BACKGROUND
[0001] Most assessments concerning the status of a filtering unit of a pool cleaning robot
may be conducted manually by visual inspection. Reduction of pumping force or pumping
abilities may be another indication for a clogged filtering unit.
[0002] A clogged filter indication system is described in
US patent number 6965814. In brief, the said indication system concerns an electronic system that controls
the electric power consumption and load of the pump motor for eventually producing
an indication signal when the filtering unit is clogged or full.
[0003] US patent application 2009/0282627 of Porat discloses an automated self-propelled pool cleaner having a housing, a water pump
for moving water through the housing, drive means for moving the pool cleaner over
the surface of the salt water pool to be cleaned, and an integral electrochemical
chlorine generator mounted in the housing, includes a processor/controller that is
programmed to activate the chlorine generator, the pump and drive means in predetermined
operational sequences that minimize wear and tear on the water pump and drive means,
while at the same time distribute and maintain a safe level of sanitizing chlorine
in the pool, to thereby obviate the need for an in-line chlorinator or other chemical
additive treatments; an optional automated sensor device can be provided to activate
a secondary maintenance program which enables the pool cleaner to operate over prolonged
periods of time as the sole means for filtering and sanitizing the pool water. An
electrochemical cell manual mounting system permits the cell to be secured in place
for operation and manually removed for maintenance, repair or replacement by the user
without special tools or training.
[0004] It remains an important necessity for a pool owner or operator to receive real time
information on the status of the filter.
SUMMARY
[0005] A pool cleaning robot, and a method for operating a pool cleaning robot as illustrated
in the specification and/or the claims and/or the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice,
a preferred embodiment will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is an example of a pool cleaning robot;
FIGs.2A, 2B and 2C are examples of pool cleaning robots;
FIGs. 3A and 3B are examples of pool cleaning robots;
FIGs. 4A, 4B and 4C are examples of pool cleaning robots;
FIG. 5 is an example of a pool cleaning robot;
FIG. 6A is an example of a pool cleaning robot;
FIG. 6B is an example of various components of a pool cleaning robot;
FIGs. 7-10 are examples of pool cleaning robot;
FIG. 11A is an example of a pool cleaning robot;
FIGs. 11B and 11C are examples of pool cleaning robots that are fulidly coupled to
an external filter;
FIG. 12 is an example of a pool cleaning robot;
FIG. 13 is an example of cleaning units of pool cleaning robots;
FIG. 14 is an example of a pool cleaning robot and an external cleaning unit;
FIG. 15 is an example of a pool cleaning robot and an underwater station;
FIG. 16 is an example of a pool cleaning robot and an external station;
FIGs. 17A, 17B, 18 and 19 are examples of pool cleaning robots;
FIG. 20A is an example of a pool cleaning robot and a computerized system;
FIG. 20B is an example of a filter state prediction;
FIG. 21 is an example of a pool cleaning robot, a user computerized system and a computerized
system;
FIG. 22 is an example of a pool cleaning robot, a user computerized system;
FIG. 23 is an example of a pool cleaning robot;
FIGs. 24-27 are examples of modules of the pool cleaning robot;
FIG. 28 is an example of a pool cleaning robot;
FIG. 29 is an example of a pool cleaning robot;
and
FIG. 30 is an example of a method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Any reference to a pool cleaner should be applied, mutatis mutandis to a method that
is executed by a pool cleaner and/or to a non-transitory computer readable medium
that stores instructions that once executed by the pool cleaner will cause the pool
cleaner to execute the method.
[0008] Any reference to method should be applied, mutatis mutandis to a pool cleaner that
is configured to execute the method and/or to a non-transitory computer readable medium
that stores instructions that once executed by the pool cleaner will cause the pool
cleaner to execute the method.
[0009] Any reference to a non-transitory computer readable medium should be applied, mutatis
mutandis to a method that is executed by a pool cleaner and/or a pool cleaner that
is configured to execute the instructions stored in the non-transitory computer readable
medium.
[0010] The term 'and/or_ is additionally or alternatively.
[0011] There may be provided a pool cleaning robot that may have a filtering unit and one
or more calorimetric sensors for sensing the flow of fluid (or the lack of flow of
fluid) within the pool cleaning robot, wherein the flow of fluid (or the lack of flow)
are indicative of the cleanliness of the filtering unit.
[0012] A mapping between detection signals of the calori metric sensor and the cleaning
sensor may be received and/or learnt in order to convert detection signals provided
by a calori metric sensor to an indication about the cleanliness of the filtering
unit.
[0013] When the filtering unit becomes clogged with dirt (conveyed by the unfiltered fluid)
the flow of fluid within the pool cleaning robot may decrease.
[0014] A filter may be regarded as clogged when the flow through the filter reduces (in
comparison to a flow through an ideally clean filter) to a certain degree. For example
- the flow may reduce by 5-100% - and especially above any threshold that may be defined
by any party
- including the pool cleaning robot manufacturer, a technician, a user, and the like.
The threshold may be fixed or may change over time.
[0015] The pool cleaning robot may include more than a single calorimetric sensor for providing
indications about the flow of fluid within different locations within the pool cleaning
robot. These detection signals may provide more accurate information about the cleanliness
of the filtering unit.
[0016] Non-limiting example of locations of the calorimetric sensor may include (i) at a
location that precedes the filtering unit ("precedes"
- non-filter fluid interacts with the calorimetric sensor before entering the filtering
unit), (ii) within the filtering unit, (iii) after the filtering unit ("after"
- the calorimetric sensor interacts with filtered fluid), and the like.
[0017] The calorimetric sensor may be positioned any where within the pool cleaning robot
and/or partially or fully extending outside the pool cleaning robot.
[0018] The filtering unit may include multiple filters and one or more calorimetric sensors
may precede and/or follow each one of the one or more of the multiple filters.
[0019] A calorimetric sensor may include a pair of thermal resistors that are spaced apart
from each other. The thermal resistors are positioned within a path of the fluid.
One thermal resistor is heated in a controlled manner (for example- to a known temperature)
and the other thermal resistor is used for temperature readings. The calori metric
sensor may be an off-the-shelf calorimetric sensor of vendors such as Turck GmbH &
Co. Mulheim an der Ruhr, or Vishay Inc., PA. USA, and the like.
[0020] It should be noted that instead of having two thermal resistors the calorimetric
sensor may include more than a pair of thermal resistors, wherein one or more thermal
resistors is heated while one or more other thermal resistors are used for the temperature
readi ng.
[0021] A n array of calorimetric sensors may be used. The selection of which thermal resistor
is heated and which thermal resistor is used for temperature readings may change over
time or may remain fixed.
[0022] The monitored filtering unit may have any shape, size and/or configuration. The filtering
unit may be a bag, may include filtering sheets, may be a filtering cartridge, and
the like. In the following text and/or figures there may be some example of the fi
Iteri ng unit- but these filtering units (bags, cartridges) are merely examples of
a filtering unit.
