Multi-functional docking station for pool cleaner

Abstract

A pool system includes a pool cleaner (12) and a docking station (10) for the pool cleaner. The docking station (10) may include a cleaner storage surface (20). The cleaner storage surface may receive and / or support the pool cleaner on the docking station. The docking station additionally may include at least one maintenance system (30), which may perform one or more maintenance operations on the pool cleaner (12).

Description

MULTI-FUNCTIONAL DOCKING STATION FOR POOL CLEANERREFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U. S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 779,258, filed on March 27, 2025, and entitled MULTI-FUNCTIONAL DOCKING STATION FOR POOL CLEANER, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to self-propelled pool cleaners for cleaning water-containing vessels such as swimming pools and spas, and more particularly to docking stations for such pool cleaners.BACKGROUND

[0003] Self-propelled pool cleaners capable of autonomous or semi-autonomous movement within swimming pools and spas currently exist. The most common of these devices are automatic swimming 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.

[0004] When pool cleaners are not in use, they are commonly stored or positioned on a docking station. Some docking stations may be in the pool, thereby adding an extra element in the pool and / or requiring various waterproof or ingress protection ratings. Other docking stations may be outside of the pool. Regardless of where the docking station is, conventional docking stations generally only provide a location to store the pool cleaner and optionally charge the pool cleaner.SUMMARY

[0005] 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 features of 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.

[0006] According to certain embodiments, a docking station for a pool cleaner includes a cleaner storage surface configured to receive the pool cleaner and at least one maintenance system.

[0007] In various embodiments, a docking station for a pool cleaner includes a cleaner storage surface configured to receive the pool cleaner and a debris recovery system.

[0008] In some embodiments, a docking station for a pool cleaner includes a cleaner storage surface configured to receive the pool cleaner and a filter cleaning system.

[0009] According to various embodiments, a docking station for a pool cleaner includes a cleaner storage surface configured to receive the pool cleaner and a washing system.

[0010] In certain embodiments, a docking station for a pool cleaner includes a cleaner storage surface configured to receive the pool cleaner and a location beacon.

[0011] According to some embodiments, a docking station for a pool cleaner includes at least one maintenance system configured to perform one or more maintenance operations on the pool cleaner and a control system configured to control the at least one maintenance system.

[0012] According to certain embodiments, a method may include controlling a docking station with at least one maintenance system for a pool cleaner.

[0013] In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium includes a plurality of instructions executable by one or more processors, which, when executed on the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform actions including controlling a docking station comprising at least one maintenance system for a pool cleaner.

[0014] According to various embodiments, a docking station for a pool cleaner includes a cleaner storage surface configured to receive the pool cleaner and at least one maintenance system configured to perform a maintenance operation on the pool cleaner.

[0015] 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 such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The features and components of the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures can be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity.

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a pool system with a docking station and a pool cleaner according to embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a pool system with a docking station and a pool cleaner according to embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a pool system with a docking station and a pool cleaner according to embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Described herein are docking stations for pool cleaners for swimming pools and spas, and more particularly to multi-functional docking stations which provide improved engagement with a pool cleaner.

[0021] In some embodiments, the docking stations described herein may provide a pool cleaner storage area and one or more maintenance systems for performing various maintenance operations related to the pool cleaner. As non-limiting examples, the maintenance systems may provide debris recovery from the pool cleaner, emptying or cleaning a filter of the pool cleaner, charging the pool cleaner, cleaning a body of the pool cleaner, refilling chemicals onboard the pool cleaner, water purification for cleaning by the pool cleaner, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired. In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance systems may automatically perform various maintenance operations.

[0022] Optionally, the docking stations described herein may include a communications relay facilitating wireless communication between the pool cleaner and a remote system, such as butnot limited to a household router, remote control system, user device, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired.

[0023] In some optional embodiments, the docking stations described herein may include a location beacon. As a non-limiting example, the docking station may be used as a reference station for a GPS signal and / or other location system.

