IN-POOL DOCKING STATION AND ASSOCIATED METHODS

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/653,010, filed on May 29, 2024, and entitled IN-POOL DOCKING STATION AND ASSOCIATED METHODS, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to self-propelled swimming pool cleaners and other battery-driven robots or cleaners, and more particularly, to docking stations for such battery-driven cleaners.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Numerous cleaning devices capable of self-propelled movement within swimming pools and spas currently exist. The most common of these devices are self-propelled swimming pool cleaners, which often are either hydraulic or robotic in type. Hydraulic cleaners vary water flow for movement, while robotic cleaners typically employ electric motors to cause motion. Hydraulic pool cleaners, furthermore, subdivide into “pressure-side” and “suction-side” cleaners, with pressure-side cleaners being fluidly connected to outputs of pumps of pool water circulation systems and suction-side cleaners being fluidly connected to inputs of such pumps.

Battery-driven pool cleaners are becoming increasingly popular. Depending on the duration of the cleaning cycle, battery-driven pool cleaners may require charging at various time intervals or frequencies utilizing charging stations. Charging stations typically may be of two types—a “pool cleaner garage,” or docking stations. Pool cleaner garages are embedded inside of the pool wall, stairs, or floor, and usually must be planned during pool construction. Docking stations may be placed in or around an already constructed pool, such as on the wall or on the floor of the pool. However, providing power to such docking stations is challenging because regulations require an offset distance between the pool and a shore power source (such as at least 3 meters). As such, cabling must be run from a shore power source, through a transformer, and across the pool deck to the docking station. Such cabling is unsightly and may be difficult to make safe and aesthetically pleasing. Moreover, while docking stations may provide flexibility for location, anchoring such docking stations with sufficient rigidity is challenging, as pool owners are averse to drilling into the pool deck, coping, or wall.

SUMMARY

Embodiments covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various embodiments and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings, and each claim.

According to certain embodiments, a docking station for a self-propelled pool cleaner includes a solar panel.

According to some embodiments a docking station for a self-propelled pool cleaner includes a support connecting a base and a dock of the docking station.

According to various embodiments, a docking station includes an in-pool dock supported on a wall of the pool without mechanical fasteners.

According to some embodiments, a docking station includes an in-pool dock configured to supply power to a self-propelled pool cleaner and without external power cables.

According to certain embodiments, a docking station includes a base, an adjustable support, and an in-pool dock, and the in-pool dock is positionable on a wall of a pool.

According to various embodiments, a wall-mounted docking station for a self-propelled pool cleaner may be supported relative to a pool without mechanical fasteners or external power.

According to certain embodiments, a docking station may be adjustable to (i) a shape of coping and (ii) an angle of a wall of the pool.

According to some embodiments, a method of docking a self-propelled pool cleaner with a wall-mounted dock includes (i) causing the self-propelled pool cleaner to climb a wall of a pool, (ii) at or proximate a waterline of the pool, controlling the self-propelled pool cleaner to be in a horizontal orientation, and (iii) causing the self-propelled pool cleaner to move in a horizontal direction to approach the dock.

According to some embodiments, a method includes docking a self-propelled pool cleaner with a wall-mounted dock while the self-propelled pool cleaner is in a horizontal orientation.

According to various embodiments, a method includes docking a self-propelled pool cleaner with a vertically-oriented dock while the self-propelled pool cleaner is in a horizontal orientation.

According to certain embodiments, a method includes deploying a self-propelled pool cleaner from a wall-mounted dock while the self-propelled pool cleaner is in a horizontal orientation.

According to various embodiments, a pool system includes a wall-mounted dock and a self-propelled pool cleaner. The wall-mounted dock may include an upward-curving hook, the self-propelled pool cleaner may include a downward-curing hook, and the self-propelled pool cleaner is configured to dock with and deploy from the dock while in a horizontal orientation.

According to certain embodiments, a docking station for a self-propelled pool cleaner comprising a base positionable on a surface above a pool or spa, a docking station for a pool cleaner positionable within water of the pool, and a support connecting the base and the dock and conforming to coping of the pool or spa.

Various implementations described herein can include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which cannot necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The specification makes reference to the following appended figures, in which use of like reference numerals in different figures is intended to illustrate like or analogous components.

FIG. 1 illustrates a docking station for a self-propelled pool cleaner and with a dock in a stowed configuration according to embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates the docking station of FIG. 1 with the dock in a deployed configuration according to embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates the docking station of FIG. 1 with the dock in a deployed configuration according to embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates the docking station of FIG. 1 with the dock in a deployed configuration according to embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a pool system with the docking station of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a support of the docking station of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIG. 7 is another view of the support of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is another view of the support of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 illustrates the pool system of FIG. 5 with the docking station of FIG. 1 and a self-propelled pool cleaner according to embodiments.

