Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
SWIMMING POOL PRESSURE CLEANER INCLUDING AUTOMATIC TIMING
MECHANISM
SPECIFICATION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/788,873 filed
March 15, 2013, and U.S. Patent Application No. 14/207,110 filed March 12,
2014, both of
which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a swimming pool pressure cleaner, and, more
specifically
to a swimming pool pressure cleaner that is capable of switching between
bottom and top
cleaning modes, as well as automatically switching into a reverse mode.
RELATED ART
Swimming pools generally require a certain amount of maintenance. Beyond the
treatment and filtration of pool water, the walls of the pool should be
scrubbed regularly.
Further, leaves and various debris can float on the surface of the pool water,
and should be
removed regularly. This means that a pool cleaner should be capable of
cleaning both the walls
of the pool as well as the surface of the pool water.
Swimming pool cleaners adapted to rise proximate a water surface of a pool for
removing
floating debris therefrom and to descend proximate to a wall surface of the
pool for removing
debris therefrom are generally known in the art. These "top-bottom" cleaners
are often pressure-
1
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
type or positive pressure pool cleaners that require a source of pressurized
water to be in
communication therewith. This source of pressurized water could include a
booster pump or
pool filtration system. Generally, this requires a hose running from the pump
or system to the
cleaner head. In some instances, a user may have to manually switch the pool
cleaner from a
pool wall cleaning mode to a pool water surface cleaning mode.
Additionally, swimming pool cleaners can utilize jet nozzles that discharge
pressurized
water to generate a vacuum or suction effect. This suction effect can be
utilized to dislodge
debris that is on a pool wall and to pull the debris and water through a
filtering arrangement or
filter bag. The jet nozzles can be placed inside a vacuum tube such that the
debris and pool
water are directed through the tube. The jet nozzles can be grouped and/or
arranged to discharge
the pressurized water stream in general alignment with the flow of water
through the vacuum
tube, e.g., parallel flow. However, this alignment of flow can result in areas
of concentrated
water flow, e.g., "hot areas," and areas with significantly reduced flow.
Accordingly, there is a need for improvements in pool cleaners that are
capable of
cleaning both the pool water surface and the pool walls, and jet nozzles that
create more uniform
distribution of water flow through a vacuum tube.
2
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates to a swimming pool pressure cleaner that is
capable of
switching between bottom and top cleaning modes, as well as automatically
switching into a
reverse mode. The cleaner includes a top housing having a retention mechanism
attached
thereto, a chassis, and a plurality of wheels rotationally connected to the
chassis. The chassis
houses a drive assembly that is connected with a water distribution manifold.
The drive
assembly includes a timer assembly, a reverse/spinout mode valve assembly, and
a top/bottom
mode valve assembly. The water distribution manifold includes a
reverse/spinout mode
manifold chamber, a top mode manifold chamber, and a bottom mode manifold
chamber. An
external pump provides pressurized water to the cleaner, which is provided to
the timer assembly
and to the reverse/spinout mode valve assembly. The timer assembly includes a
turbine that is
rotated by the pressurized water, and drives a gear reduction stack that
drives a Geneva gear.
The Geneva gear rotates a valve disk positioned within the reverse/spinout
mode valve assembly.
The valve disk includes a window that allows the provided pressurized fluid to
flow there
through to either a reverse drive chamber or a forward drive chamber of a
reverse/spinout mode
valve body. When the window is adjacent the reverse drive chamber, the
pressurized fluid flows
into the reverse drive chamber and to the reverse/spin-out mode manifold
chamber, which in turn
directs the pressurized fluid to a reverse/spinout jet nozzle. The
reverse/spinout jet nozzle
propels the cleaner rearward or offsets the general path of the cleaner. When
the window is
adjacent the forward drive chamber, the pressurized fluid flows into the
forward drive chamber
and to the top/bottom mode valve assembly. The top/bottom mode valve assembly
includes a
top/bottom mode valve body and a top/bottom mode valve disk that has a window.
The
top/bottom mode valve disk window directs the pressurized fluid into either a
top mode chamber
3
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
or a bottom mode chamber of the top/bottom mode valve body. When the window is
adjacent
the top mode chamber, the pressurized fluid flows into the top mode chamber
and to the top
mode manifold chamber, which in turn directs the pressurized fluid to at least
one skimmer jet
nozzle and a thrust/lift jet nozzle. The thrust/lift jet nozzle discharges the
pressurized fluid to
propel the cleaner generally toward a pool water surface and along the pool
surface, while the at
least one skimmer jet nozzle discharges the pressurized fluid into the debris
retention
mechanism. When the window is adjacent the bottom mode chamber, the
pressurized fluid flows
into the bottom mode chamber and to the bottom mode manifold chamber, which in
turn directs
the pressurized fluid to a forward thrust jet nozzle, and a suction jet ring.
The forward thrust jet
nozzle discharges the pressurized fluid to propel the cleaner along a pool
wall surface. The
suction jet ring is positioned adjacent a suction head provided on the bottom
of the cleaner and a
suction tube that extends from the suction jet ring toward the top housing.
The suction jet ring
directs the pressurized fluid to at least one vacuum jet nozzle that
discharges the pressurized
fluid through the suction tube and into the debris retention mechanism.
The present disclosure further relates to a fluid distribution system for
controlling the
operation of a device for cleaning a swimming pool. The distribution system
includes an inlet
body having an inlet for receiving a supply of pressurized fluid, a valve
assembly body including
first and second inlet openings and first and second outlet openings and
defining a first valve
chamber extending between the first inlet opening and the first outlet
opening, and a second
valve chamber extending between the second inlet opening and the second outlet
opening, and a
valve subassembly. The valve subassembly includes a turbine rotatably driven
by a supply of
pressurized fluid, a cam plate including a cam track and which is operatively
engaged with the
turbine such that the cam plate is rotationally driven by the turbine, the cam
track having a first
4
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
section and a second section, and a valve seal including a sealing member and
a cam post,
wherein the valve seal is rotatably mounted adjacent the cam plate and the
valve assembly body
with the cam post engaged with the cam track. The valve seal is rotatable
between a first
position where the sealing member is adjacent the first inlet opening and a
second position where
the sealing member is adjacent the second inlet opening. The valve assembly
body is adjacent
the inlet body such that the inlet is in fluidic communication with the first
and second valve
chambers. When the cam post is engaged with the first section of the cam track
the valve seal is
placed in the first position where the valve seal prevents fluid from flowing
through the second
inlet opening and across the second valve chamber. When the cam post is
engaged with the
second section of the cam track the valve seal is placed in the second
position where the valve
seal prevents fluid from flowing through the first inlet opening and across
the first valve
chamber.
The present disclosure further relates to a fluid distribution system for
controlling the
operation of a device for cleaning a swimming pool. The distribution system
includes an inlet
body having an inlet for receiving a supply of pressurized fluid, a valve
assembly body including
first and second inlet openings and first and second outlet openings and
defining a first valve
chamber extending between the first inlet opening and the first outlet
opening, and a second
valve chamber extending between the second inlet opening and the second outlet
opening, a
timer assembly, and a valve subassembly. The timer assembly and valve
subassembly includes a
turbine rotatably driven by a supply of pressurized fluid, a cam wheel
including first and second
cam tracks and which is operatively engaged with the turbine such that the cam
wheel is
rotationally driven by the turbine, and a rocker seal including first and
second sealing member
and a cam post, wherein the rocker seal is pivotally mounted adjacent the cam
wheel and the
5
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
valve assembly body with the cam post engageable with the first and second cam
tracks. The
rocker seal is pivotal between a first position where the first sealing member
seals the first inlet
opening and a second position where the second sealing member seals the second
inlet opening.
The valve assembly body is adjacent the inlet body such that the inlet is in
fluidic
communication with the first and second valve chambers. When the cam post is
engaged with
the first cam track the rocker seal is placed in the first position where the
first sealing member
prevents fluid from flowing through the second inlet opening and across the
second valve
chamber. When the cam post is engaged with the second cam track the rocker
seal is placed in
the second position where the second sealing member prevents fluid from
flowing through the
first inlet opening and across the first valve chamber.
The fluid distribution system could be incorporated into a swimming pool
cleaner.
6
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing features of the invention will be apparent from the following
Detailed
Description of the Invention, taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a positive pressure pool cleaner of
the present
disclosure in a pool;
FIG. 2 is a first perspective view of the pool cleaner of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 3 is a second perspective view of the pool cleaner of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 4 is a third perspective view of the pool cleaner of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 5 is a left side view of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure;
FIG. 6 is a right side view of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure;
FIG. 7 is a front view of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure;
FIG. 8 is a rear view of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure;
FIG. 9 is a top view of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure;
FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure;
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the pool cleaner of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure
taken along line
12-12 of FIG. 5;
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the pool cleaner of the present
disclosure taken along
line 13-13 of FIG. 5;
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the water distribution and timing system of
the pool
cleaner of the present disclosure;
FIG. 15 is a first perspective view of the drive assembly and flow manifold of
the pool
cleaner of the present disclosure;
7
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
FIG. 16 is a second perspective view of the drive assembly and flow manifold
of the pool
cleaner of the present disclosure;
FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the drive assembly and flow
manifold of the
pool cleaner of the present disclosure;
FIG. 18 is a right side view of the drive assembly of the present disclosure;
FIG. 19 is a left side view of the drive assembly of the present disclosure;
FIG. 20 is a top view of the drive assembly of the present disclosure;
FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the drive assembly of the present disclosure;
FIG. 22 is a front view of the drive assembly of the present disclosure;
FIG. 23 is a rear view of the drive assembly of the present disclosure;
FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the drive assembly of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the drive assembly of the present disclosure
take along line
25-25 of FIG. 22;
FIG. 26 is a sectional view of the drive assembly of the present disclosure
take along line
26-26 of FIG. 20 showing a turbine;
FIG. 27 is a sectional view of the drive assembly of the present disclosure
take along line
27-27 of FIG. 20 showing a Geneva gear;
FIG. 28 is an exploded view of the reverse/spin-out mode assembly of the
present
disclosure;
FIG. 29 is a front view of the reverse/spinout mode valve body of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 30 is a sectional view of the reverse/spin-out mode assembly of the
present
disclosure take along line 30-30 of FIG. 20 showing the fluid chambers;
FIG. 31 is an exploded view of the top/bottom mode assembly of the present
disclosure;
8
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
FIG. 32 is a front view of the top/bottom mode valve body of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 33 is a sectional view of the top/bottom mode assembly of the present
disclosure
take along line 33-33 of FIG. 20 showing the fluid chambers and ports;
FIG. 34 is a first perspective view of the flow manifold and suction jet ring
of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 35 is a second perspective view of the flow manifold and suction jet ring
of the
present disclosure;
FIG. 36 is a right side view of the flow manifold and suction jet ring of the
present
disclosure;
FIG. 37 is a left side view of the flow manifold and suction jet ring of the
present
disclosure;
FIG. 38 is a front view of the flow manifold and suction jet ring of the
present disclosure;
FIG. 39 is a rear view of the flow manifold and suction jet ring of the
present disclosure;
FIG. 40 is a top view of the flow manifold and suction jet ring of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 41 is a bottom view of the flow manifold and suction jet ring of the
present
disclosure;
FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the flow manifold and suction jet ring of
the present
disclosure taken along line 42-42 of FIG. 38;
FIG. 43 is a sectional view of the flow manifold and suction jet ring of the
present
disclosure taken along line 43-43 of FIG. 40 showing the bottom mode flow
path;
FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the pool cleaner of the present
disclosure taken along
line 44-44 of FIG. 9;
FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a hose connection of the present disclosure;
9
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
FIG. 46 is a top view of a hose connection of the present disclosure;
FIG. 47 is a sectional view of the hose connection of the present disclosure
taken along
line 47-47 of FIG. 46;
FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a hose swivel of the present disclosure;
FIG. 49 is a top view of the hose swivel of the present disclosure;
FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of the hose swivel of the present disclosure
taken along
line 50-50 of FIG. 49;
FIG. 51 is a perspective view of a filter of the present disclosure;
FIG. 52 is an exploded perspective view of the pool cleaner of the present
disclosure
showing another embodiment of the drive assembly;
FIGS. 53-54 are partial sectional views of the pool cleaner of the present
disclosure,
illustrating the drive assembly of FIG. 52;
FIG. 55 is a schematic diagram of the water distribution and timing system of
FIG. 52;
FIG. 56 is a first perspective view of the drive assembly and water
distribution manifold
of FIG. 52;
FIG. 57 is a second perspective view of the drive assembly and water
distribution
manifold of FIG. 52;
FIG. 58 is an exploded perspective view of the drive assembly and water
distribution
manifold of FIG. 52;
FIG. 59 is a right side view of the drive assembly of FIG. 52;
FIG. 60 is a left side view of the drive assembly of FIG. 52;
FIG. 61 is a top view of the drive assembly of FIG. 52;
FIG. 62 is a bottom view of the drive assembly of FIG. 52;
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
FIG. 63 is a front view of the drive assembly of FIG. 52;
FIG. 64 is a rear view of the drive assembly of FIG. 52;
FIG. 65 is an exploded perspective view of the drive assembly of FIG. 52;
FIG. 66 is a sectional view of the drive assembly taken long line 66-66 of
FIG. 64;
FIG. 67 is a sectional view of the drive assembly taken along line 67-67 of
FIG. 61 and
showing a turbine;
FIG. 68 is a sectional view of the drive assembly taken along line 68-68 of
FIG. 61 and
showing a cam track in a reverse/spin-out position;
FIGS. 69-70 are exploded views of the reverse/spin-out mode cam assembly, the
reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly, and the top/bottom mode valve assembly
of the drive
assembly of present disclosure;
FIGS. 71-73 are front, rear, and sectional views, respectively, of the
reverse/spinout
mode valve body of the drive assembly of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 74-75 are exploded perspective and sectional views, respectively, of the
top/bottom mode valve assembly of the drive assembly of present disclosure;
FIGS. 76-78 are perspective, left side, and sectional views, respectively, of
the water
distribution manifold of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure;
FIG. 79 is a side view of a jet nozzle assembly and vacuum suction tube of the
present
disclosure;
FIG. 80 is a perspective view of the jet nozzle assembly of FIG. 79;
FIG. 81 is a top view of the jet nozzle assembly and vacuum suction tube of
FIG. 79;
FIG. 82 is a cross-sectional view of the jet nozzle assembly and vacuum
suction tube
taken along line 82-82 of FIG. 81 showing the vortex angle of a jet nozzle;
11
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
FIG. 83 is a cross-sectional view of the jet nozzle assembly and vacuum
suction tube
taken along line 83-83 of FIG. 81 showing the convergence angle of a jet
nozzle;
FIG. 84 is a top view of the jet nozzle assembly and vacuum suction tube with
the jet
nozzle assembly having one jet nozzle;
FIG. 85 is a top view of the jet nozzle assembly and vacuum suction tube with
the jet
nozzle assembly having two jet nozzles;
FIG. 86 is a top view of the jet nozzle assembly and vacuum suction tube with
the jet
nozzle assembly having four jet nozzles; and
FIG. 87 is a perspective view of another reverse/spin-out mode cam and
reverse/spin-out
mode valve assembly of the present disclosure.
