EP0835357B1 - Systeme de nettoyage automatique de piscines - Google Patents

Systeme de nettoyage automatique de piscines Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0835357B1
EP0835357B1 EP96923620A EP96923620A EP0835357B1 EP 0835357 B1 EP0835357 B1 EP 0835357B1 EP 96923620 A EP96923620 A EP 96923620A EP 96923620 A EP96923620 A EP 96923620A EP 0835357 B1 EP0835357 B1 EP 0835357B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
water
wall surface
water surface
proximate
level control
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP96923620A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0835357A1 (fr
EP0835357A4 (fr
Inventor
Melvyn L. Henkin
Jordan Myron Laby
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
Publication of EP0835357A1 publication Critical patent/EP0835357A1/fr
Publication of EP0835357A4 publication Critical patent/EP0835357A4/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0835357B1 publication Critical patent/EP0835357B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and apparatus suitable for cleaning a swimming pool.
  • the prior art is replete with different types of automatic swimming pool cleaners. They include water surface cleaning devices which typically float at the water surface and can be moved across the water surface for cleaning, as by skimming.
  • the prior art also shows pool wall surface cleaning devices which can rest at the pool bottom and can be moved along the wall (which term should be understood to include bottom and side portions) for wall cleaning, as by vacuuming and/or sweeping.
  • Some prior art assemblies include both water surface cleaning and wall surface cleaning components tethered together.
  • Document US-A-4,154,680 discloses an apparatus for underwater cleaning of a swimming pool wall.
  • the device is characterized by a chassis carrying electric motors.
  • the electric motors drive a traction assembly which propels the chassis along the wall surface.
  • the electric motor is used to create suction for drawing dirt from the wall surface.
  • a controlled diving cell is mounted on the chassis which is powered by the electric motor to facilitate raising the chassis.
  • the chassis is not being operated near the water surface to clean the surface water.
  • Document US-A-4,994,178 describes a heavier-than-water device intended to be drawn in submerged condition through the water by a flexible hose.
  • the device includes a wing assembly which orients the open mouth of a collection bag so that is collets debris from the wall surface.
  • This document does not describe or suggest any mechanism for lifting the heavier-than-water device to the water surface for collecting debris at the water surface. Rather, the device is merely towed so as to enable its bag to collect debris from the wall surface.
  • the present invention is directed to a method and apparatus useful for cleaning a water pool contained in an open vessel defined by a wall having bottom and side portions.
  • Apparatus in accordance with the invention includes (1) a unitary structure or body capable of being immersed in a water pool and (2) a level control subsystem for selectively moving the body to a position either proximate to the surface of the water pool for water surface cleaning or proximate to the interior surface of the vessel wall for wall surface cleaning.
  • Embodiments of the invention can use either a heavier-than-water body or a lighter-than-water body.
  • a heavier-than-water body When a heavier-than-water body is used, the body in its quiescent or rest state typically sinks to a position proximate to the bottom portion of the vessel wall.
  • the level control subsystem In an active state, the level control subsystem produces a vertical force component for lifting the body to proximate to the water surface for operation in a water surface cleaning mode.
  • the body When a lighter-than-water body is used, the body in its quiescent state floats at a position proximate to the water surface. In an active state, the level control subsystem produces a vertical force component for causing the body to descend to proximate the wall bottom portion for operation in a wall surface cleaning mode.
  • Embodiments of the invention preferably also include a propulsion subsystem for producing a nominally horizontal force component for moving the body along (1) a path adjacent to the water surface when the body is in the water surface cleaning mode and (2) a path adjacent to the wall surface when the body is in the wall surface cleaning mode.
  • a propulsion subsystem for producing a nominally horizontal force component for moving the body along (1) a path adjacent to the water surface when the body is in the water surface cleaning mode and (2) a path adjacent to the wall surface when the body is in the wall surface cleaning mode.
  • Preferred embodiments of the invention are configured to be hydraulically powered, either from the pressure or suction side of an external hydraulic pump.
  • Proximal and distal ends of a flexible supply hose are respectively coupled to the pump and body for producing a water supply flow through the body for powering the aforementioned subsystems.
  • the hose is preferably configured so that it typically primarily lies close to the vessel interior wall surface with the hose distal end being dragged along by the movement of the body.
  • the water supply flow is directed by one or more control elements (e.g., valve), to directly or indirectly, create water flows for producing the vertical and horizontal force components respectively needed for level control and propulsion.
  • a preferred propulsion subsystem can define either a normal state in which a force component is produced for moving the body in a forward direction, and a backup state for producing a force component for moving the body in a rearward direction. Water surface and wall surface cleaning typically occurs during the normal propulsion mode.
  • the backup propulsion state is preferably initiated to enable the body to free itself from obstructions.
  • the body preferably carries a water permeable debris container.
  • a flow of surface water is created through the debris container which removes floating debris from the water surface.
  • a water flow from adjacent to the wall surface is created for vacuuming debris from the wall surface.
  • the operating modes of the level control subsystem are preferably switched automatically in response to the occurrence of an event such as the (1) expiration of a time interval, (2) the cycling of the external pump, or (3) a state change of the propulsion subsystem.
  • the operating states of the propulsion subsystem are preferably switched automatically in response to the occurrence of an event such as the expiration of a time interval and/or the interruption of body motion.
  • the present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for cleaning a water pool 1 contained in an open vessel 2 defined by a containment wall 3 having bottom 4 and side 5 portions.
  • Embodiments of the invention utilize a unitary structure or body 6 capable of being immersed in the water pool 1, for selective operation proximate to the water surface 7 (water surface cleaning mode) or proximate to the interior wall surface 8 (wall surface cleaning mode).
  • the unitary body 6 preferably has a hydrodynamically contoured exterior surface for efficient travel through the water.
  • bodies 6 in accordance with the invention can be very differently shaped, it is intended that they be relatively compact in size fitting within a 0.6 m (two foot) cube envelope.
  • Figure 1A depicts a heavier-than-water body 6 which in its quiescent or rest state typically sinks to a position (shown in solid line) proximate to the bottom portion 4 of the vessel wall 3. In an active state, the body 6 is lifted to a position (shown in dash line) proximate to the surface 7 of water pool 1.
