Automatic swimming pool cleaner systems with water detection mechanisms

Abstract

A self-propelled pool cleaner may be operable in a swimming pool or spa and includes one or more metal components which contact water during use of the self-propelled swimming pool cleaner. The self-propelled pool cleaner may detect water using the metal component. In some cases, the metal component has a primary function other than water sensing.

That which is claimed: 
     
         1 . A self-propelled pool cleaner comprising at least one metal component configured to contact water, wherein the self-propelled pool cleaner is configured to detect water using the metal component, wherein the metal component has a primary function other than water sensing. 
     
     
         2 . The self-propelled pool cleaner of  claim 1 , wherein the metal component is configured to perform part of a navigation operation, water chemical sensing, and/or a cleaning operation of the self-propelled pool cleaner. 
     
     
         3 . The self-propelled pool cleaner of  claim 1 , wherein the metal component is a pump of the self-propelled pool cleaner. 
     
     
         4 . The self-propelled pool cleaner of  claim 3 , wherein the metal component is a pump motor housing of the pump. 
     
     
         5 . The self-propelled pool cleaner of  claim 1 , wherein the metal component is a traction motor of the self-propelled pool cleaner. 
     
     
         6 . The self-propelled pool cleaner of  claim 5 , wherein the metal component is a traction motor housing of the traction motor. 
     
     
         7 . The self-propelled pool cleaner of  claim 5 , further comprising at least one motive element driven by the traction motor. 
     
     
         8 . The self-propelled pool cleaner of  claim 1 , further comprising a controller configured to detect water based on contact of the metal component with water. 
     
     
         9 . The self-propelled pool cleaner of  claim 1 , wherein the metal component in contact with and at least partially within a waterproof cavity. 
     
     
         10 . A method of controlling a self-propelled pool cleaner, the method comprising detecting water based on contact of a metal component of the self-propelled pool cleaner with water, wherein the metal component has a primary function other than water sensing. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the metal component is a pump of the self-propelled pool cleaner. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the metal component is a housing of the pump. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the metal component is a motor. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the motor is a pump motor or a traction motor. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the metal component is configured to perform part of a navigation operation of the self-propelled pool cleaner. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the metal component is configured to perform part of a water chemical sensing of the self-propelled pool cleaner. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the metal component is configured to perform part of a cleaning operation of the self-propelled pool cleaner. 
     
     
         18 . A self-propelled pool cleaner comprising at least one metal component configured to contact water, wherein the self-propelled pool cleaner is configured to detect water based on contact of the metal component with water, and wherein the at least one metal component comprises at least one of a motor or a pump of the self-propelled pool cleaner with water. 
     
     
         19 . The self-propelled pool cleaner of  claim 18 , wherein the metal component is the motor, and wherein the motor is a traction motor. 
     
     
         20 . The self-propelled pool cleaner of  claim 18 , wherein the metal component is the pump.