Example of operation
[0023] The thermal resistors of the calori metric sensor are thermally isolated from each
other
- unless they are thermally coupled by fluid that contacts both thermal resistors.
[0024] When both thermal resistors of the calorimetric sensor are not contacted by fluid-and
one thermal resistor is heated to a predefined temperature - there is a substantially
constant temperature difference between the two thermal resistors.
[0025] Various figures illustrate the calorimetric sensors as having two legs that extend
from a box
- these legs the end poi nts of the two thermal resistors.
[0026] When the fluid starts to flow (and contacts both thermal resistors)
- the heat from the heated thermal resistor is drawn by the fluid and the temperature
difference between the two thermal resistors is reduced.
[0027] The temperature difference depends on the flow of fluid
- stronger flow dissipates more heat and the temperature difference is lower.
[0028] The differences measured by the thermal sensor reflects the changes in the flow rate
of the fluid at the location of the calorimetric sensor. The temperature mapping may
be converted by a controller to an indication about the cleanliness of the filtering
unit. Cleaner filtering unit will result in faster fluid flow.
[0029] Fluid is induced to pass through the pool cleaning robot by a fluid control module
that may include, for example, one or more motors and/or one or more pumps and/or
one or more impellers.
[0030] The flow of the fluid may depend on the cleanliness of the filtering unit and on
the manner in which the fluid is induced to flow (by the fluid control module). For
example- the fluid may be sucked at different rates.
[0031] Accordingly
- the manner in which the fluid control module operates as well as the readings from
the calorimetric sensor should be taken into account when determining the cleanliness
of the filtering unit.
[0032] The manner in which the fluid control module can be determined by control signals
sent to the fluid control module, by the power consumption of the fluid control module,
and the like.
[0033] A difference between the expected flow of the fluid (given the manner the fluid control
module operates) and the measured flow (by the calorimetric sensor) may provide an
indication about the cleanliness of the filtering unit.
[0034] A pool cleaning robot may include an accelerometer. This pool cleaning robot may
or may not have one or more calorimetric sensors.
[0035] An accelerometer may be used for measuring the acceleration on different axis and
helping with the pool cleaning robot navigation. Additionally or alternatively
- the accelerator may be used to monitor the status of the filter. An accelerometer
may be used instead of a calorimetric sensor or in addition to the calorimetric sensor.
[0036] The accelerator may be used for evaluating the cleanliness of the filtering unit
- by measuring a frequency of noise being generated by the robot motoric systems and
flow of fluid through the filter. The frequency of the noise vibrations captured by
the accelerometer is changed according to the flow of the water inside the pool cleaning
robot. The flow inside the pool cleani ng robot is changed with the load of dirt in
the filter element as the flowing or exiti ng water is searching for different di
rections to flow through.
[0037] That frequency and amplitude will be measured and compared between clean and full
filtering bag or element and can be used as the source of indication to the control
system.
[0038] The accelerometer may detect flow induced vibration. An accelerometer measuring the
vibration of the pool cleaner body caused by the impeller motor may transform, from
the time series noise measurements, to a frequency domain using standard FFT transformation
(Fast Fourier Transform) to better recognize the noise frequency differences between
high flow and low flow of water through the robot housing and filtering element or
bag.
[0039] Any of the mentioned above pool cleaning robots may include a housing, a controller,
a communications module, a fluid control module a drive mechanism to set in motion
wheels and/or tracks and/or cleani ng brushes for propelling the robot along the floor
and/or walls of the swimming pool. The pool cleaning robot may also include an active
auxiliary brush, a power supply, a power source such as a turbi ne and/or a tethered
electrical cable connecting the power supply to the pool cleaning robot or, alternatively,
on board rechargeable batteries.
[0040] The communications module may be used to send (and/or receive) messages via wires
or wirelessly from an external communication devices that may be stationary inside
or external to the pool, or mobile devices such as a smartphone or computer all having
capacity to process received data concerning filtering unit of the pool cleaning robot
and to deduct necessary actions needed to rectify a clogging or clogged filter bag
or cartridge.
[0041] Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of an example of of a pool cleaning robot 100
that has housing 80, opening 81 that may be located at the bottom of the pool cleaner,
in close proximity of the swimming pool floor or wall surfaces, pump motor 132, impeller
133 that is rotated by pump motor 132 and causes a suction of the fluid and jet of
fluid to be ejected from an opening 82, filtering unit 170 such as a filter element
(bag or cartridge) that is positioned between the opening and the impeller, calorimetric
sensor 61, and controller 101. Although elements 61,101,132,133 are depicted separately,
these elements along with other elements such as, drive motors and additional sensors,
may be assembled together inside a hermetically sealed, single motor unit (not shown).
[0042] Controller 101 may control the pool cleaning robot and may receive detection signals
from the calorimetric sensor. Controller 101 may determine the cleanliness of the
filtering unit based on detection signals. Alternatively, the controller 101 may send
the detection signals (either processed or 'as is_) to another entity that may determine
the cleanliness of the filtering unit based on the detection signals.
[0043] Figure 2A is a cross sectional view of an example of a pool cleaning robot 100 that
has housing 80, opening 81, pump motor 132, impeller 133 that is rotated by pump motor
132 and causes a suction of the fluid and jet of fluid to be ejected from an opening
82, filtering unit 170 such as an external filter element (bag or cartridge) that
is positioned outside housing 80, fluid flow boundaries 134 that define the fluid
path between opening 81 and the filtering unit 170, calori metric sensor 61 that is
positioned near the opening 81 (and within the fluid path), another calorimetric sensor
62 that is positioned near the inlet of filtering unit 170, and controller 101.
[0044] Controller 101 may control the pool cleaning robot and may receive detection signals
from calorimetric sensors 61 and 62. Controller 101 may determine the cleanliness
of the filtering unit based on detection signals. Alternatively, the controller 101
may send the detection signals (either processed or 'as is_) to another entity that
may determine the cleanliness of the filtering unit based on the detection signals.
[0045] Figure 2B is a cross sectional view of an example of of a pool cleaning robot 100.
The pool cleaning robot of figure 2B differs from the pool cleaning robot of figure
2A by not including other calorimetric sensor 62.
[0046] Figure 2C is a cross sectional view of an example of of a pool cleaning robot 100.
The pool cleaning robot of figure 2C differs from the pool cleaning robot of figure
2A by not including calorimetric sensor 61.
[0047] Figure 3A is a cross sectional view of an example of of a pool cleaning robot 100
that has housing 80, opening 81, pump motor 132, impeller 133 that is rotated by pump
motor 132 and causes a suction of the fluid and jet of fluid to be ejected from an
opening 82, filtering unit 170 such as an internal filter element (bag or cartridge)
that is positioned inside housing 80, calori metric sensor 61 that is positioned near
the opening 81, another calorimetric sensor 62 that is positioned near opening 82
- for example between filtering unit 170 and openi ng 82.