  • Figure 1B depicts a lighter-than-water body 6 which in its quiescent or rest state rises to proximate to the surface 7 of water pool 1. In an active state, the body 6 is caused to descend to the bottom 4 portion of wall 3.
  • the active state in either Figure 1A or Figure 1B is typically produced in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention by a water fiow through flexible hose 9 to or from
  • the body 6 is essentially comprised of upper and lower portions, 6U and 6L respectively, spaced in a nominally vertical direction, and front and rear portions, 6F and 6R respectively, spaced in a nominally horizontal direction.
  • a traction means such as wheels 11 are typically mounted adjacent the body lower portion 6L for engaging the wall surface 8.
  • Embodiments of the invention are based, in part, on a recognition of the following considerations:
  • the first three embodiments are configured to be driven from the discharge or positive pressure side of a motor driven hydraulic pump.
  • the fourth embodiment ( Figures 21-27) is configured to be driven from the intake or negative pressure (suction) side of such a pump.
  • FIG. 2 comprises a schematic diagram generally representing the primary functional aspects of preferred systems in accordance with the invention.
  • the system of Figure 2 is shown as primarily including a level control subsystem 14 and a propulsion control subsystem 16.
  • the level control subsystem 14 is comprised of a level mode controller 14A capable of selectively defining either a first mode (water surface level) or a second mode (wall surface level).
  • the mode defined by controller 14A is determined by a user input 14B such as a manual switch or by an event sensor 14C in response to an event such as the expiration of a time interval or the cycling of pump 10.
  • a user input 14B such as a manual switch or by an event sensor 14C in response to an event such as the expiration of a time interval or the cycling of pump 10.
  • the body 6 can be operated in the water surface mode for a one hour interval and then switched to the wall surface mode for a two hour interval.
  • controller 14A controls level control element 14D, e.g., a valve, which causes the body 6 to either ascend to proximate to the water surface or descend to proximate to the wall bottom.
  • level control element 14D e.g., a valve
  • embodiments of the invention can be implemented with the body's rest state being either proximate to the water surface or the wall bottom, the former implementation is presently preferred because when at rest, the body will be unobtrusively out of the way of swimmers.
  • the body 6 Resting on the wall bottom requires that the body 6 sink when it is not powered. It must have its weight low and buoyancy high so it is stable on the water surface and beneath it.
  • the body 6 can be moved from the wall bottom to the water surface by producing a vertical force component, e.g., by an appropriately directed water flow, as will be discussed hereinafter, to push the body to the water surface.
  • the body lift weight and/or buoyancy out of the water as it rises.
  • the vertical lifting force is preferably developed in line with the center of gravity of the body 6 at its operating height. It is desirable to position the weight and/or buoyancy that comes out of the water around and away from the center of gravity so that the body is stable on the water surface.
  • the weight can be provided by filling empty weight cavities in the body with water prior to operation. Such weight cavities can be filled via a tube which permits water to trickle from a pressurized supply flow into each cavity during operation.
  • a suction or negative pressure embodiment can use pump suction to draw a trickle of water through a small hole in the bottom of each weight cavity.
  • Floating the body to the water surface can be accomplished by drawing air into flotation cavities via a small tube.
  • a suction cleaner can use pump suction to draw the water out of the cavities and pull air in.
  • a flexible plastic bag could be placed in each floatation cavity connected to the air tube. Water would never enter the air tubing or bags. As water is pulled out of the cavities, air is pulled into the bags; thus, floating the body.
  • a pressure cleaner can use a pressurized water powered jet pump to draw water out of the cavities and/or pull or pump air into the cavities.
  • the mode controller 14A in addition to controlling level control element 14D, also controls cleaning control element 14E.
  • element 14E e.g.. a valve
  • element 14E. preferably causes wall surface vacuuming and/or sweeping.
  • Water exiting from the body can provide thrust for propulsion and/or holding the device proximate the wall surface to be cleaned.
  • traction means 11 e.g., wheels
  • traction means e.g., wheels
  • This hold down force can be provided by the submerged weight of the body if the vessel floor is relatively flat and the walls are not to be climbed. Otherwise, water flow away from the body having a sufficient directional component perpendicular to the wall surface and/or the pressure differential caused by the surface being in close proximity to the debris path can provide a sufficient hold down force.
  • Water exiting from the body can provide thrust for propulsion or lift.
  • Water exiting from the body can provide thrust for propulsion or lift.
  • Figure 2 also shows the propulsion control subsystem 16 which includes a propulsion state controller 16A capable of selectively defining either a first state (normal) or a second state (backup).
  • the state of controller 16A is determined usually by an event sensor 16B which can respond, for example, to the expiration of a time interval or to some other event such as the interruption of body motion.
  • an event sensor 16B which can respond, for example, to the expiration of a time interval or to some other event such as the interruption of body motion.
  • the body 6 will operate in the normal propulsion state being propelled in a forward direction for say two to five minutes, and then will be switched to the backup state for perhaps 30 seconds, and then will be returned to the normal state.
  • These timing intervals are preferably separately optimized for each different installation. By periodically switching to the backup state, the possibility of the body getting stuck behind some obstruction in the vessel is minimized.
  • the normal toggling of controller 16A can be overridden by a user control 16C.
  • the controller 16A controls a direction control element 16D,e.g. a valve, which develops a forward propulsion force during the normal state and a rearward propulsion force during the backup state.
  • a direction control element 16D e.g. a valve
  • These forces include force components nominally horizontally oriented relative to the body 6 to enable the body to be propelled along the water surface (during the water surface cleaning mode) and along the side and bottom positions of the wall (during the wall surface cleaning mode).
  • An optional steering mechanism 16E can be incorporated to vary the direction of the forward and/or rearward propulsion force components to better randomize the body's travel path. This steering action can include the selective utilization of side thrust water discharge.
  • the body should be able to travel forward, rearward, and to the left and to the right. This can be accomplished by using contact with the pool contours to randomly redirect the body's travel. Skewing the thrust direction to the axis of the cleaner can bias the travel path for a particular pool. However, to minimize the possibility of the cleaner getting stuck, e.g.. in a corner, it is desirable that the cleaner periodically go backward. In addition, to assure complete cleaning coverage, it is preferable to be above to turn to the left and to the right at predetermined intervals, as for example, by selectively discharging the side thrust flows.
