Pool cleaner with detachable scrubber assembly

ES 2 637 643 T3

DESCRIPTION

Scraper brush set for a pool cleaner

Background

Automatic pool cleaners include components to drive pool cleaners along the floor and side walls of a pool, either randomly or deliberately. For example, conventional pressure side cleaners and suction cleaners often use hydraulic turbine assemblies as drive systems to drive one or more wheels. Robotic cleaners often include a motor or other mechanical system powered by an external power source to drive one or more wheels.

With respect to pressure side cleaners and vacuum cleaners, cleaner vacuum systems (for example, for vacuuming debris from the floor and side walls and depositing debris in a debris bag or waste container) are often integrated with drive systems. As a result, changes that occur in the drive system, such as turning or reversing actions, can affect the vacuum system. In some conventional pool cleaners, the vacuum systems are only capable of sucking up debris during the forward movement of the pool cleaner.

With respect to robotic cleaners, scraper brush assemblies are often used as wheels to drive the cleaners. Scraper brush assemblies also assist vacuum systems by agitating debris along the surfaces swept by the cleaner to facilitate debris collection. These types of pool cleaners cannot function without the scraper brush assemblies present because they are an essential part of the drive systems.

Summary

Some embodiments of the disclosure provide a pool cleaner including a frame, front wheel assembly, spur gear, and scraper brush assembly in accordance with the invention. The chassis includes a front axle and the front wheel assembly can rotate around the front axle. The front wheel assembly also includes internal teeth. The spur gear engages with the inner teeth so that the rotation of the front wheel assembly causes the spur gear to rotate. The scraper brush assembly is removably applied to the chassis and is applicable with the spur gear when coupled to the chassis such that rotation of the spur gear causes rotation of the scraper brush assembly.

In accordance with some embodiments, a scraper brush assembly for a pool cleaner includes a center shaft, a rotary cylinder, a first pinion gear, and a first end bracket. The rotating cylinder is positioned around the central shaft and includes a spur gear internal profile. The first pinion gear engages with the internal gear profile of the rotary cylinder and is positioned outside the center of the central shaft. The first end bracket engages a first end of the center shaft and is rotatable about the first pinion gear.

Some embodiments of the description provide a pool cleaner for use in a pool or spa. The pool cleaner includes a chassis, a front wheel assembly, and a scraper brush assembly in accordance with the invention. The chassis includes a front axle and the front wheel assembly can rotate around the front axle to drive the pool cleaner. The scraper brush assembly may engage the internal gear teeth of the front wheel assembly so that rotation of the front wheel assembly causes rotation of the scraper brush assembly. The scraper brush assembly includes at least one pinion gear and at least one end swivel bracket around the at least one pinion gear to substantially lift the scraper brush assembly over objects in the pool or spa.

Description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a pool cleaner in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the pool cleaner of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a partial front perspective view of the pool cleaner of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a partial rear perspective view of the pool cleaner of Figure 1.

Figure 5A is a side cross-sectional view of the pool cleaner of Figure 1.

Figure 5B is a rear cross-sectional view of the pool cleaner of Figure 1.

ES 2 637 643 T3

Figure 5C is a top cross-sectional view of the pool cleaner of Figure 1.

Figure 6A is a perspective view of a lower manifold for use with a pool cleaner in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6B is a side cross-sectional view of the lower manifold of Figure 6A.

Figure 7A is a perspective view of a scraper brush assembly of the pool cleaner of Figure 1.

Figure 7B is a partial perspective view of the scraper brush assembly of Figure 7A.

Figure 7C is a partial perspective view of the pool cleaner of Figure 1.

Figure 8A is a perspective view of a scraper brush assembly for use with a pool cleaner in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8B is a partial perspective view of the scraper brush assembly of Figure 8A.

Figure 8C is another partial perspective view of the scraper brush assembly of Figure 8A.

Figure 9 is a partial bottom perspective view of the pool cleaner of Figure 1.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a timer assembly of the pool cleaner of Figure 1.

Figure 11 is a side cross-sectional view of a timer disk assembly of the timer assembly of Figure 10.

Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the timer assembly of Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a turbine assembly of the pool cleaner of Figure 1.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a timer valve gearbox of the timer assembly of Figure 10.

Figure 15 is a partial perspective view of the timer valve gearbox of Figure 14.

Detailed description

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a pool cleaner 10 in accordance with an embodiment provided with a scraper brush assembly of the invention. The pool cleaner 10 may be a side pressure pool cleaner powered by a filtration pump of a pool system or a booster pump and may be capable of automatically cleaning debris from a floor and / or sides of a pool or spa. . Pool cleaner 10 may include precise directional control, improved suction, and additional cleaning capabilities.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pool cleaner 10 may include a cover assembly 12, including a front cover 14, a rear cover 16, a front grill 18, an upper cover 20, a lower cover 22 and two side covers 24, 26. The pool cleaner 10 may also include two front wheel assemblies 28 and two rear wheel assemblies 30. The front wheel assemblies 28 may include wheels 32 that rotate about stationary axles 34 through hub assemblies 35, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The front wheel assemblies 28 may include inner teeth 36 and each may be driven by a rotating shaft 38 of a hydraulic turbine assembly 40 (as shown in Figure 4) engaging the inner teeth 36. In one embodiment, the outer portion of each wheel 32 can be substantially smooth. In another embodiment, the outside of each wheel 32 may include treads for better traction across the pool surface. The rear wheel assemblies 30 are freely rotatable about stationary rear axles 42 through hub assemblies 43 and may also include substantially smooth or patterned outer portions. The four wheel design of the pool cleaner 10 can provide better stability and resistance to tilt, compared to conventional three wheel pool cleaners. In some embodiments, the cover assembly 12 and the wheel assemblies 28, 30 may be constructed of plastic or similar materials. In addition to the water turbine wheel assembly 40, the movement of the pool cleaner may be driven by water ejected through push jets and / or push jet holes, such as a rear push jet 44, as shown in FIG. 2, or a forward push hole 46, as shown in FIG. 1.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate pool cleaner 10 with cover assembly 12 and wheel assemblies 28, 30 removed. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the pool cleaner 10 may include a chassis 48 that can

ES 2 637 643 T3 provides structural support for the cover assembly 12 and other components of the pool cleaner 10, as well as the stationary axles 34, 42 for the front wheel assemblies 28 and the rear wheel assemblies 30, respectively. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, chassis 48 may include receiving holes 50 to receive fasteners for coupling cover assembly 12 to chassis 48. For example, at least some of the components of the cover assembly 12 can be attached to the chassis 48 using fasteners and receiving holes 50. In addition, some of the components of the cover assembly 12 may be supported by the chassis 48 and held in position by other components of the cover assembly 12. The pool cleaner 10 may also include rotary thrust jets 52 (for example in fluid communication with the thrust jet holes 53 in the cover assembly 12, as shown in Figure 2), a float 54, a mast 56 supply connected to a distributor manifold 58, a sweep hose fitting 60 to receive a sweep hose (not shown), a venturi vacuum assembly 62, a timer assembly 64, and a scraper brush assembly 66. In addition, in some embodiments, an inner side of front grill 18 may include a front push jet (not shown) in fluid communication with front push port 46. The forward push jet can be integrated with the front grill 18 or a separate piece.

The supply mast 56 can be attached to a hose (not shown) that receives pressurized water from the pool pump or booster pump. Supply mast 56 may direct pressurized water to manifold 58 for further distribution to specific components of pool cleaner 10. For example, as shown in Figures 5A-5C, manifold 58 may include at least one inlet 68 coupled to supply mast 56, one outlet 70 fluidly connected to the sweep hose fitting, one or more outlets 72 fluidly connected to venturi vacuum assembly 62 and one or more outlets 74 fluidly connected to timer assembly 64. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the manifold 58 may be substantially ring-shaped and may surround the venturi vacuum assembly 62. In some embodiments, the supply mast 56 may be coupled to the manifold 58 by a press fit and / or by fasteners. Additionally, in some embodiments, the supply mast 56 may also be coupled, or alternatively, to the chassis 48 by a press fit and / or fasteners.