[0048] Controller 101 may control the pool cleaning robot and may receive detection signals
from calorimetric sensors 61 and 62. Controller 101 may determine the cleanliness
of the filtering unit based on detection signals. Alternatively, the controller 101
may send the detection signals (either processed or 'as is_) to another entity that
may determine the cleanliness of the filtering unit based on the detection signals.
[0049] Figure 3B is a cross sectional view of an example of of a pool cleaning robot 100.
The pool cleaning robot of figure 3B differs from the pool cleaning robot of figure
3A by having accelerometer 54 instead of other calorimetric sensor 62.
[0050] It should be noted that the accelerometer 54 may be provided instead of calorimetric
sensor 61 or in addition to any number of calorimetric sensors.
[0051] Figure4A is a cross sectional view of an example of of a pool cleaning robot 100
that has housing 80, opening 81, pump motor 132, impeller 133 that is rotated by pump
motor 132 and causes a suction of the fluid and jet of fluid to be ejected from an
opening 82, filtering unit 170 such as an internal filter element (bag or cartridge)
that is positioned inside housing 80, calorimetric sensor 61 that is positioned outside
the filtering unit 170 (but within the fluid path), and another calorimetric sensor
62 that is positioned inside the filtering unit 170.
[0052] Controller 101 may control the pool cleaning robot and may receive detection signals
from calorimetric sensors 61 and 62. Controller 101 may determine the cleanliness
of the filtering unit based on detection signals. Alternatively, the controller 101
may send the detection signals (either processed or 'as is_) to another entity that
may determine the cleanliness of the filtering unit based on the detection signals.
[0053] Figure 4B is a cross sectional view of an example of of a pool cleaning robot 100.
The pool cleaning robot of figure 4B differs from the pool cleaning robot of figure
4A by not including other calorimetric sensor 62.
[0054] Figure 4C is a cross sectional view of an example of of a pool cleaning robot 100.
The pool cleaning robot of figure 4C differs from the pool cleani ng robot of figure
4A by not including calorimetric sensor 61.
[0055] Figure 5 is a cross sectional view of an example of of a pool cleaning robot 100
that has housing 80, opening 81, pump motor 132, impeller 133 that is rotated by pump
motor 132 and causes a suction of the fluid and jet of fluid to be ejected from an
opening 82, filtering unit 170 such as an internal filter element (bag or cartridge)
that is positioned inside housing 80, and accelerometer 54 for sensing the accelerations
of the pool controller.
[0056] Controller 101 may control the pool cleaning robot and may receive detection signals
from accelerometer 54. Controller 101 may determine the cleanliness of the filtering
unit based on detection signals. Alternatively, the controller 101 may send the detection
signals (either processed or 'as is_) to another entity that may determine the cleanliness
of the filtering unit based on the detection signals.
[0057] Figure 6A is a cross sectional view of an example of of a pool cleaning robot 100
that has housing 80, opening 81, pump motor 132, impeller 133 that is rotated by pump
motor 132 and causes a suction of the fluid and jet of fluid to be ejected from an
opening 82, filtering unit 170 such as an internal filter element (bag or cartridge)
that is positioned inside housing 80, other calorimetric sensor 62 that is positioned
inside the filtering unit 170 (but within the fluid path), and calorimetric sensor
61 that is positioned at least partially outside housing 80. Calorimetric sensor 61
may sense the flow of fluid that flows outside the pool cleani ng robot and towards
the water ingress sport 81.
[0058] Controller 101 may control the pool cleaning robot and may receive detection signals
from calorimetric sensors 61 and 62. Controller 101 may determine the cleanliness
of the filtering unit based on detection signals. Alternatively, the controller 101
may send the detection signals (either processed or 'as is_) to another entity that
may determine the cleanliness of the filtering unit based on the detection signals.
[0059] Figure 6B illustrates various positioned and types of colorimetric sensors. The calorimetric
sensor 61 has a sensing edge
- where the thermal resistors contact the fluid. The sensi ng edge may pass through
(or be proxi mate to) an openi ng 86 at the bottom of the housing 85. The sensi ng
edge may be at the substantially the same level as the bottom of the housi ng, at
the exact level of the bottom of the housing, may extend outside the bottom of the
housing or may be slightly above the bottom of the housing. Substantially may mean
within few centimeters or few millimeters from the bottom of the housi ng. Few may
mean, for example, between 1 and 10. Any spatial relationship between the calorimetric
sensor 61 and any part of the housing may be provided. Although figure 6A illustrates
the bottom of the housing
- the calorimetric sensor 61 may be positioned elsewhere
- in relation to another opening of the housing.
[0060] Figure 6B also shows that a cleaning element such as bristles 88 may precede the
sensing edge of the calorimetric sensor 61. This may prevent the calorimetric sensor
61 from being clogged.
[0061] Figure 6B also shows a bottom view of a part of the bottom 85 and a calorimetric
sensor 61 that has a cylindrical shape with a central circular thermal resistor 612
that is surrounded by a cylindrical external thermal resistor 611. The calorimetric
sensor 61 may have any shape and/or size.
[0062] Figure 6B also illustrates a cross section of the calorimetric sensor 61 that has
a cylindrical shape in which there is a gap between the lower parts of the central
circular thermal resistor 612 and the cylindrical external thermal resistor 611.
[0063] Figure 6B also illustrates a cross section of the calorimetric sensor 61 that has
a cylindrical shape in which there is filling element 613 that is positioned in a
gap between the lower parts of the central circular thermal resistor 612 and the cylindrical
external thermal resistor 611.
[0064] Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of an example of of a pool cleaning robot 100.
The pool cleaning robot of figure 7 differs from the pool cleaning robot of figure
6 by not including other calorimetric sensor 62.
[0065] Figure 8 is a cross sectional view of an example of of a pool cleaning robot 100.
The pool cleaning robot of figure 8 differs from the pool cleaning robot of figure
7 by having the calorimetric sensor 61 extending (at least partially) outside the
housing 80
- near upper outl et 82. Calorimetric sensor 61 may sense the flow of fluid that is
ejected through openi ng 82.
[0066] Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of an example of of a pool cleaning robot 100
that has housing 80, opening 81, pump motor 132, impeller 133 that is rotated by pump
motor 132 and causes a suction of and jet of fluid to be ejected from an opening 82,
filtering unit 170 such as an internal filter element (bag or cartridge) that is positioned
inside housing 80, calorimetric sensor 61 that is positioned at least partially outside
housing 80
- near opening 81, and other calorimetric sensor 62 that is positioned at least partially
outside housing 80
- and extends through the bottom of the housing.