  • a timing assembly with a water flow powered turbine driving a gear train can be designed to provide the desired travel path sequence.
  • a variable flow control in the water flow line to the turbine can be adjusted by the user to vary the timing cycle length, e.g., longer for larger pools, shorter for smaller pools.
  • the thrust direction In order to alter the body travel direction, the thrust direction must be changed.
  • One way to do this is to move a rudder and/or a wheel, or a jet nozzle, or the discharge of a jet pump, or redirecting water flow generated by a pump or a propeller relative to the axis of the cleaner.
  • Another way to is to have the timing assembly alter the direction of the thrust by operating a steering valve or valves to create a sequence of pressurized water discharge through differently directed nozzles and/or jet pumps.
  • a third steering method can use the output of the timing assembly to change the directional relationship between the body and the hose supplying pressurized water or drawing water from the body. If the thrust direction relative to the body remains fixed, and the supply hose has mass and stiffness, the torque created by the timing assembly will alter the direction of body travel. In this case, since the hose typically exits from the body horizontally, the body can rotate less than 360 degrees relative to the hose in a first direction and then rotate a like amount in the opposite direction. This can be accomplished by having rotation limits which cause the timing assembly output to reverse direction when said limits are contacted. The timing assembly output can be reversed by changing the turbine flow direction, by shifting gears, or by providing water flow to a second turbine that rotates in the reverse direction.
  • Thrust can also create forces up, down, left, right and back for moving the device on the wall surface, on the water surface, and from one surface to the other.
  • Pump suction is used to drive a flow generator to produce thrust
  • a turbine driven by water drawn through it by pump suction can drive oars, a swimming mechanism, a pump, or a propeller which can move a large mass of pool water at low velocity and which can efficiently produce thrust for a given amount of energy input.
  • FIGS 3 - 8 depict a first embodiment 100 of the invention designed to be powered from the positive pressure side of a motor driven hydraulic pump 10 via a hose 9 ( Figures 1A, 1B).
  • the embodiment 100 is comprised of a unitary body 102 which is primarily formed of upper and lower molded sections 102U and 102L. Lower body section 102L supports three parallel axles 104A, 104B, 104C. Traction wheels 106A, 106B, 106C are mounted for free rotation on axles 104A, 104B, 104C respectively for tangentially engaging interior wall surface 8 ( Figures 1A, 1B).
  • the body 102 defines an inlet supply fitting 110 which is coupled to the distal end of supply hose 9. The proximal end of hose 9 is coupled to the pressure outlet of pump 10.
  • the water flow supplied to inlet fitting 110 from pump 10 is distributed to a plurality of outlets carried by body 102 by tubing 112 (best depicted in Figure 8, omitted from Figures 3 - 7 for clarity purposes).
  • the plurality of outlets include: 1. forward propulsion thrust jet 114 2. rearward ("backup") propulsion thrust jet 116 3. lift jet 118 4. sweep hose 120 5. timing nozzle 122 6. vacuum jet pump nozzle 124 7. skimmer jet pump nozzles 126
  • the body 102 is configured to define a collection path 130 for wall surface debris which extends from a vacuum inlet opening 132 (positioned between wheels 106A and 106B close to the wall surface 8) and a vacuum discharge opening 134 (positioned proximate to the body rear portion 102R below the supply inlet fitting 110)
  • the vacuum jet pump nozzle 124 discharges a high velocity flow into the path 130 toward the discharge opening 134. This action produces a suction at the vacuum inlet opening 132 which draws water and debris from adjacent to wall surface 8 and discharges it through discharge opening 134.
  • the vertical component of the water drawn in through vacuum inlet opening 132 together with the weight of the unit, creates a hold down force acting to urge the traction wheels 106 against the wall surface 8.
  • the body 102 also defines a collection path 136 for surface water and debris. More particularly, the body 102 defines an open skimmer chamber 138 having an entrance 140 positioned between semi-cylindrical projections 142A, 142B. A weir 143 having sides 144A, 144B is mounted adjacent to the entrance 140 positioned between the projections 142A, 142B. The weir 143 is mounted for reciprocal vertical motion relative to the body so that when the body is floating proximate to the water surface, surface water will flow or spill over the weir sides 144A, 144B into the open skimmer chamber 138.
  • the path 136 extends from the entrance 140, through the chamber 138, to a discharge opening 146 positioned adjacent to discharge opening 134 proximate to the body rear portion 102R below the supply inlet fitting 110.
  • the skimmer jet pump nozzles 126 discharges a high velocity flow into path 136 toward the discharge opening 146. This action produces a suction which draws water and debris from chamber 138 and discharges it through discharge opening 146.
  • the open mouth 150 of a debris collection container or bag 152 is detachably mounted around discharge opening 134 and 146.
  • the bag 152 is preferably formed of water permeable material for the side and bottom panels 154 to permit the water from the discharge openings 134, 146 to flow through the bag.
  • the top and rear panels 156, 158 are preferably formed of impermeable material to discourage an upward flow of water out of the bag 152 which would create an unwanted downward thrust.
  • Each of the aforementioned projections 142A, 142B is defined by a semi-cylindrical wall 158, which together with a lid 160, encloses a cavity 162.
  • each cavity 162 fills with water to the level of its lid 160.
  • Each lid 160 has an overflow hole 164.
  • the water filled cavities provide ballast for stability near the water surface.
  • the body can be thrust to the water surface by a downward flow exiting from the lift jet outlet 118. When the body reaches the ambient air/water surface boundary, the weight of water in the two cavities 162 being lifted above the water surface reaches equilibrium with the thrust produced by jet 118 to establish an operating level appropriate for skimming action by weirs 143.
  • the body lower section 102L preferably carries one or more guard wheels 165 mounted for rotation on a vertical axis for facilitating movement around obstructions.
  • FIG. 8 schematically depicts the water flow through the embodiment 100 structurally depicted in Figures 3-7.
  • water entering the inlet 110 initially fills weight cavities 162 and may exit through overflow holes 164.
  • the water entering water inlet 110 is also directed to the aforementioned timing nozzle 122, preferably via an adjustable flow control 168 for driving a turbine 170.
  • the turbine 170 forms part of a timing assembly 171 which includes a gear train 172 controlling a steering valve 174.
  • the steering valve 174 can define either the aforementioned normal propulsion state or back-up propulsion state. When the steering valve 174 is in the back-up state, water supplied to port 175 is discharged via the rearward propulsion thrust jet 116 to move the body rearwardly.
  • the water supplied to port 175 exits via forward outlet port 176.
