ES2339915T3 - PRESSURE CLEANER OF POOLS WITH INTERNAL ADDRESS MECHANISM. - Google Patents

Abstract

A swimming pool pressure cleaner (20) of the type motivated by water flow through it having: a set of two wheels (22a, b) rotatably mounted to the body (24); a turbine housing (38) having a water-flow chamber (40) with an inlet (70) and an outlet (74), the inlet held in proximity to the pool surface (54); a vaned rotor (48) rotatably mounted in the chamber; one or more one venturi jets (66a, b) secured to the body and oriented to direct water into the inlet to rotate the turbine and cause flow from the pool into the inlet; a drive member (76) secured to the rotor and a drive train extending to the wheels for synchronous rotation on the pool surface; a cam (100) rotatably secured to the body and drive by the rotor through reduction gearing (106); and a linkage (94) from the cam to one wheel (22a) to periodically interrupt the synchronous rotation of the wheels on the pool surface and change pool cleaner direction.

Description

Pool pressure cleaner with internal address

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to cleaners from pools and, more specifically, to automatic cleaners of pools powered by the circulation of water through the same for cleaning purposes. Even more specifically, the The present invention relates to pool pressure cleaners (a unlike cleaners of the type of suction) of the type activated by the circulation of water pumped by remote pumps towards the pool cleaners and through them.

Background of the invention

Automatic pool cleaners of the type that move along the submerged surfaces of a pool are driven by numerous different types of systems. A variety of various pool cleaner drive devices take advantage of the water circulation in one way or another, when it is driven or forced through the pool cleaner by the pumping action of a remote pump, with the aim of collecting waste, in order to create an advance movement of the pool cleaner. Part of the numerous types of automatic water-operated pool cleaners are those operated in various ways by turbines, which transform the movement of water into a rotating movement. The rotation of some wheels by connecting them to a turbine or other drive mechanism causes the propulsion of these prior art devices. There are various problems and disadvantages related to said devices of the technique
previous.

Among the problems and inconveniences that are not they have adequately resolved the defects of certain types of cleaners when obtaining full coverage of the cleaning action Obtaining full coverage results especially difficult or problematic in pools that have certain types of surfaces, surface shapes or obstacles. It's hard obtain complete coverage and satisfactory cleaning when the pumping pressure generated by the remote pump is weak, so that the drive force of the pool cleaner decreases considerably. Various automatic pool cleaners from prior art have a speed and a power of insufficient movement, and this causes and aggravates the problems related to poor cleaning capacity.

Some problems, defects or difficulties are produced when pool cleaners are retained or trapped in an area where their driving wheels cannot enter in contact with the submerged surface of the pool or at least they cannot contact said surface with sufficient traction that allows the movement of the pool cleaner. In some prior art cleaners, the address (i.e. movements made by pool cleaners for the purpose of change your address) can be problematic, especially in certain types of surfaces and when the speed is low and the generated steering and propulsion forces are reduced.

Some of these problems result especially difficult in the case of so-called "cleaners under pressure ", that is, pool cleaners whose movement is caused by the circulation of water pumped to pool cleaner from a remote pump, unlike most common suction cleaners, through which water It is sucked by a remote pump. A specific problem with with respect to pressure cleaners it consists in the difficulty of get a reliable address to get full coverage of the submerged surfaces of the pool. The address of some prior art pressure cleaners is established normally by external means.

A brief description of certain cleaners to Pool pressure of the prior art will be useful. A Pool cleaner of this type includes the unit itself pool cleaner, located at the end of a hose water supply, and an independent control unit in form of box located along the hose and separated from the unit pool cleaner for an approximate distance of the order of three meters (ten feet). The pool cleaning unit itself it consists of a device with wheels that includes a turbine for drive said wheels, but that does not have any device address incorporated therein. The control unit in the form of box, which has a second turbine and a device sequencing, periodically stops the circulation of water towards the pool cleaning unit, and at the same time opens a hole that expels a jet of water from the unit control, so that said control unit, through the hose, modify the orientation and / or position of the unit pool cleaner, after which circulation is restored towards said pool cleaning unit and the water jet coming from the control unit stops.

In these pressure cleaning devices of the prior art, the water flowing to the unit itself pool cleaner, and that has already been used to move a turbine of the control unit, is divided into two flows, one to drive the turbine of the pool cleaning unit and other to establish a venturi effect to drag water and waste in a flow with a path that leads to a filter bag or similar. Due to its previous use and its division into different flows, including occasional an additional independent flow to arrange or maintain in suspension the dirt next to the pool cleaner makes it lose the energy needed to move the pool cleaner and, even more important, it limits the flow necessary to create the venturi effect

Thus, the venturi dispenser or dispensers used in said prior art systems are very small, sometimes as small as an approximate diameter of 0.3-0.4 cm (0.100-0.160 inches), allowing the development of high linear flow rates of water from the venturi dispenser or jets, despite the reduced circulation volume. Reduced circulation volumes and very localized venturi effects limit the efficiency of pool cleaning by said prior art pool cleaners. A specific consequence of the reduced circulation volumes from the venturi dispenser or jets is that the opening for the entry of water and waste has a more limited size than is desirable. Therefore, the entry of waste and the size of the waste that can be collected are more limited than
desirable.

There are other problems and inconveniences associated with said devices. In the best case, the Pool cleaner control tends to be quite inefficient, causing inefficient coverage of the surface of the pool. In addition, due to the division of the water flow coming of the hose, the amount of water available for drive the main turbine of the device, which decreases to turn the displacement power of the cleaning unit of pools and impairs its ability to clean.