[0067] Calorimetric sensor 62 may be located flush in the bottom of the housing that incorporates
opening 81 or may form part of the abovementioned motor unit (not shown). Whereby,
the sensor incorporated in the said motor unit, is inserted and located in a customized
opening at the said bottom plate in proximity and facing the floor or wall swimming
pool surfaces so that it may sense and measure the flow of water while in movement
towards inlet 81.
[0068] Controller 101 may control the pool cleaning robot and may receive detection signals
from calorimetric sensors 61 and 62. Controller 101 may determine the cleanliness
of the filtering unit based on detection signals. Alternatively, the controller 101
may send the detection signals (either processed or 'as is_) to another entity that
may determine the cleanliness of the filtering unit based on the detection signals.
[0069] Figure 10 is a cross sectional view of an example of of a pool cleaning robot 100
that has housing 80, opening 81, pump motor 132, impeller 133 that is rotated by pump
motor 132 and causes a suction of and jet of fluid to be ejected from an opening 82,
filtering unit 170 such as an internal filter element (bag or cartridge) that is positioned
inside housing 80, calori metric sensor 61 that is positioned inside the filtering
unit 170, a communication module 60
[0070] Controller 101 may control the pool cleaning robot and may receive detection signals
from calorimetric sensor 61. Controller 101 may determine the cleanliness of the filtering
unit based on detection signals. Alternatively, the controller 101 may send the detection
signals (either processed or 'as is_) via communications module 60 to another entity
that may determine the cleanliness of the filtering unit based on the detection signals.
[0071] Figure 11A is a cross sectional view of an example of of a pool cleaning robot 100
that has housi ng 80, openi ng 81, pump motor 132, impeller 133 that is rotated by
pump motor 132 and causes a suction of the fluid and jet of fluid to be ejected from
an opening 82, filtering unit 170 such as an internal filter element (bag or cartridge)
that is positioned inside housing 80, accelerometer 54 that is positioned inside the
filtering unit 170, a communication module 60.
[0072] Controller 101 may control the pool cleaning robot and may receive detection signals
from accelerometer 54. Controller 101 may determine the cleanliness of the filtering
unit based on detection signals. Alternatively, the controller 101 may send the detection
signals (either processed or 'as is_) via communications module 60 to another entity
that may determine the cleanliness of the filtering unit based on the detection signals.
[0073] Figures 11B and 11C illustrates a pool cleaning robot 100 that is fluidly coupled
via hose 420 to an external filter 410. One or more calorimetric sensors (such as
calorimetric sensor 61) may be positioned within hose 420 and/or the external filter
410
- or anywhere within the hydraulic path that starts within the pool cleaning robot
100 and ends at the external filter. Thus- zero or more calori metric sensors may
be positioned within the pool cleaning robot and zero or more calorimetric sensors
may be positioned outside the pool cleaning robot.
[0074] An example of a pool cleaning robot that is fluidly coupled to an external filtering
unit is illustrated in
US patent number 9133639. A calori metric sensor may be located anywhere inside the said hose, at the entrance
or exit of the said external hose, while being wired and connected to a control PCB
and being powered by low voltage hydraulically produced on-board electrical power
device such as a turbine/generator when such a pool cleaner is hydraulically powered
and does not have its own electrical power supply inputs (a power supply or batteries).
[0075] In this configuration - the signals of the calorimetric sensor 61 may be send and/or
processed to the pool cleaning robot and/or to an external unit located outside the
pool cleaning robot. The external unit may be a processor, a communication unit or
both. The processing
- especially determining the cleanliness of the filter
- may be done by the external unit or by yet another processor
- in the pool cleaning robot or outside the pool cleaning robot. Figure 11B illustrates
an external unit 440 that receives the signals from calori metric sensor 61 .Figure
11C illustrates an external unit 450 that receives the signals from calorimetric sensor
61.
[0076] Figure 12 is a cross sectional view of an example of of a pool cleaning robot 100
that has housing 80, opening 81, pump motor 132, impeller 133 that is rotated by pump
motor 132 and causes a suction of and jet of fluid to be ejected from an opening 82,
filtering unit 170 such as an internal filter element (bag or cartridge) that is positioned
inside housing 80, calorimetric sensor 61 that is positioned near the openi ng 81
(near the bottom of the housing), another calori metric sensor 62 that is positioned
near opening 82 (near the top of the housing)
- for example between filtering unit 170 and openi ng 82. Figure 12 also illustrates
a cleaning unit 171 for cleaning the filtering unit 170.
[0077] Controller 101 may control the pool cleaning robot and may receive detection signals
from calorimetric sensors 61 and 62. Controller 101 may determine the cleanliness
of the filtering unit based on detection signals. Alternatively, the controller 101
may send the detection signals (either processed or 'as is_) to another entity that
may determine the cleanliness of the filtering unit based on the detection signals.
[0078] Once the cleanliness of thefilter is determined (or for any other reason
- for example when implementing a periodic cleaning process)
- controller 101 may instruct cleaning unit 171 to clean the filtering unit 170.
[0079] A cleaning unit may be internal to the filtering unit, external to the pool cleaning
robot, or internal to the pool cleaning robot but external to the filtering unit.
[0080] Figure 13 illustrates examples of cleaning units that are internal to the housing
80.
[0081] The upper part of figure 13 illustrates a brushing element 173 that has an arm and
an axle
- and is rotated about the axle by rotator 172. The brushing element may contact an
inner wall of a cylindrical filter of the filter unit and scrub the inner wall, may
perform contactless cleaning by di recting jets of fluid to the inner wall- and the
like.
[0082] The lower part of figure 13 includes a side view and a top view of a cleaning unit
that is external to the filtering unit 170 and may scan (for example
- using telescopic support elements that may move upwards and downwards
- under the control of a fluid motor) multiple perforated rods 175 (or other fluid
conduits with openings or nozzles that face the filtering unit) so that fluid jets
may scan the exterior walls of the filtering unit 170.
[0083] Figure 14 illustrates an example of a cleaning unit that is external to the housing
80.
[0084] During a filter cleaning process, a part of a cleaning unit 630 (such as a pop-up
sprinkler 631) may enter through 81 into filtering unit 170.
[0085] The pop-up sprinkler 631 may have a cross section that is smaller than the opening
81 thereby the pop-up sprinkler may, even when passing through the opening 81, may
not seal the opening 81 and may leave a space for fluid and/or debris to exit the
pool cleaning robot through the openi ng 81 during the cleani ng process. The cross
section of the pop-up sprinkler and/or the openi ng may have any shape and/or size.
The cross section of the pop-up sprinkler may have the same shape or may differ from
each other by shape.