12
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a positive pressure top/bottom pool cleaner,
as discussed
in detail below in connection with FIGS. 1-87.
Referring initially to FIG. 1, a positive pressure pool cleaner 10 of the
present disclosure
is shown operating in a swimming pool 12. The cleaner 10 is configured to
switch between two
cleaning modes, a bottom cleaning mode and a top/skim cleaning mode. When the
cleaner 10 is
in the bottom mode, it will traverse the pool walls 14, including side walls
and bottom floor wall,
cleaning them with a suction operation that removes debris. When the cleaner
10 is in the top
mode, it travels across and skims the pool water line 16, trapping any
floating debris proximate
the pool water line 16. The cleaner 10 is capable of being switched between
the bottom mode
and the top mode by a user, as discussed in greater detail below. The cleaner
10 is also adapted
to occasionally switch from a forward motion to backup/spin-out mode whereby
the cleaner
reverses direction and/or moves in a generally arcuate sideward path to
prevent the cleaner 10
from being trapped and unable to move, e.g., by an obstruction or in the
corner of the pool 12. A
discussion of the backup/spin-out mode is provided below.
As shown in FIG. 1, the pool cleaner 10 is connected to an external pump 18 by
a hose
connection 20 and a segmented hose 22. The segmented hose 22 is connected to a
rear inlet of
the pool cleaner 10 and extends to the hose connection 20, which is connected
to the external
pump 18. This connection allows the external pump 18 to provide pressurized
water to the pool
cleaner 10 to both power locomotion of the cleaner 10 as well as the cleaning
capabilities of the
cleaner 10. The segmented hose 22 may include one or more swivels 24, one or
more filters 26,
and one or more floats 28 installed in-line with the segmented hose 22. As
such, the pressurized
water flowing through the segmented hose 22 can also flow through the one or
more swivels 24,
13
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
one or more filters 26. The swivel 24 allows the segmented hose 22 to rotate
at the swivel 24
without detaching the cleaner 10 from the external pump 18. As such, when the
cleaner 10
travels about the pool 12, the segmented hose 22 will rotate at the one or
more swivels 24, thus
preventing entanglement. The one or more filters 26 may provide a filtering
functionality for the
pressurized water being provided to the cleaner 10.
With reference to FIGS. 2-11, the cleaner 10 includes a top housing 30 and a
chassis 32.
The top housing 30 includes a body 34 and a cross member 36. The cross member
36 connects
to and spans across sidewalls of the body 34, forming a skimmer opening 38, a
channel 40, and a
rear opening 42. The skimmer opening 38 is an opening generally at the front
of the cleaner 10
formed between the body 34 and the cross member 36 such that the skimmer
opening 38 allows
the flow of liquid and debris between the body 34 and the cross member 36,
along the channel
40, and exiting the rear opening 42. The body 34 includes a deck 44, first and
second sidewalls
46, 48 extending generally upward from the deck, and a rounded front wall 50.
As discussed,
the cross member 36 spans across and connects to the sidewalls 46, 48. The
deck 44, the
sidewalls 46, 48, and the cross member 36 provide the structure that forms the
channel 40.
A debris bag retention mechanism 52 is provided at the rear of the top housing
30
generally adjacent the rear opening 42. The retention mechanism 52 is adapted
to have a debris
bag 54 attached thereto. When the debris bag 54 (see FIG. 1) is attached to
the retention
mechanism 52 the rear opening 42 is adjacent the opening to the debris bag 54
such that any
debris that passes through the rear opening 42, flows into, and is deposited
in the debris bag 54.
In operation, when the cleaner 10 is in top mode debris that floats along the
water line 16 of the
pool 12 would travel through the skimmer opening 38, across the channel 40,
e.g., along the deck
44, and out through the rear opening 42 into the debris bag 54.
14
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
The rounded front wall 50 includes a plurality of removed portions 56 adapted
for a
plurality of diverter wheels to extend therethrough and past the rounded front
wall 50. The deck
44 includes a debris opening 58 that traverses through the deck 44. The debris
opening 58
allows debris removed from the pool walls 14 to be moved through the deck 44
of the top
housing 34 and into the debris bag 54.
A plurality of skimmer/debris retention jets 60 are positioned on each of the
first and
second sidewalls 46, 48 of the top housing body 34 to spray pressurized water
rearward toward
the debris bag 54. The skimmer/debris retention jets 60 are in fluidic
communication with a
fluid distribution system, discussed in greater detail below, such that the
skimmer/debris
retention jets 60 spray pressurized water when the cleaner 10 is in the
skim/top mode of
operation. The skimmer/debris retention jets 60 function to force water and
any debris that may
be in the channel 40 rearward into the debris bag 54. Furthermore, the jetting
of water rearward
causes a venturi-like effect causing water that is more forward than the
skimmer/debris retention
jets 60 to be pulled rearward into the debris bag 54. Thus, the skimmer/debris
retention jets 60
perform a skimming operation whereby debris is pulled and forced into the
debris bag 54.
Furthermore, the skimmer/debris retention jets 60 prevent debris that is in
the debris bag 54 from
exiting.
The chassis 32 includes a first wheel well 62, a second wheel well 64, a front
wheel
housing 66, a rear wall 68, and a bottom wall 70. The first wheel well 62
functions as a side wall
of the chassis 32 and a housing for a first rear wheel 72. The second wheel
well 64 functions as
a second side wall of the chassis 32 and a housing for a second rear wheel 74.
The first and
second rear wheels 72, 74 are each respectively rotationally mounted to the
first and second
wheel wells 62, 64. The front wheel housing 66 extends outwardly from the
front of the chassis
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
32 and functions to rotationally secure a front wheel 76 to the chassis 32.
The front wheel 76,
and the first and second rear wheels 72, 74, which are freely rotatable,
support the cleaner 10 on
the pool walls 14 and allow the cleaner 10 to traverse the pool walls 14.
The rear wall 68 includes an inlet port 78, a top/bottom mode adjustment
aperture 79, a
forward (bottom mode) thrust jet nozzle aperture 80, and a top mode jet nozzle
aperture 81. The
rear wall 68 also includes a forward (bottom mode) thrust jet nozzle 82
extending through the
forward thrust jet nozzle aperture 80, and a top mode jet nozzle 83 extending
through the top
mode jet nozzle aperture 81, which are discussed in greater detail below. The
inlet port 78
includes an external nozzle 84 and an internal nozzle 86, each respectively
have a barb 88, 90
that facilitates connection of a hose thereto. The external nozzle 84 allows a
hose, such as the
segmented hose 22, to be connected to the cleaner 10, putting the cleaner 10
in fluidic
communication with the external pump 18. The external nozzle 84 is generally a
fluid inlet,
while the internal nozzle 86 is generally a fluid outlet. That is, the
external nozzle 84 is
connected to and in fluidic communication with the internal nozzle 86 such
that water provided
to the external nozzle 84 travels to and exits the internal nozzle 86. The
internal nozzle 86 is
connected to a hose 87, 403a (see FIGS. 11 and 54) which is connected, and in
fluidic
communication, with a drive assembly, discussed in greater detail below. The
forward (bottom
mode) thrust jet nozzle 82 extends through the rear wall 68, and includes an
internal nozzle 94,
and a barb 96, and is discussed in greater detail below.
The bottom wall 70 includes a suction head 98 and a suction aperture 100. The
suction
head 98 is formed as a pyramidal recess or funnel disposed in the bottom wall
70 and extending
to the suction aperture 100, which extends through the bottom wall 70. As
shown in FIGS. 4
and 10, the suction head 98 may include a rectangular perimeter that extends
generally across the
16
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
width of the bottom wall 70 of the cleaner 10. A suction tube 102 is
positioned adjacent the
suction aperture 100 and extends from the suction aperture 100 to the debris
opening 58 of the
top housing 30. A plurality of suction jet nozzles 104 are mounted adjacent
the suction aperture
100 and oriented to discharge a high velocity stream of water through the
suction tube 102,
creating a venture-like suction effect. The high velocity discharge from the
suction jet nozzles
104 removes debris from the pool walls 14 when the cleaner 10 is in bottom
mode. In such an
arrangement, the suction head 98 functions to direct loosened debris into the
suction aperture
100, this debris is forced through the suction tube 102 by the suction jet
nozzles 104. The
plurality of suction jet nozzles 104 may be three nozzles arranged in a
triangular orientation, four
nozzles arranged in a rectangular orientation, or various other orientations.
Furthermore, the
plurality of suction jet nozzles 104 may be oriented to direct their
respective stream of water
parallel to the central axis of the suction tube 102, or may be oriented to
direct their respective
stream of water at an angle to the central axis of the suction tube 102 to
cause a helical flow,
which also results in increase performance/efficiency of the cleaner.
The chassis 32 includes a front rim 106 having a plurality of cut-outs
receiving diverter
wheels 108. The front rim 106 and cut-outs define an upper frontal perimeter
of the chassis 32.
The plurality of diverter wheels 108 are rotatably mounted to the chassis 32
adjacent the front
rim 106 such that the diverter wheels 108 extend through the cut-outs. The
diverter wheels 108
function as rotatable bumpers so if the cleaner 10 approaches a pool wall 14
the diverter wheels
108 contact the pool wall 14 instead of the top housing 30 or the chassis 32.
When in contact
with the pool wall 14, the diverter wheels 108 rotate, allowing the cleaner 10
to be continually
driven and moved along, and/or diverted away from, the pool wall 14. Thus, the
diverter wheels
108 protect the cleaner 10 from damage due to contact with the pool wall 14.
Vice versa, the
17
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
wheels 108 protect the pool walls from damage due to the cleaner 10, e.g.,
scuffing, scratching,
etc.
The chassis 32 includes a reverse/spin-out thrust jet nozzle housing 110
located at a
frontal portion generally adjacent the front wheel housing 66. The jet nozzle
housing 110
includes a removed portion 111 providing access to a reverse/spin-out thrust
jet nozzle 112. The
reverse/spin-out thrust jet nozzle 112 is secured within the jet nozzle
housing 110 and includes
an outlet 114 and an inlet 116 having a barb 118. The barb 118 facilitates
attachment of a hose
119a to the inlet 116. Water provided to the inlet 116 is forced out the
outlet 114 under pressure
causing a jet of pressurized water directed generally forward. This jet of
pressurized water
causes the cleaner 10 to move in a rearward direction. Alternatively, the
reverse/spin-out thrust
jet nozzle 112 may be positioned at an angle to the chassis 32 such that it
causes an angular
movement of the cleaner 10, e.g., a "spin-out," instead of rearward movement
of the cleaner 10.
In either configuration, the reverse/spin-out thrust jet nozzle 112 functions
to occasionally cause
the cleaner 10 to move in a reverse motion or spin-out motion so that if it is
ever stuck in a
corner of the pool 12, or stuck on an obstruction in the pool 12, such as a
pool toy or pool
ornamentation, it will free itself and continue to clean the pool 12.
FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the pool cleaner 10 taken along line 12-12 of
FIG. 5. As
illustrated in FIG. 12, the chassis 32 forms a housing for a drive assembly
120, a water
distribution manifold 122, and the suction tube 102.
FIGS. 14-17 illustrate the drive assembly 120 and the water distribution
manifold 122,
which are in fluidic communication with one another. The drive assembly 120
includes a timer
assembly 124, a back-up/spin-out mode valve assembly 126, and a top/bottom
mode valve
assembly 128, each discussed in greater detail below. The water distribution
manifold 122
18
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
includes a manifold body 130 and a jet ring 132. The manifold body 130
includes a plurality of
chambers that function to direct water flow amongst the various jet nozzles of
the cleaner 10.
The suction tube 102 includes a bottom end 134 and a top end 136. The jet ring
132 is connected
with the bottom end 134 of the suction tube 102 and includes the plurality of
suction jet nozzles
104.
FIGS. 17-27 show the drive assembly 120 in greater detail. Particular
reference is made
to FIG. 24, which is an exploded view of the drive assembly 120 showing the
components of the
timer assembly 124, the inlet body 138, the back-up/spin-out mode assembly
126, and the
top/bottom mode assembly 128. The timer assembly 124 includes a turbine
housing 140, a gear
box 142, a Geneva gear lower housing 144, and a Geneva gear upper housing 146.
The drive
assembly 120 is configured such that the backup/spin mode assembly 126 is
adjacent the inlet
body 138, the inlet body 138 is adjacent the Geneva gear upper housing 146,
the Geneva gear
lower housing 144 is adjacent the Geneva gear upper housing 146, the gear box
142 is adjacent
the Geneva gear lower housing 144, and the turbine housing 140 is adjacent the
gear box 142.
The inlet body 138 includes an inlet nozzle 148 having a barbed end 150. The
inlet
nozzle 148 provides a flow path from the exterior of the inlet body 138 to the
interior. The inlet
body 138 defines an annular chamber 152 that surrounds a central hub 154. The
inlet nozzle 148
is in communication with the annular chamber 152 such that fluid can flow into
the inlet nozzle
148 and into the annular chamber 152. The annular chamber 152 includes a
closed top and an
open bottom. An outlet nozzle 156 having a barbed end 158 is provided on the
inlet body 138
generally opposite the inlet nozzle 148. The outlet nozzle 156 provides a path
for water to flow
out from the inlet body 138. As such, water flowing into the inlet nozzle 148
flows through the
annular chamber 152 and exits the inlet body 138 through the outlet nozzle
156. The inlet body
19
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
138 is generally closed at an upper end, e.g., the end adjacent the Geneva
gear upper housing
146, and open at a lower end, e.g., the end adjacent the backup/spin-out mode
assembly 126.