  • the flow from port 176 is supplied to supply port 177 and control port 178 of an alternating level control valve 179.
  • the valve 179 is capable of selectively defining either a wall surface cleaning mode, or a water surface cleaning mode.
  • the water flow to supply port 177 is discharged via outlet port 180 to the vacuum jet pump nozzle 124, the forward propulsion thrust jet 114, and the sweep hose outlet 120.
  • the outlet 120 is preferably connected to an adjustable flow control 181 which supplies one end of a whip or sweep hose 182.
  • the water flow supplied from port 177 to valve 179 is directed via outlet port 184 to the lift jet 118 and to a pair of skimmer jet pump nozzles 126.
  • a water flow can also be provided to the sweep hose 182 in the water surface cleaning mode to enable the sweep hose 182 to hang below the body 102 and sweep against the wall surface, e,g, steps.
  • the body 102 will be propelled forwardly along the wall surface 8 by the discharge from directionally adjustable jet 114 for a certain period of time, e.g. two to five minutes. Its direction will be randomly influenced by the contours of the vessel, the drag of supply hose 9, the influence of sweep hose 182, etc. After a certain interval, the steering valve 174 will change state and the unit will backup as a consequence of discharge from the rearward propulsion thrust jet 116. After a further interval, e.g., thirty seconds, the valve 174 will change state.
  • Figures 9 - 15 depict a second embodiment 200 of the invention designed to be powered from the positive pressure side of a motor driven hydraulic pump 10 via a hose 9 ( Figures 1A, 1B).
  • the embodiment 200 is comprised of a unitary body 202 which is primarily formed of upper and lower molded sections 202U and 202L.
  • Lower body section 202L supports three horizontally oriented parallel axles 204 on which traction wheels 206A, 206B, 206C are mounted for free rotation for tangentially engaging interior wall surface 8 ( Figures 1A, 1B).
  • the body 202 defines an inlet supply fitting 210 which is coupled to the distal end of supply hose 9.
  • the proximal end of hose 9 is coupled to the pressure outlet of pump 10.
  • the water flow supplied to inlet fitting 210 from pump 10 is distributed to a plurality of outlets carried by body 202 by tubing 212 (best depicted in Figure 15, omitted from Figures 9 - 14 for clarity purposes).
  • the plurality of outlets include: 1. forward thrust jet 214 2. rearward ("backup") thrust jet 216 3. thrust/lift jet 218 4. sweep hose 220 5. timing nozzle 222 6. vacuum jet pump nozzle 224 7. surface cleaning nozzle 226 8. left jet 228 9. right jet 230
  • the body 202 is configured to define a first collection path for wall surface debris which extends from a vacuum inlet opening 232 (positioned between wheels 206A and 206B close to the wall surface 8) and a vacuum discharge opening 234.
  • the vacuum jet pump nozzle 224 discharges a high velocity flow into the first path toward the discharge opening 234. This action produces a suction at the vacuum inlet opening 232 which draws water and debris from adjacent to wall surface 8 and discharges it through discharge opening 234.
  • the vertical component of the water flowing through first path; together with the weight of the unit. creates a hold down force acting to urge the traction wheels 206 against the wall surface 8.
  • the body 202 also defines a collection path 236 for surface water and debris. More particularly, the upper body section 202 defines a horizontal shelf surface having upstanding side walls 240A. 240B and a central upstanding fin 242. As the body moves forward through the water pool near the surface, surface water and debris are scooped up moving rearwardly over surface 238 between side walls 240A, 240B.
  • the collection path 236 extends from the leading edge 243 of surface 238 to a trailing edge 244.
  • the surface 238 defines a cutout 246 below which the aforementioned surface cleaning nozzle 226 is mounted. The nozzle 226 discharges a flow through cutout 246 into path 236 toward the trailing edge 244. This action facilitates the flow of water and debris over surface 238 from the leading to the trailing edge thereof.
  • discharge opening 234 of collection path 230 also opens onto shelf 238 via cutout 248 just upstream from the trailing edge 244.
  • the open mouth 250 of a debris collection container or bag 252 is detachably mounted adjacent to trailing edge 244 between upstanding sidewalls 240A, 240B.
  • the bag 252 is preferably formed of water permeable material to permit water flowing rearwardly from the shelf 238 to flow through the bag.
  • each cavity 262 fills with water to the level of an overflow hole 264.
  • the water filled cavities provide ballast for stability near the water surface.
  • the body can be thrust to the water surface by a downward flow exiting from the thrust/lift jet outlet 218. When the body reaches the ambient air/water surface boundary, the weight of water in the cavities 262 being lifted above the water surface reaches equilibrium with the thrust produced by jet 218 to establish an operating level appropriate for skimming action over shelf 238.
  • the body 202 preferably carries a plurality of guard rollers 265 each mounted for rotation about a vertical axis.
  • the rollers 265 are distributed around the periphery 266 of body 202 and facilitate the body's movement around obstructions.
  • FIG. 15 schematically depicts the water flow through the embodiment 200 structurally depicted in Figures 8-12.
  • water entering the inlet 210 initially fills weight cavities 262 and is also directed to the aforementioned timing nozzle 222, preferably via an adjustable flow control 268 for driving a turbine 270.
  • the turbine 270 forms part of a timing assembly 271 which includes a gear train 272 controlling a steering valve 274.
  • the steering valve 274 can define either the aforementioned normal propulsion state or back-up propulsion state.
  • water supplied to port 275 is discharged via the rearward propulsion thrust jet 216 to move the body rearwardly.
  • water can be selectively discharged through left and right jets 228, 230 to facilitate the body freeing itself from any encountered obstructions.
  • These same side thrust jets are also preferably used in the normal propulsion state to better randomize travel and escape obstructions.
  • the valve 279 is capable of selectively defining either a wall surface cleaning mode, or a water surface cleaning mode.
  • the valve mode is switched whenever a flow to control port 278 is initiated. As shown in Figure 15, the flow to control port 278 is derived from supply inlet 210. Accordingly, whenever the pump 10 supplying inlet 210 starts up, the mode of valve 279 changes.
  • Figure 15 depicts the initiation of a flow to control port 278 from inlet 210 as the triggering event to switch the level control valve 279 mode, other events could, of course, be used to toggle valve 279. Moreover, it should be recalled from Figure 2 that it maybe desirable to incorporate a user input control for setting or overriding the event sensor which normally controls the automatic operation of valve 279.
  • the water flow to supply port 277 is discharged via outlet port 280 to the vacuum jet pump nozzle 224, the forward propulsion thrust jet 214 (preferably directionally adjustable), and the sweep hose outlet 220.
  • An adjustable flow control 281 is preferably connected just upstream of the sweep hose outlet 220.
  • the level control valve 279 When the level control valve 279 is in the water surface cleaning mode, the water flow supplied from port 277 to valve 279 is directed via outlet port 284 to the thrust/lift jet 218 and to the aforementioned surface cleaning nozzle 226.