FIG. 10 is another view of the pool system of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 illustrates a base of the docking station of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates a base of the docking station of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates a base of the docking station of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are docking stations and associated methods for self-propelled pool cleaners. Compared to traditional docking stations, the systems and methods described herein may provide a sturdy, in-pool docking station which does not require a mechanical anchor or device other than the weight of the base. Additionally, or alternatively, the in-pool docking station may not require external power cables. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein optionally allow for horizontal docking between the self-propelled pool cleaner and the dock, which may eliminate the mechanical release typically required for deploying the self-propelled pool cleaner from the dock and/or eliminating complex vertical alignment and/or other control of the pool cleaner for docking the pool cleaner with the dock.

In certain embodiments, the docking stations described herein optionally include a solar panel. While the solar panel may be provided at various locations on and/or relative to the docking station, in certain embodiments, the solar panel may be provided as a base of the docking station and/or with a base of the docking station. Compared to traditional docking stations with external cables connected to an external power source, the solar panel with the docking station may eliminate external cables needed to provide power to the dock and for charging the pool cleaner. In some embodiments, the solar panel may form a sturdy base to which the dock is anchored, thereby allowing for installation of the docking station without mechanical fasteners. In certain embodiments, the solar panel may be provided on a pool deck adjacent to the pool and/or at an otherwise appropriate position. Optionally, the solar panel may be a walk-on solar panel, although it need not be in other embodiments. In various embodiments, the solar panel may have gripping or friction features promoting engagement with the surface of the pool deck (or other location), such as but not limited to rubberized features.

Optionally, the solar panel may include various means for controlling the temperature of the solar panel, such as but not limited to a cover or material at least partially encapsulating the solar panel providing thermal insulation and/or which remains cool to the touch in the sun, a water circulation system to circulate pool water through the solar panel construction, combinations thereof, and/or as otherwise desired.

In some embodiments, the solar panel includes a human-machine interface, such as but not limited to a screen, display, speaker, etc., which may provide output to a user and/or receive input from a user. In certain embodiments, the solar panel may include a communication module such that the docking station may wirelessly communicate with one or more remote devices, such as a user device, cloud, remote device, and/or as otherwise desired. Optionally, the docking station may be configured as an above-water communication station for relaying pool cleaner information to and/or from the user or internet.

Additionally, or alternatively, the docking stations described herein may include a support connecting the dock with the base (which may or may not include the solar panel). In some embodiments the support may be rigid and/or generally maintaining its shape, while in other embodiments, the support may be movable, adjustable, flexible, articulated, and/or otherwise be a shapeable structure (hereinafter “flexible support”). The flexible support may be semi-flexible and/or may be shaped to the coping and wall angle of the pool, thereby allowing the docking station to sufficiently conform to the shape of the pool and provide a sturdy base for an in-pool docking station without requiring a mechanical anchor other than the weight of the base.

The flexible support may be continuous (e.g., monolithic) or articulated (e.g., with a plurality of segments) as desired. In certain embodiments, the flexible support is an articulated support and may be adjustable between a locked (or tensioned) configuration, in which the articulated support retains its shape, and an unlocked (or loosened) configuration, in which the shape of the articulated support may be adjusted. Optionally, the articulated support may be adjusted between the locked and unlocked configurations utilizing an internal cable, which optionally may provide power to the dock. In embodiments with the internal cable, the cable may be tensioned or loosened (optionally via a toggle latch or other mechanism), which in turn may allow for or arrest movement between individual segments of the articulated support. Optionally, the articulated support may allow for the articulated support and the dock to be folded flat against the base and/or the solar panel, such as for transportation and shipping. In other embodiments, the flexible support may be folded and/or shaped as desired using various means or mechanisms.

Additionally, or alternatively, the systems and methods described herein may provide improved docking control between the pool cleaner and the dock. In certain embodiments, the improved docking may allow the pool cleaner to approach the dock without needing to know the exact location of the dock. In various embodiments, the improved docking includes causing the pool cleaner to climb a wall of the pool, controlling the pool cleaner to be in a horizontal orientation along the wall, and causing the pool cleaner to travel horizontally along the wall until positioned over the dock. In certain embodiments, the pool cleaner may travel horizontally upon reaching a predetermined depth and/or may maintain the depth of the pool cleaner while travelling horizontally.

In various embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may provide horizontal docking between the pool cleaner and a wall-mounted dock. Traditionally, wall-mounted docking stations engage a pool cleaner while the pool cleaner is in a vertical orientation, meaning that an axis extending from a front to a back of the pool cleaner (and on which either side motive elements are provided) extends perpendicular to a pool floor. Horizontal docking described herein refers to an orientation of the pool cleaner in which the axis extending from the front to the back of the pool cleaner is parallel to the pool floor. In various embodiments, the horizontal docking described herein may allow for the pool cleaner to simply drive on or off the dock without requiring a mechanical release as typically required with vertical docking stations. In some embodiments, the horizontal docking may be facilitated by an upward-curving hook on the dock and a downward-curving hook on the pool cleaner.