The turbine housing 140 includes an inlet nozzle 160 having a barbed end 162,
and a
turbine 164. A hose 159 is connected at one end to the barbed end 158 of the
inlet body outlet
nozzle 156 and at another end to a the barbed end 162 of the turbine housing
inlet nozzle 160.
Accordingly, water flows out from the inlet body 138 through the outlet nozzle
156 and to the
turbine housing inlet nozzle 160 by way of the hose 159. The turbine 164
includes a central hub
166, a plurality of blades 168, a boss 170 extending from the central hub 166
and having an
output drive gear 172 mounted thereto, a central aperture 174. The central hub
166, boss 170,
and output drive gear 172 are connected for conjoint rotation. Accordingly,
rotation of the
blades 168 causes rotation of the central hub 166, boss 170, and output drive
gear 172. The
central aperture 174 extends through the center of the turbine 164, e.g.,
through the output drive
gear 172, the boss 170, and the central hub 166. A first shaft 176 extends
through the central
aperture 174 and is secured within a shaft housing 178 that is provided in a
top of the turbine
housing 140. The first shaft 176 extends from the shaft housing 178, through
the turbine 164,
and into the gear box 142. The turbine housing 140 also includes one or more
apertures 180 in a
sidewall thereof that allow water to escape the turbine housing 140. When
pressurized water
enters the turbine housing 140 through the inlet nozzle 160 it places pressure
on the turbine
blades 168, thus transferring energy to the turbine 164 and causing the
turbine 164 to rotate.
However, once the energy of the pressurized water is transferred to the
turbine 164 it must be
removed from the system, otherwise it will impede and place resistance on new
pressurized
water entering the turbine housing 140. Accordingly, new pressurized water
introduced into the
turbine housing 140 forces the old water out from the one or more apertures
180. FIG. 26 is a
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
sectional view of the turbine housing 140 taken along line 26-26 of FIG. 20
further detailing and
showing the arrangement of the turbine 164 within the turbine housing 140. The
turbine housing
140 is positioned on the gear box 142.
The gear box 142 includes a turbine mounting surface 182 having an aperture
184
extending there through. The turbine housing 140 is positioned on, and covers,
the gear box
turbine mounting surface 182, such that the turbine 164 is adjacent the
turbine mounting surface
182 and the turbine output drive gear 172 extends through the aperture 184 and
into the gear box
142. The gear box 142 houses a reduction gear stack 186 that is made up of a
plurality of drive
gears 188, some of which include a large gear 190 connected and coaxial with a
smaller gear 192
(see FIG. 25) for conjoint rotation therewith. The conjoint rotation of the
large gear 190 with
the smaller gear 192 causes for a reduction in gear ratio. As can bee seen in
FIG. 25, which is a
sectional view of the drive assembly 120, the gear reduction stack 186
includes two series of
coaxial gears 188 that both include a central aperture 194 extending through
the gears 188. One
of the series gear 186 is coaxial with the turbine 164 such that the first
shaft 176 extends through
the gears 188, and into a first shaft bottom housing 218 of the Geneva gear
upper housing 146,
discussed in greater detail below. Thus, the first series of gears 188 rotates
about first shaft 176.
A second series of gears 188 is positioned to engage the first series of gears
188 and have a
second shaft 196 extending through the central aperture 194 thereof. The
second shaft 196 is
parallel to the first shaft 176 and is secured within a second shaft top
housing 198 that is
positioned in a top wall of the gear box 142. The second shaft 196 extends
through the Geneva
gear lower housing 144. The turbine output drive gear 172 engages a large gear
190 of the first
gear 188 that rotates about the second shaft 196. The smaller gear 192 of the
first gear 188
engages another gear 188 that rotates about the first shaft 176. A series of
such gears are
21
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
positioned within the gear reduction stack 186 with particular gear ratios,
and engaged with one
another in the above-described fashion, so that rotation of the turbine 164,
and subsequent
rotation of the turbine output drive gear 172, causes each gear 188 of the
gear reduction stack
186 to rotate with each subsequent gear rotating at a different speed. The
gear reduction stack
186 includes a final gear stack output gear 200 that rotates about the first
shaft 176. The gear
stack output gear 200 includes a drive gear 202 and a Geneva drive gear 204
extending from the
drive gear 202 for conjoint rotation therewith. The gear stack output drive
gear 202 engages and
is driven by one of the smaller gears 192 of a gear 188 of the gear stack 186.
Accordingly,
rotation of the turbine blades 168 causes rotation of the central hub 166,
boss 170, and output
drive gear 172, which output drive gear 172 causes rotation of the gears 188
of the gear reduction
stack 186, and ultimately rotation of the gear stack output gear 200. As shown
in FIG. 27, the
Geneva drive gear 204 includes a central hub 206, a central aperture 208, and
a post 210, which
all extend from the drive gear 204, thus having conjoint rotation therewith.
The central hub 206
includes a remove section 212. The function of the Geneva drive gear 204 is
discussed in greater
detail below in connection with FIG. 27.
Referring now to FIG. 27, the Geneva gear lower housing 144 is positioned
between thee
gear box 142 and the Geneva gear upper housing 146. The Geneva gear lower
housing 144
includes an aperture 214 that the Geneva drive gear 204 extends through. The
Geneva gear
upper housing 146 includes the first shaft bottom housing 218 and a Geneva
output aperture 230
(see FIG. 25). The Geneva gear lower and upper housings 144, 146 house a
Geneva gear 220.
The Geneva gear 220 includes a second shaft bottom housing 221, a plurality of
cogs 222, a
plurality of slots 224 between each cog 222, and a socket 228 (see FIG. 25).
The second shaft
196 (see FIG. 25) extends through the Geneva gear lower housing 144 and is
secured within the
22
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
shaft bottom housing 221. The Geneva gear 220 shown in FIG. 27 includes eight
cogs 222
separated by eight slots 224. The slots 224 extend radially inward from the
periphery of the
Geneva gear 220. Each of the cogs 222 include an arcuate portion 226 on the
peripheral edge
thereof. The socket 228 extends from the Geneva gear 220 and through the upper
housing
Geneva output aperture 230, which generally have mating geometries so that the
Geneva gear
socket 228 can rotate within the Geneva output aperture 230, but is restricted
from planar
translation. The Geneva gear socket 228 generally has a circular outer
geometry, for rotation
within the Geneva output aperture 230, and a non-circular inner geometry, here
square.
In operation, rotation of the drive gear 202 (see FIG. 25) results in rotation
of the Geneva
drive gear 204 (see FIG. 25). Accordingly, because the Geneva gear central hub
206 and the
Geneva gear post 210 are a part of the Geneva drive gear 204, and thus
attached to the underside
of the drive gear 202, they rotate about the first shaft 176. The Geneva gear
post 210 is
positioned radially and at a distance from the central hub 206 so that it can
engage the Geneva
gear 220. Similarly, the Geneva gear 220 is sized so that each of the cogs 222
can be positioned
adjacent the Geneva dive gear central hub 206. Additionally, the Geneva gear
220 is sized so
that the Geneva gear post 210 can be inserted into the slots 224. When the
Geneva drive gear
204 is rotated, the post 210 orbits the central aperture 208, while the
central hub 206 rotates
adjacent an arced removed portion 226 of an adjacent cog 222. Accordingly, the
central hub 206
does not engage the cogs 222. Continued rotation of the Geneva drive gear 204
results in the
post 210 making a full orbit about the central aperture 208 until it reaches a
point where it
intersects a cog slot 224. Further rotation of the post 210 causes the post
210 to enter a slot 224
and engage a side wall of a cog 222, pushing the cog in the rotational
direction of the post 210.
To facilitate this rotation, the removed portion 212 of the central hub 206
allows any extraneous
23
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
portions of the cogs 222 that would otherwise contact the central hub 206 to
instead move within
the removed portion 212. Thus, the central hub 206 does not restrict the
Geneva gear 220 from
rotating. As the post 210 rotates while engaging the cog 222 it pushes the cog
222 and causes
the entire Geneva gear 220 to rotate in an opposite direction than the
rotational direction of the
post 210. The post 210 does not continually rotate the Geneva gear 220 for the
entirety of the
rotational cycle of the post 210, but instead acts as an incremental rotation
device that "clicks" a
cog 222 over one position while it engages the cog 222. As such, the Geneva
gear 220 has a
series of distinct positions, with the number of distinct positions being
based on the number of
cogs 222. Here, there are eight cogs 222, so there are eight distinct
positions, e.g., each position
being at 45 . Therefore, the entire Geneva gear 220 is rotated, or
"clicked" over, 45 per
rotational cycle of the post 210, as opposed to continuous rotation if this
were a standard gear.
Accordingly, the Geneva gear 220 does not gradually switch positions, but is
instead more
quickly "clicked" over to a new position. The Geneva gear 220 can be altered
to accommodate
different scenarios that could require lesser or greater angular positioning
of the Geneva gear
220, for example if it is required for there to be 20 positioning, then the
Geneva gear could
include eighteen cogs and eighteen slots.
Referring back to FIG. 25, rotation of the Geneva gear 220 causes conjoint
rotation of
the Geneva gear socket 228 within the upper housing Geneva output aperture
230. The Geneva
gear socket 228 rotationally engages a drive head 260 of a reverse/skim-out
valve selector 238,
which will be discussed in greater detail.
FIGS. 28-30 show the reverse/spin-out mode assembly 126 in greater detail.
FIG. 28 is
an exploded view of the reverse/spin-out mode assembly 126, and the inlet body
138. The
reverse/spin-out mode assembly 126 includes a reverse/spin-out mode valve body
236 and a
24
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
reverse/skim-out mode valve selector 238. The reverse/spin-out mode valve body
236 includes
an opening 240, an internal forward drive chamber 242, an internal reverse
drive chamber 244,
and a plurality of dividers 246 that separate the internal forward drive
chamber 242 and the
internal reverse drive chamber 244. As can be seen, internal structural
support ribs are provided
within the chamber 242, as shown in FIG. 28.
The reverse/spin-out mode valve selector 238 includes a valve disk 254, a
shaft 256, an
enlarged section 258, a drive head 260, and an o-ring 262. The valve disk 254
is generally
circular in geometry and sized to match the reverse/spin-out mode valve body
opening 240. The
valve disk 254 includes a window 264 that is positioned on the outer periphery
of the valve disk
254. The window 264 extends through the valve disk 254, and generally spans an
angular
distance about the circumference equal to a single position of the Geneva gear
cog 222. More
specifically, in the current example, there are eight cogs 222 at eight
distinct positions, e.g., each
position being at 45 . Accordingly, the window 264 extends an angular distance
of 45 about the
circumference of the valve disk 254, which matches the expanse of a single cog
222, and the
distance a single cog 222 travels during a single rotational cycle of the
Geneva gear 220. The
shaft 254 extends from the center of the valve disk 254 to an enlarged section
258. The enlarged
section 258 is generally circular in shape and sized to be inserted into, and
rotate within, the
central hub 154 of the inlet body 138. The enlarged section 258 can include an
o-ring 262 about
the periphery for creating a seal radially against the central hub 154. The
drive head 260 extends
from the enlarged section 258 and includes a generally square geometry.
Particularly, the drive
head 260 is configured to engage the Geneva gear socket 228, such that
rotation of the Geneva
gear socket 228 rotationally drives the drive head 260. Accordingly, the drive
head 260 and the
Geneva gear socket 228 include mating geometries. Rotation of the drive head
260 results in
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
rotation of the valve disk 254, and thus the window 264. The window 264
provides a pathway
for water to flow through and into either the internal forward drive chamber
242 or the internal
reverse drive chamber 244. Specifically, water enters the inlet body 138 at
the inlet 148 and
flows to the annular chamber 152. When in the annular chamber 152, the water
flows in two
directions, i.e., out through the outlet 156 and toward the opening 240 of the
reverse/spin-out
mode valve body 236. However, the water is restricted from entering the
opening 240 of the
reverse/spin-out mode valve body 236 by the reverse/spin-out valve selector
238. Accordingly,
the water must flow through the window 264 of the reverse/spin-out valve
selector 238, and into
the reverse/spin-out valve body 236 (see FIG. 25).
FIG. 29 is a top view of the reverse/spin-out mode valve body 236, and FIG. 30
is a
sectional view of the reverse/spin-out mode valve body 236 taken along line 30-
30 of FIG. 20.
The window 264 generally includes eight different positions, which are based
on the eight cog
222 positions. One of these positions is adjacent the internal reverse drive
chamber 244, and
seven of these positions are adjacent the internal forward drive chamber 242.
The Geneva gear
220 drivingly rotates the valve disk 254, and the window 264, 450 at a time so
that the window
264 switches between the eight different positions for each rotation of the
Geneva drive gear
204. As shown in FIG. 30, the internal forward drive chamber 242 encompasses
approximately
seven of the eight sections, while the internal reverse drive chamber 244
encompasses a single
section. Accordingly, the window 264 will be positioned adjacent the internal
forward drive
chamber 242 for approximately 7/8ths of the time, and will be positioned
adjacent the internal
reverse drive chamber 244 for approximately 1/8th of the time. As mentioned
previously, the
Geneva gear 220 functions to quickly rotate 45 at a time so that the window
264 swiftly rotates
from one position to the next, instead of gradually moving from one position
to the next.
26
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
Accordingly, the time spent by the window 264 adjacent both the internal
reverse drive chamber
244 and the internal forward drive chamber 242 when the window 264 is
switching between
these two chambers is minimized.
The internal reverse drive chamber 244 is in fluidic communication with a
reverse/spinout outlet port 250 that can include an o-ring 252. The
reverse/spinout outlet port
250 is connected with the water distribution manifold 122, and is discussed in
greater detail
below. The internal forward drive chamber 242 is connected with the open
bottom of the
reverse/spin-out mode valve body 236 for the water to flow to the top/bottom
mode valve body
270. Each of the inlet body 138, turbine housing 140, gear box 142, Geneva
gear upper housing
146, reverse/spin-out mode valve body 236, and top/bottom mode valve body 270
can include a
plurality of coaxially aligned mounting brackets 232 that allow connection by
a plurality of bolts
234.