United States Patent Number 5,507,058 shows a device to automatically clean submerged surfaces This patent does not refer to any type of pressure cleaner.

French patent number 2 685 374 shows a Pool cleaner that is electrically operated. He device does not use any turbine or venturi effect.

United Kingdom patent number 1,459,853 gives know a pool cleaner of the pressure cleaning type, including the device a turbine. The venturi effect only It is used to facilitate waste collection.

Although there have been various advances in the field of automatic pool cleaners, including pressure cleaners, today there is still the need of a pressure cleaner for airship pools automatically internally. More generally, there is the need for automatic pool cleaners that present a Enhanced functionality to solve the mentioned problems previously.

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Objectives of the invention

An objective of the present invention is to give know an improved pool pressure cleaner, of the type automatic, water operated, that overcomes part of the problems and disadvantages of the prior art.

Another objective of the present invention is to give Meet a water-powered pool pressure cleaner improved, which has an internal steering mechanism.

Another objective of the invention is to make known an improved water-powered pool pressure cleaner, which allows to obtain excellent coverage and cleaning of the submerged pool surfaces, including difficult areas access.

Another objective is to publicize a improved water-powered pool pressure cleaner, automatically airship in a highly reliable way.

Another objective of the invention is to make known an improved water-powered pool pressure cleaner, which It presents excellent traction in various situations.

Another objective of the present invention is to give Meet a water-powered pool pressure cleaner improved, able to use a greater part of the flow from the remote pump, and a greater part of the energy of said flow from the remote pump, in order to create a venturi effect To collect the waste.

Another objective of the present invention is to give Meet a water-powered pool pressure cleaner improved, with larger inlet openings for water and waste and capable of producing a venturi effect superior to lead unwanted waste to a collector.

Another objective of the present invention is to give Meet a water-powered pool pressure cleaner improved, which can work effectively at pressures inferior to those of a large part of the pressure washers of the prior art

Another objective of the invention is to make known an improved water-powered pool pressure cleaner, which It has an excellent ability to move around surfaces pools of different types and hard to reach areas of the pool.

Another objective of the invention is to make known an improved water-powered pool pressure cleaner, which generates acceptable drive power even when used with pool pumping systems that generate pressures of reduced pumping

Another objective of the invention is to make known an improved water-powered pool pressure cleaner, which resists any tendency to be retained and that is capable of get out of situations where there is a lack of traction.

Another objective is to publicize a enhanced water-powered pool pressure cleaner, which it presents speed and direction capabilities (change of Address) Excellent.

These and other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following descriptions and from the drawings.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention consists of a cleaner improved pool pressure, of the circulation-driven type of water through it to move along the surface to clean from a pool. The invention, including its preferred embodiments, overcome various problems and disadvantages of the prior art, including those mentioned above. The invention consists of a pressure cleaner for swimming pools that incorporates a device inside that allows it to be airship automatically.

The pool pressure cleaner of the This invention allows to obtain numerous and very important advantages, including the following: cleaner compactness a airship pressure, thanks to the incorporation of a device address in a single structure; excellent coverage of submerged surfaces; high reliability of automatic steering; better waste collection; largest entrance opening for the waste; better use of water flow, for the purpose of propulsion, direction and waste collection; effective operation of the low pressure pool cleaner; excellent traction; ability to avoid and / or leave situations that involve the pool cleaner retention; and a speed and power excellent.

The pool pressure cleaner is a pressure washer of the type that includes a body, mounted wheels in a rotating manner in the body, a turbine shell which has a water circulation chamber formed by a wall of chamber and that has an input and an output, a turbine rotor rotatably mounted on the chamber and that has some blades, a drive element fixed to the rotor and a drive train from the drive element to drive the wheels in submerged pool surfaces, a venturi dispenser and a water conduit to supply water to the venturi dispenser from a hose.

In the pool cleaner of the invention, the turbine inlet is supported immediately adjacent to the surface of the pool, and the venturi dispenser is located at the turbine inlet, oriented to direct the water towards the turbine inlet, in order to turn the turbine and cause water and waste to flow from the pool, through the venturi dispenser, towards the entrance, by effect venturi The pool cleaner also includes a mechanism direction fixed to the body and that has a moving part that periodically interrupts the synchronized rotation of the wheels in the pool surface, thus causing changes in the direction of travel of the pool cleaner.

Occasionally, reference is made to the mechanism Address of the pool cleaner of the present invention as "internal." Pool cleaners here invention are compared with pressure cleaners that have a additional device, which can be said to establish the "address" of the pool cleaner. However, said additional devices are independent with respect to the pool cleaner, and are associated with it only by a flexible hose with a certain length, to through which the additional device displaces the cleaner Swimming pools in different directions. Considering what above, the term "internal" used in the This report means "fixed thereto as part of the same ". Therefore, the term" internal "does not assume that the steering mechanism is locked in any way.

In especially preferred embodiments, the steering mechanism includes: a cam that has larger parts and smaller radius, which is rotatably fixed to the body and is driven by the rotor by a reduction gear; and one connecting the cam to a wheel to periodically interrupt the synchronized rotation of the wheels on the surface of the pool.