[0086] The pop-up sprinkler 631 may include a valve 178. The valve 178 may be a ball valve
that creates intermittent water jet spray thrusts to improve and create powerful streams
of internal nozzle spraying to remove stubborn dirt or debris attached. Multiple nozzles
or openings may be employed with varying nozzle diameter apertures along the pop up
sprinkler rod. This is especially important in initial cleaning cycles when season
starts and the dirt from the previous bathi ng season clings hard onto the filter
surfaces.
[0087] The additional liquid container 632 containing cleaning fluid such as, for example
an anti-calc substance may be used to mix this said liquid with the spraying water.
[0088] The pop-up sprinkler 631 may be rotated about an axis or not. In figure 14 base 631
of cleaning unit 630 may rotate the pop-up sprinkler 631.
[0089] The pop-up sprinklermay be made of a rigid material or of a softer material such
as soft rubber that will inflate into the interior space of the filter or as stated
above, expand/contract telescopically. The process will be preferably mechanical but
may be subject to an electrical/electronic control.
[0090] It is noted that the pop-up sprinkler is merely a non-limiting example of a cleaning
element. Other cleaning elements may include, for example, elastic and/or non-elastic
cleaning elements, cleaning elements that include a hollow tube or a hollow bag with
a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, pop-up cleaning elements that are not rods, telescopic
cleaning elements, cleaning elements that do not pop-up, and the like.
[0091] The operation of the pop-up sprinkler is as follows: as the filter becomes clogged
during normal cycle time in-pool operation while the pool cleaning robot is submerged,
the pool cleaner records the level of clogging and will classify it to anything between
severely clogged to containing some minor dirt. This will be communicated to the controller
of the docking station to determine a cleaning process that may fit the state of the
filtering unit. The sensi ng of the state of the filtering unit may be sensed by usi
ng one or more calorimetric sensor (such as 61 and 62) and/or by using an accelerometer.
[0092] Figure 15 is an example of a pool cleani ng robot 100 and of an underwater station
5000 that is positioned within the pool 5555 cleaned by the pool cleaning robot 100.
[0093] Pool cleaning robot 100 that has housing 80, opening 81, pump motor, impeller that
is rotated by pump motor and causes a suction of the fluid and jet of fluid to be
ejected from an opening 82, filtering unit 170 such as an internal filter element
(bag or cartridge) that is positioned inside housing 80, calorimetric sensor 61 that
is positioned inside the filtering unit 170 and communication module 60.
[0094] Controller 101 may control the pool cleaning robot and may receive detection signals
from calorimetric sensor 61. Controller 101 may determine the cleanliness of the filtering
unit based on detection signals. Alternatively, the controller 101 may send the detection
signals (either processed or 'as is_) to underwater station 5000 that may determine
the cleanliness of the filtering unit based on the detection signals. The controller
101 may determine the cleanliness of the filter and instruct (or request) the underwater
station 5000 to clean the filtering unit, to replace the filtering unit, and even
may send the parameters of the cleaning process to the underwater station 5000.
[0095] The underwater station 5000 may include a processor 5010 for calculating the cleanliness
of the filtering unit, a filter cleaning unit and/or a filter replacement unit 5020,
and a communication module 5060 capable of communicating with the communication module
60 of the pool cleaning robot 100.
[0096] Figure 16 is an example of a pool cleaning robot 100 and of an external station 6000
that is positioned outside the pool 5555 cleaned by the pool cleaning robot 100.
[0097] Pool cleaning robot 100 that has housing 80, opening 81, pump motor, impeller that
is rotated by pump motor and causes a suction of the fluid and jet of fluid to be
ejected from an opening 82, filtering unit 170 such as an internal filter element
(bag or cartridge) that is positioned inside housing 80, calorimetric sensor 61 that
is positioned inside the filtering unit 170 and communication module 60.
[0098] Controller 101 may control the pool cleaning robot and may receive detection signals
from calorimetric sensor 61. Controller 101 may determine the cleanliness of the filtering
unit based on detection signals. Alternatively, the controller 101 may send the detection
signals (either processed or 'as is_) to external station 6000 that may determine
the cleanliness of the filtering unit based on the detection signals. The controller
101 may determi ne the cleanliness of the filter and instruct (or request) the external
station 6000 to clean the filtering unit, to replace the filtering unit, and even
may send the parameters of the cleaning process to the external station 6000.
[0099] The external station 6000 may include a processor 6010 for calculating the cleanliness
of the filtering unit, a filter cleaning unit and/or a filter replacement unit 6020,
and a communication module 6060 capable of communicating with the communication module
60 of the pool cleaning robot 100.
[0100] Figure 17A is a cross sectional view of an example of of a pool cleaning robot 100
that has housing 80, opening 81, pump motor and impeller (not shown) that is rotated
by the pump motor and causes a suction of the fluid and jet of fluid to be ejected
from opening 82, filtering unit 170 such as a filter element (bag or cartridge) that
is positioned in the housing.
[0101] The pool cleaning robot also includes a cleaning element such as an apertured bag
640. A flow of water and/or cleaning fluid through the apertured bag 640 may erect
the apertured bag and cause jets of the water and/or cleaning fluid to exit the apertured
bag through the apertures and clean the interior of filtering unit 170. Multiple nozzles
or openings may be employed with varying nozzle or apertures diameters along the apertured
bag. Debris and/or used water and/or cleaning fluid may exit the pool cleaning robot
via opening 81. Figure 17A also shows a valve 614 of the pool cleaning robot that
is at an open position.
[0102] Calorimetric sensor 61 may not belong to the pool cleani ng robot 100
- and may inserted into pool cleaning robot 100 when the cleanliness of the filtering
unit is tested.
[0103] Calorimetric sensor 61 may sense the cleanliness of the filtering unit and send information
to controller 101 or to a controller of another entity (such as underwater system
5000 and/or external system 6000).
[0104] Calorimetric sensor 61 may be moved within the filtering unit by manipulator 658.
[0105] Figure 17B is a cross sectional view of an example of of a pool cleaning robot 100.
The pool cleani ng robot of figure 17B differ from the pool cleani ng robot of figure
17A by coupling the calorimetric sensor 61 to controller 101. The calorimetric sensor61
belongs to the pool cleaning robot. No manipulator for moving the calorimetric sensor
61 is illustrated in figure 17B.
[0106] Figure 18 is a cross sectional view of an example of a pool cleaning robot 100. The
pool cleaning robot of figure 18 differ from the pool cleani ng robot of figure 17A
by positioning the calorimetric sensor 61 outside the filtering unit (and not inside
the filtering unit- as shown in figure 17B), and by having an additional brushing
elements 177 that may be moved by manipulator 652 and clean the filtering unit 170.
The manipulator 652 and the brushing element 177 may not belong to the pool cleaning
robot 100.
