METHOD FOR MODIFYING AN ONBOARD CONTROL SYSTEM OF A POOL CLEANER, AND POWER SOURCE FOR A POOL CLEANER

Abstract

An onboard control system of an electrically powered pool cleaner (3) is disclosed. The disclosed system is configured to operate the pool cleaner in accordance with a setup (A, B, C) of the onboard control system (350). The pool cleaner is configured for receiving electrical power via a cable (2) connecting the pool cleaner (3) to a power source (1). A method for modifying the setup of the control system is also disclosed and comprises: providing setup data (B) to the power source (1), and modifying the setup of the onboard control system from the power source (1) via the cable (2), based on the setup data (B).

Claims

1. A method for modifying a setup of an onboard control system of an electrically powered automatic pool cleaner, the onboard control system configured to operate the pool cleaner in accordance with the setup of the onboard control system, the pool cleaner receiving electrical power via a cable connecting the pool cleaner to a power source, wherein the method comprises: providing setup data to the power source; transmitting the setup data from the power source to the onboard control system via the cable; and modifying the setup of the onboard control system based on the transmitted setup data.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, after receiving the setup data, the power source selectively: triggers modification of the setup of the onboard control system of the pool cleaner when the pool cleaner is available for receiving the setup data via the cable; or stores the setup data in a memory of the power source when the pool cleaner is not available for receiving the setup data via the cable, and subsequently, when the pool cleaner becomes available for receiving the corresponding data via the cable, triggers modification of the setup data of the onboard control system of the pool cleaner based on the stored setup data.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the setup data are stored in a memory of the power source, and wherein modifying the setup of the onboard control system is carried out in response to a trigger action carried out by a user.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein providing setup data to the power source comprises selecting operating parameters using an interface program running on a terminal external to the power source.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the power source includes a wireless communication module, and wherein providing setup data to the power source comprises providing the setup data to the power source over a wireless link, via the wireless communication module.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein providing setup data to the power source comprises providing the setup data to the power source over a wired link.

7. The method according to claim 1, comprising storing at least two alternative sets of setup data in a memory of the power source, selecting one of the stored sets of setup data, and modifying the setup of the onboard control system on the basis of the selected set of stored setup data.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the setup data are stored in a memory of the power source.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the onboard control system is arranged to operate the pool cleaner based on data obtained from a plurality of onboard sensors of the pool cleaner, whereby the setup of the onboard control system determines at least in part the operation of the pool cleaner in response to the data obtained from the plurality of onboard sensors.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the onboard control system operates the pool cleaner in accordance with commands stored in the onboard control system, whereby modifying the setup of the onboard control system comprises modifying one or more of the commands.

11. A power source for a pool cleaner, comprising a power supply for supplying electrical power to a pool cleaner via a cable, wherein the power source further comprises: a memory for storing setup data for an onboard control system of the pool cleaner, a receiver which receives the setup data from an external device, and a communication module which communicates with and is operably coupled to the onboard control system of the pool cleaner via the cable; wherein the power source is configured to trigger modification of a setup of the onboard control system, the modification being based upon the stored setup data.

12. The power source according to claim 11, wherein upon storage of the setup data for the onboard control system of the pool cleaner in the memory, the power source subsequently triggers modification of the setup of the onboard control system of the pool cleaner, based on the stored setup data.

13. The power source according to claim 12, wherein the triggering of the modification of the setup of the onboard control system based on the stored setup data occurs when the pool cleaner becomes available for receiving data via the cable.

14. The power source according to claim 12, wherein the triggering of the modification of the setup of the onboard control system based on the stored setup data occurs upon a trigger action carried out by a user.

15. The power source according to claim 11, wherein the triggering modification of the setup of the onboard control system based on the stored setup data occurs upon a trigger action carried out by a user.