In more detail, the device of the The present invention includes: a body having front sides, posterior and opposite; a set of two wheels mounted so rotating in the body, one on each side; an enveloping body of turbine fixed to the body and which has a circulation chamber of water formed by a chamber wall, the camera having a input and an output, the input being supported so immediately adjacent to the surface of the pool; a rotor of turbine rotatably mounted in the chamber, having the rotor some shovels; one or more venturi pumps attached to the body and oriented to direct the water towards the entrance, for the purpose of spin the turbine and cause water and waste to flow from the pool to the entrance, thanks to the venturi effect; one or more water pipes to transport water to the spout or venturi pumps from a hose; a drive element fixed to the rotor and rotating with the rotor; a transmission train from the drive element to the wheels to rotate synchronously the wheels on submerged surfaces of the pool; a cam that has parts of greater and lesser radius, being fixed cam rotatably to the body and being operated by the rotor by means of a reduction gear; and a connection of the cam to one of the wheels to periodically interrupt the turn synchronized the wheels on the surface of the pool and change thus the direction of movement of the cleaner of swimming pools.

The water pipe that carries water to the venturi pumps is powered by a flexible hose that is fixed in fluid communication to a current located end above said duct. Water is supplied under pressure from a remote pump, through the hose, through a connector cylindrical sleeve rotating on the enclosure, so well known.

In preferred embodiments, a plurality of separate venturi pumps. The fact of using multiple suppliers improves the venturi effect, which conducts water and waste from areas near submerged surfaces from the pool into the pool cleaner and, in ultimately, into a filter attached to the Pool cleaner. The presence of two or three is preferable  venturi suppliers, and separation not only allows to obtain a greater venturi effect, but it serves to obtain a space that It facilitates the circulation of waste to the entrance. Preferably, at least one of the venturi pumps is oriented towards the exit to obtain an accelerated circulation of water directly to said exit. Preferred embodiments of the present invention include a retention bag of waste set at the exit.

The improved pressure cleaner of the present invention allows to obtain a power and a drive excellent, especially when the turbine presents especially preferred configurations, such as those described in the U.S. Patent No. 6,292,970, entitled "Turbine-Driven Automatic Swimming Pool Cleaners ", on behalf of Dieter J. Rief and Manuela Rief, the inventors of the present invention and Rosemarie Rief.

In such a preferred configuration, the turbine blades have the proximal ends connected to the rotor and distal moving ends with respect to the rotor, between extended positions adjacent to the chamber wall of the turbine and retracted positions separated from the wall and closer to the rotor Preferably, the turbine blades are mounted pivotally with respect to the rotor, and more preferably, the turbine blades are curved and have edges distals that come into contact with the chamber wall in their extended positions, at least in certain positions around the rotor. A preferable way of rotating blades is the next: the rotor has an outer surface below which a corresponding cavity is present for each blade, which pivotally supports the proximal end of the blade. The Blades have enlarged parts at their proximal ends, sized for free introduction into the cavities of the rotor, and its pivotal connection therein.

Of course, each of the wheels has a inner side and outer side, depending on how it is mounted in the pool cleaner. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first wheel of the set has about main and secondary gears radially separated on its side inside, said gears facing each other, and the second wheel of the set has another main gear on its side inside, being the main gears of the two wheels similar to each other. Preferably, the transmission train ends in the first and second wheels in a first and a second drive sprockets, respectively, engaging each with the main gear of the respective wheel; serving this for drive the wheels synchronously in the forward direction, in contact with the submerged surface of the pool.

In these embodiments, it is preferable that First wheel gears are concentric, and are integrally formed with the first wheel. Too preferably, the gear of the second wheel is shaped integrally with the second wheel. More preferably, the first and the second wheels are identical and therefore interchangeable

Here, the term "gear" refers to any gear attached to a pool cleaner wheel that contacts the surface of the pool to move said pool cleaner, or shaped as part of it. Between the gears that are made reference herein are the gears main and secondary mentioned above and, as will describe below, the gears to which it is made reference as "final" gears.

In preferred embodiments, the element of drive is a drive gear, and the train of Transmission includes a first and second drive axles rotatably mounted with respect to the body and that have proximal and distal ends. In said embodiments, the first and the second drive sprockets, mentioned above, they are driven by the first and second drive shafts, respectively, and the transmission train is a gear train from the drive gear to the first and second drive shafts Preferably, the first and second axes of drive form the first and second sprockets of drive, respectively, at its distal ends.

Preferably, the drive train includes a connector with opposite ends that receive the ends proximal of the first and second drive shafts. The extreme proximal of the first drive shaft is a ball joint that allows that the first drive shaft pivots out of its axis. This allows the distal end of the first drive shaft to be move back and forth between a position of drive, in which the first drive pinion engages with the main gear of the first wheel, and a position of direction, in which the same gear with the secondary gear of The first wheel. This movement, from a connection to a crown-shaped gear (with teeth oriented inward) to a connection to a gear that has the teeth oriented outward, causes the first wheel to change  its direction of rotation, that is, turn in a direction opposite to that of The second wheel. This interrupts the synchronized rotation of the wheels on the surface of the pool and causes the rotation of the Pool cleaner.

The rotating cam (synchronization cam) mentioned above serves to direct the cleaner swimming pools; one way or another, it causes interruption of the synchronized rotation of the first and second wheels in the pool surfaces. In some preferred embodiments, the connection between the cam and the first wheel includes a device change stand that is slidably supported by the body in a position such that the first drive shaft is rotatably mounted on it, to allow in this way the movement of the distal end of the first drive shaft between the drive and steering positions, using the Change support device movement.

