EP0205697A1 - Reinigungsgerät für eine Unterwasser-Oberfläche und Verfahren zur Bewegung dieses Gerätes über die Oberfläche - Google Patents

Reinigungsgerät für eine Unterwasser-Oberfläche und Verfahren zur Bewegung dieses Gerätes über die Oberfläche Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0205697A1
EP0205697A1 EP85304564A EP85304564A EP0205697A1 EP 0205697 A1 EP0205697 A1 EP 0205697A1 EP 85304564 A EP85304564 A EP 85304564A EP 85304564 A EP85304564 A EP 85304564A EP 0205697 A1 EP0205697 A1 EP 0205697A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
flow
flow path
inlet
auxiliary
valve
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP85304564A
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English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Daniel Jean Valere Denis Chauvier
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to EP85304564A priority Critical patent/EP0205697A1/de
Publication of EP0205697A1 publication Critical patent/EP0205697A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
    • E04H4/14—Parts, details or accessories not otherwise provided for
    • E04H4/16—Parts, details or accessories not otherwise provided for specially adapted for cleaning
    • E04H4/1654—Self-propelled cleaners
    • E04H4/1663—Self-propelled cleaners the propulsion resulting from an intermittent interruption of the waterflow through the cleaner

Definitions

  • This invention relates to apparatus for cleaning a surface submerged in a liquid. It also relates to a method of moving the apparatus over the submerged surface.
  • Submerged cleaners which define a flow path between a main inlet and an outlet and which have a flapper valve adapted periodically to vary the rate of flow of a liquid in the flow path are known.
  • the oscillatory operation of the valve causes the rate of flow in the path to vary so that kinetic energy is transferred from the liquid to the cleaner as a result of which the cleaner is displaced along the wall or floor of the swimming pool, for example.
  • a disadvantage of the known cleaners is that the flow path thereof is not an open and unobstructed one, but one obstructed by the oscillatory valve.
  • the valve is also often rendered inoperative by grass, leaves or other suspended matter jamming the oscillatory operation thereof.
  • apparatus for cleaning a surface submerged in a liquid which includes:-
  • the apparatus includes valve means for varying the flow rate through one of the inlets thereby indirectly varying the rate of flow through the other inlet.
  • valve means is adapted periodically to interrupt or vary flow through the auxiliary inlet thereby varying flow through the first inlet and the first flow path.
  • the valve means may be biassed to an open condition and adapted to be urged to a closed condition under the influence of flow through the valve.
  • the apparatus may also comprise a tube defining an auxiliary flow path of . suitable length which is in communication with the first flow path via the auxiliary inlet.
  • the rate of flow through the auxiliary inlet in this embodiment may also be varied by providing an aperture in the tube by means of which the auxiliary flow path communicates with the exterior and then opening and closing the aperture or varying its size.
  • the tube may define a plurality of auxiliary flow paths communicating with the first flow path via the auxiliary inlet
  • the valve means may comprise a pivotally mounted closure element adapted to oscillate between valve seats thereby switching the flow from one of the auxiliary flow paths to the other.
  • the valve means may be adapted periodically to switch the flow from one of these paths to the other.
  • the tube may also communicate with the first flow path via an aperture upstream from the auxiliary inlet, the auxiliary flow path thereby constituting a bypass for the first flow path.
  • the first flow path preferably is an open path, has a substantially uniform bore along the length thereof and is substantially free of any obstructions.
  • the head and the tube constituting the auxiliary flow path are preferably made from a suitable rigid material such as polycarbonate or PVC.
  • valve means is adapted periodically to interrupt or vary flow through the first flow path and the first inlet, thereby varying the flow through the auxiliary inlet.
  • valve means is in the form of a diaphragm, the diaphragm being arranged so that it defines a venturi-type orifice.
  • the diaphragm is biassed to maximising the cross-sectional area of the venturi-type orifice.
  • the diaphragm comprises a resilient material and the outer surface of the diaphragm is in communication with ambient pressure via an aperture in the first flow path.
  • the apparatus may include a tube defining an auxiliary flow path communicating with ambient pressure through a first opening defined in the tube; the auxiliary flow path also communicating with the first flow path through the auxiliary inlet defined in the head and a second opening defined in the tube; the outer surface of the diaphragm communicating with ambient pressure through a further opening defined in the head, the opening in the head communicating with a third opening defined in the tube.
  • the present invention also extends to a method of moving the apparatus as defined hereabove over a submerged surface through transference of kinetic energy.
  • the method comprises the steps of:
  • FIG. I a first embodiment of an apparatus for cleaning the wall or floor of a swimming pool is shown, therein designated generally by reference numeral IO.I.
  • the apparatus Io.I has a head portion 12 which is of a rigid material and defines a linear main flow path 14 therethrough.
  • a swivel coupling 1 8 engages the head portion 12 .
  • a flexible suction hose 2 o is connected to the apparatus Io.I by means of the coupling 1 8.
  • the end 1 6 also defines an outlet 22 for the main flow path 14.
