EP2971409A1

EP2971409A1 - Pool cleaner drive mechanism and associated systems and methods

Info

Publication number: EP2971409A1
Application number: EP14770600.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Benoit Joseph RENAUD
Original assignee: Hayward Industries Inc
Current assignee: Hayward Industries Inc
Priority date: 2013-03-14
Filing date: 2014-03-14
Publication date: 2016-01-20
Also published as: CA2906169A1; WO2014153121A1; US20140262401A1; EP2971409A4

Abstract

The present disclosure provides improved swimming pool cleaner drive mechanisms and associated methods. More particularly, the present disclosure provides an improved pool cleaner drive mechanism that includes a motor that powers the: (i) wheel(s) and (ii) drive member of the pool cleaner. A pool cleaner having a housing, a drive mechanism, one or more wheels, and a drive member is provided. The drive mechanism includes a gear drive and a motor associated with the housing. The motor powers the one or more wheels to move in a forward direction or a reverse direction and provides steering of the wheels. The motor also powers the drive member (e.g., a rotating drive member such as a propeller, impeller, fan, rotor, suction fan) into an ON and OFF position/state to propel the swimming pool cleaner. Embodiments are also directed to systems/methods of driving a swimming pool cleaner.

Description

POOL CLEANER DRIVE MECHANISM

AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/785,917 filed March 14, 2013, all of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pool cleaner drive mechanism and associated methods and, more particularly, to a pool cleaner drive mechanism including a motor that powers the: (i) wheel(s) and (ii) drive member of the pool cleaner.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Robotic swimming pool cleaners are generally designed to move along the swimming pool floor and/or walls to clean the surfaces (e.g., from debris, sediment, and the like). The motion of robotic swimming pool cleaners can be preprogrammed or random motion, or combinations thereof. This may permit a user to activate the swimming pool cleaner and leave it unattended to clean the swimming pool, sometimes without the need for user interaction and/or supervision. Robotic swimming pool cleaners can generally be powered by a power source (e.g., a power cable connected to a power source, such as an electric outlet or a set-down transformer or the like).

[0003] In general, swimming pool cleaners include two internal motors. A first motor can generally be a filter motor used to drive a rotating component (e.g., a suction fan) or the like. The suction fan can be used to suck in water that is being filtered into the robotic swimming pool cleaner, pass the water through the robotic swimming pool cleaner (and a filter disposed within the swimming pool cleaner), and return the filtered water at a rate of speed out of the swimming pool cleaner. The returned filtered water can propel the robotic swimming pool cleaner across the swimming pool walls and/or floor.

[0004] A second motor can generally be a drive motor used to drive the wheels of the robotic swimming pool cleaner. Each of the first and second motors typically include separate gearing mechanisms for converting the power from the motors into mechanical motion, as well as other components for distributing the power to the swimming pool cleaner. Thus, the two motors of robotic swimming pool cleaners increase the costs, complexity and/or maintenance of robotic swimming pool cleaners.

[0005] Thus, despite efforts to date, a need remains for improved swimming pool cleaners and related components (e.g., improved robotic swimming pool cleaners having improved drive mechanisms). These and other inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement are addressed and/or overcome by the exemplary drive mechanisms for swimming pool cleaners and associated assemblies, systems and methods of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

[0006] The present disclosure provides improved swimming pool cleaner drive mechanisms and associated methods. More particularly, the present disclosure provides an improved pool cleaner drive mechanism that includes a motor that powers the: (i) wheel(s) and (ii) drive member of the pool cleaner.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for an exemplary swimming pool cleaner that includes a housing, a drive mechanism, one or more wheels, and a drive member (e.g., rotating drive member, such as a propeller or impeller). In certain embodiments, the drive mechanism includes a gear drive and a motor (e.g., electric motor) disposed within the swimming pool cleaner housing. The motor powers the one or more wheels, and also powers the drive member. The wheels can be, e.g., a pair of round wheels, a pair of tracks, or the like. The motor powers the wheels (e.g., simultaneously, independently, or the like) to move in a forward direction or a reverse direction. The motor powers the wheels (e.g., simultaneously, independently, or the like) to control steering of the wheels. The motor powers the drive member into an ON and an OFF position to propel the swimming pool cleaner/housing across a surface (e.g., wall and/or floor) of a swimming pool. The drive member can be, for example, a rotating drive member (e.g., propeller, impeller, fan, rotor, suction fan, etc.) or the like. The gear drive can further include a dog clutch.

