System for extracting a pool cleaning robot

• US 9,758,980 B2
• Filed: 09/30/2014
• Issued: 09/12/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 10/13/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Maytronics Ltd (Kibbutz Yizreel)
• Original Assignee: Maytronics Ltd (Kibbutz Yizreel)
• Inventors: Ben Don, Boaz, Witelson, Shay
• Primary Examiner(s): Pacheco, Alexis
• Application Number:
  US14/501,175
• Publication Number:
  US 20150102772A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,078 Days
• Field of Search: 320108, 320137, 901 1, 15 17, 210143, 210 91, 210739, 212271, 212299
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 2201/00 Robotic cleaning machines, i.e. with automatic control of the travelling movement or the cleaning operation
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/18 Liquid filters
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/32 Waterborne vessels
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/40 Working vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/12 Inductive energy transfer
• CPC Class Codes: B60Y 2200/47 Climbing vehicles, e.g. facade climbing devices
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 55/065 Multi-track vehicles, i.e. more than two tracks soil-shifting machines E02F; mining machines E21C
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 55/0655 Articulated endless track vehicles steering specially adapted for trailers B62D13/00; articulated buses B62D47/025; tractor-trailer combinations or road trains comprising a uni-axle unit and a uni-axle trailer B62D53/02
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 55/075 Tracked vehicles for ascending or descending stairs, steep slopes or vertical surfacesmagnetic or pneumatic ground-engaging parts B62D55/265; chairs or multi-track cycles specially adapted for invalids A61G5/00
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 55/084 Endless-track units or carriages mounted separably, adjustably or extensibly on vehicles, e.g. portable track units B62D55/07 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 55/265 having magnetic or pneumatic adhesion
• CPC Class Codes: B66B 9/00 Kinds or types of lifts in, or associated with, buildings or other structures characterised by control systems B66B1/00; apparatus for raising or lowering persons on stages of theatres A63J5/12
• CPC Class Codes: B66C 23/48 Manually-movable jib cranes for use in workshops
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 4/14 Parts, details or accessories not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 4/1654 Self-propelled cleaners
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0011 associated with a remote control arrangement
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0206 specially adapted to water vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0234 using optical markers or beacons optical beacons per se G01S1/70
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0276 using signals provided by a source external to the vehicle involving a plurality of vehicles G05D1/0287; automatically controlling vehicle speed responsive to externally generated signals B60K31/0058
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/10 using inductive coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0013 : acting upon several batteries simultaneously or sequentially H02J7/1423 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0042 : characterised by the mechanical construction
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/02 : for charging batteries from ac mains by converters
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 : Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/7072 : Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/12 : Electric charging stations
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/14 : Plug-in electric vehicles

Abstract

A system for extraction of a pool cleaning robot from a pool, the system may include a pool cleaning robot interface that is arranged to be coupled to a pool cleaning robot during an exit process during which the pool cleaning robot is extracted from the pool; and a pool cleaning robot manipulator that is coupled to the pool cleaning robot interface, wherein the pool cleaning robot manipulator is arranged to move the pool cleaning robot interface between a first and second portion; wherein when the pool cleaning robot interface is at the first position and is coupled to the pool cleaning robot, the pool cleaning robot is within the pool; wherein when the pool cleaning robot interface is at the second position and is coupled to the pool cleaning robot, the pool cleaning robot is positioned outside the pool.

Claims

1. A system for extraction of a pool cleaning robot from a pool, the system comprises:

a pool cleaning robot interface that is arranged to be coupled to a pool cleaning robot during an exit process during which the pool cleaning robot is extracted from the pool; and

a pool cleaning robot manipulator that is coupled to the pool cleaning robot interface, wherein the pool cleaning robot manipulator is arranged to move the pool cleaning robot interface between a first and second portion;

wherein when the pool cleaning robot interface is at the first position and is coupled to the pool cleaning robot, the pool cleaning robot is within the pool;

wherein when the pool cleaning robot interface is at the second position and is coupled to the pool cleaning robot, the pool cleaning robot is positioned outside the pool;

wherein the pool cleaning robot manipulator and the pool cleaning robot interface are included in a crane; and

wherein the crane comprises an arm that has an arm end that is movable along a horizontal axis.

2. The system according to claim 1 further comprising a pool cleaning robot base;

wherein the crane is arranged to position the pool cleaning robot on the pool cleaning robot base.

3. The system according to claim 1 further comprising a first contactless charging element that is arranged to (a) be fed by the electrical supply module and (b) generate an electromagnetic field during at least one period during which a second contactless charging element of the pool cleaning robot is within a charging range from the first contactless charging element, and wherein the electromagnetic field charges the second contactless charging element.

6. The system according to claim 1 comprising a motor and a transmission system, wherein the transmission system is arranged to couple the motor to a pulley of the crane and to a wheels or tracks of a system drive system.

4. A system for extraction of a pool cleaning robot from a pool, the system comprises:

a pool cleaning robot interface that is arranged to be coupled to a pool cleaning robot during an exit process during which the pool cleaning robot is extracted from the pool; and

a pool cleaning robot manipulator that is coupled to the pool cleaning robot interface, wherein the pool cleaning robot manipulator is arranged to move the pool cleaning robot interface between a first and second portion;

wherein when the pool cleaning robot interface is at the first position and is coupled to the pool cleaning robot, the pool cleaning robot is within the pool;

wherein when the pool cleaning robot interface is at the second position and is coupled to the pool cleaning robot, the pool cleaning robot is positioned outside the pool;

wherein the pool cleaning robot manipulator and the pool cleaning robot interface are included in a crane;

wherein the crane is powered at least in part by a pool circulation system that is arranged to circulate fluid in the pool.