[0024] Optionally, the systems and methods described herein may include an inspection system for obtaining information about the pool cleaner and / or docking station. In certain embodiments, the inspection system includes one or more cameras, one or more sensors, combinations thereof, and / or other devices for obtaining information about the pool cleaner and / or docking station as desired.

[0025] In certain embodiments, a control system may provide various control responses based on the information obtained by the inspection system. As non-limiting examples, the one or more cameras may obtain information about debris recovered from the pool cleaner, a filter of the pool cleaner, a body of the pool cleaner, another component of the pool cleaner, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired. Control responses may include, but are not limited to, analyzing debris data to determine one or more characteristics of the debris, determining one or more characteristics of the pool cleaner, controlling one or more maintenance systems, and / or providing information to a user, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired.

[0026] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein include a charging system for charging and / or re-charging the pool cleaner. In certain embodiments, a control system of the docking station may control the charging system based on various input and / or obtained information. As a non-limiting example, the control system may control the charging system such that the pool cleaner is charged during off-peak hours and / or relative to peak energy times, thereby providing cost and / or resource savings.

[0027] In some cases, in addition to accommodating a pool cleaner, the docking stations described herein may accommodate various accessory devices for a pool system. As nonlimiting examples, the docking system may support a pole, manual pool vacuum cleaner, a telescopic pole, a hook, a net, combinations thereof, and / or other accessory devices as desired.

[0028] Compared to traditional docking stations, the docking stations described herein are multi-functional and automate various tasks that traditionally required manual input. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may minimize and / or eliminate a needfor manual interaction with the pool cleaner for maintenance purposes. Optionally, the systems and methods may allow for minimal to no manual maintenance and / or cleaning from a user for an extended time period. Compared to traditional approaches, the docking stations described herein are not directly in the water. As such, the docking stations do not add extra elements to the pool or spa, and furthermore may have improved flexibility and / or modularity for the number, type, and location of maintenance systems included on a particular docking station.

[0029] 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.

[0030] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a pool system 11 with a docking station 10 and a pool cleaner 12 according to embodiments.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the pool cleaner 12 may be self-propelled and may be various types of cleaners capable of autonomous or semi-autonomous movement within a pool or spa. In certain embodiments, the pool cleaner 12 may be a robotic cleaner using electrical power for movement and cleaning. Additionally, or alternatively, the pool cleaner 12 may be a hydraulic cleaner utilizing water flow and / or water jets for movement.

[0032] The pool cleaner 12 may generally include a body 16 with one or more inlets and one or more outlets. One or more motive elements 18 (e.g., wheels, tracks, rollers, propellers, feet, combinations thereof, etc.) may allow or enable movement of the pool cleaner 12 within the pool or spa. In some embodiments, the pool cleaner 12 may include one or more cleaning devices 19 (including but not limited to one or more brush assemblies 21 ) for cleaning a surface (e.g., by dislodging debris) and / or directing debris and / or water towards an inlet of the pool cleaner 12. A motor, a pump, a filter 14, a control system (processor and / or memory), and / or various other features or combinations of features may be provided on or within the pool cleaner 12 as desired. As a non-limiting example, the pool cleaner 12 may include the fdter 14, and debris-laden water may enter the pool cleaner 12 (e.g., from one or more inlets), with the fdter stopping or capturing at least some of the debris before allowing filtered water to exit (e.g., through the one or more outlets 23). In certain embodiments, the pool cleaner 12 includes an on-board power source, such as but not limited to one or more on-board batteries. Nonlimiting examples of pool cleaners 12 may include those described in U. S. Patent No.10,316,534, U. S. Patent No. 9,488,154, U. S. Patent No. 8,578,538, and / or U. S. PatentPublication No. 2014 / 0303810, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0033] The docking station 10 of the pool system 11 may be provided at various locations in the pool system 11 that includes a pool or spa. In certain embodiments the docking station 10 may be provided at a location that is not within water of the pool or spa (e.g., on a pool deck and / or other out-of-water location as desired). In such embodiments, the docking station 10 may at least temporarily support the pool cleaner 12 without adding an additional component or equipment within the pool or spa.