In some embodiments, the venturi vacuum assembly 62 can vacuum, or collect, debris from the pool surface and deposit the debris in a debris collection system (not shown) coupled to a suction mast 76. As shown in Figures 5A-5B, the venturi vacuum assembly 62 may include the suction mast 76, one or more venturi nozzle assemblies 78, and a clamp collar 80. The suction mast 76 may be substantially cylindrical with an open lower end 82 and an open upper end 84. The clamping collar 80 can be removably coupled to the open upper end 84 of the suction mast 76 and can be used to secure the clamping system. waste collection, such as a waste bag or waste tank, to the suction mast 76 to collect the recovered waste. Venturi nozzle assemblies 78 may engage or integrate with suction mast 76 near open lower end 84 and may each include one or more jet nozzles 86 that provide a flow of pressurized water (eg from manifold 58). through the suction mast 76 in order to create a pressure difference, or venturi effect, within the suction mast 76. The pressure difference can cause a suction effect to suck debris directly under and surrounding the open lower end 82 of the suction mast 76. In one embodiment, the suction mast 76 may include silhouettes 87 to receive the nozzle assemblies 78, as shown in FIG. 5A. In addition, in some embodiments, the bottom cover 22 may provide a substantially conical opening 88 tapering inwardly toward the open bottom end 82 of the suction mast 76, as shown in Figures 5A-5B.

Conventional side pressure pool cleaners generally include a single stage venturi system, where the jet nozzles are positioned along a single horizontal plane. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5B, the venturi vacuum assembly 62 may provide multiple stages of jet nozzles 86, where each stage is along a horizontal plane and is offset vertically from another stage. The multi-stage venturi vacuum assembly 62 can more effectively suck debris from the pool surface, through the suction pole 76, and into the debris bag or box compared to single venturi systems. single stage. More specifically, the multi-stage venturi vacuum assembly 62 can increase the flow of water through the suction mast 76 and, in turn, provide improved suction for debris beyond the size and geometry limits for venturi systems. a single stage. For example, a first stage of jet nozzles 86 can lift debris into the suction mast 76 and a second stage of jet nozzles 86 can help move debris into the debris collection system. In addition, the conical opening 88 tapering outward from the open lower end 82 can allow larger debris to enter the venturi vacuum assembly 62.

Figures 5A-5B illustrate the venturi vacuum cleaner assembly 62, in accordance with one embodiment, with two stages of jet nozzles 86. Each stage may include two jet nozzles 86 directed at an upward angle. For example, the first stage of the jet nozzles 86 can be positioned adjacent the conical opening 88 of the lower cover 22, below the open lower end 82 of the suction mast 76. The angles of the two first stage jet nozzles 86 may intersect at a point P1 slightly above the conical opening 88 (eg, within the suction mast 76), as shown in FIG. 5B. The second stage jet nozzles 86 may be positioned around the periphery of the suction mast 76, near the open lower end 82 of the suction mast 76 (for example, vertically above the first jet nozzles 86

ES 2 637 643 T3 stage). The angles of the two second stage jet nozzles 86 may intersect at a point P2 which is above the intersection point P1 of the first stage jet nozzles 86. In operation, pressurized water is expelled through first stage venturi jets 86 for initial suction of debris directly below and / or around conical opening 88. Pressurized water is also expelled through second stage venturi jets 86 for additional suction action to lift debris through suction mast 76 and into the debris collection system.

In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 6A-6B, the venturi vacuum assembly 62 may include a separate lower manifold 90 that can be snap fit or attached to the suction mast 76 and / or the lower cover 22. The lower manifold 90 may include conical opening 88 with a first stage of jet nozzles 86 and a cylindrical section 92, positioned above conical opening 88, which includes a second stage of jet nozzles 86. In such embodiments, the venturi vacuum assembly 62 may also include connector assemblies (not shown), which provide fluid paths from the outlet ports 72 of the manifold 58 to the jet nozzles 86. In other embodiments, jet nozzles 86 and / or conical section 88 can be integrated with suction mast 76. In addition, in some embodiments, the jet nozzles 86 may be aligned with the conical section 88, the suction mast 76, and / or the lower manifold 90, as shown in Figures 5A-5B, or the jet nozzles 86 may extend outwardly from conical section 88, suction mast 76, and / or lower manifold 90, as shown in Figures 6A-6B.