Various other benefits and advantages may be realized with the systems, devices, and methods provided herein, and the aforementioned advantages should not be considered limiting.

FIGS. 1-12 illustrate a docking station 10 for a pool cleaner according to embodiments. The docking station 10 generally includes a base 12, a dock 14, and one or more supports 16 connecting the dock 14 with the base 12.

In various embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 5, for example, in use at a pool 15, the base 12 may be provided on a deck surface 11 (and/or other surface surrounding the pool 15), and the dock 14 may be supported on and/or proximate to a wall 13 of the pool 15. In certain embodiments, the dock 14 may be supported at and/or proximate to a waterline of the pool 15 as illustrated in FIG. 5. In this regard, the docking station 10 may be considered an in-pool docking station allowing for in-pool docking of a pool cleaner with the dock 14.

The base 12 in general may have a weight and size suitable for anchoring the dock 14 relative to the pool 15 without requiring separate mechanical fasteners or anchors. As such, while the base 12 is illustrated as generally rectangular in FIGS. 1-12, it need not be in other embodiments, and the base 12 may be constructed from various materials and/or may have various shapes and/or sizes as desired.

Optionally, the base 12 may include one or more gripping or friction features 62, which may promote engagement between the base 12 and the deck surface 11, thereby improving stability and/or positioning of the base 12 on the deck surface 11. Various materials may be utilized as the gripping or friction features 62, such as but not limited to rubbers, resins, fibers, metals, and/or other non-slip and/or slip-resistant materials as desired. Moreover, the gripping or friction features 62 may be provided in various shapes, sizes, arrangements, and/or locations on the base 12 as desired. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-12, the gripping or friction features 62 are one or more covers 18 extending along at least a portion of a perimeter of the base 12, and the gripping or friction features include rubber. In other embodiments, the gripping or friction features 62 may be provided continuously or discontinuously along the perimeter of the base 12, at discrete locations on the base 12 (such as, but not limited to, one or more corners of the base 12), and/or on a lower side (e.g., facing the deck surface 11) of the base 12). Other arrangements, shapes, patterns, and sizes of gripping or friction features 62 may be utilized as desired.

In certain embodiments, the base 12 includes an electronics enclosure 19 for housing electronic components and/or systems of the docking station 10. The enclosure 19 may be provided at various locations relative to the base 12, and the particular position illustrated should not be considered limiting.

Optionally, the enclosure 19 includes human-machine interface (HMI) 20 with one or more features for providing information to a user and/or for receiving input from a user. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-12, the HMI 20 includes a display 64 and a button 24; however, in other embodiments other displays, buttons, speakers, dials, keys, knobs, switches, other HMI features (real or virtual), and/or combinations thereof may be utilized with the HMI 20 as desired. The information provided to the user via the HMI 20 may be various information as desired, such as but not limited to a charging status of the pool cleaner, a filter status of the pool cleaner, a cleaning or operational status of the pool cleaner, a power level of the docking station, a power source for the docking station, a communication status, system information (e.g., obtained from the pool cleaner, sensors, user, etc.), and/or various other information as desired.

In various embodiments, the docking station includes one or more communication modules allowing for wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) with external or remote devices. External or remote devices may include, but are not limited to, external control devices, the internet, cloud services, smartphones, other user devices, combinations thereof, and/or other devices or systems as desired. The communication modules may be provided with the electronics enclosure 19 and/or as otherwise desired on the docking station 10. The docking station 10 with wireless communication may function as an above-water communication station to relay cleaner information (and/or other information) to and from remote devices. In certain embodiments, the docking station 10 with wireless communication may facilitate communication to and from an underwater pool cleaner at least while the pool cleaner is docked with the docking station 10.

In some embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1-12, the base 12 optionally is or includes one or more solar panels 22. Compared to traditional docking stations which obtain power from an external source and thus require external cabling, the docking station 10 with the solar panel 22 as the base 12 (or on the base 12) may eliminate a need for external cabling, thereby providing an improved visual appearance and improved safety. The solar panel 22 may be various solar panels as desired. Optionally, the solar panel 22 may be a walk-on solar panel 22 (e.g., a solar panel with a construction able to withstand a user walking on it), although it need not be in other embodiments. In various embodiments, the solar panel 22 as or part of the base 12 may have sufficient weight and arrangement for anchoring the dock 14.