[0034] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the docking station 10 generally includes a storage surface 20 for receiving and / or otherwise at least temporarily supporting the pool cleaner 12. In some embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the storage surface 20 may be inclined (e.g., at an angle greater than 0° relative to a surface on which the storage surface 20 is positioned). However, in other embodiments, the storage surface 20 may extend at other angles as desired, including horizontal, and the angle illustrated should not be considered limiting.

[0035] Optionally, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the storage surface 20 may include one or more positioning features 22 to facilitate positioning and / or orienting the pool cleaner 12 relative to the storage surface 20. Positioning features 22 include, but are not limited to, latches, hooks, magnets, stoppers, bumpers, ridges, electromagnets, combinations thereof, and / or other positioning features 22 as desired. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the positioning features 22 include stoppers 24, which may engage one or more motive elements 18 of the pool cleaner 12. In embodiments where the storage surface 20 is inclined, the stoppers 24 optionally may facilitate positioning and storage of the pool cleaner 12 on the inclined storage surface 20. In other embodiments, other stoppers 24 may be utilized as desired, and the shape, number, type, and location of the stoppers 24 should not be considered limiting.

[0036] In some embodiments, the docking station 10 optionally includes a charging system 26 with one or more charging features 28 for charging and / or re-charging on onboard power source of the pool cleaner 12. Such charging features 28 may include features for contact charging (e.g., charging pins, contacts, pads, springs, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired) and / or contactless charging (e.g., coils for induction charging and / or other types of contactless charging) of the pool cleaner 12 as desired. In some embodiments, the charging features 28 may be provided on and / or relative to the storage surface 20 such that the pool cleaner 12 may be charged while supported on the storage surface 20. However, the location,number, and type of charging features 28 should not be considered limiting. Optionally, and as discussed in detail below, the charging system 26 may be controlled, optionally to provide and / or enable charging at various time periods and / or responsive to various events.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the docking station 10 includes one or more maintenance systems 30 for performing various maintenance operations related to the pool cleaner 12. Nonlimiting examples of maintenance system 30 are discussed in detail below and with reference to FIGS. 1-3, but the number and type of maintenance systems 30 should not be considered limiting, and a docking station 10 may include various combinations of maintenance systems 30 as desired. In certain embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the one or more maintenance system 30 may be on and / or integrated into the docking station 10.

[0038] In some embodiments, the one or more maintenance systems 30 includes a filter cleaning system 32, which may clean and / or empty the filter 14 of the pool cleaner 12. In such embodiments, the filter cleaning system 32 may include various devices or mechanisms suitable for cleaning and / or emptying the filter 14 of the pool cleaner 12. As a non-limiting example, the filter cleaning system 32 may include one or more water nozzles 40, which may be controlled to direct and / or inject water inside the filter 14. In such embodiments, the one or more water nozzles 40 may direct and / or inject water inside the filter 14 using various techniques as desired, such as but not limited to by directing water through an inlet of the pool cleaner 12, through an outlet of the pool cleaner 12, through another port of the pool cleaner 12, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired. In some embodiments, the filter cleaning system 32 may clean and / or empty the filter 14 without removing the filter 14 from the pool cleaner 12.

[0039] Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more maintenance systems 30 may include a body washing system 34 for cleaning the body 16 of the pool cleaner 12 (e.g., to remove salt, chlorine, dirt, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired). In certain embodiments, the body washing system 34 may be provided for cleaning an external surface of the body 16, the motive elements 18, the cleaning device 19, combinations thereof, and / or other portions of the pool cleaner 12 as desired. The body washing system 34 may include various devices for cleaning the body 16 of the pool cleaner 12, such as but not limited to one or more water nozzles (e.g., directing water onto the pool cleaner 12), one or more brushes (e.g., for brushing surfaces of the pool cleaner 12), one or more wipers (e.g., for wiping surfaces of the pool cleaner 12), combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired. In some embodiments, the body washing system 34 and the filter cleaning system 32 may utilize the same water nozzle 40, althoughthey need not in other embodiments. In FIGS. 1 and 2. the water nozzle 40 may be utilized by both the filter cleaning system 32 and the body washing system 34.