  • a water flow can also be provided to the sweep hose 220 in the water surface cleaning mode to enable the sweep hose outlet to hang below the body 202 to sweep against portions of the wall surface.
  • the body 202 will be propelled along the wall surface 8 by the discharge from thrust jet 214 for a certain period of time, e.g., two to five minutes. Its direction will be randomly influenced by the contours of the vessel, the drag of supply hose 9, the influence of sweep hose 282, etc.
  • the timing assembly changes the steering valve 274 state, the unit will backup as a consequence of discharge from the rearward propulsion thrust jet 216 for a certain interval, e.g., thirty seconds, before resuming its normal state.
  • the alternating valve 279 will periodically switch modes independently of timing assembly 271 in response to a triggering event such as the cycling of pump 10.
  • Table I list the primary characteristics of a typical unit corresponding to embodiment 200: Types of pools cleaned All inground and above ground pools Power source Booster pump and/or pool pump Wheels - number / diameter 3 wheels 101,6 mm (4")diameter Debris collected in Mesh bag Wall Cleaning Vacuum & sweeps Vacuum jets 1 Vacuum minimum diameter 50,8 mm (2") Vacuum opening width 180,34 mm (7.1") Sweeping Whip hose Propulsion 1 thrust jet Wall surface travel path Forward and left, straight, right, straight and random. Back and up to the left and right. Water surface cleaning?
  • Figures 16 - 20 depict a third embodiment 300 of the invention designed to be powered from the positive pressure side of a motor drive hydraulic pump 10 via a hose 9 ( Figures 1A, 1B).
  • the embodiment 300 is comprised of a unitary body 302 supported on three traction wheels 306A, 306B, 306C mounted for free rotation on horizontal axles for tangentially engaging interior wall surface 8.
  • the traction wheels are arranged to essentially orient the nose or front 302F of the body down about 15 degrees relative to the rear 302R of the body, as shown in Figure 16.
  • the body 302 is provided with an inlet supply fitting 310 which is coupled to the distal end of supply hose 9.
  • the proximal end of hose 9 is coupled to pressure outlet of pump 10.
  • the water flow supplied to inlet fitting 310 from pump 10 is distributed to a plurality of outlets carried by body 302 by tubing 312 (best depicted in figure 20, omitted from figures 16 - 19 for clarity purposes).
  • the plurality of outlets include: 1. forward propulsion thrust/surface cleaning jets 314 2. rearward ("backup") thrust jet 316 3. lift jet 318 4. sweep hose 320 5. timing nozzle 322 6. vacuum jet pump nozzle 324 7. left jet 326 8. right jet 328
  • the body 302 is configured to define a collection path 330 for wall surface debris which extends from a vacuum inlet opening 332 (positioned between wheels 306A and 306B close to the wall surface 8), and a vacuum discharge opening 334.
  • the vacuum jet pump nozzle 324 discharges a high velocity flow into the path 330 toward the discharge opening 334. This action produces a suction at the vacuum inlet opening 332 which draws water and debris from adjacent to wall surface 8 and discharges it through discharge opening 334.
  • the vertical component of the water flow through path 330 together with the weight of the unit, creates a hold down force acting to urge the traction wheels 306 against the wall surface 8.
  • the body 302 also defines a collection path 336 for surface water and debris. More particularly, the body 302 defines a horizontal shelf surface 338 having upstanding side walls 340A, 3408. As the body moves forward through the water pool near the water surface, surface water and debris are scooped up moving rearwardly over surface 338 between side walls 340A and 340B.
  • the collection path 336 extends from the leading edge 343 of surface 338 to a trailing edge 344.
  • the surface 338 defines a cutout 348 aligned with the aforementioned discharge opening 334, just upstream from the shelf trailing edge 344.
  • the open mouth 350 of a debris collection container or bag 352 is detachably mounted to the body 302 proximate to the trailing edge 344 and spaced above the surface 338 as is best depicted in Figure 16.
  • the bag 352 is preferably formed of water permeable material to permit water flow therethrough.
  • each cavity 362 fills with water to the level of an overflow hole 364.
  • the water filled cavities provide ballast stability when the body is at the water surface.
  • the body can be thrust to the water surface by a downward flow exiting from lift jet 318.
  • the jet 318 is able to lift the body to a level where the weight of water in the cavities 362 being lifted above the water surface reaches equilibrium with the thrust afforded by jet 318.
  • the body 303 preferably carries a plurally of guard rollers 365 each mounted for rotation about a vertical axis.
  • the rollers 365 are distributed around the periphery 366 of body 302 and facilitate the body's movement around obstructions.
  • FIG. 20 schematically depicts water flow to the embodiment 300 structurally depicted in Figures 16 - 19.
  • the turbine 370 forms part of a timing assembly 371 which includes a gear train 372 controlling a steering valve 374 which can define either a normal propulsion state or a backup propulsion state.
  • a steering valve 374 which can define either a normal propulsion state or a backup propulsion state.
  • water supplied to port 375 is discharged via the rearward propulsion thrust jet 316 to move the body rearwardly and/or to left and right jets 326, 328 to produce side thrust for freeing the body from any encountered obstructions.
  • These same side thrust jets are also preferably used in the normal propulsion state to better randomize travel and escape obstructions.
  • valve 374 When the steering valve 374 is in its normal state, the water supplied to port 375 exits via forward outlet port 376.
  • the flow from port 376 is supplied to supply port 377 of an alternating level control valve 379.
  • the valve 379 is capable of selectively defining either a wall surface cleaning mode or a water surface cleaning mode. Valve mode is switched when ever a flow to control port 378 is initiated. As shown in Figure 20, the flow to control port 378 is derived from supply inlet 310. Accordingly, whenever the pump 10 starts up, the mode of valve 379 is changed.
  • Figure 20 depicts the initiation of a flow to control port 378 from inlet 310 as the triggering event to switch the control valve 379 mode, other events could, of course, be used to toggle valve 379. Moreover, it should be recalled from Figure 2 that it is appropriate to incorporate an input control for enabling a user to set or override the normal control of valve 379.
  • the lift jet 318 thrusts the body to the water surface to an equilibrium level at which the weight of the body, including the water filled cavities 362, above the water surface equals the vertical force component of lift jet 318.
  • the body assumes a more horizontal attitude so that as it moves forward along the water surface, water and floating debris will flow into the bag 352 above surface 338.
  • the body 302 moves forward for two to five minutes cleaning either the wall surface or the water surface with its direction randomly influenced by objects it encounters and by water periodically jetted out of the left jet for about 30 seconds, and subsequently out of the right jet for about 30 seconds. Intervals of straight travel occur before, between, and after the side thrust intervals. For example, each two to five minutes the body 302 can be caused to move rearwardly for about 30 seconds by discharging a flow through the backup thrust jet 316, which can optionally occur in conjunction with one of the side thrusts jets 326, 328.