16. A system comprising: a power source; and a pool cleaner with an onboard control system, the onboard control system of the pool cleaner being configured for modification by receiving signals over a cable interconnecting the power source and the pool cleaner, wherein the power source comprises: power supply means for supplying electrical power to a pool cleaner via the cable; a memory for storing setup data for the onboard control system of the pool cleaner; a receiver which receives the setup data from an external device; and a communication module which communicates with and is operably coupled to the onboard control system of the pool cleaner via the cable; wherein the power source is configured to trigger modification of a setup of the onboard control system on the basis of the stored setup data.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein upon storage of the setup data for the onboard control system of the pool cleaner in the memory, the power source subsequently triggers modification of the setup of the onboard control system of the pool cleaner, based on the stored setup data.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the triggering of the modification of the setup of the onboard control system based on the stored setup data occurs when the pool cleaner becomes available for receiving data via the cable.

19. The system according to claim 17, wherein the triggering of the modification of the setup of the onboard control system based on the stored setup data occurs upon a trigger action carried out by a user.

20. The system according to claim 16, wherein the triggering of the modification of the setup of the onboard control system based on the stored setup data occurs upon a trigger action carried out by a user.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] The drawings referenced below simply serve as examples of how the invention can be carried out, by illustrating embodiments of the invention, and should not be interpreted as restricting the scope of the invention.

[0064] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention implemented in correspondence with a swimming pool.

[0065] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pool cleaner in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0066] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the control system integrated in a pool cleaner in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0067] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the interaction between different components of a system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0068] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates some components of the power supply in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0069] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing operation in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0070] Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A WAY OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0071] FIG. 1 illustrates a pool cleaner 3 moving on the bottom surface 1001 of a swimming pool 1000, following a path 1002. The pool cleaner receives electrical power from a remote power source 1 via a power cable 2. The power source 1 is, in this embodiment, a pool side power source placed a couple of meters from the edge of the swimming pool, and connected to an external power grid via a cable 120. That is, the power source 1 is connected between the pool cleaner 3 by one cable 2 and to the power grid by another cable 120. The power source 1 comprises, in the illustrated embodiment, a communication module or means for wireless communication with a user terminal 4 such as smartphone or tablet computer. The user terminal 4 is provided with its own a communication module or means for wireless communication with a local communication node 5, through which the terminal 4 can establish communication with a remote computer or computer system 6, over a network 2000.

[0072] FIG. 2 shows how, in this embodiment, the pool cleaner 3 may comprise a housing 301, a connection 302 for receiving the power cable 2, drive wheels 303 and track 304 for moving pool cleaner 3, a brush 305 for uses known in the art, a handle 306 for uses known in the art, and a pump outlet 307 for a pump unit. Water is typically sucked in through inlets arranged in correspondence with the bottom of the housing 301 of pool cleaner 3, so that it passes through at least one filter wall of a filter assembly arranged within the pool cleaner 3, before exiting through the outlet 307, so that debris is retained within the pool cleaner 3, by the filter.

[0073] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates how the pool cleaner 3 may comprise an onboard control system 350 arranged to interact with different components of the pool cleaner so as to operate the pool cleaner in accordance with a setup of the onboard control system, the setup being schematically illustrated by a set of setup data A loaded in a memory 351 of the onboard control system 350. The onboard control system 350 is operatively connected to a drive motor 361 for driving the wheels 303 and track 304 and, in some embodiments, also the brush 305. The onboard control system 350 is further operatively connected to a motor 362 for driving the pump 363. In some embodiments, one and the same motor is used for driving both the wheels 303 and tracks 304 and/or other means for displacing the robot and for driving the pump 363. In other embodiments, different motors are used. The onboard control system 350 operates the motors 361 and 362 in accordance with the setup of the onboard control system, that is, in accordance with the software A loaded in the onboard control system.

[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, the pool cleaner also includes sensors, such as a tilt sensor 371 and a proximity sensor 372, which are connected to the onboard control system 350 to allow the onboard control system to read sensor data from the sensors. The reaction of the pool cleaner 3 in response to the output from the sensors, for example, in terms of operation of one or both motors 361 and 362, and/or in terms of operation of one or both tracks 304, may depend on the setup of the onboard control system 350.

