EP3480391B1 - Robot de nettoyage de piscine comportant une unité de filtrage et un capteur - Google Patents

Robot de nettoyage de piscine comportant une unité de filtrage et un capteur Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3480391B1
EP3480391B1 EP18170431.3A EP18170431A EP3480391B1 EP 3480391 B1 EP3480391 B1 EP 3480391B1 EP 18170431 A EP18170431 A EP 18170431A EP 3480391 B1 EP3480391 B1 EP 3480391B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cleaning robot
pool cleaning
filtering unit
calorimetric sensor
pool
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP18170431.3A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP3480391A1 (fr
Inventor
Avshalom Kehati
Ofer Regev
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Maytronics Ltd
Original Assignee
Maytronics Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from EP17199823.0A external-priority patent/EP3318702B1/fr
Priority claimed from US15/961,911 external-priority patent/US10458139B2/en
Application filed by Maytronics Ltd filed Critical Maytronics Ltd
Publication of EP3480391A1 publication Critical patent/EP3480391A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3480391B1 publication Critical patent/EP3480391B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
    • E04H4/14—Parts, details or accessories not otherwise provided for
    • E04H4/16—Parts, details or accessories not otherwise provided for specially adapted for cleaning
    • E04H4/1654—Self-propelled cleaners

Definitions

  • US patent application 2009/282627 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a pool cleaning robot 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.
  • a mapping between detection signals of the calorimetric sensor and the cleaning sensor may be received and/or learnt in order to convert detection signals provided by a calorimetric sensor to an indication about the cleanliness of the filtering unit.
  • the filtering unit When the filtering unit becomes clogged with dirt (conveyed by the unfiltered fluid) the flow of fluid within the pool cleaning robot may decrease.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the calorimetric sensor may be positioned anywhere within the pool cleaning robot and/or partially or fully extending outside the pool cleaning robot.
  • 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.
  • 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 calorimetric 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.
  • 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 reading.
  • An 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.
  • 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.
  • these filtering units bags, cartridges are merely examples of a filtering unit.
  • the thermal resistors of the calorimetric sensor are thermally isolated from each other - unless they are thermally coupled by fluid that contacts both thermal resistors.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 1 Various figures illustrate the calorimetric sensors as having two legs that extend from a box - these legs the end points of the two thermal resistors.
  • the temperature difference depends on the flow of fluid - stronger flow dissipates more heat and the temperature difference is lower.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a pool cleaning robot may include an accelerometer. This pool cleaning robot may or may not have one or more calorimetric sensors.
  • 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.
  • 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 cleaning robot is changed with the load of dirt in the filter element as the flowing or exiting water is searching for different directions to flow through.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FFT transformation Fast Fourier Transform
  • 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 cleaning 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 turbine and/or a tethered electrical cable connecting the power supply to the pool cleaning robot or, alternatively, on board rechargeable batteries.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • filtering unit 170 such as a filter element (bag or cartridge) that is positioned between the opening and the impeller
  • calorimetric sensor 61 calorimetric sensor 61
  • controller 101 controller 101.
  • 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.
  • 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, calorimetric 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.
  • 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
  • calorimetric sensor 61 that is positioned near the opening 81 (and within the fluid path)
  • another calorimetric sensor 62 that is
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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, calorimetric 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 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 opening 81
  • another calorimetric sensor 62 that is positioned near opening 82 - for example between filtering unit 170 and opening 82.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the accelerometer 54 may be provided instead of calorimetric sensor 61 or in addition to any number of calorimetric sensors.
  • Figure 4A 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.
  • 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)