[0040] As another non-limiting example, the one or more maintenance systems 30 may include a chemical dispensing system 36 for filling and / or re-filling various fluids and / or chemicals onboard the pool cleaner 12. In some embodiments, the chemical dispensing system 36 includes one or more dispenser 37 for supplying various fluids and / or chemicals to the pool cleaner 12. As a non-limiting example, the chemical dispensing system 36 may include one or more dispensers 37 for re-supplying the pool cleaner 12 with chlorine, an acidic solution (e.g., to increase pH), a basic solution (e.g., to decrease pH), combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired.

[0041] Optionally, the amount and type of chemical provided to the pool cleaner 12 from the chemical dispensing system 36 may be according to one or more water characteristics of the pool or spa measured by the pool cleaner 12. As non-limiting examples, based on pH levels, chlorine levels, and / or other water characteristics as desired, the chemical dispensing system 36 may provide the various chemicals to the pool cleaner 12 for controlling the water characteristics relative to a baseline or desired level. In other embodiments, the amount and / or type of chemical may be provided to the pool cleaner 12 as desired, such as but not limited to based on user input, based on water characteristics measured by other devices or equipment, based on a programmed schedule, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired.

[0042] Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more maintenance systems 30 include a debris recovery system 38, which may recover debris from the pool cleaner 12 (optionally due to the filter cleaning and / or the body cleaning). In such embodiments, the debris recovery system 38 may include various devices for recovering the debris, optionally including devices or systems for filtering the debris from water (e.g., a filter and / or a storage device 39). Additionally, or alternatively, the debris recovery system 38 may include various devices or systems for treating the debris, such as but not limited to devices or systems capable of drying the debris, crushing the debris, compacting the debris to reduce weight and volume, storing the debris, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired.

[0043] As a further non-limiting example, the one or more maintenance systems 30 may include a water purification system 43, which may purify and / or treat the water used for one or more maintenance operations on the pool cleaner 12.

[0044] In embodiments where the one or more maintenance systems 30 utilize water for the maintenance operation (e.g., the filter cleaning system 32, the body washing system 34, etc.), the water may be supplied from a storage system 41 such as but not limited to a reservoir or tank for the docking station 10.

[0045] Additionally, or alternatively, the docking station 10 optionally may be directly connected (represented by arrow 53) to a water circuit 51, such as but not limited to the water circuit of a household and / or the water circuit of the pool or spa. Optionally, and regardless of the source of the water used by the maintenance systems 30, the docking station 10 optionally includes the water purification system 43 for purifying and / or treating the water used for the maintenance operation on the pool cleaner 12.

[0046] The aforementioned examples of maintenance systems 30 are for illustrative purposes only, and other types of maintenance systems 30 may be utilized as desired. In various embodiments, a docking station 10 may include various combinations or sub-combinations of maintenance systems 30 as desired.

[0047] In some embodiments, one or more of the maintenance systems 30 may automatically perform a maintenance operation.

[0048] As a non-limiting example, the positioning of the pool cleaner 12 on the storage surface 20 may automatically initiate cleaning of the filter 14 of the pool cleaner 12, cleaning of the body 16 of the pool cleaner 12, re-filling of chemicals of the pool cleaner 12, debris recovery, and / or water purification, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired.

[0049] As a further non-limiting example, the filter cleaning system 32 may be automatically arranged and / or configured to clean the filter 14 of the pool cleaner 12. As a non-limiting example, the pool cleaner 12 on the storage surface 20 may automatically be in a particular position or orientation relative to the water nozzle 40 or other cleaning device (e.g., the water nozzle 40 is aligned with an outlet of the pool cleaner 12 when the pool cleaner 12 is on the storage surface 20).

[0050] As another non-limiting example, responsive to the collection of debris by the debris recovery system 38, the debris recovery system 38 may automatically dry, crush, compact, and / or otherwise treat the debris to reduce the weight and volume of the debris.