[0075] Thus, the setup of the onboard control system 350 can determine aspects such as duration of a cleaning cycle, frequency of cleaning cycle, and operation of the drive means or motors, for example, in order to follow a given path and/or in terms of the reaction to sensor output such as, for example, detection of proximity to a vertical wall, etc.

[0076] Further examples of sensors that may be incorporated into the pool cleaner 3 include a sensor that detects clogging of filter walls by sensing operational parameters of the motor 362 driving the pump. The setup of the onboard control system 350 can determine, for example, whether to perform a backwash operation in response to sensed operational parameters of the motor 362 such as measured torque. In another setup of the onboard control system 350, backwash can be carried out with a predetermined frequency, independently of how the pump motor 362 operates.

[0077] A given setup of the pool cleaner 3 may be considered preferred under certain circumstances, for example, given a certain swimming pool size or type, given a certain time of the year, etc. Thus, sometimes a user may wish to modify the setup, for example, to increase the frequency and/or duration of the cleaning cycles carried out by the pool cleaner 3.

[0078] FIG. 4 shows how a user, from a user terminal 4, establishes 401 a session accessing an external computer system 6 over a network 2000 such as the internet. The user can, for example, accesses a computer program incorporating a graphical user interface, and select parameters based on the pool in which the pool cleaner 3 will operate. A session 402 is established between the user and the external computer system 6, whereby the user, using for example a graphical interface program, selects certain parameters, and receives pool cleaner control system setup data B from the external computer system 6. For example, the user can provide parameters such as size and shape of a swimming pool to a computer system 6 related to the manufacturer or supplier of the pool cleaner 3, and receive 403 setup data B that, when loaded into the onboard control system 350 of the pool cleaner 3, causes the pool cleaner 3 to operate in a manner considered appropriate for a swimming pool featuring these parameters.

[0079] Next, a session 404 of communication is established between the user terminal 4 and the power source 1. Here, the setup data B are forwarded from the user terminal 4 to the power source 1, together with instructions to upload the setup data B to the pool cleaner 3.

[0080] In the following step, the power source attempts 405 to establish a session with the pool cleaner 3, but detects that the pool cleaner 3 is not available, for example, because it is turned off or because the cable 2 is not connected to the power source 1 (for example, because the pool cleaner 3 is stored somewhere else, in use in another swimming pool, etc.). The power source 1 then stores 406 the setup data B in an internal memory 101 of the power source 1.

[0081] When the power source 1 detects 407 that the pool cleaner 3 is available for receiving the setup data, a session 408 is established between the power source 1 and the pool cleaner 3, whereby the setup data B are transferred from the memory 101 of the power source 1 to the onboard control system 350 of the pool cleaner 3, via the power cable 2, for example, replacing previous setup data A and thereby modifying the way in which the pool cleaner 3 will operate.

[0082] In some embodiments, the power source 1 does not initiate steps 405 or 408 before receiving instructions 409 from the user terminal 4 indicating that the setup data B are to be transferred to the pool cleaner 3. That is, in some embodiments, setup data B are stored in the memory 101 of the power source 1, until the user triggers 409 transfer to the pool cleaner 3.

[0083] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the layout of a power source 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The power source 1 is connectable to an electrical network (not shown, but typically the general power supply grid) via a cable 120. Cable 120 connects the electrical network to internal power supply 141 of the power source 1, which is connectable to the power supply cable 2 of the pool cleaner 3 via a power interface 140. So far, the power source 1 can be constituted substantially as a conventional power source of the type that is used to supply power to a pool cleaner while receiving power from the power grid.

[0084] However, in this embodiment of the invention, the power source 1 further includes means for wireless communication or wireless communications module 102 (for example, adapted for communication according to a protocol such as wifi or Bluetooth) and means for wired communication or wired communication device 103 (such as a USB port). Thereby, communication with a user terminal 4 is possible, allowing the user to forward the setup data B to the power source 1, to be forwarded to the pool cleaner 3 or stored in the memory 101 of the power source 1. From this memory 101, the setup data can be uploaded to the pool cleaner 3 via the cable 2, via a communication interface 104 operatively connected with the power interface 140.