The cam is connected to the change holder, and a spring deflects the shift support towards said cam, so that the cam, which acts through the change support device, allows to get the movement forward and backward alternatively performing the actions of (a) maintaining the end distal of the first drive shaft in the position of drive and (b) allow the distal end of the first axis of  drive moves to the steering position, thanks to the spring action.

The rotating cam can interrupt from others ways the synchronized spin of the first and second wheels in Pool surfaces. An example of other ways of interruption supposes the temporary elevation of a wheel with respect to to the surface of the pool, when a part of the cam with a upper radius (greater than most of said cam) enters in contact with the pool surface and displaces one side of the Pool cleaner away from said pool surface. In this example, even if the first and second wheels follow spinning synchronously, they will not spin synchronized on the surface of the pool; the turn synchronized on the pool surface resets when the cam stops raising one side of the pool cleaner.

In especially preferred embodiments, the wheels have treads with multiple radial fingers that They extend outward. It is more preferable than a small subset of radial fingers (which extend along a very small part of the wheel) extend radially further than the other fingers With this embodiment, if the cleaner pools are retained for any reason, due to some obstruction or characteristic of the surface of the pool, the Longer treads tend to provide traction to Release it when they take action.

Some especially preferred embodiments they include a second set of wheels, which again include a Roll on each side of the pool cleaner. Preferably, the wheels of the second set are located behind the wheels of the set mentioned first. Each of the wheels of the second set has a gear called "end" in its outer side In these embodiments, a train of extended transmission for each of the wheels of the second set, and each of said extended transmission trains includes a transfer shaft rotatably mounted with with respect to the body, a first transfer pinion geared to one of the main gears, and a second pinion of geared transfer to one of the final gears. These extended transmission trains serve to transmit the turn to the wheels of the second set, presenting a rotating movement which is transferred from the wheels of the first set of wheels. Preferably, each transfer axis forms the first and the second transfer sprockets at opposite ends of the same.

In pressure washers with more than two wheels, It is preferable that all wheels, including those with "final" gears, have the gears shaped integrally with the wheel. More preferably, all of the four wheels (or any number thereof greater than two) They are identical, so they are completely interchangeable.

The pool pressure cleaner four Preferred drive wheels are disclosed in the application for PCT patent number PCT / US00 / 14771, titled "Four-Wheel-Drive Automatic Swimming Pool Cleaner ", which describes an invention of Dieter J. Rief and Manuela Rief, inventors of the present invention.

In some preferred embodiments, the input of water mentioned above is oriented towards the surface of the pool, and the device includes a skirt fixed with with respect to the body and that extends towards the surface of the pool, so that the skirt and body, together with the Pool surface, form an enclosure from which water and waste is taken to the entrance. The skirt is formed at least for a fin element that has parts of upper and lower joint, having the joint part upper one proximal edge articulated to the body and one lower edge articulated to the lower joint part. Plus preferably, the skirt is divided, being formed by a plurality of articulated fin elements disposed of adjacent way, each of them having parts of upper and lower joint.

Said skirt, which is disclosed in the patent of the United States number 6,131,227, entitled "Suction-Regulating Skirt for Automated Swimming Pool Cleaner Heads "by Dieter J. Rief, one of the inventors of the present invention, and Hans Raines Schlitzer, pending concession and common property, facilitates the relative closure of the enclosure, despite the irregularities present on the surface from the pool located immediately below the cleaner swimming pools. When water is taken to the turbine chamber through the entrance, the skirt minimizes the space between the pool cleaner body and the submerged surface of the pool, and this increases the linear flow rate of water in the areas immediately near the submerged surface of the pool, in the positions under the cleaner swimming pools. Increasing the speed of the linear flow improves the capacity of the pool cleaner to absorb waste and water, so that waste tends to move easily towards inside the turbine chamber, and from there to the exit and inside a bag or other collector.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is an essentially view Rear, in perspective, of an automatic pool cleaner preferred according to the present invention. The device is a suction cleaner.

Figure 2 is a front elevation view of the device of figure 1.

Figure 3 is an elevation view of the side left of the device of figure 1.

Figure 4 is a rear elevational view of the device of figure 1.

Figure 5 is a top plan view of the device of figure 1.

Figure 6 is a top detail view, in section, of the device of figure 1.

Figure 7 is a schematic elevation view lateral, in section, showing aspects of the parts of the turbine of another embodiment of the invention, a pressure cleaner of swimming pools

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a of the drive wheels, with the part of the annular tread disassembled

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the tread piece.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of another Pool pressure cleaner preferred according to the present invention, said pool cleaner having only two wheels.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

Figures 1 to 9 show a cleaner a Preferred pool pressure 20 according to the present invention. He Pool cleaner 20 has four identical drive wheels, indicated by numeral 22, including the driving wheel front left 22a, the right front drive wheel 22b and the left and right rear drive wheels 22c and 22d. The all four driving wheels are driven to move pool cleaner 20 forward. The wheels rear drives 22c and 22d are driven by connections independent with respect to the front wheels 22a and 22b, respectively.

The left front drive wheel 22a, which is normally driven in the forward direction, is periodically driven in a reverse direction. When this happens, the left rear drive wheel 22c is also driven in the reverse direction, thanks to the connection between the driving wheels 22a and 22c. During these brief and intermittent periods of reverse rotation, the direction of travel of the pool cleaner 20 changes. This steering function, together with the power supplied by the four driving wheels of the present invention, allows to obtain excellent cleaning coverage of the submerged surfaces 54 of the
pool.

