34A, thereby increasing filtering and propulsion generated by the single impeller 24.

[0039] Directing water out of the second port 38 in the second direction 53 while the impeller 24 rotates in the second direction causes the pool cleaner 10 to move in the first direction 51 .

[0040] As illustrated by comparing FIGS. 1 and 2, the impeller 24 is rotatable about an axis of rotation 28 by a motor 26 in either the first direction (FIG. 1) or the second direction (FIG. 2) to draw water through the filter 20 while also propelling the pool cleaner 10 in a first direction or a second direction. In some non-limiting examples, a single impeller 24 and a single motor 26 may be utilized to achieve the improved control described herein. Various other benefits and advantages may be realized with the systems, devices, and methods provided herein, and the aforementioned advantages should not be considered limiting.

[0041] Exemplaty concepts or combinations of features of the invention may include:A. A pool cleaner comprising: i. a single impeller for both pumping a flow of water through a filter and directing the water from the pool cleaner to propel the pool cleaner; ii. a first port configured to direct the flow of water from the pool cleaner in a first direction; and iii. a second port configured to direct the flow of water from the pool cleaner in a second direction opposite from the first direction; iv. wherein, based on the direction of rotation of the single impeller, water is directed by the single impeller toward either only the first port or toward only the second port.B. A pool cleaner comprising:i. a filter chamber configured to receive a flow of water; ii. a first port configured to direct the flow of water from the pool cleaner in a first direction; iii. a second port configured to direct the flow of water from the pool cleaner in a second direction opposite from the first direction; iv. a fluid path connecting the first port, the second port, and the filter chamber; and v. a single impeller in the fluid path, wherein rotation of the single impeller draws water from the filter chamber into the fluid path, and wherein, based on the direction of rotation of the single impeller, water is directed by the single impeller toward either only the first port or toward only the second port.C. A pool cleaner comprising: i. a filter within the pool cleaner; ii. a first port configured to direct a flow of water from the pool cleaner in a first direction; iii. a second port configured to direct the flow of water from the pool cleaner in a second direction opposite from the first direction; iv. a fluid path connecting the first port, the second port, and the filter chamber; and v. a single impeller in the fluid path, wherein rotation of the single impeller draws water through the filter and into the fluid path, and wherein, based on the direction of rotation of the single impeller, water is directed by the single impeller toward either only the first port or toward only the second port.D. The pool cleaner of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, further comprising: i. a first closing member in the first port configured to selectively enable or prevent the flow of water through the first port; and ii. a second closing member in the second port configured to selectively enable or prevent the flow of water through the second port, iii. wherein based on a direction of rotation of the single impeller, one closing member is closed and the other closing member is open.E. A pool cleaner comprising: i. a body comprising:a. an interior comprising a filter chamber for housing a filter and a propulsion chamber for receiving a flow of water from the filter chamber and directing the flow of water out of the pool cleaner; b. a first port for the propulsion chamber configured to direct the water from the pool cleaner in a first direction; c. a second port for the propulsion chamber configured to direct the water from the pool cleaner in a second direction opposite from the first direction; d. a first closing member in the first port configured to selectively enable or prevent the flow of water through the first port; and e. a second closing member in the second port configured to selectively enable or prevent the flow of water through the second port; and ii. a single impeller in the propulsion chamber, the single impeller for both drawing water into the filter chamber and directing water out the pool cleaner through the propulsion chamber, iii. wherein, based on a direction of rotation of the impeller, water is directed by the single impeller toward only the first port or only the second port such that one of the first closing member or the second closing member is closed and the other is open such that water is directed from the cleaner in only the first direction or only the second direction.F. The pool cleaner of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, further comprising a first intermediate closing member between the filter chamber and the propulsion chamber and a second intermediate closing member between the filter chamber and the propulsion chamber opposite from the first intermediate closing member, wherein the first and second intermediate closing members are each actuatable between closed and open positions based on the direction of rotation of the impeller.G. The pool cleaner of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, further comprising a filter in the filter chamber.H. The pool cleaner of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the filter is a first filter of a plurality of filters.I. The pool cleaner of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, further comprising a single motor configured to rotate the single impeller in a first direction or a second direction.J. The pool cleaner of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the single motor is at least partially housed in the fdter chamber.K. The pool cleaner of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, further comprising an accelerometer or other movement sensor configured to detect movement of the pool cleaner, and wherein the pool cleaner is configured to change a direction of rotation of the impeller based on a detection of no movement by the accelerometer.L. A method of controlling a pool cleaner, the method comprising: i. causing a pool cleaner to move in a second direction by rotating a single impeller in a first direction of rotation, wherein rotating the single impeller in the first direction of rotation: a. draws water through a filter; and b. directs water toward a first port and away from a second port, wherein the first port faces a first direction, wherein water is directed out the first port without directing water out a second port facing the second direction opposite from the first direction; and ii. causing the pool cleaner to move in the first direction by rotating the single impeller is a second direction of rotation opposite from the first direction of rotation, wherein rotating the single impeller in the second direction of rotation: a. draws water through the filter; and b. directs water toward the second port and away from the first port, wherein water is directed out the second port facing the second direction without directing water out the first port facing the first direction.M. A method of controlling a pool cleaner, the method comprising: i. causing rotation of a single impeller, wherein rotating the single impeller: a. draws water through a filter; and b. directs water toward either only a first port facing a first direction or only a second port facing a second direction opposite from the first direction; and ii. changing a direction of rotation of the single impeller responsive to a trigger event.N. The method of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the trigger event comprises a detection, by a sensor, of no movement by the pool cleaner.O. The method of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein changing the direction of rotation of the single impeller: i. draws water through the filter; and ii. directs water from the pool cleaner out the other of the first port facing the first direction or the second port facing the second direction opposite from the first direction.