[0085] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates how a plurality of sets of setup data A, B and C are stored in the memory 101 of the power source 1. This is so in accordance with an embodiment, in which a user can obtain different sets of setup data and store them in the memory 101 of the power source 1. Thereafter, whenever desired, for example, depending on the weather, the time of the year, the kind of swimming pool to be cleaned, etc., the user can upload a selected one of said sets of setup data to the pool cleaner 3, thereby modifying the way in which it will operate.

[0086] In some embodiments of the invention, the user can choose between an immediate update option, in which the new setup data are uploaded directly to the pool cleaner 3, if it is available for such an upload, and a delayed update option, in which the setup data are stored in the memory 101 of the power source 1 until a trigger action is performed by the user, triggering the upload.

[0087] One example of such an embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 6. In a first step 601 the user uploads, from a user terminal 4 or other suitable means, the relevant setup data to the power source 1. The power source verifies 602 if the pool cleaner 3 is available for uploading the setup data via the power cable 2 and, if it is, the power source 1 verifies 603 if an “immediate update” option has been selected. If the outcome of these two verifications is positive, the power source 1 transmits 604 the new setup data to the pool cleaner 3, thereby updating the setup of the onboard control system 350 thereof. If the outcome of one of the two verifications is negative, the new setup data are stored 605 in the memory 101 of the power source 1. At this stage, the user can then trigger an upload of the setup data to the pool cleaner 3 by selecting an “upload now” option. While this option is selected 606, the power source 1 monitors 607 the connection to the pool cleaner 3 to detect when the pool cleaner 3 is connected to the power source 1 and turned on and, once turned on, transmits the setup data to the pool cleaner 3, thereby updating the onboard control system 350 thereof.

[0088] In this text, the term “comprises” and its derivations (such as “comprising”, etc.) should not be understood in an excluding sense, that is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that what is described and defined may include further elements, steps, etc.

[0089] The invention is obviously not limited to the specific embodiment(s) described herein, but also encompasses any variations that may be considered by any person skilled in the art (for example, as regards the choice of materials, dimensions, components, configuration, etc.), within the general scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

SUPPLEMENTAL NOTES

[0090] Supplemental Note 1. A method for modifying a setup of an onboard control system of an automatic pool cleaner, the onboard control system being configured to operate the pool cleaner in accordance with the setup of the onboard control system, the pool cleaner being an electrically powered pool cleaner configured for receiving electrical power via a cable connecting the pool cleaner to a power source, wherein the method comprises: [0091] providing setup data to the power source, and [0092] modifying the setup of the onboard control system from the power source via the cable, based on the setup data.

[0093] Supplemental Note 2. The method according to Supplemental Note 1, wherein, after receiving the setup data, the power source selectively: [0094] triggers modification of the setup of the onboard control system of the pool cleaner if the pool cleaner is available for receiving corresponding data via the cable; or [0095] stores the setup data in a memory of the power source if the pool cleaner is not available for receiving the corresponding data via the cable, and subsequently triggers modification of the setup of the onboard control system of the pool cleaner based on the stored setup data, when the pool cleaner becomes available for receiving the corresponding data via the cable.

[0096] Supplemental Note 3. The method according to Supplemental Note 1, wherein the setup data are stored in a memory of the power source, and wherein the step of modifying the setup of the onboard control system is carried out in response to a trigger action carried out by a user.

[0097] Supplemental Note 4. The method according to Supplemental Note 1, wherein the step of providing setup data to the power source comprises selecting operating parameters using an interface program running on a terminal external to the power source.

[0098] Supplemental Note 5. The method according to Supplemental Note 1, wherein the power source includes means for wireless communication, and wherein the step of providing setup data to the power source comprises providing the setup data to the power source over a wireless link, via the means for wireless communication.