[0107] Figure 19 is a cross sectional view of an example of of a pool cleaning robot 100
that has housing 80, openi ng 81, pump motor 132, impeller 133 that is rotated by
the pump motor and causes a suction of the fluid and jet of fluid to be ejected from
opening 82, filtering unit 170 such as a filter element (bag or cartridge) that is
positioned in the housing valve 614 and rear door 27 formed at a rear part of housi
ng 80. In figure 19 the valve 614 closes opening 81 and fluid may exit through rear
door 27. This is used when the pool cleaning robot is being removed or exits the swimming
pool.
[0108] Figure 20A illustrates an example of a computerized system 7000 and a pool cleaning
robot 100 that includes calorimetric sensor 61, controller 101, filtering unit, impeller,
pump motor, housing, openings and communication module 60.
[0109] Computerized system 7000 may be one or more computers, one or more servers, one or
more mobile communication devices, or more smartphone, one or more tablet computer,
more or more laptop computer, and the like.
[0110] Controller 101 may control the pool cleaning robot and may receive detection signals
from calorimetric sensor 61. Controller 101 may determine the cleanliness of the filtering
unit based on detection signals. Alternatively, the controller 101 may send the detection
signals (either processed or 'as is_) to computerized system 7000 that may determine
the cleanliness of the filtering unit based on the detection signals.
[0111] The computerized system 7000 may predict when the filter should be replaced, based,
at least in part, on the cleanliness of the filtering unit or at least based on changes
in the cleanliness of the filtering unit.
[0112] The computerized system 7000 may send alerts indicating that the filter is about
to get clogged, when it is expected to become clogged, alerts indicating that the
filtering unit should be replaced, alerts indicating the cleanliness level of the
filtering, unit, and the like.
[0113] The computerized system 7000 may determine the cleanliness of the filter and instruct
(or request) the pool cleaning robot to clean the filtering unit, to replace the filtering
unit, and even may send the parameters of the cleaning process to the pool cleaning
robot. Such messages may also be sent to an end user who will them remove the pool
cleani ng robot from the pool for servici ng.
[0114] Figure 20B illustrates different filter cleanliness readings (graph 8010) versus
an expected cleanliness degradation pattern (graph 8020).
[0115] An expected point in time in which the filtering unit is clogged (to a predefined
level) may be determined based on either one of the different filter cleanliness readings
and the expected cleanliness degradation pattern.
[0116] It should be noted that the determi nation (or any estimate related to the cleanliness
of the filter)may be also responsive to an expected pattern of operation of the pool
cleaning robot
- for example - the duration of each cleaning process, the repeatability of the cleaning
process (one a week, once a day, few times a month), the ti me of the year (summer,
winter, autumn, spri ng), and the like.
[0117] The determination (or any estimate related to the cleanli ness of the filter) may
be responsive to the flow changes through the fi Iters, to the expected operation
of the pool cleaning robot, to the cleaning patterns (concentrating on dirtier parts
of the pool, random pattern), and the like.
[0118] The flow parameters may be monitored in a continuous or non-conti nuous manner. The
intervals between one measurement to the other (i n the non-conti nuous scenario)
may be fixed, change over time, change in response to the cleanliness of the filter.
May change in response to gaps between the actual cleanliness deterioration pattern
and the expected cleanliness deterioration pattern, and the like. Greater gaps may
require more monitoring.
[0119] The determi nation (or any estimate related to the cleanli ness of the filter) may
be executed by learning and/or updating in a continuous and/or non-continuous manner,
one or more parameters such as (i) repeatability of the cleaning process, and (ii)
the rate of cleanliness deterioration (accumulation of dirt) of the filtering unit.
[0120] Using the predetermined values of a fluid flow rate at different filtering unit states,
for example, water flow through a clean filter will be about 17,000 liter per hour
while a clogged filter will enable a flow of only about 10,000 liter per hour.
[0121] At least once in every operation cycle the robot will sample the fluidflow rate and
keep the result.
[0122] The computerized system 7000 may perform an analysis of flow readi ng obtained from
one or more pool cleani ng robots during one or more periods of time and may calculate
a trendline for a specific pool cleani ng robot - and calculate the gradient of the
trendline
[0123] From the trendline and the gradient, the computerized system 700 may predict the
expected time when the filter is subject to get fully clogged.
[0124] This predicted time will then be sent to the user and may also be stored as an event
at the user's mobile device calendar.
[0125] It should be noted that the analysis, the mentioned above determination of the cleanliness
of the filtering (or any estimate related to the cleanliness of the filter) may executed,
in full or at least in part, by controller 101 and/or by a user computerized device.
There may be provide a non-transitory computer readable medium that stores instructions
for executing any method illustrated in the specification and/or any determination
of the cleanliness of the filtering (or any estimate related to the cleanliness of
the filter).
[0126] Figure 21 illustrates an example of a computerized system 7000, a user computerized
system 8000 and a pool cleaning robot 100 that includes calorimetric sensor 61, controller
101, filtering unit, impeller, pump motor, housing, openings and communication module
60.
[0127] Computerized system 7000 may be one or more computers, one or more servers, one or
more mobile communication devices, or or more smartphone, one or more tablet computer,
more or more laptop computer, and the like. The user computerized system 8000 may
be used or owned by the user of the pool cleaning robot. The user computerized system
may be one or more computers, one or more servers, one or more mobile communication
devices, or or more smartphone, one or more tablet computer, more or more laptop computer,
and the like
[0128] Controller 101 may control the pool cleaning robot and may receive detection signals
from calorimetric sensor 61. Controller 101 may determine the cleanliness of the filtering
unit based on detection signals. Alternatively, the controller 101 may send the detection
signals (either processed or 'as is_) to computerized system 7000 that may determine
the cleanliness of the filtering unit based on the detection signals.
[0129] T he computerized system 7000 and/or the user computerized system may predict when
the filter should be replaced, based, at least in part, on the cleanliness of the
filtering unit or at least based on changes in the cleanliness of the filtering unit.
[0130] The computerized system 7000 and/or the user computerized system 8000 may send alerts
indicating that the filter is about to get clogged, alerts indicating the cleanliness
level of the filtering unit, alerts indicating when the filtering unit is going to
be cleaned by the pool cleaning robot unit, alerts indicating when the filtering unit
is going to be cleaned by an external system, alerts indicating when the filtering
unit should be replaced or serviced, alerts indicating when the filtering unit is
going to be cleaned by the pool cleaning robot and the like.
[0131] The computerized system 7000 and/or the user computerized system 800 may determine
the cleanliness of the filter and instruct (or request) the pool cleaning robot to
clean the filtering unit, to replace the filtering unit, and even may send the parameters
of the cleaning process to the pool cleaning robot.
[0132] Figure 22 illustrates an example of a user computerized system 8000 and a pool cleaning
robot 100 that includes calorimetric sensor 61, controller 101, filtering unit, impeller,
pump motor, housing, openings and communication module 60.
[0133] Figure 22 differs from figure 21 by not including the computerized system 7000. Any
function of the computerized system 7000 may be executed by the user computerized
system 8000 and/or the pool cleaning robot itself.