[0008] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary method of driving a swimming pool cleaner is provided, the swimming pool cleaner including a housing, one or more wheels and a drive member. The method includes providing a gear drive and a motor disposed within the swimming pool cleaner housing. The method includes powering the one or more wheels and the drive member with the motor. The method also includes powering the one or more wheels to move in a forward direction or a reverse direction. Further, the method includes powering each of the one or more wheels to control steering of the wheels. The method also includes powering the drive member into an ON and an OFF position to propel the swimming pool cleaner/housing (e.g., across a surface of a swimming pool).

[0009] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary swimming pool cleaner system is provided that includes a swimming pool cleaner housing. The system also includes one or more wheels in mechanical communication with components of the swimming pool cleaner (e.g., with a gear drive disposed within the housing). Further, the system includes a drive member, a gear drive and a motor associated with and/or disposed within the swimming pool cleaner housing. The motor powers the one or more wheels and the drive member.

[0010] The present disclosure provides for a drive mechanism for a swimming pool cleaner including a swimming pool cleaner housing; at least one wheel in mechanical communication with the swimming pool cleaner housing; a drive member disposed within the swimming pool cleaner housing; a gear drive disposed within the swimming pool cleaner housing; and a motor disposed within the swimming pool cleaner housing; wherein the motor powers the at least one wheel and the drive member.

[0011] The present disclosure also provides for a drive mechanism for a swimming pool cleaner wherein the motor is an electric motor.

[0012] The present disclosure also provides for a drive mechanism for a swimming pool cleaner wherein the motor powers the at least one wheel to move in a forward direction or a reverse direction.

[0013] The present disclosure also provides for a drive mechanism for a swimming pool cleaner wherein the motor powers the at least one wheel to control a steering of the at least one wheel.

[0014] The present disclosure also provides for a drive mechanism for a swimming pool cleaner wherein the motor powers the drive member into an ON state to propel the swimming pool cleaner housing. [0015] The present disclosure also provides for a drive mechanism for a swimming pool cleaner wherein the drive member is selected from the group consisting of propeller, impeller, fan, rotor and suction fan.

[0016] The present disclosure also provides for a drive mechanism for a swimming pool cleaner wherein the gear drive includes a dog clutch.

[0017] The present disclosure also provides for a method of moving a swimming pool cleaner including providing a swimming pool cleaner housing having at least one wheel and a drive member; providing a gear drive and a motor disposed within the swimming pool cleaner housing; and powering the at least one wheel and the drive member with the motor.

[0018] The present disclosure also provides for a method of moving a swimming pool cleaner further including powering the at least one wheel to move in a forward direction or a reverse direction; and powering the at least one wheel to control a steering of the at least one wheel.

[0019] The present disclosure also provides for a method of moving a swimming pool cleaner further including powering the drive member into an ON state to propel the swimming pool cleaner housing.

[0020] Other objects and features will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the disclosure.

[0021] Any combination or permutation of embodiments is envisioned. Additional advantageous features, functions and applications of the disclosed assemblies, systems and methods of the present disclosure will be apparent from the description which follows, particularly when read in conjunction with the appended figures. All references listed in this disclosure are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Features and aspects of embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which elements are not necessarily depicted to scale. [0023] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are further described with reference to the appended figures. It is to be noted that the various features, steps and combinations of features/steps described below and illustrated in the figures can be arranged and organized differently to result in embodiments which are still within the scope of the present disclosure. To assist those of ordinary skill in the art in making and using the disclosed systems, assemblies and methods, reference is made to the appended figures, wherein:

[0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary swimming pool cleaner system of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an exemplary drive mechanism for a swimming pool cleaner according to the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 3 is a diagram view in cross-section of an exemplary swimming pool cleaner including a drive mechanism of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 4 is a diagram view in cross-section of another exemplary swimming pool cleaner including a drive mechanism of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 5 is a diagram view in cross-section of another exemplary swimming pool cleaner including a drive mechanism of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 6 is a diagram view in cross-section of another exemplary swimming pool cleaner according to the present disclosure; and

[0030] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of another exemplary swimming pool cleaner according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative of advantageous swimming pool cleaners, and systems of the present disclosure and methods/techniques thereof. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, details disclosed herein with reference to exemplary swimming pool cleaners or fabrication methods and associated processes or techniques of assembly and use are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and use the advantageous assemblies/systems and/or alternative assemblies/systems of the present disclosure.