FIGS. 31-33 show the top/bottom mode assembly 128 in greater detail. FIG. 31
is an
exploded view of the top/bottom mode assembly 128. The top/bottom mode
assembly 128
includes a top/bottom mode valve body 270 and a top/bottom mode valve selector
272. The
top/bottom mode valve body 270 includes and upper opening 274, an internal
bottom mode
chamber 276, an internal top mode chamber 278, and a plurality of dividers 280
that separate the
internal bottom mode chamber 276 and the internal top mode chamber 278. The
top/bottom
mode valve body 270 is closed at the bottom. The internal bottom mode chamber
277 is
connected, and in fluidic communication, with a bottom mode outlet port 282
that can include an
o-ring 284. The internal top mode chamber 278 is connected, and in fluidic
communication,
with a top mode outlet port 286 that can include an o-ring 288. The top/bottom
mode valve body
270 also includes a central hub 290 that is positioned within and is coaxial
with the top/bottom
27
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
mode valve body 270. The central hub 290 is hollow and extends from the upper
opening 274
through the bottom of the top/bottom mode valve body 270. The central hub 290
is connected
with the dividers 280. The internal bottom mode chamber 276 and the internal
top mode
chamber 278 extend about the circumference of the central hub 290.
The top/bottom mode valve selector 272 includes a valve disk 292, a shaft 294,
an
enlarged section 296, an engageable drive head 298, and an o-ring 300 about
the enlarged section
296. The drive head 298 is configured to be engaged by a user, such that a
tool can be used to
engage the head 298 and rotate the top/bottom mode valve selector 272 to
select a desired mode
of operation. The valve disk 292 is generally circular in geometry and sized
to match the
top/bottom mode valve body upper opening 270. The valve disk 292 includes a
window 302 that
is positioned on the outer periphery of the valve disk 292. The window 302
extends through the
valve disk 292. The shaft 294 extends from the center of the valve disk 292 to
the enlarged
section 296. The enlarged section 296 is generally circular in shape and sized
to be inserted into,
and rotate within, the central hub 290. The enlarged section 296 can include
the o-ring 262
about the periphery for creating a seal radially against the central hub 290.
The drive head 298
extends from the enlarged section 296, and includes a geometry that
facilitates engagement. For
example, the drive head 298 can include a square or hexagonal geometry, or
alternatively can
include a flat slot for engagement with a flat-head screwdriver, or a crossed
slot for engagement
with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Rotation of the drive head 298 results in
rotation of the valve
disk 292, and thus the window 302. The window 302 provides a pathway for water
to flow
through and into either the internal bottom mode chamber 276 or the internal
top mode chamber
278. Specifically, water that flows through the internal forward drive chamber
242 of the
reverse/spin-out mode valve body 236 can pass through the window 302 to enter
the top/bottom
28
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
mode valve body 270. The top/bottom mode valve body 270 chamber that the water
enters, e.g.,
the internal bottom mode chamber 276 and the internal top mode chamber 278,
depends on the
positioning of the window 302. That is, when the window 302 is positioned
adjacent the internal
bottom mode chamber 276, due to engagement of the drive head 298 and rotation
of the valve
disk 292, water will flow into the internal bottom mode chamber 276. On the
other hand, if the
window 302 is positioned adjacent the internal top mode chamber 278, water
will flow into the
internal top mode chamber 276.
FIG. 32 is a top view of the top/bottom mode valve body 128, and FIG. 33 is a
sectional
view of the top/bottom mode valve body 128 taken along line 33-33 of FIG. 20.
As can be seen,
the internal bottom mode chamber 276 and the internal top mode chamber 278 are
generally
divided by the central hub 290 and the plurality of dividers 280. The internal
bottom mode
chamber 276 is connected with the bottom mode outlet port 282, while the
internal top mode
chamber 278 is connected with the top mode outlet port 286. Accordingly, water
that flows into
the internal bottom mode chamber 276 will flow out from the bottom mode outlet
port 282,
while water that flows into the internal top mode chamber 278 will flow out
from the top mode
outlet port 286. The bottom mode outlet port 282 and the top mode outlet port
286 are
connected with the water distribution manifold 122, which will be discussed in
greater detail.
FIGS. 34-43 show the water distribution manifold 122 in greater detail.
Specific
reference is made to FIGS. 34-35, which are perspective views of the water
distribution
manifold 122. The water distribution manifold 122 includes a manifold top 308,
the manifold
body 130, and the jet ring 132. The manifold top 308 includes three inlets, a
reverse/spinout
inlet 312, a top mode inlet 314, and a bottom mode inlet 316. The manifold top
308 also
includes a plurality of mounting tabs 318 for engagement with the manifold
body 130, and a
29
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
plurality of mounting risers 320 for engagement with the mounting brackets 232
of the
top/bottom mode valve body 270. The reverse/spinout inlet 312 is generally
connected with the
reverse/spinout outlet port 250 of the reverse/spinout mode valve body 236,
such that the
reverse/spinout outlet port 250 is inserted into the reverse/spinout inlet 312
and the o-ring 252
creates a seal radially against a wall of the reverse/spinout inlet 312. The
top mode inlet 314 is
generally connected with the top mode outlet port 286 of the top/bottom mode
valve body 270,
such that the top mode outlet port 286 is inserted into the top mode inlet 314
and the o-ring 288
creates a seal radially against a wall of the top mode inlet 314. The bottom
mode inlet 316 is
generally connected with the bottom mode outlet port 282 of the top/bottom
mode valve body
270, such that the bottom mode outlet port 282 is inserted into the bottom
mode inlet 316 and the
o-ring 284 creates a seal radially against a wall of the bottom mode inlet
316. The manifold top
308 is positioned on top of the manifold body 130.
FIG. 42 is a sectional view of the manifold body 130 taken along section line
42-42 of
FIG. 38. The manifold body 130 defines a reverse/spinout mode chamber 326, a
top mode
chamber 328, and a bottom mode chamber 330. The reverse/spinout mode chamber
326, the top
mode chamber 328, and the bottom mode chamber 330 are separated by a plurality
of internal
divider walls 332. The manifold body 130 includes a bottom wall 334 than
includes an aperture
336 extending through a portion of the bottom wall 334 that forms the bottom
mode chamber
330. The aperture 336 extends through the bottom wall 334 to a flow channel
338. The flow
channel 338 is located on the bottom 339 of the manifold body bottom wall 334
and sealed with
the channel 105 that is located on the bottom wall 70 of the chassis 32.
Accordingly, a fluid-
tight pathway is formed between the flow channel 338 and the chassis bottom
wall channel 105.
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
A gasket may be provided between the flow channel 338 and the chassis bottom
wall channel
105 to facilitate formation of a seal.
The chassis body 130 also includes a reverse/spinout outlet 340 having a
barbed end 342,
two top mode skimmer outlets 344 each having a barbed end 346, a top mode jet
nozzle housing
348, and a bottom mode outlet 350 having a barbed end 352. The reverse/spinout
outlet 340 is in
fluidic communication with the reverse/spinout mode chamber 326. Accordingly,
water that
flows into the reverse/spinout mode chamber 326 flows out from the
reverse/spinout outlet 340.
A first hose 119a (see FIG. 11) is connected to the reverse/spinout outlet 340
at one end, and to
the reverse/spin-out thrust jet nozzle inlet 116 (see FIG. 11) at the other
end. The barbed end
342 facilities attachment of the first hose 119a to the reverse/spinout outlet
340 while the inlet
barb 118 facilitates attachment of the first hose 119a to the inlet 116. Water
provided from the
reverse/spinout outlet 340 to the inlet 116 is forced out the outlet 114 under
pressure causing a
jet of pressurized water directed generally forward. This jet of pressurized
water causes the
cleaner 10 to move in a rearward direction. Alternatively, the reverse/spin-
out thrust jet nozzle
112 may be positioned at an angle to the chassis 32 such that it causes an
angular movement of
the cleaner 10, e.g., a "spin-out," instead of rearward movement of the
cleaner 10. In either
configuration, the reverse/spin-out thrust jet nozzle 112 functions to
occasionally cause the
cleaner 10 to move in a reverse motion or spin-out motion so that if it is
ever stuck in a corner of
the pool 12, or stuck on an obstruction in the pool 12, such as a pool toy or
pool ornamentation,
it will free itself and continue to clean the pool 12.
The top mode skimmer outlets 344 and the top mode jet nozzle housing 348 are
in fluidic
communication with the top mode chamber 328. The top mode jet nozzle housing
348 houses
the skim mode jet nozzle 83. Accordingly, water that flows into the top mode
chamber 328
31
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
flows out from the top mode skimmer outlets 344, and the top mode jet nozzle
83. A second
hose 119b (see FIG. 13) is connected to one of the top mode skimmer outlets
344 at one end,
and a third hose 119c (see FIG. 13) is connected to the other top mode skimmer
outlet 344 at one
end. The barbed ends 346 facilitate attachment of the second and third hoses
119b, 119c to the
top mode skimmer outlets 344. The second and third hoses 119b, 119c are each
respectively
connected at their second end to one of the plurality of skimmer/debris
retention jets 60, such
that the skimmer/debris retention jets 60 spray pressurized water when water
is provided to them
by way of the top mode skimmer outlets 344. The skimmer/debris retention jets
60 function to
force water and any debris that may be in the channel 40 rearward into the
debris bag 54.
Furthermore, the jetting of water rearward causes a venturi-like effect
causing water that is more
forward than the skimmer/debris retention jets 60 to be pulled rearward into
the debris bag 54.
Thus, the skimmer/debris retention jets 60 perform a skimming operation
whereby debris is
pulled and forced into the debris bag 54. Further, the skimmer/debris
retention jets 60 prevent
debris that is in the debris bag 54 from exiting. Additionally, water provided
from the top mode
chamber 328 to the top mode jet nozzle 83 is forced out the top mode jet
nozzle 83 under
pressure, causing a jet of pressurized water directed generally rearward and
downward. This jet
of pressurized water propels the cleaner 10 toward the pool water line 16 for
skimming of the
pool water line 16. When the cleaner 10 is skimming the pool water line 16,
the top mode jet
nozzle 83 propels the cleaner 10 forward along the pool water line 16.
FIG. 43 is a sectional view of the manifold body 130 taken along line 43-43 of
FIG. 40
showing the bottom mode chamber 330 in greater detail. The bottom mode outlet
350 is in
fluidic communication with the bottom mode chamber 330. Additionally, as
mentioned above,
the bottom mode chamber 330 is in fluidic communication with the flow channel
338 through
32
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
the aperture 336. The flow channel 338 extends across the bottom 339 of the
manifold body 130
and to the jet ring 132. Accordingly, water that flows into the bottom mode
chamber 330 flows
out from the bottom mode outlet 350, and through the aperture 336. One end of
a fourth hose
119d (see FIG. 13) is connected to the bottom mode outlet 350, and the second
end is connected
to the internal nozzle 94 of the forward thrust jet nozzle 82. The barbed end
352 and the internal
nozzle barb 96 facilitate attachment of the fourth hose 119b to the bottom
mode outlet 350 and
the forward thrust jet nozzle 82, respectively. The fourth hose 119d provides
water from the
bottom mode outlet 350 to the forward thrust jet nozzle 82, such that the
forward thrust jet nozzle
82 sprays pressurized water when water is provided thereto. The pressurized
water is forced
through the forward thrust jet nozzle 82 and out the forward thrust jet nozzle
82 under pressure,
causing a jet of pressurized water directed generally rearward. This jet of
pressurized water
propels the cleaner 10 across the pool wall 14, e.g., the bottom of the pool,
so that the cleaner 10
can clean the pool wall 14. In this regard, water that flows through the
bottom mode chamber
330 also flows across the flow channel 338 and to the jet ring 132.
The jet ring 132 defines an annular flow channel 354 and includes a plurality
of
protrusions 356 extending from a top surface 358 of the jet ring 132. The
bottom end 134 of the
suction tube 102 can be positioned on the top surface 358 of the jet ring 132.
The plurality of
protrusions 356 can be inserted into the bottom end 134 of the suction tube
102, such that the
protrusions 356 secure the suction tube 102 to the jet ring 132 and restrict
the suction tube 102
from detaching from the jet ring 132. Accordingly, when the water distribution
manifold 122 is
secured within the chassis 32, the suction tube 102 extends from the jet ring
132 to the debris
opening 58 of the top housing body 34. The annular flow channel 354 is in
fluidic
communication with the flow channel 338 and is sealed with the channel 105
that is located on
33
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
the bottom wall 70 of the chassis 32. Accordingly, a fluid tight pathway is
formed between the
annular flow channel 354, the flow channel 338, and the chassis bottom wall
channel 105. A
gasket may be provided between the annular flow channel 354 and the flow
channel 338, and the
chassis bottom wall channel 105 to facilitate formation of a seal.
FIG. 44 is a sectional view taken along line 44-44 of FIG. 9 showing the flow
channel
338 connected with the channel 105 of the bottom wall 70. The jet ring 132 is
positioned within
the chassis 32 adjacent the suction aperture 100, and includes the plurality
of suction jet nozzles
104 that are in fluidic communication with the annular flow channel 354 and
positioned to
discharge water through the suction tube 102. Accordingly, the suction jet
nozzles 104 spray
pressurized water when water is provided to them by way of the flow channel
338 and the
annular flow channel 354. The suction jet nozzles 104 discharge pressurized
water upward
through the suction tube 102 toward the debris opening 58, forcing any loose
debris through the
suction aperture 100, across the suction tube 102, out the debris opening 58,
and into the debris
bag 54. Furthermore, the jetting of water upward through the suction tube 102
causes a venturi-
like suction effect causing the suction head 98 to loosen debris from the pool
walls 14 and direct
the loosened debris into the suction aperture 100. This debris is forced
through the suction tube
102 by the suction jet nozzles 104.
FIGS. 45-47 show the hose connection 20 in greater detail. The hose connection
20
includes a connector portion 400, a body 402, and a nozzle 404. The connector
portion 400
includes a radially protruding inclined track 406 to engage a mating member of
a hose, e.g.,
segmented hose 22, for mounting with a caming action. This engagement can be
characterized
as a bayonet mount. FIG. 47 is a sectional view taken along line 47-47 of FIG.
46, showing the
hose connection 20 in greater detail. The body 402 includes a rotatable ball
valve 408, and a
34
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
plurality of seals 410. The rotatable ball valve 408 includes a ball 411
positioned within the
body 402. The seals 410 extend circumferentially about the ball 411, and are
positioned between
the ball 411 and an internal wall of the body 402. Accordingly, the seals 410
create a seal
radially against the body 402. A stem 412 extends from the ball 411 and
through the body 402,
where it is attached with a handle 414. Rotation of the handle 414, results in
rotation of the ball
411 within the body 410. When in a first position, water can flow through the
ball 411. When in
a second position, water is sealed off from flowing through the ball 411.