Optionally, the solar panel 22 may include various means for controlling the temperature of the solar panel 22 and/or removing excess heat. With reference to FIGS. 11-13, non-limiting examples of means for temperature control include one or more covers 29 that wholly or partially cover the solar panel 22 (see, e.g., FIG. 12), a thermally insulating material 31 which wholly or partially encapsulates the solar panel 22 (see, e.g., FIG. 13), cooling fins, heat sinks, air cooling systems, water cooling systems, combinations thereof, and/or other systems as desired. In one non-limiting example, a temperature control system for the solar panel 22 may include one or more pumps 27 for circulating pool water through the solar panel 22 and back to the pool 15 (see, e.g., FIG. 11). Other techniques or combinations of techniques for controlling the temperature of the solar panel 22 may be utilized as desired.

In other embodiments, the base 12 need not include the one or more solar panels 22.

The dock 14 of the docking station 10 may have various constructions suitable for selectively engaging the pool cleaner and/or charging the pool cleaner. As a non-limiting example, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, for example, the dock 14 may include one or more charging locations 26 for charging an onboard power source of the pool cleaner and/or for communicating with the pool cleaner. Various charging features may be utilized at the one or more charging locations 26, such as but not limited to a feature for contactless charging of the pool cleaner (e.g., via induction) or contact charging.

Optionally, the dock 14 may include one or more support mechanisms for at least temporarily supporting the pool cleaner on the dock 14. Support mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, latches, hooks, magnets, electromagnets, combinations thereof, and/or other support mechanisms as desired. As discussed in detail below with reference to FIG. 9, in certain embodiments the dock 14 includes a support mechanism facilitating horizontal docking of the pool cleaner with the dock 14.

As mentioned, the dock 14 is connected to the base 12 via the one or more supports 16.

In some embodiments, the one or more supports 16 may be rigid and/or may maintain their general shape. In some embodiments, rigid supports 16 may maintain an orientation and/or positioning of the dock 14 relative to the base 12, although in other embodiments, rigid supports 16 may be adjustable to change the orientation and/or positioning relative to the base 12 while maintaining their general shape.

In other embodiments, the one or more supports 16 are flexible supports 16 and have an adjustable shape and/or may be adjustable to change a relative orientation between to the dock 14 and/or the base 12. In one non-limiting example, the flexible supports 16 may be articulated (e.g., include a plurality of segments), although they need not be articulated in other embodiments, and the flexible supports 16 may be adjustable via other techniques or mechanisms as desired, such as but not limited to the use of a bendable material, a shape memory material, malleable materials, combinations thereof, and/or as otherwise desired. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-12, and as discussed below, the supports 16 are flexible supports that have an adjustable shape and/or are adjustable relative to the base 12 and/or the dock 14. In some non-limiting examples, regardless of whether the supports 16 are flexible or rigid, the supports 16 may be positionable between a stowed configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 1) and a deployed configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 4). In other optional embodiments, regardless of whether the supports 16 are flexible or rigid, the supports 16 may maintain their general orientation relative to the base 12 (such as in the deployed configuration).

In certain embodiments, the supports 16 may extend from the base 12 on the deck surface 11 and into the pool 15 and hold the dock 14 at an appropriate position and with rigidity against and/or in proximity to the wall 13. In certain optional embodiments, the supports 16 may electrically connect the dock 14 with the base 12 (e.g., providing a data communication and/or power connection). Optionally, the supports 16 are connected to the base 12 at least partially via the electronics enclosure 19.

While two supports 16 are illustrated with the docking station 10, in other embodiments, any number of supports 16 may be utilized, such as one support 16, two supports 16, and/or more than two supports 16. As mentioned, in some embodiments, the supports 16 are flexible supports 16 and are adjustable relative to the base 12, which in turn allows for positioning of the dock 14 relative to the base 12. In certain embodiments, the flexible supports 16 may be semi-flexible such that the flexible supports 16 may be shaped to conform to structures or surfaces, such as but not limited to the coping 17 and/or the angle of the wall 13. In some embodiments, and as discussed in detail below, the flexible supports 16 are articulated supports 16 and may have an unlocked (or loosened) configuration in which the articulated supports 16 may be formed into a desired shape or profile, and a locked (or tensioned) configuration in which the articulated supports 16 retain their shape.

As mentioned, the supports 16 as rigid supports 16 and/or flexible supports 16 may have various constructions as desired. In one non-limiting example, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, the supports 16 are flexible supports 16, such as articulated supports 16. In this non-limiting example, an articulated support 16 may include a plurality of support segments 28, an internal cable 30 extending through the plurality of support segments 28, a cable anchor 32, and a cable toggle 34. The number of support segments 28 included with the articulated support 16 should not be considered limiting, and in various embodiments, the number of support segments 28 may be controlled to control a relative distance and/or positioning of the dock 14 relative to the base 12.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, in certain embodiments, adjacent ends 36, 38 of adjacent support segments 28 may include engagement features 40, 42 that prevent or restrict relative movement of the adjacent support segments 28 when the engagement features 40, 42 are engaged. Optionally, the engagement features 40, 42 provide incremental changes in relative position between the adjacent support segments 28, although it need not be incremental in other embodiments. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, the engagement features 40, 42 are teeth 44, 46; however, in other embodiments, other suitable engagement features may be utilized, such as but not limited to ribs and grooves, pins and apertures, and/or other features as desired.