[0042] These examples are not intended to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or restrictive in any way, and the invention is not limited to these example embodiments but rather encompasses all possible modifications and variations within the scope of any claims ultimately drafted and issued in connection with the invention (and their equivalents). For avoidance of doubt, any combination of features not physically impossible or expressly identified as non-combinable herein may be within the scope of the invention. Further, although applicant has described devices and techniques for use principally with pool cleaners, persons skilled in the relevant field will recognize that the present invention conceivably could be employed in connection with other objects and in other manners. Finally, references to “pools” and “swimming pools” herein may also refer to spas or other water containing vessels used for recreation, training, or therapy and for which cleaning of debris is needed or desired.

Claims

CLAIMSThat which is claimed:

1. A self-propelled pool cleaner comprising: a single impeller for both pumping a flow of water through a fdter and directing the water from the pool cleaner to propel the pool cleaner; a first port configured to direct the flow of water from the pool cleaner in a first direction; and a second port configured to direct the flow of water from the pool cleaner in a second direction opposite from the first direction; wherein, based on the direction of rotation of the single impeller, water is directed by the single impeller toward either only the first port or toward only the second port.

2. The self-propelled pool cleaner of claim 1, wherein the pool cleaner further comprises a filter chamber, wherein a fluid path connects the filter chamber, the first port, and the second port.

3. The self-propelled pool cleaner 2, further comprising a filter within the filter chamber.

4. The self-propelled pool cleaner 1, further comprising: a first closing member in the first port configured to selectively enable or prevent the flow of water through the first port; and a second closing member in the second port configured to selectively enable or prevent the flow of water through the second port.

5. The self-propelled pool cleaner of claim 4, wherein based on a direction of rotation of the single impeller, one closing member is closed and the other closing member is open.

6. The self-propelled pool cleaner of claim 1, further comprising a single motor configured to rotate the single impeller in a first direction or a second direction.

7. A self-propelled pool cleaner comprising:a filter chamber configured to receive a flow of water; a first port configured to direct the flow of water from the pool cleaner in a first direction; a second port configured to direct the flow of water from the pool cleaner in a second direction opposite from the first direction; a fluid path connecting the first port, the second port, and the filter chamber; and a single impeller in the fluid path, wherein rotation of the single impeller draws water from the filter chamber into the fluid path, and wherein, based on the direction of rotation of the single impeller, water is directed by the single impeller toward either only the first port or toward only the second port.

8. The self-propelled pool cleaner of claim 7, further comprising a filter within the filter chamber.

9. The self-propelled pool cleaner of claim 8, wherein the filter is a first filter of a plurality of filters.

10. The self-propelled pool cleaner of claim 7, further comprising: a first closing member in the first port configured to selectively enable or prevent the flow of water through the first port; and a second closing member in the second port configured to selectively enable or prevent the flow of water through the second port, wherein based on a direction of rotation of the single impeller, one closing member is closed and the other closing member is open.

11. The self-propelled pool cleaner of claim 7, further comprising a single motor configured to rotate the single impeller in a first direction or a second direction.

12. The pool self-propelled pool cleaner of claim 11, wherein the single motor is at least partially housed in the filter chamber.13 The self-propelled pool cleaner of claim 7, further comprising an accelerometer or other movement sensor configured to detect movement of the pool cleaner.

14. The self-propelled pool cleaner of claim 13, wherein the pool cleaner is configured to change a direction of rotation of the impeller based on a detection of no movement by the accelerometer.

15. A self-propelled pool cleaner comprising: a body comprising: an interior comprising a filter chamber for housing a filter and a propulsion chamber for receiving a flow of water from the filter chamber and directing the flow of water out of the pool cleaner; a first port for the propulsion chamber configured to direct the water from the pool cleaner in a first direction; a second port for the propulsion chamber configured to direct the water from the pool cleaner in a second direction opposite from the first direction; a first closing member in the first port configured to selectively enable or prevent the flow of water through the first port; and a second closing member in the second port configured to selectively enable or prevent the flow of water through the second port; and a single impeller in the propulsion chamber, the single impeller for both drawing water into the filter chamber and directing water out the pool cleaner through the propulsion chamber, wherein, based on a direction of rotation of the impeller, water is directed by the single impeller toward only the first port or only the second port such that one of the first closing member or the second closing member is closed and the other is open such that water is directed from the cleaner in only the first direction or only the second direction.

16. The self-propelled pool cleaner of claim 15, further comprising a first intermediate closing member between the filter chamber and the propulsion chamber and a second intermediate closing member between the filter chamber and the propulsion chamber opposite from the first intermediate closing member, wherein the first and second intermediate closing members are each actuatable between closed and open positions based on the direction of rotation of the impeller.

17. The self-propelled pool cleaner of claim 15, further comprising a filter in the filter chamber.

18. The self-propelled pool cleaner of claim 15, further comprising a single motor configured to rotate the single impeller in a first direction or a second direction.

19. The self-propelled pool cleaner of claim 18, wherein the single motor is at least partially housed in the filter chamber.

20. The self-propelled pool cleaner of claim 15, further comprising an accelerometer or other movement sensor configured to detect movement of the pool cleaner, and wherein the pool cleaner is configured to change a direction of rotation of the impeller based on a detection of no movement by the accelerometer.

Images