  • another calorimetric sensor 62 that is positioned inside the filtering unit 170.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 cleaning robot of figure 4A by not including calorimetric sensor 61.
  • 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.
  • filtering unit 170 such as an internal filter element (bag or cartridge) that is positioned inside housing 80
  • accelerometer 54 for sensing the accelerations of the pool controller.
  • 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.
  • 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 cleaning robot and towards the water ingress sport 81.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 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 sensing edge may pass through (or be proximate to) an opening 86 at the bottom of the housing 85.
  • the sensing edge may be at the substantially the same level as the bottom of the housing, 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 housing. 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.
  • figure 6A illustrates the bottom of the housing - the calorimetric sensor 61 may be positioned elsewhere - in relation to another opening of the housing.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 outlet 82.
  • Calorimetric sensor 61 may sense the flow of fluid that is ejected through opening 82.
  • 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 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 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.
  • 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
  • other calorimetric sensor 62 that is positioned at least partially outside housing 80 - and extends through the bottom of the housing.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 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, a communication module 60
  • 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.
  • Figure 11A 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, accelerometer 54 that is positioned inside the filtering unit 170, a communication module 60.
  • 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 such as an internal filter element (bag or cartridge) that is positioned inside housing 80.
  • 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.
  • FIGS 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 calorimetric sensors may be positioned within the pool cleaning robot and zero or more calorimetric sensors may be positioned outside the pool cleaning robot.
  • a calorimetric 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).
  • 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 calorimetric sensor 61 .
  • Figure 11C illustrates an external unit 450 that receives the signals from calorimetric sensor 61.
  • 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 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 near the opening 81 (near the bottom of the housing), another calorimetric sensor 62 that is positioned near opening 82 (near the top of the housing) - for example between filtering unit 170 and opening 82.
  • Figure 12 also illustrates a cleaning unit 171 for cleaning the filtering unit 170.
  • 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.
  • controller 101 may instruct cleaning unit 171 to clean the filtering unit 170.
  • 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.
  • Figure 13 illustrates examples of cleaning units that are internal to the housing 80.
  • 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 directing jets of fluid to the inner wall- and the like.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Figure 14 illustrates an example of a cleaning unit that is external to the housing 80.
  • a part of a cleaning unit 630 (such as a pop-up sprinkler 631) may enter through 81 into filtering unit 170.
  • 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 opening 81 during the cleaning process.
  • the cross section of the pop-up sprinkler and/or the opening 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.
  • 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 bathing season clings hard onto the filter surfaces.
  • 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.
  • the pop-up sprinkler 631 may be rotated about an axis or not.
  • base 631 of cleaning unit 630 may rotate the pop-up sprinkler 631.
  • the pop-up sprinkler may 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 sensing of the state of the filtering unit may be sensed by using one or more calorimetric sensor (such as 61 and 62) and/or by using an accelerometer.
  • Figure 15 is an example of a pool cleaning robot 100 and of an underwater station 5000 that is positioned within the pool 5555 cleaned by the pool cleaning robot 100.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 determine 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • filtering unit 170 such as a filter element (bag or cartridge) that is positioned in the housing.
  • 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.
  • Calorimetric sensor 61 may not belong to the pool cleaning robot 100 - and may inserted into pool cleaning robot 100 when the cleanliness of the filtering unit is tested.
  • 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).
  • Calorimetric sensor 61 may be moved within the filtering unit by manipulator 658.