The internal cable 30 extends through the plurality of support segments 28 and includes at least the cable anchor 32. The internal cable 30 may be selectively tensioned or loosened to control relative positioning of the support segments 28. In some embodiments, the cable toggle 34 may be included to control the tension of the internal cable 30. As a non-limiting example, the cable toggle 34 optionally may be a toggle latch that is selectively raised (FIGS. 7 and 8) or lowered (FIG. 6) to control tension in the internal cable 30. However, in other embodiments, other tension control mechanisms may be utilized as desired. In certain embodiments, in addition to being tensioned or loosened to control shaping of the articulated supports 16 as discussed in detail below, the internal cable 30 optionally may provide the electrical connection (e.g., data and/or power) between the dock 14 and the base 12. In other embodiments, another cable for data and/or power may be provided extending through the support segments 28 (e.g., in adjacent cavities, apertures, etc.), and the internal cable providing data and/or power may not be the cable that tensions the segments 28.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, in the locked or tensioned configuration, the internal cable 30 may be tensioned such that the adjacent support segments 28 are drawn together and such that the engagement features 40, 42 are engaged. As mentioned, engagement between the engagement features 40, 42 prevents or limits relative movement between adjacent support segments 28, thereby locking the support segments 28 into place and retaining the overall shape of the articulated support 16. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the unlocked or loosened configuration, the tension in the internal cable 30 is released, and adjacent support segments 28 may be movable out of engagement and thereby movable relative to each other. As a non-limiting example, in the unlocked configuration, the articulated support 16 may be adjustable from a linear orientation (see, e.g., FIG. 7) to a shaped orientation (see, e.g., FIG. 8). The particular orientations, shaping, and/or adjustment of the articulated support 16 illustrated should not be configured limiting. In other embodiments, other types of flexible supports 16 may have an adjustable shape using various mechanisms and/or features as desired.

Optionally, the articulated supports 16 may be pivotable relative to the base 12 while in the locked configuration, thereby allowing for relative movement between the articulated supports 16 and the dock 14 relative to the base while the articulated supports 16 retain their shape and rigidity. In some embodiments, the pivoting of the articulated supports 16 relative to the base 12 may allow for the docking station to have a stowed configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 1), and a deployed configuration (see, e.g., FIGS. 2-8). In other embodiments, flexible supports 16 may be pivotable and/or otherwise movable relative to the base 12 and/or the dock 14 using various mechanisms as desired.

In the stowed configuration, the articulated supports 16 (and/or other flexible supports 16) and the dock 14 may be folded flat against the base 12. Optionally, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, the electronics enclosure 19 may include channels 21 for partially receiving and/or positioning the supports 16 in the stowed configuration and/or the deployed configuration. In some embodiments, the docking station 10 may be in the stowed configuration for transportation and/or shipping.

In the deployed configuration, the flexible supports 16 may extend outwards from the base 12, and the flexible supports 16 may be shaped to conform to the pool deck, coping, and/or wall as desired and/or to provide the dock 14 within the pool 15. Optionally, a locking mechanism may selectively lock the docking station 10 in the deployed configuration. Various locking mechanisms may be utilized as desired, such as but not limited to a locking pin system, clips, clasps, hooks, and/or other mechanisms as desired. In one non-limiting example, the locking mechanism may be a locking pin system housed in the electronics enclosure 19. In these embodiments, the docking station 10 may be returned to the stowed configuration by unlocking the locking mechanism and pivoting the flexible supports 16 relative to the base 12. In certain embodiments where the supports 16 are rigid, the rigid supports 16 may be rigid and/or may maintain their shape in a deployed configuration.

Referring to FIGS. 1-8, a method of installing the docking station 10 at the pool 15 may include various steps to provide the in-pool dock 14. In some embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, the method optionally includes placing the docking station 10 relative to the pool and while the docking station is in the stowed configuration. The method may include moving the flexible supports 16 and dock 14 from the stowed position to the deployed position (represented by arrow 48). Optionally, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, the flexible supports 16 are articulated and may lock into the deployed position via a locking mechanism (represented by arrows 50).