Accordingly, the hose
connection 20 can be used to control flow therethrough. The nozzle 404
includes a barb 416 that
facilitates attachment of a hose to the nozzle 404.
FIGS. 48-50 show the swivel 24 in greater detail. The swivel includes a first
body 418
and a second body 420. The first body 418 includes a tubular section 422
having a barb 424 and
a radial extension 426. A locking ring 428 extends from the radial extension
and includes an
annular wall 430 and an inwardly extending shoulder 432. The second body 420
includes a
tubular portion 434 having a barb 436 and a radial shoulder 438. The radial
shoulder 438
includes an annular protrusion 440. The radial shoulder 438 of the second body
420 is
positioned within the annular wall 430 of the first section locking ring 438,
such that a first
chamber 442 is formed between the first section locking ring 438, and the
inwardly extending
shoulder 432. A plurality of bearing balls 444, which could be acetal balls,
can be positioned
within the first chamber 442. A second chamber 446 is formed between the
radial extension 426
of the first body 418, the annular wall 430, and the radial shoulder 438. An
annular sealing
washer 448 and an annular seal 450 may be positioned and compressed within the
second
chamber 446, with the annular protrusion 440 contacting the annular sealing
washer 448.
Accordingly, the first and second bodies 418, 420 can rotate with respect to
one another, such
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
that the bearing balls 444 facilitate rotation, and the annular sealing washer
448 and the annular
seal 450 seal the first and second bodies 418, 420 from leakage. Accordingly,
water can flow
through the first and second bodies 418, 420.
FIG. 51 is a perspective view of a filter 26. The filter 26 includes a body
452, a filter
assembly 454 partially positioned within the body 452, and a nut 456. The body
includes a
nozzle 458 having a barb 460. The filter assembly 454 includes a filter 462
and a nozzle 464
having a barb 466. The nut 456 secures the filter assembly 454 with the body
452. Accordingly,
water can flow into the body nozzle 458, into the body 452, through the filter
462 where it is
filtered, and out the filter nozzle 464.
Operation of the cleaner 10 is summarized as follows. In operation, the pump
18
provides pressurized water through the segmented hose 22, any connected
swivels 24, filters 26,
and floats 28, and to the cleaner 10. The segmented hose 22 is connected to
the inlet port
external nozzle 84. The barb 88 facilitates attachment of the segmented hose
22 to the inlet port
external nozzle 84. Additionally, the nut 92 can be utilized to secure the
segmented hose 22 to
the inlet port external nozzle 84 in embodiments where the segmented hose 22
includes a
threaded end for engagement with the nut 92. The pressurized water flows
through the inlet port
78 of the cleaner 10 and out through the inlet port external nozzle 86, where
it flows through the
hose 87 and to the drive assembly inlet 148. The pressurized water flows
through the drive
assembly inlet 148 and into the inlet body 138. When in the inlet body 138,
the water diverges
into two flows. A first flow flows to the outlet 156 and a second flow flows
through the
reverse/skim-out mode valve disk window 264.
The first flow flows out of the outlet 156, through the hose 159 and to the
turbine housing
inlet 160. The first flow enters the turbine housing 140 through the inlet
160, and places a force
36
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
on the turbine blades 168. This force causes the turbine 164 to rotate about
the first shaft 176.
The first flow then exits the turbine housing 140 through the apertures 180.
Rotation of the
turbine 164 causes the output drive gear 172 to drive the reduction gear stack
186, resulting in
rotation of the plurality of drive gears 188. The plurality of drive gears 188
engage one another,
with one of the drive gears 188 engaging, and rotationally driving, the gear
stack output gear
200. Rotation of the gear stack output gear 200 causes rotation of the Geneva
drive gear 204,
including rotation of the post 210 about the first shaft 176. The post 210
continually orbits the
first shaft 176 while water drivingly engages the turbine 164. During each
rotation, the post 210
slides into a slot 224 of the Geneva gear 220, and "pushes" an adjacent cog
222. This
engagement, e.g., the post 210 "pushing" the cog 222, results in sequential
rotation of the
Geneva gear 220, wherein, for example, the Geneva gear 220 rotates 45 for
each orbit of the
post 210. Rotation of the Geneva gear 220 results in the Geneva gear socket
228 engaging and
rotating the reverse/spin-out valve selector drive head 260, thus rotationally
driving the
reverse/spin-out valve selector 238 and associated valve disk window 264.
Accordingly, Geneva
gear 220 causes the valve disk window 264 to move between different positions
adjacent the
internal forward drive chamber 242, and adjacent the internal reverse drive
chamber 244. While
the first flow is causing the Geneva gear 220 to rotate the valve disk 254,
the second flow flows
through the valve disk window 264 and into the reverse/spin-out mode valve
body 236 chamber
that it is adjacent to at that moment. For example, when the valve disk window
264 is adjacent
the internal forward drive chamber 242, into the internal forward drive
chamber 242. However,
when the valve disk window 264 is adjacent the internal reverse drive chamber
244, the second
flow flows into the internal reverse drive chamber 244. Thus, the Geneva gear
220 continuously
and automatically determines which chamber the second flow of water flows
into.
37
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
When the pressurized water of the second flow flows into the internal reverse
drive
chamber 244, it flows out of the internal reverse drive chamber 244 through
the outlet port 250,
into the reverse/spinout inlet 312 of the water distribution manifold 122,
into the reverse/spinout
mode chamber 326, out through the reverse/spinout outlet 340, through the
first hose 119a, and
to the reverse/spin-out thrust jet nozzle 112, where it is discharged.
Alternatively, when the
pressurized water of the second flow flows into the internal forward drive
chamber 242, it flows
through the valve disk window 302 of the top/bottom mode valve selector 272.
The valve disk
window 302 is rotatable by a user by inserting a tool through the top/bottom
mode adjustment
aperture 79 extending through the cleaner rear wall 68 and rotationally
engaging the drive head
298. Accordingly, the valve disk window 302 can be positioned adjacent the
internal bottom
mode chamber 276 or the internal top mode chamber 278.
When the valve disk window 302 is positioned adjacent the internal top mode
chamber
278, the pressurized water of the second flow flows into the internal top mode
chamber 278, out
of the internal top mode chamber 278 through the top mode outlet port 286,
into the top mode
inlet 314 of the water distribution manifold 122, into the top mode chamber
328, and out through
the top mode skimmer outlets 344 and the top mode jet nozzle 83. The portion
of the flow that
exits through the top mode skimmer outlets 344 flows through the respective
second and third
hose 119b, 119c and to the respective skimmer/debris retention jet 60 where it
is discharged.
When the valve disk window 302 is positioned adjacent the internal bottom mode
chamber 276, the pressurized water of the second flow flows into the internal
bottom mode
chamber 276, out of the internal bottom mode chamber 276 through the bottom
mode outlet port
282, into the bottom mode inlet 316 of the water distribution manifold 122,
into the bottom mode
chamber 330, and out through the bottom mode outlet 350 and the aperture 336.
The flow
38
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
portion that flows through the bottom mode outlet 350 flows through the fourth
hose 119d and to
the forward thrust jet nozzle 82 where it is discharged. The flow portion that
flows through the
aperture 336, flows across the flow channel 338, into the annular flow channel
354, and is
discharged through the plurality of vacuum jet nozzles 104.
FIGS. 52-78 show another embodiment of the drive mechanism of the pool cleaner
10.
Particularly, the pool cleaner 10 of FIGS. 52-78 includes a drive assembly 500
and water
distribution manifold 502 for providing water to the various nozzles. The
drive assembly 500 is
connected with an inlet tube 503a, reverse/spin-out tube 503b, and bottom mode
tube 503c,
while the water distribution manifold 502 is connected with first and second
skimmer tubes
503d, 503e, each of which are discussed in greater detail below. FIG. 52 is an
exploded
perspective view of the pool cleaner 10 of the present disclosure including
the drive assembly
500. FIG. 53 is a sectional view of the pool cleaner 10 taken along line 53-53
of FIG. 5
showing the drive assembly 500. As illustrated in FIG. 53, the chassis 32
forms a housing for
the drive assembly 500, the water distribution manifold 502, and the suction
tube 102. The pool
cleaner 10 of FIGS. 52-78 is similar in structure as described in connection
with FIGS. 1-44,
however, the drive assembly 500 and the water distribution manifold 502
replace the drive
assembly 120 and the water distribution manifold 122 of FIGS. 1-44.
FIGS. 55-58 illustrate the drive assembly 500 and the water distribution
manifold 502,
which are in fluidic communication with one another. The drive assembly 500
includes a timer
assembly 504, a reverse/spin-out mode cam assembly 506, a reverse/spin-out
mode valve
assembly 508, and a top/bottom mode valve assembly 510, each discussed in
greater detail
below. The water distribution manifold 502 includes a top mode manifold body
512 and a jet
ring 514. The manifold body 512 includes a plurality of chambers that function
to direct water
39
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
flow amongst the various jet nozzles of the cleaner 10. The suction tube 102
includes a bottom
end 134 and a top end 136. The jet ring 514 is connected with the bottom end
134 of the suction
tube 102 and includes a plurality of suction jet nozzles 720.
FIGS. 55-75 show the drive assembly 500 in greater detail. Particular
reference is made
to FIG. 65, which is an exploded view of the drive assembly 500 showing the
components of
the timer assembly 504, the reverse/spin-out mode cam assembly 506, the
reverse/spin-out mode
valve assembly 508, and the top/bottom mode valve assembly 510. The timer
assembly 504
includes a turbine housing 518, a gear box 520, a gear box upper housing 522,
and a socket
housing 524. The reverse/spin-out mode cam assembly 506 includes a cam upper
housing 526
and a cam plate 596. The reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly 508 includes an
inlet body 516,
a cam lower housing 528, a reverse/spin-out mode valve body 529, and a
reverse/spinout seal
624. The drive assembly 500 is configured such that the inlet body 516 is
connected with the
cam lower housing 528, the reverse/spin-out mode valve body 529, and the
reverse/spin-out seal
624 to form the reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly 508, with the top/bottom
mode valve
assembly 510 being adjacent to the reverse/spin-out mode assembly 508, the cam
lower housing
528 adjacent the cam upper housing 526, the timer cover 524 adjacent the cam
upper housing
526, the gear box 520 is adjacent the timer cover 524, and the turbine housing
518 is adjacent the
gear box 520. The inlet body 516 includes an inlet nozzle 530 having a barbed
end 532. The
inlet nozzle 530 provides a flow path from the exterior of the inlet body 516
to the interior. The
inlet nozzle 530 is connectable with the inlet tube 503a, which is connectable
with the internal
nozzle 86, such that water can flow to the cleaner 10 and through the inlet
tube 503a to the inlet
body 516. The inlet body 516 defines an internal chamber 534. The inlet nozzle
530 is in
communication with the internal chamber 534 such that fluid can flow into the
inlet nozzle 530
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
and into the internal chamber 534. The inlet body 516 further includes a top
opening 536 that is
adjacent cam lower housing 528, which will be discussed in greater detail
below. An outlet
nozzle 538 having a barbed end 540 is provided on the inlet body 516. The
outlet nozzle 538
provides one path for water to flow out from the inlet body 516. As such,
water flowing into the
inlet nozzle 530 flows into the interior chamber 534 and into the outlet
nozzle 538. Accordingly,
a portion of the water exits the inlet body 516 through the outlet nozzle 538.
The inlet body 516
is generally closed at an upper end, e.g., the end adjacent the cam lower
housing 528, but for the
opening 536, and is open at a lower end, e.g., the end adjacent the
reverse/spin-out mode valve
assembly 508.
FIG. 67 is a sectional view of the turbine housing 518 showing the components
thereof in
greater detail. The turbine housing 518 includes an inlet nozzle 542 having a
barbed end 544,
and a turbine 546. A hose 547 is connected at one end to the barbed end 540 of
the inlet body
outlet nozzle 538 and at another end to a the barbed end 544 of the turbine
housing inlet nozzle
542. Accordingly, water flows out from the inlet body 516 through the outlet
nozzle 538 and to
the turbine housing inlet nozzle 542 by way of the hose 547. The turbine 546
includes a central
hub 548, a plurality of blades 550, a boss 552 extending from the central hub
548 and having an
output drive gear 554 mounted thereto, and a central aperture 556. The central
hub 548, boss
552, and output drive gear 554 are connected for conjoint rotation.
Accordingly, rotation of the
blades 550 causes rotation of the central hub 548, boss 552, and output drive
gear 554. The
central aperture 556 extends through the center of the turbine 546, e.g.,
through the output drive
gear 554, the boss 552, and the central hub 548.
A first shaft 558 extends through the central aperture 556 and is secured
within a shaft
housing 560 that is provided in a top of the turbine housing 518. The first
shaft 558 extends
41
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
from the shaft housing 560, through the turbine 546, and into the gear box
520. The turbine
housing 518 also includes one or more apertures 562 in a sidewall thereof that
allow water to
escape the turbine housing 518. When pressurized water enters the turbine
housing 518 through
the inlet nozzle 542 it places pressure on the turbine blades 550, thus
transferring energy to the
turbine 546 and causing the turbine 546 to rotate. However, once the energy of
the pressurized
water is transferred to the turbine 546 it must be removed from the system,
otherwise it will
impede and place resistance on new pressurized water entering the turbine
housing 518.
Accordingly, new pressurized water introduced into the turbine housing 518
forces the old water
out from the one or more apertures 562. FIG. 67 is a sectional view of the
turbine housing 518
taken along line 67-67 of FIG. 61 further detailing and showing the
arrangement of the turbine
546 within the turbine housing 518. The turbine housing 518 is positioned on
the gear box 520.
The gear box 520 includes a turbine mounting surface 564 having an aperture
566
extending there through. The turbine housing 518 is positioned on, and covers,
the gear box
turbine mounting surface 564, such that the turbine 546 is adjacent the
turbine mounting surface
564 and the turbine output drive gear 554 extends through the aperture 566 and
into the gear box
520. The gear box 520 houses a reduction gear stack 568 that is made up of a
first and second
gear stack 570a, 570b, each gear stack 570a, 570b including a plurality of
large gears 572
connected and coaxial with a smaller gear 574 (see FIG. 66) for conjoint
rotation therewith. The
conjoint rotation of the large gear 572 with the smaller gear 574 causes for a
reduction in gear
ratio. As can bee seen in FIG. 66, which is a sectional view of the drive
assembly 500, the first
and second coaxial gear stack 570a, 570b each include a central aperture 576.