  • the timing assembly steering valve can be programmed to provide three periods of alternating side thrusts during each major cycle with the side thrust during sequential backup intervals alternating.
  • the lift jet 318 optionally be configured as a jet pump 318J to increase water flow, thrust and efficiency.
  • a jet pump could also be substituted for any of the other aforementioned jets, such as right jet pump 328J ( Figure 17).
  • Figures 21 - 27 depict a fourth embodiment 400 of the invention designed to be powered from the negative pressure (suction) side of a motor driven hydraulic pump 10 via a hose 9 ( Figures 1A, 1B) which hose is preferably specially configured as is depicted in Figure 23.
  • the embodiment 400 is comprised of a unitary body 402 which is primarily formed of upper and lower molded sections 402U and 402L. Lower body section 402L supports three traction wheels 406A, 406B, 406C mounted for free rotation on horizontal axles for tangentially engaging interior wall surface 8.
  • the traction wheels are arranged on the body so that when resting on a horizontal surface, the nose or front 402F of the body will be inclined downwardly from the rear 402R of the body by about 18 degrees.
  • the body 402 is provided with an outlet supply fitting 410 which is mounted in the free end of swivel arm 411 and coupled to the distal end of supply hose 9.
  • the proximal end of hose 9 is coupled to the suction side of pump 10.
  • the pump suction applied to fitting 410 is coupled via arm 411 to various inlets in the body 402 including: 1. vacuuming inlet 420 2. timing assembly timing inlet 422 3. alternating valve inlet 424
  • pump suction is able to pull water in through these inlets for flow through outlet fitting 410 to the pump 10 suction side.
  • the upper body section 402U is comprised primarily of a horizontally oriented surface 438 having a pair of upstanding side walls 440A and 440B.
  • the surface 438 defines a leading edge 443 and a trailing edge 444.
  • the open mouth 450 of a water surface debris collection container or bag 452 is detachably mounted to the body 402 behind the leading edge 443 above the surface 438.
  • the bag 452 is preferably formed of water permeable material to permit water flow therethrough.
  • An air tube 466 communicates with the flaccid bag 464 and extends through hose 9 as depicted in Figure 23 to atmospheric air above the water surface, e.g., in the pools built-in wall skimmer (not shown).
  • the water cavity 462 communicates with a tube 468 which is connected to the inlet port 424 of an alternating valve 470.
  • the outlet side of the alternating valve 470 is connected via a port 472 to the suction outlet fitting 410.
  • the alternating valve control port is similarly connected to suction fitting 410.
  • the aforementioned vacuum inlet 420 shown in Figure 23 opens into a vacuuming path 476 which includes a turbine 478.
  • the vacuuming path 476 discharges into the suction outlet fitting 410 via swivel arm 411.
  • a thrust propeller 480 is mounted to the shaft of turbine 478 for propelling the body along either the wall surface or on the water surface.
  • the water inlet 422 drives a turbine 482 which is coupled to a steering gear train 484 of a timing assembly 485.
  • This gear train is coupled to the hub 486 of swivel arm 411 for rotating the hub arm around post 487.
  • the alternating valve 470 is capable of toggling between a water surface cleaning mode and a wall surface cleaning mode. Switching of the alternating valve mode is in response to the initiation of flow through the control port 474. Port 474 is coupled via fitting 410 to pump suction via hose 9 and thus in the configuration shown, the valve 470 mode changes whenever the pump starts up.
  • the alternating valve 470 directs the suction available at fitting 410 to draw water out of the cavities 462. This permits the plastic bag 464 within each cavity to pull air in via tube 466 which, as has been noted, is routed through supply hose 9 to atmospheric air. As the bags 464 fill with air, the buoyancy of the body increases and causes the body to float to the water surface with great stability. As the propeller 480 propels the body forward, water and floating debris are scooped from the water surface above shelf surface 438 and guided into the permeable collection bag 452 via the open mouth 450.
  • alternating valve 470 When the mode of alternating valve 470 changes to the wall surface cleaning mode, it will stop drawing water out of the cavities 462 and allow water to flow into the cavities causing the internal bags 464 to collapse and pushing the air therein out through the tube 466. This action causes the body to lose buoyancy and sink to the pool bottom for operation in the wall surface cleaning mode. In the wall surface cleaning mode, the body will be propelled along the wall surface by the action of propeller 480 driven by turbine 478. The turbine 478 is driven by the flow of water drawn into vacuuming inlet 420 as a consequence of the suction applied to path 476 via fitting 410. Debris drawn into the vacuuming inlet 420 during the wall surface cleaning mode will be carried through to the pool filter or can be collected by an inline collection container located somewhere along the length of supply hose 9 or in the conventional built in wall skimmer.
  • the body 402 is propelled forwardly by propeller 48 in both the wall surface cleaning mode and the water surface cleaning mode.
  • the direction of movement of the body will be randomly influenced by that which it encounters and by the rotation of the body relative to the swivel arm 411.
  • the arm 411 is reciprocally rotationally driven around post 487 by the action of the steering gear train 484.
  • the arm 411 can rotate approximately 270 degrees in one direction over a one to four minute interval.
  • the arm then is driven in the opposite direction for a similar period.
  • the two states of directional rotation i.e., clockwise and counterclockwise are controlled by the timing assembly 485.
  • Table II lists the primary characteristics of a typical unit corresponding to embodiment 400: Types of pools Cleaned All Inground and Aboveground Pools Power source Pool Pump Wheels - number / diameter 3 wheels 101.6 mm (4") diameter Wall cleaning Vacuum and sweep Vacuum minimum diameter 34,325 mm (1 3/8") Vacuum opening width 177,8 mm (7") Debris collected in Inline container Propulsion Turbine driven propeller Wall surface travel path 270 degrees clockwise & 270 degrees counterclockwise with pauses as desired Water surface cleaning Skims Debris collected in Mesh bag Debris collection bag opening 76,2 mm (3") high x 203,2 mm (8") wide Propulsion Turbine driving a propeller Lift Air from above water in skimmer box Wall surface travel path Same as on pool bottom
  • the body structure is preferably compactly dimensioned, i.e., within a 0,6096 m x 0,6096 m x 0,6096 m (2' x 2' x 2') envelope, and has hydrodynamically shaped exterior surfaces, which can in part be defined by fins or wings, enabling it to move efficiently through the water. More particularly, the bodys exterior contour is preferably shaped to facilitate its travel underwater adjacent to the wall surface, its travel from the wall surface to the water surface, its travel from the wall surface to the water surface, and its travel along the water surface.
  • the body exterior can be contoured so that (1) its travel along the wall surface produces a hold down force component urging its traction means more tightly against the wall surface, (2) its travel proximate to the water surface produces a lift force component to help maintain the body at the water surface and (3) its travel between the wall surface and water surface generates forces appropriate to maintaining the correct attitude of the body and efficiently employing the source energy.