  • the head portion 12 defines a first inlet 2 6 which is engageable with the wall or floor of the swimming pool [not shown].
  • a flexible disc 2 8 is engaged with the head portion 12 at its end 24 to facilitate in maintaining the apparatus Io.I in engagement with the wall or floor.
  • auxiliary inlet 34 is defined in the head portion 12 .
  • This inlet is of more or less the same size as the restriction 32 .
  • a suitable spring loaded valve 3 6 is provided which is biassed to an open condition and which in use automatically opens and closes when suction is applied to the apparatus Io.I by the suction source [not shown] via the hose 20.
  • valve 3 6 With the valve 3 6 in its open condition water flows through the auxiliary inlet 3 6 to join the flow of water in the main flow path 14 on its way to the suction source [not shown].
  • the flow of water past the valve head 3 6b creates a drop in pressure in the region of the inlet thereby creating a bigger pressure differential across the valve head 3 6b. Due to this increased pressure differential the valve head 3 6 will move towards the associated valve seat 3 6c and will close the auxiliary inlet 34 causing the flow of water in the region of the inlet 34 to stop. As a result of this stoppage, the pressure differential will decrease enabling the spring 36a, having a suitable resilience, to force the valve head 3 6b away from the seat 3 6c thereby opening the auxiliary inlet 34 for water to enter again . through the auxiliary inlet 34 .
  • the valve 3 6 As the valve 3 6 periodically opens and closes, the rate of flow of water through the main flow path 14 varies so that kinetic energy is transferred from the water to the apparatus Io.I causing it to be displaced along the wall or floor of the swimming pool.
  • FIG. 2 a further embodiment Io.2 of the apparatus is shown.
  • the apparatus Io.2 is similar to the apparatus Io.I of figure I and is similarly numbered.
  • the auxiliary inlet 34 does not communicate directly with the exterior, but via a tube defining auxiliary flow path 3 8.
  • the tube has the valve 3 6 similar to and operating in a manner similar to the valve 3 6 of embodiment 10 . 1 .
  • valve 3 6 periodically opens and closes the rate of flow of water in the auxiliary flow path 3 8 varies causing the rate of flow in the main flow path 14 to vary so that kinetic energy is transferred from the water to the apparatus Io.2 as a result of which the apparatus Io.2 is displaced along the wall or floor of the swimming pool.
  • the embodiment Io.3 of the apparatus shown therein is similar to that oi figure 2 and is similarly numbered.
  • the free end of the tube is "V" shaped and seated therein is a flapper valve 40 which oscillates between suitable valve seats, one on either side of the "V", when water is sucked through the auxiliary path 3 8.
  • valve 40 oscillates the rate of flow of water in the auxiliary flow path 3 8 varies causing the rate of flow in the main flow path I4 also to vary so that kinetic energy is transferred from the water to the apparatus Io.3 as a result of which the apparatus Io.3 is displaced along the wall or floor of the swimming pool.
  • the embodiment Io.4 shown therein has a main flow path I4 and an auxiiiary flow path 42 in the form of a bypass.
  • the auxiliary flow path communicates with the main flow path 14 via an aperture 44 which is close to the inlet opening 2 6 and at its other end via a down-stream aperture 4 6.
  • a spring loaded valve 4 8 which automatically opens and closes when water is sucked through the auxiliary flow path 42 .
  • the vaive 4 8 operates in a manner similar to the valve 3 6 in embodiments Io.I and I0.2.
  • the flow of water past valve head 48b creates a pressure drop on the downstream side thereof, thereby creating a bigger pressure differential across the valve. Due to this increased pressure differential the valve head 4 8b pivots towards its seat 4 8c and closes the auxiliary flow path 42 thereby stopping the flow of water through the auxiliary flow path 42 .
  • the resilience of spring 4 8a is such that the spring will pull valve head 4 8b away from its seat 4 8c to open the valve 4 8 upon the pressure on the down-stream side of valve 4 8 having risen again due to the water being stationary in the auxiliary flow path 42.
  • valve 4 8 As valve 4 8 periodically opens and closes, the rate of flow of water through the flow path 14 varies so that kinetic energy is transferred from the water to the apparatus Io.4 causing it to be displaced along the wall or floor of the swimming pool.
  • FIG. 5 yet a further embodiment io.5 of the apparatus is shown.
  • the embodiment shown has a main flow path 14 and an auxiliary flow path 50 communicating with the main flow path 14 via aperture 52 and aperture 53, downstream from aperture 52.
  • Diaphragm valve 54 which defines a venturi-type orifice 55 is located within the main flow path 14 with the outer surface of the diaphragm 54 b communicating with ambient pressure via aperture 5 2 .
  • valve 54 As valve 54 periodically opens and closes, the rates of flow of water through the main flow path 14 and the auxiliary flow path 50 vary so that kinetic energy is transferred from the water to the apparatus Io.5 causing it to be displaced along the wall or floor of the swimming pool.
  • auxiliary inlet with its associated valve may be located in the hose 2 o at a position downstream from the end 1 6 of the head portion 1 2.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Jet Pumps And Other Pumps (AREA)
EP85304564A 1985-06-26 1985-06-26 Reinigungsgerät für eine Unterwasser-Oberfläche und Verfahren zur Bewegung dieses Gerätes über die Oberfläche Withdrawn EP0205697A1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP85304564A EP0205697A1 (de) 1985-06-26 1985-06-26 Reinigungsgerät für eine Unterwasser-Oberfläche und Verfahren zur Bewegung dieses Gerätes über die Oberfläche