[0032] The present disclosure provides advantageous swimming pool cleaner drive mechanisms and associated methods. More particularly, the present disclosure provides an improved pool cleaner drive mechanism that includes a motor that powers the: (i) wheel(s) and (ii) drive member of the pool cleaner.

[0033] With reference to FIG. 1, a block diagram of an exemplary swimming pool cleaner 100 is provided. In exemplary embodiments, the swimming pool cleaner 100 includes a swimming pool cleaner housing 102 (hereinafter "housing 102"), which includes an exemplary drive mechanism 110 at least partially disposed therein. The swimming pool cleaner 100 can include a drive member 108 (e.g., a rotating drive member 108 such as a propeller, impeller, fan, rotor, suction fan, etc. or the like) disposed within the housing 102. In some embodiments, the drive member 108 can be disposed/positioned outside of the housing 102.

[0034] The swimming pool cleaner 100 also includes one or more wheels 112 and/or 114. In exemplary embodiments, cleaner 100 includes a pair of wheels 112, 114 (e.g., circular wheels or tracks 112, 114, or the like). In general, wheels 112, 114 are in mechanical communication with components of the swimming pool cleaner 100 (e.g., in mechanical communication with a gear drive 104 associated with housing 102).

[0035] The wheels 112, 114 can be fabricated from a rubber and/or synthetic material, and can include a first (right) wheel 112 and a second (left) wheel 114. In certain

embodiments, the wheels 112, 114 can be mounted with respect to and/or mechanically linked to the gear drive 104 and/or to the housing 102 via an axle 124 or individual axles configured to rotate to move the wheels 112, 114 in a reverse or forward direction.

[0036] In exemplary embodiments, the drive mechanism 110 includes a gear drive 104 and a motor 106 (e.g., an electric motor). The gear drive 104, wheels 112, 114, drive member 108 and motor 106 can be electrically connected by an electrical conduit capable of passing electricity between said components. The single motor 106 provides power to drive/rotate the wheels 112, 114, and to drive/rotate the drive member 108. With respect to the wheels 112, 114, the motor 106 provides power to simultaneously or individually drive/rotate the wheels 112, 114 to move/rotate in a forward or reverse direction. The motor 106 also provides power to simultaneously or individually steer the wheels 112, 114, thereby steering the swimming pool cleaner 100. Although illustrated as a single pair of wheels 112, 114, in some embodiments, the swimming pool cleaner 100 can include multiple pairs/numbers of wheels 112, 114 which are also powered by the motor 106.

[0037] With respect to the drive member 108 (e.g., a rotating drive member 108 such as a propeller, impeller, fan, rotor, suction fan, etc. or the like), the motor 106 provides power to actuate the drive member 108 into an ON and an OFF position/state. In exemplary embodiments, when the drive member 108 is in the ON position/state, the drive member 108 can suck in and eject water (e.g., filtered water) at a variable rate of speed to propel the swimming pool cleaner 100 along a surface (e.g., along the walls/floor of a swimming pool).

[0038] In the OFF position/state, the drive member 108 can be shut off (e.g., not rotating) to stop sucking in and ejecting the filtered water. When the drive member 108 is in the OFF position, the swimming pool cleaner 100 can still be actuated to travel along the swimming pool walls and/or floor by actuating the wheels 112, 114 to move/rotate in a forward or reverse direction. For example, the swimming pool cleaner 100 can travel along the swimming pool surfaces by the drive member 108 being actuated into the ON position/state and/or the wheels 112, 114 being actuated in the forward or reverse direction, combinations thereof, and the like. In some embodiments, the drive member 108 can be used to position the swimming pool cleaner 100 at a water line of the swimming pool for skimming purposes (e.g., a top/bottom position cleaner 100).

[0039] Table 1 below indicates the control of the first wheel 112 and the second wheel 114 actuated by the motor 106. Both the first wheel 112 and second wheel 114 can be actuated to move/rotate in a forward direction and a reverse direction simultaneously or independently relative to each other. The speed of rotation for the first and second wheels 112, 114 can be varied to change the steering of the first and second wheels 112, 114. In some embodiments, the wheels 112, 114 can be actuated to rotate at the same speed, and the wheels 112, 114 can be steered by changing the angle of the wheels 112, 114 in the direction desired for movement of the swimming pool cleaner 100. The first and second wheels 112, 114 can also be actuated into a mixed direction. The mixed direction can be used to rotate the swimming pool cleaner 100. For example, to rotate the swimming pool cleaner 100 in a clockwise direction, the first wheel 112 can be actuated in a reverse direction and the second wheel 114 can be actuated in a forward direction. To rotate the swimming pool cleaner 100 in a counter-clockwise direction, the first wheel 112 can be actuated in a forward direction and the second wheel 114 can be actuated in a reverse direction.