In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 7A-8C, the scraper brush assembly 66 can be used as an additional cleaning feature of the pool cleaner 10. As the pool cleaner 10 travels along the pool surface, the scraper brush assembly 66 can provide a sweeping and cleaning action against the pool surface to lift and agitate debris. This can increase the amount of debris that is picked up by the venturi vacuum assembly 62. The scraper brush assembly 66 may be connected to the pool cleaner 10 at all times, or it may be detached by a user when cleaning is deemed unnecessary. More specifically, the pool cleaner 10 can function without the scraper brush assembly 66 attached, unlike many conventional pool cleaners with permanent scraper brushes.

In some embodiments, the scraper brush assembly 66 may include an elastomeric bristle 94 coupled to a rotary cylinder 96. For example, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the elastomeric bristle portions 94 and the rotary cylinder portions 96 they may each include snap fit fittings 98 so that elastomeric bristle 94 can be wrapped around rotary cylinder 96 and respective snap fit fittings 98 coupled together. As shown in Figures 7B and 8C, the scraper brush assembly 66 may also include a center shaft 100, and pinion gears 102, bearings 104, and end brackets 106 at each end of the center shaft 100. The end brackets 106 they can house or at least support one of the pinion gears 102 and can be coupled to the central shaft 100. Center shaft 100 can provide support for rotary cylinder 96 and bearings 104 (eg, ball bearings) can allow free rotation of rotary cylinder 96 around center shaft 100.

Pinion gears 102 may control the rotation of rotary cylinder 96. More specifically, rotary cylinder 96 may include an internal spur gear profile 108 at one or both ends, as shown in Figures 7A and 8A, which can apply the pinion gears 102. At least one of the pinion gears 102 may be engaged with a spur gear 109 that further engages the inner teeth 36 of at least one of the front wheel assemblies 28, as shown in FIG. 7C. As a result, the forward and / or backward rotation of the front wheel assemblies 28 can drive the rotation of the rotary cylinder 96 in the same direction. Pinion gear 102 may engage spur gear 109 through pinion gear shaft 110. Spur gear 109 may extend through a bearing 111 positioned in chassis 48 to engage pinion gear shaft 110. In addition, a bracket 113 can be positioned adjacent the front wheel assembly 28 to support the spur gear 109.

As discussed above, the scraper brush assembly 66 can be removed or detached from the pool cleaner 10. For example, the chassis 48 may include a removable part 115, as shown in Figure 3. The removable part 115 can be bolted or otherwise coupled to the chassis 48 around one of the pinion gear shafts 110 (e.g. , on the side opposite the spur gear 109). More specifically, removable part 115 can be removed from chassis 48, scraper brush assembly 66 can then engage with spur gear 109 (for example, to secure scraper brush assembly 66) or stretched from spur gear 109 (for example, to separate scraper brush assembly 66), and then removable part 115 can be reattached to chassis 48. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the pinion gear shaft 110 may be spring-loaded (eg, spaced from the end brackets 106) to aid attachment or detachment of the pool cleaner 10's scraper brush assembly 66. . As a result of the scraper brush assembly 66 being coupled to the chassis 48 by the removable member 115, the scraper brush assembly 66 can be removed or attached to the pool cleaner 10 without requiring removal of one or both of the front wheel assemblies 28. .