The pool cleaner 20 includes a body 24, preferably formed by two or more pieces of plastic, designed to house the parts and elements of the invention. The front drive wheels 22a and 22b are mounted so rotating on body 24, on wheel axles 26, as shown in figure 6. Rear wheel supports 28 are fixed to the body 24, and the rear wheels 22c and 22d are rotatably mounted therein, by means of axes of wheel 30. The front wheels 22a and 22b have gears (described below) located on their surfaces interiors, that is, on surfaces facing each other. The rear wheels 22c and 22d have the same gears in their outer surfaces. 22a-d drive wheels They are identical to each other, so they are interchangeable.

Wheel gears 22a-d include main and secondary gears 32 and 34, concentric, radially separated. The gears main and secondary 32 and 34 are radially separated from each other for a distance greater than the diameter of a pinion (described then) that alternately meshes with said 22a drive wheel gears. Although all wheels are interchangeable, only the 22a drive wheel uses both gears; on 22b-d drive wheels only gear 32 is used.

Pool cleaner 20 has a turbine which uses the pressurized circulation of water from a hose to create a rotating movement that is transmitted to the wheels through a transmission train. More way specific, as shown schematically in Figure 7, the Pool cleaner 20 includes a turbine 36, a part of the which, specifically, the impeller body 38 of the turbine, is fixed to body 24. (The term "set to" used with with respect to the housing 38 of the turbine and body 24, it includes the cases in which both elements are conformed jointly).

The enclosure 38 of the turbine has a chamber 40 which is formed by a chamber wall 42. Chamber 40 includes an inlet port 70 and an outlet port 72. The turbine 36 also includes a rotor 48, which is mounted so rotating inside the chamber 40, and several blades 50 of turbine, each of which has proximal and distal edges 50a and 50b. The proximal edge 50a of each blade 50 has a shape generally cylindrical and is comfortably housed in a generally cylindrical space of rotor 48, shaped immediately below the outer surface of said rotor. By therefore, the blades 50, which have a curved configuration, are move freely between fully extended positions, in those that come into contact with the wall 42 of the chamber, and some retracted positions, in which their distal edges 50b are more near the rotor 48 and separated from the wall 42 of the chamber. This allows to adjust the blades 50 freely to facilitate the passage of large fragments of waste through chamber 40, without interfere with the operation of the turbine. Chamber 40 It has a substantial size, in order to facilitate additionally  The circulation of waste.

As shown in Figure 7, the cleaner Pool pressure 20 works by the arrival of a flow of water through a flexible hose (not shown) of the pool cleaner, which is attached to a hose connector 75 swivel, shown in figures 1, 4 and 5 (and not shown in the Figure 7), in a well known way. The water coming from the hose circulates through conduits 64 and branches 64a and 64b of the ducts and, finally, through from the venturi suppliers 66a and 66b, to turbine 68. The conduit 64 and ramifications 64a and 64b of conduit, which are schematically shown in figure 7, they extend in the inside the body 24, around the enveloping body 38 of the turbine, through channels (not shown) formed in the casing body or flexible hose (not shown). Should Note that Figure 7 is schematic; several pieces are omitted and it is not intended to show the position or structure of conduits for the circulation of water from the hose to the venturi suppliers.

As shown in figure 7, the turbine 68 has a large entrance 70 facing surface 54 of the pool; entry 70 is larger than certain openings prior art pressure cleaners. Suppliers Venturi 66a and 66b are located at entrance 70 or near the same, and are oriented to direct the water upwards, towards the entrance 70 and towards the exit 72. The suppliers venturi 66a and 66b, specifically, the dispenser 66a, are located for of causing the rotation of the rotor 48 of the turbine 68, with the objective to obtain drive and steering power for the pressure cleaner 20. The venturi effect caused by venturi suppliers 66a and 66b conducts water and waste located  under pool cleaner 20 towards a collection bag 74 connected to neck 73, through inlet 70, turbine 36 and the outlet hole 72. The bag 74 acts as a filter, so known.

The venturi effect is caused by the circulation Accelerated water created by suppliers 66a and 66b. The Accelerated water circulation creates a pressure differential that causes a suction directed upwards of water and waste, from the areas adjacent to surface 54 of the pool towards the entry 70. Therefore, venturi pumps have two objectives, drive the turbine and create a flow directed towards above from below the pool cleaner, for the purpose of cleaning. The size and orientation of the venturi 66a suppliers and 66b not only cause these effects, but serve to facilitate an essentially straight and fast movement of waste into the collection bag 74.

The turbine 36 has two functions, transmit power to the 22a-d drive wheels through some connections (described below) and transmit power for the operation of a steering device (which described below), performing both functions while water and waste are conducted through it by the venturi effect described above. Water under pressure for the pressure cleaner 20 is supplied by a pump remote, in a known way.