TABLE 1: Wheel Control

Actuation

First Wheel Second Wheel

Type

Forward Yes Yes

Reverse Yes Yes

Mix Yes Yes

[0040] The gear drive 104 of the drive mechanism 110 converts the power generated by the motor 106 into a mechanical motion which drives/rotates the wheels 112, 114, and which drives/rotates the drive member 108. For example, with respect to the wheels 112, 114, the gear drive 104 can convert the power generated by the motor 106 to drive/rotate one or more axles 124 for rotating the wheels 112, 114 in a reverse or forward direction and/or for steering the wheels 112, 114. With respect to the drive member 108, the gear drive 104 can convert the power generated by the motor 106 to drive/rotate an axle/shaft 118 for rotating the drive member 108. The implementation of the exemplary drive mechanism 110 and, in particular, the implementation of a single motor 106 for driving/rotating the wheels 112, 114 and driving/rotating the drive member 108, can reduce the costs, complexity and/or maintenance associated with robotic swimming pool cleaner 100.

[0041] Turning to FIG. 2, a diagram of an exemplary drive mechanism 110 is provided. In certain embodiments, the motor 106 can provide power to drive/rotate an axle/shaft 118 associated with a drive member 108. As noted above, the drive member 108 can be a rotating drive member 108 such as a propeller, impeller, fan, rotor, suction fan, etc., or the like. As the drive member axle/shaft 118 rotates, the drive member 108 is actuated to rotate to suck in and eject water relative to the swimming pool cleaner 100. It is noted that a controller or processing device can be used to control the rotation speed of the drive member 108 such that the speed at which the swimming pool cleaner 100 is propelled along the swimming pool walls/floor can be varied. In some embodiments, the controller can be regulated by a user and/or a docking station via a wireless connection over a network. In exemplary

embodiments, a gearing mechanism or clutch 116 (e.g., dog clutch 116 or the like) can be used to convert the rotational motion of the drive member axle/shaft 118 into the rotational motion of the drive member 108. In other embodiments and as discussed further below, suitable gearing mechanisms 116 (e.g., cam mechanisms/assemblies, dog clutchs) can be used to convert the rotational motion of the drive member axle/shaft 118 into the rotational motion of the drive member 108.

[0042] The rotating axle/shaft 118 can also rotate a gear 120 connected or mounted with respect to the axle/shaft 118. In some embodiments, it is noted that the gear 120 can be actuated by a separate shaft that is separate from axle/shaft 118, and which is also powered by the motor 106. The gear 120 can transfer the rotational motion through a gearing mechanism 122 (e.g., a dog clutch, a cam mechanism, and the like) which can, in turn, rotate a wheel axle/shaft 124 for moving/rotating the wheels 112 and/or 114. The controller described above can also be used to control the rotation speed of the wheel axle/shaft 124 such that the speed at which the wheels 112, 114 rotate and drive/move the swimming pool cleaner 100 along the swimming pool surfaces can be varied. Although illustrated as having one wheel shaft 124, it is noted that some embodiments of the exemplary swimming pool cleaner 100 include separate wheel shafts 124 for each wheel 112, 114. In such

embodiments, the controller could vary the speed at which the shaft 124 for each wheel 112, 114 rotates independently. Thus, the shaft 124 for each wheel 112, 114 could be actuated to rotate at different speeds relative to each other. The single motor 106 of the exemplary drive mechanism 110 for the swimming pool cleaner 100 thereby powers the wheels 112, 114 and the drive member 108, while advantageously reducing the number of gearing components and/or mechanisms required to drive/move the swimming pool cleaner 100. The single motor 106 configuration thereby minimizes the costs, complexity and/or maintenance associated with swimming pool cleaners 100.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of another exemplary swimming pool cleaner 200 of the present disclosure. The swimming pool cleaner 200 includes a housing 202 which houses at least portions of an exemplary drive mechanism 210. The swimming pool cleaner 200 also includes a drive member 208 (e.g., a rotating drive member 208 such as a propeller, impeller, fan, rotor, suction fan, etc.) mounted with respect to and/or disposed outside of the housing 202.