[0051] Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more maintenance system 30 may be controlled to perform the maintenance operations as desired, such as by a control system as discussed in detail below.

[0052] In some embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, the docking station 10 optionally includes an accessory feature 42 for supporting an accessory device on and / or relative to the docking station 10. Accessory devices may include, but are not limited to, a rigid pole, a manual pool vacuum cleaner, a telescopic pole, a hook, a net, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired. In these embodiments, the accessory' feature 42 may be various devices or features suitable for supporting such accessory devices, such as but not limited to one or more slots, apertures, holders, clips, hooks, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired.

[0053] Optionally, the docking station 10 includes a control system 44 (processing unit and / or memory device).

[0054] The processing unit of the control system 44 may be any suitable processing device or combination of devices including but not limited to one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units, and''or a combination thereof. The one or more memory devices of the control system 44 may be any machine-readable medium that can be accessed by the processor, including but not limited to any type of long term, short term, volatile, nonvolatile, or other storage medium, and is not to be limited to any particular type of memory or number of memories, or type of media upon which memory is stored. Moreover, as disclosed herein, the term “storage medium,” “storage” or “memory” can represent one or more memories for storing data, including read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic disk storage mediums, optical storage mediums, flash memory devices and / or other machine readable mediums for storing information. The term “machine-readable medium” includes, but is not limited to, portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, wireless channels, and / or various other storage mediums capable of storing that contain or carry instruction(s) and / or data. In some embodiments, the control system 44 and / or portions thereof may be a dedicated system, although in other embodiments, the control system 44 may be included with another component.

[0055] In certain embodiments, the control system 44 optionally includes an associated user interface 48, including but not limited to a human machine user interface, optionally with a display, various input features (e.g., buttons, keys, switches, knobs, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired). In such embodiments, the control system 44 may obtain information from a user and / or provide information to the user via the user interface 48. Whenincluded, the user interface may be on the control system 44 itself or may be at a location remote from the control system 44 such as, but not limited to, another location relative to the docking station 10.

[0056] Additionally, or alternatively, the control system 44 optionally may include one or more communication modules 45. The communication module(s) 45 may be used for active communication (e.g., such that the control system 44 may receive and / or send information to a user device, the pool cleaner, and / or other location) and / or passive communication (e.g., the communication module 45 may be a location beacon). In some embodiments, the communication module 45 may allow the docking station 10 to be a communications relay, such as but not limited to facilitating communication from the pool cleaner 12 to a remote device or system.

[0057] In embodiments where the communication module 45 provides active communication, the communication module 45 may include systems and mechanisms enabling wired communication and / or wireless communication (e.g., near field, cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), low-power wide area network, cloud-based communication etc.). In one non-limiting example, the control system 44 may receive and / or send information to a user device via an application running on the user device.

[0058] In certain embodiments, the control system 44 of the docking station 10 with the communication module 45 may allow the docking station 10 to provide a communications relay improving communications with the pool cleaner 12. As a non- limiting example, the docking station 10 may facilitate wireless communication with a household router and / or other remote system, thereby improving communication between the pool cleaner 12 and the remote system.

[0059] Additionally, or alternatively, the control system 44 with the communication module 45 may allow for the docking station 10 to be utilized as a location or reference beacon, such as but not limited to a reference station for a GPS signal and / or other location system.

[0060] Additionally, or alternatively, the docking station may include an inspection system 47 for obtaining information about the pool cleaner and / or docking station. In certain embodiments, the inspection system 47 includes one or more inspection devices 49, such as but not limited to one or more cameras 46, one or more sensors, combinations thereof, and / or other devices for obtaining information about the pool cleaner 12 and / or docking station 10 as desired.