[0134] It should be noted that various components of the pool cleani ng robot
- such as a controller, electronic board, pump motor, battery, drive motor and the
like may be located within one or more internal compartments/ inner housings
- thereby protecting these components from the fluid that flows in the pool cleaning
robot.
[0135] Figure 23 illustrates various components of a pool cleaning robot 100.
[0136] The pool cleaning robot 100 is illustrated as including controller 101, drive and
steering module 20, power supply module 40, fluid control module 30, sensing module
50 (including one or more calorimetric sensors such as calorimetric sensor 61),communication
module 60 and brushing module 90.
[0137] The controller 101 is arranged to control the operation of the pool cleaning robot
100 and especially control the various modules 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60.
[0138] Figure 24 illustrates power supply modules 40 of a pool cleaning robot 100 according
to various embodi ments of the invention.
[0139] The power supply module 40 is configured to provide electrical power to various power
consuming components such as controller 101, motors, sensors, and the like. It may
receive the electrical power or generate it.
[0140] One power supply module 40 includes a second contactless charging element 150 and
a rechargeable power source 135.
[0141] Another power supply module 40 includes a turbine 120, electrical generator 122 and
a rechargeable power source 135.
[0142] A further power supply module 40 includes a rotor 590 that acts as a turbi ne, a
motor/generator 559 that acts as a generator and a rechargeable power source 135.
[0143] Figure 25 illustrates drive and steering modules 20 of a pool cleaning robot 100
according to various embodiments of the invention.
[0144] Drive and steering module 20 is arranged to move the pool cleaning robot 100. It
may include one or more motors, one or more wheels or tracks and one or more transmissions
that convey movements introduced by motors to the one or more wheels and/or one or
more tracks.
[0145] One drive and steering module 20 includes first drive motor 124, second drive motor
125, first transmission 127, second transmission 129, first track 141 and second track
143.
[0146] The pool cleaning robot 100 may include a brushing module (denoted 90 in figure 23)
that may include one or more brushing wheels such as brushing wheels 108 that are
rotated (directly or indirectly) by first and second tracks 141 and 143. The direction
of movement of the pool cleaning robot 100 can be controlled by individually controlling
the movement of first and second tracks 141 and 143.
[0147] A nother drive and steering module 20 includes first drive motor 124, first transmission
127, first track 141, second track 143, brushing wheels (not shown) and steering elements
107. Steering elements 107 can include fins, imbalance introduction elements, controllable
fluid jet elements and the like. Non-limiting examples of steering elements are provided
in
US patent application serial number 14/023,544 filed September 11 2013 which is incorporated herein by reference. Any other steering elements known in the
art can be used.
[0148] Figure 26 illustrates fluid control modules 30 of a pool cleaning robot accordi ng
to various embodiments of the invention.
[0149] A fluid control module 30 is arranged to control a flow of fluid within the pool
cleaning robot and to filter said fluid.
[0150] It may include, any combination of the following:
- a. Impeller 133 and pump motor 132 for inducing fluid to flow through the pool cleaning
robot 100.
- b. Rotor 590 that acts as an impeller and a motor/generator 559 that acts as a motor.
- c. Filtering unit 170.
- d. Filter manipulator 180.
[0151] Figure 27 illustrates sensors of a sensing module 50 of a pool cleaning robot according
to various embodiments of the invention. The sensing module 50 may include one or
more calorimetric sensors such as calorimetric sensor 61, and at least one other sensor
out of:
- a. Underwater station radiation sensor 110 for sensi ng radiation from an underwater
station 5000 - allowing the pool cleaning robot to navigate towards the underwater station.
- b. Ultrasonic transceiver 51.
- c. Acoustic sensor 52 that may include an acoustic emitter and an acoustic detector
to provide information about the area of the pool the pool cleaning robot 100 is passing
on.
- d. Gyrocompass 53 or multiple gyrocompasses for providing directional information.
- e. Accelerometer 54.
- f. Step counter 55 for measuring movement of the pool cleaning robot.
- g. Orientation sensor 56 for sensing the orientation of the pool cleaning robot 100.
[0152] Figure 28 illustrates various components of a pool cleaning robot 100. This is an
example of combination of controller 101 and various components of the drive and steering
module 20, power supply module 40, fluid control module 30, sensing module 50 that
includes one or more calorimetric sensors such as calorimetric sensor 61, communication
module 60, and brushing module 90.
[0153] In figure 28 the pool cleaning robot 100 includes controller 101, sensing module
50 that includes one or more calorimetric sensors such as calorimetric sensor 61,
communication module 60, filtering unit 170, filter manipulator 180, rechargeable
power source 135, second contactless charging element 150, impeller 133, pump motor
132, first and second drive motors 124 and 125, first and second transmissions 127
and 129, first and second tracks 141 and 143.
[0154] Figure 29 illustrates various components of a pool cleaning robot 100.
[0155] In figure 29 the pool cleaning robot 100 includes controller 101, sensing module
50 that includes one or more calorimetric sensors such as calorimetric sensor 61,
communication module 60, filtering unit 170, filter manipulator 180, rechargeable
power source 135, electrical generator 122, turbine 120, impeller 133, pump motor
132, first drive motor 124, steeri ng elements 107, first transmission 127, first
and second tracks 141 and 143 and brushing module 90.
[0156] Any of the pool cleaning robots may have a shredder for shreddi ng debris, a sanitizing
unit for sanitizing the filtering unit, compression unit for compressi ng the filtering
unit, spare filtering units for replacing the filtering unit, and the like.
[0157] Detection signals from a calorimetric sensor are processed to determine a flow of
fluid. The flow of fluid is processed to determine a cleanliness of a filtering unit.
[0158] Figure 30 illustrates method 500 according to an embodi ment of the invention.
[0159] Method 500 includes the following steps:
Step 510 of filtering, by a filtering unit of the pool cleaning robot, fluid that
passes through the fi Iteri ng unit.
[0160] Step 520 of sensing, by a calorimetric sensor, a cleanliness related parameter of
the filtering unit while the pool cleaning robot is submerged in the fluid.
[0161] The sensing may be executed in a continuous or non-conti nuous manner.
[0162] The sensing may occur during an entire sensing period or during a part of a filtering
period.
[0163] The cleanli ness related parameter of the filtering unit may be a flow of fluid that
is forced to flow through the filtering unit.
[0164] The measurement of the calorimetric sensor may be influenced by various parameters
such as the temperature of the fluid within a pool and/or a movement of the pool cleaning
robot itself.
[0165] The flow may increase when the pool cleani ng robot moves.
[0166] The temperature of the fluid in the pool may be measured (directly or indirectly)
when the pool cleaning robot is not pumping fluid and is static.