As shown in Figures 7A-8C, the pinion gears 102 can be aligned off-center of the center shaft 100. As a result, the end brackets 106, as well as the other components of the gear assembly 66

ES 2 637 643 T3 scraper brush can oscillate about pinion gears 102, allowing scraper brush assembly 66 to lift itself substantially over objects or large debris on the pool surface. In this way, the scraper brush assembly 66 can provide additional floor sweeping during the forward and / or backward movement of the pool cleaner 10 without damaging the pool surface. For example, scraper brush assembly 66 can be raised over large particles to avoid pushing such particles across the pool surface. In addition, the elastomeric bristle 94 can be soft enough not to cause wear along the surface of the pool.

The end brackets 106 of the scraper brush assembly 66 may each include an arm 112 that can limit the oscillation or lift of the scraper brush assembly 66. In some embodiments, the arms 112 can be substantially resilient (eg, acting as spring members). As shown in FIG. 5A, the bottom cover 22 may include a front step 204 and a rear step 206. The front step 204 and / or the rear step 206 can be indentations or curvatures along the length of the bottom cover 22 or indentations located only adjacent to the arms 112. During the forward motion of the pool cleaner 10, the scraper brush assembly 66 may be raised over an object by causing the end brackets 106 to rotate about the pinion gears 102 in a forward direction (e.g., in a forward direction). counterclockwise with respect to the side view shown in Figure 5A). After a certain amount of forward rotation, the arms 112 may contact the front step 204, thus limiting the rotation of the scraper brush assembly 66. The arms 112 may compress against the front step 204 as the pool cleaner 10 continues to move over the object and, in part due to their elasticity, may force the end brackets 106 to rotate back to their original position when passed above the object. Similarly, during rearward movement of pool cleaner 10, scraper brush assembly 66 may be raised over an object causing end brackets 106 to rotate around pinion gears 102 in a rearward direction (e.g., clockwise from the side view shown in Figure 5A). After a certain amount of backward rotation, the arms 112 may contact the rear step 206, thus limiting the rotation of the scraper brush assembly 66. The gravity and / or spring action of the arms 112 may force the end brackets 106 to rotate back to their original rest position when the object has been passed over.

In some embodiments, the timer assembly 64 can control the forward movement, the rotation and the reverse movement of the pool cleaner 10. Timer assembly 64 may also control the timing for each state of motion (eg, forward motion, reverse motion, and one or more spinning motions) of pool cleaner 10. As described above, timer assembly 64 can receive water from manifold 58. Timer assembly 64 can redirect incoming water from manifold 58 to control the state of motion of pool cleaner 10, as described then.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the timer assembly 64 may include a timer disk assembly 114 and a timer valve gear case 116. Timer disk assembly 114 can provide fluid path alignment between incoming water from manifold 58 and different outlet ports 118-128, as shown in Figure 11, for control of the moving state of cleaner 10. pool. Timer valve gearbox 116 may provide a hydraulic timer that controls the alignment of the fluid paths in timer disk assembly 114 so that pool cleaner 10 is in a state of motion specific to an assembly or a predetermined period of time.

As shown in Figures 9-12, the timer disk assembly 114 may include an outer housing 130, such as an upper cover 132 and a lower cover 134. The outer housing 130 may include an inlet port 136, as shown. in FIG. 12, it can receive water from the manifold 58 and a plurality of outlet ports 118-128 that can provide water to one or more locations of the pool cleaner 10, as described below. The inlet port 136 and outlet ports 118-128 may be merely ports that extend through a portion of the outer housing 130 or may also include extensions to the outer housing 130 to facilitate mating connectors (e.g., a connector from manifold 138 or a chassis connection 140) or orifice elbows 142 to outer housing 130. In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the outer housing 130 may include four outlet ports 118-124 that extend through the top cover 132 and two outlet ports 126, 128 that extend through bottom cover 134. In addition, the O-rings 144 can be positioned between the port elbows 142 and the outer housing 130 such that water exiting the outlet ports 118-126 can only exit through the port elbows 142. In some embodiments, some of the orifice elbows 142 may be replaced with self-contained connectors or connectors integrated with the chassis 48 or cover assembly 12 (not shown).