  • Figure 17B is a cross sectional view of an example of of a pool cleaning robot 100.
  • the pool cleaning robot of figure 17B differ from the pool cleaning robot of figure 17A by coupling the calorimetric sensor 61 to controller 101.
  • the calorimetric sensor 61 belongs to the pool cleaning robot. No manipulator for moving the calorimetric sensor 61 is illustrated in figure 17B .
  • Figure 17B 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 cleaning 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.
  • Figure 19 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 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 housing 80.
  • 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 housing 80.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 cleaning robot from the pool for servicing.
  • Figure 20B illustrates different filter cleanliness readings (graph 8010) versus an expected cleanliness degradation pattern (graph 8020).
  • 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.
  • the determination 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 time of the year (summer, winter, autumn, spring), and the like.
  • the determination may be responsive to the flow changes through the filters, 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.
  • the flow parameters may be monitored in a continuous or non-continuous manner.
  • the intervals between one measurement to the other 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.
  • the determination 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.
  • 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.
  • the robot will sample the fluid flow rate and keep the result.
  • the computerized system 7000 may perform an analysis of flow reading obtained from one or more pool cleaning robots during one or more periods of time and may calculate a trend line for a specific pool cleaning robot - and calculate the gradient of the trend line
  • the computerized system 700 may predict the expected time when the filter is subject to get fully clogged.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • controller 101 may execute 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).
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • the 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • various components of the pool cleaning 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.
  • Figure 23 illustrates various components of a pool cleaning robot 100.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Figure 24 illustrates power supply modules 40 of a pool cleaning robot 100 according to various embodiments of the invention.
  • 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.
  • One power supply module 40 includes a second contactless charging element 150 and a rechargeable power source 135.
  • Another power supply module 40 includes a turbine 120, electrical generator 122 and a rechargeable power source 135.
  • a further power supply module 40 includes a rotor 590 that acts as a turbine, a motor/generator 559 that acts as a generator and a rechargeable power source 135.
  • Figure 25 illustrates drive and steering modules 20 of a pool cleaning robot 100 according to various embodiments of the invention.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Another 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.
  • Figure 26 illustrates fluid control modules 30 of a pool cleaning robot according to various embodiments of the invention.
  • a fluid control module 30 is arranged to control a flow of fluid within the pool cleaning robot and to filter said fluid.
  • FIG. 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:
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Figure 29 illustrates various components of a pool cleaning robot 100.
  • 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, steering elements 107, first transmission 127, first and second tracks 141 and 143 and brushing module 90.
  • 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, steering elements 107, first transmission 127, first and second tracks 141 and 143 and brushing module 90.
  • Any of the pool cleaning robots may have a shredder for shredding debris, a sanitizing unit for sanitizing the filtering unit, compression unit for compressing the filtering unit, spare filtering units for replacing the filtering unit, and the like.
  • 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.
  • Figure 30 illustrates method 500 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Method 500 includes the following steps:
  • the sensing may be executed in a continuous or non-continuous manner.
  • the sensing may occur during an entire sensing period or during a part of a filtering period.
  • the cleanliness related parameter of the filtering unit may be a flow of fluid that is forced to flow through the filtering unit.
  • 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.
  • the flow may increase when the pool cleaning robot moves.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • impeller parameters such as speed
  • movement parameters of the pool cleaner may be taken into account.
  • the sensing may be executed by multiple calorimetric sensors.
  • 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.
  • Step 530 may include at least one of the following:
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Method 500 may also include step 550 of triggering and/or performing a cleaning operation of the filtering unit.
  • 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 backwashing operation.
  • Figures 31-39 illustrates a calorimetric sensor 69 as having a single thermal resistor - it may have a single leg that may extend from a box or other enclosure of the calorimetric sensor.
  • Calorimetric sensor 69 of figures 31-39 may replace any of the calorimetric sensors (for example calorimetric sensors 61 and/or 62) illustrated in any one of the figures that precede figure 31 .
  • a pool cleaning robot may include a combination of one or more calorimetric sensor having a single thermal resistor and one or more calorimetric sensors having more than a single thermal resistor.
  • Calorimetric sensors 61 and/or 62 illustrated in any one of the figures that precede figure 31 may replace any one of Calorimetric sensor 69 of figures 31-39 .
  • the top part of figure 31 is a cross sectional view that shows calorimetric sensor 69 that has a leg that extends below the bottom 85 of the housing of the pool cleaning robot. It should be noted that there may or may not be a gap around the leg.
  • the pool cleaning robot sucks fluid through opening 81.
  • the sucked fluid ideally flows towards the opening. These sucked flows should propagate along certain directions - and should provide an indication about the cleanliness of the filtering unit.
  • the calorimetric sensor may also be exposed to other flows (also referred to side flows) that are not sucked towards the opening. These other flows may introduce measurement errors.
  • the middle part of figure 31 also shows flow limiters 68 that may limit the flow of side flows towards the calorimetric sensor - thereby reduce measurement errors resulting from the side flows.
  • the lower part of figure 31 shows that the calorimetric sensor extends outside a curved part of the bottom of the housing of the pool cleaning robot.
  • Figure 32 illustrates a part of the bottom 65 of the housing of the pool cleaning robot in which opening 81 is formed, fluid that is sucked (sucked fluid 91) towards the opening 81 passes between flow limiters 68.
  • Flow limiters 68 prevent (or reduce the impact) side flows 92 from flowing over calorimetric sensor 69.
  • the flow limiters may be parallel to each other, may be nonparallel to each other, may be symmetrically arranged in relation to the calorimetric sensor, may be a asymmetrically arranged in relation to the calorimetric sensor, may be spaced apart at any distance from the calorimetric sensor, may be normal to the opening and may have any spatial relationship in relation to each other, in relation to the calorimetric sensor and in relation to the opening.
  • the flow limiters may have any shape and/or size.
  • the flow limiters may be linear, may be curved, may have the same shape, may differ from each other by shape, may be beams, bars, and the like.
  • Each one of the length, depth and width of the flow limiters and the distance between any flow limiter and the calorimetric sensor may range between less than a centimeter to more than a centimeter.
  • the number of flow limiters may exceed two.
  • Figure 33 illustrates flow limiters 68 that are nonparallel to each other - and the spacing between the flow limiters decreased towards the opening 81.
  • Figure 34 illustrates curved flow limiters 68 that are nonparallel to each other.
  • Sucked fluid may fluctuate near the calorimetric sensor.
  • a turbulence generator that introduces a turbulence at the vicinity of the calorimetric sensor - that reduces the affect of the turbulences of the sucked fluid.
  • the turbulence generator may introduce a turbulence that may be parallel to the calorimetric sensor or may otherwise contact the calorimetric sensor.
  • the turbulence generator may be static or dynamic.
  • the turbulence generator may have any shape and size that will induce turbulences.
  • Figure 35 illustrates a calorimetric sensor 69 that is positioned between flow limiters 68 that are parallel to each other.
  • Turbulence generator 67 is positioned between flow limiters 68.
  • turbulence generator 67 is a rod that is oriented to flow limiters 68 and is oriented to opening 81.
  • Figure 36 differs from figure 35 by showing the turbulence 67' generated by turbulence generator 67.
  • Figure 37 illustrates a pool cleaning robot that includes turbulence generator 67 but does not include any flow limiters 68.
  • Figure 38 illustrates a calorimetric sensor 69 that is positioned between flow limiters 68 that are nonparallel to each other.
  • Turbulence generator 67 is positioned between flow limiters 68.
  • FIG 39 illustrates a calorimetric sensor 69 that is positioned between curved flow limiters 68.
  • Turbulence generator 67 is positioned between flow limiters 68.
  • Turbulence generator 67 has a wing-shaped cross section.
  • Figure 40 illustrates a calorimetric sensor 69 that is positioned between curved flow limiters 68.
  • Turbulence generator 67 is positioned between flow limiters 68.
  • Turbulence generator 67 includes multiple curved wings that rotate about an axis.
  • calorimetric sensor 69 may be replaced by calorimetric sensor 61 (or 62).
  • calorimetric sensor 61 or 62.