The first gear
stack 570a is coaxial with the turbine 546 such that the first shaft 558
extends through the gears
572, 574 of the gear stack 570a, and into the timer cover 524 where it is
secured. Thus, the first
42
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
gear stack 570a rotates about the first shaft 558. The first gear stack 570a
includes a final gear
stack output gear 582 as the bottom most gear of the stack 570a. The final
gear stack output gear
582 includes a small drive gear 584. The second gear stack 570b is positioned
such that the
gears 572, 574 that make up the second gear stack 570b engage the gears 572,
574 that make up
the first gear stack 570a. Additionally, the second gear stack 570b has a
second shaft 578
extending through the central aperture 576 thereof. The second shaft 578 is
parallel to the first
shaft 558 and is secured within a second shaft top housing 580 that is
positioned in a top wall of
the gear box 520. The small gear 574 of the second gear stack 570b engages a
large gear 572 of
the first gear stack 570a that rotates about the first shaft 558. Similarly, a
conjoint small gear
574 of the first gear stack 570a engages a large gear 572 of the second gear
stack 570b that
rotates about the second shaft 578. A series of such gears are positioned
within the gear
reduction stack 568 with particular gear ratios, and engaged with one another
in the above-
described fashion, so that rotation of the turbine 546, and subsequent
rotation of the turbine
output drive gear 554, causes each gear 572, 574 of the gear stacks 570a, 570b
to rotate with
each subsequent gear rotating at a different rotational speed. The second gear
stack 570b
includes an output drive gear 586 as the bottom most gear. The output drive
gear 586 includes a
large drive gear 588 and a socket 590 extending from the large drive gear 588
for conjoint
rotation therewith. The large drive gear 588 engages the small drive gear 584
of the final gear
stack output gear 582. The output drive gear 586 engages and is driven by the
small drive gear
584 of the final gear stack output gear 582. Accordingly, rotation of the
turbine blades 550
causes rotation of the boss 552, and output drive gear 554, which output drive
gear 554 causes
rotation of the gears 572, 574 of the gear reduction stack 568, and ultimately
rotation of the
output drive gear 586.
43
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
As shown in FIG. 66, the output drive gear 586 is positioned between the gear
box upper
housing 522 and the timer cover 524. The timer cover 524 engages the gear box
520 creating a
sealed compartment that contains the reduction gear stack 568, including the
cam drive gear 586.
The timer cover 524 includes a socket aperture 592 that receives the output
drive gear socket
590. Accordingly, the socket 590 is accessible from the exterior of the timer
cover 524.
Positioned adjacent to the timer cover 524 is the cam upper housing 526, which
is also
positioned adjacent to the cam lower housing 528. Accordingly, the cam upper
housing 526 is
between the timer cover 524 and the cam lower housing 528. The cam upper
housing 526
includes a central aperture 594. The cam plate 596 is positioned between the
cam upper housing
526 and the cam lower housing 528. The cam plate 596 includes a body 598
having a bottom
side 600 and a top side 602. A shaft 604 extends from the center of the top
side 602 of the body
598. The shaft 604 includes a shaped head 606 at the end thereof, and a
circumferential notch
608. The circumferential notch 608 includes an o-ring positioned therein. The
shaft 604
extends from the body cam 598 and through the cam upper housing 526, which
generally have
mating geometries so that the shaft 604 can rotate. The shaped head 606
engages the socket 590
of the output drive gear 586, which generally have mating geometries so that
they can rotate
conjointly. That is, the socket 590 and the shaped head 606 have matching
geometries such that
rotation of the socket 590 will drivingly rotate the shaped head 606, and thus
the entirety of the
cam plate 596. A central hub 612 extends from the center of the bottom side
600 of the body
598. The central hub 612 includes an aperture 614 with a post 616 positioned
therein. The post
616 is secured in the aperture 614 at one end, and in an aperture 622 of the
cam lower housing
528 at another end, such that the cam plate 596 can rotate about the post 616.
The bottom side
600 of the cam body 598 further includes a cam track 618 that encircles the
central hub 612. The
44
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
cam track 618 is generally circular shaped with a uniform radius, except for a
radially extended
portion 620 that has a greater radius. FIG. 68 is a sectional view of the cam
plate 596, showing
elements thereof in greater detail, e.g., the cam track 618 and the radially
extended portion 620.
The cam track 618 is configured to operate a rotatable reverse/spin-out seal
624, which
the majority of is positioned in the inlet body 516. The rotatable
reverse/spin-out seal 624 is
shown in detail in FIGS. 68 and 69. FIG. 69 is a top exploded view of the
reverse/spin-out
mode cam assembly 506, the reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly 508, and the
top/bottom
mode valve assembly 510. The rotatable reverse/spin-out seal 624 includes an
body 626, an
arched portion 628, a sealing member 630, a stationary post 632, and a cam
track post 634. The
stationary post 632 is secured to a top surface of the reverse/spin-out mode
valve assembly 508
such that the reverse/spin-out seal 624 can rotate about the stationary post
632. The
reverse/spin-out seal 624 is positioned on a top surface of the reverse/spin-
out mode valve
assembly 508, and within the internal chamber 534 of the inlet body 516 such
that the cam track
post 634 extends through the opening 536 of the inlet body 516 and extends
into the cam track
518.
In operation, rotation of the output drive gear 586 (see FIG. 66) results in
rotation of the
cam plate 596 by way of the engagement between, and mating geometries of, the
socket 590 and
the shaped head 606. The cam track post 634 of the reverse/spin-out seal 626
is positioned
within the cam track 618 such that they are in engagement. Thus, as the cam
plate 596 rotates,
the cam track post 634 rides in the cam track 618. As described above, the cam
track 618
includes a majority portion having a first radius and a radially extended
portion 620 that has a
greater radius. As the cam plate 596 rotates, the cam track post 634 will
transition between the
majority portion and the radially extended portion 620. When the cam track
post 634 transitions
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
into the radially extended portion 620 of the cam track 618, the cam track 618
pushes the cam
track post 634 radially outward, which causes the reverse/spin-out seal 624 to
rotate clockwise
about the stationary post 632 and into a reverse/spin-out position. Similarly,
when the cam track
post 634 transitions into the majority portion of the cam track 618, e.g., out
from the radially
extended portion 620 and into the lesser radius portion, the cam track 618
pulls the post 624
radially inward, which causes the reverse/spin-out seal 624 to rotate counter-
clockwise about the
stationary post 632 and into a forward position. Discussion of the
reverse/spin-out position and
the forward position is provided below.
FIGS. 69-73 show the reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly 508 in greater
detail. FIG.
69 is a top exploded view of the reverse/spin-out mode cam assembly 506, the
reverse/spin-out
mode valve assembly 508, and the top/bottom mode valve assembly 510, while
FIG. 70 is a
bottom exploded view of the same. The reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly 508
is positioned
adjacent the inlet body 516 and generally defines a forward chamber 636 and a
reverse/spin-out
chamber 638 separated from the forward chamber 636 and defined by a chamber
wall 639 (see
FIG. 70). The reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly 508 includes a reverse/spin-
out chamber
opening 640 and a reverse/spin-out chamber nozzle 642 having a barbed end 644.
The
reverse/spin-out chamber 638 is in fluidic communication with the reverse/spin-
out chamber
opening 640 and the reverse/spin-out chamber nozzle 642, such that fluid can
flow through the
reverse/spin-out opening 640, into the reverse/spin-out chamber 638 and out
the reverse/spin-out
chamber nozzle 642 without entering the forward chamber 636. The reverse/spin-
out valve
assembly 508 further includes a forward chamber opening 646 (see FIG. 72) and
an open end
648, such that the forward chamber opening 646, forward chamber 636, and the
open end 648
are in fluidic communication. Accordingly, fluid flows into the forward
chamber opening 646,
46
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
through the forward chamber 646, and out the open end 648. FIG. 73 is a cross-
sectional view
of the reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly 508 showing the forward chamber
636 and the
reverse/spin-out chamber 638 in greater detail.
FIGS. 69-70 and 74-75 show the top/bottom mode valve assembly 510 in greater
detail.
FIGS. 69-70 are top and bottom perspective view, respectively, showing the
top/bottom mode
valve assembly 510. The top/bottom mode valve assembly 510 includes a body 649
and a
sealing plate 692. The body 649 defines a top/bottom mode main chamber 652 and
includes a
top opening 650, a bottom mode opening 654, and a top mode opening 660. The
top opening
650 provides access to the top/bottom mode main chamber 652, while the
top/bottom mode
valve body 649 is closed at the bottom. FIG. 74 is a perspective view of the
top/bottom mode
valve assembly 510 with the sealing plate 692 not shown in order to illustrate
the bottom mode
opening 654 and the top mode opening 660. The bottom mode opening 654 connects
with a
bottom mode outlet chamber 656 that is defined by a bottom mode outlet port
658 and a bottom
mode nozzle 666. The bottom mode outlet port 658 and the bottom mode nozzle
666 extend
from the top/bottom mode valve body 649. The bottom mode nozzle 666 includes a
barbed end
668 (see FIG. 75). The top mode opening 660 connects with a top mode outlet
chamber 662 that
is defined by a top mode outlet port 664. The top mode outlet port 664 extends
from the
top/bottom mode valve body 649. As can be seen in FIG. 74, a hub 670 extends
from the
top/bottom mode valve assembly body 649 and defines a chamber 672. The hub 670
connects
with the body 649, which includes an opening 674 that places the top/bottom
mode main
chamber 652 in connection with the chamber 672. The hub 670 allows the sealing
plate 692 to
be rotated by a source external to the top/bottom mode valve assembly 510,
which is discussed in
greater detail below.
47
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
A top/bottom mode selector 676 is connected to the top/bottom mode valve
assembly
510. The top/bottom mode selector 676 includes a lever arm 678 having a first
arm 680 and a
second arm 682, a fulcrum 684, a user-engageable tab 686, and a plate 688. The
fulcrum 684
engages the lever arm 678 between the first arm 680 and the second arm 682,
such that the lever
arm 678 can rotate about the fulcrum 684. The user-engageable tab 686 is
positioned at the end
of the first arm 680 and is positioned adjacent a wall of the pool cleaner 10,
as shown in FIG. 53.
Accordingly, a user can push the user-engageable tab 686 up or down to rotate
the lever arm 678
about the fulcrum 684. The user-engageable tab 686 can include a plurality of
ridges to facilitate
use by a user. The second arm 682 includes a pin 689 that extends from an end
of the second
arm 682. The plate 688 is connected with a central shaft 690 (see FIG. 75) and
includes an
aperture 691 located near the periphery of the plate 688. The central shaft
690 extends through
the hub 670, e.g., is positioned within the chamber 672, and engages the
sealing plate 692. The
pin 689 engages the aperture 691 of the plate 688, such that the pin 689 can
rotate the plate 688,
along with the central shaft 690 and the sealing plate 692, while itself
rotating within the aperture
691. Accordingly, the tab 686 can be engaged by a user to rotate the
top/bottom mod selector
676 clockwise or counter-clockwise to rotate the sealing plate 692 between two
positions. In a
first position, e.g., the position shown in FIG. 69 also referred to as the
bottom mode position,
the sealing plate 692 is positioned adjacent the top mode opening 660, thus
sealing the top mode
outlet chamber 662. In such a configuration, fluid can flow through the bottom
mode opening
654, through the bottom mode outlet chamber 656, and out the bottom mode
outlet port 658 and
the bottom mode nozzle 666. In a second position, e.g., a top mode position,
the sealing plate
692 is positioned adjacent the bottom mode opening 654, thus sealing the
bottom mode outlet
chamber 656. In such a configuration, fluid can flow through the top mode
opening 660, through
48
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
the top mode outlet chamber 662, and out the top mode outlet port 664. The
bottom mode outlet
port 658 and the top mode outlet port 664 are connected with the water
distribution manifold
502, which will be discussed in greater detail.
FIGS. 76-78 show the distribution manifold 502 in greater detail. FIG. 76 is a
perspective view of the distribution manifold 502. The distribution manifold
502 includes the
top mode manifold 512 and the jet ring 514. The top mode manifold 512 includes
a manifold
body 696, inlet port 698, first top mode skimmer outlet 700 having a barbed
end 702, second top
mode skimmer outlet 704 having a barbed end 706, and a top mode jet nozzle
housing 708 that
houses a top mode jet nozzle 710. The top mode manifold inlet port 698 is
generally connected
with the top mode outlet port 664 of the top/bottom mode valve assembly 510,
such that the top
mode manifold inlet port 698 is inserted into the top mode outlet port 664.
The jet ring 512
includes a body 714, a bottom mode inlet port 716, a plurality of upper
protrusions 718 that
secure the suction tube 102, and a plurality of suction jet nozzles 720. The
bottom mode inlet
port 716 is connected with the bottom mode outlet port 658 of the top/bottom
mode valve
assembly 510, such that the bottom mode inlet port 716 is inserted into the
bottom mode outlet
port 658.
FIG. 78 is a sectional view of the distribution manifold 502 taken along line
78-78 of
FIG. 77. The top mode manifold body 696 defines a top mode inner chamber 712,
while the jet
ring 512 defines a bottom mode inner chamber 722. The top mode inner chamber
712 is in
fluidic communication with the inlet port 698, the first and second top mode
skimmer outlets
700, 704, and the top mode jet nozzle housing 708 including top mode jet
nozzle 710.
Accordingly, fluid can flow through the top mode outlet port 664 of the
top/bottom mode valve
assembly 510, into the top mode manifold inlet port 698, through the top mode
inner chamber
49
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
712, and out through the first and second top mode skimmer outlets 700, 704
and the top mode
jet nozzle 710. The first and second top mode skimmer outlets 700, 704 are
connected with the
first and second skimmer tubes 503e, 503d (see FIGS. 53-54), which are each in
turn connected
to the skimmer/debris retention jets 60 (see FIGS. 7 and 53-54). The
engagement of the top
mode jet nozzle 710 with the top mode jet nozzle housing 708 can be a ball-and-
socket joint
such that the jet nozzle 710 can be rotated within the housing 708. Fluid
provided from the top
mode inner chamber 712 to the top mode jet nozzle 710 is forced out the top
mode jet nozzle 710
under pressure, causing a jet of pressurized water directed generally rearward
and downward.