Claims (17)

  1. Appareil pour nettoyer la surface d'une piscine (1) contenue dans une cuve définie par une paroi (3) ayant un fond (4) et des parties latérales (5), ledit appareil comprenant :
    un corps unitaire plus lourd que l'eau ou plus léger que l'eau (6) susceptible d'être. immergé dans ladite piscine (1) ;
    un sous-système de réglage du niveau (14) ;
       dans lequel, lorsque ledit corps (6) est plus lourd que l'eau, ledit sous-système de réglage du niveau (14) comprend des moyens (9, 10) pour délivrer un écoulement de fluide audit corps (6) pour faire monter ledit corps (6) à proximité de ladite surface d'eau (7) ;
       dans lequel, lorsque ledit corps (6) est plus léger que l'eau, ledit sous-système de réglage du niveau (14) définit soit un état de repos permettant audit corps de flotter à proximité de ladite surface d'eau (7), soit un état actif en vue de produire une composante de force verticale pour maintenir ledit corps (6) à proximité de ladite surface de paroi (4, 5) ;
       et comprenant en outre une entrée d'eau en surface supportée par ledit corps (6), configurée de manière à recevoir l'eau de piscine depuis un endroit adjacent à ladite surface d'eau, caractérisé par un sous-système de réglage de la propulsion (16) pour déplacer ledit corps (6) le long d'une trajectoire adjacente à ladite surface d'eau (7).
  2. Appareil selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre des moyens (152) pour enlever les détritus de l'eau reçue par l'intermédiaire de ladite entrée d'eau.
  3. Appareil selon la revendication 2, dans lequel lesdits moyens pour enlever les détritus comprennent un réservoir à détritus perméable à l'eau (152) agencé pour retenir les détritus enlevés de l'eau reçue par l'intermédiaire de ladite entrée d'eau.
  4. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans lequel le sous-système de réglage du niveau (14) sensible audit écoulement de fluide produit une force verticale pour placer de manière sélective ledit corps soit à proximité de ladite surface d'eau (7), soit à proximité de ladite surface de paroi (4,5) en dessous de ladite surface d'eau ;
    et dans lequel le sous-système de réglage de la propulsion (16) est sensible audit écoulement de fluide pour déplacer de manière sélective ledit corps (6) soit le long d'une trajectoire adjacente à ladite surface d'eau (7) pour collecter l'eau de piscine par l'intermédiaire de ladite entrée depuis un endroit adjacent à ladite surface d'eau (7), soit le long d'une trajectoire adjacente à ladite surface de paroi (4, 5) pour collecter l'eau de piscine par l'intermédiaire de ladite entrée depuis un endroit adjacent à ladite surface de paroi (4, 5).
  5. Appareil selon la revendication 4, dans lequel ledit corps (6) est plus lourd que l'eau ; et dans lequel ledit sous-système de réglage du niveau (14) définit soit un état de repos pour permettre audit corps (6) de couler à proximité de ladite surface de paroi (4, 5), soit un état actif pour produire une composante de force verticale en vue de faire monter ledit corps (6) à proximité de ladite surface d'eau (7).
  6. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel ledit système de réglage du niveau (14) comprend des moyens de réglage automatiques et un élément de réglage du niveau (14D), et dans lequel les moyens de réglage automatiques commutent de manière sélective le mode défini par ledit élément de réglage du niveau (14D) ;
       des moyens pour maintenir ledit corps adjacent à ladite surface de paroi intérieure (4, 5) lorsque ledit élément de réglage du niveau (14D) se trouve dans ledit mode de nettoyage de la surface de paroi ;
       des moyens pour supporter ledit corps à proximité de ladite surface d'eau (7) lorsque ledit élément de réglage du niveau (14D) se trouve dans ledit mode de nettoyage de la surface d'eau ;
       et des moyens (152) pour collecter l'eau de piscine par l'intermédiaire de ladite entrée depuis un endroit adjacent à ladite surface de paroi intérieure (4, 5) lorsque ledit élément de réglage du niveau (14D) se trouve dans ledit mode de nettoyage de la surface de paroi, et adjacent à ladite surface d'eau (7) lorsque ledit élément de réglage du niveau (14) se trouve dans ledit mode de nettoyage de la surface d'eau.
  7. Appareil selon la revendication 6, dans lequel ledit corps (6) est constitué de parties supérieure (6U) et inférieure (6L) espacées dans une direction essentiellement verticale et des parties avant (6F) et arrière (6R) espacées dans une direction essentiellement horizontale, et dans lequel lesdits moyens pour maintenir ledit corps adjacent à ladite surface de paroi intérieure (4, 5) comprennent des moyens pour produire une composante de force dans ladite direction essentiellement verticale vers ladite surface de paroi intérieure.
  8. Appareil selon la revendication 7, dans lequel lesdits moyens pour produire une composante de force dans ladite direction essentiellement verticale comprend des moyens pour créer un écoulement de sortie d'eau depuis ledit corps (6) ayant une composante orientée dans une direction allant de ladite partie inférieure du corps (6L) vers ladite partie supérieure du corps (6U).
  9. Appareil selon la revendication 6, comprenant en outre un dispositif de réglage de mode (14A) pour commuter de manière sélective ledit élément de réglage du niveau (14D).
  10. Appareil selon la revendication 9, comprenant en outre un détecteur d'événements (14C) ; et dans lequel ledit dispositif de réglage du mode (14A) est sensible audit détecteur d'événements (14C) pour commuter de manière sélective ledit élément de réglage du niveau (14D) de l'un desdits modes à l'autre desdits modes.
  11. Appareil selon la revendication 10, comprenant en outre un mécanisme de dérivation (14B) pour empêcher ledit élément de réglage du niveau (14D) de commuter entre les modes.
  12. Appareil selon la revendication 9, comprenant en outre une pompe (10) pouvant être actionnée pour créer un écoulement de fluide vers ledit corps (6) ; et dans lequel ledit dispositif de réglage du mode est sensible à l'actionnement de ladite pompe (10) pour commuter ledit élément de réglage du niveau de l'un desdits modes à l'autre desdits modes.
  13. Appareil selon la revendication 12, comprenant en outre un mécanisme de dérivation (14B) pour empêcher ledit élément de réglage du niveau (14D) de commuter entre les modes.
  14. Procédé de nettoyage à la fois de la surface de paroi intérieure (4, 5) d'un réservoir ouvert et de la surface d'eau (7) d'une piscine (1) contenue dans celle-ci, ledit procédé comprenant les étapes consistant à :
    placer un corps (6) dans ladite piscine (1) ;
    délivrer un écoulement de fluide audit corps (6) pour produire une force verticale sur celui-ci en vue de déplacer de manière sélective ledit corps (6) soit à proximité de ladite surface d'eau (7), soit à proximité de ladite surface de paroi (4, 5) en dessous de ladite surface d'eau (7) ;
    pousser ledit corps (6) contre ladite surface de paroi intérieure (4, 5) lorsque ledit corps (6) se trouve à proximité de ladite surface de paroi (4, 5) ;
    supporter ledit corps (6) à proximité de ladite surface d'eau (7) lorsque ledit corps (6) se trouve à proximité de ladite surface d'eau (7); et
    collecter l'eau de piscine depuis un endroit adjacent à ladite surface d'eau (7) lorsque ledit corps (6) est à proximité de ladite surface d'eau (7), et adjacent à ladite surface de paroi (4, 5) lorsque ledit corps (6) se trouve à proximité de ladite surface de paroi (4, 5).
  15. Procédé selon la revendication 14, comprenant la propulsion dudit corps (6) le long d'une trajectoire adjacente à ladite surface de paroi (4, 5) pour nettoyer ladite surface de paroi (4, 5).
  16. Procédé selon la revendication 15, comprenant en outre la propulsion dudit corps (6) le long d'une trajectoire adjacente à ladite surface d'eau (7) pour nettoyer ladite surface d'eau (7).
  17. Procédé selon la revendication 14, comprenant en outre l'enlèvement des détritus de ladite eau de piscine collectée.
EP96923620A 1995-06-27 1996-06-26 Systeme de nettoyage automatique de piscines Expired - Lifetime EP0835357B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US69995P 1995-06-27 1995-06-27
US699P 1995-06-27
PCT/US1996/011238 WO1997001689A1 (fr) 1995-06-27 1996-06-26 Systeme de nettoyage automatique de piscines