In various embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 7, when the flexible supports 16 are articulated supports 16, the method includes controlling the articulated supports 16 to be in the unlocked configuration. In one non-limiting example, controlling the articulated supports 16 to be in the unlocked configuration includes releasing the cable toggle 34, represented by arrows 52, to release tension in the internal cable 30.

After the articulated supports 16 are in the unlocked configuration and/or when using other flexible supports 16, the method includes shaping the flexible supports 16 to the shape of the coping 17 and/or the angle of the wall 13 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 8. In certain embodiments, the method optionally includes at least shaping the flexible supports 16 such that they are formed against and around the coping 17. Optionally, in embodiments where the supports 16 are articulated supports 16, the docking station 10 and/or the supports 16 include a shaping tensioner, which may apply a small amount of tension (e.g., less than that applied by the cable toggle 34) such that the articulated supports 16 may be semi-rigid. A non-limiting example of a shaping tensioner may be a spring and/or other suitable device or mechanism. In embodiments with the shaping tensioner, while the cable is not tensioned (e.g., unlocked), the shaping tensioner may apply some tension to the cable such that the articulate supports 16 and/or segments are semi-rigid, which may allow for easier shaping of the segments to the profile of the coping (or as otherwise desired) without the articulated supports 16 falling into disarray before they can be latched into the rigid or locked configuration.

In various embodiments, after the flexible supports 16 are in their desired shape, the method optionally includes controlling the articulated supports to be in the locked configuration when the flexible supports 16 are articulated supports. In one non-limiting example, controlling the articulated supports 16 to be in the locked configuration includes latching the cable toggle 34, represented by arrows 54, to tension the internal cable 30 and rigidify the articulated supports 16 and lock the articulated supports 16 into the desired shape.

The articulated supports 16 as flexible supports 16 with the locked and unlocked configurations may allow for improved shaping such that the articulated supports 16 may conform to the coping and wall angle. In various embodiments, the improved shaping provides improved engagement between the articulated supports 16 and the pool 15 and thus provides a stable support for the in-pool dock 14. In certain embodiments, the articulated supports 16 in the locked configuration may provide support to the in-pool dock 14 without requiring a mechanical anchor other than the weight of the base 12, and in embodiments where the base 12 is the solar panel 22, external power cables are not required.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, in some embodiments, in addition to providing an improved, in-pool, wall-mounted dock 14, the docking station 10 optionally may allow for improved docking with a pool cleaner 56 and deployment of the pool cleaner 56 from the dock 14. Traditional docking stations require vertical engagement between a pool cleaner and the docking station and thus complex navigation control and/or latching mechanisms between the docking station and the pool cleaner. A traditional vertical orientation is illustrated by pool cleaner 56A in FIG. 10. In certain embodiments, the docking station 10 described herein may allow for docking of the pool cleaner 56 while the pool cleaner 56 is in a horizontal orientation (i.e., a nominal front end of the pool cleaner in a direction of travel is facing horizontally or sideways relative to a vertical direction and/or parallel to a pool floor 25). In certain embodiments, the docking station 10 described herein optionally may allow for the pool cleaner 56 to dock in the horizontal orientation while the dock 14 is in a vertical orientation (e.g., elongated in a direction extending perpendicular to the floor 25).

The pool cleaner 56 may be a robotic cleaner using electrical power for movement and cleaning, although in other embodiments the pool cleaner 56 may be a hydraulic self-propelled pool cleaner and/or other type of self-propelled pool cleaner as desired. The pool cleaner 56 generally includes a housing 66 having a nominal front end 68 and back end 69 in a direction of travel, one or more motive elements 70 (e.g., wheels, tracks, combinations thereof, etc.), and one or more cleaning devices (including but not limited to one or more brush assemblies). A motor, pump, filter, control system or controller (e.g., processor and/or memory), and/or various other features or combinations of features may be provided on or within the pool cleaner 65 as desired. In certain embodiments, the pool cleaner 65 includes an on-board power source, such as but not limited to one or more on-board batteries. Non-limiting examples of pool cleaners 10 may include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,316,534, 9,488,154, 8,578,538, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0303810, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