[0044] The swimming pool cleaner 200 also includes one or more wheels 212, 214 (e.g., circular wheels, tracks, and the like). Wheels 212, 214 are configured to be in mechanical communication with components of the swimming pool cleaner 200 (e.g., in mechanical communication with a gear drive 204 associated with housing 202). For example, first wheel 212 and second wheel 214 can be mechanically linked to the housing 202 via one wheel axle/shaft 224, or via individual shafts 224 configured to rotate to move/rotate the wheels 212, 214 in a reverse or forward direction.

[0045] The drive mechanism 210 includes a gear drive 204 (e.g., a gear box), and a motor 206 (e.g., an electric motor). The housing 202 can include a conduit electrically connecting the components of the swimming pool cleaner 200 with a printed circuit board (PCB) 226. The PCB 226 can include electronics for regulating the swimming pool cleaner propulsion, steering and/or control. The PCB 226 can also include a counter. The counter can be used to determine when the swimming pool cleaner 200 is turned ON or OFF for purposes of cleaning a swimming pool. In certain embodiments, PCB 226 can be positioned proximal and/or adjacent to a counterweight or the like disposed within housing 202 for operational purposes of cleaner 200.

[0046] The single motor 206 can provide power for driving the drive member 208 and the wheels 212, 214 of the swimming pool cleaner 200. With respect to the drive member 208, the motor 206 provides power to actuate the drive member 208 into an ON and an OFF position/state (e.g., to propel the swimming pool cleaner 200 along the swimming pool walls, floor and/or water line). In particular, the motor 206 can provide power to a drive member axle/shaft 218. A gearing mechanism or clutch 216 (e.g., dog clutch 216 or the like) can be used to convert the rotational motion of the drive member axle/shaft 218 into the rotational motion of the drive member 208. For example, the motor 206 can provide power to rotate the drive member axle/shaft 218 at about 3,000 revolutions per minute. As the drive member axle/shaft 218 rotates, the drive member 208 is actuated to rotate to suck in and eject water relative to the swimming pool cleaner 200.

[0047] In exemplary embodiments, a shaft gear 230 attached or mounted with respect to the axle/shaft 218 can be simultaneously powered by the motor 206 to drive a gear 220. The gear 220 can transfer the rotational motion through a gearing mechanism 222 of the gear drive 204 which, in turn, rotates each end of the wheel shaft 224 through a respective belt tensioner device 250 for moving/rotating the respective wheels 212, 214. In certain embodiments, each belt tensioner device 250 includes and/or is mounted with respect to an O-ring 228 or the like. It is noted that each belt tensioner device 250 can be loosened or tightened as desired (e.g., for steering purposes of the wheels 212, 214). [0048] In exemplary embodiments, the gear 220 can have about a 60: 1 ratio such that the rotational motion of the axle/shaft 218 is converted into an approximately 50 revolutions per minute rotation of the wheels 212, 214. However, it should be understood that other revolution speeds can be used based on the gearing 220 used. For example, variable revolution speeds can be used based on, e.g., the gearing 220 used, the rotation speed of the axle/shaft 218, and the like. The gear drive 204 can be actuated to regulate the direction of travel for the wheels 212, 214, e.g., forward or reverse. The gear drive 204 can also be actuated to maintain the wheels 212, 214 in a neutral position, e.g., a stopped position, when the swimming pool cleaner 200 is to maintain its position in the swimming pool.

[0049] Both the first wheel 212 and second wheel 214 can be actuated to move/rotate in a forward direction and a reverse direction simultaneously or independently relative to each other. Although illustrated as having one wheel shaft 224, it is noted that some embodiments of the exemplary swimming pool cleaner 200 include separate wheel shafts 224 for each wheel 212, 214. The speed of rotation for the first and second wheels 212, 214 can be varied to change the steering of the first and second wheels 212, 214. In some embodiments, the wheels 212, 214 can be actuated to rotate at the same speed, and the wheels 212, 214 can be steered by changing the angle of the wheels 212, 214 in the direction desired for movement of the swimming pool cleaner 200. The first and second wheels 212, 214 can also be actuated into a mixed direction. The mixed direction can be used to rotate the swimming pool cleaner 200. For example, to rotate the swimming pool cleaner 200 in a clockwise direction, the first wheel 212 can be actuated in a reverse direction and the second wheel 214 can be actuated in a forward direction. To rotate the swimming pool cleaner 200 in a counter-clockwise direction, the first wheel 212 can be actuated in a forward direction and the second wheel 214 can be actuated in a reverse direction. The single motor 206 of the exemplary drive mechanism 210 for the swimming pool cleaner 200 thereby powers the wheels 212, 214 and the drive member 208, while advantageously reducing the number of components required to drive/move the swimming pool cleaner 200.