  • FIG 41 illustrates a pool cleaning robot that includes a calorimetric sensor 61 that is positioned between flow limiters 68.
  • Turbulence generator 67 is positioned between flow limiters 68.
  • Tracking after the change of temperature can be implemented by any of the pool cleaning robots illustrated in the specification.
  • a pool water temperature measurement (may be referred to as an initial measurement) may be obtained- in which the resistance of the thermal resistor is measured.
  • the pool water measurement can be made without substantially heating the thermal resistor.
  • the pool water measurement can be made while taking into account the power (or energy) supplied to the thermal resistor during the measurement.
  • the pool water measurement can be executed when the pool cleaning robot is static, and no water is sucked by the pool cleaning robot. Alternatively - the pool water measurement can be executed while the pool cleaning robot moves at a known speed - but the affect of the known speed on the temperature measurement is taken into account (flow related to the known speed will result in a certain cooling effect).
  • the change of heat of the calorimetric sensor during the heating period and/or the temperature change between the heating period and the measurement period may also indicate whether the pool cleaning robot is in the pool or is out of the pool.
  • the calorimetric sensor can be heated much faster when positioned outside water - in relation to when the calorimetric sensor is in the water. Furthermore - the cooling rate when the calorimetric sensor is outside the water is slower in comparison to the cooling rate obtained when the calorimetric sensor is in water.
  • the calorimetric sensor can be used to provide a ROBOT IN WATER indication and/or a ROBOT OUT OF WATER indication.
  • the ROBOT IN WATER indication and/or a ROBOT OUT OF WATER indication may be saved by the pool cleaning robot, may be communicated outside the pool cleaning robot and the like.
  • Figure 42 illustrates a timing diagram that illustrates an initial measurement 301 that is followed by two sequences of heating (312, 313) and temperature measurements (302 and 303).
  • Figure 43 illustrates a power supply 71 that supplied voltage and current to a voltage divider that includes a resistor 72 and thermal resistor 73.
  • the thermal resistor 73 may be heated by supplying a certain amount of current to the voltage divider.
  • the voltage that falls on thermal resistor 73 is fed to a first input of an operational amplifier 75.
  • a reference voltage (from reference supply 74) is fed to another input of operational amplifier 75.
  • the operational amplifier 75 sends to controller 101 an output signal that is indicative of the difference between the voltage that falls on thermal resistor and between the reference voltage.
  • the reference voltage may be set according to the initial measurement.
  • Figures 44-46 illustrates various examples of a calorimetric sensor 69 or of a combination of a calorimetric sensor 69 and a turbulence generator 67 positioned within a recess (inner space) 201 formed in surface 202 such as the bottom of the housing of the pool cleaning robot.
  • the recess may have a polygon shape - may include flat facets, may be curved or may have any shape.
  • any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved.
  • 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.
  • any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected,” or “operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality.
  • condition X may be fulfilled.
  • This phrase also suggests that condition X may not be fulfilled.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • pool cleaner and “pool cleaning robot” are used in an autonomous manner and may refer to a self-propelled pool cleaner.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • architectures depicted herein are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality.
  • any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved.
  • 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.
  • any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected,” or “operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality.
  • the illustrated examples may be implemented as circuitry located on a single integrated circuit or within a same device.
  • the examples may be implemented as any number of separate integrated circuits or separate devices interconnected with each other in a suitable manner.
  • 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.
  • the invention is not limited to physical devices or units implemented in non-programmable hardware but can also be applied in programmable devices or units able to perform the desired device functions by operating 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'.
  • 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'.
  • 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.
  • the terms "a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one as or more than one.
  • 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 indefinite articles such as "a " or “an.
  • Any system, apparatus or device referred to this patent application includes at least one hardware component.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Electric Vacuum Cleaner (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)