This jet of pressurized water propels the cleaner 10 toward the pool water
line 16 for skimming
of the pool water line 16. When the cleaner 10 is skimming the pool water line
16, the top mode
jet nozzle 710 propels the cleaner 10 forward along the pool water line 16.
The bottom mode inner chamber 722 is in fluidic communication with the bottom
mode
inlet port 716 and the plurality of suction jet nozzles 720. Accordingly,
fluid can flow through
the bottom mode outlet port 658 of the top/bottom mode valve assembly 510,
into the bottom
mode inlet port 716, through the bottom mode inner chamber 722, and out
through the plurality
of suction jet nozzles 720. The suction jet nozzles 720 function in accordance
with the suction
jet nozzles 104 discussed in connection with FIGS. 1-44. Accordingly, the
suction jet nozzles
720 spray pressurized water when water is provided to them by way of the
bottom mode inner
chamber 722. The suction jet nozzles 720 discharge pressurized water upward
through the
suction tube 102 toward the debris opening 58, forcing any loose debris
through the suction
aperture 100, across the suction tube 102, out the debris opening 58, and into
the debris bag 54
(see FIG. 4). Furthermore, the jetting of water upward through the suction
tube 102 causes a
venturi-like suction effect causing the suction head 98 to loosen debris from
the pool walls 14
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
and direct the loosened debris into the suction aperture 100. This debris is
forced through the
suction tube 102 by the suction jet nozzles 720.
Operation of the cleaner 10 utilizing the drive assembly 500 (discussed above
in
connection with FIGS. 52-78) is summarized as follows. In operation, the pump
18 provides
pressurized water through the segmented hose 22, any connected swivels 24,
filters 26, and floats
28, and to the cleaner 10. The segmented hose 22 is connected to the inlet
port external nozzle
84. The barb 88 facilitates attachment of the segmented hose 22 to the inlet
port external nozzle
84. Additionally, the nut 92 can be utilized to secure the segmented hose 22
to the inlet port
external nozzle 84. In such embodiments, the nut 92 bites into the soft
material of the segmented
hose 22 to restrain the hose 22. The pressurized water flows through the inlet
port 78 of the
cleaner 10 and out through the inlet port external nozzle 86, where it flows
through the hose
503a and to the inlet body inlet nozzle 530. The pressurized water flows into
the inlet body 516.
When in the inlet body 516, the water diverges into two flows. A first flow
flows to the outlet
nozzle 538 and a second flow flows toward the reverse/spin-out mode valve
assembly 508.
The first flow flows out of the outlet nozzle 538, through the hose 547 and to
the turbine
housing inlet 542. The first flow enters the turbine housing 518 through the
inlet 542, and places
a force on the turbine blades 550. This force causes the turbine 546 to rotate
about the first shaft
558. The first flow then exits the turbine housing 518 through the apertures
562. Rotation of
the turbine 546 causes the output drive gear 554 to drive the first large gear
572 of the second
gear stack 570b, which is in engagement of the first gear stack 570a,
resulting in rotation of the
plurality of large diameter gears 572 and small diameter gears 574. The first
and second gear
stacks 570a, 570b engage one another, with the final gear stack out 582 being
rotated such that
the small drive gear 584 thereof engages and rotates the output drive gear
586. Rotation of the
51
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
output drive gear 586 causes rotation of the socket 590, and thus rotation of
the cam plate 596
due to the mating relationship of the socket 590 and the shaped head 606 of
the cam plate 596.
As the cam plate 596 rotates, the reverse/spin-out seal post 634 rides within
the cam track 618 to
affect the position of the reverse/spin-out seal 624.
As discussed above, the reverse/spin-out seal 624 is configured to rotate
about the
stationary post 632 according to the position of the cam track post's 634
position in the cam
track 618. When the cam track post 634 is positioned in the first radius
portion of the cam track
618, e.g., the lesser radius portion, the reverse/spin-out seal 624 is
positioned such that the
sealing member 630 is adjacent the reverse/spin-out opening 640, thus sealing
the reverse/spin-
out chamber 638 and allowing fluid to flow through the forward chamber opening
646 and into
the forward chamber 636. Conversely, when the cam track post 634 is positioned
in the radially
extended portion 620 of the cam track 618, the reverse/spin-out seal 624 is
positioned such that
the sealing member 630 is adjacent the forward chamber opening 646, thus
sealing the forward
chamber 636 and allowing fluid to flow through the reverse/spin-out opening
640 and into the
reverse/spin-out chamber 638. Accordingly, the cam plate 596 determines what
position the
reverse/spin-out seal 624 is in, and rotates the seal between a forward
position and a
reverse/spin-out position. The length of time that the reverse/spin-out seal
624 stays in either
position is determined by the length, e.g., circumferential length, of the
radially extended portion
620. A greater length radially extended portion 620 results in a greater
amount of time that the
reverse/spin-out seal 624 will be positioned adjacent the forward chamber
opening 646.
Similarly, a lesser length radially extended portion 620 results in a lesser
amount of time that the
reverse/spin-out seal 624 will be positioned adjacent the forward chamber
opening 646. If the
radially extend portion 620 makes up one eighth (1/8th) of the cam track 618
circumference, then
52
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
the reverse/spin-out seal 624 will be positioned adjacent the forward chamber
opening 646 one
eighth (1/8th) of the time. The circumferential length of the radially
extended portion 620 can be
determined based on a user's need, and a different cam plate 596 can be
provided for different
situations.
When the cam track post 634 is positioned in the radially extended portion 620
of the
cam track 618, forcing the reverse/spin-out seal 624 to seal the forward
chamber opening 646
and the forward chamber 636. When in such a position, water flows to the
cleaner 10, through
the inlet port 78, through the inlet tube 503a, into the inlet nozzle 530,
into the inlet body internal
chamber 534, into the reverse/spin-out chamber 638, out the reverse/spin-out
chamber nozzle
642, through the reverse/spin-out tube 503b, and to the reverse/spin-out
thrust jet nozzle 112
where it is discharged under pressure. Alternatively, when the cam track post
634 is not
positioned in the radially extended portion 620 of the cam track 618, the
reverse/spin-out seal
624 is adjacent the reverse/spin-out chamber opening 640, thus sealing the
reverse/spin-out
chamber 638. This allows water to enter the inlet body internal chamber 534
and flow into
forward main chamber 636. From there, the water flows through the forward main
chamber 636
and into the top/bottom mode valve assembly body 649.
Once in the top/bottom mode valve assembly body 649, the flow of the water is
dictated
by the position of the sealing plate 692. As discussed above, the sealing
plate 692 can be
positioned adjacent the bottom mode opening 654 to seal the bottom mode outlet
chamber 656,
or adjacent the top mode opening 660 to seal the top mode outlet chamber 662.
When the sealing plate 692 is positioned adjacent the bottom mode opening 654,
the
water flows through the top mode opening 660, through the top mode outlet
chamber 662, out
the top mode outlet port 664 of the top/bottom mode valve assembly 510, into
the top mode
53
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
manifold inlet port 698, through the top mode inner chamber 712, and out
through the first and
second top mode skimmer outlets 700, 704 and the top mode jet nozzle 710. The
first and
second top mode skimmer outlets 700, 704 are connected with the first and
second skimmer
tubes 503e, 503d (see FIGS. 53-54), which are each in turn connected to the
skimmer/debris
retention jets 60 (see FIGS. 7 and 53-54).
When the sealing plate 692 is positioned adjacent the top mode opening 660,
the water
flows through the bottom mode opening 654, across the bottom mode outlet
chamber 656, and
out the bottom mode outlet port 658 and the bottom mode nozzle 666 of the
top/bottom mode
valve assembly 510. The flow out from the bottom mode outlet port 658 flows
into the bottom
mode inlet port 716, through the bottom mode inner chamber 722, and out
through the plurality
of suction jet nozzles 720. The bottom mode nozzle 666 is connected with the
bottom mode tube
503c, which is also connected with the forward thrust jet nozzle 82 where the
water is
discharged. Discharge of the water through the forward thrust jet nozzle 82
results in the cleaner
10 being driven forward.
FIGS. 79-86 show a jet nozzle assembly 1000 and a vacuum suction tube 1002 of
the
present disclosure that can be utilized in a pressure or robotic pool cleaner
such as the pool
cleaner illustrated in FIGS. 1-44 and 52-78 and the accompanying disclosures
thereof. FIG. 79
is a side view of the jet nozzle assembly 1000 and the vacuum suction tube
1002. The jet nozzle
assembly 1000 is similar to the jet ring 132 described in connection with
FIGS. 1-44, and the jet
ring 514 described in connection with FIGS. 52-78. That is, the jet nozzle
assembly 1000 can be
used in place of the jet ring 132 and/or the jet ring 514. Similarly, the
vacuum suction tube 1002
is similar to the suction tube 102 described in connection with FIGS. 1-44 and
52-78. The
vacuum suction tube 1002 is a tubular component having a first open end 1002a
and a second
54
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
open end 1002b, and is positioned adjacent the jet nozzle assembly 1000. FIG.
80 is a
perspective view of the jet nozzle assembly 1000 and FIG. 81 is a top view
showing the jet
nozzle assembly 1000 and the vacuum suction tube 1002. The jet nozzle assembly
1000 includes
an annular body 1004 having a top opening 1004a and a bottom opening 1004b,
and also
includes first, second, and third jet nozzles 1006a, 1006b, 1006c positioned
on an interior wall of
the annular body 1004 (see FIG. 81 regarding the third jet nozzle 1006c). The
jet nozzles 1006a,
1006b, 1006c each include a body 1008a, 1008b, 1008c and an outlet 1010a,
1010b, 1010c. The
jet nozzles 1006a, 1006b, 1006c are positioned and arranged on the interior
wall of the annular
body 1004 such that water discharged therethrough is directed towards the top
opening 1004a of
the annular body 1004.
As shown in FIGS. 79 and 81, the vacuum suction tube 1002 is positioned with
one of its
ends, e.g., the first open end 1002a, adjacent the top opening 1004a of the
jet nozzle assembly
body 1004 such that the jet nozzles 1006a, 1006b, 1006c discharge water
through the jet nozzle
assembly body top opening 1004a and into the vacuum suction tube 1002. The
discharged water
exits the vacuum suction tube 1002 at the end opposite the jet nozzle assembly
1000, e.g., the
second open end 1002b, which can be positioned adjacent an attached filter,
filter bag, etc.,
which can be used to filter or trap any debris that is discharged through the
vacuum suction tube
1002. Particularly, the jet nozzle assembly 1000 can be incorporated into a
pressure or robotic
pool cleaner such that the jet nozzle assembly body bottom opening 1004b is
positioned at a
bottom of the pool cleaner and open to the pool water, e.g., atmosphere. The
pressurized
discharge of water through the jet nozzles 1006a, 1006b, 1006c generates a
venturi or suction
effect at the bottom opening 1004b such that pool water is suctioned into the
bottom opening
1004b from the pool and discharged through the vacuum suction tube 1002. This
also results in
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
any debris that may be on the pool floor or wall to also be suctioned through
the vacuum suction
tube 1002, and discharged therethrough and into an attached filter or filter
bag.
FIG. 82 is a cross-section view of the jet nozzle assembly 1000 and vacuum
suction tube
1002 taken along line 82-82 of FIG. 81. FIG. 83 is a cross-section view of the
jet nozzle
assembly 1000 and vacuum suction tube 1002 taken along line 83-83 of FIG. 81.
As can be seen
in FIGS. 82 and 83, the jet nozzle assembly body 1004 includes an internal
channel 1012 that is
in fluidic communication with each of the jet nozzles 1006a, 1006b, 1006c. As
illustrated in
FIG. 83, the outlets 1010a, 1010b, 1010c of the jet nozzles 1006a, 1006b,
1006c are in fluidic
communication with the internal channel 1012 such that pressurized fluid
flowing through the
internal channel 1012 can be discharged through each of the jet nozzles 1006a,
1006b, 1006c
through the respective outlet 1010a, 1010b, 1010c. The internal channel 1012
is also in fluidic
communication with a source of pressurized fluid, such as a pump that can be
internal to the pool
cleaner (e.g., for a robotic pool cleaner) or a pump that is external to the
pool and provides
positive pressure to the pool leaner (e.g., for a positive-pressure pool
cleaner). Accordingly,
pressurized fluid is provided from a source of pressurized fluid to the
internal channel 1012,
where it travels along the internal channel 1012 and is discharged through
each of the jet nozzles
1006a, 1006b, 1006c.
Configuration of the nozzles 1006a, 1006b, 1006c will now be discussed in
greater detail.
It is noted that the nozzles 1006a, 1006b, 1006c are constructed and
configured the same, and
simply spaced apart from one another. Accordingly, reference hereinafter may
be made with
respect to a single nozzle and it should be understood that these statements
hold true for the
remaining nozzles. Each of the nozzles 1006a, 1006b, 1006c is configured to
discharge fluid at
a vortex angle a (see FIG. 82) and a convergence angle 13 (see FIG. 83). As
shown in FIG. 82,
56
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
the nozzle 1006a discharges fluid in the direction of arrow A, which is at an
angle a (e.g., vortex
angle) in a first plane with respect to the centerline CL of the vacuum
suction tube 1002 when
the centerline CL is aligned with the nozzle outlet 1010a. Essentially, this
means that the
direction of water discharged from the nozzle 1006a is not in alignment with
the direction of
water flow across the vacuum suction tube 1002, e.g., along the centerline CL
of the vacuum
suction tube 1002 from the first open end 1002a to the second open end 1002b,
but instead the
water is discharged to flow in a helical path about the centerline CL and not
in a straight line.
This arrangement creates a vortex flow through the vacuum suction tube 1002.
As mentioned
previously, this holds true for the remaining nozzles 1006b, 1006c.