The outer housing 130 may be substantially sealed, for example by means of one or more gaskets 146, snap fit and / or fasteners (not shown) so that water entering the inlet port 136 can only exit the outer housing 130 through outlet ports 118-128. The internal components of the timer disk assembly 114, as further described below, can control which outlet ports 118-128 water can exit. More specifically, the internal components

ES 2 637 643 T3 can periodically lock or unlock one or more of the outlet ports 118-128 and the pool cleaner 10 may be operated in a specific state of motion depending on which outlet ports 118-128 are blocked and unlocked.

In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the timer disc assembly 114 may include one or more timer discs 148, 150, a spring 152, one or more hole seal liners 154, a gear 156 pinion and a pinion gear shaft 158. Timer disks 148, 150, spring 152, bore seal liners 154, and pinion gear 156 may be substantially contained by outer housing 130. Pinion gear shaft 158 ​​may extend through outer housing 130 and into timer valve gear case 116. As further described below, pinion gear shaft 158 ​​may be rotated by components within timer valve gear case 116. Rotation of pinion gear shaft 158 ​​can cause rotation of pinion gear 156 within outer housing 130, and one or both of the timer discs 148, 150 can be rotated by pinion gear 156. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the larger timer disk 148 may include a toothed portion 160 that engages the pinion gear 156. In addition, the larger timer disk 148 can be coupled or engaged with the smaller timer disk 150 so that both timing disks 148, 150 can rotate in unison.

Each of the timer disks 148, 150 may include one or more slots 162 extending therethrough, as shown in FIG. 12. The slots 162 may be located along the timer disks 148, 150 so that, during respective rotations of the timer disks 148, 150, the slots 162 can align with one or more of the holes 118-128 of outlet, allowing water to exit the outer housing 130 through respective outlet ports 118-128 and / or timer disks 148, 150 can substantially block one or more of outlet ports 118-128, preventing water from exiting the outer housing 130 through the respective outlet holes 118-128. The orifice seal liners 154 can be positioned between the outlet ports 118-128 and the timer discs 148, 150 in order to allow water to exit through the outlet ports 118-128 only when one of the slots 162 of the timer discs 148, 150 is aligned with the respective outlet ports 118-128. The spring 152 can substantially force the timer discs 148, 150 away from each other and against the outer housing 130. This can result in a better seal between the orifice seal liners 154 and the timer discs 148, 150 . In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 12, the outer housing 130 may include outlined cavities 164 that can each receive at least a portion of a hole seal liner 154 to maintain the hole seal liner 154 correctly positioned. adjacent to outlet ports 118-128 and prevent port seal liner 154 from moving during rotation of timer discs 148, 150.

In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, each of the hole seal liners 154 may include an elastomeric piece 166 molded over a lower density liner 168. When the stationary hole seal liner 154 is in contact with one of the rotating timer discs 148, 150, the lower density liner 168 may provide (for example, from shear stresses) between the seal liner 154 of orifice and rotary timer disk 148, 150 compared to conventional seals using only one elastomeric piece. This can reduce wear and increase the life of the orifice seal liner 154. The elastomeric piece 166 of the bore seal liner 154 may act as a spring to apply the seal between the bore seal liner 154 and the outlet bore 118-128. As shown in FIG. 12, each hole seal liner 154 can include two holes and, as a result, can seal one or two exit holes 118-128. In some embodiments, the one or more orifice seal liners 154 may include a single hole such that one or more exit ports 118-128 can align with its own respective orifice seal liner 154.

As described above, the pool cleaner 10 can be operated in a specific state of motion depending on which of the outlet ports 118-128 are locked and unlocked. More specifically, some of the outlet ports 118-128 may direct different thrust jets from the pool cleaner 10 such that, when an outlet port 118-128 is unblocked, the water may exit the pool cleaner 10 through its respective thrust jet 44, 52 and / or thrust jet orifice 46, 53. Push jets 44, 52 and / or push jet holes 46, 53 may be positioned along pool cleaner 10 to direct water out of pool cleaner 10 in a specific direction providing propulsion assistance. For example, the rear push jet 44 may be positioned along the pool cleaner 10 to direct pressurized water away from the rear of the pool cleaner 10 to aid in forward movement. The twist thrust jets 52 and twist thrust jet holes 53 can be positioned on either side of the pool cleaner 10 to direct pressurized water away from the side of the pool cleaner 10 to aid in the turning movement. The forward thrust jet can be positioned along the pool cleaner 10 to direct pressurized water away from the front of the pool cleaner 10 to aid in rearward movement.