Claims (16)

  1. Robot de nettoyage de piscine (100), comprenant :
    une unité de filtrage (170) pour filtrer du fluide qui passe à travers l'unité de filtrage ;
    une commande (101) qui est configurée pour aider au moins à déterminer, en fonction du paramètre lié à la propreté de l'unité de filtrage, une propreté de l'unité de filtrage, dans lequel le robot de nettoyage de piscine est caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend en outre ;
    un capteur calorimétrique (61, 62, 69) pour détecter un paramètre lié à la propreté de l'unité de filtrage quand le robot de nettoyage de piscine est immergé dans le fluide, et dans lequel au moins un de ce qui suit est vrai :
    (i) le robot de nettoyage de piscine comprend un générateur de turbulence (67) qui est agencé pour introduire des turbulences qui entrent en contact avec le capteur calorimétrique ;
    (ii) le robot de nettoyage de piscine comprend des limiteurs d'écoulement qui sont agencés pour limiter un écoulement des flux latéraux sur le capteur calorimétrique ;
    (iii) le capteur calorimétrique est composé principalement d'une seule résistance thermique (73).
  2. Robot de nettoyage de piscine (100) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le robot de nettoyage de piscine comprend le générateur de turbulence et dans lequel le générateur de turbulence est statique.
  3. Robot de nettoyage de piscine (100) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le robot de nettoyage de piscine comprend le générateur de turbulence et dans lequel le générateur de turbulence est dynamique.
  4. Robot de nettoyage de piscine (100) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le robot de nettoyage de piscine comprend le générateur de turbulence et les limiteurs d'écoulement ; et dans lequel le générateur de turbulence est positionné entre les limiteurs d'écoulement.
  5. Robot de nettoyage de piscine (100) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le robot de nettoyage de piscine est configuré pour chauffer la résistance thermique unique, attendre pendant une période de temps prédéfinie et mesurer ensuite un paramètre électrique de la résistance thermique unique.
  6. Robot de nettoyage de piscine (100) selon la revendication 5, dans lequel le capteur calorimétrique est configuré pour détecter le paramètre lié à la propreté en fonction d'un taux de changement de température de la résistance thermique unique entre le chauffage de la résistance thermique unique et la mesure du paramètre électrique de la résistance thermique unique.
  7. Robot de nettoyage de piscine (100) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le robot de nettoyage de piscine est configuré pour chauffer de multiples résistances thermiques, attendre pendant une période de temps prédéfinie et mesurer ensuite un paramètre électrique des multiples résistances thermiques.
  8. Robot de nettoyage de piscine (100) selon la revendication 7, dans lequel le capteur calorimétrique est configuré pour détecter le paramètre lié à la propreté en fonction d'un taux de changement de température des multiples résistances thermiques entre le chauffage des multiples résistances thermiques et la mesure du paramètre électrique des multiples résistances thermiques.
  9. Procédé (500) pour contrôler un robot de nettoyage de piscine, le procédé comprend ;
    de filtrer (500), par une unité de filtrage du robot de nettoyage de piscine, du fluide qui passe à travers l'unité de filtrage ;
    dans lequel le procédé est en outre caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend
    de détecter (520), par un capteur calorimétrique, un paramètre lié à la propreté de l'unité de filtrage quand le robot de nettoyage de piscine est immergé dans le fluide ; et
    d'aider (530) à déterminer, par une commande du robot de nettoyage de piscine et en fonction du paramètre lié à la propreté de l'unité de filtrage, une propreté de l'unité de filtrage ; et
    dans lequel au moins un de ce qui suit est vrai :
    (i) le robot de nettoyage de piscine comprend un générateur de turbulence (67) qui est agencé pour introduire des turbulences qui entrent en contact avec le capteur calorimétrique ;
    (ii) le robot de nettoyage de piscine comprend des limiteurs d'écoulement qui sont agencés pour limiter un écoulement des flux latéraux sur le capteur calorimétrique ;
    (iii) le capteur calorimétrique est composé principalement d'une seule résistance thermique (73).
  10. Procédé (500) selon la revendication 9, dans lequel le robot de nettoyage de piscine comprend le générateur de turbulence et dans lequel le générateur de turbulence est statique.
  11. Procédé (500) selon la revendication 9, dans lequel le robot de nettoyage de piscine comprend le générateur de turbulence et dans lequel le générateur de turbulence est dynamique.
  12. Procédé (500) selon la revendication 9, dans lequel le robot de nettoyage de piscine comprend le générateur de turbulence et les limiteurs d'écoulement ; et dans lequel le générateur de turbulence est positionné entre les limiteurs d'écoulement.
  13. Procédé (500) selon la revendication 9, comprenant de chauffer la résistance thermique unique, d'attendre pendant une période de temps prédéfinie et de mesurer ensuite un paramètre électrique de la résistance thermique unique.
  14. Procédé (500) selon la revendication 13, comprenant de détecter, par le capteur calorimétrique, le paramètre lié à la propreté en fonction d'un taux de changement de température de la résistance thermique unique entre le chauffage de chauffage de la résistance thermique unique et la mesure du paramètre électrique de la résistance thermique unique.
  15. Procédé (500) selon la revendication 9, comprenant de chauffer les multiples résistances thermiques, d'attendre pendant une période de temps prédéfinie et de mesurer ensuite un paramètre électrique des multiples résistances thermiques.
  16. Procédé (500) selon la revendication 15, comprenant de détecter, par le capteur calorimétrique, le paramètre lié à la propreté en fonction d'un taux de changement de température des multiples résistances thermiques entre le chauffage de chauffage des multiples résistances thermiques et la mesure du paramètre électrique des multiples résistances thermiques.
EP18170431.3A 2017-11-03 2018-05-02 Robot de nettoyage de piscine comportant une unité de filtrage et un capteur Active EP3480391B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP17199823.0A EP3318702B1 (fr) 2016-11-03 2017-11-03 Robot de nettoyage de piscine comportant une unité de filtrage et un capteur
US15/961,911 US10458139B2 (en) 2016-04-04 2018-04-25 Pool cleaning robot having a filtering unit and a sensor