[0050] With reference to FIG. 4, another embodiment of a swimming pool cleaner 200' is shown. Cleaner 200' includes drive mechanism 210'. In certain embodiments, rather than including an elongated wheel shaft 224 extending through the entire housing 202, the swimming pool cleaner 200' includes a smaller housing 202' (e.g., a smaller rotor box) due to the shortened wheel shaft 224' shown in FIG. 4. The wheel shaft 224' can be shortened to drive one wheel 212 (e.g., a wheel 212 associated with a belt, rollers, and the like). Thus, the wheel shaft 224' extends to one side of the housing 202'. The housing 202' can therefore be reduced in size by the area 232' for cleaner 200'.

[0051] The motor 206 provides power for both the drive member 208 and the wheel 212. A gearing mechanism or clutch 216 can be used to convert the rotational motion of the drive member axle/shaft 218 into the rotational motion of the drive member 208. With respect to the wheel 212, the motor 206 provides power to rotate the shaft gear 230 which rotates the gear 220 (e.g., about a 60:1 ratio gear 220). The gear 220 can be mechanically linked to a gear drive 204' which includes a gearing mechanism 222' for converting the rotation of the gear 220 into rotation of the wheel shaft 224'. For example, the gear drive 204' can drive/rotate/maintain the wheel 212 in a forward, reverse or neutral position. A PCB 226 can control the actions/movements of the swimming pool cleaner 200', including the propulsion, control and/or steering. The single motor 206 can thereby power both the drive member 208 and the wheel 212 and reduces the overall size of the swimming pool cleaner 200'.

[0052] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a swimming pool cleaner 200". The swimming pool cleaner 200" includes a drive member 208 powered by a motor 206 via a drive member axle/shaft 218". As shown in FIG. 5, the drive member axle/shaft 218" can be shortened to be closer to the motor 206. It should be understood that different lengths of the drive member axle/shaft 218" can be implemented, depending on the configuration of the swimming pool cleaner 200". The swimming pool cleaner 200" also includes a filter 234", e.g., cartridge filter elements substantially surrounding the motor 206, which can be used to filter the water being sucked through the swimming pool cleaner 200" when the drive member 208 is in the ON position/state. Similar to the swimming pool cleaner 200' of FIG. 4, the swimming pool cleaner 200" can include a smaller housing 202" due to the shortened wheel shaft 224" to drive the wheel 212 (e.g., a wheel 212 associated with a belt, rollers, and the like). Thus, the wheel shaft 224" extends to one side of the housing 202". The housing 202" can therefore be reduced in size by the area 232" for accommodating the alternate drive mechanism 210".

[0053] The motor 206 provides power for the drive member 208 and the wheel 212. With respect to the wheel 212, the motor 206 provides power to rotate a gear 230" connected or mounted with respect to axle/shaft 218" extending from the motor 206. In exemplary embodiments, the gear 230" is mechanically linked or mounted with respect to a plurality of gears 220" (e.g., a stack of gears 220", such as 3.7:1 ratio gears, 4: 1 ratio gears, combinations thereof, and the like) which in turn are mechanically linked or mounted with respect to a gear drive 204". The gear drive 204" includes a gearing mechanism 222" therein for converting the rotation of the gear 230" and gears 220" into rotation of the wheel shaft 224". In certain embodiments, the approximately 3,000 revolutions per minute rotation of the axle/shaft 218" can thereby be converted into an approximately 50 revolutions per minute rotation of the wheel shaft 224". The gear drive 204" can drive/rotate/maintain the wheel 212 in a forward, reverse or neutral position. A PCB 226 can regulate and/or monitor the actions/movements of the swimming pool cleaner 200", including the propulsion, control and/or steering. In some embodiments, the drive mechanism 210" can be encased within a motor box 236" positioned at least partially within the housing 202". The motor box 236" protects and/or separates the driving mechanism 210" from the water being sucked through the swimming pool cleaner 200" when the drive member 208 is in an ON position/state. The single motor 206 can thereby power both the drive member 208 and the wheel 212 while reducing the overall size of the swimming pool cleaner 200".