In addition, one or more of the outlet ports 118-128 may direct the hydraulic turbine assembly 40 of the cleaner.

ES 2 637 643 T3 pool, as further described below. Due to the sealing between the upper cover 132 and the lower cover 134, the sealing between each of the outlet ports 118-128 and the port elbows 142 and / or connectors 138, 140 and the wear port seal liners 154 minimum between the timer discs 148, 150 and outlet ports 118-128, the timer disc assembly 114 can remain substantially leak-proof. As a result, the water exiting through the outlet ports 118-128 can remain at optimum pressure, providing improved propulsion assistance as well as improved driving force for the turbine assembly 40.

As described above, the pool cleaner 10 may include the first rear spin push jet 52, the second rear spin push jet 52, the rear push jet 44, and the forward push jet (not shown). The pool cleaner 10 may also include the push jet ports 46, 53 in fluid communication with the rear push jets 52 and the forward push jet, respectively. One of the outer port elbows 142 coupled to the outlet ports 118 or 124 may be fluidly connected to the rear thrust jet 44 to aid the forward propulsion of the pool cleaner 10 (i.e., the forward motion state). in front of). One of the inner bore elbows 142 coupled to the outlet port 120 or 122 may be fluidly connected to the first rotary push jet 52 and the other of the inner bore elbows coupled to the outlet port 122 or 120 may be connected. fluidly to the second rear push jet 52. The slots 162 may be located in the timer disk 148 such that only one of the outlet ports 120, 122 is unlocked at a time. As a result, when one of the outlet ports 120, 122 is unlocked, the water will be directed to one of the twist thrust jets 52 to help turn the pool cleaner 10 (i.e., one of the motion states of turn). The lower port elbow 142 coupled to the outlet port 126 may be fluidly connected to the forward thrust jet to aid in the rearward propelling of the pool cleaner 10 (ie, the backward motion state). The timer disks 148, 150 may be positioned relative to each other so that when the lower outlet port 126 is unblocked (for example, allowing water to exit the pool cleaner 10 through the forward push jet), the four upper outlet ports 118-124 are blocked (eg, blocking water from exiting the pool cleaner 10 through the back push jet 44 or twist push jets 52). In addition, the slots 162 may be located in the timer disks 148, 150 such that one of the outer outlet ports 118, 124 can be substantially unlocked as long as one of the inner outlet ports 120, 122 is unlocked.

In some embodiments, the push jets 44, 52 can be separate pieces coupled to the pool cleaner 10 or the push jets 44, 52 can be integrated with the chassis 48 or cover assembly 12. Furthermore, the forward thrust jet may be integral with the front grille 18 so that it is in direct fluid communication with the forward thrust jet port 46 and the rotary thrust jet ports 53 can be aligned with the thrust jets 52. rotation. As a result, the forward thrust jet and twist thrust jets 52 cannot extend outwardly from the cover assembly 12. The fluid connections between the orifice elbows 142 (and / or connectors 138, 140) and the push jets 44, 52 (and / or other inlets / outlets of the pool cleaner 10) can be made through a tube or connections. similar (not shown). In other embodiments, the forward thrust jet and / or twist thrust jets 52 may extend through the cover assembly such that the thrust jet ports 46, 53 are not needed. Similarly, in other embodiments, the rear push jet 44 may remain enclosed within the cover assembly 12 and may be aligned with a rear push jet hole (not shown) along the cover assembly 12.