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0835357A1 EP0835357A1 (fr) 1998-04-15
EP0835357A4 EP0835357A4 (fr) 1998-12-23
EP0835357B1 true EP0835357B1 (fr) 2003-09-17

Family

ID=21692655

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP96923620A Expired - Lifetime EP0835357B1 (fr) 1995-06-27 1996-06-26 Systeme de nettoyage automatique de piscines
EP97924612A Expired - Lifetime EP0912261B1 (fr) 1995-06-27 1997-05-06 Systeme de nettoyage automatique de piscine a pression positive

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP97924612A Expired - Lifetime EP0912261B1 (fr) 1995-06-27 1997-05-06 Systeme de nettoyage automatique de piscine a pression positive

Country Status (10)

Country Link
EP (2) EP0835357B1 (fr)
AT (1) ATE250174T1 (fr)
AU (2) AU694971B2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2224980A1 (fr)
CZ (1) CZ417197A3 (fr)
DE (1) DE69630035D1 (fr)
ES (2) ES2207677T3 (fr)
NZ (1) NZ312536A (fr)
WO (2) WO1997001689A1 (fr)
ZA (1) ZA965475B (fr)

Families Citing this family (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1695770A1 (fr) * 1996-06-26 2006-08-30 Melvyn L. Henkin Système automatique de nettoyage d'une piscine à pression positive
DE19915413B4 (de) * 1998-04-07 2014-08-07 Emilia Steinicke Düsenkörper für ein Reinigungsgerät
US6412133B1 (en) * 1999-01-25 2002-07-02 Aqua Products, Inc. Water jet reversing propulsion and directional controls for automated swimming pool cleaners
US7677268B2 (en) 2001-11-30 2010-03-16 Hayward Industries, Inc. Fluid distribution system for a swimming pool cleaning apparatus
US7318448B2 (en) 2001-11-30 2008-01-15 H-Tech, Inc. Swimming pool cleaning apparatus and parts therefor
US7507332B2 (en) 2004-07-23 2009-03-24 Henkin-Laby, Llc Swimming pool cleaner debris container
US10407930B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-09-10 Hayward Industries, Inc. Automatic electric top bottom swimming pool cleaner with internal pumps
WO2014151086A2 (fr) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-25 Hayward Industries, Inc. Nettoyeur de piscines à haute pression doté d'un mécanisme de décompte automatique du temps
US9745767B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-08-29 Hayward Industries, Inc. Swimming pool pressure cleaner including automatic timing mechanism
CN104790696B (zh) * 2015-04-03 2017-05-24 西南交通大学 游泳池全方位清洁过滤机器人
US10968651B2 (en) 2016-09-06 2021-04-06 Zodiac Pool Systems Llp Buoyant automatic cleaners for spas and other water-containing vessels

Family Cites Families (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA590252A (en) * 1960-01-05 George Henshaw Turbo propeller unit
US3392738A (en) * 1967-07-26 1968-07-16 Andrew L. Pansini Automatic cleaner for swimming pools
US3921654A (en) * 1971-06-07 1975-11-25 Andrew L Pansini Automatic swimming pool cleaner
US3805815A (en) * 1973-01-15 1974-04-23 R Goodin Pool cleaning apparatus
US4040864A (en) * 1976-03-12 1977-08-09 Steeves Claire L Device and method for cleaning leaves and debris from swimming pools
DE2726577C3 (de) * 1976-06-28 1981-11-19 Sommer, Schenk AG, Schinznach-Dorf Reinigungsgerät für die Unterwasserreinigung von Schwimmbecken
US4129904A (en) * 1977-11-14 1978-12-19 Pansini Andrew L Swimming pool cleaner
US4569361A (en) * 1983-10-12 1986-02-11 Arneson Products, Inc. Low pressure pool cleaner system
US4652366A (en) * 1984-03-12 1987-03-24 Orbijet Holdings (Proprietary) Limited Cleaning of a body of liquid
US4686728A (en) * 1985-03-01 1987-08-18 Rawlins David J Automatic swimming pool cleaner
US4837886A (en) * 1985-03-01 1989-06-13 David Rawlins Pool cleaning device
US4749478A (en) * 1986-11-07 1988-06-07 Spooner Est Cleaning unit for collecting debris in a swimming pool
US4849024A (en) * 1988-01-07 1989-07-18 Liberty Pool Products S.A. Pool cleaner
DE68900397D1 (de) * 1988-02-18 1991-12-12 Oakleigh Ltd Schwimmbeckenreinigungsvorrichtung.
US5128031A (en) * 1990-04-11 1992-07-07 Marking Designs, Inc. Pool surface skimmer
US5133854A (en) * 1990-07-13 1992-07-28 Tibor Horvath Skimmer with self-adjusting floating collector

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0912261A1 (fr) 1999-05-06
WO1997049504A1 (fr) 1997-12-31
EP0912261B1 (fr) 2006-04-26
EP0835357A1 (fr) 1998-04-15
ATE250174T1 (de) 2003-10-15
AU2999397A (en) 1998-01-14
ES2207677T3 (es) 2004-06-01
AU732034B2 (en) 2001-04-12
EP0912261A4 (fr) 2002-01-23
CA2224980A1 (fr) 1997-01-16
AU6408796A (en) 1997-01-30
DE69630035D1 (de) 2003-10-23
WO1997001689A1 (fr) 1997-01-16
EP0835357A4 (fr) 1998-12-23
ES2263176T3 (es) 2006-12-01
CZ417197A3 (cs) 1998-09-16
AU694971B2 (en) 1998-08-06
NZ312536A (en) 1998-07-28
ZA965475B (en) 1997-08-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5985156A (en) Automatic swimming pool cleaning system
US6090219A (en) Positive pressure automatic swimming poor cleaning system
USRE38479E1 (en) Positive pressure automatic swimming pool cleaning system
US6365039B1 (en) Positive pressure automatic swimming pool cleaning system
US6294084B1 (en) Electric powered automatic swimming pool cleaning system
US3972339A (en) Automatic swimming pool cleaner
US6039886A (en) Water suction powered automatic swimming pool cleaning system
US6485638B2 (en) Electric powered automatic swimming pool cleaning system
US3936899A (en) Automatic swimming pool cleaner
US3860518A (en) Apparatus and method for cleaning swimming pools
US3822754A (en) Automatic swimming pool cleaner
US6652742B2 (en) Automatic pool cleaner system utilizing electric and suction power
US6387250B1 (en) Water suction powered automatic swimming pool cleaning system
AU2002252660A1 (en) Electric powered automatic swimming pool cleaning system
US4768532A (en) Underwater pool cleaner
EP0835357B1 (fr) Systeme de nettoyage automatique de piscines
EP0936328A2 (fr) Dispositif d'écumage flottant
WO1999033582A1 (fr) Appareil d'epuration automatique a pression positive pour piscine
CN2356070Y (zh) 具有水力推进器的行走式水下清淤机
CA1061062A (fr) Appareil pour le nettoyage automatique des piscines
CA1116819A (fr) Aspirateur automatique pour piscine
JPH1177036A (ja) プール水面浮遊物の除去装置

Legal Events

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

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19980127

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 19981111

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A4

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20010921

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

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

Ref country code: NL

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

Effective date: 20030917

Ref country code: LI

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

Effective date: 20030917

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRE;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.SCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20030917

Ref country code: FI

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

Effective date: 20030917

Ref country code: CH

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

Effective date: 20030917

Ref country code: BE

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

Effective date: 20030917

Ref country code: AT

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

Effective date: 20030917

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69630035

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20031023

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

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

Ref country code: SE

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

Effective date: 20031217

Ref country code: GR

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

Effective date: 20031217

Ref country code: DK

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

Effective date: 20031217

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

Ref country code: DE

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

Effective date: 20031218

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

Ref country code: PT

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

Effective date: 20031226

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2207677

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

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

Ref country code: LU

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

Effective date: 20040626

Ref country code: GB

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

Effective date: 20040626

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

Ref country code: IE

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

Effective date: 20040628

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

Ref country code: MC

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

Effective date: 20040630

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

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

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

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20040618

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

Effective date: 20040626

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20100706

Year of fee payment: 15

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20100628

Year of fee payment: 15

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20120229

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

Ref country code: FR

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

Effective date: 20110630

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20130604

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

Ref country code: ES

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

Effective date: 20110627