[0054] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a swimming pool cleaner 300. The swimming pool cleaner 300 includes a housing 302 which includes therein and/or is associated with a drive member 308, a motor 306 and a drive mechanism 310. The swimming pool cleaner 300 also includes at least one wheel 312. The single motor 306 (e.g., an electric motor) provides power for driving both the drive member 308 and the wheel 312. With respect to the drive member 308, the motor 306 provides power to drive the drive member axle/shaft 318 which, in turn, rotates the drive member 308. In some embodiments, a dog clutch 316 can be used to convert the rotational motion of the drive member axle/shaft 318 to the rotational motion of the drive member 308.

[0055] The swimming pool cleaner 300 can include a filter 328 substantially surrounding at least a portion of the motor 306 and the drive member 308. Thus, when the drive member 308 is actuated into an ON position/state, water can be sucked into the swimming pool cleaner 300 through apertures 330, the water then to be filtered and then ejected through the drive member 308. The ejected, pressurized water can propel the swimming pool cleaner 300 in a forward direction, a reverse direction and/or an upward or downward direction. Thus, the swimming pool cleaner 300 can travel along the floor and/or walls of the swimming pool and/or rise to the water line of the swimming pool. [0056] With respect to driving/rotating the wheel 312, the drive member shaft 318 can extend out of an end of the motor 306 opposing the drive member 308 and can include a shaft gear 314 mounted thereon or thereto. Thus, as the drive member shaft 318 is rotated, the shaft gear 314 simultaneously rotates. The shaft gear 314 can be mechanically linked or mounted with respect to a plurality of gears 320 which are in turn connected or mounted with respect to a gearing mechanism 322 of a gear drive 304. The gear drive 304 can be, e.g., a plastic gear box. The plurality of gears 320 can include a variety of ratios, e.g., 4: 1, 3.7:1, and the like, to convert the rotation of the axle/shaft 318 into rotation of the wheel shaft 324. The gear drive 304 can be actuated/maintained into a forward, reverse or neutral position, thereby actuating/maintaining the wheel into a forward direction, a reverse direction or a neutral (e.g., stopped) direction. In some embodiments, the drive mechanism 310 can be encased within a motor box 326 inside the housing 302. The motor box 326 can protect the drive mechanism 310 from the water being sucked through the swimming pool cleaner 300 when the drive member 308 is in an ON position/state. Electrical controls, e.g., a PCB board , can be used to regulate the propulsion, steering and/or control of the swimming pool cleaner 300. The controls can be preprogrammed, provided via a cable, provided via a wireless connection, and the like. By using a single motor 306 for driving both the drive member 308 and the wheel 312, the housing 302 for the swimming pool cleaner 300 can be decreased in size. In addition, the single motor 306 allows for a reduction of gearing and/or mechanical components in the swimming pool cleaner 300, thus reducing the need for technical maintenance.

[0057] With reference to FIG. 7, another embodiment of a swimming pool cleaner 400 is provided. The swimming pool cleaner 400 includes a housing 402. The housing 402 can include a lid 410 which can be opened and closed for maintenance purposes along a hinge 412 to expose the interior of the swimming pool cleaner 400. The swimming pool cleaner 400 includes a drive member 406 which rotates about a drive member axle/shaft 414, a single motor 404 and a filter 408 at least partially within the housing 402. It is noted that swimming pool cleaner 400 can include a drive mechanism (e.g., similar to drive mechanism 310, etc.) driven by the motor 404 to regulate the direction of motion of at least one wheel (e.g., a wheel associated with a belt, rollers, and the like). The single motor 404 provides power for both the drive member 406 and the wheel(s), thus reducing the cost and/or maintenance associated with the swimming pool cleaner 400. [0058] Although the systems and methods of the present disclosure have been described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, the present disclosure is not limited to such exemplary embodiments and/or implementations. Rather, the systems and methods of the present disclosure are susceptible to many implementations and applications, as will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art from the disclosure hereof. The present disclosure expressly encompasses such modifications, enhancements and/or variations of the disclosed embodiments. Since many changes could be made in the above construction and many widely different embodiments of this disclosure could be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the drawings and specification shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Additional modifications, changes, and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure.