As discussed above, one or more of the outlet ports 118-128 may be fluidly connected to the hydraulic turbine assembly 40 via port elbows 142, connectors 140, etc. to provide water pressure to drive the hydraulic turbine assembly 40 in a forward direction and / or a backward direction. The hydraulic turbine assembly 40 may include a turbine wheel 172 and the turbine shaft 38. Turbine wheel 172 may be housed within a turbine housing 174 that may be wholly or partially detached from or integrated with chassis 48 and / or cover assembly 12. The turbine shaft 38 may be pinion-shaped or otherwise threaded and may engage the inner teeth 36 of the front wheel assemblies 28, as described above. The rotation of the turbine shaft 38 can cause the front wheel assemblies 28 to rotate and drive the pool cleaner 10. Turbine housing 174 may include one or more openings 176, 178 to allow a stream of incoming water through turbine housing 174. This incoming water stream can be directed towards the turbine wheel 172 to cause the rotation of the turbine wheel 172 and therefore causes the rotation of the turbine shaft 38.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the turbine housing 174 may include a first opening 176 and a second opening 178. The first opening 176 can be fluidly connected to an upper outer port elbow 142 such that, When the respective outlet port 118 is unblocked, water can be directed to the turbine housing 174 to drive the pool cleaner 10 in a forward motion. The second opening 178 may be fluidly connected to the lower connector 140 such that, when the respective outlet port 128 is unblocked, water can be directed to the turbine housing 174 to drive the pool cleaner 10 in a rearward direction. Timer disks 148, 150 can be positioned relative to each other so that only one of the openings 176, 178 can receive incoming water

IS 2 637 643 T3 at the same time. In some embodiments, water may leak from one side of the turbine housing 174 after entering one of the openings 176, 178 to drive the turbine wheel 172.

In some embodiments, the timer valve gearbox 116 may be used to drive the rotation of the timer discs 148, 150. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the timer valve gearbox 116 may include a gearbox housing 182, such as a bottom plate 184 and an upper cover 186 coupled together by a snap-fit ​​coupling. clamping (not shown) or other coupling methods, a paddle wheel 188, a paddle wheel shaft 190, paddle wheel bearings 192 and a gear train 194 that includes a plurality of gears 196 rotatable about one or more shafts 198. The gearbox housing 182 may include an inlet 200 and an outlet 202 to allow a current of water circulates through gear case 116. The paddle wheel 188 can be positioned in line with the stream of water so that the water causes the paddle wheel 188 to rotate. Rotation of paddle wheel 188 can apply gear train 194 to cause rotation of gear train 194 (eg, paddle wheel 188 can act as the drive gear for gear train 194). The number and position of the gears 196 can provide a desired gear ratio relative to the paddle wheel 188 to achieve a speed and torque required to run the timer discs 148, 150 at a desired speed. A final gear 196 of gear train 194 can be coupled to pinion shaft 158 ​​of timer disk assembly 114 through final gear shaft 198 extending through top cover 186. As a result, the rotation of the final gear shaft 198 can cause the rotation of the timer discs 148, 150. In one embodiment, a desired rotational speed of final gear 196 can be about 0.9 revolutions per minute. The rotational speed may vary depending on the original rotational speed of the paddle wheel 188, which is based on the incoming stream of water. As a result, changes in the pool pump or booster pump outlet pressure can sometimes affect the speed of rotation of the timer discs 148, 150.

Timer valve gearbox 116 and timer disk assembly 114 can achieve desired cycles of forward, reverse, and rotating states. Timer valve gearbox 116 (eg, gear ratios) can be designed to achieve optimum cycle time necessary for efficient cleaning. For example, a complete cycle can be considered as follows: turn right, turn back, turn right, move forward, turn left, move back, turn left, move forward. The time in each state of motion may depend on the rotation of the timer disks 148, 150 as well as the size of the slots 162 (ie, the amount of time that each outlet port 118-128 is blocked or unblocked). This precise timing and motion cycle can allow the pool cleaner 10 to efficiently clean the pool in a substantially random motion, improving pool coverage and cleaning time. In addition, the timer valve gearbox 116 and the timer disk assembly 114 may be independent of the venturi vacuum assembly 62. As a result, the pool cleaner 10 can constantly suck up debris during all states of motion, as compared to conventional pool cleaners that require a no-vacuum period for backward and / or spinning motion.