5. The system according to claim 4 wherein the crane comprises a turbine that is arranged to convert a flow of fluid supplied by the pool circulation system to an electrical power.

7. A system for extraction of a pool cleaning robot from a pool, the system comprises:

a pool cleaning robot interface that is arranged to be coupled to a pool cleaning robot during an exit process during which the pool cleaning robot is extracted from the pool; and

a pool cleaning robot manipulator that is coupled to the pool cleaning robot interface, wherein the pool cleaning robot manipulator is arranged to move the pool cleaning robot interface between a first and second portion;

wherein when the pool cleaning robot interface is at the first position and is coupled to the pool cleaning robot, the pool cleaning robot is within the pool;

wherein when the pool cleaning robot interface is at the second position and is coupled to the pool cleaning robot, the pool cleaning robot is positioned outside the pool;

wherein the pool cleaning robot manipulator is an elevator drive system.

8. The system according to claim 7 wherein the pool cleaning robot interface is a supporting element that is arranged to support the pool cleaning robot when the pool cleaning robot is positioned on the supporting element.

9. The system according to claim 8 further comprising a supporting element manipulator for moving the supporting element between a folded position and an unfolded position.

10. The system according to claim 8 wherein the elevator drive system is powered at least in part by a pool circulation system that is arranged to circulate fluid in the pool.

11. The system according to claim 10 wherein the elevator drive system comprises a turbine that is arranged to convert a flow of fluid supplied by the pool circulation system to an electrical power.

12. A system for extraction of a pool cleaning robot from a pool, the system comprises:

a pool cleaning robot interface that is arranged to be coupled to a pool cleaning robot during an exit process during which the pool cleaning robot is extracted from the pool; and

a pool cleaning robot manipulator that is coupled to the pool cleaning robot interface, wherein the pool cleaning robot manipulator is arranged to move the pool cleaning robot interface between a first and second portion;

wherein when the pool cleaning robot interface is at the first position and is coupled to the pool cleaning robot, the pool cleaning robot is within the pool;

wherein when the pool cleaning robot interface is at the second position and is coupled to the pool cleaning robot, the pool cleaning robot is positioned outside the pool;

wherein the system further comprises a washing device for washing the pool cleaning robot, when the pool cleaning robot is out of the pool.

13. A system for extraction of a pool cleaning robot from a pool, the system comprises:

a pool cleaning robot interface that is arranged to be coupled to a pool cleaning robot during an exit process during which the pool cleaning robot is extracted from the pool; and

a pool cleaning robot manipulator that is coupled to the pool cleaning robot interface, wherein the pool cleaning robot manipulator is arranged to move the pool cleaning robot interface between a first and second portion;

wherein when the pool cleaning robot interface is at the first position and is coupled to the pool cleaning robot, the pool cleaning robot is within the pool;

wherein when the pool cleaning robot interface is at the second position and is coupled to the pool cleaning robot, the pool cleaning robot is positioned outside the pool;

wherein the system further comprises a charging device for charging the pool cleaning robot, when the pool cleaning robot is out of the pool.

14. A system for extraction of a pool cleaning robot from a pool, the system comprises:

a pool cleaning robot interface that is arranged to be coupled to a pool cleaning robot during an exit process during which the pool cleaning robot is extracted from the pool; and

a pool cleaning robot manipulator that is coupled to the pool cleaning robot interface, wherein the pool cleaning robot manipulator is arranged to move the pool cleaning robot interface between a first and second portion;

wherein when the pool cleaning robot interface is at the first position and is coupled to the pool cleaning robot, the pool cleaning robot is within the pool;

wherein when the pool cleaning robot interface is at the second position and is coupled to the pool cleaning robot, the pool cleaning robot is positioned outside the pool;

wherein the system further comprises a filter exchanging device for exchanging a filter of the pool cleaning robot, when the pool cleaning robot is out of the pool.

15. A system for extraction of a pool cleaning robot from a pool, the system comprises:

a pool cleaning robot interface that is arranged to be coupled to a pool cleaning robot during an exit process during which the pool cleaning robot is extracted from the pool; and

a pool cleaning robot manipulator that is coupled to the pool cleaning robot interface, wherein the pool cleaning robot manipulator is arranged to move the pool cleaning robot interface between a first and second portion;

wherein when the pool cleaning robot interface is at the first position and is coupled to the pool cleaning robot, the pool cleaning robot is within the pool;

wherein when the pool cleaning robot interface is at the second position and is coupled to the pool cleaning robot, the pool cleaning robot is positioned outside the pool;

wherein the pool cleaning robot manipulator is powered at least in part by a pool circulation system that is arranged to circulate fluid in the pool.

16. A system for extraction of a pool cleaning robot from a pool, the system comprises:

a pool cleaning robot interface that is arranged to be coupled to a pool cleaning robot during an exit process during which the pool cleaning robot is extracted from the pool; and

a pool cleaning robot manipulator that is coupled to the pool cleaning robot interface, wherein the pool cleaning robot manipulator is arranged to move the pool cleaning robot interface between a first and second portion;

wherein when the pool cleaning robot interface is at the first position and is coupled to the pool cleaning robot, the pool cleaning robot is within the pool;

wherein when the pool cleaning robot interface is at the second position and is coupled to the pool cleaning robot, the pool cleaning robot is positioned outside the pool;

wherein the system further comprises a propulsion system for moving the system in relation to the pool.