[0099] Supplemental Note 6. The method according to Supplemental Note 1, wherein the step of providing setup data to the power source comprises providing the setup data to the power source over a wired link.

[0100] Supplemental Note 7. The method according to Supplemental Note 1, comprising the steps of storing at least two alternative sets of setup data in the memory of the power source, selecting one of the stored sets of setup data, and modifying the setup of the onboard control system on the basis of the selected set of setup data.

[0101] Supplemental Note 8. The method according to Supplemental Note 1, wherein the setup data are stored in a memory of the power source.

[0102] Supplemental Note 9. The method according to Supplemental Note 1, wherein the onboard control system is arranged to operate the pool cleaner based on data obtained from a plurality of onboard sensors of the pool cleaner, whereby the setup of the onboard control system determines at least in part the operation of the pool cleaner in response to the data obtained from the plurality of onboard sensors.

[0103] Supplemental Note 10. The method according to Supplemental Note 1, wherein the onboard control system is arranged to operate the pool cleaner in accordance with commands stored in the onboard control system, whereby the step of modifying the setup of the onboard control system comprises modifying one or more of the commands.

[0104] Supplemental Note 11. A power source for a pool cleaner, comprising [0105] power supply means for supplying electrical power to a pool cleaner via a cable, [0106] wherein the power source further comprises: [0107] a memory for storing setup data for an onboard control system of a pool cleaner, [0108] first data communication means for receiving the setup data from an external device, and [0109] second data communication means for communication with the onboard control system of the pool cleaner, via the cable; [0110] wherein the power source is configured for triggering modification of a setup of the onboard control system on the basis of the stored setup data.

[0111] Supplemental Note 12. The power source according to Supplemental Note 11, configured to store setup data for the onboard control system of the pool cleaner in the memory, and to subsequently trigger modification of the setup of the onboard control system of the pool cleaner, based on the setup data.

[0112] Supplemental Note 13. The power source according to Supplemental Note 12, configured to trigger modification of the setup of the onboard control system based on the setup data, when the pool cleaner becomes available for receiving data via the cable.

[0113] Supplemental Note 14. The power source according to Supplemental Note 12, configured to trigger modification of the setup of the onboard control system based on the setup data following a trigger action carried out by a user.

[0114] Supplemental Note 15. The power source according to Supplemental Note 13, configured to trigger modification of the setup of the onboard control system based on the setup data following a trigger action carried out by a user.

[0115] Supplemental Note 16. A system comprising a power source, and a pool cleaner with an onboard control system, the pool cleaner being configured for modification of the onboard control system by receiving signals over a cable interconnecting the power source and the pool cleaner, wherein the power source comprises: [0116] power supply means for supplying electrical power to a pool cleaner via a cable, [0117] a memory for storing setup data for an onboard control system of a pool cleaner, [0118] first data communication means for receiving the setup data from an external device, and [0119] second data communication means for communication with the onboard control system of the pool cleaner, via the cable; [0120] wherein the power source is configured for triggering modification of a setup of the onboard control system on the basis of the stored setup data.

[0121] Supplemental Note 17. The system according to Supplemental Note 16, wherein the power source is configured to store setup data for the onboard control system of the pool cleaner in the memory, and to subsequently trigger modification of the setup of the onboard control system of the pool cleaner, based on the setup data.

[0122] Supplemental Note 18. The system according to Supplemental Note 17, wherein the power source is configured to trigger modification of the setup of the onboard control system based on the setup data, when the pool cleaner becomes available for receiving data via the cable.

[0123] Supplemental Note 19. The system according to Supplemental Note 17, wherein the power source is configured to trigger modification of the setup of the onboard control system based on the setup data following a trigger action carried out by a user.

[0124] Supplemental Note 20. The system according to Supplemental Note 18, wherein the power source is configured to trigger modification of the setup of the onboard control system based on the setup data following a trigger action carried out by a user.