As mentioned, in various embodiments, the pool cleaner 56 includes an onboard controller or control system, which may include one or more processing units and/or one or more memory devices. The processing unit may be various suitable processing devices or combinations of devices including but not limited to one or more application specific integrated circuits, digital signal processors, digital signal processing devices, programmable logic devices, field programmable gate arrays, processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units, and/or a combination thereof. The one or more memory devices may be any machine-readable medium that can be accessed by the processor, including but not limited to any type of long term, short term, volatile, nonvolatile, or other storage medium, and is not to be limited to any particular type of memory or number of memories, or type of media upon which memory is stored. Moreover, as disclosed herein, the term “storage medium,” “storage” or “memory” can represent one or more memories for storing data, including read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic disk storage mediums, optical storage mediums, flash memory devices and/or other machine readable mediums for storing information. The term “machine-readable medium” includes, but is not limited to, portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, wireless channels, and/or various other storage mediums capable of storing that contain or carry instruction(s) and/or data.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, in the horizontal orientation of the pool cleaner 56 (represented by pool cleaner 56), the pool cleaner 56 is arranged such that an axis running from the front end 68 to the back end 69 is generally parallel to the floor 25. In the vertical orientation of the pool cleaner (represented by pool cleaner 56A), the pool cleaner 56A is arranged such that the axis running from the front end 68 to the back end 69 is generally perpendicular to the floor 25.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the docking station 10 and pool cleaner 56 optionally include support features 58, 60 for supporting the pool cleaner 56 on the dock 14 while the pool cleaner 56 is in the horizontal orientation. In some embodiments, the support features 58, 60 include upward-curving hooks on the dock 14 and downward-curving hooks on the pool cleaner 56. In other embodiments, other features may be utilized as the support features 58, 60 as desired. In certain embodiments, the support features 58, 60 may vertically support the pool cleaner 56 on the dock 14 while allowing for horizontal docking and/or deployment of the pool cleaner 56.

In one non-limiting example, and with reference to FIG. 10, a method of docking the pool cleaner 56 with the docking station 10 may include controlling the pool cleaner 56 (e.g., using the onboard controller or control system) such that the pool cleaner 56 drives up the wall 13 (e.g., in a generally vertical direction, or more vertical than horizontal). In certain embodiments, the pool cleaner 56 does not need to know an exact location of the dock 14 on the wall 13 (as with traditional approaches), and the pool cleaner 56 may only need to know or ascertain generally that the dock 14 is horizontally to the left or right of the pool cleaner 56. In these embodiments, the pool cleaner 56 may previously determine the general location of the dock 14, may be provided with a general location of the dock 14 by a user and/or onboard sensors, may ascertain the general location of the dock 14 (e.g., via communication between the docking station 10 and pool cleaner 56), and/or may otherwise know or ascertain the general location of the dock 14 via various other methods as desired.

In various embodiments, at a desired vertical position, the method includes controlling the pool cleaner 56 to be in a generally horizontal orientation (more horizontal than vertical) and facing the dock 14. In some embodiments, the desired vertical position may be a desired depth, such as but not limited to at or below the waterline of the pool 15 and/or otherwise correlated to a depth or vertical position of the in-pool dock 14. In certain embodiments, the desired depth may be a depth of the dock 14 when the pool cleaner 56 was previously deployed form the dock 14. Additionally, or alternatively, the depth may be predefined and/or provided to the pool cleaner 56 (e.g., via sensors, communication, and/or as otherwise desired). In some embodiments, controlling the orientation of the pool cleaner 56 may include causing the pool cleaner 56 to turn from a generally vertical orientation to the generally horizontal orientation, such as but not limited to causing the pool cleaner 56 to rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise 90 degrees.

In certain embodiments, once the pool cleaner 56 is in the horizontal orientation and facing the dock 14, the method includes causing the pool cleaner 56 to drive forward (e.g., generally horizontally along the wall 13) until the pool cleaner 56 is positioned over the dock 14. In various embodiments, the pool cleaner 56 includes a depth sensor, and the pool cleaner 56 may drive forward and horizontally at the desired depth to approach the dock 14 from the side (instead of from below) and until the pool cleaner 56 is positioned over the dock 14. Optionally, once the pool cleaner 56 is properly positioned over the dock 14 (e.g., when the pool cleaner 56 is in proximity to the charging locations 26), the method includes deactivating the motor(s) of the pool cleaner 56, which may allow for the pool cleaner 56 to vertically slide such that the support features 58, 60 are engaged.

In various embodiments, because the pool cleaner 56 is already facing horizontally on the dock 14, a method of deploying the pool cleaner 56 from the dock 14 may include controlling the pool cleaner 56 to drive horizontally off the dock 14.

Exemplary concepts or combinations of features of the invention may include:

• • A. A docking station for a self-propelled pool cleaner comprising a solar panel.
  • B. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the solar panel is configured as a base of the docking station.
  • C. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the solar panel is positionable on a pool deck.
  • D. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the solar panel comprising a gripping member or friction member.
  • E. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the gripping member or friction member comprises one or more rubber features.
  • F. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the solar panel comprises a human-machine interface.
  • G. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the solar panel comprises a display configured to display information to a user.
  • H. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the solar panel is encapsulated.
  • I. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the solar panel comprises means for controlling the temperature of the solar panel.
  • J. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the means for controlling the temperature of the solar panel comprise a thermally-resistant material provided as a cover and/or a system for pumping water through the solar panel.
  • K. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the solar panel comprises means for wireless communication.
  • L. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the docking station comprises a support connecting the base and the dock of the docking station.
  • M. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the support is rigid.
  • N. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the support is flexible.
  • O. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the support is articulated.
  • P. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the solar panel is a walk-on solar panel.
  • Q. A docking station for a self-propelled pool cleaner comprising a support connecting a base and a dock of the docking station.
  • R. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the support is rigid.
  • S. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the support is flexible.
  • T. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the support is articulated.
  • U. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the support comprises an adjustable shape.
  • V. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the support is semi-flexible.
  • W. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the support is configured to extend from a pool deck and along a wall of a pool.
  • X. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the support is adjustable to (i) a shape of coping and (ii) an angle of a wall of the pool.
  • Y. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the support is an articulated support and comprises a locked (or tensioned) configuration and an unlocked (or loosened) configuration, wherein, in the locked configuration, the articulated support is rigid and/or retains its shape, and wherein, in the unlocked configuration, the shape of the articulated support is adjustable.
  • Z. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the support is an articulated support and comprises a plurality of segments and an internal cable.
  • AA. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the plurality of segments comprise teeth or other means providing controlled relative movement.
  • BB. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the internal cable is adjustable between a tensioned configuration and a loosened configuration.
  • CC. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the internal cable is a power cable.
  • DD. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, further comprising a toggle latch for controlling tension in the articulated support.
  • EE. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the support is flexible, and the support and the dock are configured to fold flat against the base in a stowed configuration.
  • FF. The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the support is flexible such that a shape of the support is adjustable and/or such that an orientation of the dock relative to the base is adjustable.
  • GG. A docking station comprising an in-pool dock supported on a wall of the pool without mechanical fasteners.
  • HH. A docking station comprising an in-pool dock configured to supply power to a self-propelled pool cleaner and without external power cables.
  • II. A docking station comprising a base, an adjustable support, and an in-pool dock, wherein the in-pool dock is positionable on a wall of a pool.
  • JJ. A wall-mounted docking station for a self-propelled pool cleaner supported relative to a pool without mechanical fasteners or external power.
  • KK. A docking station that is adjustable to (i) a shape of coping and (ii) an angle of a wall of the pool.
  • LL. A method of docking a self-propelled pool cleaner with a wall-mounted dock, the method comprising:
    • i. causing the self-propelled pool cleaner to climb a wall of a pool;
    • ii. at or proximate a waterline of the pool, controlling the self-propelled pool cleaner to be in a horizontal orientation;
    • iii. causing the self-propelled pool cleaner to move in a horizontal direction to approach the dock.
  • MM. The method of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the self-propelled pool cleaner moves in the horizontal direction at a predetermined depth.
  • NN. The method of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the self-propelled pool cleaner moves in the horizontal direction while maintaining a depth.
  • OO. The method of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, further comprising stopping movement of the self-propelled pool cleaner when the self-propelled pool cleaner is positioned over the dock.
  • PP. The method of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, further comprising deploying the automatic cleaner from the dock while the automatic cleaner is in the horizontal orientation.
  • QQ. A method comprising docking a self-propelled pool cleaner with a wall-mounted dock while the self-propelled pool cleaner is in a horizontal orientation.
  • RR. A method comprising docking a self-propelled pool cleaner with a vertically-oriented dock while the self-propelled pool cleaner is in a horizontal orientation.
  • SS. A method comprising deploying a self-propelled pool cleaner from a wall-mounted dock while the self-propelled pool cleaner is in a horizontal orientation.
  • TT. A pool system comprising a wall-mounted dock and a self-propelled pool cleaner, wherein the wall-mounted dock comprises an upward-curving hook and wherein the self-propelled pool cleaner comprises a downward-curing hook, wherein the automatic cleaner is configured to dock with and deploy from the dock while in a horizontal orientation.
  • UU. A docking station for a self-propelled pool cleaner comprising a base positionable on a surface above a pool or spa, a dock for a pool cleaner positionable within water of the pool, and a support connecting the base and the dock and conforming to coping of the pool or spa.
  • VV. Non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising a plurality of instructions executable by one or more processors, which, when executed on the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform actions comprising the method of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements.

These examples are not intended to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or restrictive in any way, and the invention is not limited to these example embodiments but rather encompasses all possible modifications and variations within the scope of any claims ultimately drafted and issued in connection with the invention (and their equivalents). For avoidance of doubt, any combination of features not physically impossible or expressly identified as non-combinable herein may be within the scope of the invention. Further, although applicant has described devices and techniques for use principally with pool cleaners, persons skilled in the relevant field will recognize that the present invention conceivably could be employed in connection with other objects and in other manners. Finally, references to “pools” and “swimming pools” herein may also refer to spas or other water containing vessels used for recreation, training, or therapy and for which cleaning of debris is needed or desired.