Under pool cleaner 20, the entrance of water 70 is oriented towards the submerged surface 54 of the pool. Pool cleaner 20 includes a split skirt that It has front and rear parts, including each of the same several fin elements 56 arranged adjacently each. Together, fin elements 56, body 24 and the surface 54 of the pool form an enclosure 62. Each element fin 56 includes an upper articulation part 58 and a lower joint part 60. The upper part 58 has a proximal end 58a that is articulated to body 24 and one end distal 58b which is articulated to a proximal end 60a of the upper part 60. Thanks to this design, the fin elements 56 automatically conform to the contours of surface 54 of the pool. Fin elements 56 serve to maintain the enclosure 62 substantially closed, which allows obtaining favorable flow characteristics for the collection of waste located under pool cleaner 20 by venturi effect

The following describes the way in which the rotation of the rotor 48 is transmitted to the driving wheels 22a-d. Figure 6 shows especially Clear the transmission train and its three different parts. The three different parts include: (1) a first part that extends from a first drive gear 76, fixed to the rotor 48, to the left and right front wheels 22a and 22b; (2) one second part extending from the front wheel 22a to the rear wheel 22c; and (3) a third part that extends from the front wheel 22b to the rear wheel 22d. (The second and the third parts of the transmission train are identical to each other). The all four wheels are driven by the first drive gear 76; a second gear of drive 78, which is fixed to the opposite side of rotor 48, is used to control the direction of pool cleaner 20. (The first and second drive gears 76 and 78 are integrally formed with rotor 48, and are fixed to an axis 79 of the rotor that is rotatably mounted with respect to the body 24).

The first part of the transmission train includes left and right drive shafts 80 and 82, to which it is occasionally referred to as "first" and "second" drive shafts. They have their aligned ends. The first part of the transmission train includes also a gear train, which has gears 84a, 84b and 84c. Gear 84c also acts as a connector that receives the proximal ends 80a and 82a of the drive shafts 80 and 82. (The proximal end 80a of the drive shaft 80 forms a ball joint connection with connecting gear 84c, for the purpose of address, as described below). The axes of drive 80 and 82 end at their distal ends in about 86a and 86b sprockets, which are integrally formed with the axes The pinions 86a and 86b mesh with the main gears 32 of the drive wheels 22a and 22b, respectively. Thus, the rotation of the rotor 48 causes the synchronized rotation of the wheels front drives 22a and 22b, each in the same direction.

The rotation of the front drive wheels 22a and 22b causes the rotation of the rear drive wheels 22c and 22d, by the second and third parts of the transmission train, which They described below. Each of these identical parts of the Transmission train ends by gearing with the main gear 32 (or final) of one of the rear drive wheels 22c and 22d. A transfer shaft 88, adjacent to each rear wheel, is rotatably mounted on body 24, by means of bearings adequate. The opposite ends of each transfer shaft 88 they include pinions 90a and 90b, which are shaped as part of transfer shaft 88. Each pinion 90a meshes with the gear main 32 of one of the front drive wheels 22a or 22b, in a position approximately 180º apart from the connection point of the 86a or 86b sprocket with it. Each pinion 90b meshes with the main gear 32 (or final) of one of the driving wheels subsequent 22c and 22d.

Next, the operation will be described of the steering mechanism. The left drive shaft 80, which is usually exactly aligned with the axis Right drive 82, can move off its axis thanks to the kneecap located at its proximal end 80a. More way specific, pinion 86a, which is shaped at the distal end of the left drive shaft 80, can move forward and backwards, depending on the forces applied on the axis of drive 80, as described below. Figure 7 shows an elongated opening 92 in a body part 24, which it houses said movement of the left drive shaft 80.

Pool cleaner 20 includes a shift support device 94 slidably supported in a cavity 96 formed in the body 24. The axis of drive 80 is rotatably mounted, by means of a suitable bearing, in the gear support device 94. The shift support device 94 includes a roller 98 in its rear end for connection to a cam 100, which has the function of controlling the front and rear position of said shift support device 94. A spring 102 is located at the cavity 96, in a position between a fixed surface of the body 24 and the front end of the shift support device 94. The spring 102 deflects the shift support device 94 for its connection with cam 100.

Because the left drive shaft 80 is rotatably mounted on the support device of change 94, the position of the pinion 86a is determined by the front or rear position of said support device of change 94. In the forward position, the pinion 86a meshes with the main gear 32 of the left front wheel 22a; in the rear position, the same gear with the secondary gear 34 of the left front wheel 22a. The left front wheel 22a moves in the forward direction when the pinion 86a meshes with the main gear 32; however, because the reverse side the pinion 86a is the one that meshes with the secondary gear 34 when said pinion 86a is in rear position, said connection causes the reverse rotation of the left front wheel 22a. Further, thanks to the drive connection between the front wheel left 22a and the left rear wheel 22c, the position Rear of the pinion 86a also reverses the direction of rotation of the left rear drive wheel 22c. In other words, the periodic movement of the change support device 94 moves the left drive shaft 80 and its pinion 86a to the back position, and this interrupts the synchronized rotation of the drive wheels, causing the rotation of the cleaner 20 of swimming pools.

A top-sized part of cam 100 has a fixed fixed radius that allows said cam 100 keep the shift support device 94 in position lead. Cam 100 also has one or more other parts. Small, smaller radius, which allow the support device of change 94 move to its posterior position, under the force deviation of the spring 102.