[0167] Alternatively
- the flow calculation may take into account the difference between the reading of
the calorimetric sensor when the pool cleaning pumps fluid versus the readings when
the pool cleaning sensor is not pumping fluids.
[0168] Y et for another example - impeller parameters (such as speed) and/or movement parameters
of the pool cleaner may be taken into account.
[0169] The sensing may be executed by multiple calorimetric sensors.
[0170] The sensing may involve sensing a flow of fluid inside the pool cleaning robot and/or
the flow of fluid outside the pool cleaning robot.
[0171] Step 530 of assisting in determining, by a controller of the pool cleaning robot
and based on the cleanliness related parameter of the filtering unit, a cleanliness
of the filtering unit.
[0172] Step 530 may include at least one of the following:
- a. Determining, based on the cleanliness related parameter of the filtering unit,
the cleanliness of the filtering unit.
- b. Determining, by co-operati ng with another computerized system or component, the
cleanliness of the filtering.
- c. Predicting, based on the cleanliness related parameter of the filtering unit, when
the filtering unit will be clogged.
- d. Predicting, by co-operating with another computerized system or component, based
on the cleanliness related parameter of the filtering unit, when the filtering unit
will be clogged.
[0173] The method may include step 540 of exchanging information between the pool cleaning
robot and another entity
- or at least transmitting information from the pool cleaning robot.
[0174] Step 540 may include transmitting by a communication unit information about the cleanliness
related parameter of the filtering unit to a computerized system that is external
to the pool cleaning robot. Any alert or notification may be sent to a computerized
system to a user, and the like.
[0175] Step 540 may include receiving by the communication unit information about the cleanliness
of the filtering unit, and sending the information about the cleanliness of the filtering
unit to the controller.
[0176] Method 500 may also include step 550 of triggering and/or performing a cleaning operation
of the filtering unit.
[0177] It should be noted that the cleaning operation may be triggered based on the cleanliness
of the filtering unit
- and that cleaning process may include reversing the rotational direction of the impeller
so that fluid is forced to enter through opening 82 and exit through opening 81 to
perform a backwashi ng operation.
[0178] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to
specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that
various modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the broader
spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
[0179] Moreover, the terms 'front,_ 'back,_ 'top,_ 'bottom,_ 'over,_ 'under_ and the like
in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and
not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is understood that
the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the
embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation
in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.
[0180] Any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively "associated"
such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein
combined to achieve a particular functionality may be seen as "associated with" each
other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures
or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be
viewed as being "operably connected," or "operably coupled," to each other to achieve
the desired functionality.
[0181] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that boundaries between the
above described operations merely illustrative. The multiple operations may be combined
into a single operation, a single operation may be distributed in additional operations
and operations may be executed at least partially overlapping in time. Moreover, alternative
embodiments may include multiple instances of a particular operation, and the order
of operations may be altered in various other embodiments.
[0182] However, other modifications, variations and alternatives are also possible within
the scope of the appended claims. The specifications and drawings are, accordingly,
to be regarded in an illustrative rather than in a restrictive sense.
[0183] The phrase 'may be X _ indicates that condition X may be fulfilled. This phrase also
suggests that condition X may not be fulfilled. For example - any reference to a pool
cleaning robot as including a certain component should also cover the scenario in
which the pool cleaning robot does not include the certain component. For example
- any reference to a method as including a certain step should also cover the scenario
in which the method does not include the certain component. Y et for another example
- any reference to a pool cleaning robot that is configured to perform a certain operation
should also cover the scenario in which the pool cleaning robot is not configured
to perform the certain operation.
[0184] The terms 'pool cleaner_ and 'pool cleaning robot_ are used in an autonomous manner
and may refer to a self-propelled pool cleaner.
[0185] The terms "including", "comprising", "having", "consisting" and "consisting essentially
of" are used in an interchangeable manner. For example- any method may include at
least the steps included in the figures and/or in the specification, only the steps
included in the figures and/or the specification. The same applies to the pool cleaning
robot and the mobile computer.
[0186] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements
shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions
of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity.
Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the
figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.
[0187] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to
specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that
various modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the broader
scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
[0188] Moreover, the terms "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "over," "under" and the like
in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and
not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is understood that
the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the
embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation
in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise descri bed herei n.
[0189] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the boundaries between logic blocks
are merely illustrative and that alternative embodiments may merge logic blocks or
circuit elements or impose an alternate decomposition of functionality upon various
logic blocks or circuit elements. Thus, it is to be understood that the architectures
depicted herein are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can
be implemented which achieve the same functionality.
[0190] Any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively "associated_such
that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined
to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as "associated with_each other such
that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial
components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being
"operably connected,_or "operably coupled,_to each other to achieve the desired functional
ity.
[0191] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that boundaries between the
above described operations merely illustrative. The multiple operations may be combined
into a single operation, a single operation may be distributed in additional operations
and operations may be executed at least partially overlapping in time. Moreover, alternative
embodiments may include multiple instances of a particular operation, and the order
of operations may be altered in various other embodiments.
[0192] Also for example, in one embodiment, the illustrated examples may be implemented
as circuitry located on a single integrated circuit or within a same device. Alternatively,
the examples may be implemented as any number of separate integrated circuits or separate
devi ces interconnected with each other in a suitable manner.
[0193] Also for example, the examples, or portions thereof, may implemented as soft or code
representations of physical circuitry or of logical representations convertible into
physical circuitry, such as in a hardware description language of any appropriate
type.
[0194] Also, the invention is not limited to physical devices or units implemented in non-programmable
hardware but can also be applied in programmable devi ces or units able to perform
the desi red devi ce functions by operati ng in accordance with suitable program code,
such as mainframes, minicomputers, servers, workstations, personal computers, notepads,
personal digital assistants, electronic games, automotive and other embedded systems,
cell phones and various other wireless devices, commonly denoted in this application
as computer systems.
[0195] However, other modifications, variations and alternatives are also possible within
the scope of the appended claims. The specifications and drawings are, accordingly,
to be regarded in an illustrative rather than in a restrictive sense.
[0196] In the clai ms, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed
as limiting the claim. The word : comprising
does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps then those listed in a claim.
Furthermore, the terms "a_ or "an, _ as used herein, are defined as one as or more
than one. Also, the use of introductory phrases such as "at least one" and "one or
more" in the claims should not be construed to imply that the introduction of another
claim element by the indefinite articles "a" or "an " limits any particular claim
containing such introduced claim element to inventions containing only one such element,
even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least
one" and i ndefi nite articles such as "a" or "an. "The same holds true for the use
of definite articles. Unless stated otherwise, terms such as "first_ and "second_are
used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these
terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of
such elements the mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different
claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.
[0197] Any system, apparatus or device referred to this patent application includes at least
one hardware component.
[0198] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein,
many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those
of ordinary skill in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended
claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the
scope of the invention.