[0061] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the one or more inspection devices 47 include one or more cameras 46. The cameras 46 may be various imaging devices configured to obtain visual data, such as but not limited to one or more images or videos, of at least a portion of the docking station 10 and / or the pool cleaner 12. In some embodiments, the cameras 46 may be provided at various locations on and / or relative to the docking station 10 as desired, and the number and location of cameras illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 should not be considered limiting. Various types of cameras 46 may be utilized as desired. As non-limiting examples, one or more cameras 46 may include optical or video cameras, single or multi-stereo cameras, laser-based cameras, thermal (e.g., infrared) cameras, visible light cameras, red-green-blue depth (RGB-D) cameras, combinations thereof, and / or other devices as desired.

[0062] In various embodiments, and as discussed in detail below, the control system 44 is communicatively coupled to the one or more cameras 46 (and / or generally to the inspection system 47) such that the control system 44 receives visual data from the one or more cameras 46 and / or data from the inspection system 47.

[0063] The control system 44 may perform various control responses as desired, optionally based on visual data from the cameras 46 and / or based on other information from the inspection system 47. In other embodiments, the control response need not be based on visual data and / or data from the inspection system. In such cases, the control response may be based on data from other sources (e.g., the pool cleaner 12 or other equipment or sensors), based on user input, based on a schedule, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired. The control responses performed by the control system 44 may include, but are not limited to, analyzing debris, analyzing the pool cleaner 12, analyzing one or more maintenance systems 30, controlling one or more maintenance systems 30, controlling the charging system 26, providing information to a user, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired.

[0064] In some embodiments, a control response from the control system 44 includes controlling the one or more maintenance systems 30. As previously mentioned, in some embodiments, the one or more maintenance systems 30 may automatically perform a maintenance operation. Additionally, or alternatively, the control system 44 may control the one or more maintenance system 30, optionally as a control response responsive to visual data from the one or more cameras 46.

[0065] As a non-limiting example, visual data from the camera 46 may be utilized by the control system 44 to detect a location and / or orientation of the pool cleaner 12 on the dockingstation 10. In such embodiments, the control system 44 may further control the filter cleaning system 32 to position, orient, and / or otherwise control the water nozzle 40 to perform a cleaning operation.

[0066] As another example, the control system 44 may control the filter cleaning system 32 to perform a cleaning operation based on a visual inspection of the filter of the pool cleaner and / or debris from the pool cleaner.

[0067] As another non-limiting example, the control system 44 may control the body washing system 34 to initiate a washing of the body 16 of the pool cleaner 12 responsive to the pool cleaner 12 being within a field of view’ of the camera 46, responsive to the detection of dirt and / or a level of dirt on the pool cleaner 12 based on the visual data from the camera 46, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired.

[0068] Other controls of the maintenance systems 30 may be implemented as desired, and the aforementioned examples should not be considered limiting.

[0069] In another non-limiting example, the control response by the control system 44 includes controlling the charging system 26. As a non-limiting example, the control system 44 may control the charging system 26 to initiate charging of the pool cleaner 12 based on the pool cleaner 12 being in a field of view of the camera 46 on the docking station 10.

[0070] Optionally, control of the charging system 26 may be responsive to various inputs and / or information obtained by the control system 44. As a non-limiting example, the control system 44 may control the charging system 26 such that the charging is enabled or performed during off-peak hours and / or relative to peak energy times, thereby providing cost and / or resource savings.

[0071] Other controls of the charging system 26 may be implemented as desired, and the aforementioned examples should not be considered limiting.

[0072] Additionally, or alternatively, the control response by the control system 44 may include analyzing visual data from the one or more cameras 46 to detect various characteristics associated with the docking station 10, the pool cleaner 12, and / or the pool or spa in which the pool cleaner 12 is configured to operate.

[0073] As a non-limiting example, the control system 44 may analyze visual data from the cameras 46 to visually inspect the body 16 of the pool cleaner 12 and / or other component or sub-component as desired to detect maintenance and / or usage of the pool cleaner 12. As anexample, the control system 44 may determine wear and / or damage to a cleaning device of the pool cleaner 12, motive elements 18 of the pool cleaner 12, an outlet of the pool cleaner 12, an inlet of the pool cleaner 12, the filter 14 of the pool cleaner 12, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired.