Cam 100 is rotatably supported in an extension 104 of the rotor shaft 79, in a separate position of said rotor 48. At extension 104, they are also supported by rotating way various gear elements of a device reduction gear 106, whose function is to reduce the speed of turn, so that cam 100 rotates slowly, at such a speed that its parts of greater or lesser radius keep in touch with the roller 98 of the shift support device 94 during reasonable time periods. More specifically, the design of the gears and the cam is such that the cleaner 20 of pools will move forward most of the time, and only change your address intermittently during short periods of time

The main and secondary gears 32 and 34 are integrally conformed with each of the driving wheels 22a-d. Figure 8 shows the main part of a of said driving wheels, with the tread piece disassembled

Figure 9 shows a band element of 108 elastomeric and elastic tread, which is shaped for firm bond around the perimeter of the main part of each drive wheel and for good traction. The element of Tread 108 has numerous radial and elastic 110 fingers They extend outward. These elements of the band of Rolling of the drive wheels of the present invention allow get more traction on sliding surfaces. This band of rolling, in combination with the large size of the drive wheels, which have essentially a diameter as large as the height of the pool cleaner, allows the cleaner to circulate over impediments and obstacles that are normally present in the Pool environment, including collectors, wrinkles in the lining of the pool and irregular, convex and concave surfaces. These Four wheel drive pool cleaner drive wheels of the present invention also allow said cleaner pools can move through a vertical wall that joins the pool bottom surface without any transition in shape of curve (or "radius").

Although, normally, the treads Elastomeric and flexible are the best, in certain applications, mainly those that include submerged tile surfaces, it may be preferable to mount on the drive wheels bands of synthetic foam rolling. When a band of foam rolling, it is possible to maintain a grip and suction effective even on submerged tile surfaces inclined and vertical more sliding.

As shown in figure 9, three fingers consecutive 110a-c radials extend radially further than the others. As explained previously, this serves to obtain additional traction, to effects of releasing pool cleaner 20 if necessary. The radial finger 110b extends slightly further than the fingers radial 110a and 110c.

Figure 10 shows a pressure cleaner 120 of two-wheel pools according to the present invention. The cleaner 120 pools are powered, supported and run by two driving wheels, instead of four. Pool cleaner 120 is similar to pool cleaner 120 in all aspects significant, consisting only of the main differences in which the rear wheels, the wheel supports rear and wheel drive connections Later are not present.

Most of the parts of the cleaners of pools of the present invention can be shaped by the use of rigid plastic parts, as is good known in the art. The right materials for all parts will be apparent to those skilled in the art familiar with the present invention.

It is possible to make various modifications in the design and construction of pressure washers pools according to the present invention. It is possible to vary the number of venturi suppliers, in excess or in defect with respect to both mentioned above. However, it should be noted that the use of multiple venturi pumps increases significantly the pressure differential between the water of the enclosure 62 and the water of the areas located immediately above the venturi suppliers 66a and 66b. This allows a better collection of the heaviest waste particles.

Similarly, it is possible to modify the flow of water between the hose and the venturi pumps. However, it is it is necessary that the water inlet flow fulfills the double function of move the turbine rotor and create the necessary venturi effect to cause the conduction of water and waste to a filter, Just like the bag shown.

Claims (30)

1. Pressure cleaner (20) for swimming pools, type that includes a body (24), wheels (22) mounted so rotating in the body (24), a turbine housing (38) which has a water circulation chamber (40) formed by a chamber wall (42) and having an entrance (70) and an exit (72), a turbine rotor (48) rotatably mounted in the chamber (40) and having blades (50), a drive element attached to the rotor (48) and a transmission train from the element of drive to synchronize the wheels (22) on submerged pool surfaces, at least one dispenser venturi and a water conduit (64) to supply water to the venturi dispenser (66) from a hose, in which

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the entrance (70) of the turbine is supported immediately adjacent to the pool surface;

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the venturi supplier is located at the entrance (70) of the turbine and oriented to direct the water towards the entrance, in order to turn the turbine and cause water and waste to flow from the pool, passing through the venturi dispenser, towards the entrance; and understanding In addition the pool pressure cleaner:

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a steering mechanism fixed internally to the body (24) and having a moving part to periodically interrupt the synchronized rotation of the wheels (22) on the surface of the pool and thus change the direction of the pool cleaner.

2. Pool pressure cleaner, according to claim 1, wherein the steering mechanism comprises:

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a cam (100) that has parts of major and minor radius, the cam being fixed so rotating to the body (24) and being driven by the rotor (48) by a reduction gear; Y

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a cam connection to one of the wheels to periodically interrupt the turn Synchronized wheels on the surface of the pool.

3. Pool pressure cleaner, according to claim 1 or 2, including a plurality of suppliers venturi (66a, 66b) separated from each other to facilitate the passage of waste at the entrance (70). 4. Pool pressure cleaner, according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the venturi pumps (66a, 66b) is oriented to obtain an accelerated circulation of water directly to the exit (72). 5. Pool pressure cleaner, according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wheels (22) have treads (108) with multiple radial fingers (110) that are They extend outward. 6. Pool pressure cleaner, according to claim 5, wherein some of the radial fingers (110) are extend radially farther than the other fingers, to improve from this mode the traction for release purposes. 7. Pool pressure cleaner, according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:

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the body has a part front, back and opposite sides;

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a set of two wheels (22) which are rotatably mounted on the body (24), a on each side;

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the enveloping body (38) of The turbine is fixed to the body (24).