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP85304564A EP0205697A1 (de) 1985-06-26 1985-06-26 Reinigungsgerät für eine Unterwasser-Oberfläche und Verfahren zur Bewegung dieses Gerätes über die Oberfläche

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0205697A1 true EP0205697A1 (de) 1986-12-30

Family

ID=8194273

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP85304564A Withdrawn EP0205697A1 (de) 1985-06-26 1985-06-26 Reinigungsgerät für eine Unterwasser-Oberfläche und Verfahren zur Bewegung dieses Gerätes über die Oberfläche

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0205697A1 (de)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0475736A1 (de) * 1990-09-11 1992-03-18 Fred International C.V. Hydraulische Maschine
EP0538068A1 (de) * 1991-10-18 1993-04-21 Cleave Corporation Reinigungsgerät für untergetauchte Flächen
US5450645A (en) * 1993-07-09 1995-09-19 Zarina Holdings, C.V. Swimming pool cleaner operating head
US5634229A (en) * 1994-08-22 1997-06-03 Stoltz; Herman Swiming pool cleaner
EP1379743A1 (de) * 2001-03-20 2004-01-14 K.K. Australia Pty Ltd. Verbesserte ventilanordnung für einen automatischen schwimmbeckenreiniger
WO2006020835A2 (en) * 2004-08-13 2006-02-23 Zodiac Pool Care, Inc. Automatic swimming pool cleaners and components thereof

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3258801A (en) * 1965-09-14 1966-07-05 George L Campbell Pool cleaning device
DE2620119A1 (de) * 1976-05-06 1977-11-24 Chauvier Fernand L O J Geraet zum reinigen in fluessigkeit eingetauchter oberflaechen
DE2845416A1 (de) * 1978-12-18 1979-04-19 Helmut Josef Hofmann Vorrichtung zum reinigen von unterwasserflaechen
FR2520422A1 (fr) * 1982-01-26 1983-07-29 Tubsud Automation Sa Appareil de nettoyage automatique d'une surface immergee, en particulier de parois de piscine

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3258801A (en) * 1965-09-14 1966-07-05 George L Campbell Pool cleaning device
DE2620119A1 (de) * 1976-05-06 1977-11-24 Chauvier Fernand L O J Geraet zum reinigen in fluessigkeit eingetauchter oberflaechen
DE2845416A1 (de) * 1978-12-18 1979-04-19 Helmut Josef Hofmann Vorrichtung zum reinigen von unterwasserflaechen
FR2520422A1 (fr) * 1982-01-26 1983-07-29 Tubsud Automation Sa Appareil de nettoyage automatique d'une surface immergee, en particulier de parois de piscine

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0475736A1 (de) * 1990-09-11 1992-03-18 Fred International C.V. Hydraulische Maschine
US5226205A (en) * 1990-09-11 1993-07-13 Fred International C.V. Hydraulic machine
EP0538068A1 (de) * 1991-10-18 1993-04-21 Cleave Corporation Reinigungsgerät für untergetauchte Flächen
US5301380A (en) * 1991-10-18 1994-04-12 Cleave Corporation Cleaning apparatus for submerged surfaces
AU661343B2 (en) * 1991-10-18 1995-07-20 Cleave Corporation Cleaning apparatus for submerged surfaces
US5450645A (en) * 1993-07-09 1995-09-19 Zarina Holdings, C.V. Swimming pool cleaner operating head
US5634229A (en) * 1994-08-22 1997-06-03 Stoltz; Herman Swiming pool cleaner
EP1379743A1 (de) * 2001-03-20 2004-01-14 K.K. Australia Pty Ltd. Verbesserte ventilanordnung für einen automatischen schwimmbeckenreiniger
EP1379743A4 (de) * 2001-03-20 2004-04-14 Australia Pty Ltd Kk Verbesserte ventilanordnung für einen automatischen schwimmbeckenreiniger
WO2006020835A2 (en) * 2004-08-13 2006-02-23 Zodiac Pool Care, Inc. Automatic swimming pool cleaners and components thereof
WO2006020835A3 (en) * 2004-08-13 2006-04-20 Zodiac Pool Care Inc Automatic swimming pool cleaners and components thereof
US7337803B2 (en) 2004-08-13 2008-03-04 Zodiac Pool Care Europe Automatic swimming pool cleaners and components thereof
US7618019B2 (en) 2004-08-13 2009-11-17 Zodiac Pool Care Europe, Sas Automatic swimming pool cleaners and components thereof
AU2005272694B2 (en) * 2004-08-13 2011-05-12 Zodiac Pool Care Europe Sas Automatic swimming pool cleaners and components thereof

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