[0074] As a further non-limiting example, the control system 44 may analyze visual data from the cameras 46 to visually inspect debris from the pool cleaner 12 (e.g., from the filter cleaning system and / or debris recover system) and determine various characteristics of the debris, such as but not limited to a quantity of debris, a type of debris, a size of debris, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired.

[0075] As yet another non-limiting example, the control system 44 may analyze visual data from the cameras 46 to determine operational and / or current states of various maintenance systems 30.

[0076] In certain embodiments, the control response from the control system 44 may include providing information to a user. In such embodiments, providing information to the user may include providing the information on the user interface 48, providing the information to a remote device, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired.

[0077] As a non-limiting example, based on a visual inspection of the pool cleaner 12, the control system 44 may provide information to the user regarding a current state of the pool cleaner 12, a predicted life and / or failure time of one or more components of the pool cleaner 12, a recommended maintenance action by the user, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired.

[0078] As another non-limiting example, based on a visual inspection of the debris recovered from the pool cleaner 12, the control system 44 may provide information to the user such as but not limited to the quantity of debris, the type of debris, the size of debris, maintenance recommendations, a predicted or estimated quantity of debris obtained in one cleaning cycle, a dock filter and / or storage status, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired.

[0079] Other information may be provided to a user as desired, and the aforementioned examples should not be considered limiting.

[0080] Various other control responses may be implemented with the docking station 10 and / or control system 44.

[0081] Various other combinations of features may be utilized as desired, and the aforementioned examples should not be considered limiting.

[0082] Exemplary concepts or combinations of features of the invention may include:A. A docking station for a pool cleaner, the docking station comprising: i. a cleaner storage surface configured to receive the pool cleaner; and ii. at least one maintenance system.B. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the at least one maintenance system comprises at least one of a debris recovery system, a filter cleaning system, a washing system, or a chemical dispensing system.C. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, further comprising a pool cleaner inspection system, wherein the docking station is configured to control the at least one maintenance system based on information from the pool cleaner inspection system.D. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the pool cleaner inspection system comprises at least one camera, and wherein the docking station further comprises at least one control system for controlling the at least one maintenance system based on data from the at least one camera.E. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, further comprising a communications relay for facilitating wireless communication between the pool cleaner and a remote system. F. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, further comprising an accessory support.G. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the accessory support comprises a slot configured to support at least one of a rigid pole, a manual pool vacuum cleaner, a telescopic pole, a hook, or a net.H. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, further comprising a charging system configured to charge the pool cleaner.I. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the docking station is directly connected to a water circuit of a pool or spa or a household water circuit.J. A docking station for a pool cleaner, the docking station comprising:i. a cleaner storage surface configured to receive the pool cleaner; and ii. a debris recovery system.K. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the debris recovery system is configured to dry, crush, and / or compact debris recovered by the debris recovery system.L. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the debris recovery system is configured to determine at least one characteristic of debris recovered by the debris recovery system and generate a control response based on the at least one characteristic. M. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a quantity of debris, a type of debris, a size of debris, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired.N. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the control response comprises providing information to a user based on the at least one debris characteristic.O. A docking station for a pool cleaner, the docking station comprising:i. a cleaner storage surface configured to receive the pool cleaner; and ii. a filter cleaning system.P. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the filter cleaning system comprises at least one cleaning nozzle and at least one camera.Q. A docking station for a pool cleaner, the docking station comprising:i. a cleaner storage surface configured to receive the pool cleaner; and ii. a washing system.R. A docking station for a pool cleaner, the docking station comprising:i. a cleaner storage surface configured to receive the pool cleaner; and ii. a location beacon.S. A docking station for a pool cleaner, the docking station comprising:i. at least one maintenance system configured to perform one or more maintenance operations on the pool cleaner; and ii. a control system configured to control the at least one maintenance system.T. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, further comprising a visual inspection system comprising at least one camera, and wherein the control system is configured to control the at least one maintenance system based on data from the visual inspection system.U. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the one or more maintenance operations comprise one or more of recovering debris from the pool cleaner, cleaning a filter of the pool cleaner, cleaning a body of the pool cleaner, refilling chemicals onboard the pool cleaner, or purifying water used for cleaning by the pool cleaner. V. A method comprising controlling a docking station comprising at least one maintenance system for a pool cleaner.W. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising a plurality of instructions executable by one or more processors, which, when executed on the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform actions including controlling a docking station comprising at least one maintenance system for a pool cleaner.X. A docking station for a pool cleaner, the docking station comprising a cleaner storage surface configured to receive the pool cleaner and at least one maintenance system configured to perform a maintenance operation on the pool cleaner.Y. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, further comprising the at least one maintenance system on the docking station.