[0059] While embodiments have been described herein, it is expressly noted that these embodiments should not be construed as limiting, but rather that additions and modifications to what is described herein also are included within the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and permutations, even if such combinations or permutations are not made express herein, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A drive mechanism for a swimming pool cleaner comprising:

a swimming pool cleaner housing;

at least one wheel in mechanical communication with the swimming pool cleaner housing;

a drive member disposed within the swimming pool cleaner housing; a gear drive disposed within the swimming pool cleaner housing; and a motor disposed within the swimming pool cleaner housing;

wherein the motor powers the at least one wheel and the drive member.

2. The drive mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the motor is an electric motor.

3. The drive mechanism of claim 1, wherein the motor powers the at least one wheel to move in a forward direction or a reverse direction.

4. The drive mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the motor powers the at least one wheel to control a steering of the at least one wheel.

5. The drive mechanism of claim 1, wherein the motor powers the drive member into an ON state to propel the swimming pool cleaner housing.

6. The drive mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the drive member is selected from the group consisting of propeller, impeller, fan, rotor and suction fan.

7. The drive mechanism of claim 1, wherein the gear drive includes a dog clutch.

8. A method of moving a swimming pool cleaner comprising:

providing a swimming pool cleaner housing having at least one wheel and a drive member;

providing a gear drive and a motor disposed within the swimming pool cleaner housing; and

powering the at least one wheel and the drive member with the motor.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising powering the at least one wheel to move in a forward direction or a reverse direction; and

powering the at least one wheel to control a steering of the at least one wheel.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising powering the drive member into an ON state to propel the swimming pool cleaner housing.

11. A swimming pool cleaner drive mechanism assembly comprising:

a swimming pool cleaner housing;

a motor at least partially disposed within the swimming pool cleaner housing, the motor operably mounted with respect to: (i) a drive member, and (ii) a first gear;

a first gearing mechanism operably mounted with respect to: (i) the first gear, and (ii) a first wheel axle;

a first wheel member operably mounted with respect to the first wheel axle;

wherein the motor is configured to provide power to the drive member to rotate the drive member;

wherein the motor is configured to provide power to the first gear to rotate the first gear; and

wherein the first gearing mechanism is configured to utilize the rotational motion of the first gear to rotate the first wheel axle and the first wheel member.

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the first gear is operably mounted with respect to plurality of gears, and the first gearing mechanism is operably mounted with respect to the first gear and the plurality of gears;

wherein the rotational motion of the first gear rotates the plurality of gears; and wherein the first gearing mechanism is configured to utilize the rotational motion of the first gear and the plurality of gears to rotate the first wheel axle and the first wheel member.

13. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the motor is operably mounted with respect to the drive member and to the first gear via a shaft.

14. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the motor is operably mounted with respect to the drive member via a first shaft; and

wherein the motor is operably mounted with respect to the first gear via a second shaft.

15. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the motor is operably mounted with respect to the drive member via: (i) a shaft, and (ii) a second gearing mechanism;

wherein when the motor provides power to the drive member, the motor is configured to provide power to rotate the shaft; and wherein the second gearing mechanism is configured to utilize the rotational motion of the shaft to rotate the drive member.

16. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the first gearing mechanism is further operably mounted with respect to a second wheel axle;

wherein a second wheel member is operably mounted with respect to the second wheel axle; and

wherein the first gearing mechanism is configured to utilize the rotational motion of the first gear to rotate: (i) the first wheel axle and the first wheel member, and (ii) the second wheel axle and the second wheel member.

17. The assembly of claim 11, wherein a second wheel member is operably mounted with respect to the first wheel axle; and

wherein the first gearing mechanism is configured to utilize the rotational motion of the first gear to rotate the first wheel axle and the first and second wheel members.

18. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the drive member is selected from the group consisting of propeller, impeller, fan, rotor and suction fan.

19. The assembly of claim 11, wherein when the drive member is rotated by the motor, the drive member is configured to suck in and eject water relative to the housing and to thereby propel the housing.

20. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first wheel axle is operably mounted with respect to a belt tensioner device;

wherein the motor is configured to provide power to the first gear to rotate the first gear in a first direction or a second direction; and

wherein the first gearing mechanism is configured to utilize the rotational motion of the first gear to rotate the first wheel axle and the first wheel member in the first direction or the second direction.