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3480391A1 EP3480391A1 (fr) 2019-05-08
EP3480391B1 true EP3480391B1 (fr) 2020-08-26

Family

ID=62116239

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18170431.3A Active EP3480391B1 (fr) 2017-11-03 2018-05-02 Robot de nettoyage de piscine comportant une unité de filtrage et un capteur

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3480391B1 (fr)
ES (1) ES2834068T3 (fr)

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IL156535A (en) 2003-06-19 2006-12-10 Maytronics Ltd Pool cleaning apparatus
US8007653B2 (en) * 2004-09-15 2011-08-30 Aquatron, Inc. Method and appartus for operation of pool cleaner with integral chlorine generator
IL215115A (en) 2011-09-13 2012-05-31 Maytronics Ltd Pool cleaning robot
US9909334B2 (en) * 2014-01-07 2018-03-06 Maytronics Pool cleaner with a protracted filter

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2834068T3 (es) 2021-06-16
EP3480391A1 (fr) 2019-05-08

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP6884910B2 (ja) 清掃ロボット用デブリ排出
US10927559B2 (en) Pool cleaning robot having a filtering unit and a sensor
EP2762051B1 (fr) Robot nettoyeur et son procédé de commande
US10435904B2 (en) Pool cleaning robot having a filtering unit and a sensor
US11376190B2 (en) Remote spa control system
US11274461B2 (en) Directional control of robotic pool cleaners
EP3574815A1 (fr) Module de pulvérisation et robot destiné à être utilisé avec celui-ci
EP3318702B1 (fr) Robot de nettoyage de piscine comportant une unité de filtrage et un capteur
WO2023125929A1 (fr) Station de base, système de nettoyage et son procédé d'auto-vérification
EP3480391B1 (fr) Robot de nettoyage de piscine comportant une unité de filtrage et un capteur
JP2018519520A (ja) 現場での自動自己洗浄を有する磁気流量計
CN117062558A (zh) 基站、清洁系统及其自检方法
US10458139B2 (en) Pool cleaning robot having a filtering unit and a sensor
JP2022542563A (ja) シェービング装置、シェービング装置及び洗浄装置を備えたシェービングシステム、及び洗浄方法
JP2017047421A (ja) 液体放出システムの監視
EP3845723B1 (fr) Robot de nettoyage de piscine avec diaphragme de capteur de pression
US11452426B1 (en) Robotic floor cleaning device with motor for controlled liquid release
JP3532056B2 (ja) 噴出水による自動洗浄装置
KR101223742B1 (ko) 수조 바닥면 청소 장치
JP2015008886A (ja) 靴底清掃装置
CN217125783U (zh) 一种泥浆罐液位检测装置
KR102647289B1 (ko) 다측점 수중 센싱 및 경보 시스템
KR20220122934A (ko) 하수처리시설 중계펌프장의 수위계
CN115704381A (zh) 用于移动装置的对接台的流体供应系统及其控制方法
JPS58214383A (ja) 貯槽内作業装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20200205

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20200319

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602018007191

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1306512

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20200915

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: DENNEMEYER AG, CH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: TRGR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200826

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200826

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200826

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201228

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201126

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201127

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201126

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20200826

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200826

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200826

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200826

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200826

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201226

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200826

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200826

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200826

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200826

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200826

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602018007191

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200826

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2834068

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

Effective date: 20210616

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200826

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20210527

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200826

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210502

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200826

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20210531

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210502

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210531

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: UEP

Ref document number: 1306512

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20200826

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20220502

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220502

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200826

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20180502

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20230526

Year of fee payment: 6

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230526

Year of fee payment: 6

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230519

Year of fee payment: 6

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20230605

Year of fee payment: 6

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20230420

Year of fee payment: 6

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20230522

Year of fee payment: 6

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20230727

Year of fee payment: 6

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200826