[0083] 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 expresslyidentified 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.

[0084] As used herein, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0085] The subject matter of embodiments of the present disclosure is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described. Directional references such as “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” “front,” and “back,” among others, are intended to refer to the orientation as illustrated and described in the figure (or figures) to which the components and directions are referencing.

[0086] The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention, and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0087] The above-described aspects are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure. Moreover, although specific terms areemployed herein, as well as in the claims that follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described embodiments, nor the claims that follow.

Claims

CLAIMSThat which is claimed:

1. A docking station for a pool cleaner, the docking station comprising:a cleaner storage surface configured to receive the pool cleaner; andat least one maintenance system configured to perform a maintenance operation on the pool cleaner.

2. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the at least one maintenance system comprises at least one of a debris recovery system, a filter cleaning system, a washing system, or a chemical dispensing system.

3. The docking station of claim 1, further comprising a pool cleaner inspection system, wherein the docking station is configured to control the at least one maintenance system based on information from the pool cleaner inspection system.

4. The docking station of claim 3, wherein the pool cleaner inspection system comprises at least one camera, and wherein the docking station further comprises at least one control system for controlling the at least one maintenance system based on data from the at least one camera.

5. The docking station of claim 1, further comprising a communications module for facilitating wireless communication between the pool cleaner and a remote system.

6. The docking station of claim 1, further comprising an accessory support.

7. The docking station of claim 6, wherein the accessory support comprises a slot configured to support at least one of a rigid pole, a manual pool vacuum cleaner, a telescopic pole, a hook, or a net.

8. The docking station of claim 1, further comprising a charging system configured to charge the pool cleaner.

9. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the docking station is directly connected to a water circuit of a pool or spa or a household water circuit.

10. A docking station for a pool cleaner, the docking station comprising:a cleaner storage surface configured to receive the pool cleaner; anda debris recovery system.

11. The docking station of claim 10, wherein the debris recovery system is configured to dry, crush, and / or compact debris recovered by the debris recovery system.

12. The docking station of claim 10, wherein the debris recovery system is configured to determine at least one characteristic of debris recovered by the debris recovery’ system and generate a control response based on the at least one characteristic.

13. The docking station of claim 12, wherein the at least one characteristic comprises a quantity of debris, a type of debris, a size of debris, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired.

14. The docking station of claim 12, wherein the control response comprises providing information to a user based on the at least one debris characteristic.

15. A docking station for a pool cleaner, the docking station comprising:at least one maintenance system configured to perform one or more maintenance operations on the pool cleaner; anda control system configured to control the at least one maintenance system.

16. The docking station of claim 15, further comprising a visual inspection system comprising at least one camera, and wherein the control system is configured to control the at least one maintenance system based on data from the visual inspection system.

17. The docking station of claim 15, wherein the at least one maintenance system comprises at least one of a debris recovery system, a filter cleaning system, a washing system, or a chemical dispensing system.

18. The docking station of claim 15, wherein controlling the at least one maintenance system comprises one or more of recovering debris from the pool cleaner, cleaning a filter of the pool cleaner, cleaning a body of the pool cleaner, refilling chemicals onboard the pool cleaner, or purifying water used for cleaning by the pool cleaner.

19. The docking station of claim 15, further comprising the at least one maintenance system on the docking station.

20. The docking station of claim 19, wherein the at least one maintenance system comprises at least one cleaning nozzle.

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