8. Pool pressure cleaner, according to one of the preceding claims, which further includes a bag of waste retention (74) fixed at the exit (72). 9. Pool pressure cleaner, according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the blades (50) of the turbine have the proximal ends connected to the rotor (48) and the distal moving ends with respect thereto, between extended positions adjacent to the wall and retracted positions separated further from the wall and closer to the rotor (48). 10. Pool pressure cleaner, according to claim 9, wherein the blades (50) are mounted so pivoting with respect to the rotor (48). 11. Pool pressure cleaner, according to claim 10, wherein the blades (50) are curved and the distal edges of the blades come into contact with the wall (42) of the camera in its extended positions. 12. Pool pressure cleaner, according to claim 10, wherein the rotor (48) has a surface exterior below which a corresponding cavity is present for each blade (50), which pivotally supports the end proximal of the blade (50). 13. Pool pressure cleaner, according to claim 12, wherein the blades (50) have parts enlarged at its proximal ends, sized for free introduction in the cavities, and its pivotal connection in the same. 14. Pool pressure cleaner, according to claim 7, wherein:

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each of the wheels (22) it has an inner side and an outer side;

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the first wheel of set has a main and secondary gears (32 and 34) radially separated, facing each other, on their side inside;

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the second wheel of set has another main gear (32) on its inner side, the main gears (32) being similar to each other; Y

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the train part of transmission ends on the first and second wheels on a first and a second drive sprockets (86), respectively, each gearing with the main gear (32) of the wheel (22)  respective;

to drive the wheels in this way synchronized in forward direction. 15. Pool pressure cleaner, according to claim 14, wherein the gears of the first wheel they are integrally conformed with the first wheel, and are concentric 16. Pool pressure cleaner, according to claim 15, wherein the gear (32) of the second wheel (22) is integrally formed with the second wheel. 17. Pool pressure cleaner, according to claim 16, wherein the first and second wheels are identical, so that they are interchangeable. 18. Pool pressure cleaner, according to a of claims 14 to 17, wherein:

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the drive element it is a drive gear (76); Y

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the transmission train It includes:

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a first and a second axis drive (80, 82) rotatably mounted with respect to to the body (24) and which have proximal ends and distal;

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the first being activated and the second drive sprockets (86) by the first and the second drive shafts (80, 82), respectively; Y

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a gear train from the drive gear to the first and second axes of drive

19. Pool pressure cleaner, according to claim 18, wherein the first and second axes of drive (80, 82) make up the first and second sprockets of drive (86), respectively, at the distal ends of the same. 20. Pool pressure cleaner, according to claim 19, wherein the transmission train includes a connector with opposite ends that receive the proximal ends of the first and second drive axes. 21. Pool pressure cleaner, according to claim 20, wherein the proximal end of the first axis of drive is a kneecap that allows the distal end of the first drive shaft move back and forth between a driving position, in which the first pinion of gear drive with the main gear (32) of the first wheel (22), and a steering position, in which the first pinion drive (86) gears with the secondary gear (43) of the first wheel, thus causing the first wheel to rotate in a direction opposite to that of the second wheel, interrupting the turn Synchronized wheels on the surface of the pool. 22. Pool pressure cleaner, according to claim 21, wherein the connection of the cam (100) to the First wheel comprises:

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a support device of change (94) slidably supported by the body (24), the first drive shaft being rotatably mounted in it for the movement of its distal end between the drive and steering positions, the cam being connected (100) to the exchange support; Y

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a dock that deflects the shift support towards the cam;

so that the cam (100), which acts through of the change support device (94), allows to obtain the forward and backward movement performing alternately the actions of (a) maintaining the distal end of the first axis of drive in the drive position and (b) allow the distal end of the first drive shaft moves to the steering position. 23. Pool pressure cleaner, according to claim 22, wherein the wheels (22) have bands of rolling (108) with multiple radial fingers (110) extending outside. 24. Pool pressure cleaner, according to claim 22, wherein some of the radial fingers are extend radially farther than the other fingers, to improve from this mode the traction for release purposes. 25. Pool pressure cleaner, according to claim 22, further comprising:

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a second set of wheels (22), one on each side, each of the wheels of the second set an inner side and an outer side;

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a final gear in the outer side of each of the wheels of the second set;

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a transmission train expanded for each of the wheels of the second set, including each of said transmission trains expanded:

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a transfer shaft swivel mounted with respect to the body;

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a first pinion of geared transfer to one of the main gears; Y

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a second pinion of geared transfer to one of the final gears;

in order to obtain in this way the turn of the wheels of the second set. 26. Pool pressure cleaner, according to claim 25, wherein each transfer axis forms the first and second transfer pinions at the ends opposite of it. 27. Pool pressure cleaner, according to claim 26, wherein:

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the gears (32, 34) of all the wheels are integrally conformed with the wheel; Y

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all four Wheels (22) are identical, so that they are interchangeable.

28. Pool pressure cleaner, according to a of the preceding claims, wherein

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the entrance (70) is oriented towards the surface of the pool; and that understands also:

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a skirt set with with respect to the body (24) and extending towards the surface of the pool, so that the skirt and body, together with the Pool surface, form an enclosure from which water and waste is taken to the entrance, including the skirt at minus a fin element (56) that has parts of upper and lower joint (58, 60), having the part of upper joint (58) a proximal edge articulated to the body (24) and a bottom edge articulated to the joint part lower (60).

29. Pool pressure cleaner, according to claim 28, wherein the skirt is divided, comprising a plurality of the articulated flap elements (56) arranged adjacently, to facilitate relative closure of the enclosure despite the irregularities present in the pool surface located immediately below the Pool cleaner. 30. Pool pressure cleaner, according to claim 29, including a plurality of venturi pumps (66a, 66b) separated from each other to facilitate the passage of waste at the entrance (70), at least one of the suppliers being oriented venturi to obtain an accelerated circulation of water directly towards the exit (72).