Additionally, as shown in
FIG. 83, the fluid discharged by the nozzle 1006a is also discharged in the
direction of arrow B,
which is at an angle 13 (e.g., convergence angle) in a second plane with
respect to the centerline
CL of the vacuum suction tube 1002 when the centerline CL is not aligned with
the nozzle outlet
1010a. Essentially, this means that the water discharged from the nozzle 1006a
is directed
toward the centerline CL, and not parallel to the centerline CL. As mentioned
previously, this
holds true for the remaining nozzles 1006b, 1006c. Thus, the water being
discharged by all of
the nozzles 1006a, 1006b, 1006c converges at the centerline CL. This
arrangement creates a
convergent flow through the vacuum suction tube 1002. Accordingly, the water
discharged
through the nozzles 1006a, 1006b, 1006c flow in helical paths that converge
with one another.
By angling the nozzles 1006a, 1006b, 1006c at a vortex angle a and/or a
convergence angle 13,
the volumetric flow of water being suctioned into the jet nozzle assembly 1000
and through the
vacuum suction tube 1002 is increased, creating a more efficient machine as no
additional energy
needs to be introduced in order to effect this increased volumetric flow rate.
Additionally, the
57
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
flow characteristics through the vacuum suction tube 1002 is smoothed, thereby
providing a
more uniform distribution of water flow.
It should be understood that it is not necessary to utilize both a vortex
angle and a
convergence angle at the same time; instead, each of a vortex angle and a
convergence angle can
be implemented absent the other, or can be utilized together. It should also
be understood that
the jet nozzle assembly 1000 can be provided with more or less than three
nozzles as illustrated,
e.g., the jet nozzle assembly 1000 can have one nozzle (see FIG. 84), two
nozzles (see FIG. 85),
four nozzles (see FIG. 86), etc.
Table 1 below shows simulated testing results illustrating how volumetric flow
rate is
affected by various configurations of the number of nozzles, vacuum tube
diameter, nozzle
convergence angle p, nozzle vortex angle a, nozzle diameter, and flow per
nozzle. The column
"Volume Flow Rate 1" indicates the volumetric flow rate at a point prior to
the nozzles, e.g.,
upstream of the nozzles, and thus represents that volumetric flow rate of
fluid that is being
suctioned into the jet nozzle assembly. The column "Volume Flow Rate 2"
indicates the
volumetric flow rate at a point that is at the top of the tube, e.g.,
downstream of the nozzles, and
thus represents that volumetric flow rate of fluid that is being discharged
through the vacuum
tube. As can be seen from Table 1, when the number of nozzles, vacuum tube
diameter, nozzle
outlet diameter, and flow per nozzle are kept constant, the greatest increase
in flow rate results
from a nozzle convergence angle 13 of 30 and a nozzle vortex angle a of 30 .
In this
configuration, a volumetric flow rate of 26.255 gallons per minute through the
vacuum tube is
achieved while only discharging 1.02 gallons per minute through each nozzle.
58
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
Table 1 ¨ Convergence and Vortex Angle Analysis
Nozzle Nozzle Flow per
Vacuum Nozzle Volume Volume
Number Convergence Vortex nozzle
Tube outlet
Flow Rate 1 Flow Rate 2
ofAngle Angle (gallons
diameter diameter
(gallons per (gallons per
nozzlesR a per minute)
(in.) (in.) minute)
minute)
(0) (0)
3 2.5 30 0 0.095 1.02
19.1014231 22.1614116
3 2.5 20 20 0.095 1.02 17.1452074 20.2051716
3 2.5 20 30 0.095 1.02 19.4976677 22.5576560
3 2.5 30 30 0.095 1.02 23.1946716 26.2546880
3.125 x
3 2.00 30 30 0.095 1.02
22.8158551 25.8758734
ellipse
3
2.000 0 0 0.110 1.33
3.94641192 7.93642269
grouped
3 2.750 0 0 0.110 1.33
19.1217895 21.7818559
Table 2 below shows simulated testing results illustrating how volumetric flow
rate is
affected by various configurations of the number of nozzles, vacuum tube
diameter, nozzle
convergence angle 13, nozzle diameter, and flow per nozzle. The column "Volume
Flow Rate 1"
indicates the volumetric flow rate at a point prior to the nozzles, e.g.,
upstream of the nozzles,
and thus represents that volumetric flow rate of fluid that is being suctioned
into the jet nozzle
assembly. The column "Volume Flow Rate 2" indicates the volumetric flow rate
at a point that
is at the top of the tube, e.g., downstream of the nozzles, and thus
represents that volumetric flow
59
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
rate of fluid that is being discharged through the vacuum tube. As can be seen
from Table 2,
when the number of nozzles, nozzle outlet diameter, and flow per nozzle are
kept constant, the
greatest increase in flow rate results from a nozzle convergence angle 13 of
300 and a vacuum
tube diameter of 2.75". In this configuration, a volumetric flow rate of
23.242 gallons per
minute through the vacuum tube is achieved while only discharging 1.02 gallons
per minute
through each nozzle.
Table 2 - Convergence Angle Analysis
Vacuum Nozzle Nozzle Flow perVolume Flow = Volume
Flow
Number nozzle
Tube Convergence outlet Rate 1 Rate 2
of (gallons
diameter Angle diameter (gallons per
(gallons per
nozzlesper
(in.) 13 (in.) minute) minute)
minute)
3 2.000 0 0.095 1.02 11.9752825
15.0353494
3 2.375 0 0.095 1.02 9.59365171
12.6536792
3 2.500 0 0.095 1.02 13.1455821
16.2056329
3 2.625 0 0.095 1.02 15.466108
18.5261497
3 2.750 0 0.095 1.02 14.3846266
17.4446835
3 2.000 30 0.095 1.02 18.8003332
21.8603464
3 2.375 30 0.095 1.02 16.9372863
19.9973027
3 2.500 30 0.095 1.02 17.5032121
20.5632155
3 2.625 30 0.095 1.02 17.767893
20.8279138
3 2.750 30 0.095 1.02 20.1816962
23.2416961
3 2.750 0 0.110" 1.33 19.12178957 21.78185593
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
3
2.000 0 0.110" 1.33 3.946411925 7.936422691
grouped
FIG. 87 is a perspective view of an alternative reverse/spin-out mode cam
wheel 1100,
reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly body 1102, and reverse/spin-out rocker
seal 1104 of the
present disclosure that can be utilized in the pressure cleaner 10 described
previously. The
reverse/spin-out mode cam wheel 1100, reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly
body 1102, and
reverse/spin-out rocker seal 1104 provide an alternative mode of switching the
pressure cleaner
between reverse and spin-out modes. Particularly, the reverse/spin-out mode
cam wheel 1100
can be utilized in place of the cam plate 596 of, for example, FIG. 69, the
reverse/spin-out mode
valve assembly body 1102 can be utilized in placed of the reverse/spin-out
mode valve assembly
508 of, for example, FIG. 69, and the reverse/spin-out rocker seal 1104 can be
utilized in place
10 of the reverse/spinout seal 624 of, for example, FIG. 69.
The reverse/spin-out mode cam wheel 1100 can be positioned between the cam
upper
housing 526 and the cam lower housing 528 of FIG. 65, in place of the cam
plate 596. The
reverse/spin-out mode cam wheel 1100 includes a body 1106, a radial wall 1108,
a shaft 1110
extending from the body 1106, and first and second cam tracks 1112, 1114
extending radially
from the radial wall 1108. The shaft 1110 extends from the center of the body
1106 and includes
a shaped head 1116 at the end thereof, and a circumferential notch 1118. The
circumferential
notch 1118 can include an o-ring positioned therein. The shaft 1110 from the
reverse/spin-out
mode cam wheel 1100 and through the cam upper housing 526, where it engages
the socket 590.
The shaped head 1116 and the socket 590 have matching geometries such that
rotation of the
socket 590 will drivingly rotate the shaped head 1116, and thus the entirety
of the reverse/spin-
out mode cam wheel 1100. Accordingly, rotation of the reverse/spin-out mode
cam wheel 1100
61
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
is achieved in the same fashion as that of the cam plate 596 described above
in connection with
FIGS. 52-75, which need not be repeated in its entirety. The first cam track
1112 extends
radially from an upper portion of the radial wall 1108 of the reverse/spin-out
mode cam wheel
1100 and along a portion of the circumference of the radial wall 1108, for
example, along 7/8ths
of the radial wall 1108. The first cam track 1112 includes a cam ramp 1112a
that levels out into
a flat portion 1112b. The cam ramp 1112a extends from a top of the radial wall
1108 to the
center of the radial wall 1108. The second cam track 1114 extends radially
from a lower portion
of the radial wall 1108 of the reverse/spin-out mode cam wheel 1100 and along
a portion of the
circumference of the radial wall 1108 where the first cam track 1112 is
missing, for example,
along 1/8th of the radial wall 1108. The second cam track 1114 includes a cam
ramp 1114a. The
cam ramp 1114a extends from a bottom of the radial wall 1108 to the center of
the radial wall
1108.
The reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly body 1102 is positioned adjacent the
inlet
body 516 and generally defines a forward chamber and a reverse/spin-out
chamber 1116
separated from the forward chamber and defined by a chamber wall 1119. The
reverse/spin-out
mode valve assembly body 1102 includes a reverse/spin-out chamber opening 1120
and a
reverse/spin-out chamber nozzle 1122 having a barbed end 1124. The
reverse/spin-out chamber
1116 is in fluidic communication with the reverse/spin-out chamber opening
1120 and the
reverse/spin-out chamber nozzle 1122, such that fluid can flow through the
reverse/spin-out
opening 1120, into the reverse/spin-out chamber 1116 and out the reverse/spin-
out chamber
nozzle 1122 without entering the forward chamber. The reverse/spin-out valve
assembly body
1102 further includes a forward chamber opening 1126 and an open end 1128,
such that the
forward chamber opening 1126 and the open end 1128 are in fluidic
communication.
62
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
Accordingly, fluid flows into the forward chamber opening 1126, through the
forward chamber,
and out the open end 1128. The reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly body 1102
also includes
a pivot assembly 1130 that secures the reverse/spin-out rocker seal 1104 to
the reverse/spin-out
mode valve assembly body 1102 and permits the reverse/spin-out rocker seal
1104 to pivot.
The reverse/spin-out rocker seal 1104 includes a first seal 1132, a second
seal 1134, a
pivot 1136 extending between the first and second seals 1132, 1134, and a cam
post 1138
extending from the first seal 1132. The reverse/spin-out rocker seal 1104 is
placed on top of the
reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly body 1102 with the pivot 1136 being
placed within the
pivot assembly 1130, and with the first seal 1132 adjacent the reverse/spin-
out opening 1120 and
the second seal 1134 adjacent the forward chamber opening 1126. The first seal
1132 is
configured to engage and seal the reverse/spin-out opening 1120, while the
second seal 1134 is
configured to engage and seal the forward chamber opening 1126. The
reverse/spin-out rocker
seal 1104 is configured so that only one of the first and second seals 1132,
1134 engages the
respective reverse/spin-out opening 1120 and forward chamber opening 1126 at a
time.
The reverse/spin-out mode cam wheel 1100, reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly
body
1102, and reverse/spin-out rocker seal 1104 are arranged such that the cam
post 1138 of the
reverse/spin-out rocker seal 1104 extends to the reverse/spin-out mode cam
wheel 1100 and can
engage the first and second cam tracks 1112, 1114. As the reverse/spin-out
mode cam wheel
1100 rotates counter-clockwise, the cam post 1138 alternates between engaging
the first cam
track 1112 and the second cam track 1114. More specifically, as the
reverse/spin-out mode cam
wheel 1100 rotates, e.g., is driven through rotation of the socket 590, the
cam post 1138 will
engage the cam ramp 1112a of the first cam track 1112 and ride therealong
until it is at the
bottom of the radial wall 1108 and kept in that position by the flat portion
1112b of the first cam
63
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
track 1112. This results in the reverse/spin-out rocker seal 1104 being
rotated about the pivot
1130 such that the reverse/spin-out mode rocker seal 1104 is placed in a first
position. In the
first position, the first seal 1132 engages the reverse/spin-out opening 1120,
thus sealing the
reverse/spin-out opening 1120 and preventing water from entering the
reverse/spin-out chamber
1116, and the second seal 1134 disengages from the forward chamber opening
1126, thus
allowing water to enter the forward chamber through the forward chamber
opening 1126.
Further, in the first position, the cleaner 10 is in a forward mode where
water flows through the
open end 1128 of the reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly body 1102 and to the
top/bottom
mode valve assembly 510, such as that illustrated in FIG. 69, whereby the
fluid flow is utilized
to propel the cleaner 10 in a forward direction. Continued rotation of the
reverse/spin-out mode
cam wheel 1100 results in the first cam track 1112 ending and the cam post
1138 engaging the
second cam track 1114. Upon completion of the first cam track 1112, the cam
post 1138
engages the cam ramp 1114a of the second cam track 1114, which the cam post
1138 rides along
until it is at the top of the radial wall 1108. This results in the
reverse/spin-out rocker seal 1104
being rotated about the pivot 1130 such that the reverse/spin-out mode rocker
seal 1104 is placed
in a second position. In the second position, the first seal 1132 disengages
from the reverse/spin-
out opening 1120, thus allowing water to enter the reverse/spin-out chamber
1116 through the
reverse/spin-out opening 1120, and the second seal 1134 engages the forward
chamber opening
1126, thus preventing water from entering the forward chamber through the
forward chamber
opening 1126. Further, in the second position, the cleaner 10 is in a
reverse/spin-out mode
where water flows through the reverse/spin-out chamber nozzle 1112 of the
reverse/spin-out
mode valve assembly body 1102 and to the reverse/spin-out thrust jet nozzle
112, such as that
illustrated in FIG. 53, whereby the fluid flow is utilized to propel the
cleaner 10 in a
64
CA 02904677 2015-09-16
reverse/spin-out direction. Continued rotation of the reverse/spin-out mode
cam wheel 1100
results in the second cam track 1114 ending and the cam post 1138 once again
engaging the first
cam track 1112. This rotation is continued ad infinitum.
One of ordinary skill in the art should understand that since the first cam
track 1112 is
longer than the second cam track 1114, the cleaner 10 will stay in forward
mode for a longer
period of time than the reverse/spin-out mode. Accordingly, the time that the
cleaner 10 stays in
each one of these modes can be altered by changing the length of the first and
second cam tracks
1112, 1114.
Having thus described the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
foregoing
description is not intended to limit the spirit or scope thereof. It will be
understood that the
embodiments of the present invention described herein are merely exemplary and
that a person
skilled in the art may make any variations and modification without departing
from the spirit and
scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications, including those
discussed above,
are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.
